Paper 103/3 is intended to test the candidate’s ability to communicate in writing.
Communication is established at different levels of intelligibility, correctness, accuracy,
fluency, pleasantness and originality. Within the constraints set by each question, it is
the linguistic competence shown by the candidate that should carry most of the marks. In
a factual essay, attention must also be given to the format, tone, and ability to follow
instructions.
Examiners should not hesitate to use the full range of marks for each essay. In a two
essay paper, it is the final, total mark that counts. It is important to determine FIRST
how each essay communicates and in which category A, B, C or D in fits
(The marks indicated below are for each essay in a 2 – essay paper)
D CLASS The candidate does not communicate at all. 01-05 or his/ her language
ability is so minimal that the examiner practically has to guess what the
candidate wants to say. The candidate fails to fit English words he/ she
knows into meaningful sentences. The subject is glanced at or distorted.
Practically no punctuation. All kinds of errors. 'Broken English' is
evident.
D-01-02 Chaotic. Little meaning whatsoever. Questions paper or some words
from it simply copied
D 03 Flow of thought almost impossible to follow. The errors are continuous
D+04-05 Although the English is often broken and the essay is full of errors of all
types, we can at least guess what the candidate wants to say.
C CLASS The candidate communicates understandably but only more or less
clearly. He/ she is not confident with his language. The subject is often
undeveloped. There may be some digressions. Unnecessary repetitions
are frequent. The arrangement is weak and the flow jerky. There is
economy of language. Mother tongue influence is felt.
C-06-07 The candidate obviously finds it difficult to communicate his ideas. He./
she is seriously hampered by his/ her very limited knowledge of structure
and vocabulary. This results in many gross errors of agreement, spelling,
misuse of prepositions, tenses, verb agreement and sentence construction.
C 08 The candidate communicates but not with consistent clarity. His/ her
linguistic abilities being limited, he / she cannot avoid frequent errors in
sentence structure. There is little variety or originality. Very bookish
English links are weak, incorrect and repeated at times.
C+ 09 – 10 The candidate communicates clearly but in a flat and uncertain manner.
Simple concepts, sentence forms are often strained. There may be an
overuse of clichés, unsuitable idioms. Proverbs are misquoted or
misinterpreted. The flow is still jerky.
B CLASS This class is characterized by greater fluency and ease of expression. The
candidate demonstrates that he/ she can use English as a normal way of
expressing himself/ herself. Sentences are varied and usually well
constructed. Some candidates become ambitious and even overambitious.
There may be items of merit of the word or one expression
type. Many Essays in this category may be just clean and unassuming, but
they still show that the candidate is at ease with the language.
B- 11- 12 The candidate communicates fairly and with some fluency. There may be
little variety in sentence structure. Gross errors are still found
occasionally.
B 13 The Sentences are varied but rather simple. Straightforward. The
candidate does not strain himself in an effort to impress. There is a fair
range of vocabulary and idiom. Natural and effortless. Some items of
merit. Economy of language.
B-f 14-15 The candidate communicates his ideas pleasantly and without strain. There
are errors and slips. Tenses, spelling and punctuation are quite good. A
number of items of merit of the ' whole sentence' or the whole
expression” type CLASS The candidate communicates not only fluently, but attractively with
originality and efficiency. He/ she has the ability to make us share his/ her
deep feelings, emotions, enthusiasms. He/ she expresses himself/ herself
freely and without any visible constraint. The script gives evidence of
maturity, good planning and often humour. Many items of merit which
indicate that the candidate has complete command of the language.
There is no strain, just pleasantness, clever arrangement, felicity of
expression.
16- 17 The candidate shows competence and fluency in using the language. He
may lack imagination or originality which usually provides the “ spark”
in such essays. Vocabulary, idiom, sentence structure, links, variety are
impressive. Gross errors are very rare.
18 Positive ability. A few errors that are felt be slips. The story or argument
has a definite impact. No grammar problem. Variety of structures. A
definite spark. Many margin ticks.
+ 19- 20 The candidate communicates not only information and meaning but also
and especially the candidate’s whole self: his / her feelings, tastes points
marto answered the question on June 27, 2019 at 06:14
- a) Write an argumentative essay basing on the statement:
It is impossible to wipe out corruption in Kenya.
Or
b) Write a story ending with :
' . ....(Solved)
a) Write an argumentative essay basing on the statement:
It is impossible to wipe out corruption in Kenya.
Or
b) Write a story ending with :
' . . . that was when I realized that social media can be very destructive.'
Date posted: June 12, 2019. Answers (1)
- You are the principal of your school. The local area M.P has invited you and the school captain to a luncheon at a top class...(Solved)
You are the principal of your school. The local area M.P has invited you and the school captain to a luncheon at a top class hotel in your nearest town: The Royal Hotel. This is to celebrate your school's good performance in the K.C.S.E exams. You are unable to attend and would like the deputy principal to represent you. Write a memo to the deputy principal informing him of the same and include directions to the venue.
Date posted: June 12, 2019. Answers (1)
- Your school is organizing for an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held soon. Five prominent guests have been invited. The Head teacher has assigned...(Solved)
Your school is organizing for an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held soon. Five prominent guests have been invited. The Head teacher has assigned you the responsibility of preparing the meals for the guests.
(a) Prepare a shopping list of the items you need to buy.
(b) Provide the school head cook with a recipe for the dish
Date posted: June 12, 2019. Answers (1)
- Write a composition beginning with the words.
'You will serve as an example to the rest of the student in this school,' the principal said as...(Solved)
Write a composition beginning with the words.
'You will serve as an example to the rest of the student in this school,' the principal said as he pushed me into his office….
OR
b) Write a composition on the following statement:
'Technological advancement has impacted negatively on the society, especially the youth'
Date posted: June 12, 2019. Answers (1)
- You are the principal of Boresha Secondary school. Your former student has indicated you as his referee in his application for a job at Utumishi...(Solved)
You are the principal of Boresha Secondary school. Your former student has indicated you as his referee in his application for a job at Utumishi organization to be employed as a clerk. Write a reference letter to the Human Resource manager about the suitability of the applicant.
Date posted: June 12, 2019. Answers (1)
- The University of Nairobi offers undergraduate scholarships of 1000 dollars or more to outstanding students in any any sport and have attained a minimum, of...(Solved)
The University of Nairobi offers undergraduate scholarships of 1000 dollars or more to outstanding students in any any sport and have attained a minimum, of KCSE and grade B+.The scholarship can be taken at Nairobi University main campus and the application deadline is 31 st May 2015.All students are eligible and their website is https//ww.naoirobiuni.co.org.online application.
a) Write an advertisement in the local dailies for this.
b) Inform two friends online about the above scholarship
Date posted: June 11, 2019. Answers (1)
- Write a composition ending with the words;
The events of the previous day left me challenged to begin a new life.
OR
(b) Write a story to illustrate...(Solved)
Write a composition ending with the words;
The events of the previous day left me challenged to begin a new life.
OR
(b) Write a story to illustrate the saying:
You cannot climb the ladder of success with your hands in the pocket.
Date posted: June 11, 2019. Answers (1)
- You are student of Bidii High School. Your class has just finished reading The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht. They would like to perform...(Solved)
You are student of Bidii High School. Your class has just finished reading The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht. They would like to perform the play at the local cultural centre.
a) Write a book review of the play.
b) Write an E-mail to the director of the cultural centre seeking permission to stage the performance.
Date posted: June 11, 2019. Answers (1)
- Make hay while the sun shines.
OR
b) Write a story ending with:
'….. it was then that I realized that I had ruined my life by making...(Solved)
Make hay while the sun shines.
OR
b) Write a story ending with:
'….. it was then that I realized that I had ruined my life by making a wrong decision'
Date posted: June 11, 2019. Answers (1)
- a) Your study group has been assigned to write a review of the play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, for presentation to the class in two...(Solved)
a) Your study group has been assigned to write a review of the play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, for presentation to the class in two week’s time.
Write the book review.
b) Similarly, your subject teacher writes a reminder to the group on the importance of completing this
assignment in time. Write the reminder the group received.
Date posted: June 11, 2019. Answers (1)
- Imaginative composition
EITHER
a) ‘Ranking of schools in national exams should be allowed ‘: Write a composition supporting or opposing the statement.
OR
b) Write a story to...(Solved)
Imaginative composition
EITHER
a) ‘Ranking of schools in national exams should be allowed ‘: Write a composition supporting or opposing the statement.
OR
b) Write a story to illustrate the saying ‘ When the deal is too good think twice
Date posted: June 11, 2019. Answers (1)
- You are the secretary of a committee that is planning for a fundraiser for the construction of science laboratory. During the meeting two members are...(Solved)
You are the secretary of a committee that is planning for a fundraiser for the construction of science laboratory. During the meeting two members are absent and nobody knows where they are. The meeting is also attended by the class teacher and a parent’s representative. The following issues are discussed in the meeting. Guest of honour , ways of raising funds and the students participation.
Write the minutes of the meeting.
Date posted: June 11, 2019. Answers (1)
- Either
a) Write a story ending with the following sentences:
With an immense feeling of shame, I staggered home.
Or
b) Write a composition illustrating the saying
'Slow and steady...(Solved)
Either
a) Write a story ending with the following sentences:
With an immense feeling of shame, I staggered home.
Or
b) Write a composition illustrating the saying
'Slow and steady wins the race'.
Date posted: June 11, 2019. Answers (1)
- You are the Public Health Officer of Londiani Sub-county Hospital. There is an outbreak of cholera in the sub-county. The county cabinet secretary of health...(Solved)
You are the Public Health Officer of Londiani Sub-county Hospital. There is an outbreak of cholera in the sub-county. The county cabinet secretary of health has requested you together with the members of the Hospital’s public Health Committee, to carry out an investigation and present a report to her. Write a report you would present
Date posted: June 11, 2019. Answers (1)
- Imagine that you are the chairperson of the student’s council in your school. Your school is holding a fund raising dinner in aid of a...(Solved)
Imagine that you are the chairperson of the student’s council in your school. Your school is holding a fund raising dinner in aid of a school hall. The class is given the invitation cards to give to their parents during the midterm break. You inform your parents/ guardian but forgot to give them the card.
i) Write a reminder to your parents on the upcoming fund raise.
ii) Attach the invitation card that you forgot to give them
Date posted: June 10, 2019. Answers (1)
- Your elder sister who lives in Mombasa is organizing a get together and has invited you to stay in her house for four days. She...(Solved)
Your elder sister who lives in Mombasa is organizing a get together and has invited you to stay in her house for four days. She is required to prepare a dish for six guests.
(a) Email her a recipe of your favourite dish.
(b) Prepare a packing list of the personal items you will need for the vist.
Date posted: June 10, 2019. Answers (1)
- (a) Write a composition to explain the effects of terrorism in schools.
or
(b) Write a story to illustrate the saying; ‘Pride comes before a fall’.(Solved)
(a) Write a composition to explain the effects of terrorism in schools.
or
(b) Write a story to illustrate the saying; ‘Pride comes before a fall’.
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)
- You are chairperson of your school’s Drama Club. Your group has participated in the just concluded National
Drama Competition in Nakuru.
Write a report to the patron...(Solved)
You are chairperson of your school’s Drama Club. Your group has participated in the just concluded National
Drama Competition in Nakuru.
Write a report to the patron about the trip. In your report indicate what you accomplished, the problem you
experienced and what cautionary measures you would take during such trips.
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)
- Imaginative Composition (Compulsory)
Either
(a) Write a story that begins:
'... It was an extra-ordinary sight that will remain imprinted in my memory….
Or
(b) Write a composition based...(Solved)
Imaginative Composition (Compulsory)
Either
(a) Write a story that begins:
'.... It was an extra-ordinary sight that will remain imprinted in my memory….
Or
(b) Write a composition based on the proverb:
He who laughs last laughs best
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)
- a)Write a story beginning with the words; The whole neighborhood was full of shouts …………
OR
b)The banning of schools’ ranking in the K.C.S.E. performance was...(Solved)
a)Write a story beginning with the words; The whole neighborhood was full of shouts …………
OR
b)The banning of schools’ ranking in the K.C.S.E. performance was long overdue.” Write a composition to validate
the statement
Date posted: June 7, 2019. Answers (1)