Grade 7 English TOURIST ATTRACTION SITES:KENYA – WRITING:NOTICES AND POSTERS Notes
WRITING: NOTICES AND POSTERS
Topic: TOURIST ATTRACTION SITES — KENYA (English grammar focus)
These notes explain the English grammar you must use when writing short notices and posters for Kenyan tourist attractions (e.g., Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru). Keep language clear, short and correct.
1. Purpose & style (grammar points to remember)
- Use short sentences and clear verbs. Posters and notices must be easy to read quickly.
- Use the imperative (command) form for instructions: e.g., "Keep the park clean." "Do not feed the animals."
- Use modal verbs for rules, advice or permissions:
- "Must" = strong rule: "Visitors must stay on the path."
- "Should" = advice: "You should carry water."
- "May" = permission: "You may photograph the birds."
- Use the passive voice for formal notices when the doer is not important:
- "Entry is restricted after 6 pm." (passive)
- Use capital letters for titles and the first word of a sentence. Use UPPER CASE sparingly for emphasis.
2. Structure: What a good notice/poster contains (grammar items in each part)
- Title / Headline: Short, strong verbs or action words. Capitalize important words.
Example: Visit Mount Kenya National Park!
- Main message / Instruction: Use imperative verbs and modals.
Example: Keep to the marked trails. Do not pick flowers.
- Details (date, time, place): Use clear date and time formats. Use commas correctly in dates if you include day names.
Example: Guided walk — Saturday, 10 July, 8:00 a.m. Meeting point: Park gate.
- Contact / Call to action: Use short polite requests and verbs: "Call", "Email", "Meet".
Example: Book now: Tel 0700 123 456
3. Important grammar features with examples
- Imperatives (commands)
Form: base verb (no subject). Use for rules or directions.Examples: "Stay on the trail." "Wear sturdy shoes."
- Modal verbs (must / should / may / can / must not)
Examples: "Visitors must carry ID." "You should bring water." "You may take photos." "Do not feed the animals."
- Passive voice for formal tone
Examples: "Parking is provided near the gate." "Entry is allowed from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m."
- Short sentences and fragments
Posters often use sentence fragments for impact: "Breathtaking views. Guided tours daily."
- Using adjectives and descriptive language
Keep adjectives simple: "spectacular views", "rare birds", "safe trails". Avoid long descriptions — leave details for leaflets.
- Punctuation and capitals
Use full stops for sentences, commas in lists, and a dash or colon to introduce times/places.Example: "Safari sunset: 6:30 p.m. — meet at the look-out point."
4. Sample notice (for a school trip to Maasai Mara)
NOTICE: SCHOOL TRIP — MAASAI MARA
When: Friday, 12 September, 7:00 a.m.
Meeting point: School gate
Instructions:
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring water and a hat.
- Do not feed the wildlife.
- Follow your teacher at all times.
Contact: Mrs. Wanjiru — 0722 555 888
Grammar notes on the sample notice
- Imperatives: "Wear", "Bring", "Do not feed", "Follow" — direct commands with no subject.
- Simple present for instructions is acceptable: "Meet at 7:00 a.m."
- Use of numbers and times: keep numeric times clear (7:00 a.m.).
5. Sample poster (for Mount Kenya guided walk)
EXPLORE MOUNT KENYA!
Guided walk every Saturday — Enjoy spectacular views
Meet: Park HQ — 8:00 a.m. • Fee: Ksh 500
Rules:
- Keep to the trail.
- Do not litter.
- Children must be supervised.
Book now: 0703 444 111 • Email: tours@mtkenya.go.ke
Grammar notes on the sample poster
- Short exclamatory headline "Explore Mount Kenya!" uses the imperative for excitement.
- Bullet rules use imperatives and negatives for clarity: "Do not litter."
- Contact and fee information use nouns and numbers — keep them short and clear.
6. Quick practice (try these)
- Change the sentence into an imperative: "You must stay behind the guide." → __________
- Choose the correct modal: "Visitors ___ (must / should / may) not feed the animals."
- Make a short poster headline for Lake Nakuru using an imperative (3 words max).
Answers
- Imperative: "Stay behind the guide."
- Correct modal: "must" → "Visitors must not feed the animals."
- Example headline: "See Flamingos Today!" (or "Visit Lake Nakuru!")
Tips for students (age 12): Use short, clear verbs. Always check spelling of place names (Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya, Amboseli). Read your notice out loud — if it sounds right, it often reads well.
🗺️ Good luck — write short, clear notices and posters that everyone can understand!