Subject: English

First Term

Grade 9

Student’s name: _______________________________________________________________

Maputo, 2025

Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele

The Importance of English in the World

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It serves as an international
means of communication in business, education, technology, and diplomacy. The ability to speak
and understand English opens doors to numerous opportunities and helps bridge cultural
differences.

Why Is English Important?

1. Global Communication: English is the primary language for international conversations,

used in diplomacy, tourism, and global conferences.
2. Education: Many prestigious universities and educational resources are available in
English.
3. Business and Employment: English proficiency increases job opportunities, as many
multinational companies require English-speaking employees.
4. Technology and the Internet: A significant portion of online content is in English,
making it essential for accessing information.
5. Travel: English is widely spoken in many countries, making it easier for travelers to
communicate.

Reading

English has become a global language, spoken by millions of people as either a first or second
language. It is the official language of more than 50 countries and is used in international
organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union. With the rise of the internet
and globalization, English continues to spread, making it an essential skill for individuals
worldwide.

Comprehension Exercises

1. Why is English considered a global language?

2. How does English help in business and employment?
3. What role does English play in education?
4. Name two international organizations that use English as an official language.
5. How does English contribute to global travel?

The Importance of Regional Integration

Regional integration is the process by which neighboring countries come together to strengthen
economic, political, and social ties. It fosters cooperation, peace, and economic growth.

Why Is Regional Integration Important?

Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele

 1. Economic Growth: Countries benefit from trade agreements that reduce tariffs and
increase market access.
2. Political Stability: Cooperation among nations enhances diplomatic relations and
reduces conflicts.
3. Cultural Exchange: Regional integration encourages the sharing of traditions,
languages, and values.
4. Infrastructure Development: Collaborative projects improve transportation, energy, and
communication networks.
5. Stronger Global Presence: A united region has more influence in international affairs.

Reading

Regional integration helps countries work together to achieve common goals. Organizations like
the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) play a crucial role in strengthening ties between member states. By
collaborating, nations can enhance trade, improve political stability, and promote cultural
understanding.

Comprehension Exercises

1. What is regional integration?

2. How does regional integration contribute to economic growth?
3. Give an example of an organization that supports regional integration.
4. How does cooperation among nations improve political stability?
5. Why is cultural exchange important in regional integration?

Comparing and Contrasting

Comparing and contrasting are essential skills in English that help individuals describe
similarities and differences between objects, people, places, or ideas. Mastering this skill
improves both speaking and writing abilities.

How to Compare and Contrast?

1. Comparing (Finding Similarities):

o Use words like similarly, likewise, both, in the same way, just like, also.
o Example: Both cats and dogs are common pets.
2. Contrasting (Finding Differences):
o Use words like however, but, on the other hand, whereas, unlike, in contrast.
o Example: Unlike cats, dogs need to be taken for walks.

Reading

English and French are both widely spoken languages, but they have significant differences.
While English is considered a global lingua franca, French is spoken primarily in parts of
Europe, Africa, and Canada. English has a more flexible sentence structure, whereas French
Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele
follows stricter grammatical rules. However, both languages share a vast amount of vocabulary
due to historical influences.

Comprehension Exercises

1. What does comparing mean? Provide an example.

2. What does contrasting mean? Provide an example.
3. Write two sentences comparing two similar objects.
4. Write two sentences contrasting two different things.
5. Why is it important to learn how to compare and contrast?

Used To

The phrase used to is commonly used to talk about past habits or situations that no longer happen
in the present.

How to Use "Used To"?

 Used to is followed by the base form of the verb.

 Example: I used to play soccer every weekend, but now I don’t have time.

Reading Passage

When I was a child, I used to visit my grandparents every summer. We used to go fishing in the
lake and have picnics in the park. Now that I am older, I don’t have as much free time, but I still
cherish those memories.

Comprehension Exercises

1. What does used to express?

2. Write two sentences using used to.
3. How is used to different from the present tense?

Future Simple Tense (Will)

The future simple tense is used to describe actions that will happen in the future.

How to Form the Future Simple Tense?

 The structure is will + base verb.

 Example: She will travel to Paris next summer.

Reading Passage

Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele

Technology will continue to advance in the future. Scientists believe that artificial intelligence
will play a significant role in our daily lives. Many jobs will require new skills, and people will
need to adapt to changes in the workplace.

Comprehension Exercises

1. What is the structure of the future simple tense?

2. Write two sentences using will.
3. How is will used to make predictions?

Conditional Sentences (Type 3)

The third conditional is used to talk about hypothetical situations in the past that did not happen.

How to Form the Third Conditional?

 The structure is If + past perfect, would have + past participle.

 Example: If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.

Reading

John missed his flight because he woke up late. If he had set his alarm, he would have arrived at
the airport on time. Unfortunately, he had to book another ticket and wait for the next flight.

Comprehension Exercises

1. What does the third conditional express?

2. Write two sentences using the third conditional.
3. How does the third conditional differ from other conditionals?

Importance of Education

Education is one of the most powerful tools for personal and societal development. It provides
knowledge, improves critical thinking, and opens opportunities for better careers and living
conditions.

Reading Passage

Education helps individuals acquire skills necessary for the modern world. It promotes
innovation, economic growth, and social progress. Without education, many people struggle to
find jobs and improve their quality of life.

Comprehension Exercises

Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele

 1. Why is education important?
2. How does education impact economic growth?
3. Provide two ways in which education improves society.

Importance of Educating Girls

Educating girls is essential for the progress of families, communities, and entire nations. Girls'
education leads to improved health, economic development, and gender equality.

Reading Passage

Studies show that when girls receive education, they are more likely to have better jobs, raise
healthier families, and contribute to their communities. Educated women are also more likely to
participate in decision-making processes, leading to more inclusive societies.

Comprehension Exercises

1. Why is educating girls important for society?

2. How does girls' education impact health and economic development?
3. Provide two ways in which educating girls promotes gender equality.

Agreeing and Disagreeing

Knowing how to express agreement and disagreement politely is essential for effective
communication in English.

Common Phrases for Agreeing:

 I completely agree.
 That’s a great point.
 Exactly!
 I think so too.

Common Phrases for Disagreeing:

 I’m not sure about that.

 I see your point, but...
 I don’t quite agree.
 Actually, I have a different opinion.

Comprehension Exercises

1. Why is it important to express agreement and disagreement clearly?

2. Write two sentences showing agreement.
3. Write two sentences showing disagreement.
Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele
Expressing Opinions

Expressing opinions helps us share our thoughts, engage in discussions, and persuade others in
conversations.

Common Phrases for Expressing Opinions:

 In my opinion...
 I believe that...
 From my perspective...
 As far as I’m concerned...

Comprehension Exercises

1. Why is expressing opinions important?

2. Write two sentences expressing your opinion on education.
3. Write two sentences expressing your opinion on technology.

Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed.

Examples:

 She sings beautifully.

 He runs quickly.

Adjectives (Word Formation)

Adjectives describe nouns and can be formed from verbs or nouns by adding suffixes.

Examples:

 Use → Useful
 Care → Careful

Comprehension Exercises

1. Write three sentences using the present simple tense.

2. Provide three examples of adverbs of manner.
3. Form three adjectives from verbs or nouns.

Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele

Present Perfect Continuous

The Present Perfect Continuous tense is used to describe actions that started in the past and are
still continuing in the present, or actions that have recently stopped but have a visible effect.

Formation:

Subject + has/have been + verb (-ing) + complement

Examples:

 I have been studying English for three years.

 She has been working at the company since 2020.
 They have been waiting for the bus for an hour.

Usage:

1. Actions that started in the past and are still continuing:

o He has been reading that book all day.
o We have been learning English since childhood.
2. Actions that recently stopped but have an effect on the present:
o She is tired because she has been running.
o The ground is wet because it has been raining.

Common Time Expressions Used with Present Perfect Continuous:

 For (e.g., for two hours, for a long time)

 Since (e.g., since 2010, since morning)
 Lately/recently

Reading

The world has been changing rapidly due to technological advancements. Scientists have been
researching new ways to improve communication, while businesses have been adopting
innovative strategies to expand globally. People have been learning new skills to keep up with
the demands of the modern world. With continuous learning and adaptation, societies have been
progressing toward a more connected future.

Comprehension Exercises

1. What is the Present Perfect Continuous tense used for?

2. Write an example sentence using the Present Perfect Continuous.
3. Identify two common time expressions used with this tense.
4. How has technology been changing the world?
5. Why is continuous learning important in modern society?

Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele

Right Equalities

Right equality refers to the concept that all individuals, regardless of their background, should
have equal access to rights, opportunities, and protections under the law. It is a fundamental
principle in democratic societies and is essential for promoting fairness and justice.

Types of Equality

1. Legal Equality – Every person is treated equally before the law, regardless of their
social, economic, or cultural background.
2. Social Equality – Equal access to resources such as education, healthcare, and
employment opportunities.
3. Gender Equality – Ensuring that individuals, regardless of gender, have equal rights and
opportunities.
4. Economic Equality – Fair distribution of wealth and resources to minimize economic
disparity.
5. Educational Equality – Ensuring that all individuals have the right to quality education,
regardless of their financial or social status.

Reading

Throughout history, different movements have fought for equality in various aspects of life. The
abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and civil rights movements are some examples of how
societies have worked to ensure that all people are treated fairly. Today, right equality remains
an essential issue, with efforts to address wage gaps, discrimination, and lack of access to
opportunities in different parts of the world. The United Nations promotes equality through its
Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the need for inclusive and just societies.

Comprehension Exercises

1. What is right equality?

2. Why is legal equality important in a democratic society?
3. Name and explain three types of equality.
4. How do global organizations promote equality?
5. Why is economic equality crucial for a balanced society?
6. Can you think of a historical example where people fought for equality?

Children’s Rights and Duties

Children’s rights are fundamental protections and freedoms granted to individuals under the age
of 18. These rights ensure that children receive proper care, education, and protection from harm.
Along with these rights, children also have responsibilities to contribute positively to their
communities and respect the rights of others.

Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele

Basic Rights of Children

1. Right to Education – Every child has the right to receive quality education to develop
their skills and knowledge.
2. Right to Protection – Children must be protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
3. Right to Healthcare – Every child has the right to proper medical care and a healthy
environment.
4. Right to a Family – Children have the right to be raised in a safe and loving home.
5. Right to Express Opinions – Children have the right to express their views on matters
affecting them.

Duties of Children

1. Respecting Others – Children should treat parents, teachers, and peers with respect.
2. Following Rules – It is important to follow school and community rules for a safe
environment.
3. Helping in the Community – Participating in community activities and helping those in
need.
4. Taking Care of Personal Hygiene – Maintaining cleanliness and personal health.
5. Studying and Learning – Education is a child’s responsibility to ensure a brighter
future.

Reading

Children’s rights are recognized internationally, with organizations like UNICEF working to
ensure that every child is protected and given equal opportunities. However, in some parts of the
world, children still face challenges such as lack of access to education and healthcare. It is
important to continue advocating for children’s rights to create a better future for the next
generation.

Comprehension Exercises

1. What are children’s rights?

2. Why is education considered a fundamental right for children?
3. List three duties of children and explain their importance.
4. How can communities help protect children’s rights?
5. Why do some children face challenges in accessing their rights?
6. How can children contribute to making their society better?

Had to & Past Simple

Past Simple

The Past Simple tense is used to describe completed actions in the past. It is often used with time
expressions such as yesterday, last week, in 2010, ago, etc.

Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele

Formation:

Regular verbs: Verb + -ed (e.g., worked, played, studied)

Irregular verbs: Unique past form (e.g., went, saw, ate)

Examples:

 She visited her grandmother last weekend.

 They went to the cinema yesterday.
 He studied for the test two days ago.

Usage:

1. Completed actions in the past:

o I bought a new phone last month.
o They traveled to Spain in 2022.
2. A series of past actions:
o He woke up, had breakfast, and left for work.

Had to

“Had to” is the past form of “have to” and is used to express obligation or necessity in the past.

Examples:

 She had to finish her homework before going out.

 We had to wake up early for the flight.
 He had to leave because of an emergency.

Reading

Last week, James had to prepare for an important exam. He studied late at night and had to
wake up early every morning to review his notes. His teacher gave him extra exercises, so he had
to complete them before class. After the exam, he felt relieved because he knew he had done his
best. The experience taught him the importance of time management and discipline.

Comprehension Exercises

1. What is the Past Simple tense used for?

2. Give three examples of regular verbs in the Past Simple.
3. What does “had to” express?
4. Create a sentence using “had to.”
5. Why did James have to study late at night?
6. What did James learn from his experience?
Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele
Reading and Comprehension – Agriculture and Animals

Traditional and Modern Agriculture

Agriculture has evolved significantly over time. Traditional agriculture relied on manual labor,
natural fertilizers, and simple tools. Farmers practiced crop rotation, used organic fertilizers, and
depended on seasonal rainfall. Modern agriculture, however, has introduced advanced
technologies such as irrigation systems, genetically modified crops, and chemical fertilizers.
These innovations have increased food production, but they also raise concerns about
environmental sustainability.

Key Differences Between Traditional and Modern Agriculture:

Feature Traditional Agriculture Modern Agriculture

Tools Used Simple tools like plows Tractors, automated machinery
Fertilization Organic compost, manure Chemical fertilizers, GMOs
Irrigation Rain-fed Irrigation systems
Yield Lower crop production Higher crop production

Agriculture (Growing Crops)

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating crops to produce food and raw materials. Farmers grow
various crops such as wheat, rice, maize, and vegetables to sustain communities. Factors such as
climate, soil quality, and water availability influence agricultural productivity.

Common Agricultural Practices:

 Crop Rotation: Growing different crops in the same field to maintain soil fertility.
 Irrigation: Supplying water to crops using canals, sprinklers, or drip irrigation.
 Pesticide Use: Protecting crops from pests and diseases.
 Greenhouses: Growing crops in controlled environments to optimize growth.

Domestic and Wild Animals

Animals play a crucial role in human life. Some animals are domesticated for farming,
companionship, or labor, while others remain wild and contribute to biodiversity.

Domestic Animals:

 Cows, goats, and sheep provide milk and meat.

 Chickens and ducks produce eggs.
 Horses and oxen are used for transport and labor.
 Dogs and cats serve as pets and companions.

Wild Animals:
Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele
  Lions, tigers, and bears are important for ecological balance.
 Elephants and rhinos are found in forests and savannas.
 Birds and insects contribute to pollination and pest control.

Reading

Farming has been a vital part of human civilization for thousands of years. While traditional
methods relied on natural processes, modern agricultural advancements have increased food
production worldwide. Meanwhile, animals continue to play an essential role in human life,
whether as sources of food, labor, or environmental conservation. The relationship between
humans, crops, and animals highlights the interconnectedness of nature and technology in our
daily lives.

Comprehension Exercises

1. What are some key differences between traditional and modern agriculture?
2. Name three agricultural practices used in farming.
3. How do irrigation systems benefit agriculture?
4. What are two examples of domestic animals and their uses?
5. How do wild animals contribute to the environment?
6. Why is agriculture important for human civilization?

Preserving Food

Food preservation is essential for reducing waste and ensuring a stable food supply. Various
methods help extend the shelf life of food products while maintaining their nutritional value.

Common Food Preservation Methods:

 Refrigeration and Freezing: Slowing down bacterial growth to keep food fresh.
 Canning: Sealing food in airtight containers to prevent spoilage.
 Drying and Dehydration: Removing moisture to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
 Salting and Pickling: Using salt or vinegar to preserve food.
 Vacuum Sealing: Removing air from packaging to extend freshness.

Fishing Industries

Fishing is a major industry that provides food, employment, and economic benefits to many
countries. There are two main types of fishing: commercial and subsistence fishing.

Types of Fishing:

 Commercial Fishing: Large-scale fishing using advanced equipment like trawlers and
nets.
 Subsistence Fishing: Small-scale fishing for personal or local community consumption.

Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele

Sustainable Fishing Practices:

 Fish Farming (Aquaculture): Breeding fish in controlled environments to reduce

overfishing.
 Catch Limits: Setting regulations on the number of fish that can be caught.
 Protecting Marine Ecosystems: Avoiding harmful fishing methods that damage
habitats.
 Reducing Bycatch: Using selective fishing gear to avoid catching unintended species.

Reading

Food production and preservation are essential for global food security. While modern
agriculture provides higher yields, it must be balanced with environmental conservation.
Preserving food through freezing, drying, and canning helps reduce food waste. The fishing
industry, a major source of protein worldwide, relies on sustainable practices to prevent
overfishing and protect marine ecosystems. Understanding these processes highlights the
importance of responsible food production and consumption.

Comprehension Exercises

1. What are some common food preservation methods?

2. How does modern agriculture differ from traditional agriculture?
3. What are two types of fishing industries?
4. Why is food preservation important?
5. What is sustainable fishing, and why is it necessary?
6. How do aquaculture and catch limits help the fishing industry?

Grammar and Writing – Sequence Markers, Quantitative Adjectives, and

Modal Verbs for Advice

Sequence Markers

Sequence markers are words or phrases used to show the order of events or ideas in writing and
speaking. They help to make communication clear and organized.

Common Sequence Markers:

 Beginning: First, To start with, Initially

 Continuing: Then, Next, After that, Furthermore
 Concluding: Finally, In conclusion, At last

Example Sentences:

1. First, wash your hands. Then, chop the vegetables. Finally, cook them in a pan.

Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele

 2. Initially, he was nervous about public speaking. However, after practicing, he became
confident.

Exercise:

1. Arrange the following sentences in a logical sequence using appropriate sequence

markers:
o She went to bed.
o She brushed her teeth.
o She set her alarm.
o She turned off the lights.

Quantitative Adjectives

Quantitative adjectives describe the quantity or amount of something. They answer the question
"How much?" or "How many?"

Examples of Quantitative Adjectives:

 Small Quantities: Few, Little, Some

 Large Quantities: Many, Much, Several, Numerous
 Exact Quantities: One, Two, Ten, Hundred

Example Sentences:

1. I have a few friends in this city.

2. She bought several books from the bookstore.
3. There is little sugar left in the jar.

Exercise:

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct quantitative adjective:

o I have _________ pencils in my bag. (many/few)
o There is _________ water in the glass. (much/little)
o He completed ___________ assignments before the deadline. (some/all)

Modal Verbs for Advice

Modal verbs such as "should," "ought to," and "had better" are used to give advice or
recommendations.

Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele

Common Modal Verbs for Advice:

 Should: Used for general advice.

o You should drink more water to stay healthy.
 Ought to: Similar to "should" but slightly stronger.
o You ought to apologize for your mistake.
 Had better: Strong advice, often with a warning.
o You had better leave early, or you’ll miss the train.

Exercise:

1. Rewrite the following sentences using modal verbs for advice:

o Eat more vegetables to stay healthy. (should)
o It is best if you apologize to your friend. (ought to)
o If you don’t study, you might fail the test. (had better)

Grammar and Writing – Comparison of Adjectives, Countable and

Uncountable Nouns

Comparison of Adjectives

Adjectives are used to describe nouns, and they can be compared using different forms to show
differences in degree or quality.

Types of Comparison:

1. Normal Degree: Describes a quality without comparison.

o This book is interesting.
2. Comparative Degree: Compares two things using “-er” or “more.”
o This book is more interesting than that one.
o He is taller than his brother.
3. Superlative Degree: Compares more than two things using “-est” or “most.”
o This is the most interesting book I have ever read.
o He is the tallest person in the class.

Irregular Comparisons:

Noermal Comparative Superlative

Good Better Best
Bad Worse Worst
Far Farther Farthest

Exercise:
Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele
 1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the adjective in parentheses:
o This movie is ____________ than the one we watched yesterday. (exciting)
o Of all the students, she is the _______________. (intelligent)
o This test is _______________ than the last one. (difficult)

Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Nouns can be classified as countable (things that can be counted) or uncountable (things that
cannot be counted individually).

Countable Nouns:

 Can be counted (one, two, three, etc.).

 Have singular and plural forms.
 Use “a” or “an” in the singular form.

Examples:

 One apple, two apples

 A book, many books
 An orange, some oranges

Uncountable Nouns:

 Cannot be counted individually.

 Do not have plural forms.
 Use “some,” “much,” or “a lot of” instead of numbers.

Examples:

 Water, sugar, rice

 Some milk, much information, a lot of furniture

Exercise:

1. Identify whether the following nouns are countable (C) or uncountable (U):
o ____ Coffee
o ____ Chair
o ____ Bread
o ____ Apple
2. Fill in the blanks with “much” or “many”:
o How _______ books do you have?
o There isn’t ________ sugar left in the jar.
o We need _________ chairs for the meeting.

Written by: Ernesto Nelson Tamele