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English for Ethiopia

Student Textbook

Grade 8 Book 2

International Consultant:
Mary W. Spor. PhD

National Consultants:
Fekadu Mulugeta. PhD
Jemal Mohammed. PhD

Authors:
Abebe Asfaw
Alemseged Haddis
Askalu Kifle
Badima Belay. PhD
Birhanu Bekana
Ejeta Negeri

Editor:
Balew Bogale. PhD

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Ministry of Education
Acknowledgments

The book was produced with financial and technical support of the American
People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Regional States Education Bureaus
and READ TA Project. The printing expense is covered by the General Education
Quality Improvement Programme (GEQIPII).

The Ministry of Education wishes to thank the American people and individuals
and groups who were directly or indirectly involved in writing, reviewing and
publishing this student textbook and the accompanying teacher's guide.

Copyright 2017 © FDRE, MoE

USAID
FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

ISBN: 978-99944-2-861-8
 Table of Contents

Unit 7: My Hobby 1

Week 16: What are Hobbies? 1

Week 17: Gardening as a Hobby 11

Unit 8: Art 20

Week 18: Art and its Roles 20

Week 19: Ethiopian Arts and Crafts: Weaving 30

Unit 9: Education 39

Week 20: Importance of Education 39

Week 21: Reasons for Student Dropout 46

Unit 10: Scientific Discovery 56

Week 22: A Famous Scientist: Albert Einstein 56

Week 23: The Importance of Scientific Discoveries 65

Week 24: The Discovery of Anaesthesia 76

Unit 11: Natural Wonders of Africa 85

Week 25: African National Parks 85

Week 26: Ethiopia's National Wonders 97

Week 27: African Lakes 107

Unit 12: Technology in the Modern World 115

Week 28:Communication through Technology 115

Week 29: Benefits of a Computer 125

Week 30:The Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology 136

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 | My Hobby

1{jNm

Week 16: What are Hobbies?

I I

Week 16 Day 1

1. Word Study

Homophones (Part One)

Choose the correct words from each of the pairs of homophones given in
brackets to fill in the blanks in the following sentences. Work with your partner.

Examples

a. Nobody can hear (hear / here) what he said.

b. Last week , (weak / week) she was sick.

1. Can you give me the (some / sum) of the scores?

2. She said that she didn't (no / know) the thief.
3. I saw a (bare / bear) in the zoo.
4. He cannot read without Braille; he has lost his (sight / site)
5. We will meet during the tea (brake / break).
6. Our teacher told us the (tail / tale) of a fox.
7. Foxes (pray / prey) on smaller animals.
8. There is a (whole / hole) in the roof. We must fix it before the rainy
season.

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English I GradeS I Week 16

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

Discuss the following questions with your partners.

1. What hobbies are shown in the pictures?

2. How interested are you in these activities? Why?
3. What activities do you do in your free time?
4. What is particularly interesting about them?
5. What would you like to try? Why?

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A

A B c D

While-reading Activity

A. Answer the following questions based on the information from the reading
text.
1. What is a hobby?
2. The term hobby is associated with and .
3. Which mind activities are referred to as hobbies?
4. Why are listening to music and watching television not considered as
hobbies?
5. Which hobbies have declined along with time? Why?
6. Which hobby is gaining popularity in the 21st century?

What are Hobbies?

A hobby is a regular activity that is done for enjoyment, typically during one's
leisure time. It usually refers to a mind activity such as stamp collecting, sewing,
knitting, painting, woodwork or photography, but not activities such as listening
to music or watching television. These latter activities bring pleasure but lack the

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 English I GradeS I Week 16

sense of achievement that is normally associated with a hobby. Unlike most hobbies,
they are not usually structured and organised pursuits. The pleasure of a hobby is
associated with making something of value or achieving something of value.

A large proportion of hobbies are mainly private in nature. However, individual

pursuit of a hobby often includes club membership, organised sharing of activities
or products and regular communication between participants. For many hobbies,
there is an important role in being in touch with fellow hobbyists. Of course, some
hobbies are communal in nature, for example choral singing and volunteering.

The types of hobbies that people engage in change as the world changes. Stamp
collecting has declined along with the decline in the importance of the postal system.
Woodwork and knitting have also declined as hobbies, as manufactured goods
provide cheap alternatives for hand made goods. In the 21st century, the video game
industry is a very large hobby involving millions of adults and children. Moreover,
through the internet, an online community has become a hobby for many people,
sharing advice, information and support.

People who engage in hobbies are those who have interests and the time to
pursue them. Hobbies are often pursued with increased interest by retired people
because they have time and seek the intellectual and physical stimulation of a
hobby. Children are also an important group of hobbyists because they often have
enthusiasm for collecting, making and exploring and they tend to have plenty of
leisure time.

B. Write what the following pronouns refer to in the reading text.

1 It was designed for .... (Para. 1, line 2), It refers to .
2. they are not usually structured.... (Para. 1, line 6), they refers to .
3. because they have time.... (Para. 4, line 3), they refers to .
4. they often have enthusiasm.... (Para. 4, line 4), they refers to .

Post-reading Activity

In a group of three, discuss the following questions and reflect your ideas.

1. What hobbies are popular in your area?

2. What makes a certain hobby popular?
3. Do you agree that children should spend their free time chatting on the
internet as a hobby? Why?

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Week 16 Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Based on the contexts in the reading passage above, match the words in Column
A with their meanings in Column B .

A B
1. leisure A. enjoyment
2. pleasure B. shared by many people
3. pursuit C. excitement, great interest
4. communal D. motivation
5. stimulation E. free time
6. enthusiasm F. following/practising

4. Listening

Pre-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions before you listen to the listening text.

1. What types of hobbies are most likely to provide us with benefits?

2. What are your hobbies?

While-listening Activity

Answer the following questions by saying 'True' or 'False' based on the

information in the listening text.

1. Life without hobbies is more enjoyable, less demanding and healthy.

2. When we pursue a hobby, we give ourselves permission to take a break from
work and responsibility.
3. Practising hobbies restores our energy and sense of balance so we can better
handle our daily obligations.
4. Challenging ourselves in our personal hobbies is a very unnecessary and
negative thing.
5. The challenges in hobbies are often accompanied by anxiety and stress.
6. Hiking, surfing and swimming are considered to be best athletic hobbies.

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Post-listening Activity

Think of some more benefits of hobbies other than the ones mentioned in the
listening text and share with your partners.

Day 3

5. Speaking

Reporting Someone's Speeches

A. Act out the dialogue by taking turns.

Sara: Hi, Genet. How are you?
Genet: Hi, Sara. I am fine, thanks.
Sara: I didn't expect to see you in the class today.
Genet: Why?
Sara: Hana told me that you broke your leg while you were playing table
tennis.
Genet: That's right. I had an accident a few days ago.
Sara: And she said she saw you in the hospital yesterday.
Genet: Yes, I was in a hospital for a check up.
Sara: Hana also told me that your doctor recommended that you stay in bed
for a few days.
Genet: Yes, but I am fine today.
Sara: You should have followed the doctor's advice. By the way, is table
tennis your favourite hobby?
Genet: Yes it is.

B. In pairs, make a similar dialogue using reported speech and act it out.

6. Grammar

Reported Speech

Re-write the sentences into reported speech form. Use the example below.

Example
Letay: I love playing football.
Hagos (to another person): Letay said that she loved playing football.

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English I GradeS I Week 16

1. "I spend my leisure time in reading novels," said Alemu.

Alemu said that .

2. "You pressed the wrong button," said the mechanic.

The Mechanic said that

3. "I will come tomorrow," said Selam.

Selam said that

4. "Halima has just returned from Kenya," Melaku said.

Melaku said

5. "Where did you find this book?" Gelana asked.

Gel ana asked

Grammar Spot

Reported speech

In a reported speech, expressions of time and place have to be changed.

Grammar Spot

Direct speech Indirect speech

now straight away/then
Today the same day/Monday/Tuesday, etc.
Time
yesterday the day before/the previous day
tomorrow the next / the following day
last week the previous week/ the week before
here there
Place this that
these those

Examples:

She said, "I have already seen Hana today."

She said (that) she had already seen Hana that day.

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 English I GradeS I Week 16

In reported speech, tenses of verbs must be changed.

Direct Speech Reported Speech

Simple present Simple past

"I always drink coffee," she said She said that she always drank coffee.

Present continuous Past continuous

"I am reading a book," he explained. He explained that he was reading a book

Simple past Past perfect

He said that Belay had arrived on

"Belay arrived on Saturday," he said.
Saturday.
Present perfect Past perfect

"I have been to France," he told me. He told me that he had been to France.

Past perfect Past perfect

"I had just turned out the light," he He explained that he had just turned out
explained. the light.
Past continuous Past perfect continuous

"We were living in Addis Ababa," They told me that they had been living in
they told me. Addis Ababa.

Future Present conditional

"I will be in Gondar on Monday," he He said that he would be in Gondar on

said. Monday.

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Week 16 Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Read the following text aloud. Take turns to read and give feedback to one
other.

The Need for Hobbies

Back in the day, leisure time was not thought of as a chance to take a rest,
but as an opportunity to pursue one's passions and interests, an outlet for the
sides of a man that were not stimulated in one's career. Unfortunately, we now
often spend our leisure camped out in front of the TV or computer. We say that
modern life has become too stressful, that when we have free time, laying on
the couch is all we can manage.

The truth is that spending our leisure in satisfying pursuits, will refresh us
far more than we expect it to. Hobbies can bring you joy, increase your eye
for detail, keep your mind sharp, expand your creativity, and help you meet
friends and learn valuable skills. They add interest to your life and help you
become a more all-rounded man. If you've been feeling depressed, restless, or
apathetic, the problem may be the lack of having something in your life you
feel passionate about, something that brings you needed fulfilment.

8. Vocabulary

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words from the list in the table below.

genius instructions independently terms

consists learning peers adequate

1. One day was not a (an) amount of time to complete your assignment.
2. You don't need to be a(an) to see what the problem here is.
3. Make sure you read all the carefully before setting up the device.
4. There are special schools for students with disorders.

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 English I GradeS I Week 16

5. Seeing that all of their have one, children ask their parents for a
mobile phone at a very early age.
6. The students need to do a weekly assignment which usually of
writing a report.
7. Children need to be taught to learn at primary school, otherwise,
they can't get anywhere in their school life.
8. In most countries, schools can have two semesters or three

Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Conventions

Organisation of ideas in an expository essay

Expository writing is informative writing that presents reasons, explanations, or

steps in a process. An expository essay should follow a logical sequence. Logic
and coherence are the main focus of an expository essay. Structurally, a piece of
expository writing has the following components:

• An introduction - introduces the central idea you'll write about in the essay.
• The main body - presents evidence, explanation, details, etc to support the
idea.
• A conclusion - summarizes the main idea and ends the essay.
In general, expository writing:

• does not tell a story.

• does not persuade a reader but only gives facts and reasons
• can give the steps of a process.

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Writing Composition

Write 3-4 expository paragraphs on the following topic.

Bicycle Safety Rules

Use the following notes as a guide for your writing.

Introduction:

• importance of safe riding

• accidents due to lack of safety
Idea 1: Wear a Helmet

• every time you ride

• check it before you put it on
• fasten it correctly
Idea 2: Stop and look:

• when you start to ride

• when turning
• at every comer
• near alleys/driveways
• at crossroads
Idea 3: Be safe and be seen

• ride with a friend/ an adult

• ride during the day
• put lights on your bike if you ride in the dark

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 English I GradeS I Week 17

Week 17: Gardening as a Hobby

I I

Week 17 Day 1

1. Word Study

Homophones (Part Two)

Example:

son/sun

a. The sun rises in the east, (a star which is our source of heat and light)

b. The father advised his son to study hard for the exam, (a male child)

Choose the right word from the brackets which can give a complete meaning
in the sentence.

1. There's (know, no) point in cheating.

2. Ismael couldn't wait to (meet, meat) his friend.
3. (Its, It's) nearly four o'clock.
4. I want to (see, sea) the museum.
5. Almaz wants to (read, reed) a book.

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

Discuss the following questions with a partner.

1. What do you benefit from gardening?

2. Why do you think people engage in gardening?
3. What do you see from the pictures below?

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mm ii «

While-reading Activity

Answer the following questions based on the information in the reading text
that follows. Write the answers in your exercise book.

1. According to paragraph 2 of the text, what are some of the activities involved
in gardening?
2. Which paragraph shows that gardening is used for physical fitness?
3. Which paragraph shows that gardening is a source of knowledge?
4. What plants does the storyteller grow in his/her small plot of land?
5. What makes the storyteller to concentrate on his/her lessons and learning?
6. What is the other benefit of gardening mentioned in the final paragraph?
7. I grow flowers... T Para. 2, line 4 refers to .

Gardening as a Hobby

A hobby is an activity which is carried out in a free time. It is a means of recreation.

People have various hobbies to pursue. For example, some people are interested in
photography, swimming, gardening, and reading books while others are interested
in other types of hobbies.

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 English I GradeS I Week 17

For my part, gardening is my favourite hobby for several reasons. Gardening keeps
me physically fit, mentally alert and fresh. Gardening involves weeding, digging,
cutting, watering, manuring and tilling of the soil. For example, at the back of my
house, there is a small plot of land. I grow flowers, fruits and some vegetables on
this plot. These activities give me sufficient physical exercise to keep me bodily fit
and mentally alert.

Moreover, gardening is a source of great delight, entertainment, education, and

knowledge to me. I have learnt many new things about fruits, flowers, vegetables,
birds, and butterflies from gardening. Roses are fragrant and colourful. They turn
my garden into a rich feast of colours for the eyes. Many birds visit the garden and
some live here permanently on fruit trees. Their sweet music and chirping make my
pleasure manifold.

When I study in the garden, I concentrate on my lessons and learning. I feel closer
to nature. It inspires my imagination and gives me noble thoughts because in the
garden one experiences peace, calm, beauty, pleasure, colour, coolness, purity and
leisure. The air in a garden is fresh, fragrant, gentle and refreshing. These qualities
of nature stimulate me to study harder.

Finally, I save a lot of money from the products of my garden, fruits, flowers and
vegetables. On festive occasions, I decorate my house with flowers and leaves
obtained from this garden. There are always fresh flowers in a pot in my house. I
do not buy any fruits or vegetables from the market. This makes me a successful
person in life. Therefore, I feel proud of my gardening hobby for it has very
satisfying results.

Post-reading Activity

Discuss the following questions in groups of three and share your ideas with
the whole class.

1. What things do people need to have in order to pursue gardening as a hobby?

2. Do you think people in your area should be engaged in gardening? Why?
3. Compared to other hobbies (e.g. riding a horse, mountain climbing), what
additional benefits can we get from gardening?

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English I GradeS I Week 17

Week 17 Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Choose the best meanings for the following words based on the contexts in the
reading passage.

1. favourite (paragraph 2) means:

A. best beloved C. most profitable
B. happiest D. busiest
2. tilling (paragraph 2) means:
A. planting C. cultivating
B. collecting D. watering
3. sufficient (paragraph 2) means:
A. different C. enough
B. difficult D. attractive
4. alert (paragraph2) means:
A. attentive C. sad
B. happy D. high
5. delight (paragraph 3) means:
A. money C. energy
B. knowledge D. joy
6. fragrant (paragraph 3) means:
A. pretty C. colourful
B. sweet-smelling D. attractive
7. concentrate (paragraph 4) means:
A. read C. entertain
B. wonder D. focus
8. obtain (paragraph 5) means:
A. change C. get
B. clean D. beautify

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4. Listening

Pre-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions with your partner.

1. Why do you think people read books?

2. What kind of books do you like?
3. Considering the above two questions, what do you think the listening text
will be about?

While-listening Activity

Answer the following questions while your teacher reads the text 'My Hobby
is Reading'.

1. What kind of stories does the writer prefer?

2. What did the writer see in his dreams at night?
3. Why did the writer like learning about archery in history lessons?
4. As the writer grows older, what has happened to his reading habit?
5. What helps the writer to manage his day-to-day life?

Post-listening Activity

Discuss what you have learned from the storyteller's hobby with your partners.

Week 17 Day 3

5. Speaking

Talking about Hobbies

A. With a partner, take turns to act out the following dialogue.

Lensa: Hi, Mebratu. What are you doing here?

Mebratu: Hi, Lensa. I am working in the garden. Don't you know

that gardening is my hobby?

Lensa: Oh! Yes, I know. So, what can I do to help you?

Mebratu: Thank you for offering. Would you mind bringing me the water
can? I have to water the tomatoes.

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English I GradeS I Week 17

Lensa: What will you plant next?

Mebratu: I have some radish to sow. I also want to fertilize my beans.

Lensa: Do you use chemical fertilizers?

Mebratu Of course not! I use natural manure.

Lensa: Here is your watering can. What else can I do for you?

Mebratu: Maybe you can take out the weeds while I am pulling up carrots.

Lensa: OK, I will.

B. Using the above dialogue as a model, in pairs, discuss your favorite hobbies.
Then, report to the class.

6. Grammar

Past Perfect Tense

A. Study the underlined words in the first paragraph. Using it as an example,

change the verbs in brackets in the following paragraphs into the past
perfect tense.
Last week, the director announced that the supervisor was going to visit our
school the following day. He had been informed about the supervisor's arrival
two weeks previously. The supervisor's secretary had called the director to
inform him. Hence, the director asked the staff and students to make necessary
arrangements for the visit.

Accordingly, grade eight students 1 (make) all the necessary

arrangements to welcome the supervisor. When the director inspected the
classrooms before the visit, he found that most of the students 2
(already sweep) the floors. They 3 (dust) the desks and 4
(clean) the windows. Some of the students 5 (even put on) their
best clothes in honour of the visitor.

However, the director was di sappointed when he vi sited the grade seven students'
classrooms. They 6 (not make) any preparations at all. They 7
(not clean) the classrooms. They 8 (not even bother) to pick up the
litter lying on the ground outside. He asked students for an explanation. They
apologised to the director and explained that they 9 (not hear) the
announcement, since they were taking an examination at that time.

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B. Rewrite the following sentences changing the verbs in brackets into the
correct forms of the past perfect tense.

Example:

• When my mother came back home last night, I already (sleep).

(When my mother came back home last night, I had already slept.)

1. When we arrived at the bus station, the bus already (leave).

2. After she (wash) her clothes, she went to the market.
3. I took the letter straight to the post office after I (write) it.
4. I (finish) the exercise before the teacher told us to stop.
5. After they (go) to library, they studied hard.

Grammar Spot
A

Past Perfect Tense

The past perfect tense shows that an action was completed before another
action in the past. The first action is expressed in the 'had + past participle'
form of the verb. The second action is expressed in the simple past tense form
of the verb.

Example:

1. After she had washed her hands, she ate her lunch.' This has the same
meaning as 'She washed her hands before she ate her lunch.
2. After he had finished his supper, he went to bed. This is the same as 'He
finished his supper before he went to bed.'
3. After the match had started, they arrived. This is the same as "The
match started before they arrived."

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Week 17 Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Listen to your teacher while she/he is reading part of the text. 'Gardening as a
Hobby'. Then, in pairs, take turns to read the text aloud.

8. Vocabulary

Fill in the blank spaces using appropriate words from the list in the box. Write
only one word in each gap.

interferes broadens competitions guided

appreciates horizons entertainment

1. Reading books our _ of knowledge.

2. Playing football never with his study because he is by a
study plan.
3. My sister my hobby.
4. There are a number of at the stadium this month.

5. TV shows make great

Week 17 Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Conventions

Narrative Essay and its Characteristics

Narrative writing tells a story. In essays, narrative writing can also be a reflection
or an exploration of the writers values told in the form of a story. The writer may
remember his or her past experience, or a memorable person or event of personal
significance in the past.

Basic qualities of a narrative essay:

• A narrative essay is a piece of writing that recreates a past experience.

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 English I GradeS I Week 17

• Unlike other essays, you may write in the first person (I, me, we) because it is
a story about you and your personal experience.

• In addition to telling a story, a narrative essay can also communicate a general

message or a lesson to be learned.

Points to remember when writing a narrative essay

Situate the narrative in time: I remember when.../I was doing such-and -such when
I suddenly remembered....

Chronological order: Starting from the earliest event and coming to the latest one
or a flashback from the present experience to a memory of the past.

The supporting sentences that follow should be about this experience and how it is
still remembered.

Time sequence: Use transitional words such asfirst, then, next, after that, afterwards,
in the end, eventually.

Use direct speech quotation: to give life to the narration, a sense of immediacy.

Use description to add colour and realism or mystery to the narration, describing the
setting, characters, feelings, etc.

The concluding sentence in this kind of paragraph leads to the action in the next
paragraph. The final paragraph brings the experience to a satisfactory closing
statement.

Writing Composition

Select your favourite past experience and write a narrative composition of 3- 4

paragraphs. Then, share it with your partner.

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 ^ Art

UNIT

Week 18: Art and its Roles

I I

Week 18 Day 1

1. Word Study

Segmenting Words into Syllables

Read the following words and segment them into syllables. Then, read each of
the segmented syllables correctly.

Example:

a. imaginative —► i-ma-gi-na-tive

b. auditory —► au-di-to-ry

1. communication

2. engagement

3. cohesion

4. potter

5. potential

6. globalization

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 English I GradeS I Week 18

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

With your partner, discuss on the following questions.

1. What do the items in the pictures represent?

2. Predict what you think you will be reading about in the text.

Vw

While-reading Activity

A. Answer the following questions while reading the text silently.

1. Which paragraph compares art and spoken language?
2. How can art bring communities together?
3. How does art help future generations to have greater understanding of our
ways of thinking, values and experiences?
4. In your own words, explain the sentence: "It is through art that future
generations may have a deeper understanding of our ways of thinking,
values and experiences."
5. How do art works differ from spoken or written expressions?
6. What does the sentence, "...art can be a powerful way to bring communities
together" mean?

Art and its Roles

The term art covers a diverse range of human activities creating visual, auditory or
performing artefacts, expressing imaginative or technical skill. A work of art can
attract one's attention to observe, view or listen, due to its beauty and its originality.
Art provides a means to express the imagination in ways that are not limited to the
logic or formality of spoken or written language. Unlike words, which come in

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English I GradeS I Week 18

sequences and each of which has a definite meaning, art provides a range of forms,
symbols and ideas with meanings that are conceptual.

There are different forms of arts. These include: painting, sculpture, literature,
architecture, music, dance, theatre, photography and film. However, whatever
form of art we experience, its main characteristics are its pleasing expressiveness,
creativity and symbolic representation of the human condition. In this way, art has
had a great deal of different functions throughout its history.

From the earliest age of humankind, it is through art that human beings have
communicated their experiences, feelings and imagination. Art has also been an
important means of documenting the collective present. It is through our art that
future generations may have a deeper understanding of our ways of thinking,
values and experiences. It is also a means to foster collaboration between different
societies.

Similarly, art can be a powerful way to bring communities together. Research has
proved that a greater focus on arts in a community or a city creates social cohesion,
better civic engagement and improved welfare. The creation of community art helps
citizens to work together to share visions of their principles, values and hopes for
the future.

Generally speaking, the main role of art is as a means to discover and manifest
humankind's greatest potential as individuals and as social beings. Art is a way of
knowing oneself and shaping one's future.

B. Answer the following questions based on the text you have read.
1. People are attracted to observe or view art works due to:

A. their great cost and value.

B. their beauty and inventiveness.

C. their representation of human history.

D. their power of persuasion.

2. Which one of the following forms of art is not in the category of performance?

A. music C. sculpture

B. theatre D. dance

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3. The sentence, 'Art provides a means to express the imagination in ways

that are not limited to the logic or formality of spoken or written language',
means:

A. Art never uses language.

B. Art came to be known before the creation of language.

C. Language is more expressive than art.

D. Art does not need words to express itself.

4. The sentence, 'Art is also an important way to document our collective
present' is similar to:

A. Art records current thoughts and feelings.

B. Art disregards our past.

C. Art is a powerful means to reject ancient civilizations.

D. Art is collective.

Post-reading Activity

Discuss the following questions in pairs.

1. Which art do you admire?

2. How do the people in your area create art?
3. How do people in your area perceive the value of art?

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English I GradeS I Week 18

Week 18 Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Copy the following table in your exercise books and match the phrases under
Column B to their entry words under Column A, which are used in the reading
text.

A B
1. originality A. the art of the written work
2. collective B. related to hearing
3. manifest C. newness/inventiveness
4. cohesion D. object made by a person
5. literature E. shared
6. foster F. reveal/show
7. conceptual G. unity
8. symbol H. encourage or promote
9. auditory I. non-representational/abstract
10. artefact J. abstract representation

4. Listening Comprehension

Pre-listening Activity

With a partner, discuss the following ideas and reflect your opinions to your
teacher.

1. Music in school is neither practical nor valuable.

2. Children should not be taught music at school. They should rather learn
computer skills and science. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

While-listening Activity

While listening to the text, answer the following questions.

1. What are the extra-curricular activities mentioned in the text?

2. What is the writer's first reason for supporting the inclusion of subjects such
as music, drama and drawing in school?

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 English I GradeS I Week 18

3. Every individual has similar qualities and skills. True or False?

4. Whether one is a computer professional or a qualified dancer or singer, one
can enter into competitions equally to earn handsome money. True or False?
5. Popularity and the potential to earn big money is one of the writer's points
of argument in favour of arts education. True or False?

Post-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions in small groups.

a. In your school, are students taught arts like music, painting, drawing
regularly? How are they taught to students? How do students accept them?
b. If your answer is no, what is the reason? Why are they not given or taught?

Day 3

5. Speaking

A. Act out the following dialogue taking turns with a partner.

Hagos: Hi Girma, I didn't expect to see you at the art gallery. How is your
visit going?

Girma: It's fine. I've been here for over an hour already. There are a lot of
works to look at. I have registered the names of many of them.

Hagos: Great. Have you met anyone you know?

Girma: No, I haven't seen anyone that I know. But I have met many
foreigners visiting, and many of them were taking photos .

Hagos: Have you taken any photos yourself?

Girma: Yes, I have taken quite a few.

Hagos: Did the gate guards give you permission to take your camera in with
you?

Girma: Yes, they did. But I had to pay a small fee.

Hagos: That's great Girma. You have chosen a nice museum to visit. Have
you visited any other museum before?

Girma: No, I haven't visited any museum before. This is my first visit.

25
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English I GradeS I Week 18

Hagos: I'm happy that you have found it interesting.

Girma: Ya! thanks Hagos. Bye.

Hagos: Bye.

B. Discuss these questions in small groups.

1. What is the focus of the conversation?
2. What have you noticed from the verbs written in bold?

C. With your partner, ask and answer questions using the expression 'have....'
+ past participle.

Example
Student A: Have you done your homework?
Student B: No, I haven't done it. How about you?

6. Grammar

Present Perfect Tense

A. Use the present perfect tense to write positive statements.

Example

a. (We / be / here for two weeks).

b. We have been here for two weeks.

1. (I / lose / my keys).
2. (My brother / drink / too much coffee).
3. (My parents / go / to Jimma).

B. Use the present perfect tense to write negative statements.

Example
a. (We / not / go / to Adama)
b. We have not gone to Adama.

1. (My new friend / not / meet / my mother.)

2. (The tourists/ not / visit / yet/ Axum monument).
3. (I / not / know / him/ very long).

26
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 English I GradeS I Week 18

C. Use the present perfect tense to write questions.

Example

a. (We / miss / the bus)?

b. Have we missed the bus?

1. (They / go / to Jimma University)?

2. (She / be / ever/ late for a meeting)?
3. (He / meet / your father/ already)?

Grammar Spot
A

Present perfect tense - is formed with a present tense form of "to have"
plus the past participle of the verb (which can be either regular or irregular in
form). This tense indicates that an action has been completed at the moment of
speaking. It takes time indicators such as already, yet and just.

Example

• The bus has just come. (The bus is here; if you want you can see it.)
• I have walked two kilometers already. (I am still walking.)
• I have closed the door. (The door is still closed.)
Forms of the verbs walk and sleep:

Singular Plural

I have walked. We have walked.

You have walked. You have walked.

He/she/it has walked. They have walked.

Singular Plural

I have slept. We have slept.

You have slept. You have slept.

He/she/it has slept. They have slept.

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English I GradeS I Week 18

Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Read the text, 'Art and Its Goal' aloud with better expressions taking turns
with your partner. Write down words or sentences you think are difficult from
the reading and ask your teacher for clarifications..

8. Vocabulary

A. Complete the following sentences with appropriate words from the words
listed below.

factors competitive career

handsome flexible quality

1. The decline in the number of visitors is one of the most important

in the discussion on the closure of the museum.
2. The chairperson was elected by a majority.
3. New graduates have to fight for jobs in a highly market.
4. You need to be more and imaginative in your approach.
5. She started her in tourism as a guide.
6. There is a hot argument about the of English language teaching.

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 English I GradeS I Week 18

B. Match the words in Column A with their contextual meanings in Column

B.

A B

1. extracurricular A. not depending on help from another source/ person

2. eliminating B. having a natural ability to do something well

3. timetable C. important enough to have an effect or to be

4. significant noticed

5. natural D. being recognised and admired by many

6. popularity E. removing

7. independent F. (an extra activity) not in the school timetable

8. talented G. an arrangement for something to take place at a

particular time

H. not acquired or artificial

Week 18 Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Conventions

Capitalisation and the Comma

In small groups, revise when to use capitalisation and comma. Share your
discussion points with other students and your teacher. Pay attention to
capitalisation and comma use when you write your composition.

Writing Composition

Writing a Descriptive Essay

Write three descriptive paragraphs on your favorite art or artist. Note that
the purpose of a descriptive paragraph is to create a vivid picture of a person,
place or thing.

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English I GradeS I Week 19

Week 19: Ethiopian Arts and Crafts: Weaving

I I

Week 19 Day 1

1. Word Study

Blending words

Read the word parts below and blend them to form compound words. Then,
read the blended words and look up their meanings in a dictionary.

Examples:

1. key + board keyboard

2. make + up make-up

3. note + book notebook

4. grand + father grandfather

1. crafts + men

2. house + hold

3. gold + smiths

4. high + quality

5. wood + work

6. hand + woven

7. metal + work

8. hand + made

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 English I GradeS I Week 19

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

1. What are the persons in the pictures doing?

2. Are there people who do similar works in your area?
3. Is it useful to have the skills that the persons are using? Why? Why not?

While-reading Activity

Go through the questions below. Then, read the text 'Ethiopian Arts and
Crafts: Weaving' silently to answer the questions.

1. How many times is the word 'weaving' used in the passage?

2. What is the main raw material for weaving?
3. Although the techniques of weaving have not changed, , and
have been changed.
4. Who mainly operates the weaving loom?
5. How is the thread dyed?
6. They in paragraph 4, refers to

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English I GradeS I Week 19

Ethiopian Arts and Crafts: Weaving

Hand-weaving has been a way of life for centuries in Ethiopia. Even today, almost
all the traditional Ethiopian clothing is made on hand looms. The techniques have
not changed much for centuries but the patterns, colours and designs have become
increasingly sophisticated.

Hand loom weaving was established to meet household needs and the demand
for clothing, and then gradually grew to be an additional source of income. The
home-based traditional handcraft industry is pivotal for the cotton industry. In fact,
traditional handweavers are the major consumers of raw cotton, and are engaged
in the weaving and preparation of traditional fibres for both the local and export
markets. Today the weaving industry in Ethiopia is the most important non-
agricultural source of income in the country, particularly for rural families. In both
urban and rural areas, there are strong patterns of geographically clustered hand
loom activities. Each area of a city or a village has at least one weaver in residence.

Cotton has to pass through several processes before the final woven product is
produced. After the cotton is harvested, it is spun into yarn using a technique that is
traditionally passed down from mother to daughter. The weaving loom is operated
predominantly by male craftsmen while the cleaning and spinning is done by
women. However, men are also known to spin in some areas of Ethiopia. Weaving
is a specialised craft, whereas spinning of the white cotton is done by all classes of
women and continues to contribute to the family income. Even elderly women spin
for home use or just for pleasure.

For centuries, Ethiopian artisans have been spinning cotton and weaving it into
beautiful fabrics. Today, they are combining traditional techniques with modem
designs, keeping a rich history alive while bringing their goods to a global market.
Every step of creating these cotton products is done by hand. The thread is dyed
with organic plant dyes made from berries, roots, flowers, and bark. Hand weaving
is an intricate process, but results in beautifully patterned designs and high-quality
fabrics.

Post-reading Activity

Discuss the process of weaving with your partner and report your points of
discussion to the class.

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 English I GradeS I Week 19

Week 19 Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Complete the sentences using appropriate words from the list in the box.

artisans pattern fabrics dye yam

sophisticated weaving predominantly pivotal intricate

1. Nowadays the traditional type of loom is being improved by

modem technology.
2. His hand-woven shirt has a flowery on it.
3. Artists and craftspersons play a role in the development of their
country.
4. A weaver uses different kinds of to make a cloth colourful.
5. The process of weaving is so that only a few people are engaged
in it.
6. People who do skilled work with their hands are called .
7. Some people prefer to wear clothes made of cotton .
8. Raw cotton is changed into or thread by spinning.
9. Spinning is still done by women.

10. Threading the loom is not a simple process; it is very .

4. Listening

Pre-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions in your groups.

1. What do you observe in the pictures below?

2. Do you know how these items are made?
3. What do you predict the listening text will be about?

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English I GradeS I Week 19

@ 0

While-listening Activity

Answer the following questions based on the information in the text that your
teacher will read aloud to you.

1. Leather dyeing usually involves the use of dyes.

2. What is the difference between leather painting and leather dyeing?
3. Latex paints can be used to paint leather items.
4. Why are leather paintings displayed without a glass cover?
5. During moulding, why do we soak a piece of leather into hot water?

Post-listening Activity

Discuss the following points in pairs and then reflect your answers to the class.

1. List the crafts that are practised in your area.

2. List the processes involved in one of these crafts

Week 19 Day 3

5. Speaking

Describing a crafting process

In your groups, discuss any art pursuit or craft common in your local area by
describing how it is made (e.g. a pot). Then, reflect your description to your
class.

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 English I GradeS I Week 19

6. Grammar

The Simple Past and the Past Perfect Tense

Study the words/phrases in bold in the following dialogue to see the uses of
simple past and past perfect tenses.

Teacher: Why did you fail in the final exam?

Meron: I am sorry teacher. I was not in a good mood.

Teacher: Before the exam date, I remember that you had mastered most of the
conversations.

Meron: That's right. But by the time I got to class, the exam had already been
started and it made me feel nervous.

A. Write the following sentences putting the verbs in brackets into simple
past or past perfect tenses.
1. He (be) a weaver before he (become) a taxi driver.
2. I (see, never) any of Laureate Afewerk's paintings before I
(visit) his art museum.
3. Early man (use) stones to cut things before the introduction of
metal.
4. The weaver (start) his work yesterday by the time I
(arrive) at his workshop to see if my dress was being made.
5. The potter (put) the pot on fire after he (mould) it.
6. When they (arrive), we already (leave) the school.
7. She (prepare) the meal before her husband (come) in from work.

B. Write five sentences of your own using simple past and past perfect tenses.

Example

After I had washed my face, I went to school.

Yesterday I was late for school. When I arrived at school, classes had
already begun.

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English I GradeS I Week 19

Grammar Spot
A

The past simple and the past perfect tense

• These two tenses are used to talk about things that happened in the past.
• We use the past perfect to talk about something that happened before
another action in the past. It can be introduced by after, as soon as, and
can also be followed by words such as already, before, by the time

Example

I had already finished my homework when he called.

First, I finished my homework, then, he called.

• The simple past tense is used to talk about things that happened at a
specific time in the past. It is often used with words such as yesterday,
last month, last year, etc.

Example:

By the time the bell rang, the students had reached the school gate.

(Meaning the students reached school before the bell rang)

• When the time relationship between two past events is clear (as with
before, after, and as soon as), it is common to use the simple past tense
for both events. The meaning remains clear.

Example:

• After /As soon as we left the room, they entered.

• All the students were in the class before I came in.

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 English I GradeS I Week 19

Week 19 Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Your teacher is going to read aloud a section of the text, 'Ethiopian Arts and
Crafts: Weaving'. Listen to him/her attentively. Then, read the same section of
the text with your partner in the way your teacher reads.

8. Vocabulary

Write the contextual meanings of the underlined words in each of the following
sentences by selecting appropriate words from the list below.

a. involves d. maintain/protect

b. made using special skills e. capability of bending/ being bent

c. engaged, very interested f. colour

1. Grandfather crafted the chair lovingly.

2. Grandmother sat in an armchair, absorbed in a book.
3. My older brother is employed in a job that entails a lot of overtime work.
4. Most plant leaves have a green pigment.
5. Flexibility training includes stretching exercises to lengthen our muscles.
6. The government is working to preserve historical monuments.

Week 19 Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Conventions

Unity in an essay

A unified essay is dedicated to explain or present a single main idea or thesis. Unity
in an essay means that all the sentences in the paragraphs of an essay should discuss
one major idea. The thesis statement signals what the essay will be about. Having

37
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English I GradeS I Week 19

a good thesis for your essay is therefore very important. Look at the following
example of an academic essay structure.

1. Introduction
First Paragraph

General statement, explanation, background information

Thesis statement

2. Body of the Essay

Second Paragraph

Topic sentence

Supporting evidence, details, examples, etc

3. Conclusion
Third Paragraph

Summary of main points; final comment /suggestion/ recommendation.

Writing Composition

Choose any Ethiopian art or craft found in your area and write a three
paragraph essay describing the processes of making artifacts. The craft can be
weaving, basket making, carving, pottery, metalwork, leather work, etc.

38
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 | Education

/iJNm

Week 20: Importance of Education

I I

Week 20 Day 1

1. Word Study

Prefixes (Part I)

mono- means one or single

di- means two or double

tri- means three or triple

Segment the words into root words and prefixes in the following words and
write their meanings.

Examples:

word segmented word meaning

a. monograph —► mono-graph —► a detailed written study of a single

subject
b. dialogue —► dia-logue —► a talk or conversation between two
people

1. monoculture = 4. dipolar

2. monologue = 5. triangle

3. diatomic = 6. triceps

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English I GradeS I Week 20

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

In groups, discuss the following questions and share your answers with the
class.

1. Why are you attending school?

2. What are the differences between educated and uneducated persons? (How
are educated persons different from uneducated persons?)

While-reading Activity

A. Answer the following questions based on the information in the reading

text.
1. Which paragraph talks about the benefits of education for self-reliance?
2. Which paragraph talks about the confidence one develops from education?
3. Which countries are examples for having very high literacy rates?
4. Why are uneducated persons usually in difficulty to express their views and
opinions?
5. Why do many people still live below the poverty line in underdeveloped
nations?

The Importance of Education

There is no unanimous agreement as to what the aim of education is. Some stress
its value to the individual. Others emphasize its contributions to the purposes of
society. Even though there are different views, many scholars agree that education
does give the following benefits.

First, if you want to lead a happy life and enjoy the good things the world has to
offer, you certainly need to get yourself educated. A great job and a good social
reputation are two of the many benefits of being an educated person. Education is
a must for a promising and secure future and a stable life.

Second, education is very important if you want to be a self-reliant person. It helps

you become financially independent. Education also makes you wiser so that you
can make your own decisions.

40
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 English I GradeS I Week 20

Third, education gives you confidence. Having a university degree is considered

by many to be proof of a person's knowledge and wisdom. If someone is highly
educated, they have a greater chance of being heard and taken seriously. Generally,
uneducated people will find it harder to express their views and opinions due to lack
of confidence. Even if they do so, people may not take them seriously. Education
gives you the confidence to express your views and opinions.

Fourth, educationisakey to economicgrowth. Australia, USAand Japan, forinstance,

are countries with very high literacy rates. These countries are prosperous and
their citizens have high per capita incomes. On the other hand, in underdeveloped
and developing nations such as Ethiopia, the literacy rate is not so high. As a result,
many people are still living below the poverty line. Hence, education is vital for the
economic prosperity of a nation.

Fifth, education saves you from being exploited, fooled or cheated. It is easier to
take advantage of innocent and illiterate people than literate ones.

Generally speaking, to be educated is better than to be illiterate. We live in a world

where we enjoy a number of rights and freedoms. The literate take better advantage
of these benefits, whereas the illiterate may miss them. Therefore, to become
a productive and confident citizen, you should do your best to succeed in your
education.

B. Write what the following pronouns refer to in the reading text.

1. its value.... (Para. 1, line 2), Its refers to .
2. they have a greater chance.... (Para. 4, line 3), they refers to .
3. their views and opinions.... (Para. 4, line 4), their refers to .
4. These countries.... (Para. 5, line 2), these refers to .
5. the illiterate may miss them.... (Para. 7, line 3), them refers to .

Post-reading Activity

In groups, discuss the following points and reflect your responses to the class.

1. Illiterate People are more advantageous than literate ones. Do you agree
with this statement? Why? Why not?
2. "Education gives you confidence." How? Explain it.

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English I GradeS I Week 20

Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Below are meanings of words in the passage. Find the words from the passage.

1. academicians (Para. 1).

2. firmly fixed (Para. 2).
3. rich (Para. 5). .
4. important (Para. 5). .
5. ability to read and write (Para. 5) .
6. fame (Para. 2) .
7. agreed or shared by everyone (Para. 1) .

4. Listening

Primary Education in Ethiopia

Pre-listening Activity

In your groups, discuss the following questions.

1. In your opinion, what kind of teacher is a good teacher?

2. What things in addition to subject matter can students learn from their
teachers?

While-listening Activity

Listen attentively to the listening text that will be read by your teacher and
answer the following questions by saying 'True' or 'False'.

1. Children in Ethiopia start primary school at various ages depending on

individual circumstances.
2. Primary education lasts for six to eight years in Ethiopia.
3. Primary teachers are trained for one or two years.
4. Teachers do not have any role other than giving knowledge to children.
5. Primary school students rarely imitate their teacher.
6. Teachers do not think of themselves as role models.

42
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 English I GradeS I Week 20

Post-listening Activity

In groups, discuss the following questions and share your ideas with the class.

1. Among all the teachers who taught you in the past, which teacher was your
role model? Why?
2. What important things did you learn from your model teacher?

Week 20 Day 3

5. Speaking

Talking About the Future

A. Practise the following dialogue in pairs. Study the purpose of the future
perfect tense written in bold.
Abdi: Hi Lemlem, today is Friday. What do you do at the coming weekend?

Lemlem: Hi Abdi Emm, I am not sure. Are you planning to go somewhere?

Abdi No. I am studying for my exam. By this time on Monday, we will

have started taking our first exam.

Lemlem: When do you finish it?

Abdi: By Friday next week, we will have completed it.

Lemlem: Then, next weekend, you will have finished and you will be free to
enjoy sometimes with your parents.

Abdi: That's right. What about you?

Lemlem: Oh, our exam is postponed by one week. This time next week, I will
have been very busy studying for the exam.

Abdi: Well, we can study together if you like.

Lemlem: I will think about it and call you later.

Abdi: Thanks. See you later.

Lemlem: See you .

B. Tell to your partner about what you will do / plan to do next year.

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English I GradeS I Week 20

6. Grammar

Future Perfect Tense

Rearrange the jumbled words below so that they make meaningful sentences
using the future perfect tense.

Example

a. By /will have/ next week /we/ Friday/ our exam/ completed.

(By Friday next week, we will have completed our exam.)

h. tomorrow/1 / have/ my assignment/ finished/ by/ will

(I will have finished my assignment by tomorrow.)

1. next week/ Chaltu/ Monday/ have/ by/ got/ will/ married

2. by/ joined/ Tekeste/ have/ the army/ October/ will /next year
3. celebrated/Bel etc/will/ tomorrow/his birthday/have/by/evening
4. taken/ my uncle/ to the beach/ have/ will/ at the coming weekend/ me
5. will/ next/ introduced/ the government/a new curriculum/ year /have
6. our Grade 8 exams/ will /have /we /taken by/ June
7. arrived/ my mother /will/ before/ have /at Addis Ababa/ tomorrow night
8. We / joined/ Grade 9/ by / September/ will have / next year

Grammar Spot
^

Future Perfect Tense

Note: The future perfect tense is formed using will have and past participle
(V-3) form of a verb and a time expression beginning usually with 'by'. It is
used to express an action which is assumed to be completed in the future by
the time indicated.

• My father will have reached the age of 75 by December 2020.

• We will have eradicated polio by 2018.
• My daughter will have joined university by next year.

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 English I GradeS I Week 20

Week 20 Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Listen to your teacher while he/she is reading from the text, 'The Importance
of Education'. Then, in pairs, read the text.

8. Vocabulary

Fill in the blanks in the sentences below using the appropriate words from the
word list. Use only one word at a time.

compulsory robbery physician

adjust disability supplement

1. Physical may not hinder someone from learning different skills.

2. It is to wear uniforms in most schools.
3. The thing I dislike most is and theft. The consequence of these
criminal acts is to spend your life in prison.
4. There is no in our hospital. As a result, patients are suffering a lot.
5. A teacher should the education of students to their individual
interests as well as the desired goals of a country.
6. Extracurricular activities are performed by students to their
academic studies in the classroom.

Week 20 Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Convention
Organisation of Ideas

The organisation of one's thoughts and the use of linking words (first, in addition to,
moreover, on the contrary, etc.) can aid the understanding of the reader by creating a
chronological and logical flow of ideas from one sentence to another in a paragraph
or an essay. Therefore, deciding what to include and where to include it is of great
importance.

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English I GradeS I Week 21

Re-arrange the following jumbled sentences to form a logically constructed

and coherent paragraph.
A. Speech was the first means of conveying information.
B. Thirdly, printing helped the dissemination of knowledge in a permanent
form.
C. Then, writing as a means of communication introduced a capacity for storing
information.
D. The computer is the only medium that can not only store but also analyse
information to make decisions.
E. However, all these are passive media.
F. Therefore, the computer is hailed as the fourth information revolution.

Writing Composition

Among the subjects being taught in your school, select one subject and write 4
paragraphs giving the reasons why you like it most. Make sure the organisation
of your ideas is appropriate. Use words like, 'first', 'second', 'third', etc. to
order your ideas.

Week 21: Reasons for Student Dropout

Week 21 Day 1

1. Word Study

Segmenting

Read the following compound words aloud and then, segment them. Discuss
their meanings in groups.

Examples:
a. dropout —► drop - out = a person who has ceased doing something (usually
associated with education)
b. textbook —► text - book = a book which contains detailed information about
the subject to be studied.

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 English I GradeS I Week 21

1. workout 4. blackout

2. brotherhood 5. background

3. neighbourhood

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

In pairs, discuss the following questions. Then, report your answers to the class.

1. Is the number of student dropout in your school increasing or decreasing?

2. Why do you think students drop out of their schools?

While-reading Activity

Answer the following questions based on the information from the reading
text.

1. Which paragraph talks about socioeconomic background as a factor for

student dropout?
2. Which paragraph talks about students themselves as a factor for dropout?
3. How can students be factors for school dropout?
4. What are the social and environmental factors that force students to dropout
from school?
5. List the family resources that prevent from sending their children to school.
6. If in paragraph 1, line 1 refers to .
7. 'They' in paragraph 2, line 2 refers to .

Reasons for Student Dropout

Primary Education is absolutely critical to a nation's development. It is one of

the most effective ways in which a community can invest in its future. School
completion rates have grown continuously over the past 100 years. However,
dropping out of school persists as a problem that interferes with effectiveness of the
educational system. Each year, many kids leave school without earning a primary
school certificate. This is the result of a combination of factors.

Students themselves can be considered one factor. This is because sometimes

students make wrong decisions. They may have a poor school attitude and be

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English I GradeS I Week 21

frequently bored by school. They may not see the reasons or the need to go to
school. They are not involved in school activities and they lack self-esteem. Some
are simply promoted lacking the skills needed for promotion. Some undergo major
illnesses and miss too many days of school. Hence, poor attendance along with
academic failure is an important predictor for dropping out. For example, students
who are absent for many days per week or month are also more likely to dropout
from school.

The other unchanging factor related to the dropout rate is socioeconomic background.
The socioeconomic status of each pupil has its own impact on the students' learning.
Some studies show that kids from low-income families are more likely to dropout
than those from middle- and high-income families. The effect of family resources
such as low income, limited assets and large family size may restrain parents from
sending their children to school. They cannot afford the expenses of school fees,
textbooks, clothing, and transportation.

Social and environmental issues such as drought, crop failure, food shortage, illness
or death of a family member also force students to discontinue school. Normally,
children are required to assist their parents at such difficult times. In general, due to
many of the conditions mentioned above, a student's education can be suspended
and he or she can fall behind in their education and see little purpose in returning
to school.

Post-reading Activity

In your group, discuss the following questions. Then, reflect your ideas to the
class.

1. Have you ever dropped out of school? Why?

2. Do you know any student who has dropped out from your school or class?
Why has she/he dropped out?

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Week 21 Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Complete the following sentences with appropriate words taken from the
passage and listed in the box below.

community promoted bored predictor

discontinue kids impact afford

1. This is a school. It is supported by a great contribution of time

and money by local people.
2. Students who are with their learning at school will frequently be
absent from class.
3. At the end of the year, students who score above average will be
to the next grade level.
4. Illness or lack of family support, makes students to their education.
5. Studying hard is an important of high scores in exams.
6. In Ethiopia, primary school enrolment is increasing annually. This means
many more are entering schools each year.
7. Family background and negative attitude towards schooling can have a great
on students' success.
8. Private school fees are increasing nowadays. Parents with a low income
often can't these fees.

4. Listening

Pre-listening Activity

In your groups, discuss the following questions before you listen to the text.

1. What do you think are the effects of student dropout?

2. What kinds of drop-outs do you think are more common in your area?

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English I GradeS I Week 21

While-listening Activity

While listening to your teacher reading the text,'Consequences of Student

Drop-out', answer the following questions by saying 'True' or 'False'.
1. In most cases, re-entry to the formal school system is difficult.
2. Knowledge and skills acquired from even a few years' schooling could
benefit dropouts.
3. High dropout rates in primary and secondary schools generate numerous
employment opportunities.
4. Low dropout rates constitute one of the causes of social unrest.
5. In some cases, dropouts in cities are closely linked with criminal activities.
6. Many dropouts leave school having other constructive plans.
7. Dropouts tend to consider themselves as winners.

Post-listening Activity

Discuss with your partner the following questions and reflect your ideas to
your class.

1. Do you know a student or classmate who has dropped out? What is he/she
doing right now?
2. How can dropping out of school affect students, a society and country?
3. What do you think of the future lives of students who dropped out of their
school compared to those who didn't

Week 21 Day 3

5. Speaking

Describing causes and effects

In small groups, discuss why students repeat in the class or drop out of classes
and the consequences of the dropouts.

Use the words or phrases below in your discussions.

because because of as a result

hence therefore consequently

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 English I GradeS I Week 21

Example

Some students are absent for many days from school; as a result, they will be
suspended.
Students can drop out of school because of financial problems, .

6. Grammar

must, must not, have to, don't have to

A. In pairs, complete the sentences using must/mustn't.

Examples

Plants must have light and water to grow.

I must study the last two chapters before the test.
Students must not be absent from schools without a good reason.

1. You come and see us sometimes.

2. Alem help you with your homework. It is important you do it
yourself.
3. If you are absent for more than three days, you bring a letter from
your director.
4. The dentist has told her that she eat any more sweet things. Her teeth
are in bad condition.
5. Let's catch an earlier bus tomorrow. We be late for the class.

B. In pairs, complete the sentences using have to /don't have to.

Examples
Parents have to support their children to attend school.
You have to pass the exams or the school will not accept you.
I don't have to wear a suit to work but I usually do.

1. I arrive at 9:00 o'clock sharp. My school director is strict.

2. You come if you don't want to.
3. In Ethiopia, students wear a uniform.
4. I get up early for work tomorrow. It is holiday.
5. He sign anything if he doesn't want to at this stage.

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English I GradeS I Week 21

Grammar Spot

Must, must not and have to - are used to talk about obligation

'Must' and 'have to' are often interchangeable but there is sometimes a
difference between them.

Must - shows obligation from the speaker's point of view. In this case there
is no external situation or authority that imposes obligation on the speaker
rather the speaker is expressing personal feelings, saying what she/he thinks is
necessary.

Example:

• I must write to Gelana. I haven't written to her for ages. (= The speaker
personally feels that she/he must write to Gelana).
Have to - in this case the speaker is not expressing feelings rather she/he
is giving facts. The obligation is often from external situation.

Example:

• Children have to wear school uniform at all times when they are in
school. (The obligation is imposed by the school which set the rules and
regulations)
• We have to get up early tomorrow to attend the first class. (The time of
the first class is the reason for the obligation).
Must not - is used to express negative obligation.

Example:

• You mustn't come late. (You are not allowed to come late.)
• You must not tell anyone what I said. (= Don't tell anyone).
You mustn't do something means it is necessary that you do not do it.

Don't have to - expresses that there is no need or obligation to do it.

Example:

• I don't have to wear a suit to work, but I usually do.

I don't have to means I don't need to do it/1 am not obliged to do it.

In such cases there is no obligation or necessity.

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Week 21 Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Listen carefully while your teacher is reading a section of the text, "Reasons
for Student Dropout" aloud. Focus on the teacher's pronunciation and reading
speed.

In a group of three, take turns to read the same text aloud with accuracy and
appropriate speed.

8. Vocabulary

Complete the following sentences with appropriate words or phrases from the
list below. Use each word only once.

qualified absenteeism regulations suspended

waste restrained efficiency respectful

1. The huge investment needed the government from fulfilling the

need for better facilities in schools.
2. Lack of teachers is a major factor that reduces quality of education.
3. Repeating many years at the same grade level is not only a of time
but also a loss of money.
4. Students sometimes can be absent from school for several days at a time.
This may lead them to drop out from their learning.
5. The of the school do not allow students to enter the school compound
without wearing a school uniform.
6. If a student comes late to class repeatedly, she/he may be from
school for days.
7. As a rule, students must be to their teachers.
8. A high rate of school dropout reduces the of the education system.

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Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Conventions

The Apostrophe (')

We use the apostrophe (') to indicate:

1. Omission or contraction
The apostrophe shows that there is an omission (letters have been missed
out), or contraction (where a word has been shortened) of a word.

Example: I'm = I am

doesn't = does not

2. Possession (belonging or ownership)

The apostrophe also shows us who the owner of something is.

If the owner is singular, put an apostrophe before the 's'.

Example: Abera's cat (= belonging to Abera)

If the owner is plural and ends in 's' put an apostrophe after the

Example: a boys' game (= a game for boys)

If the plural does not end in 's' put an apostrophe before the 's'.

Example: children's games (= games for children)

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 English I GradeS I Week 21

Rewrite the sentences putting an apostrophe where necessary.

1. Abeba is my younger sisters classmate.

2. Dont be absent from classes so often.
3. Shes a very clever girl, isnt she?
4. Derartu sends her daughter to a girls school.
5. A flood has destroyed all the farmers crops.
6. Doctors look after peoples health.
7. The mens changing room is occupied.
8. Were late because we couldnt find a taxi.
9. This is Obangs textbook.

Writing Composition

Write a short summary of the reading text, 'Reasons for Student Dropout' in
one paragraph. Use the apostrophe and connectives where necessary in your
summary.

Points to be included:

• The situation as regards school completion and dropout rates

• Students as factors for dropping out
• Socioeconomic background of the student
• Social and environmental issues
• Personal/family issues

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 Scientific Discovery

Week 22: A Famous Scientist: Albert Einstein

I I

Week 22 Day 1

1. Word Study

Word Segmenting and Blending

A. Read the words below and segment them into the roots and suffixes. Then,
look up their meanings in a dictionary.

Example:

realist —► real-i st

violinist —► violin-ist

mountainous —► mountain-ous

generalise —► general-ise

capitalise —► capital-ise

1. normalise 4. nationalist

2. dangerous 5. capitalist

3. advantageous 7. porous

4. zealous

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Blend the following root words in the list below with the appropriate
suffixes given.

legal economy normal pore

vary fury agronomy

1. ise 4. ist 7. ous

2. ise 5. ous
3. ist 6. ous

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

In groups, discuss the following questions and report your answers to the class.

1. Name some of the famous scientists you know.

2. What did these famous scientists do?

While-reading Activity

A. Go through the following questions before you read the text and answer
them while reading the passage below.
1. When was Einstein born?
2. Where did Einstein begin his education?
3. When did Einstein gain his diploma?
4. Why was Einstein given several honorary doctorate degrees?
5. What medal did Einstein receive from the Royal Society of London?
6. When did Einstein receive the Nobel Prize in Physics?

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English I GradeS I Week 22

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein was bom in Germany on March 14,1879. Six weeks later, the family
moved to Munich, where he later on began his schooling. Later, they moved to Italy
and Albert continued his education at Aarau. In 1896 he entered the Swiss Federal
Polytechnic School in Zurich to be trained as a teacher in physics and mathematics.
In 1901, the year he gained his diploma, he acquired Swiss citizenship. As he was
unable to find a teaching post, he accepted a position as a technical assistant in the
Swiss Patent Office. In 1905 he obtained his doctor's degree.

Einstein's achievements in research are, of course, well recorded. His more important
works include Special Theory of Relativity (1905), Relativity and General Theory
of Relativity, Investigations on the Theory of Brownian Movement, and The
Evolution of Physics. Among his non-scientific works, About Zionism, Why War?
My Philosophy, and Out of My Later Years are perhaps the most important.

Albert Einstein received an honorary doctorate degree in science, medicine and

philosophy from many European and American universities. He explained nuclear
energy, which was later used for making atomic bombs. He, however, regretted
discovering this disastrous energy, and in 1954 he made a formal apology to his
friend.

During the 1920's he lectured in Europe, America and the Far East, and he was
awarded Fellowship or Membership of all the leading scientific academies
throughout the world. He received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his services
to theoretical physics, in particular his discovery of the law of the photoelectric
effect, a pivotal step in the evolution of quantum theory. He also gained numerous
awards in recognition of his work, including the Copley Medal of the Royal Society
of London in 1925, and the Franklin Medal of the Franklin Institute in 1935.

B. Based on the above reading text, say 'True' if the following statements are
correct and 'False' if they are incorrect.
1. Einstein was trained as a teacher in physics and mathematics.
2. Einstein did not like the teaching post.
3. Einstein's family moved to Munich before he was born.
4. Einstein was sorry about his discovery of nuclear energy.
5. Einstein was honoured because of his good behaviour.

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Post-reading Activity

Discuss the following questions in groups.

1. What should you do to become a famous scientist?

2. What impressed you most about Albert Einstein's achievements?
3. Compare Albert Einstein's achievements with the achievements of any other
scientist.

Week 22 Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Identify the contextual meanings of the words printed in bold in the following
sentences.

1. I completed my training in June. I received my diploma two weeks later.

A. ago C. before
B. longer D. after

2. We moved to the next room when we felt the first room was dirty.
A. ran C. transported
B. changed D. took

3. She gained popularity after she had invented a new technology.

A. lost C. got more
B. accepted D. deserved

4. She has been given a nice post as a leading technician.

A. letter C. job
B. certificate D. envelope

5. Tilahun Gessesse was given an honorary doctorate degree for his best songs.
A. temporary C. given as respect
B. compulsory D. academic

6. An award is given when somebody makes a remarkable achievement.

A. prize C. position

B. letter D. challenge

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English I GradeS I Week 22

7. The man regretted beating his child; he was taken to jail as a result.

A. appreciated C. enjoyed

B. felt sad about D. felt happy

8. He made an apology for coming late.

A. excuse C. worry

B. happiness D. sadness
9. Some technological products such as nuclear bombs could become
disastrous to this world.

A. useful C. new

B. destructive D. successful

4. Listening

Pre-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions based on the

picture.

1. Who do you think is the scientist in the phcture?

2. What did he discover?
3. How do we prevent bilharzia?

While-listening Activity

Go through the questions below before your teacher reads a text to you. Then,
listen to the text carefully and answer the following questions.

1. When was Professor Aklilu Lemma bom?

2. What did he study at the University College of Addis Ababa?
3. What is the remedy for bilharzia made from?
4. What did Professor Aklilu notice Endod do to snails?
5. Which creatures carry bilharzia?
6. What did professor Aklilu discover?

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Post-listening Activity

Discuss and answer the following questions.

1. What kinds of things attract your attention in your environment?

2. What can you learn from Professor Aklilu Lema's achievement?

Day 3

5. Speaking

Talking about the past.

Talk to your partner about what you were doing yesterday. Express your ideas
using the past continuous tense. You may use the following situations.

• In the morning • At home

• In the afternoon • At school, etc.
• In the evening

6. Grammar

The Past Continuous Tense

A. Look at the following dialogue between two students who use the past
continuous tense to describe their actions. Use this dialogue as a model to
do the next activity.
Student 1: What were you doing when the burglar entered the house?

Student 2: I was sleeping.

Student 1: What was your father doing?

Student 2: He was reading in his reading room.

Student 1: He must have been so interested in his reading.

Student 2: Sure. He does not care whatever happens around him while he is
reading.

Student 1: I see. What were your mother and sister doing?

Student 2: They were watching a movie.

Student 1: Did you report the burglary to the police?

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English I GradeS I Week 22

Student 2: Yes, we did. But they were investigating another case.

Student 1: Ok, I'm so sorry. I hope you get the stolen items back.

Student 2: Thank you.

B. Use the correct past continuous forms of the verbs in parenthesis to make
the following paragraph complete.

The sun (1) (shine) and the birds (2) (sing) as

the elephant came out of the jungle. The other animals (3)
(relax) in the shade of the trees, but the elephant moved very quickly. She
(4) (look) for her baby, so she didn't notice the hunter who
(5 ) (aim) at her through his binoculars. When
(6 ) (run) towards the river.

Grammar Spot

We use the Past Continuous tense mainly to indicate that a longer action in the
past was interrupted by a shorter action. The interruption is usually a shorter
action expressed in the Simple Past.

This tense is formed using was (for singular subj ects) and were (plural subj ects)
and '-ing' form of a verb.

Examples

1. I was watching TV when you called.

2. When the phone rang, my sister was writing a letter.
3. While John was sleeping last night, someone stole his car.
4. Semira was waiting for us when we got off the plane.

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Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Practise reading the following text in your groups. Then, take turns with a
partner to read it to each other. Ask your partner to give you suggestions for
improvement. Then change roles.

Alexander Graham Bell

Alexander Graham Bell was born in 1847. He was a Scottish-bom American

scientist best known as the inventor of the telephone. He worked at a school for
the hearing impairment while attempting to invent a machine that would transmit
sound by electricity. Bell was granted the first official patent for his telephone in
March 1876, though he would later face years of legal challenges to his claim that
he was its sole inventor, resulting in one of history's longest patent battles. Bell
continued his scientific work for the rest of his life, and used his success and wealth
to establish various research centres nationwide.

Bell was educated in Scotland and at the University of London. He also studied
under his grandfather, Alexander Bell, a noted speech teacher. He taught the art
of speaking, assisted his father, also a speech teacher and noted phonetician, and
taught at a school for the deaf in England, using his father's methods. In 1870, Bell
immigrated with his parents to Canada.

Bell owes his immortality to his having been the first to design and patent a practical
device for transmitting the human voice by means of an electric current. But Bell
always described himself simply as a "teacher of the deaf," and his contributions in
that field were of the first order.

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8. Vocabulary

The following words are contextual meanings of the words in bold in the
reading fluency text above. Find the words that match the meanings.

1. all over a nation

2. came to another country to live permanently
3. given
4. creator
5. hearing impaired
6. recognition of ownership of an invention
7. citizen of Scotland

Week 22 Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Convention

Using Punctuation Marks

The following text has errors because it lacks some punctuation marks. Rewrite
it in your exercise book inserting appropriate punctuation marks.

In photo copying exposure to ultraviolet light is a great concern. In the early days
of photocopiers the light source was filtered green to match the optimal sensitivity
of the photo conductive surface This filtering conveniently removed all ultraviolet.
Currently a variety of light sources are used As glass transmits ultraviolet rays
between 325 and 400 nanometres copiers with ultraviolet-producing lights such as
fluorescent halogen or xenonflash expose documents to some ultraviolet One day
a man working on the copier machine said It is better to remain workless than to run
the risk of ultraviolet radiation

Writing Composition

Write a narrative essay of three paragraphs on one of the famous scientists you
know.

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 English I GradeS I Week 23

Week 23: The Importance of Scientific

Discoveries

Week 23 Day 1

1. Word Study

Silent Letters in English (Part I)

Identify the silent letter in each word below. Then, read the words aloud. Be
careful not to pronounce the silent letters.

Example:
a. limb (the letter b is silent.)
b. muscle (The letter c is silent)
c. sign (The letter g is silent)

1. doubt 3. discipline 5. assign

2. climb 4. scenery 6. foreign

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

With a partner, discus the following questions.

1. What do you think are the major scientific discoveries in the world?
2. Name the devices in the pictures below.
3. For what purposes do we use these devices?

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English I GradeS I Week 23

While-reading Activity

A. Answer the following questions as you read the text below.

1. According to paragraph 1, what is the aim of science?
2. Which discovery made possible the transmission of any message across the
internet?
3. Which paragraph describes a quick means of communication as a result of
the discovery of science?
4. Which paragraph describes the invention of medicines?
5. How does electricity benefit people in everyday life?
6. According to the text, what is the contribution of the invention of television?

The Importance of Scientific Discoveries

Today science is advancing at an amazing speed and almost everything in our life
has changed beyond recognition. It attempts to conquer the forces of nature and
aims to give humankind increasing power over his/her surroundings.

Scientific experiments can yield intelligence about the composition of matter in

different ways. One example ofthisisthe discovery of the electron, our understanding
which has changed over the years; it has contributed in a variety of ways to how
we live today. Electricity benefits people through everyday use in lighting homes,
streets and traffic lights, and powering refrigerators and communication devices.
The application of scientific discoveries is the main reason for the quick pace of
modem life. For instance, a journey that took weeks on foot or horseback was
shortened to a few days' travel, first by the use of steam-powered locomotives and
then later by personal automobiles. Today, travel by airplane allows people to make
the same journey in just minutes.

In addition, scientific research has resulted in quick means of communication that

has brought people from all over the world together. We can talk to any person
through telephone and mobile phone. Electronic mail (email) has made possible
the transmission of any message across the internet to any person in this world.
Furthermore, radio can be used both as a means of receiving information and for
recreation. The invention of television is one of the most important events in human
history which has enabled us to see images of people and things thousands of miles
away from us.

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The other major contribution of scientific discovery is the invention of medicines

to cure severe diseases. This is a significant contribution of science in the field of
health. Plague, small-pox, cholera, leprosy, typhoid and even tuberculosis are no
longer terrible diseases. This is because they can be controlled through scientifically
discovered medicines.

Generally speaking, science generates knowledge by means of new discoveries

that are often met with disbelief at first; but such knowledge eventually becomes
widespread and common. Every school-age child knows that the earth revolves
around the sun, although this knowledge was rejected when it was first discovered.
Most people have a basic understanding of natural processes such as how moisture
evaporates then condenses and falls as rain or how oxygen travels through the
body in the bloodstream. Scientific discovery is the reason for the ever-increasing
understanding that people have about the world around them.

B. Write what the following pronouns refer to in the reading text.

1. It attempts to... (Para. 1), Tt' refers to .
2. which has enabled us... (Para. 3),which refers to .
3. This is a significant contribution... (Para. 4), 'This'refers to .
4. when it was first discovered... (Para. 5), 'it' refers to .

Post-reading Activity

In small groups, discuss the following questions.

1. List some ancient and recent discoveries of science.

2. What effects do the provision and absence of electricity have on the lives of
people in rural and urban areas?
3. Discuss some of the scientific discoveries which make great contributions to
your education and to your life in general.

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English I GradeS I Week 23

Week 23 Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Match the words under Column A with their contextual meanings under
Column B.

A B

1. revolves A. the act of passing or sending out an electronic message

2. amazing B. causing great harm, awful

3. locomotives C. knowledge and understanding

4. terrible D. astonishing

5. widespread E. moves in a circle

6. transmission F. engines that pull trains

7. intelligence G. existing or happening over a large area

4. Listening Comprehension

Pre-listening Activity

Your teacher will read you a text entitled, "The Importance of the Mobile
Phone". Before you listen to the text, discuss the questions with your partner.

1. What special benefits do you think mobile phones provide us with?

2. What possible disadvantages do you think could mobile phones have?

While-listening Activity

Answer the following questions while listening to your teacher reading the text.

1. A mobile phone is a telephone.

A. line C. portable

B. land D. fixed
2. The radio frequency link establishes a connection to the switching systems
of a mobile phone operator.

A. True B. False

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 English I GradeS I Week 23

3. If students are busy keeping their eyes on mobile phones, it .

A. positively affects their study.

B. negatively affects their study.

C. does not bring any effects

D. helps them to keep their attention better.

4. Which services do mobile phones support?

A. Text messaging C. Digital photography

B. Internet access D. All of the above

5. Which of the following is not true about the mobile phone?

A. It was invented by Thomas Edison.

B. It supports a variety of services.

C. It is an easy and fast means of communication.

D. It has an impact on the health of the individual.

Post-listening Activity

With your partner, discuss the statements below.

1. The invention of mobile phones brought about a change in social interaction.

What kind of change did it bring about?
2. Using a mobile phone excessively has a negative impact. Explain.

Week 23 Day 3

5. Speaking

Asking for Information

A. In a group of three, act out the dialogue below taking turns as the
receptionist, customer and Bethelehem.
Receptionist: Good morning! Ethio Telecom. What can I help you?

Customer: Good morning. Ed like some information about putting a

landline phone in my house.

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English I GradeS I Week 23

Receptionist: Certainly, Sir. I'll put you through to the customer services
office. Please hold on for a moment.

Bethelehem: Customer services office. Bethelehem speaking. What can I

help you?

Customer: I'd like to know if it's possible to have a landline phone in my

house.

Bethelehem: Absolutely. You have to submit a request letter to our customer

service office and the office will then let you know when
they're able to come.

Customer: Ok. When shall I come then?

Bethelehem: You can come at any time during working hours. Please bring
all the necessary documents so that our engineers will be able
to bring the new phone and other equipment with them in a
short time.

Customer: Can I get some written information about the requirements and
service types?

Bethelehem: Of course, Sir. You can come to our nearest office and collect
a few brochures about our services.

Customer: Thank you very much. That is very helpful of you.

Bethelehem: Not at all. Are you calling from your mobile phone number
now, Sir?

Customer: Yes, I am.

Bethelehem: Then I have your mobile number. Thank you very much. Bye,
bye.

Customer: Thank you. Bye, bye.

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B. In the same group, practise using the following phrases in your dialogue.
Can you help me ... ?
Can you tell me ..., please?
Could you tell me ..., please?
Do you know ... ?
Do you know how to ... ?
I hope you don't mind my asking, but ...
I wonder if you could tell me ...

I'd like to know ...

6. Grammar

The Gerund

Examples:

1. Jemila is very good at drawing.

2. Running is a good way to keep fit.
3. Smoking is bad for your health.
4. Ayantu is good at listening to people.

Fill the gaps with gerunds of the verbs in the following box. Use each verb only
once. The first one has been done for you.

travel ride do lie try

swim play run get fly

1. She likes running every morning before breakfast.

2. I usually start my homework, before watching TV.
3. I enjoy on the grass.
4. She doesn't like with other children.
5. is a fast way of .
6. She likes sport, especially horses and .
7. Do not give up to find the answer to the question.
8. I lay in bed and thought about up.

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Gerunds

The gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun. Sometimes a gerund is
called a verbal noun because it comes from a verb. Although they name things,
like other nouns, they normally name activities rather than people or objects. A
gerund is never used as a verb.Examples

• Smoking is dangerous for health. (Here the gerund smoking acts as the
subject of the verb.)
• She enjoys reading. (Here the gerund reading acts as the object of the
verb.)
• She is interested in acting. (Here the gerund acting acts as the object of
the preposition in.)
• The best form of physical exercise is swimming. (Here the gerund acts
as the complement of the noun exercise.)

Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Listen carefully to the way your teacher reads the text below. Then with a
partner, read the text aloud by taking turns.

The Invention of the Light Bulb

The invention of the light bulb in 1879 by Thomas Alva Edison changed
human existence. The light bulb allowed us to work at night, increasing
quality and productivity. It also allowed us to save money on candles and
oil for light and was much safer to use. Light bulbs are less of a fire-hazard.
They're also more convenient, as they don't blow out when it's windy; they don't
fizzle out when they get wet; and they don't run out of oil. Instead of relying on
candlelight and oil lamps, the light bulb allowed us, for the first time, to light up
houses and streets in a way that was resistant to the elements. Light bulbs can also

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 English I GradeS I Week 23

be used outside to light the streets, which meant crime-rates in cities were lowered
and the streets became safer at night.

It was the infrastructure that was built to provide electricity to every home and
business that changed the world. Today, our world is filled with powered devices
that we can plug in pretty much anywhere and we have the light bulb to thank for it.
The invention of the light bulb in the 19th century was a big milestone for the human
race, and light bulbs are still in use.

8. Vocabulary

A. Complete the sentences with appropriate words from the box below.

infrastructure responsible access

system portable frequency

1. Nowadays, people have easy to technological products.

2. A mobile phone is much more convinient than a landline because it is

3. Do you know what the Radio Ethiopia is on?

4. The company claims that it is not for the pollution in the city.
5. The computer has crashed and no one is able to fix it.
6. Governments need to provide the to bring electricity to every
home and business.

B. The words in Column A are taken from the reading fluency text. Match
them with their opposites under Column B

A B

1. exist A. difficult to use

2. hazardous B. dry

3. pretty C. ugly

4. convenient D. safe

5 wet E disappear

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English I GradeS I Week 23

Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Convention

Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay:

• is written to persuade or convince the reader of a certain point of view.

• usually contains a signal of its purpose in the thesis statement.
• will be worded so that a definite opinion is given on an issue.
• provides tangible pieces of evidence or reasons.
• reasons are often organised from the least important to the most important.
• builds up strong support for the opinion, and leaves the reader with the
strongest reason freshly in mind.

Structure of a Persuasive Essay

Introductory paragraph (opinion)

• Grab the reader's attention by using a so-called hook.

• Give an overview of the argument.
• Close with a thesis statement that reveals the position to be argued.

Body (Facts and Examples)

• Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea.

• Within each paragraph, provide sufficient supporting detail, evidence, data,
examples, etc.
• Describe and then refute the key points of the opposing view.

Concluding paragraph (Final Appeal)

• Restates and reinforces the thesis and supporting evidence.

• Contains words such as should or ought to, to express a judgment about the
topic or idea.

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Writing Composition

Persuasive Essay Writing

Write a persuasive essay of 3-4 paragraphs on one of the following thesis

statements.

1. Industrial countries should stop producing advanced weapons.

2. Children under the age of 15 should not use social media.

Paragraph 1

Some people say it is good for children to use social media. They have their
own reasons.

These reasons include:

First

Second

Paragraph 2

However this idea is wrong. The reason why I say this is wrong is that....

It makes children

It causes

Paragraph 3

In general, although using social media is important, its disadvantages are

greater than its advantages. So

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English I GradeS I Week 24

Week 24: The Discovery of Anaesthesia

I I

Week 24 Day 1

1. Word Study

Silent letters in English (Part II)

Read the following words aloud. Be careful not to pronounce the silent letters.

Example:

a. light (letter combination gh is silent)

b. honest (letter h is silent)
c. knee (letter k is silent)
d. half (letter 1 is silent)

1. daughter 4. talk 7. white 10. chalk

2. hour 5. fight 8. where 11. weight

3. knot 6. know 9. calf 12. knight

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

Discuss the following questions with a

partner and reflect your ideas to the class.

1. What medical discoveries do you

know?
2. What do you think are the purposes of
these medical discoveries?
3. Study the following picture with your
partner and guess what the main idea of
the passage will be?

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 English I GradeS I Week 24

While-reading Activity

Read the passage below and answer the following questions based on
information in the reading text. Write the answers in your exercise book.

1. What is anaesthesia?
2. Who discovered anaesthesia? When did she/he discover it?
3. Which body activities does anaesthesia help to control during a medical
procedure?
4. What are the three broad categories of anaesthesia?
5. Which paragraph talks about regional anaesthesia?
6. What is local anaesthesia?
7. Which type of anaesthesia is used to make and keep a person completely
unconscious during the operation?

The Discovery of Anesthesia

It was in 1846 that the pain of surgery was eliminated. This was because an
early form of anaesthesia was first used by dentist William Morton and surgeon
John Warren at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on October 16, 1846.
Anaesthesia is a way to control pain during a surgical procedure by using a medicine
called anaesthetic. It can help control the patient's breathing, blood pressure, blood
flow, and heart rate and rhythm. A patient under the effects of anesthetic drugs is
referred to as being anesthetized. Anesthesia enables the painless performance of
medical procedures that would otherwise cause the patient severe or intolerable
pain.

There are three broad categories of anesthesia. These include local anesthesia,
regional anesthesia and general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is an anesthetic drug
which can be given as an injection, a spray, or an ointment. It numbs only a small,
specific area of the body such as a foot, a hand, or a patch of skin. With local
anesthesia, a person is awake or sedated, depending on what is needed. Local
anesthesia lasts for a short period of time and is often used for patients who come
to a hospital or clinic for surgery and can go home the same day. The medicine
used can numb the area during the procedure and for a short time afterwards to help
control post-surgery discomfort.

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English I GradeS I Week 24

Regional anaesthesia is an anesthetic drug that is injected near a cluster of nerves,

numbing a larger area of the body such as below the waist, as do epidurals given
to women in labour. It is generally used to make a person more comfortable during
and after the surgical procedure.

General anaesthesia on the other hand is used to make and keep a person completely
unconscious or asleep during the operation, with no awareness or memory of
the surgery. It suppresses the central nervous system activity and results in
unconsciousness and total lack of sensation. It can be given through sticking a
needle into a vein, usually in the arm or the patient can be asked to inhale gases or
vapours by breathing into a mask or tube.

Post-reading Activity

With your partner, discuss the following question and report your answer to
the class.

If there were no anaesthesia, how would people be treated during surgery?

Week 24 Day 2

3. Vocabulary Questions

Choose the correct meanings for the following words based on the contexts in
the reading passage.

1. The word eliminated (paragraph 1) means .

A. removed C. decreased

B. added D. reduced
2. A dentist (paragraph 1) is a person who specialises in treating people's

A. eyes C. teeth

B. skin D. ears
3. The word broad (paragraph 2) means .

A. specific C. simple

B. kind D. general

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 English I GradeS I Week 24

4. Intolerable (paragraph 1) means:

A. unbearable C. enjoyable

B. itchy D. probable
5. The word 'spray' (paragraph 2) means .

A. a kind of liquid that is sent through the air

B. a kind of decoration

C. a kind of praying

D. a kind of music
6. The word unconscious (paragraph 4) means .

A. active C. unable to sense

B. awake D. unable to move

7. The word discomfort (paragraph 2) is .

A. feeling of pain C. unhappiness

B. unconsciousness D. weakness
8. It suppresses (paragraph 4) means .

A. allows C. shows

B. prevents D. initiates
9. ...to inhale' (paragraph 4) means .

A. to breathe out C. to breathe

B. to smell D. to release

4. Listening

The Discovery of X-rays

Pre-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions in a small group.

1. What do you think are x-rays used for in health care?

2. Who do you think discovered x-rays?
3. In which country do you think were x-rays discovered?

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English I GradeS I Week 24

While-listening Activity

Your teacher will read to you the text, 'The Discovery of X-rays.' Listen
carefully and answer the following questions.

1. When did Roentgen discover x-rays?

2. Are x-rays shorter or longer than the light rays we can see?
3. Which x-rays are easily absorbed in air - hard or soft x-rays?
4. Which rays are used to check patients for broken bones?
5. Which disease is commonly treated with x-rays?
6. What is the technical name for the treatment by x-ray?
7. Is this treatment an electromagnetic or an electrochemical form of treatment?
8. Which part of the body receives low energy beams, the skin or the brain?

Post-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions in a small group.

1. To which disease would you like scientists to discover a cure? Give your
reasons.
2. How has the discovery of x-rays contributed to better health care provision?

Week 24 Day 3

5. Speaking
Talking about Health

A. In pairs, act out the dialogue between a doctor and a patient. Take turns
and start over acting out the dialogue.
Patient: Doctor, I am really sick!

Doctor: Tell me how you feel.

Patient: My head hurts. I have a constant headache!

Doctor: Do you have a fever?

Patient: No. But my back hurts too.

Doctor: Are you sleeping well?

Patient: No, I wake up every hour. The pain is there all the time.

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 English I GradeS I Week 24

Doctor: Do you have pain in your stomach?

Patient: Yes, sometimes.

Doctor: Do you have pain in your neck?

Patient: No.
Doctor: Does your throat ache?

Patient: No.
Doctor: Are you coughing at night?

Patient: No.

Doctor: It could be gastritis.

Patient: Will I have to have blood tests or x-rays?

Doctor: No, that won't be necessary at this stage.

Patient: Good.
Doctor: Just take two of these tablets every four hours for a week. You should
feel better in a few days. You don't need to worry at all.

Patient: Thank you, doctor.

B. Create a situation of your own as in the dialogue and role play it.

6. Grammar

Defining Relative Clauses

Example:

The x-ray that was taken after the accident showed two fractures.

The medicine which the patient is taking has strong side effects.

The mobile which I bought for my brother is a new model.

The girl who is a medical doctor in the hospital was my classmate.

In groups, identify and discuss the defining relative clauses used in the following
short text. Write the clauses in your exercise book.

The boy who took me to the Italian restaurant works in a big shop which sells
expensive shoes. The restaurant was very modem. The food which they served was
excellent. The waiters always seemed to be busy with the customers whose wallets

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English I GradeS I Week 24

were full of money. The table at which we were seated was near a window, so we
could see the cars that had been parked by the rich customers outside the restaurant.
They were being watched by a young man in uniform.

After we had finished our meal, the waiter who is my friend came over with a small
silver box into which he had already put the bill. When my friend took the bill out
of the box, he opened his eyes in surprise because he had never had to pay so much
for a pizza before.
^
A
Defining ( Restrictive) Relative Clauses

Use:

These types of clauses are used to identify the preceding nouns from the other
nouns of the same group. They are essential to the meanings of the sentence.

For Example:

The neighbour is rich, (very general and undefined)

The neighbour who lives in front of us is rich, (defined)

(It tells us which neighbour).

A common error which students make when using this form is to define a noun
which is already completely identified.

For example:

My best friend who lives in London is coming at the weekend.

Some students think the above clause in bold is defining the noun 'friend', but
it isn't (the word 'best' has already told us which friend it is), it is just adding
extra information and it should be separated by commas.

Defining clauses are not separated from the main clause by a comma/commas.

Example:

The park which she visited last week is very interesting.

The girl who was given a reward is my sister.

Relative pronouns in defining relative clauses:

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 English I GradeS I Week 24

Function in a sentence

Subject Object

People who, that who, whom, that

Things/concepts which, that which, that

N.B. Relative Pronouns can be omitted in defining relative clauses when they refer
to objects in the sentences.

Example:

The girl whom you saw with me is my classmate.

The girl you saw with me is my classmate.

Week 24 Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Listen to your teacher while he /she is reading part of the text, 'The Discovery
of Anesthesia'. In pairs, read the same section aloud with appropriate accuracy.

8. Vocabulary

Fill in the blank spaces using the appropriate words from the word list below.
Use a word only once.

invention device comfortable

therapy hazard convenient

1. Which do you think is the most useful for the development of

a country?
2. I told the doctor that it wasn't for me to have an appointment
during school hours.
3. They used a very good measuring . As a result, they had no
trouble calculating the radiation dose.
4. I'm so glad that the dentist gave you a local anaesthetic to make you more
while she was giving you the filling.

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English I GradeS I Week 24

5. You have to be careful because using x-rays as radiation can be a health

6. On the other hand, radiation has been successful in treating

many forms of cancer.

Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Conventions

Descriptive Essay

As you may remember from previous lessons, the descriptive essay is a type of essay
that describes an object, a person, a place, an experience, an emotion, a situation,
etc. Writers use descriptive language to express personal feelings and emotions or
to create mental pictures. This may mean using adjectives and adverbs to modify
or add detail to nouns or verbs.

For example

"The man wore a neat, chocolate brown business suit, shiny from wear." This
sentence tells us a lot more about the man and the suit than the sentence: "The man
wore a brown suit."

Adverbs can also be used to add detail to verbs by telling how something happened,
not just what happened.

For Example

The woman carefully considered her options before jumping nervously into the
river.

Writing Composition

Write a descriptive essay of 3-4 paragraphs on the topic related to a visit to

some where you made. Then, share it with your partner.

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 Natural Wonders of Africa

UNIT

11

Week 25: African National Parks

I I

Week 25 Day 1

1. Word Study
Blending Prefixes

First, blend the following prefixes and the root words to make other meaningful
words. Then, work with your partner to match the words with their meanings
given below.

Examples:

homo + geneous —► homogeneous = having a similarity in

structure/matching
hetero + geneous —► heterogeneous = consisting of different
structure s/unrel ated

1. micro + organism
2. poly + gamy
3. homo + graph
4. hetero + graph
5. poly + glot

a. marriage to more than one person at a time

h. living organisms which are too small to be seen without a microscope
c. a word with the same spelling as another word but a different meaning
d. a person who speaks several languages
e. different letters representing the same sound

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English I GradeS I Week 25

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

In pairs, discuss the following questions.

1. What are national parks? Why are they important?

2. Tell your partner about some of the parks in Africa.
3. What do the following pictures show?

\V
V \
'
^ ' gi 'lu- - ____

-— __

r
Ah

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 English I GradeS I Week 25

While-reading Activity

A. Copy the following table in your exercise book and complete it by scanning
the text below.

Area in Number of Wild animals found

Park Country
km 2 bird species in the park
Masai Mara

Chobe -

Kruger

Etosha

African National Parks

Africa has the highest concentration of national parks on the planet with 335
national parks, as of 2014, which protect more than 1,100 species of mammals,
100,000 species of insects, 2,600 species of birds, and 3,000 species of fish. Some
of the parks are described below.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is widely considered to be the greatest park on
earth. It is the most popular park in Kenya. It is named in honour of the Maasai
people who inhabit the region. This legendary 1,800 square kilometer wildlife
reserve in East Africa is home to some 95 species of mammals, amphibians and
reptiles and over 400 bird species. This park is also home to large populations of
predators. These include numerous lions, leopards, cheetahs and jackals.

Chobe National Park is found in the northern part of Botswana. It is home to the
largest continuous elephant population in Africa. It covers 12,000 square kilometers
with a diversity of ecosystems ranging from arid plains and dry channels to fertile
grasslands, dense woods and watery swamps. Its diverse habitats support a high
density and rich variety of wild animals and birds, most notably the huge elephant
herds that number over 40,000 individuals. Winter (April to October) is the best time
to go to the Park, as herds of zebras, antelopes, buffaloes, giraffes and wildebeest
gather at the water sources.

Kruger National Park is South Africa's top safari destination and one of the world's
finest parks. It covers around 19,485 square kilometers of untamed bush. It is home
to an unrivalled diversity of wildlife. Inhabitants include 145 mammal species, the

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English I GradeS I Week 25

largest number of mammals found in any game park in Africa, along with nearly
500 bird species. This park is home to wild animals, from hippos, crocodiles and
cheetahs to wild dogs, giraffes and numerous antelope species.

Etosha National Park is Namibia's park, and it is regarded as one of the best national
parks in Africa. This unique national park covers some 22,270 square kilometers.
It is home to some rare and unusual wild animals ,including the tallest elephants on
the continent. Common wildlife sighting include rhinos, giraffes, elephants, lions,
various species of antelopes and even cheetahs, leopards and (depending on season)
more than 300 species of birds.

B. Answer the following questions based on the information from the passage.
1. Which continent has the highest number of national parks?
2. Why is winter the best season to visit the Chobe National Park?
3. Which people of Kenya live in the region where the Masai Mara National
park is found?
4. Among the African parks mentioned in the passage, which park is the most
extensive one?
5. Which African National Park is home for the largest number of mammals?
6. These include numerous... (paragraph 2,). What does the pronoun 'These'
refer to?

Post-reading Activity

In a small group, discuss the following questions and report your ideas to the
class.

1. Do you know the names of national parks which are found in Ethiopia? List
as many as you can.
2. How does Ethiopia benefit from having national parks?

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 English I GradeS I Week 25

Week 25 Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Find words in the reading text which have similar meanings to the following
words and phrases.

1. gathering of something in a great number (Para. 1)

2. live in ( Para. 2)
3. respect (Para.2)
4. very famous and talked about by a lot of people (Para. 2)
5. animals that hunt and eat other animals (Para.2)
6. gigantic, very large ( Para.3)
7. a trip to see and hunt animals (Para.4)
8. productive (Para. 3)

4. Listening

Pre-listening Activity

Before you listen to the listening text, discuss the following questions in groups.

1. Where is the Serengeti

National Park situated?
2. What kind of animals do
you think are found in this
national park?
3. What do you observe in the
%
following illustration?

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English I GradeS I Week 25

While-listening Activity

Serengeti National Park

Answer the following questions based on the information in the listening text.

1. What does the word Serengeti mean to the Maasai people?

2. In which part of Tanzania is Serengeti National Park situated?
3. What are the reasons for Serengeti National Park being listed as a World
Heritage site by UNESCO?
4. What animals are considered as the big five of Africa?
5. What is the total area of the park?
6. When do vast numbers of hoofed animals migrate across the Serengeti
Ecosystem?
7. Where do they migrate to?
8. How is this possible?

Post-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions and reflect your ideas to the class.

1. What benefits does the Serengeti park have to Tanzania?

2. What do you think should the Tanzanian government do to perfect the
Serengeti park and the animals in it?

Week 25 Day 3

5. Speaking

Asking for and offering Information (Role-play)

In pairs, ask for and give information. Student A will be a tourist guide. Student
B will be a tourist. Use the following notes to guide your conversation.

1. Tourist Guide (Role 1)

You may use the following notes to provide information.

• Offering to help:
Example: Can I help you?
May I help you?

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 English I GradeS I Week 25

• Asking for more detail:

Example: Which place are you looking for?

• Making a suggestion:
Example: Why don't you go there?

• Offering more help:

Example: Is there anything else I can help you with?

Would you like any more information?

• Ending the conversation:

Example: Have a good day.

2. Tourist (Role 2)
You may use the following notes to ask for information.

• Names of main tourist attraction places:

Example: Could you tell me the names of the main tourist destinations/
attractions in Ethiopia?

• Transport:
Example: What kind of transportation is available to go there?

Cost of transportation:

Example: How much does the transportation cost?

• Time:
Example: How long does it take?

• Places to relax and places to eat:

Example: Is there any place in the park to relax or to stay?

• Seeking personal recommendations/choices:

Example: What is your personal recommendation/suggestion?

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English I GradeS I Week 25

6. Grammar

Non-defining Relative Clauses

Re-write these sentences using relative clauses. Use 'who', 'whose', 'which',
'that', and 'whom'

Example:

Solomon went to visit a park last week. Solomon will come to class today.
Solomon, who .
Answer:
Solomon, who went to visit a park last week, will come to class today.

1. Chobe national park is found in the northern part of Botswana. It is one of

the National parks in Africa.
Chobe national park, which is found .

2. The Masai Mara is a Kenyan national park. It is considered to be one of the

greatest parks on earth.
Masai Mara, which .

3. Getachew lives next door to us. Getachew plays for the national football
team.
Getachew, who lives .

4. Etosha National Park's area is 22,270 square kilometers. It is found in

Namibia.
Etosha National park, whose .

5. The earth revolves round the sun. It is round.

The earth, which .

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 English I GradeS I Week 25

Grammar Spot

Non-defining Relative Clauses

As the name suggests, non-defining (non- restrictive) relative clauses tell us

more about someone or something, but the information in these clauses does
not help us to define what we are talking about.

These clauses simply add more/extra information to the known nouns. They
provide information that can be left out without affecting the meaning or
structure of the sentence. They are separated from the main clause by a comma/
commas.

Example

The tall girl, who speaks English fluently, is a tour guide.

Kruger National Park, which is one of the world's finest parks, is found in
South Africa.

Note:

• The sections in bold of the sentences above are non - defining relative
clauses. If they are left out, the sentences would still make perfect sense.
What we miss is only additional or extra information about the noun.

Example:

The tall girl, who speaks English fluently, is a tour guide.

The tall girl is a tour guide.

Kruger National Park, which is one of the world's finest parks, is found in South
Africa.

Kruger National Park is found in South Africa.

The relative pronoun (who, which, whose or whom) must always be used to
introduce a non-defining relative clause. It cannot be omitted.

Relative pronouns in non-defining clauses:

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English I GradeS I Week 25

Function in a sentence

Subject Object Possessive

People who who, whom whose

Things/concepts which which whose, of which

Week 25 Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Your teacher is going to read the reading text aloud before you read by
yourselves. Then, in pairs, read aloud the reading text below as accurately as
you can. Take turns to read. Ask your teacher for an explanation if you find
some difficult words to pronounce or understand.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Formerly part of Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation area

encompasses three magnificent volcanic craters (Ngorongoro is the most famous),
as well as the legendary archeological site of Olduvai Gorge, and more than 8,300
square kilometers of savannah, dense forest, and African bush. This is one of the
few areas in the world where wildlife and humans peacefully coexist.

The proud Maasai people live alongside a diversity of wildlife within this World
Heritage-listed area and graze their cattle on these lands. Besides the spectacular
volcanically formed scenery, highlights include one of Africa's densest populations
of wild lions as well as black rhinoceros, buffaloes, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs,
and more than 500 species of birds. As part of the Serengeti ecosystem, the area also
plays host to the Great Migration as 1.6 million ungulates make their way through
here each year between December and June.

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 English I GradeS I Week 25

8. Vocabulary

Choose words which have similar meanings to the words in bold in the following
sentences.

1. They stopped at the top of the hill to admire the scenery.

A. view C. importance

B. distance D. width
2. Africa has a greater concentration of magnificent parks than any other
continents.

A. large C. beautiful

B. different D. limited
3. A number of wild animals coexist in the parks.

A. live individually C. attack each other

B. live together D. fear each other

4. Parks are used as recreation areas for tourists.

A. enjoyment C. living

B. work D. employment
5. A variety of species of wildlife are found in the parks of Africa.

A. domestic animals

B. animals for transport

C. undomesticated animals

D. animals that live both outside and inside house

6. Most of the naturally reserved areas or parks encompass a variety of
mammals and birds species.

A. exclude C. feed

B. include D. give
7. More needs to be done on the conservation of plants and animals in the
reserved areas or parks.

A. deforestation C. protection

B. visiting D. counting

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English I GradeS I Week 25

8. Africa is home to many of the world's fascinating animals.

A. ugly C. starving

B. big D. enchanting
9. Some species of animals and plants are becoming endangered nowadays.
Their number is decreasing

A. protected C. reviving

B. near extinction D. well known

Week 25 Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Convention

Summary writing

A summary is a restatement of the main ideas of someone else's text in as few words
of one's own as possible. Summaries can be one or two sentences or several pages
long. For all types of summaries, the writer is responsible for generally stating, in
his or her own words, the main information or argument of another writer.

How to Summarize a text:

• Read the original passage or text very carefully.

• Use a pencil to highlight or underline what you take to be the main point of
the original text, or make notes in the margins or on another sheet of paper.
• If you are summarizing an entire essay, outline the writer's argument.
• Then tell your audience what the original source argued.

Writing Composition

Write a short summary of the text you have read: African National Parks.

Your summary should include important points about:

• Masai Mara national reserve • Chobe national park

• Kruger national park • Etosha national park

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 English I GradeS I Week 26

Week 26: Ethiopia's National Wonders

I I

Week 26 Day 1

1. Word Study

Homonyms

Homonyms are words having the same spelling or pronunciation but different
meanings.

Example:

desert = abandon or leave someone without help in a difficult situation

desert = a very hot area often covered with sand or rocks with very little rain
and not many plants

Work with your partner and fill in the blank spaces using the appropriate
words given. Provide the meanings of the words in each sentence.

Example

Some people live in the desert, (desert = a very hot area often covered with sand)

So many people desert the factory each month, (desert = abandon)

bank close bark

1. The of the acacia tree is very thick.

2. We go to the either to save money or to take it.
3. Our school is to the bus station.
4. Dogs usually when they see hyenas.
5. Some flowers grow on a river or near streams.
6. It is good to windows when it gets too cold.

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2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

With your partner, discuss the following questions.

1. Which Ethiopian natural wonder would you like to visit? Why?

2. What benefits do you think natural wonders have for Ethiopia?
3. Where do you think are the scenes in the following pictures found in
Ethiopia?

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While-reading Activity

Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions based on the
information in the reading text.

1. Why is Erta Ale regarded as an amazing volcano?

2. Erta Ale has a pit on its southern slopes which is locally known as

3. Why do tourists watch Erta Ale active volcano at a distance?

4. How was the Rift Valley formed?
5. What features mark the Rift Valley's passage through Ethiopia?
6. Which river borders the Awash National Park?
7. What is the height of the dormant Fantalle volcano?
8. What attractive natural features and animals are found in Awash National
park?
9. It is bordered by .... (Para.3, line 1) 'It' refers to .

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Ethiopian Natural Wonders

Like many other African countries, Ethiopia also has amazing natural features. One
of these is Erta Ale which is an active volcano in the Afar Region of North-Eastem
Ethiopia. It is the most active volcano in Ethiopia. In Afar, it is referred to as the
smoking mountain. It has a pit on its southern slopes locally known as the gateway
to hell. It has searing hot temperatures because large amounts of heat are released
by the volcano. Local people do not usually visit it but many tourists do. The
tourists avoid the hot points of the volcano and watch this amazing active volcano
at a distance.

Much of Africa's volcanic activity is concentrated along the 2800 kilometers long
crack in the earth's surface known as the Great Rift Valley. It is the result of two
roughly parallel faults in the earth's surface between which, in distant geological
time, the crust was weakened and the land subsided. The Great Rift Valley's passage
through Ethiopia is marked by a chain of lakes and rivers. Lakes and rivers provide
ideal habitats for the lively variety of flora and fauna that make the region a great
delight for naturalists and tourists.

There are also fascinating national parks, which attract both local and foreign
tourists, in Ethiopia. Awash National Park is the oldest and most developed game
reserve of its kind. It is bordered by the Awash River and lies 225 kilometers east
of Addis Ababa on the Djibouti Highway. The 1,800 meters high semi dormant
Fantalle volcano is an extensive area of pools of mineral hot - springs, and the
extraordinary phenomenon of the rocky features. The rich wildlife in the park
consists mostly of East African plains game, with the exception of the giraffe and
the buffalo. The orynx, bat-eared fox, caracal, aardvark, colobus and grey monkeys,
Anubis and Hamadryas baboons, klipspringer, leopards, bush bucks, hippopotamus,
gazelles, Grevy's zebras, cheetahs, greater and lesser kudus, and 400 species of
birds are to be found within the 756 square kilometers of the Awash national park.

Post-reading Activity

In a group of three, discuss the following questions.

1. What are the other natural wonders found in Ethiopia which are not
mentioned in the reading text?
2. How do you advise Ethiopians to manage these and other natural wonders
in the country?

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Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Find appropriate words that are in bold from the reading text which have
similar meanings to the following words and phrases.

1. outer part of the earth

2. astonishing
3. a raised part of the earth's surface, much larger than a hill
4. an inactive volcano that does not erupt for a long time.
5. plants and animals
6. an area kept or protected in its natural state
7. a mountain with a hole in the top or side that sends out rocks, ash, lava, etc.,
in a sudden explosion
8. someone who visits a place for pleasure and interest
9. pleasure or happiness
10. burning or intense (temperature)
11. very unusual, special

4. Listening

Pre-listening Activity

In groups of three, discuss the following questions before you listen to the
listening text.

1. What are the names of the national parks you know in Ethiopia?
2. In which region of the country are these parks found?
3. Which types of wild animals are found in these parks?

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While-listening Activity

Listen attentively and complete the following table using the information from
the listening.

Place / Distance Metres Animals found

National park/
region from Addis above sea in the park/
mountain
found in Ababa level mountain area
Semien mountains
national park/Ras
Dashen
Bale mountains
national park/ Tullu
Dimtu

Nech Sar national park

Post-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions in your groups.

1. Do you know any national parks in Ethiopia which are not mentioned in the
listening text? Tell other group members where they are.
2. Have you ever visited a park? If so, what impressed you most about it?
3. What do you think is the national and international importance of Ethiopian
parks?
4. How can the endemic wildlife of Ethiopia be protected?

Week 26 Day 3

5. Speaking

Asking and Giving Directions

1. Act out the dialogue in pairs by taking turns.

Saba: Excuse me, is this the right way to the park?

Fenet: I am afraid, you are not on the right road.

Saba: Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the park?

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Fenet: Turn left and go straight ahead for about a kilometer. You will cross
the bridge and turn right at the crossroads. Then, walk for about
one kilometer and you will get there.

Saba: Thank you very much. I think I'll be able to get there now.

Fenet: You're welcome.

2. Use the following expressions and practise asking for and giving directions.
Use your own situations.
Asking directions

Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the bus station.

Can you give me the direction to ...please?

Can you tell me how to get to...?

Is this the right way to the...?

Giving directions

Go straight on

Turn left/right (into ... street)

Go along up/down/...street

Take the first/second road on the left/right

It is on the left/ right

It is opposite...

It is near...

It is at the end (of)...

It is on/at around the corner...

It is behind ...

It is in front of...

It is next to ...

It is between ...

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6. Grammar

Articles (indefinite and definite)

Study the examples below. Then, copy the following paragraph into your
exercise book and complete the blank spaces with appropriate articles (a/an/
the).

Example:

I watched a car as it came up our road. The car stopped outside our house and a
man got out. The man was carrying an interesting bag in his hand. With the bag
in his hand, the man looked like a salesman.

Bontu has worked for this park for ten years. Throughout this time she has shown
herself to be (1) intelligent and hard working person. She first joined (2)
park as (3) assistant manager but was soon promoted to (4) position of
(5)manager of (6) park. She manages (7) park with skill and energy.
She has (8) good plan for development and this has been particularly evident
in (9) success of (10) park. On (11) personal level, I have found
Bontu to be (12) very honest and considerate person. She is (13) very
fair manager and is respected and well-liked by (14) park workers.

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A
Articles

In English there are two types of articles. These are indefinite articles and
definite articles

1. Indefinite articles include ('a' and 'an')

These two articles are used:
• with singular countable nouns to mean 'one'.
• we use 'a' before consonant sounds and 'an' is used before vowel
sounds (a, e, i, o, u).
Example
Awash National Park is an interesting place to visit.
Erta Ale is a nice place to see.
• We do not use a/ an with an adjective alone (without a noun).
Example
She is a clever student (Not She is a clever).

He is an intelligent boy. (Not He is an intelligent).

2. Definite Article (the)

'The' means something like 'you know which one I mean' and it is used
with singular, plural countable and uncountable nouns.
Example
The water (uncountable)
The lake (singular countable)
The parks (plural countable)
'The' is used:
• to talk about people and things that we have already mentioned or
when something is referred to for a second time.
Example
She has bought a new bag. The bag is very interesting.
• When we are saying which people or things we mean.
Who is the boy in the car?

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Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Listen to your teacher carefully while she/he reads aloud from the text,
'Ethiopian Natural Wonders'. Then, read the same text aloud in your group.
Take turns to read and give feedback.

8. Vocabulary

Complete the following sentences using appropriate words from the list below.

fascinating peak elevation generate

cliff endemic heritage territory

1. The Walia Ibex is one of the wild animals which are found only in Ethiopia.
This means it is to Ethiopia.
2. It is a great achievement to climb a high mountain and reach its .
3. Some parks cover a very wide in which different types of wild
animals can live naturally.
4. Ras Dashen is the highest mountain in Ethiopia with an of about
4, 533 meters above sea level.
5. Some parks include features which attract many tourists.
6. Unless someone keeps that child away from the edge of the she
may fall.
7. Parks can help a country to _ foreign currency through tourism.
8. We must protect our national _ as it shows our cultural identity to
the other world.

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Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Convention

Expository Essay

Go back to the lesson in Week 24, Day 5 and revise what you have learned
about descriptive composition and use the ideas in your writing.

Writing Composition

Write a 3-4 paragraph descriptive essay on one of the following topics.

1. One of the mountains or parks in your area.

2. Any natural wonder you know in your area or that you have visited in
Ethiopia.
Include the following points in your essay:
• its name and why it is named so
• its location (distance from Addis Ahaha/ from the nearby town)
• its altitude (elevation above sea level)
• the area it covers....
• its geographical features (mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, hot
springs)
• its wildlife (animals, plants, birds, vegetation...)
• its cultural significance

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Week 27: African Lakes

Week 27 Day 1

1. Word Study

Homophones

Read the following pairs of words. Identify what part of speech they are (e.g.
noun, adjective, etc). Then, write the meanings of the words.

Example: sea, see

Sea - (noun): the salty water which covers a large part of the surface of the earth.

See - (verb): to be conscious of what is around you by using your eyes

1. seen/scene 3. tail/tale
2. some/ sum 4. aloud/allowed

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

With your partner, discuss the following questions and share your ideas with
the class.

1. How many African lakes can you name in three minutes?

2. Say in which country each of the lakes in your list can be found.

■m

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While-reading Activity

A. While reading the text silently, answer the following questions.

1. Where do most of the major lakes of Africa lie?
2. How many lakes outside of Ethiopia are mentioned in the text?
3. How many Ethiopian lakes are mentioned in the text? Write their names.
4. What is the significance of Lake Tanganyika?
5. Which lake is named as the source of the Blue Nile?
6. Which lake is described as one of the 10 largest freshwater lakes in the
world?

African Lakes

Most of the major lakes in Africa lie along a continental line known as the East
African Great Rift Valley. The Rift Valley runs through the southeastern portion
of the continent, creating both spectacular mountains and a system of deep lakes.
These lakes are usually known as the Great Lakes of Africa. These lakes include:
Lake Victoria, Lake Nyasa, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Albert. There are also other
lakes that are not in the category of Great Lakes, but still are major African Lakes.
For instance, Lake Tana, Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya in Ethiopia are considered
by many to be the most beautiful lakes in Africa.

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa. In terms of area, it is the second largest
freshwater lake in the world. Bordered by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, it supports
a diverse ecosystem of reefs and islands. It is also one of the sources of the River
Nile. The land around this Lake is densely populated, and it plays an important
economic role in the lives of the people there.

Lake Nyasa, also known as Lake Malawi, is among the African Great Lakes. It's the
third-largest lake in the East African Rift Valley. It is bordered by Malawi, Tanzania
and Mozambique

The third so-called Great Lake, Lake Tanganyika, is one of the 10 largest freshwater
lakes in the world and the second deepest. Though it is narrow, it is the longest
lake in the world. It forms the entirety of the border between Tanzania and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo and also borders Burundi to the north and
Zambia to the south. It is significant also as a source of the White Nile river. Lake
Albert is relatively shallow, reaching only 80 feet in depth, but in terms of surface

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area it's the fourth largest of the Rift Valley lakes. It borders both Uganda and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Lake Tana, which is found in Amhara region, is the largest lake in Ethiopia. It is
also believed to be the source from which the Blue Nile starts its long journey to
the Mediterranean Sea. Far south in Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley, Lakes Chamo and
Abaya are also geographic features of major significance.

B. Fill the following table with appropriate information from the reading
text. (Note that the spaces with lines do not have information in the text)

Name of the
Size Length borders Contribution
Lake

Lake Nyasa ? ?

a source of the
Lake Tanganyika ? ? ?
White Nile

Lake Victoria ? ?

Shallow, but the

? fourth largest of ?
Rift Valley lakes.

the largest lake in

? ?
Ethiopia

Post-reading Activity

Discuss in your groups

1. List the Ethiopian lakes you know.

2. What benefits do Ethiopian lakes give to the local community and to the
country?

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Week 27 Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Choose the right meanings for the words as they are used in the text.

1. Valley (Para. 1) is an area of

A. cold land C. highland between hills

B. lowland between hills. D. hot land.

2. significant (Par. 4) means

A. important C. attractive

B. simple D. complex
3. bordered (Para. 2) means

A. attacked by another country.

B. occupied by another country

C. taken by another country

D. shared a boarder with another country

4. reefs (Para.2 ) means

A. long knot C. short cracked rocks

B. long lines of rocks D. short line of the sea.

5. spectacular (Para. 1) means

A. unattractive C. impressive

B. ugly D. reflection
6. diverse (Para.2) means

A. different C. unique

B. the same D. divided

7. densely (Para. 2) means

A. arbitrarily C. secondly

B. scarcely D. heavily

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8. entirety (Para. 4) means

A. single C. few

B. whole D. in part

4. Listening Comprehension

Pre-listening Activity

1. In a small group, study the following picture

and discuss what it illustrates.
2. From your observation of the picture, what
do you expect the listening text to be about?

While-listening Activity

Answer the following questions while listening to your teacher reading the text.

1. Write the name of the second longest river in Africa.

2. Why is river Nile famous in the world?
3. What is the name of the main river of Western Africa?
4. Name the three major tributaries of the Nile River.
5. Which river is the largest river flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa?

A. Nile C. Zambezi

B. Niger D. Congo
6. Which is the second largest river in the world by volume of water discharge
and the ninth longest in the world with length of 4,700 km?

A. Zambezi C. Nile

B. Congo D. Niger
7. Through how many countries does the Niger River flow?
8. Name three of these countries.

Post-listening Activity

1. With a partner, list the names of other big rivers you know and describe
them.
2. What importance do they have to the people around them?

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Week 27 Day 3

5. Speaking

Talking about Rivers and Lakes (Interview)

In pairs, take turns to ask your partner the following questions and respond
to them.
1. Can you tell me your name, please?
2. Do you live near a lake or a river in Ethiopia? Have you ever visited one?
Which one?
3. How did you like living there or visiting it?
4. What do you think are the functions of lakes and rivers nowadays?
5. What do you think of boats and ships as forms of transportation?
6. Why do some people like to live near rivers, lakes or the sea?

6. Grammar

Infinitives

Study the following dialogue. Then, rewrite it by adding the word 'to' where
necessary.

Example:

Would you like visit Lake Abaya?

Would you like to visit Lake Abaya?

1. A: Would you like visit Lake Tana?

B: Yes, I would love to.

2. A: Can you tell me how operate this cell phone?

B: No, I cannot tell you but I can show you how fix it.

3. A: Please tell me how open the back cover of the phone.

B: Open the cover, hold it tight and slide it to the end.

4. A: I tried complete my homework, but it was very difficult.

B: May I help you?
A: Yes, sure.

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Grammar Spot

An infinitive will almost always begin with 'to' followed by the simple form
of the verb, like this:

to + verb = infinitive

• Because an infinitive is not a verb, you cannot add 's', 'es', 'ed', or 'ing'
to the end.
• Infinitives can be used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Example:
• To sleep is what she wants after class. (To sleep functions as a noun
because it functions as the subject of the sentence)
Wherever Fatuma goes, she always brings a book to read. (To read
functions as an adjective because it modifies book)
Jemila washed her lunchbox to clean out the smell of the wot. (To clean
functions as an adverb because it explains why Jemila washed the box)

Infinitives without 'to'

An infinitive will almost always begin with 'to'. However, exceptions do occur.

An infinitive will lose its 'to' when it follows certain verbs. These verbs are
feel, hear, help, let, make, see, and watch.

Example:

The children have nothing to do right now. Tell them to play football.

The teacher made the students stay outside.

Week 27 Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Listen attentively to your teacher while he/she reads aloud a section of the text
'African Lakes'. Then, read the text aloud accurately taking turns with your
partner.

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8. Vocabulary

Complete the following sentences with appropriate words from the words
listed below.

remarkable discharging depth tributary

excess sightseeing principal spot

1. There is ground water in the village due to the heavy rains.

2. Lake Langano is for its scenery.
3. According to the listening text, the Victoria Falls is a popular sightseeing
on the River Zambia.
4. The river diverts through a narrow valley before into the sea.
5. means distance downwards.
6. What is the reason for the closing of the school?
7. Did you have a chance to do any other before your visit to Arba
Minch?
8. Can you tell me the main to the River Congo?

Week 27 Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Convention

In a small group, revise the use of capitalisation and the comma. You will find
relevant information in Week 22. Then, share your ideas in class discussion
and ask your teacher for any further information you need.

Writing Composition

Write a three paragraph descriptive essay on one of the rivers or lakes you
know or have visited personally in Ethiopia (or in any African country).

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 Technology in the Modem

World

Week 28:Communication through Technology

Week 28 Day 1

1. Word Study

Word Contraction

A. Rewrite the following sentences using the contracted form of the underlined
words as it is done in the examples.

Example:

We are very happy about the movie we saw.

We're very happy about the movie we saw.

They are coming to the meeting by bus.

They're coming to the meeting by bus.

I am sure you will like the mobile I bought for you.

I'm sure you will like the mobile I bought for you.

1. She had completed her exam before she left.

2. Do not disturb me while I'm studying.
3. He does not play tennis.
4. They have made progress.
5. We cannot leave tomorrow.

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B. Rewrite the following sentences by writing the full forms of the contracted
words.
1. She's gone to market
2. They've eaten their lunch.
3. She shouldn't go with us .
4. No, he didn't do it.
5. She won't come tomorrow.

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

Answer the following questions in your groups

1. Name the following technological products and mention their importance.

2. Which of these inventions is the latest?

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While-reading Activity

A. Read the passage below and answer the questions based on the information
in the reading text. Write the answers in your exercise book.
1. What are the latest developments in technology?
2. What were the first written means of communication?
3. On which material were the first communications written?
4. When were paper, papyrus, and wax invented?

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Technology and Communication

The process of human communication has evolved over the years, with many path-
breaking inventions and discoveries heralding a revolution or progress from one
level to another.

Throughout history, developments in technology and communications have gone

hand-in-hand. The latest technological developments such as the Internet and
mobile devices have resulted in the advancement of the science of communication
to a new level.

The invention of pictographs in the ancient world gave us the first written
communication. These writings were on stone and remained immobile. The
invention, first of papyrus in 3000 B.C. and later of paper in about 100 B.C. and
lastly of wax, in the 15th century, made possible the transfer of documents from
one place to another, allowing for uniformity of languages over long distances.
The latest revolution is the widespread application of electronic technology, such as
electronic waves and signals, to communication, resulting in the electronic creation
and transfer of documents over the World Wide Web.

The most significant impact of technology on communication is the spread of

the Internet and the possibility of sending emails and chatting online. In the pre-
information technology days, a document often required re-typing on the typewriter
before the final version was approved. Sending a letter across a distance to someone
else required a visit to the post office and a postage stamp. Faster methods such as
telegrams had severe limitations in text length and were quite costly.

Computers and the Internet have made the process of creating and editing documents
and automatically spell-checking and grammar checking, easy and natural. We can
send documents to any part of the globe within seconds through an email, making
telegrams and even ordinary letters mostly obsolete. The Internet has thus increased
the speed of communications manifold, and drastically reduced the costs involved.

The huge amount of knowledge accessible at the click of a mouse has helped
improve the quality of communication. Translating a text from an unfamiliar
language ino a familiar language, seeking out the meaning of an unknown word,
and getting follow-up information on an unfamiliar concept are all possible, thanks
to the Internet.

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B. Choose the best alternatives based on the information in the passage above.
1. Which of the following is true?

A. Advancement in technology is slow.

B. Technology has made communication difficult.

C. We can check the meaning of a word on the internet.

D. The internet is the oldest technological development.

2. We can send documents very fast through:

A. an email C. persons

B. letters D. post offices

3. Which of the following is not the use of the internet?

A. Doing spelling and grammar checking

B. Decreasing communication cost

C. Making communication faster

D. Keeping people idle

4. Pictographs:

A. were mobile

B. were written on stones

C. made use of computers

D. were written on paper

5. Which one is not true about the telegram?

A. It is a faster method.

B. It has severe limitations in text.

C. It is quite costly.

D. It is quite cheap.

Post-reading Activity

Discuss the following questions in a group.

1. What do you think are the problems that make technology inaccessible?
2. How can people and government minimize these problems?

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 English I GradeS I Week 28

Week 28 Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Finding Contextual Meanings

Match the words under A with their contextual meanings given under B.

A B

1. evolve A. out of date, no longer in use

2. path-breaking B. form of communication through a picture

3. hand-in-hand C. many times

4. pictograph D. old

5. costly E. change, develop

6. version F. opening a new way

7. obsolete G. search for something

8. manifold H. together

9. seek I. expensive

J. variation

K. portion

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4. Listening

Pre-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions in groups and report your answers to the class.

1. How do people in your area transport things and move from place to place?
2. What technologies have been introduced to improve the transportation
system in your area?
3. Look at the pictures below and describe them.

rr

While-listening Activity

First copy the following table into your exercise book. Then, complete it based
on the information in the listening text that your teacher is going to read to
you.

Traditional Improvements in Modern

Modern Transportation
Transportation Transportation

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Answer the following questions based on the information you gained from the
listening text.

1. Which of the means of transportation is the latest technological development

in transportation systems?
2. What made people able to travel over greater distances and cover more
territory?
3. How many means of transportation are presented in the text? What are they?

Post-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions in a group and share your answers with the
class.

1. What makes transportation difficult in developing countries like Ethiopia?

2. How can these problems be solved?

Day 3

5. Speaking

Making a Speech

Select one of the following topics and practise speech-making in groups. Your
teacher will select some students to perform their speech for the class.

1. Think of the traditional transportation systems (e.g. donkey, mule, camel,

cart) and modem transportation systems (e.g. vehicles, airplane, boat, ship);
and compare and contrast their advantages and disadvantages.
2. How has the horse been used by humans throughout history?
3. What will future transportation look like?

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6. Grammar

The Superlative Degree

A. Look at the following examples and complete the dialogue with the correct
form of the adjective in parentheses.

Examples:

a. Lions are the (strong) animals.

Lions are the strongest animals

b. A giraffe has neck (long).

A giraffe has the longest neck.

c. Ayelech is (competitive) girl in the class.

Ayelech is the most competitive girl in the class.

Situation A:

Abrham: How do you see Almaz in your class?

Mohammed: I think she is the (1. intelligent).

Abrham: She is also the (2. creative).

Mohammed: I think Amen is the (3. artistic).

Abrham: You may think so. But I am afraid she is not.

Mohammed: I disagree.

Situation B:

Selam: This dog is the (4. ugly) dog I have ever seen.

Genet: Oh, you are right. It's very ugly. I think our dog is the
(5. attractive) one.

Selam: Dogs are not attractive at all. It must be our cat. Our cat is the
(6. beautiful) animal in the whole world.

Genet: Oh. It must be lovely.

Selam: Yes, it absolutely is.

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B. Use the correct superlative forms of the adjectives in the following text.
My uncle has 5 daughters. The name of the (1. young) daughter
is Beyenech. The (2. old) is Almaz. His third daughter is the
(3. clever) girl. She always comes first in her class. She is also
the (4. talented) of the five. Her father buys her the (5.
good) dresses because of her intelligence and hard work. The second daughter,
Tadelech, has the (6. bad) behaviour. She always fights with her
friends.

Grammar Spot
A

A comparable adjective can exist in three forms - positive, comparative

and superlative. The positive form is the base form of the adjective. The
comparative form expresses a higher degree of some quality. The superlative
form expresses the highest or least degree. The superlative degree is used to
compare persons and things of which there are more than two.

The superlative form of an adjective is formed by:

1. adding the suffix -est if the word has one syllable, e.g., tallest.
2. using with most (or least) if the word has more than two syllables, e.g.,
most intelligent, least attractive.

Week 28 Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Listen to your teacher while he /she is reading part of the text, 'Technology
and Communication'. In pairs, take turns to read the same section of the
text aloud. Ask your partner to give you suggestions on how to improve your
reading accuracy and fluency.

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8. Vocabulary

Classifying Words

A. Classify the following words into their classes given in the table below.

Example:

mango, orange, carrot, potato, avocado,

Fruits: mango, orange, avocado

Vegetables: carrot, potato

wolf chin nape chameleon fox hyena

toes crocodile python ankle gazelle sickle
stool hoe ladle axe pestle knee
spade wrist cheek shovel navel hare

Body parts Household materials Animals

B. Describe the uses of the following materials.

Example:

Knife: - A knife is used to cut or chop things.

Flute: - A flute is played as a musical instrument.

1. spade 5. ladder
2. weapon - 6. broom
3. bucket - 7. stool
4. kettle 8. ladle

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Week 28 Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Convention

Characteristics of Descriptive Essays

• Appealing-to-the-senses: Let the reader see, smell, hear, taste, and feel about
what you write in your essay.
• Use of spatial-order: Show the reader where things are located from your
perspective.
• Use of adjectives: Use appropriate adjectives to describe nouns.

Writing Composition

Writing a Descriptive Essay-(Free Writing)

Write a descriptive essay about your favourite mode of transport in not less
than 100 words.

Week 29: Benefits of a Computer

I I

Week 29 Day 1

1. Word Study

Blending Suffixes (-an/-ian, -al/-ial)

-ian/-an = of or belonging to
-ial/-al = relating to

Blend the following suffixes with their root words and read them.

Example:

Europe + an —> European

bury + al —> burial

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1. Brazil + xan
2. Ethiopia + an
3. comedy + an
4. adverb + ial
5. industry + al
6. accident + al
7. region + al

2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

Discuss the following questions in a small group.

1. What are the benefits of a computer?
2. When should people start using computers?
3. Study the following pictures and predict words you will find in the text.

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itj)
I C=)(Ji1
ny
)
"©o

1
'' i>'

While-reading Activity

Read the passage below and answer the following questions based on the
information in the text. Write the answers in your exercise book.

1. According to paragraph one of the text, what materials are listed as examples
of technological devices?
2. Which paragraph shows that technological devices make life comfortable?
3. Which paragraph shows that a computer is used to store information?
4. What, according to the text, makes a computer interesting?
5. For what purposes do people use a computer?
6. What skills do children develop through learning to use a computer?

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Benefits of a Computer

Modern science has given us many wonderful technological devices. The light
bulb, telephone, camera, CD player, photocopier, projector, car engine, electric
bell, video camera, music keyboard, airplane, computer, radio, ultra sound machine
and stethoscope are some of the examples of technological devices.

These have helped humans to advance rapidly and have revolutionized their life.
Consequently, life has become easier, faster and more efficient, convenient and
comfortable. The invention of the computer and its further development is one of
the most marvelous inventions of modem technology.

A computer can be defined as a machine which stores information, data, on magnetic

tapes, and can analyse and retrieve them instantly when required. Thus, it has
helped us in overcoming many difficult problems of multiple calculations, data-
processing, record keeping, scientific analysis, and other time-consuming activities.
The speed, accuracy, reliability, and capacity of the modern computer is astounding.

Moreover, a computer is used in so many fields in our daily life. From engineers to
doctors, students, teachers, government and non-govemment organizations, all use
computers to perform specific tasks, for entertainment, playing games, information,
business, educational programmes, and multiple other purposes.

Furthermore, computers benefit the development of fundamental skills in children.

Good educational software enables children to practise and develop a broad range
of skills. It can help them learn, for example, about shapes, letters, numbers,
rhythm, and colours. Good educational software can also help children develop
their understanding of cause and effect, procedural thinking, higher order problem
solving and creative expression.

Lastly, computers benefit children with special needs in the school system. Computers
have proved extremely beneficial to students with certain speech, audio, and motor
limitations. Students with special needs can use alternative input and output devices
to interact with computers and do things that they normally could not accomplish
independently. What they can do through using a computer boosts their self-esteem
and provides them with a greater sense of control of the world around them and
their own individual lives.

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Post-reading Activity

Discuss the following questions in groups of three and share your ideas with
the whole class.

1. What positive and negative effects do computers have on society?

2. How can a computer help children with special needs?

Week 29 Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Choose the best meaning for the following words based on their contexts in the
reading passage.

1. devices (paragraph 1) means:

A. discoveries

B. pieces of equipment

C. activities

D. mechanisms
2. revolutionized (paragraph 2) means:

A. changed C. worsened

B. destroyed D. attacked
3. marvellous (paragraph 2) means:

A. attentive C. sad

B. happy D. wonderful
4. advance (paragraph 2) means:

A. develop C. study

B. collect D. ruin
5. extremely (paragraph 6) means:

A. to a very high degree C. seriously

B. badly D. severely

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6. instantly (paragraph 3) means:

A. collectively

B. immediately

C. slowly

D. moderately
7. astounding (paragraph 3) means:

A. amazing

B. believable

C. minimal

D. terrible
Match the technological products in Column A with their uses in Column B

A B
Technological
Use
Devices
1. light bulb A. for playing music
2. telephone B. for recording moving pictures
3. camera C. for ringing/to attract attention
4. CD player D. for showing enlarged pictures, writings, etc. on a screen
5. photocopier E. for transporting people and goods
6. car engine F. for copying documents
7. projector G. for taking photographs
8. electric bell H. for talking to distant people
9. video camera I. forgiving light
10. calculator J. for doing numerical calculations
11. generator K. for producing electricity

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4. Listening

Pre-listening Activity

Discuss the following in a small group.

1. Do you like listening to the radio? Why? Why not?

2. What kinds of radios do you know?
3. Do you know how a radio works? Try to explain it.

m
rzg

While-listening Activity

A. Answer the following questions while listening to your teacher reading the
text, 'The radio'.
1. Who invented the radio? When did she/he invent it?
2. Why is the radio important?
3. From where are radio programmes broadcast?
4. What is the speed of radio waves?

B. Complete the diagram below with information from the listening text.
Number 1 is done for you.

1. A person
speaks into a ► 2 5
microphone

Post-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions in a small group.

1. What makes radio different from other forms of communication?

2. How can farmers and others who live in remote areas of Ethiopia benefit
from radio programmemes?

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Week 29 Day 3

5. Speaking

Expressing Agreement and Disagreement

Act out the following dialogues taking turns with your partner.

Situation 1

Azimeraw: People who watch news on TV don't like to read newspapers.

Birtukan: Why do you say so?

Azimeraw: Television news items are similar to newspaper articles.

Birtukan: Not exactly. Newspaper articles are more detailed.

Azimeraw: But the contents are similar.

Birtukan: That might be true.

Situation 2

Jemal: The old means of communication were better than today's.

Yasin: Really? I don't agree with you.

Jemal: Some communication means like letter writing are still used today.

Yasin: That is right. But today's communication means are better and faster.

Jemal: Do you mean the Internet and the mobile phone?

Yasin: Yes, the two have changed our communications significantly.

Jemal: I agree with you there.

In pairs, select two of the devices listed below. One of you will choose one
device and the other will select another device. Then, argue that your device
has more benefits than your partner's.

• a radio • a computer
• a light bulb • a ship
• a photo camera • a car
• a telephone • an airplane

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6. Grammar

Adverbial relative clauses

Join the following pairs of sentences, using 'where', 'when' or 'why'.

Example:

a. Here is the shop. I bought my new camera from this shop

• Here is the shop where I bought my new camera.
b. I'm looking forward to the beginning of next year. I'll be a high school
student by then.
• I'm looking forward to the beginning of next year when I'll be a high
school student.

1. This is the hall. The conference will be held in this hall.

2. I know a small restaurant. You can have a nice dinner there.
3. They haven't fixed the date yet. They will get married.
4. I forgot the time. The plane would land.
5. Tell me the reason. You came late.
Choose the correct relative pronoun to complete each sentence below.

1. This is the time of year most people celebrate the new year.

A. where B. when C. which D. who

2. A country volume of exports is smaller than her imports can't be said
to be in a good situation economically.

A. when B. that C. where D. whose

3. The reason he stated for his being dismissed from the job wasn't
found at all

A. why B. that C. whom D. when

4. The reason we are holding this meeting is to seek solutions to our
communication problems.

A. when B. whose C. where D. why

5. Saturday is the day we usually go shopping.

A. why B. that C. whom D. when

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Grammar Spot

Adverbial Relative Clauses

Adverbial relative clauses are introduced by 'when', 'where' and 'why'.

'When' refers to time.

'Where' refers to place.

Why' refers to reason.

Example:

1. 2004 was the year when I went to Addis Ababa.

2. The reason why he is absent is not clear.

3.1 love the house where I was bom.

The underlined words above are relative clauses

The relative pronouns where, when & why can be used to join sentences or
clauses. They replace the more formal structure of preposition + which used
to introduce a relative clause.

Week 29 Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

In a small group, take turns to read the following text aloud. Give one another
constructive feedback.

Cars on our roads

Cars and other vehicles are now readily available. They are technologically advanced
enough to be safe for everyday use and to work as a reliable tool for getting people
and goods from one place to another in a relatively short space of time.

The main advantage of cars is that they can get people to specific places quickly and
according to their own time-line. People do not have to rely on trains or planes in
order to get to where they want to go, so they can set off and arrive when they wish
without having to work around a train or plane schedule.

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Their main disadvantage is that all forms of vehicles on our roads are polluting the
atmosphere and are slowly killing the earth by adding to greenhouse gasses that
do not allow the sun's heat to escape. Even electric cars are powered by electricity
generated by fossil fuels. Of course, road traffic accidents are also a very big killer
worldwide and the lives of many drivers and passengers have been lost.

8. Vocabulary

Fill in the blanks in the sentences using the appropriate words from the word
list below. Use only one word at a time.

communication studio transmitter radio

relayed broadcasting cables

1. The radio has become the most ideal means of long-distance .

2. People are now able to listen to information from broadcasting
houses.
3. The radio transmission starts when someone speaks into a microphone in a
at the station.
4. The sound made is changed into electric sound waves which travel along
tiny metallic to the .

Week 29 Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Convention

Poetry- rhyming scheme

In a rhyming stanza, two or more words share similar sounding words. For
more about rhyming refer to week 10 .

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Writing Composition

A. Look at the following example and complete the poem below. You can
choose phrases from the table to complete the poem.

Example:

My chosen Career

If I become a pilot, I will visit Kenya,

A good friend of Ethiopia.

If I become a pilot, I will visit Somalia,

The nearest neighbour of Ethiopia.

If I become a pilot, I will visit the Sudan,

And have pleasure and fun.

If I become a pilot,
earn big money

my eyes will gleam

If I become a pilot,
fly like a bird

live my dream
If I become a pilot,
life will be sunny

give my word

B. Write a similar poem of 10 or more lines on what you will do if you become
a doctor.

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I Week 30: The Advantages and Disadvantages

of Technology

Week 30 Day 1

1. Word Study

Blending suffixes (-en, -er, -or)

Blend the following roots and suffixes. Give attention to the spelling of the
blended words. Then, check in a dictionary or ask your teacher if you come
across words which you don't know.

Examples:

calculate + or -> calculator

believe + er -> believer

sad + en -> sadden

earn + er -> earner

1. act + or

2. broad + en

3. teach + er

4. run + er

5. elevate + or

6. hard + en

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2. Reading Comprehension

Pre-reading Activity

In pairs, discuss the following questions about technology.

1. What do you think is happening in the following pictures?

2. Have you ever used any of the devices shown in the pictures? Which ones
and for what purpose?

While-reading Activity

Answer the following questions based on the information given in the text.

1. What technology do people use to communicate with others who are far
from them?
2. What is the best way to access any information that you need? How is it
done?
3. What is the main contribution of technology to increase violence and endless
wars? How?
4. How does technology help resolve health related problems?
5. They are more comfortable with ... (paragraph, five), 'They' refers
to .
6. What is the main idea of the text?

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology

Technology is advantageous in many ways. One of the benefits of technology can

be seen in its application in areas of education. Virtual classes are delivered at
many schools. E-leaming is a relatively new concept. Students make use of internet
technology to download important study materials in the form of text, audio and/
or videos.

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Technology has also revolutionized the healthcare industry. Various diagnostic

tools such as x-ray machines, blood pressure monitoring machines, glucose level
measuring machines, etc. have made possible accurate diagnosis of many health
related problems. Accurate diagnosis of disease results in faster and more effective
treatment of the patient.

Moreover, technology has made it possible to communicate across hundreds

and even thousands of miles through telephone, e-mail, video conferencing, text
messaging and the internet. We are living in an age of information overload. Hence,
it is easy to access almost any information that you need through the internet, using
an appropriate search engine.

Furthermore, technology has made travelling long distances very easy, which is
very important both in our personal lives and in the business world. It has improved
the world of entertainment, from radio to television to video games, which bring the
latest and greatest entertainment right into our home.

Despite the pros, there are also many disadvantages of modem technology. One of
the cons or disadvantages of technology is its creation of increased loneliness in
people's lives. Social isolation is becoming common as more people are spending
time on social networking sites instead of fostering real life relationships. As
technology advances, people are forgetting how to interact with one another. They
are more comfortable with a phone instead of having a face to face conversation.

In addition, technology is a source of mass destruction: It has been the main

contributor to increasing violence and endless wars. This is because it has brought
about the manufacture of modern war weapons and weapons of mass destmction.

In conclusion, technology has eased the life of human-beings in the development

of culture and society. However, too much of technology can be a bad thing. It can
even be destmctive. Hence, technology should be used with due care and caution
only for purposes that are of benefit to the individual and to humanity.

Post-reading Activity

In a small group, discuss the following questions and report the main points of
your discussion to the class.

1. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of technology that you think are
not mentioned in the reading text.
2. Which of these alternatives do you support: spending your time on social
networking sites or establishing/ having relationships? Why?

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Week 30 Day 2

3. Vocabulary

Match the words in the left hand column with their contextual meanings in the
right hand column. Then, compare the answers with your partner before your
teacher gives you the correct answers.

Words from the text Contextual meanings

1. accurate ( para.2) A. excess
2. diagnostic(Para. 2) B. developing, enhancing
3. overload(Para. 3) C. correct/perfect
4. pros(Para. 5) D. simplified/made easier
5. cons(Para. 5) E. care
6. fostering(Para.5 ) F. advantages
7. destruction(Para. 6) G. used for detecting medical conditions
8. eased(Para. 7) H. disadvantages
9. caution(Para. 7) F extreme damage/ruination

4. Listening

Pre-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions in your group.

1. What do you think the device in the picture is?

2. For what purposes is this device used?

While-listening Activity

1. What is a calculator?
2. Write some of the advantages of a calculator?
3. Why are teachers and parents against the use of calculators for lower grade
students?
4. What does using a calculator reduce?
5. Why is the manual method of solving a problem used?

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Post-listening Activity

Discuss the following questions in your groups. Then, report your ideas to the
class through the chairperson of your group.

1. Discuss if you agree or disagree with the writer's idea about the advantages
and disadvantages of a calculator.
2. What does the expression "calculators are user-friendly" mean?
3. Is it advisable for elementary school students to use a calculator?

Week 30 Day 3

5. Speaking

Debating (Agreeing/ Disagreeing)

In your groups, choose one of the following topics / motions for conducting a
debate. Use social expressions like: I agree, I am afraid ..., I don't think so, I
don't think..., I suppose so...etc.

1. Technology has more disadvantages than advantages.

2. A television is more important than a radio.
3. Mobile phones are more important than landlines.

6. Grammar

Tag Questions

Complete the following sentences by writing appropriate tag questions.

Examples:

Fidel wanted to drink water, didn't he?

Yanet isn't in grade 8, is she?

Grade 8 students should study hard, shouldn't they?

1. I'm on time, ?
2. Let's have a computer practise session, ?
3. Help me a hand to carry the television, ?

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4. People shouldn't drop plastic bags on the ground,

5. Learning supported by plasma television is very important,
6. Neither of the technologies was absolute, ?
7. Excessive use of a calculator is not good, ?

Grammar Spot

Grammar Spot
A

Tag Questions

• Atag question is a short question added after a statement or an imperative

to seek or ask someone's agreement or confirmation.
• The subject of the tag is usually a pronoun.
• A negative tag is often expressed in a contraction.
• An affirmative statement has a negative tag.
Example: She can speak many languages, can't she?

• A negative statement has a positive tag.

Example: The question is not difficult, is it?

• The question tag for 'I am' is 'aren't I?'

Example: I'm late, aren't I?

• After 'let's' the question tag is 'shall we?'

Example: Let's have a discussion, shall we?

• The tag for an imperative is 'will you?'

Example: Lend me a hand, will you?

• Statements containing words such as neither, little, few, barely, hardly

ever are treated as negative statements.
Example: There are few books in the library, are there?

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Week 30 Day 4

7. Reading Fluency

Your teacher will read you two paragraphs from the text, "The Advantages
and Disadvantages of Technology" aloud.

In pairs, take turns to read 2-3 paragraphs from the text aloud within the time
your teacher gives you.

8. Vocabulary

Rearrange the letters in brackets to form correct words and fill each blank
space as in the example.

Examples:

The r is an important means of communication.(adori)

The radio is an important means of communication.

1. Try to do the c without the use of a calculator, (olcaluatcin)

2. A computer does a t amount of work, (mreenotdus)
3. Although the question is of great c some students managed to answer
it. (tcoymleixp)
4. What is your o if you don't study? (otpino)
5. Our teacher asked us to c decimals into fractions, (evtoncr)
6. Could you show me the database a (icapltnapio)
7. You need to v your information, (ivefyr)

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Day 5

9. Writing

Writing Convention

Organisation of ideas in argumentation

Study the following explanation before you start to write your composition in
order to understand the concept of argumentation.

Argumentation

In an argumentative writing, the main purpose of the writer is to convince his/her

reader about an issue and persuade him/her to take some action or reconsider his
own perception of the issue. A writer of argumentation presumes that he/she and
his/her readers hold different positions on a subject. He/She attempts to convince
readers through logical reasoning. An argumentative essay states an opinion, and
uses facts, examples and reasons to convince the reader. The writer uses 'should',
'had better', 'ought to' and 'must' to reinforce opinions. An advertisement or an
official announcement is a good example of persuasive writing.

Examples:

Drivers should not be permitted to use mobile phones while driving.

Writing Composition

Write an essay on the advantages and disadvantages of any type of technology.

Use expressions of agreement/disagreement such as: I agree, In my opinion...,
I am afraid ..., I don't think..., I suppose...etc.

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