ZIMSEC O Level · English Language · Form 1, Form 2, Form 3, Form 4
In a composition you are marked on content (ideas and relevance) and language (accuracy, vocabulary and organisation).
Narrative writing (telling a story)
- Plan a clear beginning, a problem or turning point, a climax and an ending.
- Use the past tense consistently.
- Show feelings through actions and dialogue instead of only telling: “Her hands shook as she opened the letter” is stronger than “She was nervous.”
- Use direct speech correctly: “Wait for me!” shouted Thandi.
Descriptive writing (painting a picture)
- Use the five senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.
- Choose precise words: “the market was noisy” becomes “traders shouted prices over the hoot of kombis.”
- Use figurative language sparingly: similes, metaphors and personification.
- Organise the description, e.g. from far to near, or from morning to evening.
Planning (5 minutes)
Write a short plan: introduction, three or four paragraphs, conclusion. Stick to the topic in the title.
Exam tip: Spend the last five minutes checking spelling, punctuation and tense. Careless errors cost language marks.
Check yourself
- Name the five senses you can use in a description.
- Rewrite more vividly: “It was a hot day.”
- Punctuate: where are you going asked the teacher
Show answers
- Sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste.
- For example: “The sun blazed down, and the tar on the road shimmered and stuck to our shoes.”
- “Where are you going?” asked the teacher.
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