By Elimu Assistant Team 
ENGLISH ORAL SKILLS (30mks)
a) Read the story below and answer the questions that follow.
Thunder and Lightning (Nigeria)
A long time ago, both Thunder and Lightning lived on this earth, among the people. Thunder was a mother sheep and Lightning was her son, a ram. Neither animal was very popular with the people, for when somebody offended Lightning, he would fly into a furious rage and begin burning whatever he came across. This often included huts corn bins, and even large trees. Sometimes he damaged crops on the farms with his fire and occasionally he killed people who got in his way. As soon as Thunder knew he was behaving this way, she would raise her voice and shout at him as she could, and that was very loud indeed. Naturally, the neighbours were very upset, first at the damage caused by Lightning and then by the unbearable noise from his mother that always followed his outbursts. The villagers complained to the King on many occasions, until at last he sent the two of them to live at the very edge of the village, and said that they must not come and mix with the people any more.
However, this did no good, since Lightning could still see people as they walked about the village streets and so found it only too easy to continue picking quarrels with them. At last, the King sent for them again. “I have given you many chances to live a better life,” he said, but I can see that it is useless. From now on, you must go away from our village and live in the wild bush. We do not want to see your faces here again.”
Thunder and Lightning had to obey the King and agree to abide by his rule; so they left the village, angry at its inhabitants. But still, there was plenty of trouble in store for the villagers, since Lightning was so angry at being banished that he now set fire to the whole bush and since it was the dry season, this was extremely unfortunate. The flames spread to the little farms of the people and sometimes to their houses as well, so that they were in despair again.
They often heard the mother ram’s mighty voice calling her son to order but since it was always after the dark, it made very little difference in his actions. The king called all his counsellors together and asked them to advise him, and after much debate, they hit a plan. Why not banish Thunder and Lightning completely away from the earth, where the people hoped they would not be able to do any more damage? Things did not work out quite as well as they had hoped, however, Lightning still loses his temper from time to time and cannot resist sending fire down to the earth when he is angry. Then you can hear his mother rebuking him in her loud trembling voice.
ENGLISH ORAL SKILLS QUESTIONS
a)
i) As a narrator, what would you do to capture the audience’s attention before telling this story? (3mks)
………………………………………………………………………………………………
ii) How would you know that your audience is attentive while narrating this story?(4mks)
………………………………………………………………………………………..
iii) Explain how you would say the following sentence in the live performance of the story. (2mks)
“………….From now on, you must go away from our village and live in the wild bush, we do not want to see your faces here again.” ……………………………………………………
iv) Identify one instance of onomatopoeia in the story. (1mk) …………………………………………………………………………………………..
b)
i) For each of the words below, write another word that rhymes with it. (4mks)
a) pull
b) rain
c) race
d) bear
ii) Classify the words below according to the sounds indicated below.
Seal, mirage, keys, portion, ratio, axe, pleasure, daze. (4mks)
iii) You are a member of the community policing team investigating a crime committed
in your area. As you collect information you have to record oral reports from the eyewitnesses and the victims. Mention Four ways that would use to ensure you get useful tips and factual evidence. (4mks) ……………………………………………………………………………………………
c) Complete the following interview session. (8mks)
MR. MAGELO: Come right in young lady. Good afternoon?
YOU:…………………………………………………………………………………..
MR. MAGELO: Oh! Welcome! Let me look at your invitation letter and certificates.
YOU: …………………………………………………………………………………..
MR. MAGELO: Good , what value do you plan to add to our institution in case we
Give you the chance?
YOU: …………………………………………………………………………………..
MR. MAGELO: ICT is indeed very important for any organization that aspires to
make an impact in today’s world. Have you worked anywhere
before? And in what capacity?
YOU: …………………………………………………………………………………..
MR. MAGELO: Why did you stop working there?
YOU: …………………………………………………………………………………..
MR. MAGELO: It’s O.K. Retrenchment is common these days. What have you done
to ensure you do not face the same fate here too?
YOU: …………………………………………………………………………………..
MR. MAGELO: That’s good. I hope the Diploma will make you perform better, as
you put the determination into practice.
YOU: …………………………………………………………………………………..
ORAL SKILLS MARKING SCHEME
a)
i) I would use a summarizing riddle.
ii) I would ask a relevant question.
iii) I would clear my throat.
iv) I would say the introductory statement, ‘I have a story’
‘Take a story’
‘Story story’
v) I would start by singing a relevant song.
vi) I would challenge them with a tongue- twister.
ii) – When they are nodding their heads where appropriate.
- Through their facial expressions (relevant to the story)
- When they are clapping in agreement with the relevant situations.
- Laughing or expressing sadness where necessary.
- Maintaining eye contact with the recitor.
- Stamping their feet.
iii) I would say it with a commanding while pointing at them with a stern
index finger/gesturing using my hands the act of going away / nodding my
head in annoyance and disapproval.
iv) aloud rumbling voice.
b)
i)
a) pull – pool, tool, wool, etc
b) rain – reign, lane, pain, pane, etc
c) race – lace, base, case, face, etc
d) bear – bare, pear, pair, near, etc
ii) /s/ /z/ / / / /
seal keys portion mirage
axe daze ratio pleasure
iii) As you take an oral report;
Take short notes.
Pay attention to the non-verbal cues used by the speakers e.g facial expressions, gestures etc.
Pay attention to the use of sign posting.
Consider the use of pause to suggest hesitation on the part of the speakers.
Consider use of intonation to show finality as the speaker makes statements.
c)
i) Response to greeting (good afternoon sir) and how are you?
ii) Name and state that he/she is there for an interview.
iii) Here they are sir.
iv) Mention knowledge of computers.
v) Answer in the affirmative, mention capacity where he/she worked.
vi) Retrenchment.
vii) Talk of having acquired a diploma and promise to be more determined in his /her work if given the chance.
viii) Respond in the affirmative.
