Grade 7 English DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE – LISTENING AND SPEAKING:CONSERVATION SKILLS Notes
Listening & Speaking — Conservation (Conversational) Grammar Skills
Topic: Drugs and Substance Abuse (English) — Age: 12 (Kenya) 🚫
- Grammar forms useful when listening and speaking about safety and giving advice.
- Short, clear language for role-plays and classroom discussions.
1. Modal verbs for advice and prohibition
Use modals to give advice, say what is allowed or forbidden:
- Should / shouldn't — advice: "You should talk to a teacher." / "You shouldn't try drugs."
- Must / must not — strong rules: "You must follow the school rules." / "You must not take unknown substances."
- Can / can't — permission or ability: "You can't bring drugs to school." / "You can ask for help."
Practice listening tip: Listen for modals to know whether someone is giving advice or stating a rule.
2. First conditional — talking about real consequences
Use when a real situation may happen and there is a result:
Form: If + present simple, will + base verb
Example: "If you take drugs, you will get sick." / "If you see someone offering drugs, you will tell an adult."
Speaking tip: Use this to warn about likely results during a conversation.
3. Zero conditional — general truths
Use for facts or general truths:
Form: If + present simple, present simple
Example: "If you mix drugs and alcohol, you feel worse." / "If people use harmful substances, their health suffers."
4. Asking and answering questions (listening & responding)
Useful question forms:
- Yes/No questions: "Are you okay?" / "Did you see anyone with cigarettes?"
- Wh- questions: "What would you do if a friend offered you a drug?" / "Who can you talk to?"
- Tag questions (to confirm): "You won't try that, will you?"
Listening tip: Focus on the question words (who, what, where, when, why, how).
5. Reported speech — telling others what was said
Change direct speech to reported speech to pass on messages:
Direct: "Don't take any pills," said the teacher.
Reported: The teacher said not to take any pills. (Note changes: don't → not to)
When the reporting verb is in the past, change tenses:
- Present simple → past simple: "You should tell an adult," → He said I should tell an adult.
Speaking tip: Use reported speech to share safety messages with parents or teachers.
6. Polite refusals and short responses
Phrases to refuse offers politely or firmly:
- Firm but polite: "No, thank you. I don't want that."
- Give a reason: "No, I can't. It's against school rules."
- Suggest an alternative: "No, but let's go play football instead."
Listening tip: Hear tone and short phrases to check if someone needs help.
7. Useful connectors when speaking
Use these words to link ideas clearly:
- Because (reason): "I refused because it's dangerous."
- However / but (contrast): "Some people try it, but it is risky."
- Also / and (add): "Talk to a teacher and your parent also."
Short practice (speak & listen)
- Change to first conditional: "If you accept drugs, (you/get sick)." — Answer: "If you accept drugs, you will get sick."
- Give advice using should: "Friend says: 'They offered me something.' You say: ______" — Example: "You should say no and tell an adult."
- Turn into reported speech: Teacher said, "Don't bring cigarettes." — Reported: ______ — Answer: The teacher said not to bring cigarettes.
- Refuse politely role-play: Practice saying "No, thank you. I can't" in a firm voice.
Tip: In class, listen for modals, conditionals and wh- questions. Practice speaking clearly and kindly.