GRADE 9 English : SOCIAL AND MASS MEDIA – LISTENING AND SPEAKING::IMPROMPTU SPEECHES Notes

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English Notes — Listening & Speaking: Impromptu Speeches

Topic: Social and Mass Media (for age 14, Kenyan context)

What these notes cover (grammar focus)

Simple sentence structures for clear speech.
Which verb tenses to use when speaking about media events.
Modal verbs for opinion, advice and possibility.
Pronouns and subject–verb agreement for clarity.
Reporting speech and passive voice for news style.
Linking words (connectors) to organise short impromptu talks.

1. Clear sentence structures

Use short, simple sentences. One idea = one sentence. This helps listeners follow you during an impromptu speech.

Example:

Bad: Social media is growing fast and many people use it and sometimes it spreads false news which is bad.

Better: Social media is growing fast. Many people use it. Sometimes it spreads false news. This is harmful.

2. Verb tenses — choose the right one

Present simple — facts or general statements (use often): "Radio informs people." "WhatsApp is popular."
Present continuous — actions happening now: "People are sharing the video."
Past simple — finished events: "The news reported the accident yesterday."
Future forms — predictions or plans:
- "It will affect voters." (prediction)
- "I am going to explain why." (intention)

3. Modal verbs — opinions, advice and possibility

Use modals to show how certain you are or to give advice.

Opinion: "This may be true." (may/might)
Certainty: "This will affect many people." (will)
Advice/necessity: "We should check the source." (should/must)
Permission/possibility: "Users can report the post." (can/could)

4. Pronouns and subject–verb agreement

Match verbs to the subject to avoid confusion:

"The reporter reports the story." (singular)
"The reporters report the stories." (plural)
Use clear pronouns: "They said it was true." (Make sure "they" clearly refers to people already mentioned.)

5. Active vs Passive voice — when to use each

Active voice is direct and stronger for speaking:

Active: "Journalists published the report."
Passive (use for news where actor is unknown or less important): "The report was published yesterday."

6. Reporting speech (useful in listening & speaking)

When you quote what others said in a short speech, use reported (indirect) speech:

Direct: "The official said, 'We will investigate.'"

Reported: The official said that they would investigate. (Notice: tense backshift and 'that' optional)

7. Linking words — organise your ideas

Use simple connectors to help listeners follow you.

To begin: "First," "Firstly," "To start with"
To add: "Also," "In addition," "Moreover"
To contrast: "However," "But," "On the other hand"
To give an example: "For example," "For instance"
To conclude: "In conclusion," "To sum up," "Finally"

8. Useful short phrases for impromptu speeches about media

Openers: "Good morning. I will speak briefly about social media and youth."
Stating facts: "Social media is becoming popular in Kenya."
Giving opinion: "I believe that fake news spreads quickly."
Suggesting: "We should check facts before sharing."
Concluding: "In conclusion, media literacy matters."

9. Do's and Don'ts (grammar-focused)

Do use present simple for general statements. (Good: "Radio informs people.")
Do keep sentences short and clear.
Don't mix tenses without reason. (Confusing: "Yesterday the video is viral.")
Do use modal verbs to soften strong claims. ("might", "may")
Don't drop subjects. (Avoid: "Is important." Say: "It is important.")

10. Short practice — try these (speak for 1 minute each)

Topic: "A viral video on WhatsApp" — Use present continuous and modals. Example start: "Right now, people are sharing a video. It might be fake."
Topic: "Radio vs Social Media" — Use present simple for facts and a concluding sentence. Example start: "Radio reaches many listeners. Social media reaches younger people."

Answers — model sentences

Model 1: "Right now, people are sharing a video on WhatsApp. The video may be false. We should check the source before we forward it."

Model 2: "Radio reaches many listeners across Kenya. Social media reaches especially young people. In conclusion, both can inform, but users must be careful with what they share."

Final tip: For impromptu speeches, choose 3 simple points, use present simple for facts, one modal for suggestion, and one clear concluding sentence. Smile and speak slowly.

🔊 Prepared for Kenyan learners — topics include radio, WhatsApp, social media and news. Focus: correct grammar to be understood clearly.

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