PROMAG ENGLISH PAPER 2 REPORT Date : 20 APRIL 2013 Day Time : SABTU : 0930 1115

Many pupils show a good discipline during the slot. They showed an encouraging understanding of all the three questions. However, quite a number of them failed to answer correctly due to poor command of the language. Many pupils in this group had difficulties in answering all the questions. They were unable to perform the task required. This is probably due to the lack of vocabulary and inability to construct simple sentences to express their ideas. The errors made were related to vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar. The ideas presented were either disorganised or confused. A few pupils resorted to writing the answers in their mother tongue. PUPILS PERFORMANCE QUESTION 1 SECTION A Pupils are required to construct five sentences based on a given picture and a set of words to help them. Pupils may use the given words. The marks allocated for this section is 10. All answers are to be written in the space provided. Pupils are advised to spend about fifteen minutes on this question. These groups of pupils were unable to construct meaningful sentences. Structural and grammatical errors occur due to the poor command of the language. Attempts made to construct sentences often resulted in disorganised or distorted sentence structures. Some pupils were unable to write even a simple sentence. They were distracted by the 10 words given and they were unable to get some of the words right as they do not know the meaning. Some pupils were able to write a simple sentence correctly but it does not describe the picture. Although the sentence is grammatically correct no marks will be awarded as it does not comply with the given picture. Pupils tend to write a story in this section and ended up in writing correct sentences but not describing the picture. This group of pupils can be given some simple sentences to be memorised. For example: There are five people in the picture. The word underlined can be replaced with the correct amount of people seen in the picture. At least they will get 1 mark for their attempt to write one correct simple sentence. Encourage pupils to write their own sentences using their own words. Ask them to write simple sentences and do not use conjunctions as they would make more mistakes. Teach them how to write simple sentences using substitution table for

a start. The pupils will not be penalised if they were using their own words instead of the 10 words given. They will not be given higher marks but at least they will not get a zero for this section. QUESTION 2 SECTION B (a) Candidates need to transfer information accurately and appropriately from a text into a given framework or table. Marks allocated for this section is 10. Pupils carelessness in spelling and transferring information into the wrong column made them lose marks in this section. Some of them can write neatly but they do not read the instructions carefully. They write everything from the items given without looking at the different rows of questions and the clue that had been given to them. Pupils should score 10 marks in this section as this section is the easiest. They only need to copy from the items given and spell them correctly. Of course their handwriting would affect their marks too but overall the pupils can write in neat legible handwriting. They need to be guided when answering this question. So during the lesson or when making exercises on this question, teacher should sit with them and tell them personally how to get the answer right. If they are unable to score full marks then at least they get 5 marks or more in this section. QUESTION 2 SECTION B (b) In 2b, pupil need to give reason(s) to support decision or choice made. The marks allocated for this section is 5. All answers are to be written in the space provided. Candidates are advised to spend about twenty-five minutes for this section. Some pupils were unable to fulfil the task given due to their limitation in vocabulary and grammar. Pupils in this group could not write their reasons for choice made. They lifted information directly to support their choice. They MUST choose one item which will give them 1 mark for this section and at least a reason to support their answer. They were unable to give many reasons for this section. So it is accepted if they can only write one reason and elaborate their ideas in simple sentences. Simple sentences example I like it. It is beautiful. I love the colour. I think I have made the right choice.

QUESTION 3 SECTION C Pupils are required to write a story based on the given pictures. They may use the given words to help them in the description. They are encouraged to express ideas creatively, add their own words or phrases correctly and appropriately. The story should be written in

paragraph(s). Marks allocated for this section is 15. Candidates are advised to spend about thirty-five minutes for this section. All answers are to be written in the space provided. Most of the pupils were unable to write correct sentences to describe the picture. Ideas presented were either disorganised or inundated with grammar, spelling and punctuation errors. Some pupils resorted to direct lifting and wrote the given words in the space provided. They showed minimum understanding of the requirement task. Their ideas were barely developed. They made serious errors in grammar and sentence structure. There were some stringing of words in their sentences. The responses were mostly disorganised and almost incomprehensible due to poor command of language, limited vocabulary and words in context. The choice of words and sentence structure reflected mother tongue interference. They were unable to guess the meanings in context although stimuli were given. The language used was uncertain and inaccurate.

CONCLUSION 1. Teachers need to stress and train pupils to read and follow rubrics and instructions carefully. 2. Train pupils the proper and basics in handwriting skills (formation of letters, the alphabets need to be clear and precise) 3. Pupils need to be trained to copy correctly and accurately. 4. Trained them to write phrases and simple sentences. 5. Have varied written exercises with clear instructions for pupils to practice and learn them as regularly as possible.

REPORTED BY, MADAM JACQUELINE POLYCARP SK NANGA BABAI