Teachers' Resources

KCPE 2023 English Commonly Tested Questions

Media Team @Educationnewshub.co.ke

November 25, 2024

COMMONLY KCPE TESTED QUESTIONS

ENGLISH

200 PREDICTION QUESTIONS

Time: 2 Hours 30 Mins

Fill in the blank spaces numbered 1 to 15.

______1______ years of public awareness campaigns, speed _______2______ the biggest killer on our roads. When you are ______3______, it is not easy to stop your vehicle or

______4______ it in case of an emergency. ______5______, it is not easy to respond swiftly to

______6______ conditions or situations. The mobile phone is another contributor

______7______ road accident. Not only is using your mobile phone while driving illegal

______8______ it is also dangerous. The use of a mobile phone while behind the wheels ______9______ distraction among the motorists.______10______, some motorists still enjoy chatting different social media platforms while driving. If only they ______12______ what dangers they are exposing themselves ______13______.

Drunk driving often ______14______ in accidents. A motorist who drives under the influence of alcohol ______15______ to make good judgment on the road.

Questions 16 to 30

Read the passage below. It contains blank spaces numbered 16 to 30. For each blank spaces

For me the actual writing of a composition seems fairly easy. I sit down 16 my desk and write. It is the 17 up of the story that is 18 difficult. Most of my compositions are done early in the morning 19 . I find myself fresh. the process of writing 20 compositions is clear. After I have drafted the composition says exactly what I 21 to put across. I used to 22 this important step, but I have slowly come to realize that it may be 23 most important part of writing. Besides, correcting 24 . I cross out unnecessary words, and I 25 find myself adding o0ther words. Depending on the 26 of my composition, I may do this three or four times. I guess that I only spend about 30 percent of any 27 time actually writing the composition. another 40 percent or 28 is used in thinking and coming up with a story, with the 29 used in doing revision. I don’t think I will ever be able to just sit down and start writing without 30 planning.

(Adapted from English and Communication (6th ed.) by Stewart Zimmer Clark, Me graw Hill:

USA, 1961)

Read the passage below. It contains blank spaces numbered 31 to 45. For each blank space.

People usually feel like taking some time 31 to sit alone and 32 some personal decisions. This requires a quiet place without any noise. 33 the background. Such places 34 have become very 35 due to urbanization and industrialization. Even if 36 was to get into a 37 forest, far away from the road, he 38 only succeed in keeping off noise from machine-related sources as there are animals and birds which 39 in the forest and communicate to one another by the noises they make. A monkey, for example, will 40 to pass information to other monkeys. 41 at night, complete silence is impossible to achieve as there are some birds, insects 42 wild animals which hunt at night. They make noise to tell the others 43 where they are or where danger they should avoid has been 44 . It is therefore only 45 to achieve some reasonable amount of silence but almost impossible to achieve complete silence.

Fill the gaps in the passage below

Have you ever seen a vehicle 46 gases 47 .Vehicle 48 fuels such as petrol 49 diesel to power their engines. The combustion of 50 fuels in the engines of vehicles 51 harmful gases such as carbon dioxide 52 carbon monoxide and other gases. The exhaust gases produced by vehicles 53 poisonous which 54 the air.

Read the passage below. It contains blank spaces numbered 55 to 60. For each blank space.

The 55 of global warming 56 already causing havoc 57 the world. Floods are causing untold suffering to communities; famine and food 58 associated 59 the effects of climate change is hounding the region. Kenya and 60 government must adapt to changes happening.

For questions 61 to 63, choose the alternative that best completes the sentence.

The new mobile l bought last week _____________________
Neither my younger brother nor I ________________ planning to travel during the holidays.
It was not until he looked outside the house _______________ he realized darkness had crept in.

Choose the alternative that means the same as the underlined words in questions 64-66.

The meeting was put off
1. postponed
2. cancelled
3. stopped
4. delayed
The boy regained consciousness after a few hours.
1. came off
2. came about
3. came on
4. came to
It is cruel to look down on other people
1. hate
2. despise
3. mistreat
4. ignore

In questions 67 and 68, choose the correct question tag.

The boy claimed that he had left his book at home, ___________________?
George hardly ever arrives at school late, _____________________ ?

For questions 69 and 70, select the word that least fits in the group.

69.

stationary
jewellery
crockery D.equipment

70.

boar
buck
bitch
stallion

For questions 71 and 72, choose the option which means the same as the underlined word.

The robber surrenderedafter a long chase by the police.
The girl disclosed her elder brother’s plan to marry her off.

For questions 73 and 75 , choose the alternative that best fills the blank space

Neither of my parents ________ at home now.
She has been ______ in the field for the last twenty minutes.
We are three girls in our family and Jane is the _______ .

For each of questions 76 to 78, choose the best sentence that means the same as theunderlined one.

If it had not rained, we would have done enough practice We did enough practice because it had rained.
1. It did not rain, so we did enough practice
2. The rain did not stop us from doing enough practice.
3. We did not do enough practice because it had rained.
It hardly rains in the Sahara desert.
1. It never rains in the Sahara desert.
2. It often rains in the Sahara desert.
3. It rarely rains in the Sahara desert.
4. It heavily rains in the Sahara desert.
“Mutai won the 1000 metres race in Tanzania,” Kogo said.
1. Kogo said that Mutai will win they 1000 metres race.
2. Kogo said that Mutai had won the 1000 metres race in Tanzania.
3. Kogo said that Mutai wins the 1000 metres race in Tanzania.
4. Kogo said that Mutai would win the 1000 metres race.

For questions 79 and 80, choose the sentence which is correctly punctuated.

79.

Did you watch news yesterday? asked Tony.
“Did you watch news yesterday?” Asked Tony.
“Did you watch news yesterday?” asked Tony.
Did you watch news yesterday? Asked Tony.

80.

i.As soon as it rains we will plant maize. ii. As soon as, it rains we will plant maize. iii. As soon, as it rains we will plant maize.

As soon as it rains, we will plant maize.

For questions 81 to 83 choose the alternative That means the SAME AS the underlinedword

The hardworking teacher was promoted
You will finally get your destination if the vehicle does not break down.
You have to be smart in your work to achieve your aim

For each of the questions 84 to 86, choose from the alternative given the statement whichwhen combined with the phrase makes a complete and sensible sentence

Susana will only be treated
1. because she reaches the hospital on time.
2. as she reaches the hospital on time.
3. after she reaches the hospital on time.
4. if she reaches the hospital on time.
If I had time, I
1. should visit my grandmother
2. could visit my grandmother.
3. would visit my grandmother,
4. might visit my grandmother.
It was until the rains started
1. that the farmers started planting their crops.
2. when the farmers started planting their crops.
3. as the farmers started planting their crops.
4. before the farmers started planting their crops.

For questions 87 and 88, choose the BEST arrangement of the given sentences to makesensible paragraphs

Use of written or oral language should be effective ii. it is importance to communicate in order to be understood iii. The response too will help you know whether you communicated or not iv. If the language is too high or too low, you may not achieve your aim

However, the water has to be clean to keep you healthy.

ii.Water is essential for life.

iii.This could change depending on the type of food eaten and the day’s weather iv.You need to drink an average of eight glasses of water per day:

In questions 89 and 90, choose the correct alternative that means the SAME AS the givensentence.

Hardly had the cock crowed than we woke up. A.We woke up when the cock crowed.
The cock crowed and immediately we woke up. C. The cock crowed as soon as we woke up

D.mWe woke up then the cock crowed.

“What have you been doing since morning?” her mother asked.
1. Her mother asked if she had been doing anything since morning.
2. Her mother asked her what she was doing since morning.
3. Her mother asked her what she had done since morning
4. Her mother asked her what she had been doing since morning

Answer the following question 91 according to the instructions given.

Write in direct speech

My elder brother said that he didn’t understand why people smoke In questions 92 and 93 choose the best question tag.

Dan pays school fees for his daughters, _____? A. doesn’t he
1. did he
2. does he
3. didn’t he
The guests have not gone home, ________?
1. is it
2. haven’t they
3. isn’t it
4. have they

For question 94 choose the alternative that means the same as the given sentence.

Neither Mary nor his best friend attended the prize giving.
1. Both of them attended the prize giving
2. Mary attended the prize giving
3. None of them attended the prize giving
4. His best friend attended the prize giving

Choose the correct alternative to complete the sentence 95 and 96 below.

Cate bought a _______ skirt.
1. circular, silk, short
2. short, circular, silk
3. silk, short, circular
4. circular, short, silk
Mary, ____ house collapsed was not hurt.
1. who
2. who’s
3. whose
4. which

For questions 97 to 99, select the alternative that best completes the sentences

I don’t think I can tolerate his behavior much longer
1. put up with
2. put out with
3. put down with
4. put off with
He is as tall as ____
1. me
2. I am

am I

Dan chose to play football ___ he is good at it.
1. though
2. and
3. but
4. because

Choose the correct sentence
1. Don’t come late; if you do, you will miss the fun
2. Mary bought apples, oranges and pears. C.Ken gave us chocolates; buns; sweets

D.Dan made, the cake, we decorated.

Read the passage below and answer questions 101 to 113

I had heard a great deal about Miss Beam’s school. It was the talk of the town. Many parents wished they could secure a slot there for their children. However, it was not everyone who applied got the nod. I had a burning desire to visit the school and see for myself what happened there. It was not until last week that the chance to visit it came. I was full of mirth as I readied myself for the visit.

When I arrived, there was no one in sight but a girl of about twelve. Her eyes were covered with a bandage and she was being led carefully between the flower-beds by a little boy who was about four years younger. Suddenly, the girl stopped and it appeared as she had asked the boy who had come. He seemed to be describing me to her. Then they passed on.

Miss Beam was all that I had expected – middle-aged, full of authority, yet kindly and understanding. Her hair was beginning to turn grey and she had the kind of plump figure that is likely to be comforting to a homesick child. She received me with open arms as soon as I had introduced myself. Of course she had been expecting me. I asked her some questions about her teaching methods which I had heard were both unique and exciting.

She briefly explained how the school started and what prompted her to employ practical methods of teaching. “Our principal goal is to equip learners with special skills that will enable them demonstrate kindness to others and to be responsible citizens. Take a minute and look out of the window.” I went to the window which overlooked a large garden and a playground at the back. “What do you see?” Miss Beam asked.

“I see some very beautiful grounds,” I said, “and a lot of jolly children. It pains me, though, to see that they are not all so healthy and active-looking. When I came in, I saw one poor little girl being led about. She has some trouble with her eyes. Now I can see two more with the same difficulty. And there’s a girl with a crutch watching the others at play. She seems to be a hopeless cripple.

Miss Beam laughed. “Oh, no!” she said. “She’s not really lame. This is only her lame day. The others are not blind either. It is only their blind day.” I must have looked very surprised, for she laughed again.

“This is a very important part of our system. To make our children appreciate and understand misfortune, we make them share in misfortune too. Luckily, they are always eager to take part in the activities. Each ter1n every child has one blind day, one lame day, one deaf day, one injured day and one dumb day. During the blind day, their eyes are bandaged absolutely and they are on their honor not to peep. The bandage is put on overnight so they wake blind. This means that they need help with everything. Other children are given the duty of helping them and leading them about. They all learn so much this way -both the blind and the helpers. There is no misery about it. Everyone is very kind and it is really something of a game. Before the day is over, though, even the most thoughtless child realizes what misfortune is. The blind day is, of course, really the worst, but some of the children tell me that the dumb day is the most difficult. We cannot bandage the children’s mouths, so they really have to exercise their will-power. Come into the garden and see for yourself how the children feel about it.”

Miss Beam led me to one of the bandaged girls. I spent some time talking to them as well as the other children who appeared to have different forms of disabilities. I enjoyed interacting with them and even offered to play the role of a helper whenever necessary.

When I finally had to leave, I told Miss Beam that I was very sorry to go. I wished I had spent the entire term there to learn more essential life skills. As I left Miss Beam’s School, I was a changed man. Now I understood why many adults wished to enroll their children there.

101.Which statement is true about Miss Beam’s School according to the first school paragraph?

lt was the best school in the neighbourhood.
lt was popular with people.
It admitted learners from humble background.
lt had very creative teachers.
The parents who sought admission for their children to Miss Beam’s School: A.had to visit the school prior.
1. had limited chances of success
2. were expected to pay a lot of school fees.
3. were not guaranteed a slot.
The phrase I was full of mirth as used in the passage shows that the writer: A.was very happy.
1. had been looking forward to the visit.
2. hoped to have a successful day.
3. was rather anxious.
Why did the ‘blind’ and her guide stop suddenly? A.They had both seen the visitor.
1. They had been interrupted.
2. They wanted to have a conversation.
3. Their attention was probably drawn to the 105. How best can we describe Miss Beam?
4. Impatient but kind
5. Authoritative but warm
6. Understanding but authoritarian
7. Fair and effective
Which statement is true about the meeting between Miss Beam and the writer? A.It was coincidental.
1. The duo had been eagerly awaiting it.
2. It was meant to help the school.
3. It had been preplanned.
The word principal has been used in the passage to mean the same as:
1. important
2. insignificant
3. main
4. serious
The methods of teaching used in Miss Beamare aimed at: A.making the school famous.
1. helping learners to discover their hidden talents
2. promoting key virtues among the learners.
3. helping learners to be social.
When the writer saw the children demonstrating different kinds of disability, he: A.probably sympathised with them.
1. understood why they were in Miss Beam’s school
2. knew they were acting.
3. wished to offer them assistance.
Why did Miss Beam laugh when she heard the writer’s opinion of her school?
1. The writer had a sense of humour
2. The writer was ignorant of what was actually happening in the school.
3. She was trying to be friendly
4. The writer had thought of her as cruel.
When a child had a blind day, he or she was expected to: A.limit the movement around the school.
1. spend more time on their own.
2. undergo a moment of misery in life.
3. learn to be kind and helpful to the visually impaired.
What shows that the learners approved of the practical methods of teaching used in the school?
1. They knew they would always have a helper.
2. They did not experience discomfort of any kind.
3. They were always ready to play the roles
4. The methods were very important for the
Why was the writer a changed man as he left Miss Beam’s School? A.He had a day full of fun.
1. He had learnt very important skills.
2. He now understood why parents took their children to that school.
3. He liked what Miss Beam had told him about the school.

Read the passage below and answer questions 114 to 125.

Thanks to scientific advances over the last several decades, we human beings are able to lead healthier lives than ever before. We know how important it is to exercise regularly. We know which foods are the best for our bodies. And we certainly know one habit that we shouldn’t pick up, because it’s unhealthy and can even be fatal. What are we talking about? Smoking, of course! Have you ever read the Warning labels on a pack of cigarettes? Laws now require cigarette packages to contain warnings about the many bad side effects that can be experienced as a result of smoking.

If you look around you, though, you still see people smoking cigarettes. In many areas, it’ s no longer lawful for people to smoke cigarettes in restaurants and other public places. These laws help protect non-smokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

If you stand in line at a convenience of store, you’re also likely to see several people purchase packs cigarettes. Although the number of people who smoke is on the decline, there are still millions of people around the world who smoke cigarettes, despite the obvious health risks. Why do they do that? One of the main reasons people still smoke today is that they started smoking in the first place. People start smoking for many reasons: advertisements, easy availability of other reasons. And cigarettes, peer pressure, among as most smokers already know, once you start smoking, it can be very, very hard to stop

The fact that smoking is dangerous to your health is well-known today. Smoking has been linked to an increased likelihood to develop cancer and heart disease. Some studies show that your smoking can decrease lifespan by a decade or more. Smoking can also be a huge financial burden, costing thousands of shillings per year.

So why do people continue to smoke despite these negative effects? The answer is addiction. One of the primary ingredients of cigarette tobacco is nicotine, which is highly addictive. Like many addictive illegal drugs, nicotine makes a smoker continue to crave cigarettes if they try to smokers who are stop smoking. Even highly-motivated to stop smoking can have a difficult time withdrawal kicking the habit. Nicotine symptoms can make a smoker feel sick and lead to continuing to smoke despite a desire to quit.

The best way to quit smoking is never to start in the first place! Of course, that advice only helps those who have never smoked before or tried cigarettes. For those who have smoked for some time, it is possible to quit, but it can be a tougher battle than many people realize.

There are many products and strategies available today to help smokers kick the habit. For example, nicotine gum and patches can be used to slowly wean smokers off of the addictive substance. Many smokers, however, find that quitting “cold turkey” is the only way to go. That means that they simply stop smoking cigarettes one day and never smoke again. For people who try to quit smoking in this way, it is often helpful to rely on support groups, such as family, friends, or local groups of former smokers.

If you have someone in your life who smokes, you can help them quit by providing the support and encouragement they need. The first few days are always the hardest, and relapses are common. But, with support, many people are able to break the bonds of nicotine addiction to become smoke-free. When they do, they feel better and can begin to reverse some of the damage done by smoking.

According to the first paragraph, it is true to say that:
1. there are uncountable effects of scientific advances.r
2. regular exercise leads to good health.
3. all types of foods are suitable for our bodies.
4. it is everybody’s desire to stop smoking
Why do cigarette packages have warning labels? To reduce the dangers of smoking.
1. To discourage people from buying cigarettes.
2. To educate the potential smokers on the best brands of cigarettes.
3. To sensitize the public on the dangers of smoking. 116. The word fatal has been used in the passage to mean:
dangerous
hazardous
deadly
disastrous
Why is it unlawful to smoke in public?
1. To avoid air pollution
2. To reduce the effect of smoke on the non-smokers.
3. To promote good behaviouramongsmokers
4. To ensure non smokers get more licensed information about smoking.

smokers.

From the passage, it ís true to say that:
1. the number of smokers is negligible.
2. few people buy cigarette in public places C.some laws on smoking are nof effective

D.there are fewer smokers nowadays. 119. People start smoking due to: A.influence from friends.

advertisements of cigarettes.
the fact that cigarettes are easily available.
different reasons.

It is true to say that smokers:
1. know the dangers of smoking
2. cannot stop the habit at all.
3. regret starting the habit.
4. have little information about the dangers of smoking.
Which one is not a problem associated with smking? It leads to:
1. ill health
2. negative economic impacts
3. shorter lifespan
4. arrogance among smokers.
It is not easy for smokers to stop the habit mostly because of:

A.lack of commitment B.the withdrawal symptoms.

the addictive substance in cigarettes
cigarettes are readily available

In order to avoid the effects of smoking, a person should: A.smoke less often.
1. avoid starting the habit.
2. smoke in private.
3. buy cigarettes from the licensed dealers. 124. People who manage to quit smoking:
  1. require some support
  2. often pick up the habit again
  3. find it hard to fit in the society.
  4. do not show withdrawal syptoms.
4. The best title for the above passage is: Dangers of smoking.
  1. How to avoid smoking.
  2. Effects of smoking.
  3. Facts about smoking.

Read the passage below and then answer questions 126 to 138.

I soon learned that life for a growing boy was not all play; at least not for boys with parents like mine. Although my mother had never had the benefit of formal education herself, she was determined that I should be sent to school at the earliest opportunity. My father, due to my mother’s persuasive power, was strongly in favour of this also. Even though I could often get round my father, I knew that once my mother’s mind had been made up, there was nothing I could do about it.

I found my first day at school so disappointing that I ran away, determined never to return. But my mother turned a deaf ear to my protests and firmly dragged me by the arm every morning and deposited me in the school. Eventually, I realised that I had lost the battle. I decided that since I was going to forced to stay in school, I might as well get to like it and do what I could to learn something. To my surprise, I soon found that I enjoyed my lessons and looked forward to going to school. However, we lived in fear of the teacher because of his firm belief in the old adage: ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’. I disliked being forced to do things against my will because I was not used to it. I used to think what a paradise school would be if we were left in peace to do our studies without the presence of a master.

All the various grades occupied one room, and the teacher used to teach a class at a time. It must have been a hard job for him, and we did not do much to make it easy for him. Luckily, I was keen on learning. In fact, I was so keen that my only dread was that my father might one day be unable to afford the school fees which at that time amounted to ten shillings a term. Because of this, I began rearing chickens which I sold for fifty cents each. By this means, I could not only help to meet my school fees, but I had money to buy books as well.

One thing in particular stands out in my mind during my early school days, probably because it was my first lesson in discipline. We were not fond of the teacher because of his frequent use of the bark stick, often without a good reason. One day we learnt that an inspector was coming to the school and immediately saw our chance to get our revenge on the teacher. We got together and decided to stay away from school the whole day during the inspector’s visit. My one regret was that I was not able to see the expression on the inspector’s face when he found an empty classroom or, better still, the look of horror and amazement on the face of the teacher. It certainly must have caused him a lot of embarrassment but the following morning he got the last laugh. As soon as we showed our faces, he had his stick ready. We were each given twenty-four lashes on our bare bottoms. This hurt so much that for the next three days, I was unable to sit down at my desk. But I knew I deserved it. From that day, I have learnt to accept punishment that I feel I have justly earned.

(Adapted from Ghana by Kwame Nkurumah)

Why did the writer’s father support his going to school? He knew his son would be successful.
1. The writer’s mother convinced him.
2. His love for education was great.
3. He had to agree with the writer’s mother.
The writer says he was often able to ‘get round’ his father. This means that he could
1. influence his father to do what he wanted.
2. walk together with his father.
3. ask his father difficult questions.
4. make his father like him much more.
‘But my mother turned a deaf ear….’ This means that the writer’s mother did not hear everything he said.
1. did nothing to help him.
2. did not listen to him.
3. did not understand him at all.
What battle is the writer referring to in the second paragraph? A.The harassment by the teacher at school.
1. The great disappointment suffered at school.
2. The way his mother dragged him to school.
3. The struggle to avoid going to school.
Why was the writer surprised to find out that he soon enjoyed going to school? A.He had known that schooling was the hardest thing to do.
1. He had not expected he would ever like going to school.
2. He still believed that school was not for boys like him.
3. He had not thought school would become a paradise.
The writer’s teacher believed that A.children need to be disciplined.
1. children are naturally lazy.
2. children should respect visitors.
3. children require a lot of care.
How many classrooms did the writer’s s school have?
1. Many
2. Two
3. One
4. None
The word ‘dread’ as used in the passage or means A. trouble.
The writer started rearing chickens in order to A.help his father feed the family.
1. have something to do after school.
2. practise what he had learnt at school.
3. take care of the cost of his education.
The writer’s mother can be described as
1. harsh
Why did the pupils decide to stay away from school? A.To avoid the teacher’s punishment.
1. To make the teacher feel ashamed.
2. To shock the school inspector.
3. To have a whole day to themselves.
What lesson did the writer learn about discipline in school? A.That one should be in school when inspectors visit.
1. That one should accept punishment if it is justly given.
2. That one should avoid taking revenge when punished.
3. That one should keep away from bad company.
Which of the following would be the most suitable title for this passage?
1. My early school years
2. My day of punishment
3. My day of revenge
4. My love for school

Read the following passage and then answer questions 139 to 150

One day, Hare met Elephant on the way to the forest. As Hare is a cunning and clever animal, he wanted to fool Elephant. He started talking to Elephant,” Elephant my brother, good morning. What is the matter? Why are you walking all alone like that, my friend? Why don’t you ask me to walk along with you through the forest?”

After they had walked “Elephant my brother, I want to go on a rope-pulling contest with you. I know that I can defeat you miserably, for I am stringer than you’, Elephant replied, “You are too small to contest with me. You are playing about, my brother, think twice.”

They then planned to go on a contest the next day in the forest. Elephant went away laughing, thinking that Hare could do nothing to him.

The same day, Hare met Hippo and started talking to him saying, “Hippo my brother, I want you to contest with me one of these fine days. We shall pull a rope across the forest and see who the winner will be.” Hippo said, ‘ Don’t play with me, brother. You are just too tiny to contest with me.” He made the same plan, just as he had done with Elephant.

The next morning, Hippo and Elephant went to the opposite sides of the forest thinking that he was going to contest Hare. They started pulling the rope. Meanwhile, Hare was sitting on a high hill looking at what was happpening below. he sang a song to taunt Elephant and Hippo. As he sang, Hippo and elephant6 pulled harder. They pulled and pulled and got very weary. At dusk, they almost fainted and stopped pulling.

Hare immediately went ot the elephant and asked, “Am I not great?”

Elephant replied, “Oh, Hare, mr brother, I agree that you are really great. I’ve has it tough the whole day.”

Hare then ran to Hippo and told him the same thing he had told Elephant. Hippo wondered at the strength of Hare and said, “Hare my brother, I’ve just realised that you are very strong. In fact, you should be made King of the jungle!” Hare went away merrily playing his flute.

The word “cunning” as used in the first paragraph can best be replaced by A.tricky.
1. brave
Hare asked Elephant questions in order to A.praise Elephant.
1. test Elephant’s courage.
2. attract Elephant’s attention.
3. tease Elephant
The word “defeat” as used in the story has the same meaning as A.win.
Which one of the following can best replace “think twice” as used in the story? A.Think carefully
1. Think aloud.
2. Think big.
3. Think two times.
What brought the contest between Elephant and Hippo to an end? A.Darkness set in.
1. Hare stopped it.
2. They became tired.
3. They lost breath.
Why was Hare singing during the contest? A.To make Elephant and Hippo strong.
1. To entertain Elephant and Hippo.
2. To mock Elephant and Hippo.
3. To cheer on Elephant and Hippo.
“I have had it tough the whole day” means A.Elephant felt angry.
1. Elephant got ashamed.
2. Elephant had struggled.
3. Elephant was strong.
Why did Hare organize the contest between Elephant and Hippo? A.To test if Elephant and Hippo were obedient to him.
1. To make them believe that he was the strongest.
2. To find out who was stronger between Elephant and Hippox
3. To be declared the king of the jungle by Hippo.
Which of the following words best describes Elephant and Hippo? A.Foolish.
Which one of the following statements is true according to the passage? A.We should not trust friends too much.
1. We should not compete with our friends.
2. We should not take part in contests.
3. We should not sing as we work.
What do you think was in the minds of Elephant and Hippo as they started pulling the rope?
1. They would have a tough contest.
2. The competition would be easy.
3. They feared losing the contest.
4. The winner would be Hare.
What lesson do we learn from the story? A.Small animals are cunning.
1. Wisdom is strength.
2. Determination is success.
3. Big animals are weak

Read the passage below and then answer questions 151 to 163.

When Tolo arrived back, he was not in a talking mood. He looked tired, worn out, hungry and moody. His clothes too, looked torn, dirty and it was obvious wherever he had been to was hell on carth. It took a few days then he gathered courage to take a few trusted friends who remained glued next to him, especially in the evenings.

Tolo was at home and like other hunters, he decided to go and inspect his traps. The first two had caught nothing and so he proceeded to the third one which was located near the riverbank. It was a forested area and thus, having a panga in the hand was essential.

He was lucky! A deer had been trapped and it looked either dead or dying from a distance. However, when he moved closer, he realized its eyes were wide open although it made no attempt to Ilee. lle knew it was just waiting to be carried away but how wrong it was! The poor creature had been struggling for hours and hours and upon realizing it couldn’t flee itself, decided to save the little energy left for any opportunity of escape ifit ever came. So when Tolo cut off the rope it had entangled itself in. the deer made a leap into the air and its first landing was four metres away

Tolo was shocked and surprised but he picked his panga and went after the creature. Due to his speed and undergrowth, he lost it. Knowing that it couldn’t cross he adjacent river that fast, he decided to keep going after it; sooner or later, he would get it.

It was not long when he reached it but what he saw almost made him faint. The deer was in the claws of a ferocious-looking leopard, with teeth dripping fresh blood, glared and glow led at him, he found himself climbing the closest tree. It was the safest thing he could do but it was the gravest mistake that landed him in trouble.

The went up the tree with the heart beating fast but hopeful to get the safety he was very much wanted. For some time, it remained so but at around eight o oclock, he heard some noise and looked down. Tulis utter surprise, the Icopard, with the deer’s neck in the jaws, was struggling up the tree! This shocked him and made him climb to even higher branches. It was then that he realized that he was 100, was trapped! The leopard settled on a thick branch, just below him and started eating its meal probably aware of his presence.

It’s this meal that lasted a whole two days and within those two days. lolo learnt that one can actually stay for two days and nights without food, drink and very little sleep lle vowed to abandon trapping animals and ventured into crop cultivation.

Tolo was not in a talking mood because
1. he had just arrived back
2. many people had talked ill about him.
3. what he had undergone was still tormenting him.
4. he did not find the right people to address
From the way Tolo looked, it is possible to suggest that he
1. knew little about good grooming,
2. decided to change his appearance completely
3. he intended to attract the villages attention.
4. he had not had time for good grooming.
What does the writer mean by describing where Tolo had been as hell on earth? A.The conditions there were undesirable.
1. No one else had been there
2. He had been to hell and saw for himself
3. lt took him a long time to return. 154. When Tolo left home that evening.
he was accompanied by other hunters.
it was a routine he always did.
he expected to catch a trapped animal
he was in too much of a hurry
The item Tolo carried as he inspected his traps can BEST be described as
1. Weapon
2. equipment
3. instrument
4. tool
As soon as Tolo saw the trapped deer, he A.became curious to ascertain its state.
1. wondered how to carry it away.
2. suspected it would cause trouble
3. doubted if he was truly lucky
The MAIN reason why the deer leap into the air is A.it was alarmed by Tolo’s arrival. B.it had been resting all along
1. its life depended on it.
2. it had just opened its eyes.
Which of the four words below describe what made Tolo to follow the fleeing deer?
1. concentration
2. determination
3. curiosity
4. anxiety
What made Tolo realise that the deer wouldn’t go far? A.Knowledge of how deer behave.
1. The speed at which it had left.
2. This experience as a hunter
3. The time the deur had taken in the trap
By climbing the nearest tree, Tolo wanted to A.frighten the leopard off its prey.
1. see if the antelope was actually dead.
2. hide from the leopard then take the antelope
3. save himself from danger.
Why does the writer describe climbing the true the gravest mistake? A.it almost made him lose his life.
1. the tree was not strong enough for him and the leopard.
2. leopards normally hunt their prey up the tree
3. he should have climbed a different tree
The leopard settled only two branches away from Tolo because A.it had no business following Tolo.
1. it felt comfortable there.
2. the upper branches were weak
3. it was tired because of the load it had.
The BEST summary for this passage would A.it’s unwise to venture out alone.
1. We have to be selective on where to go.
2. you can lead yourself into serious trouble
3. your company can discourage you from talking.

Read the passage below and then answer questions 164 to 175

Speaking up is important, especially when addressing people who are senior to you. It is the best ever thing to do as it leaves no doubt to your listener that you know what you are saying and are confident. Mental toughness sometimes requires you to say ‘No’ even when given a command. In the Special Forces, it is called ‘Chinese Parliament’. This is where all of us are able to talk very leely with one another, with complete disregard to positions others hold. It’s common to hear one say, ‘I’m going to be part of the mission and I’m not going to lose my life’ If such a person thinks it is dangerous, it’s wise for him to say so at once without mincing his words.

In the forces, it’s difficult to go direct to the commander and tell him that the plan can’t work and it’s loaded with big risks. This, however, should be acceptable especially when one has read intelligence reports on the possible danger. It could make the commander think of a different way, of attacking the enemy. Options are usually many, not one. This only happens when you don’t have mental toughness to question things or give suggestions.

If you fail to talk to your seniors and instead have the Big Boss mentality, with an assumption that the commander knows it all, you may die alongside the same commander or he might live after you’re gone. This only happens when you don’t have mental toughness to question things or give suggestions

In the army, however much you have trained and have expertise in a certain area, it is necessary to be flexible. This means that although rules are laid down to be followed, at times, they could be bent”. It doesn’t make sense to stick to laid down procedures when it looks obvious that it’s leading you into a disaster. Sadly, at times, such actions end up affecting a specific individual who then is blamed for it.

If you are not flexible, you could end up generating lower results. This is because it kills creativity and innovation. Conditions and situations keep changing and this should make every single and individual by shifting the mindset. Creativity is vital for the growth and development because things, people, time and circumstances change.

What does the writer mean by saying speaking up is importance?
1. It shows the speaker a lot of respect
2. Speaking up makes it easy to identify seniors from juniors.
3. It makes one develop confidence when talking.
4. It ensures the communication is effective.
By saying ‘No’ When given a command, it shows that A.your state of mind is acceptable.
1. you don’t easily take in instructions.
2. you think faster than others.
3. no one is clever as you are.
For your listeners to confirm that he had been paying attention,

A.only your seniors should get you B.statements said should be repeated.

you should be loud enough.
there must be many questions asked.

In a Chinese parliament, one is expected to
1. pay attention when being spoken to
2. speaking loudly and clearly C.remember the positions people hold.

D.express himself freely to all others.

How do people in the forces pass information to their seniors?

A.After getting intelligence reports, B.By talking politely to their commanders.

If everybody is aware of the danger.
By asking their seniors for solution problems

The MAIN use of the intelligence is that A.his commander uses it to win the war
1. it could safeguard the soldiers
2. No soldier can go to fight without it
3. Identifying the soldier to be promoted becomes easy.
The Big Boss mentality is discouraged because A.both soldiers and the commander are at risk
1. the commanders do not like it.
2. only the commaders give orders to soldiers.
3. it relies on a lot of assumption
What is the opposite of the word flexible as used in the fourth paragraph?
1. Tough
2. Rigid
3. Brave
4. Strong
By bending rules, the writer means that A.doing the opposite of what the rule says.
1. there are rules to be followed.
2. not following the rules exactly as expected
3. the decision to follow the rules or not to is optional 173. Some people are blamed for causing disasters
  1. as they obviously caused them.
  2. since they have got injured in the accidents
  3. as someone has to take the blame anyway.
  4. they had the capacity to avert it.
  5. Why would people be flexible in decision making? A.Many decisions are erratic.
  6. Situations are not static
  7. No one knows everything
  8. Many decisions are not popular
  9. The BEST title for this passage would be A.Communication within the armed forces
  10. How commanders intimidate their juniors
  11. The operation of the Chinese Parliament
  12. The blame game within the armed forces

Read the following passage carefully and then answer questions 176-187.

I started school late, at the age of eight years because my father was not keen on taking me to school. My mother was very keen on insisting that little education did no harm. By then I was ten years old. I was the last born in a family of four children; two boys and two girls. My brothers had finished their secondary education and were now working in the capital city. My sister got married at the age of eleven. From the time she married, I never saw her happy. Her face always looked sad and weary but not once did I hear her complain.

The journey to and from school took two hours. At 3.30pm the lower classes were released while the rest of the school stayed on until 4.30pm. We sat on tree trunks for we did not have desks. Two of the classrooms’ walls had gaping holes. The roof of the classroom was no more than thatch grass that was laid over rafters. It was badly built. On this particular day, Naitula’s book was missing and I found her searching for it everywhere. Then she found one of our classmates under a tree copying notes from it. Without uttering a single word, she forcefully snatched the book from him and after staring at him with a stern face, she waved at me to join her and we left for home. This caught the boy by surprise and he was left staring at us.

It was a rainy season and various wild flowers had bloomed. There were blue, yellow, red and white flowers. Wild fruits had ripened and birds feasted on them. One of my favorite fruits was the wild berry and these two were in plenty. We always spent some time on the way home picking them and also playing with the butterflies that had invaded the country. The path we took every day was so muddy that we kept wiping our feet on the wet grass. From where we were, we could see herds of cattle grazing on the plains in the distance. My father’s herd was grazing near our home.

Cows and goats are our main source of livelihood and a man’s worth is judged by the number of livestock one has. Women, children and animals are a man’s property. Woman’s work is to take care of the man, his children and his animals. My friend Naitula and I parted at the spot where the road branches to our different Manyattas.

On arriving home, I found my father with visitors and they were drinking a traditional brew from horns. Four were seated on his left side while one was on his right. I entered the hut and found a strange woman seated there so I greeted her. My mother, without looking at me asked, “Are you hungry?” “Yes, I have taken nothing the whole day.” She pointed to where a guard of milk was kept. She seemed to be avoiding my eyes and I asked her, “Why do you look sad today mother?” The visitor smiled exposing her white teeth. She did not answer but said,” Go out and check on the goats and at dusk bring them home.

Why was the writer late to start school?
1. He was too old to start school
2. The school was far from their home
3. His father wasn’t keen on taking him to school
4. He was too young to start school.
Which of these sentences is false?
1. The writer hadn’t started school at the age of eight
2. The writer’s mother was keen on education
3. The writer was the last born of his family
4. The writer’s brothers were illiterate
Where were the writer’s siblings A.In the village
1. In school too
2. Away in town
3. In different cities
The word weary as used in the passage means:- A.very thin
1. well dressed
2. poorly dressed
3. very tired
Which of these sentences best describes the writer’s school?
1. Logs for desks, mud walls, thatched roof
2. Logs for walls, thatched roof, wooden desks
3. Thatched roof, mud walls, wooden desks D. Mud walls, logs for desks and logs for walls 181. What was Naitula looking for?
4. Her classmates
5. A place to sit
6. Her note book
7. Her brother
Why was the boy surprised?
1. He had been talked to harshly.
2. When Naitula forcefully snatched the book from him.
3. He had taken his friends book.
4. He was copying notes.
Which of the following did not happen when the rainy season came? A.Plants germinated.
1. Fruits ripened.
2. Birds had enough to feed on.
3. Flowers blossomed.
From the passage we learn that the writer :- A.disliked wild berries
1. never wore shoes
2. had never seen butterflies
3. hardly stopped on the way
What could the writer see at a distance?
1. Goats and cows grazing
2. his father grazing
3. herds of cattle grazing
4. his father driving cattle home
Which of the following shows a man’s worth? Number of
1. manyatta
2. children
3. women
4. livestock
According to the passage
1. Four visitors were seated to the right side
2. the writer had had nothing all day
3. there were some strange women seated
4. writer’s mother looked happy that day

Read the following passage carefully and then answer question 188-200.

The old man found the children gathered at the same place. As soon as they saw him they asked him to tell them another story. The children were becoming a regular part of the old man’s daily life.

Without them in the evening he felt lonely. The evenings seemed long and boring. It is funny how habits develop, he thought. At first he could easily pass an evening all by himself and feel quite happy. Now he needed the company of the children for the evening to feel complete.

Funny, he thought to himself as he sat down on his favorite chair. It is just like that nasty habit of taking snuff that he had developed. At first he did it as a joke, just for fun. He felt he could stop the habit if and when he wanted to, but in time he found he had to have some snuff every few hours. If he did not, he would get all nervous and shaky. Now he was getting hooked on to being with the children.

“Oh well,” he said to himself, “at least that is a good habit to catch. It cannot make you lose your senses like Mzee Okong’o did”. He had spoken aloud without realizing it. “What happened to Mzee Okongo?” The children asked, all together. The old man let out a short laugh. He had been caught off guard by the children and he knew he had to tell them the story of Mzee Okong’o.

For Mzee Okong’o it had all started like a joke. It was during the wedding of his daughter many years before. During such ceremonies, the bride was required to give her father a horn of beer in front of friends and relatives. Having given her father the beer, the father would ask; “My daughter, are you asking me to drink this beer brought by these people? Are you telling me before,this crowd, that you will never ask me to vomit it”? This was meant to confirm in public whether the girl had completely made up her mind to marry the man. As her sign of agreeing to get married to the man whose family had brought the beer the girl would answer: “Yes, my father. I am asking you to drink it and I will never ask you to vomit it.”

If the father drank the beer, it showed he had agreed that his daughter could get married to the man who asked for her hand in marriage. Mzee Okong’o had thus made his first contact with alcohol after a very long time. He felt good and light headed after the first horn full and he asked for another second horn full more than the first.

In time, he was into his fifth and sixth horn of beer. Thereafter, he had lost count and slipped into a coma. He did not know when and how his guests had gone home. He could not remember what happened or what he might have said or done. Did he behave well? Did he abuse people in his speech? Did he pass urine in public? Did he fall or break wind loudly?

From the first paragraph, we can tell that the old man
1. found the children playing
2. never needed the children’s presence
3. hardly felt lonely at all
4. enjoyed narrating stories now and then.
Without them in the evening he felt lonely…..”them” refers to
1. his daughters
2. the children
3. his family
4. the villagers
What made the old man’s evening complete? A.the long and boring evenings
1. the practice he had started
2. the gathering of children
3. the funny habits he had developed
“Snuff” is an example of
1. clinical medicine
2. herbal medicine
3. hard drug
4. traditional medicine
The old man felt nervous and shaky before taking snuff. This means
1. he was sick
2. he felt cold
3. he was excited
4. he was an addict
The old man started the nasty habit………
1. as a way of letting out his anger
2. to attract more customers
3. as a way of passing time
4. to impress the children 194. Why did the old man chuckle? A.He knew he had to narrate a story
5. He had been day-dreaming
6. The children had made a joke
7. He had taken too much snuff
During the wedding the bride was supposed to do all the following except?
1. She had to give her father a horn of beer
2. The giving out of beer was witnessed by relatives
3. Issuing of beer was in front of neighbors and relatives
4. The horn of beer was given infront of friends
What did Mzee Okong’o do during his daughter’s wedding?
1. He vomited the beer he had taken
2. He gave his daughter a hornfull of beer C.He narrated a story to his guest

D.He took six hornfills of beer.

By vomiting the beer this meant that A.the girl had agreed partially to wed the man
1. the father didn’t want the girl wed
2. the girl had not agreed to become a wife
3. the man had sensed that was not well
The beer had been brought by the man’s family, this can be compared to A.wealth
1. dowry
2. poverty
3. thanks-giving
How many horn-fills of beer did Okong’o have? A.Two
1. six
2. uncountable
3. seven
The last paragraph tells us that the old man slipped into a “coma” this means? A.He became unconscious.
1. He fell into deep sleep.
2. He was conscious.
3. He was completely drank.

EXPECTED QUESTIONS IN KCPE 2023

ENGLISH: SECTION B

COMPOSITION

Candidates have 40 minutes each question to write the compositions. Make them as interesting as possible!

Q1. I hurried back home and went straight to the house. I was about to enter my room when I realized something very unusual in the sitting room…………………………. (40 marks)

Q2. We were quietly reading our books in class when suddenly…………………. (40 marks)

Q3. The function was supposed to begin at 11 o’clock. However, by 1 o’clock the guest of honor

had not yet arrived…………………..(40 marks)

Q5. It was very rare to see our class teacher coming to school late. On that particular day, we were all…………………… (40 marks)

Q6. As I walked along the lonely path, I was attracted to the noises from a nearby bush. I decided to go and find what was happening…………………… (40 marks)

Q7. It was the morning we had all been looking forward to. The bus arrived on time and soon, we were all on board with all our teachers………………. (40 marks)

Q8. The members of the Environmental Club woke up early that Friday morning to go to their

long-awaited trip. (40 marks)

Q9. The stadium was packed to capacity. People had come from far wide to watch what promised to be an entertaining football match………………..(40 marks)

Q10. I was woken up by screams that rent the air. I……… (40 marks) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

PRINT ATLEAST 3 PAGES OF WRITING SPACE FOR EACH COMPOSITION QUESTION.