Grade 7 English TRAVEL – LISTENING AND SPEAKING:EXPLANATORY NARRATIVES Notes
LISTENING & SPEAKING — Explanatory Narratives (English)
Topic: Travel — Notes for learners (Kenyan context, age 12). Focus: grammatical structures useful when explaining how or why things happen during travel.
What is an explanatory narrative?
It is a short spoken story that explains a process or reason (how something works or why something happened). When we speak such narratives, we use specific grammar to be clear.
1. Tense choice — be consistent
- Use the present simple for general facts or steps (procedures): "First, we buy our matatu tickets." - Use the past simple for events that already happened: "The bus left at 8:00." - Use present continuous for actions happening now: "We are checking our luggage."
- "First, we buy tickets at the stage." (present simple)
- "Last week, our bus broke down on the Nairobi–Nakuru road." (past simple)
- "Passengers are waiting at the gate." (present continuous)
2. Sequence words — show the order
Use words that tell the listener the order of events: first, next, then, after that, finally, before.
"First, we pack our bags. Next, we buy food for the journey. Then, we get into the coach. Finally, we arrive at the hotel."
3. Cause and effect — explain reasons
Use words that link cause and effect: because, so, therefore, due to, as a result, since.
"The road was closed because of flooding, so the coach took another route."
4. Passive voice — for processes or when who did it is not important
Use passive to focus on the action: subject + be + past participle. Good for describing how things are done.
- "Luggage is loaded onto the bus by the driver." → (process)
- "Tickets were checked at the gate." → (event in the past)
5. Modals — show ability, permission, advice, or necessity
Use modal verbs: can, could, may, might, should, must, have to. They tell the listener how sure or necessary something is.
- "You must show your ID at the gate." (necessity)
- "We should arrive by noon." (advice/expectation)
- "Passengers can store small bags under their seats." (ability/permission)
6. Linking words for clarity (cohesion)
Use connectors to join ideas: and, but, however, although, while, therefore, as a result. This helps listeners follow your explanation.
"The flight was delayed, but we had snacks, so we were not very hungry."
7. Pronouns and reference — avoid repeating nouns
Use pronouns (we, they, it, this, those) to make speech natural and short. Make sure each pronoun clearly refers to the correct noun.
"We boarded the bus. It was full." (It = the bus)
8. Short sentences and spoken grammar
In spoken explanations, use short clear sentences and linking words. Repeats or short clarifying phrases are okay: "That means..." or "In other words..."
Practice: Fill the blanks (Travel)
- "_____ (First/Finally), we buy our tickets at the matatu stage."
- "The ferry was late _____ (because/but) the sea was rough."
- "Luggage _____ (is/was) carried to the bus by helpers." (use passive)
- "We _____ (should/might) arrive by 3pm if traffic is light."
- "She said she _____ (is/was) checking the map." (choose tense for a past report)
Answers
- First
- because
- was carried (or is carried — depending on present or past)
- should (could also be might or may, depending on meaning)
- was (reported speech: "She said she was checking the map.")
Quick speaking tips (grammar focus)
- Choose one tense for the main part of your explanation (present for steps, past for past events).
- Use sequence words to guide listeners (First, Next, Then, Finally).
- Use short sentences and pause after each step to let listeners follow.
- Use modals correctly to show rules or possibilities (must, should, can).
- Prefer passive when the doer is not important: "Tickets are sold at the counter."
🚍 → First, buy a ticket. 🧳 → Then, board the bus. ⛔ → If the road is closed because of rain, take another route. ✅ Use correct tense + connectors.