Graduation day

Sabas' Graduation Day

Read the Passage and Answer the Questions

I am Sabas Matanda from Dodoma. My parents are Tanzanians. Five years ago, my father, Joseph Matanda, got a job in Dar es Salaam at a gas company as an engineer. He moved with his family, which includes my mother, my two younger sisters, and me.

My sisters, Neema and Joyce, and I enrolled at Uhuru Primary School. At that time, I was in Standard Three. I completed Standard Seven last year. I remember my graduation day as if it were yesterday. It was Saturday, the 15th of November, a day I had been eagerly waiting for.

That morning, I woke up early, dressed in my clean and well-ironed uniform, and had my favorite breakfast, prepared by my mother. My best friend, Jumanne, and I left for school together. We were both graduating, so we walked quickly to avoid being late.

When we arrived, we saw a huge banner at the school entrance that read: "Welcome to the 16th Standard Seven Graduation Ceremony." The school grounds were decorated with tents and neatly arranged chairs. At around 10:30 a.m., guests started arriving, and by 12:00 p.m., the Guest of Honour arrived, marking the beginning of the ceremony.

There were traditional dances, a choir, and a brass band entertaining the audience. After the entertainment, the Guest of Honour congratulated us on completing primary education and awarded us our leaving certificates. We were overjoyed.

Later, we moved to the Assembly Hall for a farewell party. The hall was beautifully decorated with music playing in the background. A long table was set with a variety of food and drinks. The Headteacher welcomed us with a short speech, and then the party began.

We enjoyed delicious meals and soft drinks. The Headteacher opened the dance with the Assistant Headteacher, and soon, everyone joined them. The DJ played bongo flava, R&B, reggae, and hip-hop music. We danced until we were exhausted. The party ended at 6:30 p.m., and we all went home very happy.

Exercise 1: Answer the Questions

1. When did Sabas come to Dar es Salaam?
2. Where does Sabas come from?
3. Who is Sabas' best friend?
4. What special event was Sabas looking forward to?
5. What entertainment was prepared for this special day?
6. Why did they organize the party?
7. Where was the party held?
8. What types of music did the DJ play at the party?
9. Why did Sabas Matanda move from Dodoma to Dar es Salaam?
10. Why do pupils feel happy when they graduate?

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Verb Form

Example:

• Last year, Neema ___________ (go) to Mbinga.
  Last year, Neema went to Mbinga.

1. Yesterday, the graduation ceremony ___________ (start) late.
2. Last year, on the graduation day, Jumanne and Sabas _________ (arrive) at school early.
3. Towards the end of the ceremony, the Guest of Honour ________ (award) leaving certificates to Standard Seven pupils.
4. The party ___________ (begin) at two o'clock in the afternoon.
5. Sabas ___________ (drink) soda at the party.
6. Standard Seven pupils ___________ (dance) and enjoyed themselves.
7. Mrs. Matanda ___________ (register) her three children at Uhuru Primary School.
8. Last month, we ___________ (build) a chicken coop.
9. We ___________ (keep) layers last year.
10. Early this week, I ___________ (sell) eggs to our neighbors.

For each of the clock faces below, write the time in numbers and in words.

(a) It is ................................. It is.................................

(b) It is ................................. It is.................................

(c) It is ................................. It is.................................

(d) It is ................................. It is.................................

Exercise 3: Rearrange the Sentences in the Correct Order

Rearrange the following sentences to form a logical short paragraph.

(a) When Sabas and Jumanne arrived at school, they were asked to take their seats.
(b) There was good food, a lot of drinks, and great music at the party.
(c) He was really looking forward to graduating.
(d) The party ended at 6:30 p.m.
(e) As soon as the Guest of Honour arrived, the ceremony started.
(f) Last year, Sabas finished Standard Seven.
(g) Later, everyone danced until they were very tired.
(h) On the morning of graduation day, he woke up early.
(i) After the graduation ceremony, all Standard Seven pupils were asked to attend a farewell party