Grammar: Phrasal Verbs, Common Mistakes, and Past WASSCE Papers

Grade 12 · English Grammer

Semester 1 | Period 3 | Week 17

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Subject: English Grammer

Semester: 1

Period: 3

Week: 17

School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Grammar
Grade Level: Grade 12
Period: III
Week & Period: Week 17, Period III

Topic: Grammar: Phrasal Verbs, Common Mistakes, and Past WASSCE Papers

Date:

Specific Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

  1. Apply phrasal verbs correctly in structured and creative writing.
  2. Identify commonly misused English words and correct them.
  3. Develop effective public speech outlines and rehearse delivery.
  4. Analyze real WASSCE grammar structures with justification.

 

A – Anticipation (Engage learners):

Starter Prompt:
“What’s the difference between ‘look up to someone’ and ‘look someone up’? Can both be used in the same context?”

Pair & Share:
Give students the phrases: bring up, call off, break down, put off, check in.
Ask: What do these phrasal verbs mean? Write two possible meanings (literal and idiomatic).

 

B – Building Knowledge (Core Content):

  1. Phrasal Verb Drill with Context:

Phrasal Verb

Meaning

Sentence

break down

to stop functioning

My car broke down on the highway.

call off

to cancel

The teacher called off the test.

look up to

to admire

I look up to my mother for her strength.

put off

to delay

They put off the meeting until next week.

Activity:
Complete the following sentences using appropriate phrasal verbs:

  1. We had to __________ the game due to rain.
  2. She really __________ her elder sister.
  3. The machine suddenly __________ while working.
  4. Commonly Misused Words – Correction Practice:
  • accept vs. except
  • affect vs. effect
  • advise vs. advice

Task:
Correct the following:

  1. He excepted the offer with joy.
  2. The movie had a great affect on me.
  3. Please give me an advise on this matter.

Mini Debate:
Each pair presents and defends their corrections in class, justifying the grammar rule.

 

  1. Public Speech Outline Practice – Oral Communication:

Model Template:

  • Introduction: Greeting, Hook, Thesis
  • Body: 2–3 Supporting Points with examples
  • Conclusion: Summary, Final Statement

Practice Task:
Draft a 1-minute speech on: “Why Good Grammar Helps You Succeed in Life.”
Use at least 3 phrasal verbs and avoid common mistakes reviewed in class.

 

C – Consolidation (Application and Reflection):

Class Activity:
Correct a paragraph filled with 10 grammar issues (phrasal misuse + word errors). Work in pairs.

Discussion Prompt:
“Can grammar mistakes change the meaning of a sentence completely? Give examples.”

Assignment:

  1. Write 10 sentences using different phrasal verbs and underline them.
  2. Write a paragraph using at least 3 corrected commonly misused words.
  3. Choose one past WASSCE grammar sentence and explain the grammar concept tested.

 

Assessment in Class:

  1. Fill in the blanks with phrasal verbs:
  2. I will __________ at the airport before my flight. (check in)
  3. Please __________ your jacket, it’s warm inside. (take off)
  4. The event was __________ due to technical issues. (called off)
  5. Identify and correct word misuse:
  6. They didn’t except the invitation.
  7. This will effect your grade.
  8. I need your advise on this issue.
  9. Speech Analysis:
    Underline 3 phrasal verbs and 2 common word uses in this paragraph and explain their meaning and correctness.

 

Teacher’s Reflection:

  • Did students demonstrate comfort using phrasal verbs in both writing and speech?
  • Were they able to identify tricky word errors without prompting?
  • Which learners need oral presentation reinforcement?