Theory
1. Your school fees have been increased astronomically and your father has threatened to transfer you to another school. Write a letter to him giving, at least, three reasons why you would like to remain in your present school.
2. Write an article for publication in a national newspaper on the importance of education in national development.
3. The quality of food prepared for students in your school has become very poor. Write a letter to the Principal complaining about this and explaining ways in which this situation can be remedied.
4. You are the Chief Speaker in a debate on the topic: Education is not as important as riches. Write your argument for or against the topic.
5. Write a story ending with the statement: Indeed, it was the biggest lesson of my life.
6. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
It was Mr. Ogun that wooed me for school. That was decades ago, I had resisted vehemently: I even ran away to hibernate with my maternal grandmother. I had told Granny that I wanted to spend a few days with her. By nightfall, my father, who suspected that I was hiding there, came to take me away. The following morning, he dragged me all the way to school where Mr. Ogun received all fresh students.
I swore secretly that I would abscond at the first opportunity. but throughout the day, Mr. Ogun kept a watchful eye on fresh pupils. He had a smiling face and looked very friendly. As soon as he had registered our names, he led us to the field to play. Of all the children, I was probably the only one who looked forward to an opportunity to abscond. Mr. Ogun seemed to have read my mind, he used my name in the songs he composed as we marched round the field. He once held me by the hand and marched along with me. As we went on. he announced, “What a smart fellow! Clap for him.”
In the classroom, Mr. Ogun told me to sit in front as he stated, “My Smartic will keep the pieces of chalk and the duster.” Gradually, I was mellowing in my plan to abscond. I began to think that I could give school a try. At the end of that day, my father was around to take me home. Perhaps he decided not to take chances.
During the first week, my father took me to school everyday. Somehow, my resistance was softening to his surprise. Every morning, as I produced the pieces of chalk from the cupboard. Mr. Ogun smiled broadly, nodding approvingly. Before we left the classroom for recess, for games or for home, I dutifully kept the materials safe, and as soon as we returned, I produced them. It took some time before I realized that my role was crucial since the pilfering of such materials was common in all the other classes.
My father soon stopped bothering about me as I would get up from bed, take my bath, and get into my uniform without any prodding. My love for school was deepening. especially when I discovered that I was among the few that always did well in most tests. And Mr. Ogun would praise me to the skies.
Towards the end of the school year, we learnt that Mr. Ogun was going on transfer to another school. How devastated I felt! Now, at last, was the time to abscond from school. But then. I simply could not take the crucial step because my bond with school had become very firm.
(a) What evidence is there in the passage that the writer’s experience took place long ago?
(b) Mention two things that Mr. Ogun did that won the writer for school.
(c) What was the benefit of the duty performed by the writer to his class?
(d) What do you think the writer implies when he states that he dressed up for school without any prodding?
(e) Why could he not carry out his plan to abscond when his mentor had left?
(f) …that my role was crucial.. (i) What is the grammatical name given to this expression as it is used in the passage? (ii) What is its function?
(g) “…my bond with school had become very firm” What figure of speech is used in this expression?
(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) vehemently — (ii) abscond (iii) probably (iv) gradually (v) prodding (vi) devastated
7. Read the following passage carefully and answer the question on it.
When the principal introduced Mr. Njobe as our new Mathematics teacher, we did not think much of him. He did not look very likeable nor did he appear to be an achiever. Nothing was spectacular about him apart from the fact that he was a South African. Most of us who knew the goings-on in his country regarded him as one of the luckless refugees from the apartheid regime. After the mild clapping, we forgot about the man with giant, hungry looks.
During his first lesson in our class, it struck me that not once did he consult the textbook. Rather, to teach the properties of the square and rectangle, he made us measure the top of our tables, the classroom doors, and other objects around. From there, we discovered that these objects had opposite equal sides, and all the angles were equal. We did not have to learn these from books; he made us find out. When later I consulted my textbook, what Durell, the great mathematician, wrote came every much alive. I started to see Mr. Njobe as equal to Durrell.
With time, we began to like his teaching. He taught with zeal and usually through playlike methods. His class was always lively and full of jokes. For instance, to each us the properties of a circle, he instructed us to bring out the bowls which we used for the midday meal. During the lesson, he made each one measure the distance round his bowl. Incidentally, almost every bowl was different in size. We laughed at the sizes of the different bowls while we measured them. Throughout the lesson, there was much laughter. Finally, he told each student to divide the distance round the bowl by the distance through the centre. Imagine our amazement when we discovered that, whatever the size of the bowl, all the answers were the same. This he explained is the base in all computations regarding the circle. That was fifty years ago and I have not forgotten. He actually tamed Mathematics for us, terrifying as it was.
Then, one day, we learnt that Mr. Njobe was on admission in Wesley Guild Hospital. Our representatives sent to convey our good wishes were refused entry into the intensive care unit: they were told that his condition was critical. We virtually went into mourning for weeks. But just as we were writing him off our mind, one hot afternoon, his car crawled into the school compound. As he stepped out, students swarmed out, carried him shoulder-high and danced round the school, chanting spontaneously, Njobe, welcome! Mathematics welcome!”
(a) Describe the appearance of Mr. Njobe on his first day in the school.
(b) With what concept of South Africa did the writer associate Mr. Njobe?
(c) What did the students’ mild clapping suggest?
(d) What impressed the writer about the new teacher during the first lesson?
(e) What is the unique about the new teacher’s method of teaching?
(f) “…that i these objects had opposite equal sides…”
(i) What is the grammatical name given to this expression as it is used in the passage?
(ii) What is its function?
(g) “He actually tamed Mathematics for us…” What figure of speech s used in this expression?
(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) luckless (ii) consult (iii) meticulously (iv) amazement (v) terrifying (vi) critical
Objective
In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time correctly fill the gap in the sentence.
Tom is refined but his brother is rather …….
A. arrogant
B. crude
C. unskillful
D. foolish
In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time correctly fill the gap in the sentence.
Lions are in extinction in The Gambia but monkeys are still in …….
A. action
B. existence
C. vogue
D. custody
In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time correctly fill the gap in the sentence.
Mary’s explanation was explicit but mine was …..
A. long
B. winding
C. vague
D. irrelevant
In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time correctly fill the gap in the sentence.
The Major demanded an unalloyed, and not a ….loyalty from his soldiers.
A. strict
B. wavering
C. clumsy
D. alterable
In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time correctly fill the gap in the sentence.
The brevity of the President’s speech contrasts with the ….. of the Secretary’s
A. accuracy
B. vagueness
C. clarity
D. verbosity
In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time correctly fill the gap in the sentence.
I can vouch that he broke the glass accidentally and not …..
A. forcefully
B. directly
C. carefully
D. deliberately
In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time correctly fill the gap in the sentence.
Only question one is compulsory; therefore, the rest are …..
A. easy
B. clear
C. confusing
D. optional
In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time correctly fill the gap in the sentence.
The Magistrate convicted the hardened criminal but …..and discharged the first offender
A. acquitted
B. jailed
C. released
D. sentenced
In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time correctly fill the gap in the sentence.
Houses built with bricks are sturdy while those built with glass are …..
A. temporary
B. fragile
C. beautiful
D. cosy
In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time correctly fill the gap in the sentence.
The principal is very strict but his vice is …..
A. peaceful
B. lenient
C. kind
D. efficient
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence below.
The brutal killing of members of the opposition provoked strong ……
A. condemnation
B. accusation
C. molestation
D. denial
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence below.
The doctor ……. my illness as malaria
A. discovered
B. diagnosed
C. prescribed
D. announced
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence below.
Since we should not disclose our identity, our letter to the principal must be …..
A. unclear
B. anonymous
C. ambigous
D. candid
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence below.
Although we pleaded for long with our father, he remained ……. that we should not go to the stadium.
A. callous
B. curious
C. adamant
D. candid
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence below.
Since hard drugs are destroying our youths, our government has placed an ……. on them
A. injunction
B. infringement
C. order
D. embargo
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence below.
Oseli’s ……. teacher teaches English, Physics, Economics and Technical Drawing.
A. efficient
B. jovial
C. kind
D. versatile
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence below.
Some political leaders love ……. who always praise their governments.
A. sycophants
B. parasites
C. allies
D. favourites
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence below.
The ……. of the new king will take place next week
A. re-election
B. demolition
C. coronation
D. re-admission
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence below.
The match was a ….. for Brazil because their team was stronger than the opposing team.
A. profit
B. giveaway
C. walkover
D. defeat
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence below.
Kofi is too ……. ; he wants to know about everybody’s business
A. inquisitive
B. friendly
C. concerned
D. busy
After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for the sentence.
Ali does not let grass grow under his feet. This means that Ali
A. does not waste time in doing things
B. is very wicked
C. cuts the grass in his field always
D. is very selfish
After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for the sentence.
The dishonest trader always palms off faulty goods on her customers. This means that
A. handles bad goods
B. refunds money to her customers
C. tricks her customers into accepting bad products
D. pays the penalty for selling faulty goods
After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for the sentence.
Ojo’s learning has gone to his head. This means that Ojo
A. has become proud because of his learning
B. has learnt too much
C. has been made mad by his learning
D. feels that only learning is important
After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for the sentence.
When the vice principal left the school, it became a bedlam. This means that
A. every student attended school regularly
B. punctuality was the order of the day
C. many students boycotted classes
D. there was noise and confusion in the school
After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for the sentence.
That amount Ivan donated was his widow’s mite. This means that Ivan
A. gave all that the widow had
B. was miserly
C. gave all that he had
D. could have given more
After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for the sentence.
Fatou’s awkward behavior shows that she is a green horn. This means that Fatou is
A. arrogant
B. inexperienced
C. inattentive
D. cautious
After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for the sentence.
To secure more votes, the politician played to the gallery. This means that the politician
A. became over confident
B. attempted to win cheap popularity
C. was selfish
D. went to the gallery
After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for the sentence.
Those who think that all is well in Cascada are living in a fool’s paradise . This means that
A. they are fools
B. some fools live in Cascadia
C. they are under an illusion
D. they are almost insane
After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for the sentence.
While playing a visit to his uncle, Ayo intends to kill two birds with one stone. This means that Ayo
A. promises to bring two birds home
B. takes part in a double deal
C. hopes to achieve two aims with one action
D. intends to do two things at the same time
After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for the sentence.
People hardly show their true colors. This means that people rarely show
A. their abilities
B. how colourful they can be
C. their real character
D. how noble they are
From the words lettered A to D below,choose the word or groups of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
Mary was kept in solitary confinement.
A. idle
B. quiet
C. lonely
D. harsh
From the words lettered A to D below,choose the word or groups of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
Buba has a very alluring personality.
A. attractive
B. intricate
C. deceptive
D. interesting
From the words lettered A to D below,choose the word or groups of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
Hard drugs are detrimental to health.
A. paramount
B. ineffective
C. necessary
D. harmful
From the words lettered A to D below,choose the word or groups of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
My father remains inflexible once he has taken a decision
A. certain
B. relaxed
C. permanent
D. unyielding
From the words lettered A to D below,choose the word or groups of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
Maxwell usually makes obnoxious remarks.
A. prudent
B. offensive
C. unpredictable
D. queer
From the words lettered A to D below,choose the word or groups of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
We should prevail upon Kwesi to accept the job
A. provoke
B. persuade
C. cajole
D. force
From the words lettered A to D below,choose the word or groups of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
The team has an arduous task ahead of it.
A. a severe
B. a heavy
C. a strenous
D. an enjoyable
From the words lettered A to D below,choose the word or groups of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
The two tasks should be undertaken concurrently
A. consecutively
B. alternatively
C. immediately
D. simultaneously
From the words lettered A to D below,choose the word or groups of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
The students were told to review their assignments.
A. re-examine
B. recount
C. inspect
D. return
From the words lettered A to D below,choose the word or groups of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
Marian does not have the stamina to run that race.
A. courage
B. energy
C. determination
D. ability
From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes t
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