This year the KCSE English Paper 2 will bring an extract question from one of the two compulsory set books. This year it is the Samaritan as Fathers of Nations was tested last year. How does one tackle the extract question?
When faced with an extract question in the KCSE English Paper 2, candidates are often unsettled because it demands not just memory of the story but also the ability to analyze, interpret and situate events within the whole text. With The Samaritan by John Lara appearing for the first time, this compulsory question will carry 25 marks and will test candidates’ mastery of the play, their interpretive skills and their language competence. The approach therefore requires calmness, precision and an understanding of what examiners look for.
The first step in handling an extract is careful reading. The candidate must read the given passage more than once, slowly and attentively, noting who is speaking, what the tone is, and what the dominant concerns are. Many students make the mistake of rushing to answer questions before fully digesting the passage. This often leads to vague answers. Reading keenly allows one to identify the speaker, the mood, the relationships between characters and the underlying conflict. When that is clear, the extract becomes less intimidating.
The question often begins by asking candidates to place the extract in its immediate context. This is a crucial part because it proves whether the student has read the play or is merely relying on notes. Immediate context means what happens just before and just after the events of the extract. A good candidate will be precise, mentioning the incident or conversation that leads directly into the extract, and the action or reaction that follows right after it. For instance, if the passage captures Mossi and Bemba scheming to manipulate a tender, one must show what they were discussing before the extract and then indicate what unfolds after, perhaps the entrance of another character who complicates the matter. The examiner is looking for a sense of sequence, not a general summary of the play. Failure to anchor the extract in context usually costs a candidate dearly.
ALSO READ;
Makueni Sub-county Director of Education promoted to West Pokot CDE
Themes are another inevitable requirement. Every extract is chosen because it captures some of the central concerns of the play. A student should identify at least two or three themes that emerge from the passage and support each with a short quotation or reference. For example, corruption is one of the most prominent issues in The Samaritan. If it appears in the extract, the candidate should explain how it is shown in the specific actions or dialogue of the characters, then briefly link it to the broader text. It is not enough to list themes; one must illustrate them with evidence and interpretation. Other possible themes include betrayal, the abuse of power, social injustice, oppression of the weak, and the hypocrisy of leaders. The best answers avoid being mechanical; they show that the candidate sees how the extract embodies issues that pervade the entire play.
The question also expects candidates to comment on characterization. This means identifying the traits of characters as revealed in the extract. A good answer points out at least two characters and explains what the passage shows about their personality. If Mossi appears, one might note his sycophancy and opportunism, citing how he flatters Power in order to secure his own advantage. If Power is in the scene, his arrogance, greed or insensitivity might be evident. Characterization is not about retelling the life history of a character but about drawing traits from the words and actions given in the extract. This proves close reading and analytical ability.
Closely tied to this is the use of stylistic devices. Every playwright employs language creatively, and The Samaritan is no exception. Candidates should be alert to devices such as irony, satire, sarcasm, imagery, repetition, rhetorical questions or symbolism. For example, the irony in a politician claiming to work for the people while clearly enriching himself can be highlighted, with an explanation of how it deepens the theme of hypocrisy. Satire may be identified in exaggerated praise, mocking the incompetence of leaders. The point is to identify not just the device but also its effect in enriching meaning, exposing corruption, or creating humour.
10 Machakos groups receive business kits in NGAAF empowerment drive
Language mastery, relevance and expression carry significant weight in marking. Examiners do not only reward content; they also expect candidates to communicate ideas clearly, coherently and grammatically. Answers should be in continuous prose, not in point form. Each response must flow logically, showing a sense of order. Quotations should be brief and integrated smoothly into the sentence. Over-quoting or copying long chunks from the extract is discouraged. Candidates who demonstrate flair in language, clarity of thought and confidence in expression stand out.
In approaching the extract, it is vital to remember what not to do. One should not retell the whole story of the play. Examiners want analysis, not narration. One should also avoid vague generalizations such as “the extract shows bad leadership.” Instead, specify how exactly bad leadership is portrayed in that moment. Similarly, one should not ignore the wording of the question. Sometimes the extract question is divided into specific parts: context, themes, characterization and style. At other times, it may ask more open-ended analytical questions. The candidate must respond directly to what is asked, not to what they think is usually asked.
Practice with extracts from previous set books helps in sharpening skills. By reviewing past KCSE questions from texts like A Doll’s House, Blossoms of the Savannah or The Pearl, one learns the common pattern: context, thematic concerns, characterization, style and relevance. The same logic applies to The Samaritan. A candidate who has read widely, practiced and learnt to analyze will find the question manageable.
Ultimately, the extract question is designed to reward serious reading and critical engagement. A student who has studied The Samaritan carefully will recognize the passage and situate it with ease. By articulating the themes it carries, highlighting how the characters are revealed, noting the stylistic devices employed and presenting the ideas fluently, they will accumulate marks steadily. The examiner is looking for a balance: knowledge of the text, analytical ability, and competence in English. If one treats the extract as a window into the whole play rather than an isolated passage, and if one answers with clarity and precision, then the 25 marks become highly attainable.
By Ashford Kimani
Ashford teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub County and serves as Dean of Studies.
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
