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WASSCE · 62 topics

Ghanaian Language

G3N tutors you through the full WASSCE Ghanaian Language syllabus offline — from Language, Organs of Speech, Distinguishing Between Speech Sound Symbols and Letters of the Alphabet and more — with adaptive lessons, instant quizzes and exam-ready summaries.

Study Ghanaian Language now All WASSCE subjects
Syllabus

What you’ll cover in Ghanaian Language.

The complete topic outline G3N teaches, mapped to the WASSCE curriculum.

Year 1

19 topics
Language
  • Understand what language is and identify its key functions
    • Language defined: a system of conventional vocal sounds used for communication among human beings
    • Functions of language: communication, cultural identification, transmission of culture, source of morals and values
    • Language as a store of cultural elements including customs, institutions, philosophy, and technology
Organs of Speech
  • Explain the term organs of speech and identify at least four organs involved in speech production
    • Organs of speech: any part of the body that contributes to speech production (e.g. lungs, larynx, trachea, lips, tongue)
    • Articulators: organs of speech that contribute to the production of specific speech sounds (e.g. tongue, lips, larynx, teeth, velum)
    • Distinction between speech organs in general and articulators specifically
Distinguishing Between Speech Sound Symbols and Letters of the Alphabet
  • Identify consonant sounds of the language and distinguish them from consonant letters of the alphabet
    • Phonetic (speech sound) symbols versus written alphabet letters
    • Vowel sounds and the letters used to spell them: a vowel sound may be spelt with one or more letters
    • Consonant sound symbols and the letters with which they are spelt
    • Recognising that the same letter can represent different sounds and the same sound can be spelt with different letters
Vowels: Description and Distribution
  • Define and describe the vowel sounds of the Ghanaian language and distinguish them from vowel letters
    • Vowel defined: a speech sound produced without obstruction of the speech air in the mouth
    • Lip shape in vowel description: rounded, unrounded, or spread
    • Tongue height in vowel description: close, mid-close, mid-open, and open
    • Tongue part in vowel description: front, central, back
    • Tongue root position: advanced and unadvanced (ATR distinction)
    • The vowel chart and how to draw it
    • Distinction between vowel sounds and vowel letters of the alphabet
Distribution of Vowels
  • Determine the position of vowel sounds in words
    • Word-initial position: a vowel occurring at the beginning of a word
    • Word-medial position: a vowel occurring in the middle of a word
    • Word-final position: a vowel occurring at the end of a word
    • Identifying which vowels can occur in each position in the language
Intensive Reading: Skimming and Scanning
  • Read any text or book with or without supervision and apply skimming and scanning techniques
    • Skimming: reading quickly to get the overall gist or main idea of a text
    • Scanning: reading quickly to locate specific information
    • Using titles, topics, pictures, diagrams, and maps to predict content before reading
    • In-depth reading and answering comprehension questions
    • Understanding words, phrases, idioms, and other devices in a text
Topic and Supporting Sentences
  • Identify the topic sentence and supporting sentences in a paragraph
    • Topic sentence: the main idea sentence of a paragraph, usually appearing first
    • Supporting sentences: sentences that provide details, examples, or evidence to back up the topic sentence
    • How to identify whether a sentence is a topic or a supporting sentence in context
Idioms
  • Explain the term idiom, give examples, and use idioms in sentences
    • Idiom defined: a phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of the individual words
    • Examples of common idioms in the Ghanaian language
    • Using idioms appropriately in different contexts such as announcements of death or special occasions
    • Writing idioms and using them correctly in sentences
Translation
  • Explain the term translation and acquire skills for translating simple sentences and paragraphs
    • Translation defined: the process of converting a message from a source language into a target language
    • Knowledge required for translation: syntax, semantics, and cultural background of both languages
    • Meaning-based (context-based) translation as the preferred approach
    • Word-level translation: finding equivalent nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and verbs
    • Phrase and sentence translation from English into the Ghanaian language and vice versa
    • Paragraph translation between English and the Ghanaian language
Word Classes
  • Identify and explain the word classes of the Ghanaian language
    • Word classes: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, postpositions, conjunctions, and others
    • Nouns: words that label or name places, people, ideas, and things; typically have singular and plural forms
    • Verbs: words that express actions, processes, events, and states; typically take tenses
    • Adjectives: words that describe or modify nouns; have comparative and superlative forms
    • Adverbs: words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
    • Major word classes: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs
    • Minor word classes: postpositions, conjunctions, determiners, and others
    • Regrouping words in sentences into major and minor word classes
Pluralisation and Negation
  • Explain pluralisation and identify plural markers in the language
    • Singular: one unit of a thing; plural: more than one unit of a thing
    • Plural markers: suffixes or other elements added to nouns to indicate more than one
    • Nouns that do not take plural markers (language-specific exceptions)
  • Distinguish between positive and negative sentences and identify negation markers
    • Positive sentence: a sentence that affirms something
    • Negative sentence: a sentence that denies or contradicts something
    • Negation markers in the Ghanaian language: the words or particles used to negate a sentence
    • Changing positive statements into negative statements
Word Formation
  • Explain how new word-forms and new words are generated in the Ghanaian language
    • Affixation: adding prefixes or suffixes to a base word to create a new word
    • Compounding: combining two or more words to form a new single word
    • Nasalisation: changing the nasal quality of sounds to generate new words
    • Tone: using different pitch patterns on the same spelling to create words with different meanings
    • Reduplication: repeating all or part of a word to create a new form
    • Identifying the word class of newly formed words
Punctuation
  • Use punctuation marks appropriately in writing
    • Full stop (.): used to end a declarative sentence or an abbreviation
    • Question mark (?): used at the end of a direct question
    • Colon (:): used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation
    • Comma (,): used to separate items in a list, to set off introductory phrases, and to join clauses
Essay Writing: Narrative, Descriptive, and Expository
  • Write a narrative essay by retelling or describing experiences and events in sequential order
    • Narrative essay: recounting events or experiences in a logical sequence
    • Sequential ordering of ideas and events
    • Correct use of tenses to show the order of events
    • Writing a narrative essay of approximately 250 words on a given topic
  • Write a descriptive essay by describing objects, events, or scenes in a systematic and accurate manner
    • Descriptive essay: giving a detailed picture of a person, place, object, or occasion
    • Using the appropriate register, adjectives, and adverbs to describe accurately
    • Systematic and logical organisation of descriptive details
  • Write an expository essay by explaining a process stage by stage
    • Expository essay: explaining how something works or how a process is carried out
    • Stage-by-stage explanation using the appropriate register
    • Example: writing the steps involved in preparing a dish such as groundnut soup
    • Writing an expository essay of approximately 350 words on a given topic
Introduction to Literature
  • Explain the term literature and identify its two main types and their characteristics
    • Literature defined: the artistic use of language in which the composer uses words to excite the minds of the audience
    • Oral literature: has no identifiable composer, is dynamic, has a performer, and is the property of the whole society
    • Written literature: has an identifiable author, is static, is documented, and has no performer
    • Common features of both oral and written literature: subject matter, theme, setting, characters, plot, conflict, suspense, flashback
Literary Devices
  • Identify and use literary devices found in spoken and written texts
    • Metaphor: a direct comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'
    • Simile: a comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'
    • Personification: giving human qualities to non-human things or abstract ideas
    • Irony: saying the opposite of what is meant, often for humorous or critical effect
    • Other literary devices specific to the Ghanaian language as provided by the language area
The Folktale
  • Define a folktale and describe its structure
    • Folktale defined: a story in which human beings or non-human entities behave like human beings in order to teach a moral lesson
    • Opening formula: the conventional phrase used to begin a folktale (e.g. a signal-response exchange)
    • Body: the main narrative events of the story
    • Closing formula: the conventional phrase used to end the folktale
    • Interludes: songs, riddles, or repetitions inserted within the story
Initiation Rites (puberty Rites)
  • Describe how puberty rites are performed and evaluate their relevance in contemporary society
    • Initiation/puberty rites defined: ceremonies marking the transition from childhood to adulthood
    • Steps and procedures involved in the performance of puberty rites in the locality
    • Cultural heritage significance: initiation rites identify the people who practise them
    • Relevance today: aspects that support community values and aspects that may need to be modified in light of modern developments
Manners and Etiquette
  • State reasons for politeness and identify verbal and non-verbal ways of expressing good manners
    • Politeness as a mark of good upbringing, a way of establishing cordial relationships, and a means of earning self-respect
    • Verbal politeness: prefacing requests and statements with politeness markers such as 'please' or 'I beg to...'
    • Non-verbal politeness: bowing when giving or receiving something, appropriate body posture, silence, and smiling
    • Effects of impoliteness on the individual, the offended person, the individual's relations, and the wider society
    • Appropriate behaviour in request situations and when provoked

Year 2

25 topics
Vowel Sequence and Elision
  • Explain vowel sequence and identify it within words and between words
    • Vowel sequence defined: a situation where one vowel immediately follows another vowel without a consonant between them
    • Vowel sequence within a single word (e.g. Twi: /pii/, Dagaare: /piiri/, Ewe: /fia/)
    • Vowel sequence between words in a phrase (e.g. Twi: Kofi Opoku, Ewe: /ade avu/)
    • Identifying vowel patterns that occur in vowel sequences
  • Explain vowel elision and identify where it occurs in speech
    • Vowel elision defined: the loss of a vowel during the pronunciation of a word or phrase in live speech
    • Examples of vowel elision in connected speech in the Ghanaian language
    • Distinction: elision is a feature of spoken language and may not apply to written language
Consonant Description and Distribution
  • Describe the consonant sounds of the language according to their position in words
    • Word-initial position: consonants occurring at the beginning of a word
    • Word-medial position: consonants occurring in the middle of a word
    • Word-final position: consonants occurring at the end of a word (where applicable)
    • Identifying which consonants can appear in each word position in the language
The Syllable
  • Identify and explain syllables in words and describe the syllable structure of the language
    • Syllable defined: a unit of sound that forms the natural rhythmic break in a spoken word
    • Syllable structure types: V (vowel alone), CV (consonant-vowel), CCV (consonant-consonant-vowel), CVC (where applicable), CVV (where applicable)
    • Breaking words into syllables by identifying natural pauses in pronunciation
    • Indicating syllable boundaries in written words using dots
Tone
  • Explain tone and identify tone types and their functions in the language
    • Tone defined: the use of pitch levels in words, phrases, and sentences to convey meaning
    • Tone types: high tone, mid tone, and low tone
    • Function 1 — lexical: tone distinguishes between two different words that have the same spelling
    • Function 2 — grammatical: tone distinguishes between words, phrases, and clauses with different grammatical interpretations
    • Function 3 — dialectal: tone helps to distinguish between dialects of the same language
    • Tone notation: high (/), mid (–), low (\)
Intensive and Extensive Reading
  • Apply intensive and extensive reading skills to a variety of texts
    • Intensive reading: close reading of a text to understand it fully, including its words, phrases, idioms, and literary devices
    • Extensive reading: reading longer texts such as library books, journals, and newspapers for general comprehension and enjoyment
    • Strategies for choosing suitable texts from the library
    • Writing reports and responses to books and journals read independently
  • Identify topic sentences and supporting sentences within paragraphs
    • Revision and reinforcement of topic sentences and supporting sentences in context
    • Identifying the topic sentence in any given paragraph or longer text
Literary Devices in Context
  • Explain, identify, and use literary devices in comprehension passages and texts
    • Identifying literary devices within comprehension passages
    • Examples of literary devices specific to the Ghanaian language
    • Writing examples of at least five literary devices and using them correctly in sentences
Translation (intermediate Skills)
  • Apply translation skills to translate texts between English and the Ghanaian language
    • Revision of meaning-based (context-based) translation principles
    • Importance of knowing the syntax, semantics, and socio-cultural background of both languages
    • Translation of paragraphs and longer passages from English to the Ghanaian language and vice versa
    • Finding equivalent words, phrases, and expressions across languages
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
  • Distinguish between transitive and intransitive verbs and use them correctly in speech and writing
    • Transitive verb: a verb that takes a direct object (e.g. eat, write, throw, see)
    • Intransitive verb: a verb that does not take a direct object (e.g. rest, sleep, swim, fly, die)
    • Identifying whether a verb in a sentence is transitive or intransitive based on whether it has an object
    • Constructing sentences using both transitive and intransitive verbs
Tenses
  • Identify the various tense markers and use them appropriately in the Ghanaian language
    • Simple present tense: used to describe habitual actions, general truths, and current states
    • Simple past tense: used to describe completed actions in the past
    • Present continuous tense: used to describe actions happening at the moment of speaking
    • Past continuous tense: used to describe actions that were in progress at a past time
    • Simple future tense: used to describe actions that will happen in the future
    • Present perfect tense: used to describe actions that have been completed with relevance to the present
    • Past perfect tense: used to describe actions completed before another past action
    • Distinction between the simple past and the present perfect tenses
Noun Phrase
  • Describe a phrase, identify the elements of a noun phrase, and determine its function in a clause
    • Phrase defined: a word or group of words that can occur together within a clause
    • One-word noun phrase: a single noun standing alone (e.g. Kofi, Amina)
    • Expanded noun phrase: a noun with additional modifiers (e.g. the boy, my sister, the tall girl)
    • Functions of the noun phrase in a clause: subject, object, and complement
    • Position of the noun phrase within the clause
Verb Phrase
  • Describe a verb phrase, identify its elements, and determine its position in a clause
    • Main verb alone as a verb phrase (e.g. Kofi called Amina)
    • Auxiliary verb plus main verb as a verb phrase (e.g. The boy is calling the girl)
    • Structure of the verb phrase and its position within the clause
Serial Verb Construction
  • Explain serialisation and construct clauses using serial verbs
    • Serial verb construction defined: two or more verbs occurring in sequence without any conjunction in a single sentence
    • Identifying serial verbs in clauses
    • Constructing sentences that use the serial verb structure
Adverb Phrase
  • Describe an adverb phrase, identify other phrases that function as adverbs, and use adverb phrases appropriately
    • Adverb phrase structure: adverb alone, adverb plus adverb, or adverb plus adverb plus adverb (where applicable)
    • Identifying phrases built from other word classes that function adverbially
    • Function and position of the adverb phrase within the clause
Adjectives
  • Define, identify types of, and use adjectives appropriately
    • Adjective defined functionally: a word that modifies or describes a noun
    • Attributive adjective: appears directly before the noun it modifies within the noun phrase
    • Predicative adjective: appears after a linking verb and describes the subject of the clause
    • Using attributive and predicative adjectives correctly in sentences
Minor Word Classes
  • Determine the functions of the minor word classes including conjunctions, emphatics, and postpositions
    • Conjunctions: words used to join clauses or words (e.g. and for addition or sequence, but for contrast, or for choice)
    • Emphatics: words that add emphasis to a statement
    • Interjections: words or phrases that express sudden emotions
    • Determiners: words that introduce a noun and indicate reference
    • Auxiliaries: verbs that help the main verb express tense, mood, or aspect
    • Postpositions: words that express location or relational meaning (placed after the noun in many Ghanaian languages)
Essay Writing: Revision, Argumentative, and Informal Letters
  • Recall and apply techniques for writing narrative, descriptive, and expository essays
    • Narrative essay: recounting events in chronological order with appropriate tense use
    • Descriptive essay: systematic and accurate description using appropriate register, adjectives, and adverbs
    • Expository essay: stage-by-stage explanation of a process using appropriate register
  • Write an argumentative essay by expressing opinions for or against a given statement
    • Argumentative essay: presenting a clear position and supporting it with reasons and evidence
    • Presenting arguments for a motion and arguments against a motion
    • Using the appropriate register and transitional language in argumentative writing
    • Writing an argumentative composition on a given topic
  • Write informal (friendly) letters using the appropriate format and register
    • Informal letter format: sender's address, date, salutation, body, subscription, name
    • Tone and mood of an informal letter: casual and friendly
    • Using appropriate language and register for writing to friends and family
Dirges
  • Explain the nature and characteristics of dirges and state their importance to the community
    • Dirge: a song of mourning or lamentation composed and performed at funerals
    • Literary and linguistic devices in dirges: repetition, pauses, movement of the singer, and impact on the audience
    • Importance: to honour the dead, to sharpen the musical skill of the performer, to train the young, to ensure continuity of tradition, to condemn evil doers, and to create the right mood for mourners
Riddles and Puzzles
  • Distinguish between riddles and puzzles and state their importance
    • Riddle: an oral game intended to test the intelligence of participants, usually played by children, with answers that may be logical or illogical
    • Puzzle: an oral game whose answer is arrived at through serious and logical thinking
    • Structure of a riddle: opening, statement, question
    • Importance: developing critical thinking, preserving oral tradition, and providing cultural entertainment
Historical Narratives
  • Identify some historical narratives and discuss their importance
    • Historical narrative: a story that recounts the historical past of a tribe or group of people
    • Historical narrative as a literary art form
    • Values of historical narratives: preserving history, instilling cultural pride, and transmitting knowledge across generations
    • Myths: stories that explain the origins of the world, people, or phenomena, often involving supernatural beings
    • Legends: traditional stories about heroic or significant historical figures or events
Songs: Cradle, Occupational, and WAR Songs
  • Explain the different types of songs and state their importance in the community
    • Cradle songs: songs sung to entertain or lull babies to sleep
    • Occupational songs: songs sung during work to maintain rhythm and boost morale
    • War songs: songs sung at war or when disaster strikes to inspire courage and unity
    • Importance of songs: entertainment, cultural preservation, community bonding, and teaching values
Taboos and Oaths
  • Explain and identify types of taboos and evaluate their relevance
    • Taboo: a prohibition of certain verbal or non-verbal behaviours on religious, moral, or social grounds
    • Verbal taboos: forbidden speech acts (e.g. insulting a spouse's nakedness, a child calling a parent a wizard or witch, calling someone by name at midnight)
    • Non-verbal taboos: forbidden actions (e.g. poisoning food, destroying a spouse's cooking utensils, incest, sexual activity during menstruation or in the bush, working on a sacred day, defecating in water bodies or shrines)
    • Functions of taboos: socio-moral control, promotion of health, and environmental protection
    • Evaluating which taboos remain relevant today and which may need to be modified
  • Identify and explain oaths and the sanctions associated with them
    • Oath: a swear word related to a god, a historical event, or a stool, used to affirm one's commitment to a critical issue
    • Examples of oaths in the locality relating to gods, events, and stools
    • Sanctions for oaths: consequences that follow if an oath is broken
    • Relevance of oaths in contemporary society
Traditional Judicial Procedures
  • Identify types of conflict and the methods used to resolve them in the traditional system
    • Types of conflict: conflicts at home, in the community, in the state, between communities, and between the individual and the community
    • Methods of traditional conflict resolution at each level
    • Advantages of traditional judicial procedures: more conciliatory and reconciling, less expensive, and a platform for teaching conflict management
Authority
  • Explain authority, identify the levels of authority, and state the duties of those in authority and reasons to respect them
    • Authority defined: the entity to whom individuals surrender parts of their rights in order to allow control for peace and stability
    • Levels of authority: home (parents), school (headmaster/headmistress), community (chief), workplace (supervisor), and the state (government)
    • Duties of people in authority: enforcing rules and regulations, controlling affairs for peace and stability, and catering for the welfare of the people
    • Reasons to respect authority: promotes peace, brings about mutual respect, ensures individual safety and welfare, ensures everyone meets obligations, ensures judicious use of resources, and strengthens confidence in leaders
Non-verbal Communication
  • Identify and demonstrate non-verbal forms of communication and explain the functions of drum, xylophone, and horn language
    • Non-verbal communication: conveying messages without spoken words
    • Body language, signs, and symbols: nodding the head, waving the hand, frowning, hanging a bottle on a tree, tying a red band
    • Drum, xylophone, and horn language: communicating through instrumental music
    • Functions of drum, xylophone, and horn texts: alertness signals, praise, calls to assembly, and other community announcements
Written Literature: Prose and Drama
  • Distinguish between prose and drama, and between fiction and non-fiction
    • Prose: continuous writing organised into chapters and paragraphs
    • Drama: writing intended to be performed on stage, organised into acts and scenes with stage directions
    • Fiction: an imaginary story created by the author
    • Non-fiction: a story based on true life experiences of a person or a people
    • Biography: a story written by someone about another person
    • Autobiography: a story written by the author about themselves
    • Determining the subject matter and theme of a given text
    • Subject matter: a summary of the story expressed in one word or a phrase

Year 3

18 topics
Oral, Nasal, and Nasalised Sounds
  • Describe how oral, nasal, and nasalised sounds are produced and identify the functions of nasalisation
    • Oral sounds: sounds produced when the speech air passes through the mouth only (e.g. vowels: /a, e, i/; consonants: /p, f, z/)
    • Nasal sounds: sounds produced when the speech air passes through the nose only (e.g. /m, n/)
    • Nasalised sounds: sounds produced when the speech air passes through both the mouth and the nose at the same time; only vowels can be nasalised (e.g. nasalised /a/, /i/, /u/)
    • Function 1 — lexical: nasalisation generates new words with different meanings
    • Function 2 — dialectal: nasalisation indicates differences between dialects
    • Identifying nasal and nasalised sounds in words dictated by the teacher
Assimilation and Coalescence
  • Give examples of assimilation and coalescence in words and phrases in the language
    • Assimilation: a phonological process in which adjacent sounds influence one another, making them more similar
    • Coalescence: a phonological process in which two adjacent sounds merge to produce a completely different single sound
    • Examples of assimilation and coalescence in the Ghanaian language
    • Distinction: assimilation is primarily a feature of spoken language and may not be reflected in writing
Double and Secondary Articulations
  • Give examples of sounds produced with double or secondary articulations
    • Double articulation: sounds produced with two simultaneous points of closure or constriction (e.g. /kp/, /gb/, /nm/ in some Ghanaian languages)
    • Secondary articulation: sounds produced with a main articulation plus an additional modification (e.g. labialisation /kw/, palatalisation /nj/, or velarisation /sw/)
    • Language-specific examples of double and secondary articulation sounds
Vowel Deletion
  • Cite instances of vowel deletion in the language
    • Vowel deletion: the dropping of a vowel during live speech, similar to elision
    • Examples of words or phrases in which vowel deletion occurs
    • Contexts in which vowel deletion is more likely to happen in connected speech
    • Distinction: vowel deletion is a feature of spoken language and is not reflected in the written form in many languages
Reading Comprehension: Skimming, Scanning, and Summary
  • Apply skimming and scanning skills to more extensive texts and write effective summaries
    • Skimming with practice: reading the first paragraph and the first two lines of subsequent paragraphs to strengthen prediction skills
    • Scanning with practice: reading steadily through an entire passage to locate specific details
    • Summary writing: identifying and condensing the main ideas of a text into a shorter form
    • Using topic sentences and supporting sentences to guide summary writing
    • Understanding the different functions of supporting sentences within a paragraph
Translation (advanced Skills)
  • Consolidate and advance translation skills between English and the Ghanaian language
    • Revision of translation principles: meaning-based, context-sensitive translation
    • Practising using different sentence structures to express the same idea across languages
    • Translation of short English texts and paragraphs into the Ghanaian language
    • Translation of texts from the Ghanaian language into English
The Clause
  • Define a clause and distinguish between main and subordinate clauses and their types
    • Clause defined: a group of two or more words containing a subject and a finite verb that may express a complete thought
    • Main clause: an independent clause that expresses a complete thought on its own
    • Subordinate clause: a dependent clause formed by adding a subordinating conjunction to a main clause (e.g. if, when, after, as soon as)
    • Noun clause: a clause that functions as a noun (as subject, object, or complement) in the sentence
    • Adjective/relative clause: a clause that modifies a noun or pronoun
    • Adverb clause: a clause that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb
Sentence Types
  • Identify sentence types by both structure and function
    • Simple sentence: a sentence with one main clause
    • Compound sentence: a sentence with two or more main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction
    • Complex sentence: a sentence with one main clause and at least one subordinate clause
    • Declarative sentence: a statement that provides information
    • Interrogative sentence: a question that requests information
    • Imperative sentence: a command or instruction
    • Exclamatory sentence: a sentence expressing strong emotion or surprise
Reported Speech
  • Distinguish between direct speech and reported speech and convert between them
    • Direct speech: the verbatim or exact words of a speaker, enclosed in quotation marks or introduced by a colon
    • Reported (indirect) speech: a paraphrase of what someone said, without quotation marks
    • Changes when converting to reported speech: tense shifts, pronoun changes, and changes to adverbs of time and place
    • Example: 'I will travel tomorrow' (direct) becomes 'He said that he would travel the next day' (reported)
    • Example: 'We are hungry' (direct) becomes 'He said that they were hungry' (reported)
Sentence Analysis
  • Identify the grammatical functions found in a sentence and break sentences into their structural elements
    • Subject (S): the noun phrase that the sentence is about
    • Verb (V): the word or phrase expressing the action or state
    • Object (O): the noun phrase receiving the action of the verb
    • Complement (C): a word or phrase that completes the predicate and describes the subject or object
    • Adjunct (A): an optional element providing additional information about time, place, or manner
    • Analysing sentences by labelling each element with S, V, O, C, or A
Essay Writing: Advanced Types, Speech, Letters, Debates, Dialogues, and Articles
  • Write narrative, descriptive, expository, and argumentative essays at an advanced level
    • Revision of narrative, descriptive, expository, and argumentative essay techniques
    • Writing a polished essay on a given topic using the appropriate essay type
  • Prepare and write a formal speech
    • Structure of a speech: heading, body, and conclusion
    • Observing protocol: addressing the chairperson, elders, and other dignitaries appropriately (e.g. 'Mr. Chairman, Nananom...')
    • Using transition markers and a clear concluding formula
  • Write formal and semi-formal letters using the correct format and register
    • Formal letter format: sender's address, date, recipient's address, salutation, heading, body, conclusion, subscription, signature, and name
    • Semi-formal letter: written to older persons, acquaintances, or not-too-familiar colleagues; tone is neither too formal nor too familiar
    • Semi-formal letter format: address, date, salutation, body with polite language, subscription
  • Write and participate in debates
    • Structure of a debate: opening statement of the motion, arguments for the motion (pros), arguments against the motion (cons), use of protocol and polite language, and concluding statement
    • Writing out a debate on a given motion
  • Write dialogues and articles using the correct conventions
    • Dialogue format: name of speaker followed by exactly what the person says; use of interventions and interludes
    • Article format: heading, body divided into suitable paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the topic, conclusion referencing the topic sentence, name and contact details of the author
    • Using formal language and an appropriate register in articles
Proverbs
  • Explain proverbs, identify their characteristics and types, and state their importance
    • Proverb defined: a short expression that states a general truth and carries a moral lesson
    • Characteristics: a proverb is short, expresses a general truth, has a moral lesson, and has a hidden or figurative meaning
    • Thematic classification of proverbs: proverbs on humility, greed, patience, arrogance, and other themes
    • Importance of proverbs: to cut a long story short, to add depth and richness to speech, to teach a lesson, to modify behaviour, to earn respect for the user, and to state general truths
Libation (traditional Prayer)
  • Explain libation, identify occasions for its performance, and state its relevance
    • Libation defined: a traditional prayer involving a practical demonstration of faith, typically by pouring liquid on the ground while calling on ancestors and deities
    • Occasions for libation: marriage ceremonies, child birth, death and burial rites, periods of purification, ill-health, festivals, and other significant community events
    • Relevance of libation: a practical demonstration of faith, provides spiritual conviction and communion, and serves as an occasion for teaching and learning
    • Discussion of libation in the context of modern-day developments
Funeral Rites and Their Significance
  • Explain why funeral rites are celebrated and compare past and present practices
    • Reasons for celebrating funeral rites: belief in life after death, honouring the deceased, marking a rite of passage, and fulfilling a social obligation
    • Traditional concept of death: the transition of the spirit or soul to the ancestral realm
    • Types of death: natural death and unnatural death; some types of death are celebrated and others are not
    • Organisation of funerals in the past compared to the present
    • Discussion of how the concept of death influences ways of life
Inheritance
  • Explain the two types of inheritance in Ghana and compare traditional and statutory inheritance
    • Inheritance defined: the practice whereby the property and role of a deceased person are passed on to a successor
    • Patrilineal inheritance: property and roles pass through the father's line
    • Matrilineal inheritance: property and roles pass through the mother's line
    • How a successor is chosen under each system
    • Advantages and disadvantages of traditional inheritance
    • PNDC Law 111 (Intestate Succession Law): the statutory law governing how property is shared when someone dies without a will
    • Comparison of PNDC Law 111 with customary inheritance practices
Contemporary Social, Moral, and Economic Issues
  • Identify current social, moral, and economic problems and discuss their causes, effects, and solutions
    • Social problems: armed robbery, drug abuse, child prostitution, occultism, child trafficking, alcoholism, slander
    • Causes of social problems: poverty, unemployment, lack of parental care, adventurism, peer pressure
    • Effects of these problems on individuals and communities
    • Possible solutions: parental control and guidance, education, attachment to positive role models
    • Identifying and discussing specific problems that exist in the local community
Marriage and Divorce
  • Explain the concept of marriage, identify its types, and discuss divorce
    • Marriage defined: a union between a man and a woman as husband and wife with the consent of both families and the performance of the necessary rites
    • Importance of marriage: procreation, exclusive sexual rights, prestige, mutual support, and companionship
    • Types of marriage: customary marriage, legal or court marriage, Christian marriage, and Muslim marriage
    • Things to consider when choosing a partner: age, personal interests, ethnic background, religious background, and character
    • Causes of divorce: wrong choice of partner, immaturity, economic problems, religious differences, infertility, sexual incompatibility, arrogance, and expensive lifestyle
    • Ways of sustaining a marriage
Written Literature: Poetry
  • Classify a text as a poem and identify the features that distinguish poetry from prose and drama
    • Features of poetry: written in stanzas and lines, uses economy of words, may be in free verse or with a rhyme scheme, is full of literary and dramatic devices, typically occupies the centre of the page, and each line normally begins with a capital letter
    • Distinguishing poetry from prose (organised into paragraphs) and drama (organised into acts and scenes)
    • Analysing a simple poem to state its subject matter and theme
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