GRAMMAR

1989 Q3 Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Do not change the meaning.

He was absent from work for three days without permission. He wrote a rude letter to the manager

(Rewrite as one sentence: Not only….)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

It was really …. to see him so drunk and unaware of what wa happening around him

(Insert the correct word: sympathetic, pathetic)

What has been said about his supernatural powers is ………….

(Insert the correct word: incredulous, incredible)

We had not gone far from our school. It started raining heavily.

(Rewrite as one sentence using hardly)

It was agreed that the teaching staff talk about discipline at the next meeting.

(Rewrite using discuss)

‘We have to set out early tomorrow if we are serious about getting back the same day,’ one member suggested.

(Rewrite in indirect speech)

The cost f running that hospital would be beyond our means.

Begin; we would not……….

He is plump. He runs very fast

(Rewrite as one sentence beginning: Despite…… :

There are no girls prepared to take the next week’s test. Similarly, there are no boys who are ready for the test.

(Rewrite as one sentence beginning: Neither……….)

Our parents like brown bread better than white bread.

(Rewrite using prefer)

He received a letter from his aging grandfather but he did not write back.

(Rewrite using reply)

In spite of the bad weather they decided to go for a walk as planned.

(Rewrite using although)

Each of the following sentences has two meanings. Explain clearly the two

different meanings in each sentence.

The Manager was anxious to please his customers as his staff

(ii) Papa Musa knows that for all his boasting, his son does not play soccer

very well.

(iii) The eggs were stamped with the date they were laid by the farmer

(6 marks)

Fill each blank space with the correct form of the word in brackets

Okwach was ………………. (i) (rage) by the director when he ………………..(ii) (malice) accused him of laxity. “How could this be?” he asked himself. It was true that ever since Okwach joined the company, he had been working with a lot of ……………. (iii) (devote). His recent promotion on merit had even made some of his colleagues

………….(iv) Envy) of him. He decided to go and talk to his head of department and he was ……………. (v) (hoped that the director would soon learn the truth.

(5marks).

Rewrite the following sentences using one word to replace the words in italics.
The telephone rang without stopping

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

All of the perishable foods were placed in the place where they would remain fresh.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

There was plenty of paper, pens and pencils in the bookshop.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The man who fells trees injured himself and had to be rushed to hospital.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The people who were listening to the preacher broke into a song

(5marks)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

After each of the following statements, add the correct speech tag.

E.g. He is the only applicant for the job, isn’t he?

You are not really going to give up teaching…..?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

We will lave very early I the morning.?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

This bag is heavy…..?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

(iv) He could not drive the car…../ (4marks)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Fill in each of the following blank spaces with the correct preposition.
The man died ………………………………. of malaria.

Ojwang’ and I agreed to met …………………………the cafe on Friday evening.

The accident victim writhed ……………. terrible pain in the ambulance as

we rushed him to hospital.

‘My son,’ Johns’ father said, ‘I will buy you a bicycle when you come

…………age.’

Children from rich families are not always taken to school ……………car.

The shop-steward took it ………. himself to see the managing director about the worker’s grievances.
He tried to speak at the rally but his opponents broke ……… the meting

(4marks)

For each of the following sentences, replace the word in italics or words with a

phrasal verb which begins with the word in brackets to convey the same

meaning.

Example: surprisingly, Ali has been appointed to replace the manager who is retiring in public interest (take)

Answer: Surprisingly, Ali has been appointed to take over the manager who is

retiring in public interest.

The Chairman kept postponing the meeting because most of the members were not available. (putting)

A good student constantly revises his work in preparation for the examination (goes)

Atieno is usually so smartly dressed that she is easy to notice in the midst of other girls (stands)

(v) Peter was such an ambitious young man that his friends were amazed when he firmly refused to accept the new position. (turned).

1990 Q3

Complete the answers to each of the following questions by using the passive form as shown in the example given below

Example: Which football team won the World Cup in 1986 (Argentina)

Ans: The world Cup was won by Argentina in 1986.

(i) Which great Zulu warrior developed the Assegai? (Shaka)

ans: the Assegai…..

(ii) What type of birds can you find in Lake Nakuru? (Flamingoes)

Ans: Flamingos …..

(iii) When did the first man climb Mt. Everest? (1953)

Ans: Mt. Everest ……..

(iv) Who has developed the philosophy of peace, love and unity (President Moi)

Ans: the philosophy of peace, love and unity …..

(v) Which country will host the next World Cup football competition (Italy)

ans: The next world cup football competition…….

Complete the following passage by using the correct preposition for each of the blank space

Visiting a game park is an interesting experience. From the moment you arrive

(i) ………. the park gate to the moment you leave, you can never predict what you may see. It is not always easy to spot lions or cheetahs as they can be hidden (ii) …….. the tall grass. (iii) …………all the animals, perhaps the antelopes are most common although some species are rare. Hopefully, now that the sale of ivory is being restricted, elephants will be saved (iv) …………..extinction. However, it is still very important to educate our young people (v) …………… the importance of our natural heritage.

You are a reporter for a newspaper who is interviewing a well-known writer about his books. Write down in reported speech, the conversation that takes place below.

Interview

Reporter: What kind of themes do you write on?

Writer: Most of my stories are concerned with problems of poverty and crime

in urban areas.

Reporter: How do you get the materials for your stories?

Writer: I simply observe what actually goes on in the street, the market and

places of entertainment.

Reporter: When are you leaving Kenya?

Writer: I will be traveling to Mauritius tomorrow

Now complete the report below

I asked him ………………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

He replied ………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I then inquired ………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

He explained …………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Finally I asked him ………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

He stated ………………………………………………………………………………………..

Supply the word which means the same as the underlined phrases in the following sentences. (4marks)
I didn’t know he was unable to use his limbs properly.

Ans: ………………………………………………..

These workers jobs may be put at risk if you purchase this machine

Ans…………………………………………………………

(iii) The man who describes a match on radio explained why the goal was

disallowed.

Ans: ………………………………………………………….

How dare you speak to me like that, ‘he said in a hurt and annoyed manner

Ans: …………………………….

Rewrite the sentences given below, using an “if” construction in each case. Do not change the meaning.

Example: He eats too much; that’s why he is overweight

Ans: If he did not eat so much, he would not be overweight.

Mutisya does not read books, that is why he is poor in spelling.

He had not paid the rent, that’s why he was evicted.

They don’t have any matches; that they can’t light a fire.

One team had no time to practice; that’s why they lost

You may get home before I do; so don’t wait up for me

Complete the passage below by inserting the correct word or words from the list given after the passage (5marks)

In general I do not enjoy large towns. (i) …………………………I think that Mombasa is quite an enjoyable place. (ii) ……………………….. I enjoy the warm relaxed atmosphere of the coast and the variety of cultural influences. (iii)………………………. there are the ancient buildings of Fort Jesus and the old town which are always worth a visit. There are also a large variety of places of entertainment in town. (iv) …………………………….. I never feel bored when I stay in Mombasa.(v) …………….. I look forward to going there as a break from the dullness of everyday life.

LIST: In fact, furthermore, to begin with, However, Consequently.

Complete the sentences below by writing out the correct form of the verb given in brackets in each case

(i) In my youth, whenever I did anything wrong my father always ……………….. me (beat)

had I been soiled, I do not think i ……………………………………………… what I did at school (achieve).

When I entered university, I ……………………… it very challenging (find)

When I finish my studies, I hope I ……………………………………. a job (get)

At the moment, I ……………………………. a research paper on oral traditions

in my area (write)

Use the correct phrase verb form of “put” in each of the sentences below

Example: I cannot put up with bad behaviour any longer.

He just could not put his ideas ……………………… to the other members of the committee.

Please do not feel put …………………………… if I do not invite you to my party.

(iii) They decided to put …………. the date of the wedding until the bride-to-be had

completed her studies

The rebellion was quickly put ……….. by security officer.

(v) I decided to put ……………. for an extra week’s leave at Christmas.

1991 Q3

Complete the story passage below using either ‘a little’, a few’, or ‘few’ (5marks)

The other day my next-door neighbour came around to see if she could borrow

(i) …………… sugar. I told her I did not have any left, but I offered her a jar of honey as I had quite (ii) ……………. of them stored in my kitchen. She complained that it was hard to find sugar and (iii) ………………. Shopkeepers could be relied on these days to stock it. I felt her attitude was unfair, and pointed out that there was (iv) ………………. evidence to suggest that the retailers were to blame. I also reminded her that such shortages did not last long and in (v) ………………… days everything would be back to normal.

Complete the sentences blow with a noun formed from the adjective given in bracket at the end of each sentence.

Example: As the fight went on, the boxer’s ………… faded (strong)

The answer is strength.

The new comer enjoyed the laughter and ………… of the wedding party (gay)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

I came to rely on the old man and his years of accumulated …………. (wise)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

(iii) Although they knew the exact length of the building, they were not quite

certain of its …………. (broad)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

(iv) Unlike so many girls blessed with good looks, Jacinta did not show any sign

of ……….(vain)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Although he suffered from polio, he bore his …………… with great courage (Afflicted)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Use the correct polite form ‘could,’ ‘would,’ ‘may,’ or ‘might,’ to complete the blank spaces in the following conversation.

“Excuse me, Mr. Okech, but (i) …………..….you mind lending me your pen?” asked the young clerk. I don’t mind,’ said the deputy manager, ‘but (ii) ……………. you make sure I get it back this time. By the way (iii) ……………… you have taken my ruler the other day and not returned it? I do apologize, Mr. Okech, but I (iv) …………… like to point out that the company has never provided me with basic stationery,’ replied the clerk. ‘(v) …………… I point out that you are supposed to fill a requisition form for such items, Mr.Salim,’ retorted Mr. Oketch stiffly.

(d) Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Do

not change the meaning.

(i) Being lost on Mt. Kenya for four days was the one really bad experience in my life.

Rewrite using the superlative form ‘worst.’ ………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

It must have annoyed the robber to find you had no money. Rewrite the sentence beginning: The robber ……………

(iii) The farmer’s bull was strong and healthy. The judges unanimously awarded it first prize in the show.

Rewrite as one sentence using ‘so’ …………….. ‘that’

(iv) ‘Muriuki left for Moshi yesterday,’ the secretary told her, ‘and will not be back till next week’

Rewrite in reported speech.

(v) even if you don’t like it, I shall still stand for chairman in the club elections.

Rewrite beginning with: Whether ……..

(e) Use a relative pronoun ‘who’, ‘which,’ ‘whose’, or ‘that to combine the following sentences. Use only one relative pronoun in each sentence and do not leave out any details from the original sentences. (5marks)

The young man was arrested for drunken driving. He was jailed for three months

Geoffrey wrote a book. It was a best seller. He left the country recently for a tour of Europe

Mr. Chacha’s company won the tender. It is the largest transport firm in East Africa.

Nobody knows the identity of the intruder. He broke into the warehouse last Tuesday.

The floods caused havoc. They destroyed most of the crops. Fortunately they did not damage the new bridge.

(f) Complete the following sentences with the most suitable word or words from the choices given after each sentence (5 Marks)

Njoroge is really…………………………… because he can make furniture, repair electric gadgets and service cars.

(a) Volatile

(b) Versatile

Police think that only one person was involved in the theft, and they believe the most likely ……………………………is Muema.

(a) Defendant

(b) Accomplice

The referee……………………………the player after he hand brutally fouled the goal keeper.

(a) Sent away

(b) Sent in

Akinyi is reputable because she always does her work……………………………

(a) conscientiously

(b) Conssciously

(c)Cautiously

The lack of support did not ……………………………the prime minister who stuck by her original policy.

(a) Defer

(b) Deter

(g) Rewrite the following sentences replacing the underlined word or words with a

phrasal verb beginning with ‘give ……………………………’ Make sure you use the

correct form of the verb in each case. (5 marks)

Example: When his ammunition finished, the soldier realized he would have to surrender.

Answer: When his ammunition finished, the soldier realized he would have to give in.

I don’t need this old coat so I think I will just let someone have it.

Having failed to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro five times, Dennis dread not to continue with the attempt.

His supplies of food and water were exhausted long before the end of the expedition

He tried to disguise himself as a beggar but his soft, clean hands betrayed him.

When they learned that the radio they had bought was stolen property, they decide to restore it to the original owner.

(h) Complete the following short paragraphs by inserting the most appropriate words

from list given after the passage, in the spaces provided (5 marks)

My friends Chirchir used to sit next to me in class(i)……………………………the teacher was writing on the blackboard, we would often pass notes to each other. One day, however she caught us doing this (ii)……………………………we knew we were in trouble. To our surprise, she did not beat us (iii) ……………………………we realized we deserved it. Instead she told us that (iv)……………………………we were fond of writing, we would both have to produce a poem by the following day. That evening we both managed to write on (v) ……………………………having never attempted poetry before!

And, yet, when, while, despite, then, since, although, thus, so.

1992 Q 3

(a) Complete the following paragraph with the correct form of the verbs given in brackets (5 marks)

The battle between medicine and disease (i)……………………………(gone on) for many centuries. Just when it seems that we (ii) ……………………………(gain) control over most infections, another threat to mankind arrives on the scene. In the early part of this century, small pox and cholera (iii)……………………………(affect) many parts of the world. By the end of the 20^th century, several thousand people (iv)……………………………(die) from the new scourge of AIDS. Thus our societies cannot afford to become complacent and further research (v) …………………………(need) to overcome the various illnesses around us.

(b) Fill the gaps in the following dialogue with the appropriate word from the choices given after the dialogue

Keino: Goodness me, I have never seen such a fierce (i)……………………………of people in

town. Are they trying to catch a thief?

Ojwang: No it’s just that a new (ii) ……………………………of music cassettes is being sold

that shows at an incredibly low price.

Keino: Can people really be so fanatical about music? They are behaving like

(iii)……………………………of football supporters.

Ojwang: well, the truth is that good cassettes are expensive these days I had to part with

a huge (iv) ……………………………of money for the latest album from Zaire.

Keino: I must say I’d rather listen to the songs on the radio than join that mad scamble.

They resemble a (v) …………………………… of buffaloes stampeding from

marauding lion.

(i) A. Assembly B. Mob C. queue

(ii) A. Batch B. box C. bunch

(iii) A. team B. Collection C.crowd

(iv) A. pile B. Sum C. wad

(v) A. group B. flock C. herd

inserting the most appropriate word in the spaces provided (5 marks)

DIRECTIONS

If you want to get to the post office from any house, it’s quite simple really. First of all go straight (i) ……………………………the street until you come to the main road. Turn left (ii) …………………………… and go (iii) ……………………………the bank. Walk as far as the police station then cross over the main road, and take the first turning (iv) ……………………………right. If you walk down the street, you’ll soon spot the post office (v) ……………………………to the library.

In the following conversation, the answers to the questions are all mixed up. Match the correct answer to the appropriate question by filling in the letter of the answer against the number of the question. The first one has been filled in as an example.

(5 marks)

Where have you been all this time?

A. Yes, I did

Did you get married after all?

B. No, I joined another one.

Are you still with the same company?

C. I’ve been travelling abroad

What is your brother doing now?

D. I’m sorry, I have another appointment

When are you coming to see me again?

E. He’s joined the university.

Can you have lunch with me, tomorrow?

F. I don’t know really

ANSWERS

i) C

(ii) ……………………………

(iii) ……………………………

(iv) ……………………………

(v) ……………………………

(vi) ……………………………

(e)Write down the correct form of adjective in the brackets in each of the following sentences (5 marks)

I think that Ngugi is the ……………………………(fast) runner in the continent.

It appears that sorghum will be ……………………………(suitable) for this area than maize.

This district had the ……………………………(few) road accidents last year in the whole country.

Using calculator is ……………………………(efficient) than working everything out on a piece of paper.

Sometimes the truth is ……………………………(strange) than fiction.

(f) Complete each of the following sentences with a suitable clause (5 marks)

e.g. If he comes tomorrow, …………………………… I will ask him to stay.

If she had listened more carefully, ……………………………
Unless you have paid the bill by Friday, ……………………………
If Githinji worked harder, ……………………………
Nobody would have been hurt if ……………………………
Should there be no sign of the bus tomorrow ……………………………

(g) Replace each of the underlined verbs in the following report, with the most suitable word from the list given below the report. Use each word only once.

Ata recent meeting of the Wafumba Cooperative society, it was said (i) ……………………………that the chairman should resign. Amid boos and angry shouts, one of the members, Mr. Mwavita, Said (ii) ……………………………that he was not going to stand idle while the society collapsed. However the chairman said (iii) ……………………………he was not going to step down until he had said (iv) …………………………… why the society had financial problems. Mr. Mwavita said (v) ……………………………that the members knew very well why the society was in difficulties.

LIST: retorted, asserted,suggested, declared, explained.

(h) Combine each of the following pairs of sentences into one sentence using “too” or “enough” (5 marks)

e.g. He is too fat. He can’t get through that door

Ans. He is too fat to get through that door.

He is strong. He can carry it.

ANS. He is strong enough to carry it.

Our school bus is very wide. It won’t get through the main gate.

The ladder wasn’t very long. It didn’t reach the window.

I was very tired. I couldn’t walk any further.

She is very mature. She can make her own decisions.

The fire isn’t very hot. It won’t boil the water.

1993 Q 3

(a) Complete the second sentences in each of the following items with must/mustn’t/ need/needn’t or have/don’t have according to the meaning applied.

Example: “the football coach says the match is cancelled”

“Fine, then we needn’t train tomorrow.

“ I understand that this area is dangerous at night”

“If that’s so, then we ……………………………stay later than 6:15 a.m”

“Is it compulsory to attend the meeting on Saturday”

“No, boss told me that we ……………………………to if we have other

commitments.”

“ Please lend me your copy of the concubine tonight”

“I’m sorry, I can’t because I ……………………………to revise it myself for the test

on Monday”

“I thought we had to buy all the books on this list,”

“No, the principal told me that we ……………………………spend all the money at

once if we ……………………………wish to.”

“Can you let me finish this painting on Friday:”

“I am afraid I can’t because I ……………………………to get it o the art gallery on

Thursday which is the closing date.”

(b) Combine the following pairs of sentences by using the words given in brackets at

the end of each pair

i was a young boy on my father’s farm, I used to help him milk the cows (when)

Jillo always seems to be smiling. I see him often. (whenever)

He parked beside an old lorry. Then he walked slowly across to the bank. (after)

That day I fought with Barnabas. I never set eyes on him again (since)

The detective was reading a newspaper. At the same time he was keeping an eye on the shop entrance(while)

(c ) Complete the gaps in the following paragraph by writing in the most appropriate word from the choices given in each case.

Adan gazed across the shimmering expanse of desert, but he could not see any sign of his camels. His cousin Hussein had taken them out to graze last Thursday but…………… that time, there has been no contact with him. Adam sat down slowly…………….a dry riverbed in the shade of an old palm. The nearest water hole was only a day’s journey away, and Hussein must have …………………………..at the oasis on Friday morning. He made up his mind quickly. He would ask Farah to…………………………..him his racing camel, and would set off early the next morning before the sun become too hot to allow for fast riding. At this time of the year, the Chalbi desert was not the most hospitals of places. 6 marks)

(Besides, lend, since, arrived)

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions after each. Do not change the meaning.
Ojinda was unable to persuade his mother to have her home. His uncle could’t

persuade her either.

(Rewrite as one sentence beginning with neither) (1 mark)

Entering the dark cave without a torch would have been extremely foolish. (Rewrite beginning with ‘it….”) (1 mark)

The Coach was not allowed to select the team: That’s why they lost.

(Rewrite beginning ‘If the coach….”)

“How well do you know this city?” asked the policeman.

(Rewrite in reported speech)

(e) Complete the blank spaces of the following paragraph by inserting the correct form

of word given after each space (6 marks)

The other day Njuguna had a long argument with Barasa on merits of popular literature. Barasa felt upset by the …………………………..of such literature as he saw it. Njuguna on the other hand, claimed that the last thing a person wanted to read for……………………. was so-called literary masterpieces. In his opinion, Kenya needed quality popular writers of the same stature as Sidney Sheldon, Danielle Steel, Paul Scold and the like. Barasa retorted by claiming that so far attempts by local writers had been merely poor…………………………..of such well-known authors. He added that Kenyan writers had still to tap the rich potential of oral literature as a …………………………..for popular story telling. Njuguna suggested that Barasa should visit a few bookshops and see for himself the large variety of children stories based on popular legends that were now published locally. He claimed that if children learnt to be responsive to stories they could enjoy and understand at early age they would be better equipped to handle any type of reading later, including ‘masterpieces’ (imitation, vulgarity, stimulus, relaxation)

(f)In the following interview between a radio reporter and a successful Kenyan athlete, only the answers to the reporter questions are given.

Complete the interview by writing the questions for each answer.

The first one is done for your example.

Radio Reporter – in the studio today we have Kenya’s new queen Lydia Lelei. Welcome Lydia and I hope you won’t mind if I ask you a few questions about your career so far.

Reporter:….

Lydia: I first run at my local primary school I was 8 years old.

Reporter:…

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Lydia: My potential as a runner was first recognized by chesire who then coached the Rift Valley junior team.

Reporter:…

Lydia : My first big success came when I won junior women’s 200 metres at Kasarani national championships

Reporter:…

Lydia: I decided to stick on sports spirit because I realized the most Kenyans had succeeded only at long distance events.

Reporter:…

Lydia: The best moment of my career so far has been winning the gold medals for 100 meters at the last Olympics.

(g) In the following paragraph select the most appropriate idea connector from the two choices given after each blank space, and write it in the spaces.

There are several reasons why cities have a lot of social unrest. (i)…………………………..Housing conditions are often very cramped leading to domestic tensions and fight. (ii)…………………………..the problems of unemployment lead to strain both on the individual and family set up. (iii) …………………………..the frequent lack of real community centre deprives people of the companionship of smaller towns and villages adding to the stress. (iv) …………………………..its reality that most of us will end up in the cities and we must learn to accept the strains. (v)…………………………..we really have no choice if we are to live a full, healthy life. (vi)…………………………..it’s our responsibility to ensure that we develop natural friendships that will help to cushion the harshest aspects of city life.

1994 Q3
Rewrite each of the following sentences without changing the meaning of the original sentence beginning as directed. (5 marks)

Onyango regretted renting the house in that estate.

Begin: Onyango wished…………………………..

If Mrs. Mwambao had read the instructions properly…………………………..

(complete with the correct form of …………….. not spoil the machine)

He does not feel like sitting for the test today.

Begin: He would rather…………………………..

Jane will not be forgiven if she does not tell the truth.

Begin: Unless…………………………..

This milk smells awful. I think it’s gone sour.

(rewrite as one sentence using …………………………..”as though”)

(b) Complete each of the following sentences by using the correct form of the word

in brackets (5marks)

we usually write our …………………………..inthe evenings (compose)
The man was arrested because his neighbour made a malicious………………………….. against him (allege)

It is unclear whether or not …………………………..is determined by heredity (person)
When we are happy, we reveal our …………………………..nature (please)

Her argument was obviously …………………………..(error)

(c ) Use one word to replace the words underlined in each of the following sentences

(5 marks)

There are problems we have never got down to tackling.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The head teacher promised to look into our complaints

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Why do people always look down on anything foreign?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

They all handed in the work at the end of the lesson.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

He got over the problem by leaving the baby with someone else.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Complete the following passage by filling each blank space with the most appropriate word. (5 marks)

Almost everyone, in the course (i)…………………………..a single day, expresses a number of opinions. Sometimes the opinion is (ii)…………………………..trivial that it dies without comment as soon as it has been uttered. More often, (iii)………………………….. the speaker volunteers reasons to (iv) …………………………..his opinion, since most people wish to have their opinions thought valid. Or, if the speaker does not give reasons for his views, his friends may ask him (v)…………………………..he believes as he does.

(e) Rearrange the following clauses to tell a continuous story. Use the appropriate

punctuation marks. (7 marks)

The psychiatrist asked him what his problem was.
“well, doctor, I don’t rally know what’s wrong with me:
one day a man went to see a psychiatrist
and the patient explained,
“My main problem is, I always forget what I’ve said as soon as I’ve said it”
“How long I’ve what trouble ?” replied the patient.
“I see, “ said the Doctor

1995 (Q3)

Rewrite each of the following sentences according to the instructions given. Do not change the meaning of the sentences (5marks)

I have never heard a more ridiculous story

(Rewrite beginning: That is……..)

She was given a reward she did not expect

(Rewrite beginning: A reward……..)

Ali is always top of his class. He is not arrogant.

(Combine into one sentence using “in spite of”)

Jane came to work late .She was rude to the matron

(Rewrite as one sentence beginning: Not only…..)

It is not necessary to finish the work today

(Rewrite beginning: You do not……)

Fill in the blank spaces using the correct form of the word in brackets given at the end of each sentence
We had thought that the …………….. Would be more generous (donation)
A lot of our school buildings are being …………………….(modern)
Has Maradona always been ……………………..? (fame)
Although she was very wealthy, she dressed very ………………(expensive)
Our …………………………….was greatly hindered by flat tyre (mobile)

Rewrite the following sentences, replace the underlined phrase with ONE word in each case
It was unbelievable that Mary had walked out on him.

The people travelling in the bus refused to pay inflated fares.

The lawyers treated the people who needed her services politely.

He had invited those who did not agree with him to the party

The residents are afraid of those who break into their houses and steal

Complete the following sentences using whichever of the following is appropriate. Still, Yet, Anymore, Already (8marks)

Kori does NOT live in Kericho ……………………He’s moved to Kisumu
The children have not gone to bed ………… They are ………….. watching television
Is Joyce …………….here? No she has ………………………….left
Thank you for all your help. I won’t trouble you……………………
Tom had eaten well but he was ………..hungry
Have you finished your homework………………..or are you ……………..working on it? I have ……………………finished it.
Fill each blank space in the following sentences with the correct preposition (5marks)
Meet me …………… the entrance to the supermarket………………. Uhuru Highway
I have applied for a job……………..the Kenya Commercial Bank………………Nairobi.
Sometimes it is quicker to go………………..foot than ……………….bus
Sign your name …………….dotted line …………the bottom of the page.
There is something exciting ………………football. Throughout Kenya, football matches are played ……………………capacity crowds.

Combine each of the following pair of sentences using either OF WHICH OR OF WHOM.

She got four books for her birthday. She has read three of them before.

Only two boys came to the shop. Neither of them bought anything.

He had a lot to say about his new car. None of it interested me very much

There were some noisy people in the audience. One of them kept interrupting the speaker

She made all kind of suggestion. I could not understand most of them.

1996 Q3
Rewrite each of the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Do not change the meaning (5marks)

Kiingi gives a present to each of his friends during Christmas

(Begin: Each……..)

It began to drizzle as soon as Njeri entered the house

(Begin: Hardly ……..)

We don’t like being ignored…..?

(Add the appropriate question tag)

“I am going to buy a tractor” the farmer told the manger, “because the price is affordable” (Rewrite in indirect speech)

Chirchir has a daughter who is eighteen years old

(Begin: Chirchir has an………….)

Complete each of the following sentences with the correct form of the word in brackets (5marks)

The action confirmed the ………………………(child) of his behavior
The ……………………..(acquire) of a college diploma was an important goal in her life.
It is unwise to appear for an interview …………………………………. (appropriate) dressed.
Since they arrived latest they got the ………………………….(little ) share.
The …………………… (manage) staff received a salary increase.

In each of the following rewrite the sentence, replace the underlined words with one word.
Buses,car,lorries, and ‘matatus’ jammed the streets

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The noisy ,disorderly crowd frog matched the suspect to the police station

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The rising value of the shilling has made imported goods cheaper.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

People enjoy hearing unsubstantial stories about others.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

He was accused of having no fixed place of residence

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Fill each of the following blanks with the correct preposition (5marks)

Akinyi had not decided whether or not to reply …………..Weere’s letter. She had been warned against associating ……………..him. Since no convincing reason was given, she wanted to make ………………..her own mind rather yield to pressure………………others as rule, she never based her actions ………………..hearsay.

Replace the underlined words in each of the following sentences with the appropriate phrasal verb (5marks)

Example: She persuaded him to complete his homework.

Answer: She prevailed on him to complete his homework

Stella cannot be trusted because she keeps breaking her promises

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The old man died quietly last night.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

We felt completely disappointed by John’s performance.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Why are you so angry?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Juma always visits during meals

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Select from the words in brackets the one which completes the sentence correctly (5marks)
If we work hard the task will be completed in a few ………………..(weeks, weeks’) time
He had been …………………… ( lying, laying ) on the sofa all day.
She dreaded…………………….. (Loosing, losing) the opportunity.
Jane was the ……………………..(smartest, smarter) of the two sisters.
Do you at times pass by ………………………. (Stationery, stationary) store?
1997 Q3
Rewrite each of the following sentences according to the instructions given. Do not change the meaning (5marks)

Johanna told the teacher that he had been absent the previous week because he had fallen sick.

(Rewrite using Direct Speech)

They rang the bell at 8.00am

(Rewrite beginning: The bell was …….)

The rain was very heavy. All the roads became flooded

(Rewrite as one sentence using ‘see…that’)

As soon as all the teams arrived, the contest began.

(Rewrite beginning: Hardly …..)

The books were expensive. They contained the information they were looking for. They bought them.

Rewrite as one sentence without using ‘and’)

Complete each of the following sentences by selecting the correct alternative from the words given at the end of each (5marks)

Our school will move to a new …………….. Next year (cite, site)

Have you …………….permission from your parents? (sought, sort)

The ……………………store in our town is well-stocked (stationary, stationery)
Chepkorir is the ……………………of the two sisters, (tallest, taller)

Neither the doctor nor the nurse ………………..arrived (have, has)

Fill the blank space with the correct form of verb given in the passage below

(4marks)

As Katunge ………… (lie) on her bed that morning it…………… (occur) to her that she would soon be eighteen, an adult. She would soon be eighteen, an adult. She had sat for her examination paper day before and a sense of excitement overwhelmed her. She looked at her watch……………( wind ) it and got up. Her little brother then …………….(burst) into the room and interrupted her train of thought.

The following sentences are in the wrong order. Write them out in the correct sequence so that they form a meaningful paragraph (6marks)
Do we have the means to support families of five children or more, bearing in mind the escalating cost of food, housing and schooling?
The real issue is , in fact the question of available resources in the country and in our homes
Whether a large family is more desirable culturally than a smaller family is not the main argument now.
Unless positive measures are taken albeit sensitive, there is bound to be a dramatic rise in famine, poverty and crime by the beginning of the next century.
If the answer is in the negative, then it is surely the responsibility of our society to educate the youth on family planning issues
The issue of what size of the family one should have has often been raised.

Complete the following telephone conversation. 5Marks

Jim : Hello. Is that sunset college?

Operator :

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Jim : Yes, may I speak to Janet? My name is Jim

Operator : Just a moment

Janet :

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Jim : Hello, Janet I’m calling to find out how you are.

Janet : I’m very pleased to hear that. My father gave me some money to bring to you. He said you had requested some.

Janet : ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Jim : Only five hundred shillings. You know he doesn’t have much. I will bring it to you tomorrow afternoon.

Janet : ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Jim : Bye Janet

Use the correct expression of the word given to complete each of the following sentences. Use the correct tense

Example: When his friends betrayed him, he felt……..(let) . Answer: let down

Although he has never won a model, he has not ….(give) trying.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Peter is very imaginative, he will …..(come) with a convincing reason.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The new student have now ……(get) their homesickness

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

He ………(step) from his position to go into private practice.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Her business …..(go) because of mismanagement.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

1998 Q3
Rewrite each of the following sentences according to the instructions given. Do not change the meaning (5marks)
The student cleaned all the classrooms early in the morning.

(Begin: All the classrooms……)

The man was wealthy. He would not share his wealth with his children.

(Combine the two into one sentence beginning: Although…..)

Hassan did not complain. He did not report to the police.

(Begin: Hassan neither……..)

‘There’s a little food left for you in the kitchen,’ William’s mother told him. (Rewrite indirect speech)

She never came late to school last year.

(Begin: Not once…….)

Complete each of the following sentences using the correct form of the word in bracket (5marks)
The ………………….. clerks completed the work in two months (register)
The visitor was not offered ………………………….at the hostel (accommodate)
The guest speaker was not well received on ………………. at the school (arrive)
The driver nearly caused a …………………accident when the car rammed into a bus (fate)
She was …………………. elected chairperson. (unanimous

Select the more appropriate word from those given in brackets to complete each of the following sentences (5marks)

Mwikali is very beautiful; she is tall and ……………………. (slim, skinny)
The car that collided head on with a trailer was completely ………………..(spoilt, wrecked)
When she learnt of her friend’s success, she was very…………………………… (happy, amused)
He knew he had won the contest and he waited the trophy……………………(anxiously, eagerly)
The excited ……………………. (group, mob ) killed the suspect.

Replace the underlined word in each of the sentence below with an appropriate Phrasal verb
Anyango despises her step sister because she is illiterate

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

I could not tolerate him because of his recent misconduct in school.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The doctor remarked that the little girl resembled her father

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The meeting was postponed

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Grace removed her shoes

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Each of the following sentences has an error. Identify the error and rewrite the sentences correctly (5marks)

The new building had its roof blown off.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

He hanged his trousers in the sun

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

When he disappeared , john was putting on black shoes

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The water pipe that burst last week has been repaired

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

My family has stayed in Lamu since 1960

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Fill each of the blank space in the following passage with a suitable preposition/conduction/adverb (5marks)

The EL Nino weather phenomenon, named (i)………………. the Christ child, is not a theory (ii)…………… a recognizable and recurrent climatological event, only a few months (iii) …………….few Kenyans had ever heard of it. However, the name now (iv)…………….. everybody’s lips. In East Africa the Eel Nino has been responsible (v) ………………. widespread flooding epidemics and destruction of road network.

1999 Q3
Rewrite each of the following sentences according to the instructions given. Do not change the meaning.
I wouldn’t have come all this way in vain if you had mentioned this to me yesterday.

(Begin: Had…….)

The man promised to take ravage on the people who had him arrested on false charges

(Use ‘avenge’)

Only after much persuasion did the patient agree to go for counseling.

(Begin: It took…..)

Because he is the mayor of the town Hlestakov considered it his duty to conduct visitor around town.

(Begin: Being…..)

The booking agent informed travellers that tickets once booked cannot be cancelled for whatever reason.

(Begin : The booking agent informed the travellers that under…..)

Punctuate the following passage in the space provided below (5marks)

A lady with a bad rash visited a dermatologist it was the type of condition that had been present for some time have you been treated for this rash before inquired the doctor yes by my pharmacist and what sort of foolish advice did he give you asked the doctor oh he told me to come and see you.

Fill each blank space in the following passage with the most appropriate words

(5marks)

Although most of us believe that we communicate almost (i)………………. With words, research has (ii) ………………….that nonverbal communication is at least as important. Gestures and tone (iii)…………………. voice are important cues in determining others’ response to us. Individuals who are not aware (iv) ………………….conveyed nonverbally are in a social disadvantage. In fact people (v) …..………………fail to ‘read’ such messages tend to be unpopular.

Replace each of the following underlined expression in the following sentence with one word. Write the word above the underlined expression (5marks)

After working hard for three months they came up with a new formula.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The wall carved in after the blast.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Mary waited for him for three hours but he did not show up.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Jim assumed that the problem had been ironed out

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

They had been friends for so long that when they fell out their husbands were shocked.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The following sentences are in the wrong order. Write them out in the correct sequence so that they form a meaningful paragraph beginning with sentence
There are no such things as socialism without work
This is wrong
It may involve individuals, acting alone or in cohorts, who are bent on accumulating wealth for their personal use at the expense of the other who do the work
Similarly, an individual who can work and is provided by the society with the means of work-but does not do so, is equally wrong
A society which fails to give its individuals the means to work or having given the means to work, prevents from getting a fair share of the product of their own sweat and toil, needs putting right.
He or she has no right to expect anything from the society because he or she contributes nothing to society.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The idioms in the following sentences are wrong stated. Rewrite each sentence with the correct form of the idiom
She put all her bananas in one basket

When he was caught the thief spilled the maize.

Our class master is as proud as an eagle

The building is as old as rock

Changing individual laws before we change the constitution is putting the cart before the ox

2000 Q3
Rewrite each of the following sentences according to the instructions given.

Do not change the meaning.

(i) I will go only if he asks me to go.

(Rewrite using the word unless)

(ii) The fans were disappointed by the players

(Begin: The player…….)

(iii) The students were advised to consider the consequences of their behaviour by

the visitor

(Rewrite in direct speech)

(iv) The head teacher spoke for over one hour. She did not address important

issues (Combine into one sentence using the word however)

i don’t want any more tea, thank you

(Begin: I would rather……)

(b) Construct two sentences using each of the following words. In the first sentence use

the words as a VERB, and in the second, as a NOUN (6marks)

Examples: bottle – They want to bottle the juice (verb)

He broke the red bottle (noun)
Man

Drive

Mistake

(c) Fill in the blank space in each of the following sentences with the most appropriate

words (5marks)

The nurse refused to……………… the result of the medical examination
Ruth enjoyed a warm relationship ……………………………her neighbors.
He……………………….. at the stranger in amazement
They left the room……………… because they did not want to wake the baby
We did not know ………………….. To blame for our problems.

(d) Each of the following sentences is repetitious. Rewrite the sentences removing the

repetition. (5marks)

(i) Kaka cannot be able to complete this exercise

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Please repeat again what you have said

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

He hit a tree as he reversed back the car

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

How many people ascended up the mountain

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Komen can run more faster than johnstone

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

(e) Use the correct form of words in brackets to complete each of the following

sentences (5marks)

(i) Owino did not know that tree had….. (Strike) his house

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

(ii) Nobody expected the company to make….. (Lose)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The three …..(Passerby) were arrested

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

She has spent a lot of time ….(beautiful) her compound

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

People liked him because he was gentle and…. (child)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

f) Each of the following sentences has two possible meanings. Rewrite the sentences showing the different meaning for each (4marks)

Juma likes reading more than Pamela

Visiting friends can be annoying

2001 Q3
Complete the following sentences by adding the correct question tag

(i) You are going to stay with us tonight…………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

The workers have threatened to go on strike

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

They don’t wake up at six o’clock

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Fill in the blank spaces using an appropriate connector chosen from those given in brackets
Be self-reliant; …………………………….draw some pictures and sell them to earn some money for a living . (similarly again, for example)

……………………………………. I would like to say that chickens are easier to keep than turkey. (in conclusion, as a result, as well)

She was very tired,…………………………………….she did not bother to cook for herself (but, thus, nevertheless)

The pictures on the wall were beautiful,……………………………they were poorly framed. (indeed, moreover,however)

The room was dark; …………………………… We could not work well. (however consequently, nevertheless)

(c) Complete each of the following sentences using the correct phrasal verb formed from the word given in brackets (4marks)

That crime is very serious; he will never……………………………it (get)
Their persistence made him ….……………………………And he accomplished them to the theatre (give)
The two fighting boys ………………………..Each other like wild cats (went)
She encouraged them to ………………………..After their quarrel (make

(d)Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given. Do not change the meaning

I am not afraid of his strange ways

Begin: Despite…..)

If you work hard now you will pass your examination (use ‘unless)

These books belong to the daughters of our teacher (Begin: these are….)

These books belong to the daughter of our teacher (Begin : these are)

Eli does not attend evening classes. His brother do not attend evening classes either (combine into one sentences beginning: Neither………)

The residents saw the burglar enter the house (Rewrite in the passive voice)

(e)Rewrite the following passage in the space provided inserting the appropriate punctuation.

They went and exchanged the shoes for climbing boots the teacher paid the balance they both went back to their friends Okemgu said thank you sir for what you have done I will never forget this.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(f)Rewrite the following sentences using either the comparative or superlative degree as instructed. Make only the necessary changes. Do not change the meaning

Kenya is the most developed country in East Africa (comparative)

Thika and Machakos are cool. Nyeri is even cooler (superlative)

Miriam is not as cleaver as Rita (comperative)

Nakuru was once cleaner than any other town in the country (superlative)

The country has experienced a bad drought recently

Replace each of the underlined groups of words in the following sentences with one word that can be used instead. (3marks)

Musa was escorted to the airport by sister ,brother, cousin and grandparents

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Most people enjoy eating beef, mutton,venison, fish and chicken.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

We lost our bags and suitcases at the bus station

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

2002 Q3
Rewrite each word of the following sentences according to the instructions given after each of the following

(i) All the students of Bidiii Secondary school passed the examination (Begin. Not a…..)

(ii) The teacher was not surprised that Mwende wrote the winning poem

( Begin : That mwende…

(iii) The man was very hungry. He swallowed the food without chewing

it.(join into one sentence that begins; so )

The board is interviewing the applicant

(Rewrite ending with…..by the board)

Her daughters were not very clever.They worked hard and passed the

examination.(Join into one sentence using the words: ‘in spite of,’)

(b) Complete each of the following sentences using the correct form of the word in brackets. (5marks)

All the students were …………………………….. Sorry, (true)
Aren’t hyenas known for their ………………………………….?
The doctors are ………………………………. people about AIDS. (sensitive)
People who treat others kindly are said to be ………………………… (grace)
Who among you was …………………………………….? (choose)

(c) Complete each of the following sentences by filling in the blank space with the correct preposition

The application letter should be accompanied ………………………….. the relevant documents
My uncle deals ……………………………….. Second-hand clothes.

The brave little girl was compared ………………………………….. a lioness.

Even in this age of computers, many people still correspond …………………………….. letters.

Nafula mistook Wambua ……………………………… her sister

(d) Complete each blank space in the sentences below with the best alternative from the following: some, a few, little, any, few (5marks)

(i) Although the fire was very fierce ………………………….. items were salvaged from the burning shop

(ii) Since the politician is very unpopular ……………………….. People listen to

him

If there are …………………….. presents for me, I would like to open them

now.

(iv) Have …………………………………….. Tea, please

As the drought worsened, our cow produced …………………………… Milk.

(e) For each of the following words, provide another word that has an identical punctuation (5marks)

(i) Breath ……………………

(ii) Flour ………………………

(iii) Queue ………………………

(iv) Heir ………………………..

Won ………………………..

(f) The following sentences are clumsy. Write an improved version of each one them.

(i) Once cooked, I can enjoy and dish.

(ii) Running as hard as possible, my breath was hard to catch.

The potatoes were in a paper bag which we ate hungrily

I enjoy reading, acting and to farm.

To clearly think at all times was her goal

2003 Q3

(a) Rewrite each of the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Do not change the meaning (5marks)

(i) The players and the coach did not appear on the pitch

Rewrite beginning: Neither …..)

(ii) She forbids the boys to throw stones.

(Rewrite in the past tense)

(iii) Kanja would have won the race if he had done enough practice.

(Rewrite beginning: Had………..)

(iv) Miss Kerubo will definitely pass the test, …………?

Insert a question tag)

(v) They were so exhausted that they could not stay awake.

Rewrite using “too”)

(b) Complete the following sentences using the appropriate form of the word in brackets (5marks)

(i) Sunset can be an …………………………………….Sight. (awe)

(ii) A problem that has no answer is ……….…………………(solve)

(iii) We learnt a great deal from the speech: it was very …………………. (inform)

(iv) It’s against our culture to treat older people …………………………. (respect)

……………………………….. and accuracy are important qualities in a piece of writing. (clear)

(i) They plan to build a new bridge ………………………… the river.

(ii) She worked hard ……………………………….. the lunch break.

When the twins stand …………………………… each other, you cannot tell

who is who.

To get a general impression of a book, you should read quickly

……………………………. it.

He arrived at the venue accompanied ………………………………. his son.

(d) For each of the words below, construct two sentences to convey two different meaning (5marks)

(i) Saw (i)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

(ii)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

(ii) Lead (i)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

(ii) …………………………………………………………………………………………………

(iii) Fast (i)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

(ii) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

(iv) Peer (i)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

(ii) …………………………………………………………………………………………………..

(v) Race (i)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

(ii) …………………………………………………………………………………………………..

(e) Identify the spelling mistakes in the following passage and then rewrite the words correctly. Underline the mistakes identified and write the correction above the word misspelt.

On his twelveth birthday, Ekuam received an expensive gift from his uncle. Although his uncle was a very rich man, Ekuam was a little surprised because he did not expect him to spend so much money on him. He was very excited and was definitely going to have a lot of fun. He thanked his uncle and promised to work hard in school and to be well-behaved. Eukuam’s parents were also very grateful.

(f) Identify and underline the word that is pronounced differently in each of the following sets (5marks)

(i) Sew Sue Sow

(ii) hair air heir

(iii) hard Heard herd

(iv) fort forty fought

(v) cause coarse course

2004
Rewrite each of the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Do not change the meaning (5 marks)
The dog attacked Mandilla, but only because he provoked it.

(Begin: If….)

ii) I think we are being followed by somebody.

(Rewrite in the active voice)

iii) Mrs. Kemunto will be our chief guest during the drama festival.

(Insert a question tag)

iv) It is a pity I couldn’t go out with you.

(Begin: I….)

v) As soon as the football match began,the fans started dancing.

(Begin: No sooner….)

Complete each of the following sentences with the correct form of the word in brackets. (5 marks)

The …………………….(direct) effort resulted in the team losing the game.

ii) Susan wore a ………………………(beauty) made dress.

iii) Abdu ……………………….(seek) his father’s advice about a job last year.

iv) My grandfathee has many ……………………………..(descend)

v) (Account)…………..………..is a basic condition in the use of public funds.

For each of the following sentences replace the underlined phrasal verb with a word that has the same meaning

I wished to meet him after classes yesterday but he didn’t show up

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

ii) I have been at the police station.Our house was broken into last night.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

iii) Everybody knows how good you are.There is no need to show off.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

iv) After a hard day’s work,I sat on an easy chair and dozed off.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Construct two sentences to convey two different meanings of each of the following words

Desert I

Sow I

Row I

Wind I

Bow I

Complete the gaps in the following sentences correctly by using one word.

(5 marks)

Each of their children………………………been to a university recently
Neither the teacher nor the student…………………..to blame.
The new set of books……………………………….delivered yesterday.
The objectives of the new rule,as I was told,……………….made the workers furious.
Of the twins,Huria is the…………………………..

Give another word which is pronounced the same as the word given (5 marks)

Gnaw…………………………………………..
Boar…………………………………………….
Groan……………………………………………
Toe………………………………………………
Pail………………………………………………
2006 P2

a) Fill in the blank spaces in the following sentences with the most

appropriate word(s) (3marks)

i) If we had gone to bed early last night, we………………….rested enough.

ii) If I…………… ….the recruiting officer, I would not take bribes.

iii) Every one of the students now……………..a role to play in keeping the school

compound clean

b) Rewrite the following sentences to remove gender bias. (3marks)

i)A professor should give his student opportunities to develop their skills

ii) My sister was appointed chairman of the Water Project Committee

iii) The firemen took a long time to arrive at the scene of the accident.

c) Fill in the blanks with the correct alternative from the choices given (3marks)

i) Who……………….a fire outside my house? (Light/lighted/Lit)

ii) Since the introduction of community policing in our estates…………………..of

theft have reduced. (incidence /incident/incidents)

iii) an elephant looks after…………………….calf (it’s/its)

d) Rewrite the following sentences according to the instruction given after each. Do not change the meaning. (6marks)

i) The choir entertained the visitors (beginning: the visitors……………)

ii) If we do not keep environment clean, the health officer will close our café

(Rewrite using “unless”)

iii) That patient could not stand without support. She also could not sit straight.

Rewrite as one sentence using: “neither ….nor”)

iv) The school team would not have won the game if it had not been for the captain’s

quick action. (begin: Had…..)

v) Jomo Kenyatta the first president of Kenya was a great orator (Punctuate the

sentence)

vi) We learn from the legend that Mc Katilili was a powerful leader

(Begin: the legend…)

2007 P2

(a) use the correct form of the word given in brackets to fill in the gap in

each sentence ( 3 marks)

(i) The …………………. Of the right of expression is a violation of human rights (deny)

(ii) Saving the child from the burning house was a ………. ………….Act (hero)

(iii) They were asked to …………………………….. the alarm (active)

(b) Rewrite the following sentence as instructed

(i) We can control the spread of HIV/ AIDS by educating the public

(Begin: the spread of …………)

(ii) The man was arrested. His cattle destroyed the maize in the school farm

(Rewrite as one sentences)

(iii) Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa.

(Rewrite using “higher” instead of highest”)

(c) Use the correct form of the verb given in brackets

(i) Measles……………………… not common among adults. (be)

(ii) Every morning, either the puppy or the kitten…………… For me at the door.

(wait)

(iii) The ministry of health has ………. ……..An extensive inoculation programme for children under five years. (Begin)

(d) Complete each of the following sentences in the most suitable way

(i) If you really loved Kenya, you ……………………. Buy Kenyan products more

(ii) I would have cleaned the toilet if the detergent …………………… available

(iii) Hardly had she left the house ……………………. the guests arrived

(e) Choose the most appropriate conjunction from those given below to fill in the gap.

(When, what, while, which, who)

(i) She wouldn’t tell me …………………….. I wanted

(ii) He walks to work everyday, ……………………. Keeps him healthy

(iii) …………..…………they waited as the secretary’s office, the suspect left by a back door.

2008 Q4
Complete each of the following sentences by filling in the blank space with the correct form of the word in brackets
The two………………..(sister-in-law) hugged during the wedding ceremony.

His speech was good but it was slightly marred by his poor……………..(pronounce) of words.

She had…………………….(run) for five kilometres before the others caught up with her.

It was……………………(doubt) a superb performance.

We wanted the option that would give us the………………………(little) trouble.

Rewrite each of the following sentences as instructed.Do not change the meaning. (5 marks)
I did not know that there was trouble ahead.

Begin:Little…………………………………..

She is very tall.

Begin:How

It was very unlikely that our national team would lose the match.

(Rewrite using the word “likelihood”.)

Come with me.(Rewrite adding a question tag.)

Wanjiku said to Onyango,”I will join you in a few minutes.”

(Rewrite in indirect speech.)

2009 P2

(a) Identify, underline and correct the four words that have been mis-spelt in the paragraph below. (4 marks)

We didn’t give him the priviledge of representing us on the District Environmental Committee because he has a tendency of disagreeing with everyone. He embraces himself by pretending to be so knowledgeable.

(b) Rewrite the following sentences as instructed. (3 marks)

(i) She realized that she had made such a serious blunder.

(Rewrite using “what”)

(ii) Just in case you change your mind, call this number.

(Begin: Should ….)

I don’t know either of them. (End ….. to me)

(c) Fill in the blank spaces with the correct preposition. (4 marks)

(i) Nyawira, get ………………………… the wet wall immediately!

(ii) My sisters and I will share this piece of land …………………….

ourselves

(iii) We wondered if there was need ……………………. Such equipment.

(iv) Mwela dipped the bucket …………………………….the well

(d) Use the correct form of the nouns given in brackets. (4 marks)

(i) These …………..………………… (student) phones were confiscated.

(ii) There are many …………………………… (hero) who fought for our independence.

(iii) How many ……………………………. (editor-in-chief) were invited?

(iv) This must be your …………………………………..(father-in-law) car.

2010 P2

(a) Rewrite the following sentences in Direct Speech. (2 marks)
(i) The tourist exclaimed that Kenya was a beautiful country.

(ii) Halima told James to go where she was.

(b) Rewrite each sentence below to make it communicate more sensibly. (2 marks)
(i) They left the field full of sweat.

(ii) Powerful and comfortable, the buyer really liked the car.

(c) Fill in the blank spaces with an appropriate pronoun. (3 marks)

(i) The children and ………………… ought to leave immediately if we want to arrive

there before dark.

(ii) The organisers have invited Mwamburi and ………………… but I don’t intend to go.

(iii) Since she obtained the highest grade, the school should give the award to no one

else but………………………….

(d) Fill in the blank spaces -with the correct form of the verb in brackets, (3 marks)
(i) A flock of birds ……………………. (fly) away from this lake every week.

(ii) I wondered why they had ………………………… (sing) that particular song.

(iii) The ball must have been ……………………………… (hit) too hard.

(e) Rewrite each of the following sentences as instructed. (3 marks)

(i) It is amazing that the couple takes care of so many

orphans. (Begin: That……)

(ii) What we need in Kenya is patriotism.

(End: ………. in Kenya.)

(iii) My students don’t drink. My students don’t smoke.

(Join into one sentence using ‘neither ….)

(f) Fill in each blank space with the appropriate word. (2 marks)

(i) I stopped the child from chewing a …………………………… of grass.

(ii) The doctor told her to take the ……………………………of medicine according to the

prescription.

2011 Q4
Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each.
Aisha asked Tom to return her the following day.

(Rewrite in direct speech)

The teacher asked them where they had been the previous Friday.

(Rewrite in direct speech)

It is a pleasant surprise to meet you again after all these years.

(Rewrite beginning: What………)

Complete the sentences below with the correct form of the verb.

Each of the boys……………………….given a present.

Either Joyce or her daughters…………………coming

Briefly explain the difference between the following pairs of sentences

I i) They collected all the money they needed.

ii) They needed all the money they collected.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

II i) Four of those students were admitted to the university.

ii) Those four students were admitted to the university.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

For each of the following sentences,provide the appropriate noun formed from the word ‘break’ to fill the blank space

Example- The story of the…………………….of prisoners from the maximum

security prison was carried by all the dailies

Answer- Breakout

Scientists have been working hard to find a cure for HIV-AIDS

without a major……………………………

The…………………of their friendship was caused by unfaithfulness

The business has operated for quite some time but is yet to reach the …………………….point

For each of the following sentences,use the correct form of the word in brackets to fill in the blank space
Once the sun has……………,i cannot sleep any more.(rise)
How long have you………………here?(dwell)
It is advisable that we………forgive those who wrong us.(condition)

22. 2012 Q4

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions give after each

( 3marks)

(i) Esther said patricia had stolen her dress

(Begin : Esther accused..)

(ii) This kind of dance fascinates the youth more then it does adults

(Begin : The youth…..

(iii) There are very few students in the classroom

(Use ….any… )

(b) Fill in each blank space using the correct form of the word in brackets. (3 marks)

We…………………..(regular) visit our grandparents in the village.

The company has been in……………….. ……………for twenty years, (exist)

The man agreed to accompany her to the market after a lot of…………………..

(persuade)

(c ) Appropriately punctuate the following sentences to indicate parenthesis. (2 marks)

(i) When we meet next and I am not sure when a lot of things will have changed.

(ii) Any information that you have including minor details should be submitted to the office.

(d) Complete each of the following sentences using the correct phrasal verb formed from the
word given in brackets. (3 marks)

The bomb…………………….. ………………….at around midnight, (go)
You have to……………………. ………………to her what to do. (spell)
Mwangi has…………………….. ……………..the lights because he wants to sleep, (turn)

(e) Fill in each of the blank spaces with an appropriate word. (4 marks)

A short story revolves……………………. ………………a main character.
The teacher was grateful……………………. ……………..the students’ input.
He has been…………………….. ……………………leave since last week.

(iv) Her life was riddled…………………………. contradictions.

GRAMMAR

MARKING SCHEME

1989 Q3

INSTRUCTIONs

In 3 (a) give marks for each correct sentence. Give 1mark for faulty expression.

In 3 (b) do not penalize for faulty expression.

(a) (i) Not only was he absent from work for three days without permission, but he also

wrote rude letter to the manager/not only did be absent himself from work for three

days but also wrote a rude letter to the manager.

Note: If the comma is omitted, award ½ a mark

(ii) Patneti

Note: ‘p’ Capitalized, award ½ a mark

(iii) Incredible

Note: ‘I’ should not be capitalized

If ‘I’ is capitalized, award ½ a mark

(iv) W had hardly gone far from school when it started raining heavily

(v) It was agreed that the teaching staff (should) discuss discipline at the next

meeting.

(b)

One member suggested that they had to set out eary the following/next morning if

they were serious about getting back some days.

We should not be able to meet the cost of running that hospital/as the cost is beyond

own means/is beyond own means/is prohibited/unaffordable or we would not afford

the cost of running that hospital.

(viii) Despite being/his being plump, he runs very fast or despite the fact that he is

plump he runs very fast. Note: if a comma is omitted award ½ mark

Our parent prefer brown bread to white (bread)
He received a letter from his ageing grandfather but he did not reply to it.
Although the weather was bad, they decided to go for a walk as planned or they

decided to go for a walk as planned although the weather was bad (comma is

not needed)

B. INSTRUCTION

There is no penalty for expression.

(i) (a) The manager was anxious to please both the customer and his staff (1mark)

(b) Both the manager and his staff were anxious to please the customer (1mark)

(ii) (a) Papa Musa was boasting

(b) The sun was boasting (1mark)

(iii) (a) The farmer stamped the eggs (1mark)

(b) The farmer laid the eggs (1mark)

NB. Ignore capitalization in parts C.D.E.F & G.

(ii) Maliciously

(iii) Devotion

(iv) Envious

(v) Hopeful

NB. Wrong spelling for part ‘D’ should be awarded a tick

(d) Continuously/endlessly/incessantly/carelessly/non-stop

(ii) Stationery

(iii) Congregation

INSTRUCTION

In E use of capital letters to begin the question tags should be awarded ½ mark,

(e) (i) Are you?

(ii) Won’t you?

(iii) Could he?

(f) (i) Of

(ii) At/in/by/behind/near/inside/outside

(iii) With

of
Upon
To
Up

(g) (I) Putting of (ii) Goes over (iii) Stands out (iv) turned down (4 marks)

1990 Q 3

(a) (I) The Assegai was developed by Shaka the great Zulu warrior

(ii) Flamingoes can be found /are found in Lake Nakuru

(iii) Mt Everest was first climbed in 1953

(iv) The philosophy of peace, love and unity has been developed by President

Moi.

The next world cup competition will be hosted by Italy.

(b) (I) at (ii) behind (iii) To (iv) from (v) about

(c ) (I) I asked him what kind of themes he wrote on.

(ii) He replied that most of his stories were concerned with the problems

of poverty and crime in urban areas.

(iii) I then enquired how he got the material of his stories.

(iv) He explained that he simply observed what actually went on in the streets,

markets, and places of entertainment.

(v) Finally I asked him when he was leaving Kenya

(vi) He stated that he would be travelling to Mauritius the next day.

(I) Paralysed

(ii) Jeopardised

(iii) commentator

(iv) Angrily

(e) (i) If Mutisya read books, he would not be so poor at spelling

If he had paid the rent, he would not have been evicted,
- If they had some matches, they could light a fire.
- If our team had had more time to practice they would not have lost.
- If you get home before I do, don’t wait up for me.

(f) (i) However

(ii) To begin with

(iii) Further more

Consequently

Infact

(g) (i) beat (used to beat)

would have achieved
wound
will get/get/shall get
am writing

(h) (i) over/across

out/off
off
down
in/down

1991 Q3

(a) (i) a little

a few
few
battle
a few

(b) (i) gait

Wisdom
breadth/broadness
vanity
affliction

could
might
would
may/could

(i) Being lost on Mt Kenya for four days was the worst experience of/in my life

(ii) The robber must have been annoyed to find/on finding /after finding you had no

money.

(iii) The farmer’s bull was so strong and healthy that the judges unanimously

awarded it first prize in the show.

(iv) The secretary told her that Muriuki had left for Moshi the day before/

previous day and would not be back till the following week/the next week.

(v) Whether you like it or not, I shall (still) stand for chairman in the annual club

election

(e) (i) The young man who was arrested for drunken driving, was jailed for three months.

Geoffrey, whose book was a best seller, left the country for a tour of Europe.
Mr. Chacha’s company which is the largest firm in East Africa, won the tender

OR Mr. Chacha’s company which won the tender is the largest transportation firm

in East Africa.

Nobody knows the identity of the intruder who broke into the warehouse last

Tuesday.

The floods that/which caused havoc by destroying most of the crops fortunately

did not damage the new bridge.

(f) (i) Versatile

Culprit
sent off
Conscientiously
Deter

(g) (i) Give it away

Give up the attempt/ give it up
Gave out
Gave him away
Gave it back

(h) (i) White

and
although
since
despite

1992

(a) (i) Has been going on, has gone on

(ii) Are gaining /have gained

(iii) Affected

(iv) Will have died

(v) Is needed

(b) (i) B. Mob

(ii) A. Batch

(iii) C. Crowd

(iv) B. Sum

(v) C. Herd (5 marks)

(c ) (i) Along, down, up

(ii) At,into

(iii) Past/by

(iv) On/to

(v) Adjacent/Next

(d) (i) C (ii) A (iii) B (iv) E (v) F (vi) D

(e) (i) Fastest

(ii) More suitable

(iii) Fewest

(iv) More efficient

(v) Stranger

(f) (I) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

(g) (I) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

(h) (i) Our school bus is too wide to go through the main gate

(ii) The ladder wasn’t long enough to reach the window

(iii) I was too tired to walk any further

(iv) She is mature enough to make her own decisions.

(v) The fire isn’t hot enough to boil the water. (5 marks)

1993 Q3

(i) “If that’s so, then we mustn’t stay later than 6:15 a.m”

(ii) “No, boss told me that we don’t have to if we have other commitments.”

(iii) “I am sorry, I can’t because I need or have to revise it myself for the test

on Monday”

(iv) “No, the principal told me that needn’t spend all our money at once, if we

don’t wish to”

“ I am afraid I can’t because I have to get it to the art gallery on Thursday which

is the closing date”

(b) (i) When I was a young boy on my father’s farm, I sused to help him milk the cows.

(ii) Whenever I see Jillo, he always seems to be smiling

(iii) after parking beside an old lorry, he walked slowly across to the bank

(iv) Since the day I fought with Barnabas, I have never set eyes on him again.

While the detective was reading a newspaper, he was keeping an eye on the

shop entrance.

(c ) (I) Since (ii) Besides (iii) Arrived (iv) lend (6 marks)

(d) (I) Neither Ojinda nor his uncle could persuade mother to leave her home (1 mark)

(ii) It would have been extremely foolish to enter/have entered that dark cave without

(carrying ) a torch.

(iii) If the coach had been allowed to select the team they would have won//would not

have lost. (2 marks)

(iv) The taxpayers voted in a completely new town council so that services in the

town could/might/would improve.

(v) The policeman asked me how well I knew the city. I replied that the only place

I was familiar with was the market there (8 marks)

(e ) (I) Vulgarity (ii) Relaxation (iii) Imitation (iv) Stimulus (6 marks)

(f) – Radio reporter: When did you first begin racing competitively?

– Radio reporter: who first recognized your potential as a number?

– Radio reporter: When was your first big success?

– Radio reporter:Why did you decide to stick on sports spirits?

– Radio reporter: What has been the best moment of your career so far ?

(g) (i) in the first place (ii) In addition

(iii) Moreover (iv) However (v) Ultimately

5. 1994 Q3

(a) (i) Onyango wished he had not rented that house in/at that estate

(ii) If Mrs. Mwambao had read the instructions properly, she should not/could

not/have spoilt/spoiled the machine.

(iii) He would rather not sit for the test today

(iv) Unless Jane tells the truth, she will not be forgiven. Unless she tells the

truth, Jane will not be forgiven.

(v) This milk smells as though it is gone sour.

(b) (i) Compositions

(ii) Allegation

(iii) Personality

(iv) Pleasant

(v) Erroneous

(ii) Despite/under

submitted
- solved/overcame

(d) (i) of (ii) so

(iii) however/though

(iv) support/justify/explain (v) why

(e) One day a man went to see a psychiatrist. Te psychiatrist asked him what his

problem was and the patient explained.

“Well, doctor, I don’t really know what’s wrong with me”

“I see,” said the doctor.

“My main problem is, I always forget what I’ve said as soon as ‘we said it’”

“Can you tell me how long you’ve had this problem?

“How long I’ve had what trouble?

(f) (i) Since (ii) ago (iii) for (iv) since (v) ago

6. 1995 Q3

Instructions

Ignore capitalization

(a) (i) That is the most ridiculous story I have ever heard.

(ii) A reward (that) she did not expect was given to her.

(iii) In spite of the fact that he is always top of his class Ali is not arrogant,/

Ali is not arrogant in spite of the fact that he’s always top of his class/Ali,

in spite of always being top of the class is not always arrogant

(iv) Jane not only did she cometo work late but she was rude to the matron,

also/as well/to

(v) you do not necessarily need to finish the work today.

(b) (i) Donor/donors/donation/donations

(ii) Modernised/modernized

(iii) Famous (infamous) famous

(iv) In expensively

(v) Mobility

(i) Deserted/left/abandoned/jilted/dropped

(ii) Passenger

(iii) Clients

(iv) Opposed

Burglar

(d) Instructions: wrong spelling

(i) Any more

(ii) Yet, still

(iii) Still, already

(iv) Any more

(v) Still/already

(vi) Any more

(vii) Still, already

(viii) Yet, still, already

(e) Instruction: If a candidate comes out with a new word: Ignore spelling

(i) by/near/beside/on

N.B by/near/beside are alternative of ‘at’

(ii) at, in

(iii) on, at

(iv) about, to

(f) Instructions: If a candidate comes out with a new word:- Ignore spelling

(i) of which

(ii) of whom

(iii) of which

(iv) of whom

(v) of which

7. 1996 Q3 pg 18

(a) (i) -Each of Kiingi’s friends is given a present by him during Christmas

-Each of Kiingi’s friends get a present from him during Christmas

(ii) Chirchir has an eighteen-year old daughter’s

(b) (i) childishness

(ii) Acquisition/acquirement/acquiring

(iii) Inappropriately

(iv) Least

(v) Managerial/management/managing

(ii) Mob/rabble

(iii) Appreciation/appreciating

(iv) Gossip/rumours/gossips

(v) Vagrance

(d) To

With

From

(e) (i) Going back on

(ii) Passed away

(iii) Let down

(iv) Worked up

(v) Drops in/shows up/calls in/drops by/passes by

(f) (i) Weeks

(ii) Lying

(iii) Losing

(iv) Smarter

(v) Stationery

8. 1997 Q3

(a) (i) “I was absent last week because I fell sick,” Jonathan told her teacher.

Deduct ½ for quotations placed in wrong positions

(ii) The bell was rung at8.00a.m

(iii) The rain was so heavy that all the roads became flooded.

(iv) Hardly had the teams arrived when the contest started/began (begun =0)

for part (iii and ii) deduct I.e a mark if student omits a word in the original

Although the books were expensive they bought them because they

contained the information they were looking for, (5marks)

(b) (i) Site

(ii) Sought

(iii) Stationery

(iv) taller

(v) has Wrong spelling= 0 )5marks)

(ii) occurred

(iii) wound

(iv) burst wrong spelling =0

(d) The correct order should be:-

(vi) (iii) (ii) (I) (v) (iv)

Give one mark for each sentence in the right place. If they are not written out

completely in paragraph form do not penalise, it is the sequence that is being tested

here.

(e) (i) Yes. Can I help you? Insist in a question

(ii) Hellow, Jim. It is good for you to call.

(iii) I’m very well, thank you. Everything is going well.

(iv) Yes I had asked him to send me one thousand shillings. How much did

he give you?

(v) Thank you I’m looking forward to seeing you.

Bye must be conclusive. Accept any plausible responses (5marks)

(f) (i) give up

(ii) come up

(iii) got over/gotten over stepped down

went under/down, has gone down 1 mark each (5marks)

9. 1998 Q3

(a) (i) All the classrooms were cleaned (by the students) early in the morning.

All the classrooms were cleaned early in the morning (by the students)

(ii) Although the man was wealthy he would not share his wealth with his

children.

(iii) Hassan neither complained nor reported to the police.

(iv) William’s mother told him that there was a little food left for him in the

kitchen

(v) Not once did she come late to school last year.

(b) (i) Registration/registry/registered/registering

(ii) Accommodation

(iii) Arrival/arriving

(iv) Fatal

(v) Unanimously

(ii) Happy

(iii) Eagerly

(iv) Mob Ignore spelling if meaning is not affected

(d) (i) Looks down upon

(ii) put up with

(iii) Took after

(iv) Put off

(v) Took out accept underlined words if given alone.

(e) (i) The new building had its roof blown off

(ii) He hung his trousers in the sun.

(iii) When he disappeared, John was wearing black shoes.

(iv) The water pipe that burst last week has been repaired.

(v) My family has lived in Lamu since 1960

(f) (i) After

(ii) But

(iii) Ago

(iv) On

(v) For Wrong spelling 0

10. 1999 Q3

(a) (i) Had this been mentioned tome yesterday, I wouldn’t have come all this way

(in vain)

(ii) The man promised to avenge the people who had him arrested on false charges.

(iii) It took a lot of/much persuasion to convince the patient to go for counseling.

(iv) Being the mayor of the town, Hlestakov considered it his duty to conduct visitors

round the town.

(v) The booking agent informed the travelers that under no circumstances would

tickets be canceled (once they are booked)

(vi) A lady with a bad rash visited a dermatologist. It was the type of condition

that has been present for some time.

“Have you been treated for this rash before:” asked the doctor

“Yes by my pharmacist”

“And what sort of foolish advice did he give you?” asked the doctor

“Oh, he told me to come and see you.”

(b) (i)

Exclusively/entirely/completely/absolutely/solely/exhaustively/totally/fully/wholly/

purely/utterly

(ii) Shown/proven/discovered/proven/indicated/revealed/confirmed it/established.

(iii) Of

(iv)Information/messages/ideas/facts

(v) Who/that

(d) (i) Discovered/invented/developed/produced/found/devised

(ii) Collapsed/fell

(iii) Appear/came/arrive

(iv) Solve/resolved/settled

(v) Disagreed/quarreled/differed

(e) There is no such thing as socialism without work. A society which fails to give its individuals the means to work, or having given them the means to work, prevent them from getting a fair share of the products of their own sweat and toil, needs putting right, it may involve individuals acting or in cohorts who are bent on accumulating wealth for their personal use at the expense of the others who do work. This is wrong.

Similarly, an individual who can work and is provided by society with the means to work- but does not do so is equally wrong. He or she has no right to expect anything from the society because he or she contributes nothing to society.

(i, v, iii, ii, iv, vi).

(f) (i) She put all her eggs in one basket

(ii) When he was caught the thief spilled the beans.

(iii) Our class master is as proud as a peacock/lucifer

(iv) The building is as old as the hills/Methuselah/trilobites/creation

(v) Chasing individual laws before we can change the constitution is putting cart

before the horse.

11. 2000 Q3

(a) (i) I will/shall not go unless he asks me to

Unless he asks me, I will not go.

(ii)The players disappointed the fans.

(iii)“You should consider the consequences of your behavior,” the visitor

advised the student.

(iv)The head teacher spoke for over one hour, however, she did not address

important issues.

(v) I would rather not have any more tea.

(b) (i) He was asked to man the gate

The man strolled down the road.

(ii) You should not drive if you are not qualified.

The driver through the country was refreshing.

(iii) Many people mistake him for his brother.

He made a costly mistake

(ii) With

(iii) Gazed/stared

(iv) Quietly/silent/noiselessly

(v) Who/what/whom

(d) (i) Kaka cannot complete this exercise

or is not able to complete this exercise

or is incapable of completing this exercise

or is unable to complete this exercise.

(ii) Please repeat what we have said

Or please say it again

(iii) He hit a tree as he reversed the car

(iv) How many people ascended the mountain?

Or how many people went up/climbed the mountain?

(v) Komen can run faster than Johnstone.

(e) (i) Stuck

(ii) Losses/ a loss

(iii) Passers-by

(iv) Beautifying

(v) Child-like

(f) (i) Juma likes reading more than Pamela does

Juma likes reading than he likes Pamela

(ii) Friends who visit can be annoying

-Going to visit friends can be annoying

12. 2001 Q3

(a) (i) Aren’t you?

(ii) Haven’t they?

(iii) Do they?

(b) (i) For example

(ii) In conclusion

(iii) Thus

(iv) However

(v) Consequently

(vi) Give in

(vii) Went for/at

(viii) Make up

(d) (i) Despite his strange ways, I am not afraid (of him)

Despite his being strange, I am not afraid (of him)

(ii) Unless you work hard now, you will not pass your examination

You will not pass examination unless you work hard now.

These are our teacher’s daughter’s books
Neither Eli nor his brothers attend evening classes.
The burglar was seen entering the house (by the residents)

(e) They went and exchanged the shes for climbing boots. The teacher paid the

balance and they both went to their friends. Okengu said, “Thank you Sir,

for what you have done. I will never forget it.”

(f) (i) Kenya is more developed than any other country in East Africa.

(ii) Of te three towns, Nyeri, Thika and Machakos, Nyeri is the coolest./Nyeri

is the coolest of the three towns, Thika, Machakos and Nyeri.

(iii) Rita is cleverer than Mariam.

(iv) Nakuru was once the cleanest town in the country

(v) The country has experienced the worst drought recently.

(g) (i) Relative/relations/family

(ii) Meat

(iii) Baggage (luggage)

13. 2002 Q3

(a) (i) Not a single student of Bidii Secondary School failed the examination.

(ii) That Mwende wrote the winning poem did not surprise the teacher/was

not a surprise to the teacher/was not surprising to the teacher.

(iii) So hungry was the man that he swallowed the food without chewing it,

(iv) The applicant is being interviewed by the board

(v) In spite of the fact that her daughters were very clever, they worked hard

and passed the examination.

(vi) Her daughters worked hard and passed the examination in spite of the

fact that they were not very clever

(b) (i) truly

Cowardice
Sensitizing
Gracious
Chosen (5marks)

(ii) In

(iii) To

(iv) By

(v) For (5marks)

(d) (i) Some/a few

(ii) Few

(iii) Any

(iv) Some

(v) Little

(e) (i) Breath

Flower
Cue
air
One

(f) (i) I can enjoy any dish once it has been cooked.

(ii) Since I was running hard, I found it difficult to catch m y breath

(iii) The potatoes which we ate hungrily were in a paper bag.

(iv) I enjoy reading, acting and farming.

(v) To think clearly at all times was her goal

/Her goal was to think clearly at all times/To think at all times clearly her

goal/Thinking clearly at ……/At all was ……

14. 2003 Q3

(a) (i) Neither the players nor the coach appeared on the pitch/Neither the coach

nor the players appeared on the pitch.

(ii) She forbade the boys to throw stones/she forbade the boys from

throwing stones.

(iii) Has Kanja done enough practice he would have won the race/Had

he done enough practice, Kanja would have won the race/Had he

done enough practice, he would have won the race.

Give a ½ mark if Kanja is used twice.

(iv) Miss Kerubo will definitely pass the test, won’t she?

Wrong punctuation – 0

(v) They were too exhausted to stay awake.

(b) (i) Awesome/awful

(ii) Insoluble/insoluble

(iii) Informative/informing

(iv) Disrespectfully

(v) Clarity wrong spelling for part b – 0

(ii) During/over

Until/till/for/before/after/without

(iii) Beside (do not accept “next to”)/against/by/near

(iv) Through

(v) By Wrong spellings – award 1 (should be one word)

(d) Accept any correctly constructed sentence provided the two meanings of

the words are clearly brought out.

Example

(i) As soon as I opened my eyes, I saw the donkey

The carpenter used a saw to cut the timber.

(ii) If you want to be effective, you must lead by example

(iii) He ran fast down the street

Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadhan.

(iv) It is not good to peer at actors

You should relate well with peer

(v) He broke down and wept after losing the race

The principal belonged to a different race.

(e) (i) Twelfth

(ii) Received

(iii) Surprised

(iv) A lot

(v) Grateful wrong spelling 0

(f) (i) Sue

Hair
Hard
Forty
Cause

15. 2004

– If Mandilla had not been provoked by it, it…… (zero)
If M andilla had not provoked the dog, it would not have attacked him.
If the dog had not been proved by Mandilla it wouldn’t………..

–I think somebody is following us.

– Somebody is following us.

– …………..Wont’ she?
– I wish I was able……………………
I sympathise with the fact that……………
I am sorry…………….
– No sooner had the football match begun than the fans started dancing.
– director’s / misdirect / undirect
– beautifully
–sought
– descendants
– accounts / accounting / accountancy

(c)

(i) – appear / come

(ii) – burgled / burglarized / burglarized

(iii) – Brag / boast

(iv) – Slept / slumbered / snoozed / napped.

(v) – Compensated

(d)

(i) I Sahara is a desert

II A true friend does not desert his / her friends

(ii) I The sow has many piglets

II Farmers sow seeds before rains.

(iii) I Some people spend a lot of time learning to row a boat.

Otieno always sits in the first row

II We shared a flat until we had a row of money

iv) I The strong wind blew all day long

II The two rivers wind through thick vegetation

v) I He made a bow at the end of the play

II When Maalim visited Mwingi diastrict he was given a bow and some arrows

(e)

(i) he

ii) is / was

iii) was

iv) have / had (any other single word)

v) taller / younger (any sensible comparative)

(f)

i) know / no nor

ii) bore

iii)grown

iv)tow

v) pale

16. 2006

(a) (i) would have (ii) were (iii) has (3 marks)

(i) Professors should give their students opportunities to develop their

skills./ A professor should give his or her students opportunities to develop

their skills./ As a professor you should give your students opportunities to

develop their skills,

(ii) My sister was appointed the chairperson/ chair of the water project

committee in our village,

(iii) The fire fighters took long to arrive at the scene of the accident. (3 marks)

(i) The visitors were entertained by the choir

(ii) The health officer will close café unless we keep our environment

clean./ Unless we keep the environment clean, the health officer close our café.

(iii) The patient could neither stand without support nor sit straight,

(iv) Had it not been for the captain’s quick action, the school team would not

have won the game ./ Had the captain not acted fast, the school team would

have lost the game.

(v) Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of Kenya, was a great orator.

(vi) The legend teaches us, that MeKatilili was a powerful leader

(6 marks)

17. 2007

(a) (i) denial

(ii) Heroic

(iii) Activate (3 marks)

(b) (i) The spread of HIV – Aids can be controlled by educating the public

(ii) The man whose cattle destroyed the maize in the school farm was

Arrested

(iii) Mount Kilimanjaro is higher than any other mountain in Africa/ no other

mountain in Africa is higher than mount Kilimanjaro. ( 3 marks)

(i) is

(ii) waits

(iii) begun (3 marks)

(d) (i) would

(ii) had been

(iii) when (3 marks)

(e) (i) what

(ii) which

(iii) While (3 marks)

18. 2008 Q4

a. i) sister-in-law

ii) pronunciation

iii) run / been rinning

iv) doubtless deliberately / undoubtedly

least / littlest

b. i) little did I know thay there was trouble ahead

ii) how tall she is

iii) there was very little likelihood that our national team would lose the

match / the likelihood that our national team lose the match was small/

there was very little likelihood of our national team losing

iv) Come with me, will you?A

v) Wanjiku told Onyango that she would join him after a short while / in

few minutes.

19.. 2009

(a) (i) privilege privilege

(ii) tendency tendency

(iii) embarrasses embarrasses

(iv) knowledgeable knowledgeable (4 marks)

(b) (i) She realized what a serious blunder she had made:

(ii) Should you change your mind call this number.

(iii) Neither of them is known to me. (3marks)

(ii) among / amongst

(iii) for

(iv) into

(d) (i) students /

(ii) heroes / heroines

(iii) editors in chief

(iv) father law’s / father-in-laws

20. 2010

a) “What a beautiful country Kenya is!” the tourist exclaimed/

The tourist exclaimed, “What a beautiful country Kenya is!”/

The tourist exclaimed, “Kenya is a beautiful country!”

ii) “James, come here,” Halima said/ comma optional

Halima said, “James come here.”

“James,” said Halima, “come here.” (2 marks)

b) i)Full of sweat, they left the field/sweaty/sweating,

ii) The buyer really liked the powerful and comfortable car./

Powerful and comfortable, the car was really liked by the buyer.

The buyer really liked the car (:) powerful and comfortable.

The buyer really liked the car because/since/for/as…

c) i)I/we

ii) me/us

iii) her (3 marks)

d) i)flies/has been flying/was flying/flew/had been flying/is flying

ii) sung/had been singing

iii) hit

Wrong selling = zero (3 marks)

e) i)That the coupes takes care of so many orphans in amazing/that so many

orphans are taken care of by the couple is amazing

ii) Patriotism is what we need in Kenya/We need patriotism in Kenya/patriotism

is what is needed in Kenya

iii) My students neither drink nor smoke. (3 marks)

f) i) blade

ii) dose/dosage

• Wrong spelling zero (2 marks)

21. 2011

.
1. “(Please) return my key tomorrow”. Aisha asked Tom

“Tom return my key tomorrow,” Aisha said

Aisha told Tom, “Return my key tomorrow.”

“Where were you last Friday?” the teacher asked them

“Where?” the teacher asked them “were you last Friday?”

Small F – ½ mark

Comma missing – ½ mark

Wrong punctuation = 0

What a pleasant surprise (it is) to meet you again after all these years!

(1 x 3 = 3marks)

.
- is / was / has / has been / is being/ will be / had been / would be
- Are / were / would / will be / should be / could be (1 mark each = 2 mark)

i. All the money they needed, they collected no more: no less / target / money

was enough / sufficient (1 mark)

ii. Whatever money they collected, they needed all of it. They could not spare for

anyone else / no excess whatever was collected was required. (1 mark)

i. There were a number of students. Only four from the group were admitted to the

university (1 mark)

ii. There were only four students and all of them were admitted to the university

(1 mark)

.
- break – through / breakthrough
- break – up / breakup
- break – even / breakeven 1 x 3 = 3 marks
- Risen
- dwelt / dwelled
- unconditionally 1 x 3 = 3 marks

22. 2012

a. (i) Esther accused Patricia of having stolen her dress.

(ii)The youth are more fascinated by this kind of dance than (are) adults. / The youth

are more fascinated than adults (are) by this kind of dance.

(iii) There is hardly any student in the classroom. / There are hardly any students in

the classroom.

b. (i) We regularly visit our grandparents in the village.

(ii) company has been in existence for twenty years.

(iii). The man agreed to accompany her to the market after a lot of persuasion.

(3marks)

wrong spelling- zero

c. (i) When we meet next – and 1 am not sure when – a lot of things will have changed.

(ii) Any information that you have (including minor details) should he submitted

to the office. (2marks)

Accept the use. of dashes, brackets or commas to indicate parenthesis.

d (i) The bomb went off/goes off/will go off/had gone off/is to go off/will be going off

around mid night.

(ii) You have to spell out to her what to do,

(iii) Mwangi has turned off /turned out the lights because he wants to sleep.

(3marks)

(i) short story revolves around a main character,

(ii) The teacher was grateful for the student’s input

(iii) He has been on leave since last week

(iv) Her life was riddled with contradiction.

KCSE ENGLISH GRAMMAR QUESTIONS

GRAMMAR

By Elimu Assistant Team

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KCSE ENGLISH GRAMMAR QUESTIONS

GRAMMAR

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You missed

LESSON PLAN 64: Break and Continue Statements in Control Structures

LESSON PLAN 63: Decision Statements in Programming

LESSON PLAN 62: Iteration Structures and Loops

LESSON PLAN 61: Sequential and Selection Structures