GRADE 9 English SPORTS:WORLD CUP(FOOTBALL) – READING:SUMMARISING ARGUMENTATIVE TEXTS Notes
READING: SUMMARISING ARGUMENTATIVE TEXTS
Topic: SPORTS — WORLD CUP (FOOTBALL) | Subject: ENGLISH (Grammar focus)
Age group: 14 (Kenya context). Focus: the grammar you need to turn an argumentative text about the World Cup into a clear, neutral summary.
What to use grammar for when summarising arguments
- Report claims and reasons accurately (use reporting verbs).
- Show cause, contrast and result clearly (use connectors).
- Keep tone neutral (use passive/impersonal forms and hedging).
- Make sentences short and informative (use noun phrases, relative clauses).
Key grammar points with World Cup examples
1. Reporting verbs — use verbs that introduce opinions or claims.
Forms: argue / claim / suggest / state / warn / point out
Examples:
- Direct: "Hosting the World Cup will boost tourism," said officials.
- Reported (good for summaries): Officials claim that hosting the World Cup will boost tourism.
- Neutral impersonal: It is claimed that hosting the World Cup would boost tourism.
2. Connectors for argument structure — show reasons, contrasts and results.
Because / since / as (reason). However / but / on the other hand (contrast). Therefore / thus / so (result).
Example: Some say the World Cup brings money, because tourists spend on hotels. However, others say costs are too high; therefore, benefits are uncertain.
3. Passive and impersonal structures — keep a neutral voice.
Use: It is argued that… or passive: It was reported that…
Example: It is argued that the World Cup creates jobs. (Neutral; good for summaries.)
4. Hedging (softening claims) — avoid absolute language in summaries.
Use: might, may, could, appears, seems.
Example: Reports suggest that ticket sales may increase local income.
5. Tense use
- General ideas or arguments: use present simple — "Experts argue that..."
- Specific events in the past: use past simple — "The organisers paid for new stadiums."
- Use present to report the content of a text you are summarising: "The article claims that..."
6. Nominalisation and noun phrases — make sentences shorter and denser.
Turn verbs into nouns: "They invested" → "the investment".
Example:
Long: "The government decided to build stadiums and this caused debate."
Nominalised: "The government's decision to build stadiums caused debate."
7. Relative clauses to compress information
Use who/which/that to combine ideas: "Teams played. The teams were strong." → "Teams that played were strong."
Example: "Kenyans who support local football believe hosting would improve stadiums."
8. Reporting direct speech → reported speech
Direct: "We will benefit," said the minister. → Reported: The minister said that the country would benefit.
Short practice (Kenya & World Cup)
Original (argumentative sentences):
Step 1 — Use reporting verbs + present tense
Step 2 — Add hedging / impersonal to stay neutral
Final concise summary (one sentence)
Quick checklist for grammar when writing your summary
- Use reporting verbs (argue, claim, suggest).
- Use present simple to report the text's ideas.
- Use passive or "it is said/claimed" to sound neutral.
- Hedge with may/might/could where claims are not proven.
- Use noun phrases and relative clauses to shorten sentences.
- Avoid direct quotes — report the idea in your own words.
Tip for KCSE-style answers: Write 1–3 sentences only. Use present tense, reporting verbs and hedging. Keep it neutral and grammatically clear.
Good luck! ⚽📘