THE MASTER KEY TO SUCCESS IN ENGLISH

PAPER ONE (COMPOSITION)

GRADE 10-12 (ZAMBIAN SYLUBUS)

TOPICS

➢ KEY POINTS ON VARIOUS COMPOSITION TOPICS

➢ EXAMINATION PAST QUESTIONS
➢ EXAMINATION TIPS ON VARIOUS QUESTIONS

VOLUME 4 2024
AUTHOR: MR.R. HAMALAMBO

Language Teacher

HERMANN GMEINER SECONDARY SCHOOL – LIVINGSTONE

DISTRICT

CONTACTS: 0978407512/0954242993

NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION SHOULD BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT

PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR

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NARRATIVE COMPOSITION

Narrative composition is a form of writing that tells a story. The story can either be real or an
imagined story.

Narratives have five elements which are plot, setting, character, conflict and theme. Writers use
style, chronological order, a point of view and other strategies to tell a story.

A narrative essay tells a vivid story, usually from one person’s point of view

FEATURES OF A NARRATIVE COMPOSITION

(i) Title: Come up with a good title

(ii) Introduction: Hook, tell the reader what the story is about
(iii) Main body: Setting which is the location of events in time and place, plot which is a
thread of events that occur in a story, characters are people in the story who drive the
plot, conflict is the problem being resolved, background of the events in a given
narrative. Climax of the story is also included in the story.
(iv) Conclusion: Include the closing action of the events
KEY POINTS WHEN ANSWERING A NARRATIVE COMPOSITION
➢ Your words need to be vivid and colourful to help the reader feel the same
feelings you felt.
➢ You should use conflict and make sequence like in any story.
➢ You may use flashbacks and flash-forwards to help the story build toward a
climax
IDIOMS AND PROVERBS IN NARRATIVE ESSAYS

APPLICATION OF IDIOMS AND PROVERBS

The idioms and proverbs are very important as they come in paper one of the grade 12
Examinations. Proverbial or idiomatic questions come under section A free style composition.

Example

Write a story with of the following tiles

(a) One eyed man is a hero among the blind (2022)

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 (b) Love is blind (2018)
The above question requires that a candidate should understand the meaning of the
proverb and creates a story related to the idiom or proverb.
This means a candidate is allowed to create his own story related to the given idiom or
proverb.
MODEL ANSWER 2018 QUESTION

LOVE IS BLIND

There was a man who was studying in college, in his class there was a beautiful lady and he was
madly in love with her. But the lady did not love him, she had many friends and was not serious
with them, she just used to joke around. She was also friendly with him and used to take work
from him and he was more than happy to do her work. Many times he expressed his love but the
lady always replied, she didn’t love him.

When they had done their graduation, he learnt that the lady is getting married, he again tried to
win her hand but she refused. She got married to someone in her family, the man was very bad
tempered and after some time started treating her very badly. In the meantime, she had a child.

But after five years of her marriage she became very sick and had cancer. Her husband didn’t care
for her and still treated her badly. Her classmate still loved her and tried sometimes to see her but
when he learnt that she is very sick he became very sad.

One day he learnt that her girlfriend had died he could do nothing except to cry as he still loved
her, he used to see her son sometime at the school gate and used to give him sweets.

He used to go to the grave of her girlfriend to put flowers and he used to cry. His girlfriend had
gone but he still remembers and love her.

DESCRIPTIVE COMPOSITION
Is a composition that describes a person, place or a thing in such a way that a picture is
formed in the reader’s mind. Capturing an event through descriptive writing involves paying
close attention to the details by using all your five senses.
Describing a person

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 You can start your description by describing someone’s gender, height, weight, age, hair
colour or eye colour.
ADJECTIVES YOU CAN USE TO DESCRIBE A PERSON

➢ Gorgeous ADJECTIVES FOR

➢ Beautiful NEUTRA/NEGATIVE APPEARANCE
➢ Pretty ➢ Strong
➢ Handsome ➢ Slim
➢ Attractive ➢ Weak
➢ Nice ➢ Short
➢ Stunning ➢ Tall
➢ Good-looking ➢ Fat
➢ Cute ➢ Muscular
➢ Charming ➢ Unhappy
➢ Happy ➢ Boring
➢ Sincere ➢ rude
➢ Courageous ➢ Arrogant

THE FRIEND I MET ACCIDENATALLY

At a recent party, I had the pleasure of speaking with a person named Sarah. The party was a
friend’s birthday celebration, held at their home on a Saturday evening. Sarah was a friend of a
friend and I had never met her before.

We started talking about our shared interest in hiking and outdoor activities. Sarah was full of
stories about her adventures and it was clear she was very passionate about the subject. She had
recently gone on a trip to a national park and showed me pictures of her journey. She
was knowledgeable, humorous and very friendly.

Our conversation eventually turned to work and I was surprised to learn that Sarah was a software
engineer. It was fascinating to hear about her experience in the tech industry and her thoughts on
the current advancements in artificial intelligence.

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I enjoyed talking to Sarah at the party because she was a great conversationalist, and she made me
feel comfortable and at ease. I found her to be intelligent, interesting, and humble. She had a
positive outlook on life and was always eager to share her experiences and opinions.

Overall, talking to Sarah at the party was a wonderful experience, and I hope to have the chance
to talk to her again in the future.

STANDARD EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

1. Describe the longest distance you have covered by foot stating the purpose and
the challenges faced. (2022)
2. Describe the most uncomfortable house you have been to. (2021)
3. Describe an occasion when the youngest family member resolved a persistent
problem in the home. (GCE 2022).
4. Describe an occasion when you met a very special person. (GCE 2019)
5. Describe an event you will live to remember. (GCE 2023)

DISCURSSIVE COMPOSITION
Is a type of writing that requires that you present and discuss different viewpoints
on a given topic.
It deals with two or more ideas.
FEATURES OF DISCURSSIVE COMPOSITION
(i) Title: Come up with a title
(ii) Introduction; The first paragraph should introduce the topic you are
talking about.
(iii) Main body: In the second paragraph begin with a clear topic sentence that
the reader knows what the paragraph is about.
(iv) Conclusion: This paragraph should very briefly and summarise the
strongest points you made.

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 SAMPLE OF A DISCURSSIVE ESSAY

MOBILE PHONES SHOULD BE BANNED IN PUBLIC PLACES

Society has mixed feelings about the use of mobile phones in public places like restraunts
and cinemas. However, they were almost unknown twenty years ago, these days they are
part of everyone’s life and the world would now feel a strange place without them.
One of the strongest arguments in favour of banning of mobile phones is the annoyance
they cause other people.
Although audiences are always asked to turn off their mobiles when they go to the cinema,
you can be sure that the film you are watching will be interrupted by the sound of at least
five ringing phones. Therefore, many people insist on continuing their conversation. Even
though hundreds of people can hear them. For this reason many people would welcome a
ban on mobile phones in places where they might irritate others.
On the other hand, there are a number of arguments against such a ban. It is really difficult
to stop users bringing their mobile phones into public places and therefore, it would be
virtually impossible to enforce any ban. Some would see it as some infringements of their
rights. Others would say they need them in case of an emergence. Despite others being told
to turn their they insist to leave them on which is causing disturbances when the phone
rings.
There will always be someone who thinks that their call is more important and they may
not agree to switch off their phone. This calls for banning of cells phones in public places.
STANDARD ECZ QUESTIONS
1. The fight against crime must not be left in the hands of the police alone. Discuss
(GCE 2022)
2. When studying, learners are better off using textbooks than information technology
devices. Discuss. (2021)
3. Learners should be allowed to take subjects of their choice at secondary schools.
Discuss. (2020)
4. Adolescence is the most delicate stage in one’s life. Discuss. (2019)
5. Women should be allowed to wear anything they like. Discuss. (2014)

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 EXPOSITORY COMPOSITION

Refers to a type of composition that explains how a process is done, giving directions, giving
instructions or comparing things.

However, there three main kinds of exposition.

(i) Explanation of an idea: It is therefore important to know what you want to explain.
This can help you to come up with well-organized ideas.
(ii) Explaining the process: This involves explaining how something is done in terms of
process.
(iii) Giving directions: This involves giving instructions, information or directions to a
person.

STANDARD ECZ QUESTIONS

1. Explain how best your community can prevent the spread of Covid- 19 pandemic.
(2022)
2. Explain why some parents are strict with their children. (2021)
3. Explain the importance of traditional ceremonies. (2020).
4. Explain how you struggled to reach grade Twelve.
5. Write about the complete process leading to production of any crop. (2023 GCE)

LETTER WRITING
A letter is a means of communication that contains a text message which can be
handwritten or typed, sent by one person to another.
TYPES OF LETTERS
(i) Informal letter: This is a letter written to friends or people of our age.
(ii) Formal Letter: This is a letter written to people in their official capacity.
(iii) Semi-formal Letter: This is a letter written to people who are elder like an
uncle, auntie, church pastor etc.

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 INFORMAL LETTER (FRIENDLY)

Choma secondary school,

P.O BOX 630014,
Choma.

10th October, 2023.

Dear Ronex,
How are you doing that side. I hope and trust that you are doing very well where you
are.
I thank you so much for the letter you sent last time. It was great to hear from you after
so many months. It seems you had some good time in the city of Livingstone.
I absolutely love the photos you sent last time while you were standing in front of the
knife bridge at the Victoria falls. Livingstone looks stunning. Definitely I will visit you
this coming December holiday.
There is nothing happening here. I have been very busy my work and children.
By the way are you coming home anytime soon? If you are, let me know the dates and
we can arrange to meet up.
Hope to see you soon.
Yours loving friend
Sarah
FORMAL LETTER
This is a letter written for the purpose of communicating official information.
Its main characteristic is that it is written in a formal tone by showing respect to people
who have higher hierarchy.
It’s very important to make a very good impression.

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 FEATURES OF A FORMAL LETTER
(i) Sender’s Address: This is the address for the writer of the letter.
(ii) Date: This is usually the date when the letter was written.
(iii) Receiver’s Address: This is the address for the person receiving the letter:
(iv) Salutation: Dear editor
(v) Reference: This is the subject of the letter. E.g Application for a job as a
driver.
(vi) Introduction: This is the beginning paragraph where you are introducing the
issue you want to address to the media.
(vii) Main body: various ideas written in paragraphs.
(viii) Conclusion: This should be an enforcement of the points raised in the main
body.
(ix) The Ending: Yours Sincerely if the receiver is known and use yours faithfully
if the receive is not known.

ARTICLE WRITING

An article is a piece of writing usually intended for publication in a magazine or a newspaper. It

entertains, informs and educate the general public.

FORMS OF ARTICLES

(i) News Article: These are articles that contain various news items.
(ii) Sports Articles: These are articles that contains sports related issues.
(iii) Letter to Editor: Is a letter contributed to newspaper or magazine by members of the
general public.
(iv) Editorial Comment: This is usually the chief editor’s comment on important issues
raised in the newspapers.
(v) Feature Article: Is a persuasive text that expresses an opinion, informs the reader
about a subject and is enjoyable to read.
MAJOR KINDS OF ARTICLES
(I) Article for school magazine: This is an article that is written for publication
in a school magazine.

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 (II) Article for National Newspaper: This is an article written for publication in
a national newspaper such as the Zambia daily Mail, News Diggers etc.
(III) Article for International Newspaper: It is an article that is written for
publication in an international newspaper e.g the Zimbabwean Herald
Newspaper publishing a Zambian story.
FORMAT OF A FEATURE ARTICLE
(a) Title: A good article should have a title.
(b) Introduction: This is usually the introductory paragraph that introduces the
topic under discussion. Tell the readers what the article is about.
(c) Main body: Each idea must be written in a single paragraph.
(d) Conclusion: Summarize the key supporting ideas you discussed so that
you can offer a final impression of your article.
(e) Sign in of an Article: Below is an example.
(i) Article of school Magazine
Joshua Hamalambo
12A
(ii) National News paper
Ebeneza Phiri
Choma
(iii) Wamuyi Gracious
South Africa

STANDARD ECZ QUESTION GCE 2021

You are the chief editor of the school’s young writers club and have been assigned to write
an article on “Globalisation”. You decide to interview your uncle, Dr Dudu, who is an expert
in this field. Below is the recorded interview:
You: Good morning, Uncle Dudu.
Dr: Good morning to you.
You: Doctor, I would like to find out what is meant by globalization.

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Dr: Interesting question. Well, globalization is a term used to describe the growing
worldwide interdependence of both humans and nations.
You: So, is the implication that the world is becoming one big global village?
Dr: Precisely! You know, as different countries share technology, values and ideas, they also
share prosperity. Thus, the playing field is being levelled.
You: That’s great.
Dr: wait a minute! However, the rich countries are becoming richer and the poorer. Only
few hands have access to wealth.
You: How so?
Dr: Money is also smuggled because of open borders.
You: So, globalization has both advantages and disadvantages?
Dr: You are quick to catch up. Since I have already highlighted the pros and cons from the
economic point of view, I will now look at political, cultural and environmental factors.
You: Let’s begin with the political one.
Dr: As countries share ideas and wealth, they think twice before they go to war. They also
learn from each other. However, some terrorists take advantage of this and invade other
sovereign states.
You: Culturally?
Dr: Oh! As can be seen everywhere, young people talk and dress differently. The Western
culture has corrupted them in fashion and language.
You: And the good side?
Dr: Through cultural interactions, we have come up with the best human rights.
You: Coming to the environment?
Dr: We are all aware of global warming. It may be caused far away but felt here.
You: Nevertheless, environmentally friendly ways of dealing with nature are being shared
by experts.
Dr: Now, you are educating me.
You: Sorry.
Dr: The spread of epidemics is also on the rise. Some species are invading other lands, and
drugs and people alike are being smuggled.
You: Thanks a lot, Uncle Dudu.

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 Dr: Don’t mention it.
Using the relevant points only and/or by adding ideas of your own write the article. The
length of your article should be between 250 and 350 words. Words written beyond the word
limit will not be considered to be part of your composition.

MODEL ANSWER GCE 2021

GLOBALISATION

Globalisation is a term used to describe the growing worldwide interdependence of both humans
and the nations. Globalisation has both advantages and disadvantages. This means that the world
is becoming one big global village. Different cultures share technology, values sand ideas, they
also share prosperity. Thus, the playing field is being levelled.

The rich countries are becoming richer and the poor poorer. There are only few hands that have
access to wealth. On the other hand, money is also being smuggled from one country to another
due to porous border system. This is worsening the situation in different countries as poverty keeps
on increasing.

On the political point of view, as the countries share ideas and wealth, they think twice before
going to war. They also learn from each other. However, some terrorists take advantage of this and
invade other sovereign states. These terrorists attack countries and causing wars in different
countries in this world. War is not good as it leads to destruction of properties and loss of lives.

Culture is also affected as young people talk and dress differently. This western culture has
corrupted the fashion and the language of youths worldwide. This has worsened the behavior of
youths as it has become very bad. The dress code has completely changed most especially among
youths. The cultural interactions, the best human rights have come.

It has also brought global warming though it may be caused away from us but the effects are felt
here. This has brought changes in climate. Some areas are experiencing droughts while others are
experiencing floods.

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There are some environmentally friendly ways of dealing with nature. The spread of epidemics is
also on the rise. Species are invading other lands, and drugs. People are also being smuggled from
one country to another which is not a good thing.

Joshua Hamalambo

12A

DIARY WRITING

Diary is a daily log that records the events that happen during the day.

Diary writing is keeping record of each day’s activities or thoughts or ideas.

A diary is written mainly for the writer’s use alone. It has a frankness that is unlike writing done
for publication.

DIARY ENTRY

A diary entry is a short composition, a record of the writer’s personal feelings, thoughts or
activities during the course of a particular day.

It can be as short or as long as you want.

It is important to note that one does not write about things they have experienced on daily basis
but you only write about those events or experiences that are of significance.

FORMAT FOR DIARY ENTRIES

A good diary entry contains the following features.

1. Date: This is important as it serves as a reminder of when the event happened. It is written in
the left corner of the page in the diary.

2. Day: This will be used to indicate on which day of the week that you made the entry.

3. Time of the day: Serves as a reminder of the time of the day the entry was made was made.
E.g afternoon or morning.

4. Salutation: After the time, skip a line and write the salutation. The salutation is written as
‘Dear Dairy’.

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5. Heading (option): This is used to know what the diary entry is about or what was special
about that particular day.

6. Body: this is the actual content that needs to be written.

➢ It must be written using the first-person pronoun e.g (I, We)

➢ The tense used should be simple past, present perfect or the future tense.
➢ The length of the entry can be 100-150 words.
➢ You have to be more creative and thoughtful about content but clear and brief.
➢ Thoughts or ideas have to be expressed in a logical manner and may be written in form of
paragraphs.
➢ Provide important details of the place, time, people or things that were part of the event.
➢ Write about your feelings in details and explain why you feel that way.

7. Author’s first name: In the end you write your first name.

STYLE AND TONE

➢ The style and tone is generally informal and personal.

➢ However, it depends on the subject. Sometimes the tone can be philosophical and
reflective too.
➢ You can freely express your view points and feelings.
LANGUAGE
➢ Use simple or informal language but avoid using slang or colloquial language (if for
academic writing).

SAMPLE DAIRY ENTRY

6th February, 2023

Monday

10.30 hours

Dear Diary,

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 An Encounter With my Old Friend

Today was a day full of surprises. I met my old friend, Judy after many years. I ran into her at the
university of Zambia during the orientation process for the first-year registration. Lusaka was the
last place thought I would meet her.

As we lined up for registration at the graduation square. I saw a familiar- looking face staring at
me with curiosity. Suddenly, it dawned simultaneously on both of us that each of us was staring
at a long ‘high school sweetheart’. Our joy knew no boundaries as we rushed towards each other
and embraced in a warm hug.

It was so nice to meet my old friend and enjoyed having some good moments at the graduation
square. She reminded me about my days at Monze secondary school. We exchanged contact
numbers and she promised to get in touch with me later on. I will never forget this surprise
moment for the rest of my life.

Joshua

PROFILE WRITING

This is an account of someone’s life from birth to death

Auto-Biography: This is an account of someone’s life written by himself or herself.

Biography: Is an account of someone’s life written by another person.

RELEVANCE OF A PROFILE

It is used during funerals

It shows the readers or listeners the type of status one has or had.

It can also be used to motivate young people to achieve their goals by reading profiles of great
men.

FEATURES OF A PROFILE

(i) Title: A title should contain the name of the person you are writing about. e.g AN
ACCOUNT OF MICHAEL CHILUFYA SATA’S LIFE.
(ii) Introduction:Talk about the early life of the person that includes childhood life.

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 (iii) Main body: Talking about someone’s educational background, work experience,
family life and hobbies.
(iv) Conclusion: Write about someone’s future plans.

SAMPLE OF A PROFILE

AN ACCOUNT OF RONEX HAMALAMBO’S LIFE

Ronex Hamalambo was born in 1993 in Choma district of Southern province. He was the fourth
child of Mr Robbs Hamalambo a secondary school teacher in Mazabuka District. He did not attend
early childhood education. He grew up as a child who feared God as he worshiped in the seventh
Day Adventist Church.

He started his primary school at Lubombo primary school in Mazabuka District. Seven years later
he wrote his grade seven examination. Due to his hard work, he performed very well during the
examinations. As a result of good performance he was selected to go to St Marks secondary school
in Choma. While at this school he continued to work hard in his education. In 2008 he sat for his
junior secondary school. He was one of the best performing pupils. The following year he went to
Monze Secondary where he continued with his senior secondary education. He was involved in a
number of academic clubs which helped him to perform very well during the grade twelve
examinations.

Upon completion of his secondary school, he went to Chalimbana University to study Bachelor
arts with education where he majored in English language and History.

In 2018 he was appointed as a secondary school teacher at Highland Secondary school in Lusaka
District. A year later he was appointed as the Social science teachers association Chairperson for
Chipata zone in Mandevu constituency of Lusaka District. He was also appointed as a Board
Member in that same year.

Few years later he was transferred to Kabanana Secondary School in the same capacity as a
secondary school teacher. While at this school he was appointed as the Prefectural Board Patron.
He also did another training in Comprehensive sexuality education at ZAMISE which was
sponsored by the United Nations. He also did another training in Peace and conflict resolution
education which was organized by a Korean organization.

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His life has inspired a lot of youths especially those who are still in school. He has demonstrated
that hard work and being focused to your goals is the only key to success.

RECOMMENDATION LETTER
➢ This is a letter written to recommend someone for a job or sponsorship. This
is done by a person in his official capacity to write.
➢ It is a formal letter and it uses a formal language.
➢ A recommendation letter has features of a formal letter.

SAMPLE OF A RECOMMENDATION LETTER

Kabanana Secondary
School,

P.O. BOX 30766,

LUSAKA.

15th September, 2023.

The Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Board

P.O BOX 30487,

Lusaka.

Dear Sir/madam

RE: RECOMMENATION FOR ESTHER NG’ANDU

Reference is made to the above captioned matter.

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I hereby write to recommend Esther Ng’andu for a 100% scholarship to study medicine at the
University of Zambia. She was our student from 2020 to 2022. Kabanana secondary school selects
pupils with very good results from our local area. I have known Esther Ng’andu for the past four
years during the time I was her teacher of Chemistry. She is a very intelligent girl with outstanding
performance in all the subjects.

She is a very disciplined girl and all the teachers did not have any problem with her because she is
a person who is focused with her educational goals. I have no doubt because I know she has a
brighter future ahead.

Esther is a girl with performance who always remained after classes for afternoon studies. This
helped to excel in her academic career. This shows how committed Esther is to her academic
career. I remember during her grade 12 term one test she was one of the best performing in Biology
as she got an 80% and followed by Chemistry where she got 70 %.

While at this school she was so interested in sciences and was involved in a number of educational
related school programmes such as quiz organized at school level. This helped her to become one
of our best performing student in the year 2022.

I have no doubt that she is going to do very well once she is given an opportunity to study pharmacy
at your University because she is focused on her goals and works very hard in order to achieve
them

I therefore recommend her for scholarship to study medicine

Any assistance rendered to her would be highly appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

(signed)

Hamalambo Ronex

Class teacher

STANDARD ECZ QUESTION 2015 GCE

As an outgoing head boy or head girl, you have been asked by head teacher to write a
letter of recommendation about the In-coming head boy or head girl who is to take

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 over from you. You have written down the following notes to help you write the
letter.
- Cares for others.
- Determined to work in all areas.
- Leads by example.
- Conducts oneself responsibility.
- Mature
- Has self-respect.
- Respect others.
- Confident
- Above average in academic performance
- Ready and willing to take up leadership:
- Good communicator.
- Adapts easily to anger.
- Cooperative
- Firm but fair
- God fearing,
- Physically fit
- Active in sports
- Smart
- Sociable
- Understands channels of communication
Using the notes above, write the letter of recommendation. You are free to add
ideas of your own. The length of your letter should be between 250 and 350
words. Any words written beyond the word limit beyond will not be considered as
part of your composition.

REPORT WRITING

A report is an account of something heard, witnessed, or researched.

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When writing a report, it is very important to pay attention to the following questions which are,
why, what, when, where, who and how. These questions help to answer any given report
question.

A report is not a letter; therefore, it should not have an address.

TYPES OF REPORTS

(i) Narrative Report

(ii) Investigative Report
(iii) Police Report
FEATURES OF A NARRATIVE REPORT
(a) A good title: the title should be brief and talk about what the report is about.
(b) Introduction: Sum up the major factors of the events by answering the what,
how, when, where, who, why questions. This will help you to come up with a
very good introduction.
(c) Main body: Details of events are written in the main body.
(d) Conclusion: The last event to happen serves as a good conclusion.
(e) Recommendations: Is mostly included in an investigative report.
(f) End by saying: Written by Gloria Hamalambo
INVESTIGATIVE REPORT
An investigative report should have sub headings within the report.
It should also have recommendations that can be listed in point form.

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 FORMAT OF A POLICE REPORT
From: Constable Simasiku Nyambe
To: The Officer In- Charge
Mazabuka Police station, Mazabuka
Date: 6th October, 2023
SUBJECT: AGGRAVED ROBERY CASE IN KABOBOLA COMPOUND
Introduction: Begin by answering the five W and one H questions mentioned
earlier.
Main body: Write in details how it happened
Conclusion: The last event to happen can serve as a good conclusion.

SAMPLE QUESTION

STATISTICAL REPORT 2022 GCE QUESTION

You are a member of the Neighbourhood watch. You have been asked to write a report to the
Police officer- In charge on the crime rate in your community and the steps taken to curb it.
Below is a table and the notes to help you write the report.

Case January February March

Murder 05 02 00

Assault 35 20 16

Rape 06 01 01

Robbery 14 07 04

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 Burglary 11 09 07

Total 71 39 28

Notes:

- No movements after 22.00 hours.

- Co-operation with state police.
- Neighbourhood watch patrols at night.
- Domestic cases go through Neighbourhood watch.
- Criminals connive with Neighbouhood watch.
- Impassable
- All offenders severely punished.
- criminal sensitization programs on local radio stations.
- Households urged to tighten security.
- Drinking places close early.
- Vegetables very cheap.
- Neighbourhood watch formed end of January.
- No well water.
Using the relevant notes only, write the report. The length of the report should be
between 250 and 350 words. Words written beyond the word limit will not be considered
to be part of your composition

SAMPLE OF A POLICE REPORT GCE 2022 ANSWER

From: Neighbouhood Watch Lubasi Nalukui

To: Officer in-Charge

Livingstone Central Police Station, Livingstone

Date: 22nd June, 2022

SUBJECT: REPORT ON THE CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN LINDA COMPOUND

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In the recent past, the police received a number of reports about various criminal activities such as
murder, assault, rape, robberies and burglary.

Referring to the table, in January the Police received seventy-one criminal cases. There was an
increase in the number of Assault cases. Robbery and burglary cases that were recorded were on
average while only five cases of murder were reported and six cases of rape. One of the reasons
why there was a reduction in rape and murder cases was due to the introduction of criminal
sensitization programs that were aired on the local radio station and also the closing of drinking
places early.

According to the table, the Police received thirty-nine criminal cases in the month of February.
The Police received twenty assault cases, nine cases of burglary were also reported in the same
month and seven cases of robbery were reported. However, the Police recorded the lowest number
of cases of murder and rape in the same month. There was generally improvement as result
neighbourhood watch patrols. People were also not allowed to move after 22. 00 hours as the beer
drinking places were closing early.

In the month of March, the Police received only twenty-eight cases. The Police also received
sixteen cases of assault cases, seven cases of burglary were also reported in the same month. Four
cases of robbery were also recorded. They also recorded the least number of rape cases.
Furthermore, there was no case of murder that was recorded that month. This was due to the
tightened security in the households. The offenders were also punished severely. There was also
cooperation between the members of the public and the state police.

KEY POINTS TO FOLLOW WHEN WRITING A REPORT

➢ Be factual in your writing.
➢ The language used in a report should be formal, simple and straightforward to the
point.
➢ The author of the report should write his/her name and his position at the end of the
report.

LETTER TO EDITOR

23
 This is a letter contributed to the magazine or newspaper by members of the public.
A letter to Editor is a formal letter. Therefore, it should use formal language and style.
FEATURES OF LETTER TO EDITOR
(i) Sender’s Address: This is the address for the writer of the letter.
(ii) Date: This is usually the date when the letter was written.
(iii) Receiver’s Address: This is the address for the person receiving the letter:
(iv) Salutation: Dear editor
(v) Reference: This is the subject of the letter. E.g Abuse of social media by youths in
Zambia.
(vi) Introduction: This is the beginning paragraph where you are introducing the issue you
want to address to the media.
(vii) Main body: Various ideas written in paragraphs.
(viii) Conclusion: This should be an enforcement of the points raised in the main body.
(ix) The Ending: Yours Sincerely if the receiver is known and use yours faithfully if the
receive is not known.

SAMPLE OF LETTER TO EDITOR

St Marks’s Secondary school,

Private Bag 1XC,

Choma.

20th October, 2023.

The Editor,

Zambia Daily Mail Newspaper,

P.O BOX,

Lusaka.

Dear Editor,

24
RE: THE DANGERS OF EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Am writing to express my views about the above captioned matter.

I strongly believe that examination leakages have contributed to declining quality education in
Zambia.

Due to that people who are not qualified to get certain qualifications have been getting these
qualifications through various forms of cheating in the examination. As a result of that
unqualified people are allowed to become engineers and doctors. This puts the future of the
nation in a stagnation state where engineers who don’t have appropriate skills are making bridges
that are collapse creating loss of revenue to the government.

I appeal to the government to make stiff laws in order to punish people who involve themselves
in malpractice.

Yours Sincerely,

(Signed)

Luyando Mweemba

STANDARD EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

1. Write a letter to the editor suggesting ways of making your area a better place to live in.
(GCE 2023).

SPEECH WRITING

A Speech is a special address given to a gathering audience. A speech can be formal or informal.

TYPES OF SPEECH.

(i) Introductory speech: This is a speech delivered to introduce the guest speaker. It is
also used to introduce the audience to the guest speaker. The speech will also rise the
guest speaker to come and address the audience.
(ii) Main speech: This is the speech delivered by the guest speaker. It is the main
business of the gathering.

25
 (iii) Vote of thank: This is a speech delivered to the audience to thank the guest speaker
for the address. It is done at the end of the gathering
FORMAT OF THE MAIN SPEECH
(a) Title: the main speech has a title which carries the message being addressed, venue,
name of the person addressing the gathering.
(b) Introduction: Begin your speech by giving salutations in according to the order of
seniority.
(c) Appreciation: This can be written in the same paragraph with the salutations.
Appreciations come after salutations.
(d) Conclusion: End your speech with a statement that restates the purpose. It is also vital to
follow the order of salutations. You need to thank the audience for paying attention to
your speech.
STANDARD ECZ QUESTION 2022

2022 INTERNAL QUESTION

You have been selected to take part in National Schools’ Debate competition to be held at
Mulungushi International conference Centre in Lusaka on the motion: “Rural life is better than
town”.

Below are the points for you to use to write a speech in favour of the motion.

➢ Safer – much less crime than in towns.

➢ Healthier- fresh air and food.
➢ Accommodation is cheaper.
➢ People are more friendly – not always in a hurry.
➢ Much less danger from traffic.
➢ Food always tastes better if you grow it yourself.
➢ Better atmosphere in smaller community.
➢ Towns are dirty and polluted.
➢ Easier to bring up children in rural areas.
➢ Rural children better behaved and more polite.
➢ Food much better.

26
 ➢ Too many people in towns – unfriendly, and you don’t know who to trust.
Using the relevant points and some of your own, write a speech. The length of the speech
should be between 250 and 350 words.

SPEECH DELIVERED BY GRACE PHIRI AT THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS DEBATE

COMPETITION HELD AT MULUNGUSH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
CENTRE ON 22ND JUNE, 2022.

The Chairperson, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome you all to this important debate
competition whose motion is “Rural life is better than town life”. Indeed, life in rural is better than
town life”. Allow me to also thank the school administration for allowing to have a rare opportunity
to address this gathering.

It is a rare privilege to welcome you all to the National Schools Debate Competition. For a number
of years our school has been performing very well in debate. The school won a number of awards
in debate for the past five years.

Mr chairperson, it has been proven that rural life is better than town because in rural areas life is
much safer than in town. There is less crime rate in rural areas. It is easier to raise children in rural
areas because people are more friendly and the atmosphere is better as a result of having smaller
communities.

Ladies and gentlemen, life is healthier in rural areas as there is fresh air and food. People have
enough food to eat in rural areas. Food always tastes better in rural areas as they grown it on their
own in rural areas. Accommodation is also cheap in rural areas as there is mostly no need to pay
rent.

Mr Chairperson, life in rural areas is cheaper as people are able to build cheaper houses using the
available building materials in rural areas than in town where there are many people who are
usually unfriendly and it is difficult to know who you can trust in towns. In towns there is dirty
and mostly polluted by so many pollutants.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you Mr Chairperson for inviting me to officially open this
year’s Debate competition.

I thank you all for your attention.

27
MINUTES WRITING
Minutes are a record of proceedings in a meeting.
A meeting is an assembly for a particular purpose, especially for formal discussion.
IMPORTANCE OF MINUTES
➢ They serve both historical and legal purposes
➢ Shows who was in attendance.
➢ Can be used as a point of reference in terms of decisions that were made.
FEATURES OF MINUTES
(i) Title: Must have the following.
➢ Name of the group that is meeting.
➢ The venue (Place of meeting).
➢ Date when the meeting took place
➢ The time when the meeting begins.
➢ Example: MINUTES OF THE OPENING STAFF MEETING HELD
IN THE STAFFROOM ON 1ST DECEMBER,2023 AT 10:00
HOURS
(ii) Attendance list: The list of attendance should be written in the following
order.
(a) Present: These are members who are physically present at the
meeting.
(b) Absent: These are members who are absent without any apologies.
(c) Apologies: These are names of members who are absent and have sent
apologies.
(d) In Attendance: These are people who attend the meeting but are not
members of the meeting group.
(iii) Agenda: This is a list or an outline of items to be discussed.
(a) Opening Prayer
(b) Call the meeting to order
(c) Opening remarks

28
 (d) Reading of the previous minutes.
(e) Corrections/adoptions of the previous minutes.
(f) Matters arising
(g) Main business
(h) Any other business
(i) Closing remarks/prayer
SAMPLE OF MINUTES

MINUTES FOR THE LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT HELD IN THE LIBRARY ON 15TH

JUNE,2023 AT 10:00 HOURS

MEMBERS PRESENT
Mr Zulu D.
Mrs Musongole I
Mrs Daka
Mrs Habukali B
Mr Hamalambo.R
Ms Moondoma
APOLOGIES
Mr Lubasi.N

Agenda
1. Opening prayer
2. Opening remarks
3. Reading, correction and adoption of previous minutes
4. Maters Arising
5. Business of the Day
6.Any other business
7. Closing Remarks

29
1.1 Opening Prayer
1.2 The opening prayer was offered by Ms Moondoma
2. 0 Opening Remarks
2.1 The meeting was called to order around 11.15 hours. The chairperson welcomed all the
members to the continuous Development program for languages department.
3.0 Reading, Correction and adoption of Previous Minutes
3.1 The minutes were read, corrections were made. The minutes were adopted by Mrs Musongole.
4. 0 Matters Arising
4.1.A member wanted to find out the reasons why the Department did not appoint a teacher to be
in charge of the library. In responding to the question, the members were informed that two
teachers were going to be appointed to work hand in hand with the librarian prefects.
5.0 Business of the day
5.1 Members were informed that the department did not have enough text books for Zambian
Languages. In responding to this, the chairperson informed the members that the school was going
to buy new text books for all the subjects.
5.2 A member wanted to find out the reasons why literature recorded the highest number of
absenteeism during the previous final examinations. In responding to this, the chairperson
informed the members that one of the reasons was the over enrollment that was in the school as
most pupils were fond of absconding lessons.
5.3 Class allocation for term two was done and the time tables were ready.
5.4 Teachers were urged to prepare lesson plans before going to class
6.0 Any other Business
6.1 Members were informed that the school library was going to operate in sessions according to
their grades
7.0 Closing Remarks
7.1 The Chairperson thanked all the members for participating in the continuous development
program. The meeting ended 11: 25.

30
Chairperson Secretary
________ ___________
Mr Habukali B Mr Hamalambo.R
CURRICULUM VITAE

Is a list of person details given to an employer.

SAMPLE OF A CURRICULUM VITAE

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DETAILS

NAME: Hamalambo Ronex

CONTACT: 097840…………..

DATE OF BIRTH: 7th July, 1992.

PLACE OF BIRTH: Kalomo

NATIONALITY: Zambia

Gender: Male

MARITAL STATUS: Single

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATION: Seventh Day Adventist ( Christian)

Email: ronexhamalambo@gmail.com

PROFILE

Able to speak English language fluently

Able to follow instructions from superiors

Computer literate and able to operate Microsoft word, PowerPoint and Excel.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

2000 – 2006 Sianzala Primary school, Grade one to seven

31
2008 to 2011 Monze Secondary school - Grade 8 to 12

2014 to 2017 Makeni College of Education - Secondary Diploma in English language and
History

2022 – Comprehensive sexuality Education training – ZAMISE.

2020 to 2023 Chalimbana University - Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and History

QUALIFICATIONS

Grade seven certificate Division 1

Grade Nine certificate Division 1

Grade 12 certificate Division 1

Secondary Teacher’s Diploma

OTHER SKILLS

Trained in Comprehensive sexuality Education

Trained in Computer studies and curriculum studies.

Knowledgeable in farming and cattle rearing

WORK EXPERIENCE

2018 – 2020 Taught at Highland Secondary School.

2019 to 2023 - Appointed chairperson for social science teachers association for Chipata zone.

2019 -2020 Board member for Highland Secondary school.

2020 to 2023 - Transferred to Kabanana Secondary school as a subject teacher.

2021 to 2023 – Appointed patron for the Prefectural board for Kabanana Secondary school.

2022 to date – Appointed as comprehensive sexuality Education focal person.

2023 To date – Transferred to Hermann Gmeiner Secondary School in Livingstone District.

HOBBIES

32
- Reading newspapers, Novels and Educational books
- Swimming
- Listening to music and watching movies
- Making new friends

REFEREES
Mr Machilika Brightone
Headteacher
Kabanana secondary school
P.O BOX 30766,
LUSAKA.
Contact 097787……

Mr Sakaumba. S
Headteacher
Highland secondary school,
P.O BOX 33416,
LUSAKA.
Contact 097659…….

Mr Zimba H
Head teacher
Hermann Gmeiner Secondary school
P. O BOX 603542,
Livingstone.
Contact 09798……..

ARGUMENTATIVE COMPOSITION

This is a debate type of composition where a candidate is only allowed to choose one side to
write.

33
 A candidate is required to choose a side which has more points to write.

STANDARD ECZ QUESTIONS

1. Relatives can be an obstacle to one’s success in life. Argue or against this statement.
(2022)
2. A common currency to be used globally would solve much of the world’s economic
problems. Argue for or against this statement. (GCE 2021)
3. Women’s contribution to the nation’s economy cannot surpass that of men’s. argue for or
against this statement. (2020)
4. Sex education in schools should be encouraged. Argue for or against this statement.

STATISTICAL COMPOSITION

Statistical composition is a type of composition where a candidate is required to interpret graphs,

mathematical tables, pie charts and maps.

Forms of statistical questions

1. Statistical graphs

2. Statistical pie chats

3. Statistical tables

4. Maps

5. Diagrams

Expressing Numbers in Statistical Composition

Some numbers are written out in words, while others are written in figures.

(a) Numbers that are below 100 are written in words, that is from zero to ninety-nine.

Examples

Only 13 pupils missed classes. (Wrong)

34
 Only thirteen pupils missed the classes. (Correct)

For numbers which are over nineteen with two words, such as twenty-one, thirty-two, use a
hyphen to keep the words together.

Examples

Thirty-six, sixty-seven, twenty-three.

Numbers over 100, including 100 itself, can be written in words or in figures.

Examples

The girl brought two hundred oranges. (Correct)

The girl brought 200 oranges. (Correct).

Examples

Five thousand twenty-eighty people were vaccinated against measles.

Thirty-four students failed the assignment.

Numbers that involve thousands, can be written in words or preserved as numbers.

Examples

We managed to help three thousand eighty hundred pupils.

Or

We managed to help 3 800 pupils.

When writing figures involving thousands, a space is used to separate the thousands if there are
five or more digits and the numbers are grouped in hundreds.

Examples

2 000 or 2, 000

20, 000 or 20 000

5 000 000 or 5, 000 000

35
Examples

6 million people live in Lusaka or six million people live in Lusaka.

K300 million or Three hundred million kwacha.

K500 billion or Five hundred billion kwacha.

(b) Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers are often written in an abbreviated form.
1st – first
2nd -second
3rd – third
4th – fourth
5th - fifth
!0th- Tenth
(c) Percentages
Numbers with percentages maybe in words or in figures.
Examples
At Kabanana Secondary School, 40 % of the pupils failed Mathematics
Fourty per cent of the pupils failed Mathematics at Kabanana Secondary School.
If a sentence begins with a percentage, it should be spelled out.
Examples
Fifty and a half per cent of the girls scored distinctions in English examination.
(d) Money and Decimals- use numerals to express amounts of money and decimals.
Examples
K66.85
$250.30
K 8.3 million
6.2 kilograms
However, If the amount of money can be written in one or two words, it should be
written in words. Below is the example
Thirty-six Kwacha

36
 Eighty-nine cents
Seventy-three thousand dollars
(e) Years- use numbers to express the years.
Examples
1993
1999
2008
2023
Examples
Jane was born in 2008.
(f) Fractions- they are written in numbers unless in a situation where they come at the
beginning of the sentence.
Examples
The girl shared 1/3 of his bread among her brothers.
One-third of the girl's bread was shared among her brothers.
(g) Time- numerals are used to express the precise time. For duration, spell out expressions
of time.
Examples
They spent two hours on the road as they were travelling.
The time is 20.30 hours
Ebeneza woke up at seven o'clock.
The word hours should not be abbreviated as hrs.
(h) Date- can be written in many form, e.g.
1st June, 2023.
2nd July, 2023.
3rd December, 2022.
7th
August, 2020.
Century e.g
One the greatest decade was the seventeen century when most African kingdoms started
rising.
Addresses

37
 Examples
485 Gweembe 15th Street.
38th Avenue
Room 10
(i) References- Use the numbers to express page, line, act and scene numbers
Examples
Check on page 20 and 25 for references to Nelson Mandela.
Read paragraph 6 and 10 on page 66 of the Long walk to freedom.

SAMPLE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

2015 QUESTION
As the head boy or head girl of your school, you have been assigned to educate your fellow
learners on road traffic accidents. You have obtained the table below from the Zambia
Police Traffic Department to write an article for school magazine.
FIRST QUARTER ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN ZAMBIA STATISTICS
FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 31ST MARCH, 2009.
Divisions Accidents Persons killed Persons Seriously Persons slightly
Reported Injure\d Injured
involving
deaths/injuries
Urban Rural Total Urban Rural Total Urban Rural Total
Lusaka 2,795 56 16 72 118 29 147 373 39 412
Copperbelt 1,240 41 24 65 184 85 269 314 60 374
Central 318 9 27 36 45 51 96 32 11 43
Southern 300 15 8 23 29 29 58 41 20 61
Eastern 189 1 15 16 16 30 46 24 32 56
Northern 137 4 5 10 12 27 39 18 7 25
Luapula 54 54 3 9 12 16 28 2 3 5
North 249 3 10 13 17 17 34 54 15 69
Western

38
 Western 128 1 4 5 8 16 24 32 11 43
Total 5,410 133 118 252 441 300 741 890 198 1,088

Using the information from the table, write the article. The length of the article
should be between 250 and 350 words. Any words written beyond the word limit will not
be considered as part of your composition.

VOCABULARY GUIDE WHEN ANSWERING THE ABOVE

STATISTICAL ARTICLE
Phrases to use in statistical Article
➢ Referring to the diagram, chart, table or graph etc.
➢ As can be seen from the chart, diagram, table, figure one etc.
➢ As it is shown in the table one, figure two etc.
➢ It can be seen from the table, diagram etc.

KEY NOTE

➢ The data should be written starting from the wider spectrum (National
picture) in introduction then narrow it down to provinces, districts,
towns, communities etc.
➢ Also numbers below hundred are often written in words e.g thirty-
three, sixty-six etc.
➢ The article should contain all the key features of an Article for school
magazine. A catchy title that captures attention,
➢ The introduction (capturing main contents),
➢ Main body (each point should be given in a short paragraph to help
maintain interest)
➢ Conclusion (must provide solution to the problem under discussion).
➢ Use reporters voice – Present form of the tense and past simple to
make the “fresh”.
➢ Writer’s name and class if the article is a school magazine. However, if
the article is a national newspaper the name of town or district where

39
 one comes from is included but if it is an international article the name
of the country should be included. Below is an example of how signing
in should be done when writing a school magazine article.
➢ Written by Enock Mwale (12A)

MODEL ANSWER 2015 QUESTION

ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN ZAMBIA

In the recent past, Zambia has seen an increase in death as a result of road traffic accident.
According to the recent survey conducted by the Zambia Police Traffic Department, in the first
quarter of the year 2009 alone as can be seen from the table, 5,410 accidents were recorded. Out
of the number recorded, in total 252 people were killed, 741 persons were seriously injured and
1088 persons were slightly injured. Of the total number reported involving deaths and injuries
3,329 persons were unaccounted for in this survey.

According to the statistics presented, central province alone recorded 318 accidents involving
deaths and injuries. The statistics in the table suggest that thirty-six people were killed, ninety-six
persons were seriously injured and out of deaths and injuries, 143 persons were not affected by the
reported accidents.

In conclusion, the Zambia Police Traffic Department and the Road Transport and safety agency
should enforce the road traffic laws and rules in order to prevent fatal traffic accidents and better
save lives

Written by Ebeneza Phiri

12A

40
 QUOTES

All great achievement require time

Life is like an onion. You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.

Time is the father of truth; its mother is our mind.

Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.

If you judge people you have no time to love them.

Successful people are not gifted; they just work hard, then succeed on purpose.

Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself.

There is no success without hardships.

My enemies live long to see my success.

41
WATCH-OUT FOR VOLUME FOUR (5) LITERATURE IN
ENGLISH PAPER ONE

42