Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
The case of Dr. David Akide drives home the point that nobody should be written off as a failure as long as he has not died. As far as I can retail, he was one of the weakest in class throughout our primary school career. Right from the second grade, he was the butt of most of our jokes. Indeed, whenever the teacher referred a question to him, most of us waited eagerly to have a good laugh. But we all admired him for two things. For one thing. he was the only one who never wrote with the right hand as he was a complete southpaw. Then, he endured all the jokes cheerfully and indeed referred to himself as “Mr. Why Hurry.” For ever sociable, he was a friend to everybody who came close enough.
Not surprising, we left him behind in the primary school as he could not get admitted to any of the secondary schools to which he took an admission examination. That was why. from the time I entered the secondary school, I lost contact with him. Nor did any of my mates whom I closely associated with ever mention meeting him anywhere. As far as most of us were concerned. David had faded away into obscurity. I imagined that he must have ended up in one of the low-grade vocations since he was at least good in handicraft.
Then. a few months ago thirty-eight years after I last saw him in the primary school, while I was watching a 9 0′ clock television network programme, I saw David being interviewed by a team of reporters. He was introduced as a specialist surgeon who have made his mark in heart surgery in the nation’s leading teaching hospital. The questions were on his recent feat in his successful correction of abnormality in the heart of a patient who had been written off by • most other specialists. The patient fully recovered and was now back in his vocation as a mechanic.
I was amazed. I was pleasantly surprised. From the interview. it became clear that he had experienced a surge in intellectual prowess late in his secondary career and zoomed into and through the university as a medical students. Thereafter, it had been one major achievement after another for him in his chosen field.
(a) What evidence is there that the writer is not a young person?
(b) For what two things was David Akide admired by others in the primary school?
(c) Why could he not move into a secondary school then along with the others?
(d) What did the writer assume had been the fate of David after leaving the primary school?
(e) What is established by the fact that David Akide was being interviewed by a panel of reporters on the nation’s network programme?
(f) Why was the writer amazed?
(g) “… while I was watching a 9 o. clock television network programme …”
(i) What is the grammatical name given to this expression as it is used in the passage?
(ii) What is its function?
(h) ” … zoomed into and through the university, ..
(i) What figure of speech is used in this expression?
(ii) What does it mean?
(i) For each of the following words, find another word or phrase which means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the passage: (i) cheerfully (ii) sociable (iii) imagined (iv) vocation (v) achievement
Write a story to illustrate the saying: The devil makes work for idle hands.
You are the main speaker in a debate on the topic: Technology has made the world a better place. Write your arguments for or against the motion.
Write a letter to the Minister of Education in your country discussing, at least, three ways by which the quality of education could be improved.
Write an article suitable for publication in your school magazine on the need to inculcate good moral value in the youth
A friend of yours who has been living in Europe for some years has written to invite you to join him. Write a reply to his letter giving, at least, three reasons why you would rather remain in your country.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
Every normal human being would want to put his or her feet up once in a while and relax, but, obviously. one cannot relax all the time. A little work does not kill. Rather. it keeps one active and mentally alert. Some people think that the invention of robots is the best thing that ever happened to man. They are convinced that the invention has saved the day because robots are ideal workers who work without complaining or getting tired. Robots never reveal company secrets for any reason – corruption. fame or blackmail. The admirers of robots think that once a robot is programmed, it can do any piece of work with precision over a long period without slowing down, getting bored or even going on break or vacation. Robots can be made to perform any task. They do not grumble, protest or ask for ‘inducement allowance’, overtime, bonus or any of the motivations that human beings usually demand. They also work under conditions which human beings would not accept due to either incapability or attitude.
One good thing about the robot is that any of its damaged parts can be replaced for work to go on effectively. On the other hand, if a human being loses a vital part of the body, that part may not be replaced for work to go on as effectively as before.
There is no doubt at all that the robot is useful but I strongly believe that the human being is more efficient than the robot in many ways. Human beings are sensitive, thinking beings who are flexible and can therefore control their actions. Thus, they can perform more functions than robots. Since human beings can think, discriminate and make value judgements, they can solve problems on the spur of the moment. The robot, on the other hand, cannot do this because what it has been programmed for is all that it is capable of doing. If a robot is wrongly programmed, it will continue to produce the wrong result until its programme is corrected.
The human being can take the initiative in many things. He can communicate or even call for assistance when need be, which the robot cannot do. The human being can be appealed to, to make some crucial changes; he can also learn from observing what goes on and modify what he is doing.
It is clear that even though robots are useful, they are deficient in many ways, and therefore cannot have an advantage over human beings. In crisis, the robot cannot face the challenge. It neither reacts nor reflects.
The robot is designed and programmed by human beings. How then can the created be superior to the creator? Robots are created to assist human beings and relieve them of some of their burdens, not to take over completely from them.
(a) In three sentences, one for each, state why the admirers of robotics think that robots are more efficient than human beings.
(b) In three sentences, one for each, state three advantages which the human being has over the robot.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
The mansion by the roadside in my village reminds me of a similar sight in the state capital, three decades ago. Standing conspicuously by the highway in the heart of the city, the mansion posed a bold challenge to road users. It belonged to Chief Koko who was regarded as untouchable in his community. Nobody dared step on his toes. Motorists had learnt to steer clear of it. It was generally assumed that .moving close to it could cost one one’s life,
Then came a governor who decided to widen all the major roads in the capital city. He stressed that this would involve the demolition of buildings that fell within twenty metres from the centre of the road. However, although the governor also stressed that compensations would be paid, Chief Koko was not impressed. He made it clear that nothing should tamper with his mansion, warning that whoever defied him risked dire consequences.
Not long after the governor’s official proclamation, newspaper reporters had a field day speculating on the unprecedented confrontation with Chief. With time, news filtered out that he asserted that whoever dared him would certainly end up where others like them had gone. The message was clear – defiance meant death! So, reporters were pleading for a new route to circumvent the mansion. However, the governor made it clear that there would be no retreat.
Before long, work started on the project. One of the first casualties was a post office that was just some metres within the specified distance. It was cut into two Soon, the frontage of a school nearby also followed. But, it was assumed that things would be different with the mansion whose owner tolerated no effrontery. Day by day, the project moved closer to the mansion, with the heavy machine levelling one structure after another. Then, when it was clear that the mansion was next in line, the driver of the bulldozer requested to go on leave This got to the governor who ordered the driver to first do his duty. He sent emissaries to the governor to spare his life since his children were still very young.
The following morning, people got a shocker! The governor himself showed up at the site and asked for the key to the bulldozer, ready to assume the role of the driver. The driver, surveying the possible consequence, tearfully climbed up and pleaded that the governor should please care for his children after his demise. The governor announced that if anything was to happen he, not the driver, would be the target.
So, the driver got to work and the mansion collapsed like a pack of cards. Press photographers went to town with their cameras, hoping to capture Chief Koko in action But nothing unusual happened, and soon the whole structure became a rubble.
The aftermath? Everybody thought either or both men would soon belong to the great beyond. But this much I know: that governor is still around; and so is the driver.
(a) What opinion did people have of Chief Koko?
(b) What does the expression, unprecedented confrontation tell us about the governor?
(c) Why was it necessary to demolish buildings?
(d) When the driver said that his children were still very young what did he imply?
(e) …people got a shocker. Why was the governor’s action a shocker?
(f) What did people expect Chief Koko to do after the demolition of his mansion?
(g) Not long after the governor ‘s official proclamation
(i) What grammatical name is given to this expression as it is used in the passage?
(ii) What is its function?
(h) Quote a simile used in the sixth paragraph of the passage
(i) For each of the following words, find another word or phrase which means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the passage: (i) assumed, (ii) retreat; (iii) specified, (iv) showed up; (v) collapsed.
Write e a story ending with the statement: We apologised to each other and reconciled.
You are the main speaker in a debate on the topic: Students in rural schools have more advantages than those in the urban centres. Write your arguments fur or against the motion.
The School Hero is an award meant for the student considered to have exhibited exemplary leadership qualities. As the Senior Prefect, write a letter to the Head of your school, giving three reasons why your nominee should be given the award.
Write an article suitable for publication in a national newspaper on the topic: The importance of national sports festivals.
Write a letter to your friend in another school giving him/her three reasons why your school has been excelling in academic work.
You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this section.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
The announcement in 2011 that the world population had hit the seven billion mark seemed to have taken many people by surprise. Most people wondered how humanity could have grown by a billion within two decades. However, anyone conversant with factors relevant to human growth should understand this phenomenal increase. Let us examine the factors that have prompted the rise in population.
To begin with, think of the health facilities obtainable some centuries earlier compared with now. Man’s knowledge of medical care was appalling some centuries ago. Today, with medical centres within easy reach of most people, and with drugs available to combat virtually all forms of diseases. death rate has been drastically reduced, while life expectancy has risen significantly in most countries. This has caused the great reduction in infant mortality and subsequently increased the number of senior citizens.
Similarly, there is the vital role of education. The spread of education has created a great level of awareness about human welfare and health. Even primary school pupils know the dangers of drinking unwholesome water, living in an unclean environment and ignoring simple rules of hygiene. Besides. education has deflated the various myths and superstitions that pervaded our fathers’ lives.
Nutrition is also a significant contributor. As agricultural practices continue to be aided by serious research efforts, and as tools for farming the land continue to be more available, food supply has been greatly enhanced in an unprecedented way. Today, more food crops can he available on less land area than was the case. Thus, the monster of hunger that used to cause starvation and death is being progressively tamed.
Finally, think of the relative security humanity has enjoyed in the past few decades. In the past centuries, major wars were a common phenomenon. Wars that ravaged Europe and Africa for many decades have almost been forgotten. Although there are still some skirmishes in some parts of the world, these have not been serious enough to bring about a significant change in population.
What then is the net result? Each factor translates to a healthier, safer and longer life. Consequently, our population multiplies at a consistent rate. So, we need not be surprised that the world population is seven billion. Indeed, in the next quarter of a century, another billion may be added, and by the end of this century we may have double the present number. But in this lies another danger: that of gross over-population. If the present trend continues unabated the planet earth may soon become too small to house mankind. For example, arable land may be grossly inadequate to support food production for the very large population. Also, if the population continues to grow unchecked, there will be too many people who may contribute to polluting the environment. Just imagine the amount of waste that would be generated daily by homes, industries and institutions. These waste and debris, if not collected regularly and disposed of properly. may lead to environmental degradation. We should, therefore, watch it.
(a) In four sentences, one for each, summarize the factors that have prompted the rapid increase in world population.
(‘b) In two sentences. one for each, summarize what is likely to follow the continuing rapid population growth.
You are advised to spend about 30 minutes on this section.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
We believed that the teacher would not be home that weekend. My father had strictly warned us not to go out at night since recent happenings had shown that it was unsafe. However, the thought of those mouth-watering fruits in the teacher’s compound made us spend many sleepless nights. We decided that fateful night to sneak out and get some delicious mangoes to feast on.
Towards midnight, my two cousins and I crept stealthily out of the house. The fresh air invigorated us. The moon shone with unusual brightness and that enabled us to see our way clearly and the ripe mangoes as well. We soon reached the teacher’s house, a stone’s throw from ours. We climbed over the wall, as nimbly as monkeys. Since I was skilled in climbing, my cousins asked me to go up the tree which was laden with ripe mangoes. In no time. I reached the branch which appeared to be most heavy with fruits. I shook it and many juicy mangoes fell to the ground. My cousins gathered them into their bags and we blessed our stars for this windfall.
Suddenly, the powerful headlights of an approaching car warned us of impending danger. To our amazement. it was the teacher and he had already spotted us. In my haste to get down, I lost my balance and fell heavily, injuring my arm. My cousins ran like the wind and escaped, leaving me to my fate. I attempted to run away but could not. I lay on the ground groaning in pain.
The teacher raised an instant alarm and the neighbours came rushing to the scene. I pleaded with them not to harm me. The teacher and another man lifted me up and brought me to my father’s house. The teacher called my father to open the door but he did not answer.
“We have your son here and he is wounded,” the teacher explained.
“My son is sleeping peacefully in his room,” my father retorted.
My mother, who had been awake all this while and listening to these exchanges, went into our room to verify the truth. My cousins pretended to be fast asleep. When she discovered my absence, she gave a heart-rending cry which at last brought my father out. He took the whole scene in at a glance and stood speechless, gazing at me in shock and disbelief. He thanked the teacher profusely. After my mother had bandaged my arm, my father sat me down and rained abuses on me. I broke down in tears and made a clean confession. This softened him but did not prevent him from giving my cousins the spanking of their lives.
(a) Why did the writer’s father warn the boys against going out at night?
(b) Quote a phrase in the second paragraph which shows that the teacher’s house was not far from the writer’s own.
(c) What enabled the teacher to discover the boys? (d) Describe what led to the writer’s injury. (e) Why did the writer’s father refuse to open the door?
(f) …an instant alarm… (i) What is the grammatical name given to this expression as it is used in the passage? (ii) What is its function?
(g) …like the wind.. (i) What figure of speech is contained in this expression’? (ii) What does it mean?
(h) For each of the following words, find another word or phrase which means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the passage: (i) recent; (ii) delicious; (iii) stealthily; (iv) approaching; (v) spotted; (vi) verify.
You are the main speaker in a debate on the topic: Education is the best legacy a parent can give a child. Write your arguments. for or against the motion.
The Parent-Teacher Association of your school has decided to transform the school into a single-sex school. As the Senior Prefect, write a letter to the Chairman giving, at least. three reasons why you disagree with the decision.
Some core values in your society have been eroded by modernization. Write an article suitable for publication in a national newspaper on the need to revive these values for a better society.
A friend of yours wants to study in your school and has written to you for information and advice: Write a reply to him, telling him all that he needs to know about the school.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
Young people are usually faced with several challenges as they grow up These challenges have increased dramatically as a result of the present impressive advances in science. The Internet and the mobile phone, for instance, have indeed reduced the whole world to a global village and given birth to social media. Social media itself has made it possible for anyone to instantly keep abreast with happenings all around the world.
But many people are worried that a lot of youths use social media in various negative ways that tend to ultimately increase the challenges they face in life. First, Internet chatting and dating have become common among youths, They spend valuable time in internet cafes or glued to their smart phones with the hope that through Skype or Facebook “luck” would come their way. The time wasted in this way could have been spent on studying and helping their parents with household chores.
Another downside of social media is the easy access to pornography that it offers. Attracted like gnats to bright light at night, many youths spend hours watching pornography This has the inevitable effect of corrupting their minds. in the fantasy world that pornography plunges them into. they care little for anything else. In the end, the casualties are their studies and their morals.
Again, youths are often driven by the “get rich quick” syndrome as they observe successful and affluent members of the society all around them who flaunt their wealth by driving expensive cars and living ostentatious lifestyles. Because many youths are seized by the irresistible desire to become like these people overnight, they readily resort to any available means to succeed, including cyber crime. Since face-to-face contact is not involved, it is easy for these misguided youths to plan and executive all manner of scams on social media.
What can be done to rescue the youths from these influences? First, parents have a crucial role to play. Many youths have improper home training and most parents leave their children to learn life’s lessons on their own. They allow them to find solutions to their problems with minimal guidance. The reality is that the sooner parents change their method of raising children, the better.
Teachers also have to play a crucial role. Teachers should realize that just as parents take over the responsibility of teaching when their children are at home, they in turn become the youth’s parents at school. They should therefore ensure not only that the right skills are taught the youth, but also that the right attitudes are instilled in them.
The society at large should also realize that at their impressionable age, youths are simply influenced by what they observe happening around them, whether good or bad. So, instead of emphasizing materialism and flaunting of wealth, the society’s responsibility towards the youths should be mainly to instil in them its norms, customs and values through proper role modelling. Then the world will become a better place for the youth, because they will be able to control their own destiny.
(a) In three sentences, one for each, summarize the negative influences of social media on youths.
(b) In three sentences, one for each, summarize what must be done to rescue the youths from these influences.