Grade 9 English Study Notes

Welcome to Strand 1 — Citizenship

In this strand, you will learn how to communicate politely, read widely, use fair language for everyone, and write neatly. These skills help you become a responsible citizen who communicates well both in school and in the community.

What is a Euphemism?

Some words and situations are difficult or uncomfortable to talk about directly. Telling someone they have lost their job, or that someone is very old, can feel harsh or hurtful if said too directly. To soften the impact of such words, we use euphemisms.

A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression that replaces a word or phrase that might sound harsh, rude, or offensive.

Polite language shows respect and improves our relationships with others. We should always use polite language in everyday conversations.

Examples of Euphemisms

Euphemisms in the Poem: "Good Citizenship"

Read the following poem and notice the euphemisms used:

Before Uncle Joe was over the hill
When he was not under the weather
While wearing his hat with a purple feather
He would call us all together
To counsel us on good citizenship.

He would say,
Every good citizen should practise honesty
For being economical with the truth is faulty
Please help out children on the streets
And donate books and toys to the needy.

He would say,
Always look clean and wear decent clothes
Be kind to the young and those in golden age
Be a good example to all and sundry
Faithfully follow the laws of the country.

Then he would warn,
If you do not practise good citizenship and integrity,
You might find yourselves in a correctional facility!
His advice still rings in our minds vividly
We remember the words; we treasure the memory.

Euphemisms in a Sample Interview: "Citizenship Club"

Study how euphemisms are used naturally in this interview:

Maina: We expected the chairperson to attend this interview. May you kindly explain why he is not here?
Marcella: Our chairperson is a little under the weather.
Maina: I see you are glancing at your watch. Do you have another engagement?
Marcella: Yes. I am running a little behind time.
Maina: Where are you headed to?
Marcella: I am giving a talk to a group of truth-challenged youths in my community.

Key Points — Euphemism

• A euphemism is a polite, mild word that replaces a harsh or offensive one.
• We use euphemisms to show respect and reduce the impact of difficult topics.
• Polite language improves relationships and makes communication more effective.
• Euphemisms appear in conversations, poems, stories, and formal settings.

What is a Debate?

A debate is a structured discussion where two sides argue for and against a topic or statement. One side is called the proposition (they agree with the topic) and the other is called the opposition (they disagree with the topic).

Debates are used to explore different viewpoints on important issues. A good debate always uses polite language — even when you strongly disagree with someone.

Rules for Debating with Polite Language

1. Use polite language — do not insult or embarrass your opponents.
2. Disagree respectfully — say "I disagree with that point because..." rather than "That is wrong!"
3. Express opinions politely — use phrases like "In my opinion...", "I believe that...", "It could be argued that..."
4. Respect each other's opinions — listen without interrupting.
5. Manage time — each speaker should stick to the agreed time limit.
6. Know your role — everyone has a responsibility: chairperson, speakers, timekeeper, audience.

Useful Phrases for Polite Debating

Giving and Receiving Feedback

After a debate, it is important to give and receive feedback — comments on how well the debate went. Good feedback:

• Points out what was done well.
• Mentions what could be improved.
• Is delivered respectfully and kindly.

Why Polite Language Matters in Debates

Using polite language in a debate:

• Ensures that ideas are shared and heard without people feeling attacked.
• Makes the discussion more productive — both sides can exchange views calmly.
• Demonstrates good citizenship — showing respect for others' views even when you disagree.
• Models the kind of communication used in important forums like parliament.

Key Points — Debate

• A debate has two sides: proposition (for) and opposition (against).
• Always use polite language — in agreement, disagreement, and feedback.
• Follow agreed rules: respect time limits, do not interrupt, know your role.
• Constructive feedback helps all participants improve their debating skills.

Types of Reading Materials

There are two main types of reading materials:

• Fiction — writing that describes something imaginary or made up. Examples include novels, short stories, plays, and poems.
• Non-fiction — writing based on real people, places, and events. Examples include encyclopaedias, dictionaries, biographies, and newspaper articles.

How to Select the Right Text for You

Not every book or text is suitable for every reader. Use this guide to choose wisely:

1. Check the title and cover — does it appeal to you? Have you read another book by the same author?
2. Read the blurb (back-cover description) — does the topic interest you?
3. Read the first page or chapter — this helps you decide if the text is worth reading.
4. Check the language level — if there are too many unfamiliar words, the text may be too difficult for now.
5. Check the relevance — select texts that explore issues relevant to your life.
6. Ask others — peers, teachers, guardians, or the librarian can suggest a good book.

Reading Strategies: Skimming and Scanning

Reading Text: "Not for Sale"

Read this story carefully. It explores what it means to be a loyal and responsible citizen.

"Namelok, you will never win even a village race!" Joy joked laughingly.

"It is a matter of time, Joy," Namelok shouted back, wiping the sweat off his brow. "I will surely run faster than you next time." Joy raised her nose in the air and then looked down at him, half a smile forming on her young face.

"Not at that pace," she replied. "If I could beat you in the one-hundred-metre race, what chance do you have to contribute to Kenya's athletic prowess?"

"I need to let you know that I actually slowed down deliberately to allow you to win," Namelok said.

"I don't believe you," Joy said with a grin. "Maybe if you participated in a tortoise's race, you would have a chance of winning." They both laughed.

That night, Namelok thought seriously about his dream of participating in the Olympics. He particularly wanted to be a champion of citizenship: upholding peace and harmony, promoting social and economic development, teaching people to take care of the environment, and campaigning for the election of good, honest leaders.

A year of serious training paid off when Namelok won the county championships. Both Joy and Namelok were later selected for the World Athletics Under 20 Championships to be held in Colombia.

While at the airport, Joy whispered, "This trip could be a great opportunity for us. We might find that the grass is greener on the other side. I want to relocate, acquire new citizenship, then join the athletics team of another country. Are you interested?"

"No, no, no, Joy!" Namelok protested. "My citizenship is not for sale."

Namelok knew he needed to do something. He found Mr Mori, the head of the Kenya delegation, and told him what Joy had said.

"You did the right thing," Mr Mori said. "I will speak with her."

One hour later, Mr Mori tapped Namelok gently on the shoulder. Namelok felt relieved. "The test of good citizenship is loyalty to one's country," he whispered to himself.

Vocabulary from the Story

Key Points — Independent Reading

• Reading materials are either fiction (imaginary) or non-fiction (real).
• Select texts that are at the right language level, relevant to your life, and interesting.
• Use skimming to get the general idea and scanning to find specific details.
• Good citizenship includes loyalty to one's country.

What is a Reading Log?

A reading log is a personal record where you write down what you read, when you read it, and your thoughts about it. It helps you to:

• Track how much and how often you read.
• Reflect on what you have learnt from texts.
• Remember important ideas, characters, and themes.
• Develop a regular, lifelong reading habit.

Sample Reading Log

Vocabulary Journal

As you read, keep a vocabulary journal — a notebook where you record new words you come across. This helps you grow your vocabulary over time.

Book Club

A book club is a group of readers who meet regularly to share and discuss what they have read. In a book club, you:

• Read the same texts and share your thoughts.
• Discuss characters, challenges, and lessons in the stories.
• Recommend books to each other.

Chain Stories

A chain story is a group activity where each person adds to a story in turns. To do it:

1. Sit in a circle.
2. One person starts a story with one sentence.
3. Each person adds one or two sentences.
4. Continue until the story reaches a natural ending.
5. Retell the whole story together.

Key Points — Reading Log and Reading Culture

• A reading log records what you read, when, and your reflections — building a reading habit.
• A vocabulary journal helps you learn and remember new words encountered during reading.
• Joining a book club and creating chain stories encourages a love for reading.
• Recommending texts to peers and sharing reading experiences strengthens the reading community in school.

Key Definitions

Gender is the state of being male or female in relation to the social and cultural roles that are assigned to men and women.

Gender-neutral language is language that does not refer to one specific gender. It covers people in general, without assuming whether a person is a man or a woman.

Gender bias is the use of a word or phrase that refers to only one gender, leaving the other out.

Examples at a Glance

Why Gender-Neutral Language Matters

• It is fair — it does not leave out or ignore one group of people.
• It is respectful — it acknowledges that anyone, male or female, can do any job.
• It avoids assumptions — not all nurses are female; not all engineers are male.

Text: "A Funny Encounter" — Identifying Gender Bias

Read the text below and notice the gender-biased words:

Mary had worked as a waitress at Café Delight for one year. One particular morning, the café was hosting the Citizens' Forum of Maliko County. As she went about her duties, Mary noticed some women who were laughing their heads off. She had not seen such behaviour from mankind before. She asked the foreman to tell them to be orderly. "Any man can see that they are just happy," he replied.

Poem: "The Weatherman and the Fisherman" — Identifying Gender Bias

The weatherman dreamt he saw rain in the sun
He said he could feel the approaching storm
He told the fisherman to leave his gear and run
For the man-made lake was soon going to flood.

He paused to catch his breath at the tea café
Where the waitress was serving an air hostess
He shouted to all and sundry, sounding breathless
The storm is coming! The storm is coming!

The watchman turned round and asked, aghast,
Who says that the storm is coming?
"The weatherman by the lake," the fisherman said.
"Isn't it good citizenship to warn you of danger?"

But the watchman shook his head
For he knew all too well
That the weatherman who lived by the lake,
Was not only unobservant but also a clueless layman.

Key Points — Identifying Gender Bias

• Gender-biased language assumes a person's gender based on their job or role.
• Gender bias appears in everyday words, stories, songs, and poems.
• Replacing gender-biased words with gender-neutral alternatives is more fair and respectful.