Conversational Skills

8 Grade 10 English questions on Conversational Skills, with worked marking schemes. 8 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   As her grandmother narrates how coffee was harvested in the 1980s, Njeri occasionally says "I see" and nods. In a conversation, such brief responses mainly serve to

   A. fill the silence although Njeri has stopped listening

   B. correct the grandmother whenever her facts are not clear

   C. show the speaker that she is being followed and should carry on

   D. signal that Njeri now wants to take over the turn and speak herself

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   4 marks

   Outline four features that distinguish a conversation from a talk given by one person.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Award 1 mark each for any four: (1) Turns are shared, so each participant both speaks and listens. (2) The topic is developed jointly rather than fixed by one person in advance. (3) Participants give feedback signals (nods, "mm", "I see") while the other is speaking. (4) Questions are asked and answered, so the direction can change. (5) Language is usually informal and unrehearsed, suited to the relationship between the speakers. (6) Speakers take up and respond to what the previous speaker has said. Max 4 marks.

3. Question 3

   1 mark

   Kiptoo telephones a dairy cooperative to ask when milk is collected from his village. Immediately after the officer picks up the call, what should Kiptoo do first?

   A. Apologise at length for disturbing the officer before mentioning anything else

   B. Greet the officer, give his name and state why he is calling

   C. Begin listing his questions at once so as not to waste the officer's time

   D. Demand the officer's name and position before saying anything about himself

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   3 marks

   Kilonzo meets a talkative neighbour on his way to school and is at risk of being late. Suggest three polite strategies he can use to bring the conversation to a close.

   (3 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Award 1 mark each for any three: (1) Summarise what has been said to signal an ending, e.g. "So the goats will be moved on Saturday." (2) Give the reason and apologise, e.g. "I am sorry, I must go now or I will be late for assembly." (3) Propose a definite time to continue, e.g. "May we finish this in the evening?" (4) Use a closing formula and farewell such as "It was good talking to you. Goodbye." (5) Support the closing with non-verbal cues such as stepping back or glancing at his watch. Max 3 marks.

5. Question 5

   1 mark

   In a school debate on piping water to the dormitories, a learner wishes to disagree with the previous speaker. Which response shows polite disagreement that keeps the conversation going?

   A. "Anyway, as I was saying before you cut in..."

   B. "Everybody in this room already knows that my side is right."

   C. "I see your point about the cost, but I still think the piping would save the school water in the long run."

   D. "That is completely wrong; you clearly did not read about the topic."

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   2 marks

   State two ways in which a speaker can signal to others that he or she has finished a turn in a conversation.

   (2 marks)

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7. Question 7

   3 marks

   Explain three problems that arise when one member dominates a group conversation on a class project.

   (3 marks)

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8. Question 8

   1 mark

   During a class discussion on irrigation schemes at Mwea, Achieng thinks of an important point while Kamau is still speaking. What is the most appropriate way for her to join in?

   A. Tap the desk repeatedly until Kamau notices that she has something to say

   B. Keep the point to herself, since breaking into another person's turn is always rude

   C. Wait for a natural pause and say, "May I add to what Kamau has said?"

   D. Raise her voice and speak over Kamau so that she does not lose her point

   (1 mark)

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