GRADE 9 English SOCIAL AND MASS MEDIA – READING:NOTE MAKING-ARGUMENTATIVE PASSAGE Notes
READING: NOTE-MAKING — ARGUMENTATIVE PASSAGE
Topic: SOCIAL AND MASS MEDIA — Subject: English (grammar focus)
Target: Kenyan learners (age 14). These notes show how to use grammar to read, understand and make short, clear notes from an argumentative passage.
What is an argumentative passage?
It is a short text where the writer gives an opinion (thesis), supports it with reasons/evidence and may answer opposing views (counter-argument).
Key grammar features to notice
- Thesis sentences: often use modals and strong verbs — e.g., "must", "should", "is/are" (assertions).
- Reasons and evidence: use linking words — "because", "since", "therefore", "as a result".
- Concession and refutation: words like "although", "however", "but", "yet".
- Reporting verbs: "argues", "claims", "suggests", "states" (useful when summarising).
- Hedging: softer language — "may", "might", "could", "seem" (shows uncertainty).
- Pronouns and cohesion: watch for "they", "these", "this" — link ideas and reduce repetition.
Simple example passage (short)
"Social media helps young people learn and stay connected, but it can also spread false information quickly. Schools should teach digital literacy to reduce harm."
Step-by-step note-making (grammar-based)
- Identify the thesis/opinion: Sentence with claim.
Passage: "Social media helps young people learn and stay connected..." → Thesis/Claim: Social media = helpful (education, connection).Note form (short, noun/verb phrases): Social media — helps learning & connection.
- Find reasons/evidence and mark linking words:
"but it can also spread false information quickly." → contrast signalled by 'but'. Grammar: modal 'can' shows possibility; adverb 'quickly' gives manner.Note form: Risk — spreads false info quickly (can).
- Find solution/command language:
"Schools should teach digital literacy..." → modal 'should' = recommendation.Note form: Solution: Schools should teach digital literacy or more concise: Teach digital literacy (schools).
- Make concise notes using grammar tips:
- Remove articles and small words: "the", "a", "an".
- Use nouns/gerunds for ideas: "learning", "connection", "spread of false info".
- Keep modals to show strength: "must/should/can/may".
Example: Final compact notes
• Social media — helps learning & connection
• Risk — spreads false info quickly (can)
• Solution — schools should teach digital literacy
(Short phrases, keeps modals & key verbs, removes articles.)
• Risk — spreads false info quickly (can)
• Solution — schools should teach digital literacy
Grammar tips for better notes and answers
- Use reporting verbs to summarise opinions: "author argues/claims/suggests that..."
- Keep modal verbs when they show strength or duty: "must", "should", "can", "may".
- Recognise connectors: "because/therefore/however" — they show argument structure.
- Use noun phrases and gerunds to shorten sentences: "teaching digital literacy" not "they should teach digital literacy".
- Use parentheses for extra detail: Risk — fake news (fast spread).
Useful symbols & shortcuts
• → = leads to / causes
• ± = advantage/disadvantage
• ≠ = not equal / opposite view
• (mod) = modal verb present (should/must/can) — keep in notes
• ± = advantage/disadvantage
• ≠ = not equal / opposite view
• (mod) = modal verb present (should/must/can) — keep in notes
Quick checklist for exams
- Underline thesis and linking words as you read.
- Write short phrases (no full sentences unless required).
- Keep important modals and reporting verbs.
- Use bullets, indent counter-arguments under main point.
- Check grammar: correct pronoun reference and verb forms when you expand notes into answers.
Good practice: take short passages about Kenyan topics (e.g., school use of social media, fake news in elections) and try these note-making steps. Aim to convert 3–4 sentences into 3 short notes.