Supplementary Reading – Basic 6 English Lesson Note (Third Term)

Recommended Books about School Life and Growing Up:

• School Days Memories by Buchi Emecheta
• Growing Up in Nigeria by Chinua Achebe
• Tales from African Schools by various authors
• Young Dreams, Big Hopes by Adaora Lily Ulasi
• Transition: From Primary to Secondary by Prof. Wole Ogundipe

Famous Graduation Speeches to Study:

• Nelson Mandela’s speech to graduates
• Maya Angelou’s commencement addresses
• Steve Jobs’ Stanford graduation speech
• Wole Soyinka’s university speeches

Exercise P – Reading Assignment

Read one graduation speech from any source and answer:

1. Who gave the speech? _________________________________
2. What was the main message? _________________________________
3. What advice did they give? _________________________________
4. What did you learn from it? _________________________________
5. How can you apply their ideas? _________________________________

Speaking Practice Activities:

• Practice delivering speeches in front of family
• Record yourself giving speeches and listen for improvement
• Watch graduation speeches online with subtitles
• Join school debate or speaking clubs
• Practice with friends taking turns as audience

Tips for Nervous Speakers:

1. Practice many times until you know your speech well
2. Breathe deeply before and during speaking
3. Focus on your message rather than your nervousness
4. Look at friendly faces in the audience
5. Remember everyone wants you to succeed