Grade 7 English PROFESSIONS – READING:NON-FICTION MATERIALS Notes
READING: NON-FICTION MATERIALS — PROFESSIONS (ENGLISH)
Simple grammar notes for reading short non-fiction texts about jobs and professions. Examples use Kenyan places and jobs so they make sense for learners aged 12.
Most sentences are facts or descriptions (statements). You will also find definitions and short lists. Look at verbs and nouns to understand meaning.
Use the present simple for regular work and facts about jobs.
- Structure: subject + base verb (add -s for he/she/it)
- Examples:
- Mr. Kamau teaches at Nakuru Primary School. (routine)
- Farmers grow maize and tea in Kericho. (fact)
- Look for time words: every day, usually, always, sometimes.
Non‑fiction often focuses on the action (what is done) rather than who does it. Use be + past participle.
- Example: Patients are treated at Kenyatta Hospital. (we focus on patients)
- Example: The factory was opened in 2015. (the opening is the important fact)
Modal verbs show obligation, advice, ability or possibility.
- must / have to — obligation: A nurse must wash hands before work.
- should — advice: Teachers should mark books carefully.
- can / be able to — ability: An electrician can fix electrical faults.
- may / might — possibility: A trainee may learn from the senior staff.
Use past simple for finished events; use present perfect for experience up to now.
- Past simple: She worked at the county office in 2018.
- Present perfect: She has worked as a teacher for five years. (experience)
Names of jobs are usually countable. Some nouns about work are uncountable.
- Countable: a teacher, an engineer, two carpenters.
- Uncountable: advice, information — The farmer gave good advice.
- Use the before a specific person/place: the teacher at my school. Use a/an for any one: She is a nurse.
Job titles are capitalised when used before a name; otherwise use lowercase.
- Before name: Principal Otieno arrived.
- After name or general: the principal of our school; my friend is a principal.
- Official titles (President, Governor) follow same rule.
Common patterns to read and use:
- work as (job role): She works as a chef.
- work at (place): He works at Kenyatta Market.
- work for (employer): They work for a private company.
- in charge of / responsible for: He is in charge of the library.
Many jobs are two-word names: police officer, bus driver, ICT technician. Read them as one idea.
Non‑fiction headings often use noun phrases, not full sentences: "Jobs in the Village", "How a Teacher Works". Captions are short and descriptive.
- Underline the verb form and name it:
"Nurses care for patients at the county hospital." → verb: care (present simple)
- Change to passive:
"Mechanics repair the buses." → "The buses are repaired by mechanics."
- Choose article:
"She is ___ doctor at the county clinic." → "a doctor"