Why Essays Matter in KCSE
KNEC English Paper 3 (Creative Composition and Essays) carries 40 marks of your total English grade.
A good essay can push you from B to A.
A weak essay pulls down your entire English grade.
The good news: Essay writing follows clear patterns. Learn them, practice, and you’ll consistently score high marks.
What Examiners Look For
KNEC examiners mark essays based on:
- Content (15 marks): Ideas, development, relevance
- Organization (10 marks): Structure, flow, paragraphing
- Language (10 marks): Vocabulary, grammar, sentence variety
- Mechanics (5 marks): Spelling, punctuation, handwriting
To score well: Strong in all four areas.
Essay Types in KCSE
1. Narrative Essay
Tells a story (real or fictional).
Common prompts:
- “Write a story ending with: …not all that glitters is gold.”
- “Narrate an incident that taught you the importance of honesty.”
- “A day everything went wrong.”
Structure:
- Introduction: Set scene, introduce characters
- Body: Tell story chronologically (beginning, middle, end)
- Conclusion: Resolution, lesson learned
Key: Make it interesting—use dialogue, descriptions, suspense.
2. Descriptive Essay
Paints a picture with words.
Common prompts:
- “Describe a market scene in your area.”
- “Describe a memorable place you visited.”
- “Describe a person who has influenced your life.”
Structure:
- Introduction: Overview of what you’re describing
- Body: Details (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste—use all senses)
- Conclusion: Overall impression, feelings
Key: Vivid language, specific details (don’t just say “beautiful”—explain what makes it beautiful).
3. Argumentative/Discursive Essay
Present argument, either one-sided or balanced.
Common prompts:
- “Should mobile phones be allowed in schools?”
- “Discuss the effects of social media on youth.”
- “Technology: blessing or curse?”
Types:
- For or Against (argue one side)
- Advantages and Disadvantages (balanced discussion)
Structure:
- Introduction: Background, thesis statement
- Body: Points for/against with evidence
- Conclusion: Summarize, restate position
Key: Logical reasoning, evidence, examples.
4. Narrative/Personal Recount
Similar to narrative, but personal experience.
Example prompts:
- “Describe an experience that changed your perspective.”
- “A challenge you overcame.”
Difference from narrative: Must be believable personal story, not fantasy/fiction.
The Perfect Essay Structure
Introduction (1 paragraph)
Purpose: Hook the reader, introduce topic.
Techniques:
1. Question: “Have you ever wondered why…”
2. Quote: “As Chinua Achebe wrote, ‘Until the lions have their historians…’”
3. Anecdote: Short relevant story
4. Bold statement: “Corruption is the single biggest obstacle to Kenya’s development.”
5. Description: “The sun rose over the dusty streets of…”
Length: 3-5 sentences.
Must include: Clear thesis statement (what essay is about).
Example (argumentative):
“Mobile phones have become ubiquitous in modern society, with even primary school children owning smartphones. While some argue that phones are essential learning tools, I believe mobile phones should not be allowed in schools due to their potential for distraction, cyberbullying, and exam malpractice.”
Example (narrative):
“The morning of December 15th, 2023, started like any other. I had no idea that by evening, I would learn a lesson that would change my life forever. It was the day I discovered that integrity matters more than winning.”
Body Paragraphs (3-4 paragraphs)
Each paragraph: One main idea.
Structure (use PEEL):
Point: Topic sentence (main idea)
Evidence: Examples, facts, personal experience
Explanation: Explain how evidence supports point
Link: Connect to next paragraph or thesis
Example paragraph (argumentative):
[Point] Firstly, mobile phones are a major distraction in the classroom. [Evidence] Studies show that students who use phones during lessons retain 40% less information than those who don’t. In my own school, I have observed classmates texting during lessons, missing key explanations. [Explanation] This distraction not only affects their performance but also disrupts other students who are trying to concentrate. [Link] Beyond individual distraction, phones also facilitate negative social behaviors.
Tips:
- Start each paragraph with clear topic sentence
- Use transition words (Firstly, Secondly, Furthermore, However, Moreover, In addition, On the other hand, Nevertheless)
- Vary sentence length (mix short and long)
- Use specific examples (not vague generalizations)
Narrative body: Tell story chronologically. Build tension, include dialogue, describe emotions.
Descriptive body: Use sensory details. Show, don’t tell (“The market buzzed with activity” vs “The market was busy”).
Conclusion (1 paragraph)
Purpose: Wrap up, leave lasting impression.
What to include:
- Summarize main points (don’t introduce new ideas)
- Restate thesis in different words
- End with thought-provoking statement, call to action, or reflection
What NOT to do:
- Don’t start with “In conclusion” or “In summary” (examiners find it unoriginal)
- Don’t copy-paste your introduction
- Don’t be too brief (3-4 sentences minimum)
Example (argumentative):
“While mobile phones undoubtedly offer educational benefits, their negative impact on student focus, social dynamics, and academic integrity cannot be ignored. Schools must prioritize learning environments free from digital distractions. Perhaps as technology evolves, so too will our ability to harness it responsibly—but until that day, classrooms are better off phone-free.”
Example (narrative):
“As I walked home that evening, I realized that winning the competition through dishonest means would have been a hollow victory. My teacher’s words echoed in my mind: ‘Character is what you do when no one is watching.’ I had made the right choice, and though I didn’t win, I had gained something far more valuable—self-respect.”
Language and Style
Vocabulary
Don’t: Use big words unnecessarily (trying too hard)
Do: Use appropriate, varied vocabulary
Instead of: “said” (repeated 10 times) Use: replied, exclaimed, whispered, added, suggested, argued
Instead of: “very good” Use: excellent, outstanding, remarkable
Avoid clichés: “as light as a feather,” “white as snow” (overused)
Use fresh expressions: Show creativity.
Sentence Variety
Mix:
- Short sentences (for impact): “I froze. My heart pounded.”
- Medium sentences (most common)
- Long sentences (for description, flow)
Example:
“The classroom was silent. Every student stared at the teacher, waiting for her response. She cleared her throat, adjusted her glasses, and began to speak in a voice so calm it was almost unsettling, given the gravity of what she was about to reveal.”
Vary sentence beginnings:
- Don’t start every sentence with “I” or “The”
- Use adverbs: “Suddenly,”, “Unfortunately,”, “Interestingly,”
- Use participial phrases: “Walking down the street, I noticed…”
- Use prepositional phrases: “In the middle of the night, I heard…”
Grammar Essentials
Subject-verb agreement:
- ✅ “He goes to school”
- ❌ “He go to school”
Tenses:
- Narrative: Usually past tense (“I walked…”), but present tense okay for immediacy (“I walk down the street…”)
- Be consistent: Don’t switch tenses randomly
Pronouns:
- “I” (subject) vs “me” (object)
- ✅ “John and I went”
- ❌ “John and me went”
Articles (a, an, the):
- Use correctly
- ✅ “I saw a dog. The dog was brown.”
Punctuation:
- Comma: Separate items, after introductory phrases, before coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or)
- Period: End sentences
- Question mark: Questions only
- Exclamation mark: Use sparingly (once or twice per essay maximum)
Paragraphing
New paragraph for:
- New idea/point
- New speaker (in dialogue)
- Change in time/place
Indent each paragraph (3-4 letter spaces).
Length: 4-8 sentences per paragraph (not too short, not too long).
Don’t: Write one giant paragraph or 10 tiny paragraphs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Answering the Question
Prompt: “Write about a time you learned the importance of patience.”
Wrong: Write about impatience and how it’s bad (didn’t follow “a time you learned”)
Right: Narrate specific incident where you learned patience lesson.
Tip: Underline keywords in prompt before writing.
2. Poor Planning
Don’t: Start writing immediately.
Do: Spend 5-10 minutes planning (outline).
Outline example (argumentative):
- Intro: Mobile phones shouldn’t be in schools
- Point 1: Distraction
- Point 2: Cyberbullying
- Point 3: Cheating
- Conclusion: Summarize, restate
Planning prevents:
- Running out of ideas mid-essay
- Disorganized structure
- Going off-topic
3. Too Short or Too Long
KCSE requirement: 350-450 words (approximately 2-3 pages in exam booklet).
Too short (under 300 words): Lose marks (underdeveloped ideas).
Too long (over 500 words): Rushing at end, more spelling errors, less time for other questions.
Practice: Write within word limit during preparation.
4. Clichés and Overused Phrases
Avoid:
- “As busy as a bee”
- “At the end of the day”
- “Each and every”
- “In this day and age”
- “It goes without saying”
Use: Original, fresh expressions.
5. Repetition
Don’t: Repeat same words/ideas.
Example of repetition:
“The teacher was good. She taught good lessons. The students thought she was a good teacher.”
Better:
“The teacher was excellent. She delivered engaging lessons. The students admired her dedication.”
6. Weak Conclusions
Weak: “That’s all I have to say.”
Weak: “So in conclusion, that’s why I think phones are bad.”
Strong: Summarize thoughtfully, end with memorable statement.
7. Illegible Handwriting
Examiners can’t mark what they can’t read.
Tips:
- Write clearly (even if slower)
- If your handwriting is poor, practice daily
- Print letters instead of cursive if cursive is messy
8. Spelling Errors
Common mistakes:
- their/there/they’re
- your/you’re
- effect/affect
- its/it’s
- loose/lose
Fix: Learn these, proofread.
9. Wrong Register
Formal essays (argumentative, discursive): Formal language, no slang
Wrong: “Phones are like, totally bad for school, you know?”
Right: “Mobile phones negatively impact the learning environment.”
Narrative/personal: Can be slightly informal, but still proper English.
10. Not Proofreading
Last 5 minutes of exam: Read through essay.
Check:
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Missed words
- Clarity
You’ll find mistakes—fix them neatly.
Practice Plan
1. Read Excellent Essays
Sources:
- KNEC English past papers with marking schemes (examiners’ reports)
- Model essays in set books guides
- Sample essays online (KNEC portal, educational sites)
Analyze:
- Structure
- Language
- How they introduced topic
- How they concluded
2. Write Regularly
Frequency: At least one essay per week (more as exams approach).
Process:
- Pick prompt (from past papers)
- Plan (5-10 mins)
- Write (30-40 mins, timed)
- Proofread (5 mins)
3. Get Feedback
Ask:
- Teacher to mark
- Friends to read
- Self-assess using KNEC marking scheme
Focus on: Areas consistently marked down (grammar? organization? content?).
Improve systematically.
4. Vocabulary Building
Daily:
- Learn 5 new words
- Use them in sentences
- Note synonyms for common words (good, bad, said)
Read widely: Novels, newspapers—expose yourself to quality writing.
5. Study Model Essays
From past KCSE exams, study essays that scored high marks.
Notice:
- How they structured paragraphs
- Vocabulary choices
- How they developed ideas
Don’t copy: Learn the technique, develop your style.
Essay Checklist
Before submitting, ask:
✅ Did I answer the question directly? ✅ Is my introduction engaging? ✅ Do I have 3-4 clear body paragraphs? ✅ Does each paragraph have one main idea? ✅ Did I use transition words? ✅ Is my vocabulary varied (not repeating same words)? ✅ Did I use different sentence structures? ✅ Is my grammar correct? ✅ Is spelling correct? ✅ Is punctuation correct? ✅ Is handwriting clear? ✅ Does my conclusion summarize well? ✅ Is essay 350-450 words (2-3 pages)? ✅ Did I proofread?
If all checked: You’re ready to score high marks.
Sample Essay Breakdown
Prompt: “Write a composition ending with: ‘…and that is how I learned that honesty is the best policy.’”
Planning (5 mins):
- Incident: Found wallet with money, returned it
- Beginning: Setting, finding wallet
- Middle: Temptation, internal conflict
- End: Returning wallet, feeling good, lesson
Introduction:
“It was a typical Tuesday afternoon as I walked home from school along Moi Avenue. The street bustled with matatus hooting, vendors calling out their wares, and pedestrians rushing to their destinations. I was lost in thought about the upcoming mathematics exam when something caught my eye—a black leather wallet lying near the bus stop. Little did I know that this wallet would teach me one of life’s most valuable lessons.”
Body Paragraph 1 (Finding the wallet):
“I bent down and picked it up. It was heavy, and curiosity got the better of me. Inside, I found a national ID card belonging to a Mr. Kamau, several bank cards, and a thick wad of cash—more money than I had ever held in my life. My heart raced. Quick calculations ran through my mind: this was enough to buy the new phone I had been dreaming about for months.”
Body Paragraph 2 (Temptation):
“For a moment, I stood frozen, torn between desire and duty. The devil on my shoulder whispered, ‘No one saw you pick it up. You need this money more than Mr. Kamau probably does. Finders keepers.’ But then I thought about my mother, who had raised me to always do the right thing, even when no one was watching. I imagined how devastated Mr. Kamau must be, frantically searching for his wallet, worried about replacing his documents and the lost money.”
Body Paragraph 3 (Decision and action):
“Taking a deep breath, I made my decision. I would find Mr. Kamau and return his wallet. Using the phone number on a business card I found inside, I called him. His voice was desperate as he answered, clearly anxious about his lost wallet. When I told him I had found it and wanted to return it, his relief was palpable. We agreed to meet at a nearby restaurant. Twenty minutes later, I handed him the wallet, contents intact.”
Body Paragraph 4 (Outcome):
“Mr. Kamau’s gratitude was overwhelming. He insisted on giving me a reward, but I politely declined, explaining that I had only done what was right. His eyes welled up with tears as he thanked me repeatedly. ‘Young man,’ he said, ‘people like you are rare. You have restored my faith in humanity.’ As I walked away, I felt a warmth in my chest that no amount of money could buy—the satisfaction of knowing I had made the right choice.”
Conclusion:
“That evening, as I recounted the day’s events to my mother, she embraced me with pride. I realized that the temporary pleasure of ill-gotten wealth would have been overshadowed by guilt and shame. The feeling of integrity, of being able to look at myself in the mirror without regret, was invaluable. More than that, I had made a tangible difference in someone’s life. And that is how I learned that honesty is the best policy.”
What made this essay strong:
- Clear structure (introduction, chronological events, resolution, lesson)
- Specific details (Moi Avenue, matatus, vendors, Mr. Kamau)
- Internal conflict (creates interest)
- Dialogue (“Young man, people like you are rare…”)
- Sensory details (heart racing, warmth in chest)
- Answered the prompt exactly (ended with the required statement)
- Vocabulary variety (bustled, palpable, welled up, invaluable)
- Proper paragraphing
- Clear moral lesson
Final Tips for KCSE Success
- Practice under exam conditions: Timed, handwritten
- Master time management: 5 mins planning, 40 mins writing, 5 mins proofreading
- Read the prompt carefully: Underline keywords
- Stay on topic: Every sentence should relate to prompt
- Write legibly: Examiner can’t award marks for illegible work
- Use formal English: No sheng, no text speak (unless in dialogue for narrative)
- Avoid controversial/offensive content: Stick to safe, appropriate topics
- Be original: Examiners read hundreds of essays—make yours memorable (in a good way)
- Show, don’t tell: “She was angry” → “Her face flushed, and she clenched her fists”
- Believe in yourself: With practice, anyone can write excellent essays
The key to mastering KCSE essays: Practice, feedback, revision, repeat. Start practicing today—every essay you write brings you closer to that A. Good luck!