Grade 5
Course ContentComposition writing
Habari Mwanafunzi! Let's Unlock the Magic of Composition Writing!
Have you ever listened to your grandmother tell a story by the fireside? Or heard an exciting tale from a friend about their holiday? You, my friend, are already a storyteller! Composition writing is simply taking those amazing stories and ideas from your head and putting them on paper in a way that will captivate your reader, just like a great storyteller does. It's your chance to paint pictures with words, share your opinions, and take the examiner on an unforgettable journey. Sawa?
In this lesson, we will break down the art of writing a brilliant composition, from the first idea to the final full stop. Let's begin!
What Exactly is a Composition?
Think of a composition like building a beautiful house. You can't just throw bricks and hope for the best! You need a plan (the plot), a strong foundation (the introduction), solid walls (the body paragraphs), and a protective roof (the conclusion). It is a short piece of writing on a particular subject, structured to be clear, interesting, and complete.
In the Kenyan system, you'll mainly encounter three types:
- Narrative Composition: This is story-telling! You narrate a sequence of events, real or imagined. Think of prompts like "A Day I Will Never Forget" or "A Narrow Escape."
- Descriptive Composition: Here, you are an artist painting a picture with words. Your goal is to make the reader see, hear, smell, taste, and feel what you are describing. For example, "Describe a Busy Market Scene" or "My Favourite Place."
- Expository/Argumentative Composition: This is where you explain a topic or argue a point of view. You use facts and logic to convince your reader. Topics could be "The Importance of Trees" or "Mobile Phones Should Be Banned in Schools. Discuss."
Image Suggestion: A vibrant, colourful illustration of a Kenyan student sitting under a large acacia tree, with an open exercise book on their lap. They are looking into the distance with a thoughtful and inspired expression. In the background, you can see a school building and giraffes grazing on a savanna. The style should be warm and encouraging.
The Golden Process: From Blank Page to Masterpiece
Great writers follow a process. It’s not magic, it’s a method! Let's call it the P.D.R.E. method (Plan, Draft, Revise, Edit).
Step 1: Plan Your Journey (Kuchambua Swali na Kupanga Mawazo)
This is the most important step! Do NOT just start writing. First, understand the question, then brainstorm ideas. A mind map is your best friend here.
Let's take a sample topic: "Describe a visit to your grandparents' home in the village."
--- ASCII ART: Mind Map ---
+----------------+
| The Journey |
| - Matatu ride |
| - Dusty roads |
+----------------+
|
|
+-----------------+------( Grandparents' )------+-----------------+
| The Arrival | ( Home ) | Activities |
| - Warm hugs | +---------------+ | - Milking a cow |
| - Smell of food | | - Shamba work |
+-----------------+ | - Storytelling |
+-----------------+
By planning, you create a roadmap. You know where you are going and you won't get lost!
Step 2: Write the First Draft (Kuandika Rasimu)
Now, just write! Pour all your ideas from the mind map onto the paper. Don't worry too much about spelling or grammar mistakes at this stage. Think of it as cooking ugali – first, you just mix the flour and water. You will make it perfect later.
Step 3 & 4: Revise and Edit (Kusahihisha)
This is where you become a detective! Read through your work carefully. Does it make sense? Is it interesting? Now, check for errors using the SPaG checklist:
- S - Spelling: Are all the words spelled correctly? - P - Punctuation: Have you used full stops, commas, and capital letters correctly?
- A - and
- G - Grammar: Are your tenses correct? Do your subjects and verbs agree?
The Structure of a Winning Composition: The "Sausage" Model
A good composition has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Let's imagine it's a sausage!
--- ASCII ART: The Composition Sausage ---
(INTRODUCTION) ==========[ BODY PARAGRAPH 1 ]==========[ BODY PARAGRAPH 2 ]==========[ BODY PARAGRAPH 3 ]==========(CONCLUSION)
^ ^
| |
Hook the reader! End with a bang!
The Introduction (The Head): This must be catchy! It should grab the reader's attention and make them want to read more. You can start with a question, a sound, a short description, or a surprising statement.
Example (Weak): Last holiday I went to the village.
Example (Strong): The loud, rattling sound of the old bus was music to my ears, for I knew it was carrying me to the one place my heart called home: my grandparents' village.
The Body (The Meaty Middle): This is where your story unfolds or your arguments are developed. Use paragraphs! Each paragraph should focus on one main idea. A good paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence.
The Conclusion (The Tail): End your composition powerfully. Don't just stop. You can summarize your main points, state the moral of the story, or leave the reader with a final thought or feeling.
The "Spices": Making Your Writing Delicious!
A plain story is like plain rice. Let's add some spices to make it a delicious pilau!
- The Five Senses: Don't just tell, SHOW! What did you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch?
Instead of: "My grandmother cooked food."
Try: "The sweet aroma of my grandmother's chapati cooking on the jiko filled the entire hut, making my stomach rumble with anticipation." - Vivid Vocabulary: Upgrade your words! Instead of 'walk', you can use 'strolled', 'trudged', 'dashed', 'marched'. Instead of 'nice', use 'splendid', 'magnificent', 'lovely'.
- Figures of Speech: These are powerful tools!
- Simile (using 'as' or 'like'): "The road was as dusty as a bag of flour."
- Metaphor (direct comparison): "The matatu was a speeding bullet on the highway."
- Personification (giving human qualities): "The angry clouds gathered in the sky."
The Examiner's Mind: How is a Composition Marked?
Understanding how you are graded can help you focus on what's important. While the exact scheme varies, it's generally a mix of Content, Expression, and Mechanics.
--- Your KCPE/KCSE Composition "Formula" ---
Total Score (out of 40) = Content Score + Expression Score + Accuracy Score
1. Content (approx. 15-20 marks):
- Is your story relevant to the topic?
- Are your ideas well-developed and interesting?
- Is there a clear plot with a beginning, middle, and end?
2. Expression (approx. 10-15 marks):
- How well do you communicate your ideas?
- Is your vocabulary rich and varied?
- Do you use different types of sentences?
- Is your tone and mood appropriate?
3. Accuracy / Mechanics (approx. 5-10 marks):
- This is for your Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar (SPaG).
- Paragraphing is also key here.
Remember: A story with simple English but no mistakes will score better than a story with big words that are used incorrectly. Clarity is king!
Your Turn to Practice!
My dear student, you are now equipped with the tools to be a fantastic writer. Remember, practice is the key. Don't be afraid to make mistakes – every mistake is a lesson. Pick up your pen, open your book, and let your imagination fly. You have amazing stories inside you, and the world is waiting to read them.
Happy writing!
Habari Mwanafunzi! Welcome to the World of Composition Writing!
Have you ever wanted to share a story so exciting that your friends lean in, not wanting to miss a single word? Or describe the taste of a perfectly ripe mango from your grandma's shamba so well that someone can almost taste it? That, my friend, is the magic of composition writing! It's not just about passing exams; it's about painting pictures with words, sharing your ideas, and connecting with others. Today, we're going to unlock the secrets to writing brilliant compositions that will impress your Mwalimu and make you a confident storyteller. Let's begin!
Image Suggestion: A vibrant, warm, digital painting of a wise Kenyan grandmother sitting on a traditional stool outdoors in the evening, surrounded by a group of eager and wide-eyed children. A gentle fire crackles nearby, casting a warm glow on their faces as she narrates a story with expressive gestures.
The Anatomy of a Great Composition: The "Chapati" Structure
Think of a great composition like a delicious, layered chapati. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Each part is important for the final, satisfying product. We call this the Introduction, the Body, and the Conclusion.
+------------------------+
| INTRODUCTION | <--- The Hook! Grabs the reader's attention.
+------------------------+
| BODY PARA 1 | \
+------------------------+ \
| BODY PARA 2 | > The "filling" - Main ideas & details.
+------------------------+ /
| BODY PARA 3 | /
+------------------------+
| CONCLUSION | <--- The Wrap-up! A satisfying end.
+------------------------+
- The Introduction: This is your first impression! It must be catchy. You can start with a question, a surprising fact, a short dramatic sentence, or even a sound. Its main job is to hook the reader and introduce the main idea of your story.
- The Body: This is the main part of your story, made up of several paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one main point or event. This is where you develop your characters, describe the setting, and build up the plot. Make it juicy and full of detail!
- The Conclusion: This is where you wrap everything up. It should provide a satisfying ending to your story or a final thought on your topic. A good conclusion makes the reader feel like they've completed a journey. Never end with "THE END"! Instead, summarize your points or share a lesson learned.
Types of Compositions: What's Your Flavour?
Just like we have different types of music or food, there are different types of compositions. The most common ones you'll encounter in the Kenyan system are:
- Narrative Composition: This is all about telling a story. It has characters, a setting, and a plot (a sequence of events). Most KCPE and KCSE compositions are narrative.
Example Topic: Write a composition beginning with: "I had never felt so nervous in my entire life as I stood on the stage..."
- Descriptive Composition: Your goal here is to paint a picture with words. You use your five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) to describe a person, place, or thing in great detail.
Example Topic: Describe a visit to a busy market in your town. (Think about the colours of the fruits, the noise of the matatus, the smell of roasting maize!)
- Argumentative Composition: Here, you take a stand on an issue and defend it with reasons and evidence. You are trying to persuade your reader to agree with your point of view.
Example Topic: "Mobile phones should be allowed in secondary schools." Argue for or against this statement.
- Expository Composition: This is an explanatory essay. Your job is to explain a process, define a concept, or provide information about a topic in a clear, logical way.
Example Topic: Explain the process of preparing your favourite Kenyan meal.
The Secret Sauce: Ingredients for a Winning Composition
A good story needs more than just a beginning, middle, and end. It needs flavour! Here are the secret ingredients that will make your writing come alive:
- Vivid Vocabulary: Instead of "walked," why not use strolled, staggered, trudged, sprinted, or marched? Use strong verbs and interesting adjectives.
- Figurative Language: These are tools that make your writing more creative and impactful.
- Simile: A comparison using 'as' or 'like'.
"The sun on the Nairobi Expressway was as hot as a jiko."
- Metaphor: A direct comparison stating one thing is another.
"The traffic jam was a monster, swallowing cars whole."
- Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things.
"The wind whispered secrets through the maize stalks."
- Simile: A comparison using 'as' or 'like'.
- Sentence Variety: Don't use the same sentence structure over and over. Mix it up! Use short, punchy sentences for dramatic moments and longer, more descriptive sentences for setting the scene.
Image Suggestion: A colourful and creative infographic for a classroom wall. The main heading is "Figurative Language Fiesta!". It has three sections: "Simile," "Metaphor," and "Personification," each with a fun icon (e.g., two similar items for simile, a mask for metaphor, a tree with a face for personification) and a simple Kenyan example for each.
How Your Composition is Marked: The Mwalimu's Formula
Understanding how your teacher marks your work is like knowing the rules of a game. In Kenya, we often use a formula that looks at different aspects of your writing. While the exact marks vary, the components are usually the same.
# The KCPE/KCSE Marking Guideline (Simplified)
Total Marks = Content + Expression + Paragraphing + Punctuation & Spelling
# Breakdown:
# 1. Content: Is your story relevant to the topic? Is it interesting and well-developed? (This carries a lot of marks!)
# 2. Expression: How well do you use language? Vocabulary, sentence structure, tone, and flow.
# 3. Paragraphing: Have you used paragraphs correctly to separate your ideas?
# 4. Punctuation & Spelling: Correct use of full stops, commas, capital letters, and correct spelling. Errors here will cost you marks!
So, a brilliant story idea (Content) must be told with good language (Expression) and be technically correct (Punctuation, Spelling, etc.) to get the top marks!
Let's Practice!
Ready to try? Here is a classic prompt. Take a pen and paper, plan your story using the structure we discussed, and try to use at least one simile and one metaphor. Don't worry about making it perfect, just start writing!
Prompt: Write an interesting composition to illustrate the saying, "Every cloud has a silver lining."
You've got this! Remember, every writer, even the most famous ones, started with a single sentence. Your journey to becoming a fantastic storyteller starts now. Happy writing!
Habari Mwanafunzi! Let's Unlock Your Inner Storyteller!
Have you ever stared at a blank page, the composition title staring back at you, and your mind feels as empty as a sufuria after a Sunday lunch? Don't worry, even the best writers in Kenya feel that way sometimes! Writing a composition is not magic; it’s a skill, like learning to ride a bicycle or cooking the perfect chapati. Today, we are going to learn the secret recipe to turn that blank page into a brilliant story that will impress your teacher and make you proud. Let's begin!
What is a Composition, Really? The Art of Story-Cooking!
Think of writing a composition like preparing a delicious Kenyan meal. You can't just throw everything into the pot and hope for the best. You need a plan!
- The Ingredients: These are your ideas, your vocabulary, and your imagination.
- The Recipe: This is the structure – how you organize your ideas.
- The Spice: This is your unique style, your voice, and your creativity that makes the story truly yours!
Image Suggestion: A vibrant, top-down photo of a wooden table with various Kenyan food ingredients laid out: colorful bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, a bowl of flour for ugali, and fresh sukuma wiki. On one side, there's an open notebook and a pen, visually connecting the act of cooking with writing.
The Golden Recipe: The Structure of Every Great Story
Almost every great story, from the tales your grandmother told you to the books you read, follows a simple, powerful structure: The Introduction, The Body, and The Conclusion. We can think of it like a story sandwich!
+-----------------------+ <--- The Introduction (Top slice of bread)
| |
| The Body | <--- The Main Filling (The tasty part!)
| (Several juicy |
| paragraphs) |
| |
+-----------------------+ <--- The Conclusion (Bottom slice of bread)
1. The Introduction (The Hook!)
Your first paragraph has one job: to grab the reader’s attention! Don’t just start with "My name is Kamau and today I will tell you a story." Be exciting! You can start with:
- A sound: "Bang! The sound of the car door slamming shut echoed in the silent night."
- A question: "Have you ever wished you could disappear?"
- A vivid description: "The morning sun painted the slopes of Mount Kenya in brilliant shades of orange and pink."
2. The Body (The Heart of the Matter)
This is where your story unfolds. It’s made up of several paragraphs. Remember this golden rule: One main idea per paragraph. The body is where you describe the events, introduce characters, and build up to the most exciting part (the climax!).
3. The Conclusion (The Grand Finale)
This is your final paragraph. You need to end your story in a satisfying way. Don't just stop! You can:
- Summarize the lesson learned: "From that day on, I learned that honesty is truly the best policy."
- Link back to the beginning: "And so, I stood in the same spot where my journey began, but I was a completely changed person."
- Give a final, powerful thought: "The memory of that day would forever be etched in my mind."
Planning Your Masterpiece: The 5-Minute Plan
The best writers don't just start writing. They PLAN! Before you write a single sentence, take 5 minutes to create a simple plan or a mind map. This is your map to guide you through the story.
Example Prompt: Write a composition about a day you visited the city for the first time.
Your 5-Minute Plan could look like this:
- Intro: Waking up before the chickens, excitement, the long matatu ride from the village.
- Body 1: Arriving in Nairobi. The noise, the tall buildings like giants, feeling small.
- Body 2: Getting lost in Gikomba market. The smells, the colours, the confusion. A kind woman helps me find my aunt.
- Body 3: Seeing Uhuru Park. The beautiful fountains, families relaxing. A moment of peace.
- Conclusion: The ride home, feeling tired but amazed. The city was not as scary as I thought. A day I will never forget.
The Word Count Challenge: A Simple Calculation!
Teachers often ask for a certain length, like "about 450 words." How do you know when you've written enough? Here's a simple trick!
Step 1: Write a normal line in your handwriting and count the words.
(Let's say you write about 10 words per line).
Step 2: Check the target word count.
(Target = 450 words).
Step 3: Divide the target words by your words-per-line.
Formula: [Target Words] / [Words Per Line] = Number of Lines to Write
Calculation: 450 / 10 = 45 lines.
Now you know your goal is to write about 45 lines! Easy, right?
Spice It Up! Making Your Writing Come Alive
To get top marks, you must make your writing interesting! Use your "Writer's Toolkit":
- The Five Senses: Don't just say "The market was busy." Describe it! "The air in the market was thick with the smell of roasting maize, the sound of a hundred voices bargaining, and the sight of colourful kitenges hanging from every stall."
- Strong Verbs: Instead of "walk", use "trudged", "strolled", "dashed", or "marched".
- Similes & Metaphors: Compare things to create a picture. "The clouds were like giant balls of cotton wool." or "His voice was thunder."
Image Suggestion: An energetic, colourful illustration of a student in a Kenyan school uniform, holding a pen like a magic wand. Around them, words and ideas are swirling like magical sparks, with small icons representing the five senses (eye, ear, nose, hand, mouth) mixed in.
Your Turn to Shine!
Now you have the recipe and the ingredients. It's time for you to cook up a masterpiece. Here is a classic prompt to get you started. Remember to use the 5-minute plan first!
Practice Prompt: Write a composition that begins with the following sentence:
The journey was much longer and more difficult than I had expected...
Remember, writing is a journey, not a destination. The more you practice, the better you will become. You have amazing stories inside you, just waiting to be told. Now pick up your pen and let the adventure begin!
Happy writing!
Habari Mwanafunzi! Ready to Become a Composition Champion?
Have you ever listened to a great storyteller, like your grandmother sharing tales by the fire, or a politician moving a crowd with their words? What they are doing is a form of composition. They are building a story, an argument, or a picture with words. In your English paper, this is exactly what you are asked to do! It’s not about just writing; it's about creating something powerful. Think of yourself not as a student, but as a fundi wa maneno (a wordsmith)!
The Unshakeable Foundation: The Structure of a Great Composition
Every strong house needs a solid foundation, walls, and a roof. A great composition is no different! It has three main parts that you must always remember: the Introduction, the Body, and the Conclusion.
+----------------------------------+
| INTRODUCTION (The Roof) | <-- Grabs the reader's attention
| (Hook, introduce topic) |
+----------------------------------+
| |
| BODY (The Walls) | <-- The main part with all your points
| (Paragraph 1) |
| (Paragraph 2) |
| (Paragraph 3...) |
+----------------------------------+
| CONCLUSION (The Foundation) | <-- Summarizes and gives a final thought
| (Restate, summarize, final word)|
+----------------------------------+
Image Suggestion: A vibrant, digitally painted image of a beautifully constructed modern Kenyan house. The foundation is solid stone, the walls are neat and strong, and the roof is striking. Label the parts 'Foundation (Conclusion)', 'Walls (Body)', and 'Roof (Introduction)' to visualize the composition structure analogy.
The Different Flavours of Writing: Types of Compositions
Just like we have different types of food like ugali, chapati, or mukimo, we have different types of compositions. The most common ones you will meet are:
- Narrative Composition: This is where you tell a story. It has characters, a setting, and a plot (a beginning, a middle, and an end).
Example Topic: Write a story ending with the words: "...and from that day on, I learned to never judge a book by its cover." (You could tell a story about meeting a shabbily dressed person who turns out to be incredibly wise or kind).
- Descriptive Composition: Here, your job is to paint a picture with words. You must use your five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) to make the reader feel like they are right there.
Example Topic: Describe a busy market day in your hometown. (Think about the smell of roasting mahindi, the sound of matatu touts shouting, the sight of colourful khangas, the feeling of the bustling crowd).
- Expository/Argumentative Composition: In this type, you explain a topic or argue a point. You need to give facts, reasons, and evidence to support your position.
Example Topic: "The mobile phone has done more harm than good to the youth." Do you agree? (You would need to argue for or against this statement, giving clear points like access to information vs. distraction from studies).
Before You Write a Single Word: The Power of Planning
The best writers don't just start writing. They plan! A simple mind map can help you organize your thoughts in just 5 minutes. Put your main topic in the center and branch out with your ideas for the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
+--------------+
| |
+---- | My Story | ----+
| | "A Surprise | |
| | Visit" | |
| +--------------+ |
| |
+-------------+ +---------------+
| Introduction| | Body |
| - Woke up | | - The knock |
| - Boring day| | - Who was it? |
| - Heard a | | - Uncle Kamau!|
| strange | | - The gifts |
| noise | +---------------+
+-------------+ |
|
+----------------+
| Conclusion |
| - Best day ever|
| - Lesson on |
| patience |
+----------------+
Crafting Perfect Paragraphs: The 'P.E.E.L' Formula
Each paragraph in your body should be strong and clear. A great way to structure them is using the P.E.E.L method. It’s a simple formula for building a powerful point.
Paragraph = P (Point) + E (Evidence/Example) + E (Explanation) + L (Link)
- P - Point: Start with a clear topic sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph.
- E - Evidence: Give an example or evidence to support your point.
- E - Explanation: Explain how your evidence supports your point.
- L - Link: Link your point back to the main topic of the composition.
Example Paragraph (for an essay on conserving forests):(P) One of the most critical reasons for conserving the Mau Forest is to protect our nation's water sources. (E) Major rivers like the Mara and Nzoia originate from this water tower, providing water for millions of Kenyans and supporting agriculture downstream. (E) When trees are cut down, this delicate water cycle is disrupted, leading to reduced river flow, droughts, and ultimately, food insecurity for our communities. (L) Therefore, safeguarding this forest is not just about saving trees; it is about securing the very lifeblood of our country's economy and people.
Beat the Clock: A Simple Formula for Exam Success
In an exam, time is precious. You have about 40 minutes for your composition. Don't panic! Use this formula to manage your time like a pro.
Total Time (40 mins)
- Reading & Understanding the Question (3 mins)
- Planning / Mind Mapping (5 mins)
-------------------------------------------------
= Writing Time (27 mins)
- Reviewing & Editing (5 mins)
-------------------------------------------------
= A Confident, Well-Written Composition!
Image Suggestion: An illustration of a determined Kenyan student sitting at an exam desk. A transparent clock is overlaid, showing the 40-minute time block divided into 'Planning', 'Writing', and 'Reviewing' sections. The student looks focused but not stressed.
Your Turn to Shine!
Writing a composition is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Start today! Pick a topic, draw a mind map, and try building your first paragraph using the P.E.E.L method. Remember the structure: Introduction, Body, Conclusion. You have amazing stories and ideas inside you. Now, go ahead and let the world read them!
Pro Tip
Take your own short notes while going through the topics.
