Composition is one of the biggest challenges for Kenyan students doing KCPE or KCSE examinations.
In this article; I will outline the best steps in writing a good English composition during KCPE or KCSE examinations.
All compositions usually follow the same simple and basic structure which is outlined below.
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion.
Always begin a composition with an introduction. The introduction should be presented in the first paragraph. The first sentence in the first paragraph should be focused on the single most important idea of the composition. Ensure that the first paragraph captures the attention of the reader while introducing what you are going to write in the body.
The body brings together several paragraphs expanding the main idea of the composition. The paragraphs in the body should be structured in such a way that they have a topic sentence which is followed by four or five sentences. At the end of the paragraph include a concluding sentence summarising the idea of that paragraph.
To write good paragraph use P-R-E-P. PREP is acronym for P-point, R-reason, E-example then P-point again. The first P denotes the idea brought out in the first sentence. The last P denotes the concluding sentence restating the first sentence slightly differently to avoid repetition. Below is a small paragraph written by Joe explaining why his friend Tom went to America.
e.g Tom went to America to study Computer Science (first P). While in America, he toured many countries and made a lot of friends. He studied there for four years then came back to Kenya. Now he is working for the ministry of Information and Technology. That is why Tom went to America (last P).
Conclusion: This is the last paragraph in a composition. It should be short, wrapping up and summarising or restating the main idea of the composition. Use different words from those used in the introduction and body to avoid sounding repetitive. Make sure the last paragraph is punchy. Leave the reader impressed while satisfied (without any questions or doubts of what you have written).
Best technique for writing composition
Use the P-O-W-E-R technique when writing your KCPE or KCSE composition. The P-O-W-E-R stands for
P-plan
O-organize
W-write the introduction, body and conclusion.
E-edit. Check for mistakes
R-revise. You should revise every composition you write. This will involve rereading, looking for errors in sentence construction, grammar, spelling and contradictions.
Writing a composition is a compulsory requirement in KCPE and KCSE examination. I hope these simple tips will ease the exercise of writing a composition.
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this is simply the most effective examination tip for me so far.am convinced it will help me write my final high school exams well.i honestly count myself very lucky for coming across a thing like this.whatever positive impact it will make to my results, i will hold the name of your site in trust.
wow this is really good, tomorrow im taking my english compo and this helps alot
You are very welcome.
thanks for your contents truly encouraging 4 us students. will you consider adding form three exams from these top performing schools? you will be of great help.
Hi Clifford,
I will consider that to help other students. All the best.
thanx for your tips in mathematics you have encouraged me.Thanx once again
May God bless you for being a blessing to us. please send me any material that may be of help to me, i am sitting for kcse next year at 32, thanks a lot.
Hi Karanja, I am impressed by your determination. I wish you all the best. Good luck.
i hv just come across your website joshua,im now on module class 11 waiting for my kcse this year hopefully that the website will be of more advantage to my education.thanks for this good work.
Hi Mwendo,
I am happy for you. I wish you all the best in your revision.
I really liked this article. Keep it up!
Greatly overwhelmed by your site. It is just good, I must admit. My younger sister has loved it, moreover, she has told me that she will market the site when she goes back to school. Kudos!!
Thanks Kenneth. I am happy to hear that your younger sister liked the stuff she found on this website. I add more stuff every week hoping that it will be of help to students to achieve their dream.
I wish your sister all the best in her studies.
From kigali-Rwanda kigali health institute.
This article has helped me when i was preparing a course for secondary students in 2010,August.
Very good.
Thanks Venuste, I am happy that you found the article useful while preparing some teaching course.
I will be posting more articles every week, mostly on Fridays.
Quite enlightening… especially the acronyms- I believe they’ll be helpful to my students! Good job. Keep it up.
Thanks Kimaita. You are very much welcome. You can also let your students know there are free KCSE papers to download here.
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