ENGLISH LANGUAGE NOTES FOR SS 1

TOPIC: Phrasal Verbs and Article Writing on Current Issues
CLASS: SS 1
CURRICULUM: Nigerian National Curriculum (NERDC/WAEC/NECO Standards)

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PART 1: PHRASAL VERBS

Definition

A phrasal verb is a verb combined with an adverb or a preposition (or both) to create a new meaning that is different from the original verb.

1. Bring back

• Meaning A: To return something to its original place.
• Meaning B: To make someone remember something (evoke memories).
• Examples:
  • Please bring back the textbook you borrowed yesterday.
  • Seeing my old primary school brings back many happy memories.

2. Bring about

• Meaning: To cause something to happen.
• Examples:
  • The new government policies are expected to bring about economic growth.
  • Hard work and discipline bring about success in examinations.

3. Bring up

• Meaning A: To look after a child until they are an adult (to raise).
• Meaning B: To mention a subject or start talking about it.
• Examples:
  • She was brought up by her grandmother in the village.
  • Do not bring up the issue of money during the meeting.

4. Take away

• Meaning A: To remove something from a place.
• Meaning B: To subtract a number.
• Meaning C: To buy food and eat it elsewhere.
• Examples:
  • The waiter took away the empty plates.
  • If you take away 5 from 20, you are left with 15.

5. Take off

• Meaning A: (Of an aircraft) To leave the ground and begin to fly.
• Meaning B: To remove a piece of clothing.
• Meaning C: To become successful very suddenly.
• Examples:
  • The plane will take off from Murtala Muhammed Airport at 10:00 AM.
  • Please take off your shoes before entering the mosque or the house.
  • His music career really took off after he released his first album.

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PART 2: WRITING ARTICLES ON CURRENT ISSUES

An Article is a piece of writing intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine, or journal. For SS1, we focus on Formal Articles.

Structure of an Article

1. Title/Heading: Must be catchy, relevant, and written in Capital Letters (or underlined).
2. By-line: The name of the writer (e.g., By: Chidi Okoro).
3. Introduction: Define the topic and state the current situation.
4. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should discuss one main point (causes, effects, or solutions).
5. Conclusion: A summary of your points and a final recommendation or "call to action."

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SAMPLE TOPIC 1: Bribery and Fraud

Title: THE CANKERWORM OF BRIBERY AND FRAUD IN NIGERIA Key Points to Include:

• Definition: Bribery is giving/receiving money to influence an official; Fraud is criminal deception for financial gain (e.g., Yahoo-Yahoo).
• Causes: Greed, poverty, and lack of moral values.
• Effects: It ruins the country's reputation, discourages foreign investors, and leads to poor infrastructure.
• Solutions: Strengthening agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, and teaching integrity in schools.

SAMPLE TOPIC 2: The Importance of Cleanliness

Title: CLEANLINESS: A NECESSITY FOR A HEALTHY NATION Key Points to Include:

• The Proverb: "Cleanliness is next to godliness."
• Health Benefits: Prevention of diseases like Malaria, Cholera, and Lassa Fever.
• Environmental Impact: Proper waste disposal prevents flooding in our cities.
• Call to Action: Citizens should participate in monthly environmental sanitation and stop littering.

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EXERCISES

Section A: Phrasal Verbs

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the phrasal verbs: bring back, bring about, bring up, take away, take off.

1. The heavy rain ___________ a cooling effect on the weather.
2. The nurse had to ___________ the patient's bandages to examine the wound.
3. My parents ___________ me ___________ to be respectful to elders.
4. If you go to the library, remember to ___________ the books you borrowed.
5. The thief ___________ the woman’s handbag before she could scream.

Section B: Article Writing

Instructions: Write an article for your school magazine on the topic: "The Importance of Living a Good Life: Beyond Wealth and Fame."

Guidelines for the Student:

• Introduction: Define what a "good life" means (character, peace of mind, helping others).
• Body Paragraph 1: Discuss why character is more important than money.
• Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the role of health and family in a good life.
• Conclusion: Summarize that a good life is measured by the impact we have on others.

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ANSWER KEY (For Section A)

1. brought about (Past tense)
2. take off
3. brought... up (Separable phrasal verb)
4. bring back
5. took away (Past tense)