Lesson Notes: English Language for S.S. 1

Subject: English Language
Class: Senior Secondary 1 (SS 1)
Term: Second/Third Term (Nigerian Curriculum)
Topics:

1. Phrasal Verbs (The "Call" family)
2. Spelling of Commonly Misspelled Words
3. Argumentative Speech: Features and Persuasive Techniques
4. Types of Speeches: Welcome Address and Toasts

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1. Phrasal Verbs (The "Call" Family)

Definition: A phrasal verb is a combination of a standard verb and a preposition or adverb (or both) that creates a new meaning different from the original verb.

Key Phrasal Verbs with "Call"

• Call off: To cancel something that was planned.
  • Example: The principal had to call off the inter-house sports because of the heavy rain.
• Call out: To shout something loudly or to challenge someone.
  • Example: The teacher called out the names of the students who passed the test.
• Call in: To ask someone to come and help or to visit briefly.
  • Example: We had to call in a plumber to fix the leaking pipe in the hostel.
• Call for: To demand, require, or need something.
  • Example: This brilliant performance calls for a celebration!
• Call up: To telephone someone or to summon someone for military service.
  • Example: I will call you up once I arrive in Lagos.
• Call on/upon: To formally ask someone to do something or to visit someone.
  • Example: I now call on the Head Boy to give his speech.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. The strike was __________ after the government met the workers' demands.
2. The situation is urgent and __________ immediate action.
3. I plan to __________ my grandmother on my way home.
4. Don't forget to __________ the doctor if the fever persists.

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2. Spelling of Commonly Misspelled Words

In English, certain words are tricky due to silent letters or the "i before e" rule.

The "I before E" Rule

• Rule: Use i before e, except after c, or when sounded like "a" (as in neighbor).
• Examples (After C):
  • Deceive (to mislead)
  • Receive (to get)
  • Conceive (to form an idea)
  • Receipt (a written acknowledgment)
• Examples (Standard):
  • Believe
  • Relief
  • Thief

Other Frequently Misspelled Words

• Grateful: (NOT greatful) – Think of "gratitude."
• Truly: (NOT truely) – The 'e' is dropped.
• Argument: (NOT arguement) – The 'e' is dropped.
• Maintenance: (NOT maintainance).
• Beginning: (Double 'n').
• Occurrence: (Double 'c' and double 'r').

Spelling Tip:

Always look at the root word. Grace -> Grateful. Argue -> Argument.

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3. Argumentative Speech & Persuasive Techniques

An argumentative speech aims to persuade the audience to accept a particular point of view.

Structure of a Speech

1. Introduction:
   • Vocatives/Greetings: "Mr. Chairman, Panel of Judges, Accurate Timekeeper, Co-debaters, and my Fellow Students..."
   • Hook: A startling fact or question to grab attention.
   • Thesis Statement: Clearly state if you are "Supporting" or "Opposing" the motion.
2. Body:
   • Present 3–4 strong points.
   • Each paragraph should have one main idea backed by examples or statistics.
3. Conclusion:
   • Summarize your main points.
   • Reiterate your stand.
   • Closing: "With these points of mine, I hope I have been able to convince you that..."

Convincing Words (Vocabulary for Persuasion)

To be a powerful speaker, use "high-modality" words:

• Undeniably / Indisputably: "It is undeniably true that technology has improved education."
• Paramount: "The safety of students is of paramount importance."
• Imperative: "It is imperative that we ban single-use plastics."
• Furthermore / Moreover: Use these to add weight to your points.
• Consequently: To show cause and effect.

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4. Types of Speeches (Welcome & Toasts)

A. Welcome Address

• Purpose: To greet guests at the start of an event (e.g., Prize Giving Day, Wedding).
• Features:
  • Formal greeting of dignitaries in order of seniority.
  • Briefly stating the purpose of the gathering.
  • Expressing joy at the guests' arrival.
  • Wishing everyone a pleasant stay.

B. The Toast

• Purpose: To pay tribute to a person or a group during a social gathering (e.g., a wedding toast to the bride).
• Features:
  • Usually short and informal/semi-formal.
  • Includes a brief anecdote or praise for the person.
  • Ends with a "Call to Action" (e.g., "Please raise your glasses and drink to the health of...")

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General Exercises

Part A: Argumentative Writing

Topic: "Social Media does more harm than good to Nigerian teenagers." Write an introductory paragraph for this speech, including the proper greetings and a clear statement of your position.

Part B: Spelling Correction

Identify and correct the misspelled words in the following sentences:

1. I am very greatful for the reciept you gave me.
2. His arguement was that he did not decieve the principal.
3. The maintainance of the school bus is truely expensive.

Part C: Phrasal Verbs

Write four original sentences using: Call off, Call out, Call for, and Call in.

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Teacher's Note: When practicing these, remember that in a Nigerian WAEC/NECO examination, your "Vocatives" (Greetings) in a speech carry marks for "Organization." Always be polite and formal!