KCSE ENGLISH COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

At cockcrow the next day, the usual hour for starting a long journey, the three started on their epic journey. It was still very dark but they walked surefooted as only those who live in bush country can. The dewy grass slapped moistly against their swiftly moving legs and trees and tree stumps rose suddenly out of the darkness making grotesque shadows out of the great shadow of the night. The trees whispered conspiratorially at each other and once in a while, an owl hooted, or some animal called its make, or a hyena laughed hysterically in the night. For all their bravado, the young men would have been at least a little afraid were it not for the calm confidence that Akoko exuded.

When there was a little and one could reduce one’s vigilance a little, Akoko started to recite the history of the people of Ramogi. This was not just a pastime but a bounden duty-for the history of the tribe could only be transmitted by mouth from generation to generation, else how can you know where you are going unless you know where you are coming from? Therefore whenever an elder was alone with a young person, he or she always recited the history of the tribe or clan.

“In the beginning, Were was alone in the world which was beautiful. Where is a spirit and a spirit is like a flame, you can only see it, but you cannot get hold of it. It is like air which you know is there but which you cannot touch. It is like the wind which can uproot a tree and hurl it afar but has no substance. It is like lightning which is seen in many places at once but is in none. Yes, it is like the essence of man which makes him all that he is yet departs from his quietly and suddenly leaving only a dead image. Were a great spirit. Ramogi and his brothers were men. Man has a spiritual form. Were sent the men he had created to various parts of the world to settle in it. Ramogi he sent to the country around the great lake which was a great favour for he had more spirit than his brothers.

The wife whom Were gave him was called Nyar Nam who embodied the spirit of the great lake. They had many children including Rachuonyo. Sakwa, Asembo, Yimbo, Gem, Uyoma, Nyakach, Seme and Ugenya among others who settled around the lake, tilling the land, taming animals and catching fish. These are children of Ramogi from whom we all arise. Of the children of Ramogi many great brave men have arisen. They are called, thuondi the brave ones. These men of renown include Lwanda Magere. So strong and brave a warrior was he that it is rumoured that the sharp spears of Lang’o warriors could not pierce his skin.

Then there was Gor Mahia, the wily one who could change his form into anything at all, thus confounding the enemy. There were many others, great leaders and warriors and women of renown such as Lela Kabanda, the mighty warrior, Onyango Randar – man of war, Ogutu Kipapi, great warrior and my direct ancestors, Tawo Kogot, Obando Mumbo, Oracha Rambo, and the woman Nyamgondho of mighty wealth. There are many others whom we should aspire to imitate.

She continued in that vein with the twins interjecting a question now and again until they reached the borders of Gem where they rested for the night.

(Extract availed on The River And The Source)

Questions

1. Explain why Akoko makes this journey at this point in the story. (4 marks)

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2. This journey has a bearing on future events in the text, in which ways? (4 marks)

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3. Explain two stylistic devices in this excerpt showing their effectiveness. (6 marks)

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4. Identify and illustrate any one theme in the excerpt. (2 marks)

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5. Describe two character traits of Akoko as brought out in this extract. (4 marks)

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6. ‘Were’ is a great spirit……………(add an appropriate question tag) ( 1 mark)

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7. Explain briefly what happens immediately after this extract. (4 marks)

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KCSE ENGLISH COMPREHENSION MARKING SCHEME

(a) (i) To seek the intervention of the new administration in Kisumu against her brother in law,
Otieno who on becoming chief robs who on becoming chief robs Akoko of her hard earned
wealth and takes Akoko’s grandson rightful position as the chief. (4 marks)

    (ii) Otieno is dethroned
         Council of Jodongo assumes full power. Otieno returns Akoko’s wealth which he had grabbed
         The chiefs stool is reserved for young per Owour.  (1 x 4 = 4 marks)

(b) (i) Personification – The trees whispered conspiratorially at each other.
– The hyena laughed hysterically

          Effect – To provide a vivid description that shows the journey as dangerous.
     (ii) Story – within – a story – The story of Ramogi.
          Effect – Akoko uses it to pass on her culture to her nepnews.

    (iii) Local dialect – words such as thuondi; were
          Effect – Gives authenticity, originality or local flavour to the story

• marries the story to the setting (3 x 2 ) (6 marks)
  Award for any other relevant point, Any point with no illustration do not award)

( c) Transition – The journey is meant to open a new era in Akoko’s life.
The journey marks the beginning of colonial influence on the people and the end of
traditional leadership/chiefdom.

        Family relations – The story-within a strong demonstrates the strong family ties that bound the
                                       Luo Community together under their ancestral father Ramogi – Oloo sends
                                      his sons to accompany their aunt Akoko.

         Religion:- The Luo people believed in a supreme God ‘Were’

(d) Confident – determined to go to Kisuma and also exudes a calm confidence to her nephews.
Intelligent/clever/witty – narrates the mythical story of the origin of the Luo
people with ease.
(Any two character traits well illustrated, 4 marks (2 x 2)

                              (observation without illustrations no mark)

(e) Isn’t he? (no mark for wrong punctuation) (1 mark)

(f) In the outskirts of Kisuma, Akoko learns that Kisuma has changed to Kisumu.
– She learns that the big white chief was called a D.O and does not work on Sunday.
– She meets Otuoma who hosts her and her nephews for the night.
– She plans to see the D.O the following day.
( 1 x 4 = marks)