Actually, poetry, which is my pet subject, is one of the important areas taught in the English syllabus of secondary schools. In KCSE, English has three papers. It is instructive to note. Poetry is tested both in Paper 1 and Paper 2. In Paper 1, examiners test oral skills in poetry. Whereas, in Paper 2, examiners test literary skills in poetry.
Largely, when preparing KCSE, we should train Form 4 candidates on the art of exams. No wonder, peripatetic speakers like the weaver of these words visit schools to sensitise Form 4 candidates on different aspects of the art of exams such as exam skills, format, presentation, depth, breadth, terminologies, correct choice of questions, test blueprint or Table of Specification (ToS). Then, we have trends in setting and marking of KCSE, which forms the central plank of this disquisition.
Ostensibly, in-depth knowledge of trends in setting and marking of KCSE, is what enables teachers to predict possible questions in line with KNEC assessment areas. Likewise, such deeper understanding gives them the ability to engage in ‘prophetic’ revision for KCSE. For instance, talking of English Paper 2, literary or comprehension poem can come in question 3.
In most cases, poetry alternates with oral narratives, also known as folk tales. So, based on trends in setting and marking of KCSE (2016-2023), it is right to state: It is possible to predict that the 2024 candidate class should prepare properly in poetry. Likewise, teachers of English should work hard: To simplify and demystify poetry for 2024 Form 4 candidates.
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To augment my argument. In KCSE 2016, a poem titled The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost was tested. In 2017 they tested an oral narrative. Again, in 2018, there was a poem titled The Man He Killed by Thomas Hardy. In 2019, they tested an oral narrative. In 2020, they brought a poem titled Love is Not All by Edna St Vincent Millay. In 2021, candidates sat for an oral narrative. In 2022, they tested the poem titled The Quarrel by Eleanor Farjeon. Then, in 2023, they tested an oral narrative.
Somewhat, based on that picture-perfect pattern of setting, it is right to write: There are high chances of KNEC testing Poetry in Question 3 of English Paper 2 in KCSE 2024. That, is if we also rule out unpredictability of exams. Therefore, the clarion call of my pen remains: Teachers should strive to expose candidates to both local and exotic poems. Albeit, we hardly see examiners testing local classic pieces such as I Met a Thief by Austin Bukenya, The Crucified Thief by John S. Mbiti, Lapobo by AR Cliff Lubwa and Pregnant School Girl by Everet Standa.
Consequently, most English pundits posit that when poetry comes in KCSE, performance plummets due to the defeatist attitude of some students. It is a sad fact. No wonder, it is incumbent upon teachers of English to explore stupendous strategies of demystifying poetry for learners who think it is hard like a stone.
Finally, as an English enthusiast, I believe. There is the exigent need of making learners fall in love with poetry before it is late. This should be both theoretical and practical. Theoretical emphasis will build their ken of knowledge about it. Then, the practical bit, which focuses on performance on stage, will arouse in them an intense interest. This is in line with this fantastic fact: Proficiency and profundity in English focuses on great interest and honing of four language skills: Listening, reading, speaking and writing.
By Victor Ochieng’
The writer rolls out academic talks in schools. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
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