WRITING FOR FORM FOUR

WRITING FOR FORM FOUR

WRITING FOR FORM FOUR:PERSONAL WRITING

(a) Recipes 

A recipe is a set of steps that lead to a delicious food.

It is a set of directions that describes how to prepare a culinary dish.

With the recipe, one is unlikely to be involved in culinary disaster.  The common terms used in a recipe are:

• Bake
• Baste
• Blend
• Beat
• Boil
• Braise
• Brine
• Chop
• Crush
• Dip
• Dissolve
• Drawn
• Pound
• Mix
• Stir
• Spread

Format of a Recipe

1. Title your recipe. For example, Fried Chicken Recipe

• Ingredient List. It is advisable to list the ingredients in the order of their use. This helps the reader to keep track of the ingredients that have been used. Give the quantity of each ingredient.

Examples:

4 whole chicken breasts

½ cup bread crumbs

• How the meal is prepared is listed here. The steps should be easier to understand and follow. The steps are usually numbered.
• List how many people to be served and what to serve with. For example, Serve with …… or Top with …..
• Preparation time

WRITING FOR FORM FOUR

 Sample Recipe

RECIPE FOR COOKING WHITE RICE   Ingredients 1  cup of white rice 2  cups of water ½ teaspoon salt I tablespoon oil   Preparation Time: 20 minutes Preparation 1.       Rinse the rice in a strainer. 2.       Bring the water to a boil. 3.       Add the rice to boiled water. 4.       Stir in the rice, salt and oil and bring it back to a gentle simmer. 5.       Start checking the rice around 18 minutes. 6.       Turn off the heat when the rice is tender. 7.       Remove the lid and fluff the rice. Service   1.       Serve when hot. 2.       Serve with fried meat.

 

2. SOCIAL WRITING

(a) E-Mails

Short for electronic  mails.

They are messages sent via a computer connected to internet.  Emails must be short and precise.

Email Address

An email address is what identifies an electronic post office box on a network where email can be sent.

Usually, there is no capitalization or spacing between the characters.

Component of Email Address  All email addresses have three parts:

• Username;
• @ symbol; and
• The domain

Username is the unique name that you select. It can be your real name or nickname.  Example: sumudawa

@ symbol separates the username from the domain. When you insert this symbol, your email program recognizes the character and sends the email to the domain name that follows it.

Domain is broken into parts: the mail server and the top-level domain.

The mail server is the server hosting the email account. There are such mail servers as yahoo, hotmail and gmail.

Examples of top-level domains include: com, net, org, edu, etc

Example of email address: sumudawa@yahoo.com

Email Format

Email consists of:

1. “FROM” Field. Write your email address.
2. Date .

• “TO” Field. The recipient’s address is written here. “Cc” Field. Add the email address of other people whose copy of the message should reach.

1. Write short but accurate subject header.
2. Include the document that should be attached if required. vii. Salutation. Use proper salutation beginning with ‘dear’, etc.

• Message body. Get your point across without rambling.

1. Leave-taking. Depending on your level of intimacy with the recipient, you can use phrases and words like:

• Yours sincerely,
• Yours faithfully,
• Yours cordially,
• Best,
• Your loving daughter/son/mum/dad/sister/brother,
• Respectfully,
• Your student, etc

1. Write your full name.

WRITING FOR FORM FOUR

Sample Email

FROM: kanayokanyo@gmail.com  DATE:  13th June, 2015 TO: zimamoto@yahoo.com Cc: mbwakali@hotmail.com; rosekate@email.com SUBJECT: Chemistry/Physics Teaching Position   Dear Sir/Madam: I am writing this email in response to your advertisement listed in The Standard Newspaper on 11th June 2016 for the vacancy of teaching Chemistry and Physics that has arisen with your school.   I am a degree holder from Kilgoris University. I have taught for three years now. While teaching at Ungwana Secondary school, I developed my teaching skills.   I have a strong communication and interpersonal skills, and have the ability to make students understand my two subjects properly. I can help students with their decision making.   I desire to be part of the teaching team at Naikuma School where I could nourish the minds of young students. I will be highly obliged if you could go through my curriculum vitae attached herewith.   Yours faithfully, Shuruti K. Hassan

WRITING FOR FORM FOUR

(b) FAX

Fax is short for facsimile.

Also known as telefax or telecopying.

It is the telephonic transmission of scanned printed material usually to a telephone number which is connected to a printer. How it Works

To transmit the material, the process to follow include:

• Scanning of the original material using a fax machine(telecopier).
• Telecopier processes the content and converts it into a bitmap.
• The content is then transmitted through the telephone system to the receiver .
• The receiving telecopier interpretes the message and reconstruct it.

How to Write Notes and Fax Cover Sheet

• Add a letter head to the top of the fax cover sheet. It can either be for a company or an individual. The letter head can include the name of the company or individual’s name, address, telephone number, fax number and email address.
• Write “TO” followed by a colon some lines down. Fill in the name of the person who should receive the fax.
• Write “COMPANY” and fill in the name of the company where you are sending the fax.
• Write “FROM” and the colon on the next line. List the sender’s name.
• List the date.
• Write the recipient’s fax number.
• Write “NUMBER OF PAGES”. Enter this number including the cover page to help the recipient make sure no page is missing.
• Write “RE” followed by a colon. Enter the subject of what you are writing under notes.
• Write “NOTES” and then a colon. Enter additional information here. Write the message.

An institution can design a facsimile Transmittal Sheet depending on their taste. Below is an example of a facsimile transmittal sheet.

FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL SHEET TO: ……………………………………………………………………….. FROM: …………………………………………………………………….. COMPANY: ………………………………………………………….. DATE: …………………………………………………….. FAX NUMBER: ……………………………………………………. PAGE TOTAL INCLUDING COVER: ……………………………. PHONE NUMBER: ………………………………………………   RE: _______________________________________________________________   URGENT   PLEASE COMMENT   PLEASE REPLY   PLEASE RECYCLE   FOR REVIEW         NOTES:   ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………

WRITING FOR FORM FOUR

(c) INSTRUCTIONS TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS

To give instructions is to let others know how to do something or reach somewhere.

Instructions when written, can take the form of letters, notes, e-mails, and many others. Be careful on which to use and which will work well with your recipient.

We give instructions to family and friends:

• To help us do something in our absence.
• On how to use a newly bought garget.
• On how to prepare some meals.
• On how to how to write their exams.
• On how to be successful individuals. Etc.

What to Do

When writing instructions:

• Use simple words. Save the verbatim words.
• Use imperative form of sentences.
• Give one instruction at a time. Numbered.

Here, we have a sample of note with instruction

INSTRUCTION ON WHAT TO DO WHILE I AM WAY   Dear Kish,   I have left for work. I will not come back as usually. After you wake up help do the following: •       Clean your bedroom. •       Wash the utensils. •       Mow the lawn. •       Cook your lunch. •       Go out and play after doing all the above. •       Get back to the house before 6. •       Close the gate until I come back. I hope you will not forget any of the above. When mum comes back she will bring you the fruits you asked for.   Your loving mum, Aoko

Exercise 

Your cousin has bought a mobile phone but she doesn’t know how to type text message and send it. In a letter, give her instructions that will help her do that with ease.

WRITING FOR FORM FOUR

3. PUBLIC WRITING (a) LETTERS OF INQUIRY

Sent to explore possibilities in employment, admission to college, etc when you are interested in working or learning, etc for a particular institution, but you do not know if an opening or vacancy exists.

A letter of inquiry is when you are approaching an organization/company/institution speculatively. This means you are making an approach without their having advertised or announced a vacancy.

How to Write a Letter of Inquiry

The steps that follow will help you write a good letter of inquiry:

1. Resolve to follow all the rules for business letter writing. Begin with your address, then the date, followed by the addressee’s address, moving on to the greeting(salutation) , and lastly, in regard to(written “RE:”)
2. Write about four paragraphs. The paragraphs can be divided into:

(a) First Paragraph

• Introduce yourself and concisely explain why you are writing.
• Tell the recipient how you heard of the organization.
• Let the recipient, if need be, know the result you will receive or received, and the school or college you are attending or attended.

(b) Second Paragraph

• Describe your interest in the organization.
• Make it clear why you think you think you are qualified, for example for the job, or admission to the college, etc.

(c) Third Paragraph

• Talk about yourself. Highlight your relevant experience, achievements, and qualifications.
• Include two or three skills that relate to the positions within.

(d) Fourth Paragraph

• Thank the recipient for their time.
• Include your phone number or email address.
• Note that you have included your CV. If admission to college, you may mention that you have included your academic certificate or any document.

3. Close your letter.

• Write yours faithfully, if you do not know the name of the person.
• Yours sincerely. If you know the person’s name, end the letter this way.
• Add your signature. Sign your name.

  Sample Letter of Enquiry

KANYE MIRACLE SCHOOL

P.O. BOX 333 – 22020

CHEM – KENYA

 

14^TH MAY, 2016

 

THE PRINCIPAL

JOSEM COLLEGE

P.O. BOX 3456 – 12340

KILGORIS

 

Dear Sir/Madam:

RE: NEXT INTAKE

I am a 2014 form four leaver from Kanye Miracle School. I received grade B- at KCSE. I am writing to express my interest in joining your college in September incase there is an intake. I have always heard a lot about your college. Last week, I saw the picture of your college in the newspaper and that attracted me more.

I am now thinking only about Josem College. It has become part of my dream and I would love to study my course there. I know the course I would like to pursue is one of the numerous courses offered there. I would like to study Journalism. I received grade B+ IN English and Kiswahili and I hope that is enough to qualify me for the course of my childhood dreams.

While in high school, I used to be a member of journalism club. It is I who could write all the news to be read on Fridays by fellow club members. I was also involved in broadcasting during the parents’ day and through that my confidence was boosted. I no longer suffer from anxiety when speaking before a large group.

Thank you for your time you have you have taken to consider this letter of inquiry. Would you please contact me on 07000000 when there will be next intake? Attached are my documents.

 

Yours Faithfully,

[sign]

Salome Mtakatifu

(b)LETTERS OF REQUEST

Written to request a company/firm/institution to provide complete information regarding a product/service/course, etc.

One expresses their interest towards the course/product, etc in this letter.

The following points will help in writing an effective letter of request:

• Clearly state the reason of seeking detailed information.
• Use formal tone when writing.
• Be polite.
• Recheck for misspellings.

  WRITING FOR FORM FOUR

Sample Letter of Request

Nyamirogi Secondary School, P.O. Box 111—40020, MLANGO – KENYA.   24th April, 2015   The Principal, Nyamoro College, P.O. Box 222 – 34200, DIRISHA – KENYA.   Dear Mr. Bacuna:   RE: INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE   I am a parent of one of the students who received admission letters from your college. He is very much interested in joining the college.   We have read your admission letter and are very much interested in getting admission in your college. I  need, however, the answers to the following questions before I could join the college: •       Is fee paid in installment or paid at once? •       Can accommodation be offered in college? •       Other than the courses offered, are there non academic ones like driving? I would be glad to receive the answers to these questions. Could you please contact me on dennism@yahoo.com or 0797878787?   Yours Faithfully, [sign] Dennis Mnyweso

4. STUDY WRITING (a) REVIEWS

• A review of a novel, play, short story or even a poem is written to give the reader a concise summary of its content. This includes relevant description of the topic as well as its overall message.

How to Write A Book Review

The steps below are normally followed when reviewing a book (say a novel):

• Describe what the novel is about in a couple of sentences. No spoilers should be given here.
• Discuss what in particular you liked about the book. Your thoughts and feelings about the novel are the main focus when doing this. The questions suggested below when answered will help you to a great extent:
• Who was your favourite character? Why?
• Did the characters feel real to you?
• Did the story keep you guessing what to happen next, and next?
• Which part of the book was your favourite? Why?
• Did the novel make you laugh, smile, or cry?
• Mention what you disliked about the novel. Discuss why you think it didn’t work for you. Some questions to help you are:
• Was the ending frustrating?
• Was the story scary for your feeling?
• Summarize some of your thoughts on the novel, suggesting the type of reader you would recommend the novel for. For example would you recommend it for young readers, fans of crime, high school students, etc.
• At times, you can rate the novel, for example a mark out of ten, etc.

Sample Book Review Template

Book Review Picture of the book here Title:  Author:                                   Publisher: Reviewer:   The novel is about a baby girl who is the source of the river. She becomes the first born girl in a family full of boys. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………..   ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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WRITING FOR FORM FOUR

EXPOSITORY ESSAYS

Exposition is explanatory communication, whether in speech or writing.

An expository essay is an organized piece of prose which explains a specific topic or set of ideas to a defined audience.

Expository essays provide information and analysis.

Elements of Expository Essays

• A clear thesis or controlling idea that establishes and sustains your focus.
• An opening paragraph that introduces the thesis.
• Body paragraphs (4 0r 5) that use specific evidence to illustrate your informative or analytic points.
• Smooth transitions that connect the ideas of adjoining paragraphs in specific, interesting ways.
• A conclusion that emphasizes your central idea without being repetitive.

(b) QUESTIONNAIRES 

It is a research instrument containing several questions and other prompts for the purpose of gathering information from the respondents.

The questions are aimed at collecting facts or opinions about something.  Outline and Format of the Questionnaire

FORMAT	ELEMENTS
Introduction	•       Title of the study •       Purpose of the study •       Duration of the survey •       Guarantee of confidentiality •       Brief information about the organization •       If any, incentive Information
Demographic Data	•           Respondent’s name(could be optional) •        Age, gender, religion, marital status, etc.
Questions	•       Closed-ended questions answerable by Yes/No first. This is for faster response rate. •       Questions arranged from general to specific. •       Sensitive questions at the end. •       Group related questions together. •       Always number questions. •       The instructions on how questions are answered placed before the questions. •       Response questions placed vertically except for tabulated options.
End	•       Expression of gratitude to the respondent for attempting questions e.g. “Thank You” •       Information on knowing the outcome of the survey.

WRITING FOR FORM FOUR

Sample Questionnaire

THE ALL TIME HOTEL                             (email: alltme@gmail.com, P.O. Box 43 – Nairobi Kenya)                  CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ON THE ALL TIME HOTEL QUESTIONNAIRE I.               INTRODUCTION Dear Esteemed Customer, We are dedicated to improving the customer satisfaction. Through answering questions in this questionnaire survey, we will be able to analyse the data that will help us enhance our services and meeting your needs. Your response will only be used for survey purposes and your confidentiality is highly guaranteed. After you answer all the questions, you will be presented meals of your taste as a token of our good will. We thank you in advance for your time. II.            QUESTIONS

Instructions: Please indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with each of these statements regarding our hotel. TICK in the box of your answer. 1.       How many times do you visit The All Time Hotel per month? ___________________________________________________________________________ 2.       Do you visit The All Time Hotel with Family or Friends?   Yes     No     3.       For question (3) answer with: Agree   Strongly Agree Neutrally agree Disagree  Strongly Disagree   (a) The hotel is accessibly located.      ____________________________________________________ (b) Hotel hours are convenient for my dining needs. ____________________________________________________ (c) Advertised meals are in stock. ____________________________________________________ (d) A good selection of meals was available. _____________________________________________________ (e) The meals sold are an equal value for the money. _____________________________________________________ (f) Meals sold here are of the highest quality. _____________________________________________________ (g) The hotel has the lowest prices in the estate. _____________________________________________________ (h) The  hotel atmosphere and décor are appealing. ______________________________________________________ III.            DEMOGRAPHIC DATA Name (optional): ______________________________________________________ Age:  ________________________ Gender: ______________________ Number of Family Members: (Tick appropriate)   1-3   4-6   7-9   More than 10     Phone (optional): ____________________________________ IV.             Thank you for sharing your feelings and thoughts with The All Time. Enjoy dining at the best Hotel in town!

5. INSTITUTIONAL WRITING

(a) CURRICULUM VITAE

This is a written overview of a person’s experience as well as their qualifications.

It brings out a person’s life accomplishments, especially those related to academic realm.

Try to present all the relevant information that you can.

The CV need to reflect your abilities within your discipline.

Sample Curriculum Vitae

DON MICHAEL  OTIENO’S CURRICULUM VITAE Personal Details Date of Birth: 8th April, 1989 Sex: Male Nationality: Kenyan Religion: Christian Marital Status: Married ID Number: 28724770 Address: 924-40400 Suna-Migori Email: duncanomondi227@gmail.com Phone Number: 0716602808 or 0764602808 Languages: English and Kiswahili Personal Profile A highly motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated teacher of English who has been praised for hard work and perseverance. Committed to creating classroom atmosphere that stimulates and encourage learners. Has the passion to work under minimum or no supervision at all. Educational Background YEAR INSTITUTION QUALIFICATION 2011-2013 Utumishi University Bachelors of Education (First class honors) 2005-2008 Kafira Secondary School   KCSE {52 Points(C+)} 1996-2004 Kafira Primary School   KCPE(304 Marks)   Work Experience
	FROM-TO	INSTITUTION	RESPONSIBILITIES
	September 2015-December 2015	Joy  Girls’ Secondary	1.	Guiding candidate class in revision.
			2.	Offering guidance and counseling to my class.
			3.	Coaching students in soccer.
	June 2015-August 2015	Kisimani Secondary School	1.	Chairing guidance and counseling meetings.
			2.	Coaching students in soccer and volleyball.
			3.	In charge of discipline.
			4.	Chairing languages department’s meetings.
	January 2014-June 2015	Right There Muslim Girls’	1.	Guiding and counseling students.

 

					2.       Training the students both in the classroom and in the field. 3.       Preparing programmes for various activites held at the school. 4.       Heading languages department.
	Achievements YEAR INSTITUTION ACHIEVEMENT 2014-2015 Right There Muslim Girls’ 1.       Appointed head of departments: Languages and Games. 2.       Appointed member of the disciplinary committee. 3.       Patron of clubs(Debate and Journalism) 4. Class teacher.     Right There Muslim Girls’ KCSE 2014: •       ENGLISH MEAN SCORE: 5.667 up from 3.5. •       HISTORY MEAN SCORE: 7.6 2015 Kisimani Secondary School •               Head of both Games and Languages Departments. •               Form 2 class teacher. •               Acting as Deputy Principla. 2015 Joy Girls’ Secondary •       Assistant Head of Department, Games. •       Class teacher 2015   Written manuscripts in areas such as: •       Grammar in English. •       Oral Skills in English.   SKILLS •               Strong personal skills. •               Problem solving skills. Hobbies and Interests •               Reading novels, journals and plays. •               Playing soccer and volleyball. •               Writing manuscripts. Referees
	NAME	POSITION		INSTITUTION		PHONE NUMBER
	Mr. Mfupi Mbilikimo	Head of English Department		Joy Girls’ Secondary		0711223344
	Mr. Issa Abdikadir	Deputy Principal		Right There  Muslim Girls’		0722334455
	Mr. Kimoke  M.	English Department		Utumishi University		0733445566

WRITING FOR FORM FOUR

(b) SPEECHES 

Speech delivery requires adequate preparation. Writing itself is part of that preparation.

To write a good speech:

• Select a topic that you enjoy talking about.
• Compose your specific purpose statement.
• Compose your Thesis statement or central idea. This is the most important part of your speech.

writing your thesis statement is a four step process:

• choose your topic
• Determine your general purpose. For example, to persuade, entertain, educate, etc.
• Write your specific purpose statement. This is what the speaker wants to accomplish.
• Tie it all together by composing a clear concise thesis statement.

Sample Speech

KCSE TARGET

“The principal, deputy principal, teachers, and my fellow students, good morning? I am grateful for being offered this rare chance to address this large crowd. Thank you for this great opportunity. Today I want to particularly address form fours who are only 3 months away from reaping the hard work.

Dear candidates, where are you going to be in three months? What will you be doing from the time you wake up to day fall each day? What will you achieve when KCSE Results are announced? In other words, what is your target? Some of you might be thinking that three months is a lot of time to first waste and only revise with one week left. They might be thinking it is too early to revise. Let me assure you that it is high time you decide on doubling your effort.

In fact, with my one year experience since I left this school, I can suggest you two alternatives. Either you think about your future after form four – now! – or you leave this a frustrated individual, and regret later in life. Not encouraging at all to depend completely on your parents.  I like the proverb: You reap what you sow. Remember no one reaps beans when he plants potato. Only if you work hard that work of your hands will handsomely be rewarded.

[Paragraph]

According to my deepest conviction, happy person is the person who always brings his own sunshine, wherever he goes and whatever the weather. Hope to see these sparks in you in you next year March when the results will be announced. Thanking for you listening to me.  ”

BUILDING SENTENCE SKILLS AND PARAGRAPHING PARAPHRASING

To paraphrase simply means “put in your own words.”

It is one’s  own interpretation of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else, presented in a new form.

It is a more detailed restatement than a summary, which focuses concisely on a single main idea.

Steps to Effective Paraphrasing

1. Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning.
2. Set the original aside, and write your paraphrase on a note book.
3. Jot down a few words below your paraphrase to remind you later how you imagine using this material.
4. Check your version with the original to make sure that yours accurately expresses all the essential information in a new form.
5. Use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phraseology you have borrowed exactly from the source.

WRITING FOR FORM FOUR

CREATIVE WRITING  BIOGRAPHIES

Kim Kardashian

Born: 21 October 1980

Birthplace: Los Angeles, California

Best known as: The alpha-sister star of Keeping Up With the Kardashians

Kimberly Kardashian is a Los Angeles socialite, businesswoman and first among equals on the longrunning reality TV show Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Kim Kardashian first came to wide public attention through her friendship with socialite Paris Hilton; Kim is the daughter of attorney Robert Kardashian (1944-2003), who became famous in 1994 when his friend and client O.J. Simpson was arrested and tried for murder. Kim Kardashian became one of Paris Hilton’s party pals and then in 2007 boosted her profile by taking legal action to prevent the distribution of a naughty home video she had made with then-boyfriend Ray J (born William Ray Norwood, Jr., the brother of singer Brandy). The tape was widely distributed on the Internet, despite (or because of) Kardashian’s attempts to quash it, and she was launched into Hilton-like celebrity. That led to the 2007 launch of the TV reality show Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which starred Kim and her sisters Kourtney and Khloe and made their extended family synonymous with celebrity for its own sake. Kim appeared on Dancing With the Stars (2008) and made various appearances on other TV shows. She and her sisters opened a chain of dress boutiques called Dash, and together they published a memoir, Kardashian Konfidential, in 2010. Married at one time to music producer Damon Thomas (2000-04), Kim Kardashian was later romantically linked to a number of male celebrities, including Jessica Simpson‘s ex-husband Nick Lachey and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush. She married NBA basketball player Kris Humphries in August of 2011, but filed for divorce 72 days later, citing “irreconcilable differences.” (The divorce became final on June 3, 2013.) She became pregnant by the rapper Kanye West in 2012; their daughter, named North West, was born on 15 June 2013. Kardashian and West were married in Florence, Italy on 24 May 2014, and their second child, a son named Saint, was born on 5 December 2015. Kim Kardashian published a 352-page book of selfies, titled Selfish, in 2015.

ALL ENGLISH NOTES FORM 1-4 WITH TOPICAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

PRIMARY NOTES, SCHEMES OF WORK AND EXAMINATIONS