SS 1 THIRD TERM EXAMINATION ENGLISH GRAMMAR

THIRD TERM     

SUBJECT:  ENGLISH STUDIES      CLASS: S.S S 1      DURATION 1HR 30MINS

PAPER 1                                                      

ESSAY

Answer one question only from this section.

1. You are dissatisfied with some practices in your school. Write a letter to your friend in another school discussing at least three of these practices and the improvement you desire.
2. Write an article suitable for publication in a national newspaper on the high cost of living, suggesting at least three ways in which the government of your country can tackle problem.
3. Write a letter to the Chairman of the Environment Protection Agency on the effects of illegal felling of trees and suggest ways to remedy the situation.
4. You are the main speaker in a debate on the topic: Children of literate parents perform better those of illiterate parents. Write your argument for or against the motion.
5. Write a story to illustrate the saying: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

COMPREHENSION 

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.

The crowd was massive. Men, women, boys and girls from every nook and cranny of the village had gathered under the big iroko tree. Also in the crowd was an American couple, tourists, who were enjoying their holiday. At the centre of the large circle of people was the magician who had the reputation of performing unbelievable feats. Everybody was impressed with the feats which went along with the hilarious drumming.

Then came the next item. The magician’s three aides each took out a local gun while the magician danced even wilder. The gun-totting aides took up position in three different corners. The drumming became more frenzied and the magician performed more acrobatics. The people were not to wonder for long what guns had to do with the whole show. One after the other, the aides aimed at the magician while he steadied himself to receive the shots. Each gun boomed with a loud report, and the magician jumped up in celebration of his survival. The three shots seemingly got to him but he simply laughed to scorn the shooters.

The American tourist was more mystified. He could not explain it. How could a man receive bullet shots in his chest and still remain unscathed? In disbelief, he shouted, “This is amazing, can’t be explained. But wait a minute, I’ll join the show myself. “There and then, he went to his car, took out his rifle and returned to the crowd. “I’m gonna get this guy!” he proclaimed.

He took aim. The magician saw him out of the corner of his eye. He surveyed the scenario and decided that he was not prepared for this. Quickly, he showed a clean pair of heels. Tearing through the crowd, he ran for his dear life. Some thought this was still part of the show, but when the man would return, it was clear that he had bidden the audience a hasty farewell.

What the American and most others did not realize all the time was that the locals had no bullets whatsoever, only the gunpowder.

Questions:

1. What suggests that the show was free?
2. What evidence is there that the performance was not a one-man show?
3. Why was the magician confident to receive the shots from his aides?
4. What did the American tourist set out to prove?
5. What might have happened if the American had completed his contemplated action?
6. …he showed a clean pair of heels. What does this expression mean?
7. …which went along with the hilarious drumming.

1. What is the grammatical name given to this expression as it is used in the passage?
2. What is its function?

1. For each of the following words, find another word or phase which means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the passage:

1. Feats;
2. Aides;
3. Steadied;
4. Mystified
5. Unscathed;

SUMMARY

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.

Drug abuse is a menace in many countries. The continued abuse of drugs usually leads to addiction. This problem is more common among youths. The drugs that can be abused vary from prescribed medication to more controlled substances. Alcohol, cigarette and controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and so on are addictive drugs that are often used by many young people. They can be smoked, swallowed, and inhaled or injected into the bloodstream.

There are numerous adverse medical and psychological consequences associated with drug addiction. Individuals have been known to suffer irreversible damage from the abuse of drugs. It can affect the nervous system as well as cause memory loss, brain damage and depression.

Drug addicts may display psychotic behaviours, mood swings and may be predispose to irascible decision making. They are also likely to suffer general health problems related to the lungs, heart and kidneys. In fact, the adverse behavioural and physical effects of drugs addiction on individuals are enormous.

Apart from problems for the individual, the families of drug addicts are not spared. Since addicts are usually incapable of functioning as ‘normal’ members of the society, they abuse their families. They are prone to abusing their spouses and children. There have been reports of children harming their parents because the latter did not give them money to buy drugs. Drugs addicts may eventually require expensive treatment and rehabilitation. These have huge cost implications that put a lot of pressure on the family budget. In addition, their families face stigmatization in their communities.

The society at large also suffers. Drug addicts are more likely to be involved in criminal activities than people who are not. Many of the heinous crimes reported have been attributed to drug addiction.The abuse of alcohol is one of the reasons for the increasing number of road accidents. An increase in crime rates forces the government to commit huge resources to fighting crime, resources that could have been used to provide more social amenities. Moreover, most criminal gangs are formed and thrive on money from drugs. Although the addicts have made the drugs trade seemingly attractive and profitable, no one should promote it.

Regardless of the apparently insurmountable nature of the problems associated with drug addiction, some measures could be taken to curb this menace. People need to be more educated on the effects of addiction on themselves and their families. Children must be taught in schools and at home the need to stay away from drugs. The law- enforcement agencies should also be better empowered and resourced to apprehend dealers in order to curtail the availability of drugs in circulation. Another step is to ensure that drug addict receive early treatment. Such treatment should be based on the specific drug the individual is addicted to. While it may appear impossible to eliminate the problems of addiction, relentless efforts in taking the steps above will help to weaken the grip of drug abuse on our society.

1.  In three sentences, one for each, state three categories of people that are affected by drug addiction and what they suffer.
2.  In three sentences, one for each, identify three ways to combat drug addiction in the society.

SUBJECT:  ENGLISH STUDIES     

CLASS: S.S S 1      DURATION 1HR 30MINS

PAPER 2

    LEXIS AND STRUCTURE

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one the is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap.

1. That road which used to be wide now appears ____________ because of the new drainage.  A. winding   B. limited  C. narrow  D. reduced
2. In the past any person who angered the gods was made to __________ them   A. appease   B. reward  C. settle   D. beg
3. Rather than being sensitive to the plight of the workers, the manager remained ___________   A. disdainful  B. curious  C. negligent  D. indifferent
4. A keen student makes progress but the _________ one hardly does well.   A. inactive   B. lowly  C. nervous  D. reluctant 
5. Unlike you, I thought the message was quite ___not ambiguous.    A. reasonable   B. clear  C. apt  D. persuasive
6. Good policies alleviate poverty whereas bad ones _________ it.   A. prolong   B. activate  C. aggravate  D. listed
7. One expects books in a library to be well __________, not jumbled.   A. numbered  B. documented  C. arranged  D. listed
8. Despite everything, I choose to keep rather than __________ the secret.  A. renounce B. show  C. reveal  D. display
9. Thought the teachers ________ the idea, the principal was averse to it.  A. welcomed   B. recognized  C. admitted  D. greeted
10. It is only natural to feel nervous when you first take the stage but you soon become _______   A. balanced  B. peaceful  C. normal  D. composed

SECTION 2

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.

1. Don’t tell me you’re ________ enough to believe his lies.  A. credible  B. childish  C. modest  D. native
2. The members of parliament tabled an _______ to the constitution.   A. adjustment  B. amendment   C. enactment  D. annulment
3. His ________ to violent video games is something to worry about.  A. devotion   B. attachment  C. commitment  D. addiction
4. Most people think that __________ punishment should be abolished, even in murders cases.   A. fatal   B. capital  C. severe  D. corporal
5. The president made a _______ appeal for calm in the face of the crisis.  A. passionate   B. zealous  C. tactful  D. sensitive
6. What I gave you was supposed to  ________ your monthly earnings.  A. expand   B. enlarge   C. complete  D. augment
7. The boy’s parents ________ a sigh of relief when he was found.   A. raised   B. uttered   C. breathed  D. heaved
8. We _______ the meeting indefinitely because we could not form a quorum.   A. postponed  B. reconvened  C. adjourned  D. ended 
9. The policeman tried to ________ money from the motorist.  A. exert  B. extort  C. exact  D. extract
10. They were given an __________ either pay the rent or vacate the premises.  A. ultimatum  B. injunction  C. admonition   D. undertaking

SECTION 3

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence.

1. My school carried the day in the debate. This means that my school   A. missed the debate   B. won the debate   C. chose the date for the debate   D. had very good points
2. We covered much ground at the conference yesterday. This means that we A. discussed some issues B. treated many issues C. used a lot of space.   D. argued about many things
3. We saw Ada, of all people, dancing. This means that  A. we saw Ada for the first time  B. we saw Ada dancing with everyone    C. Ada didn’t want us to see her dancing   D. we were surprised to see Ada dancing
4. There are clear indications that Buba backed the wrong horse. This means that Buba  A. supported the wrong person  B. argued blindly  C. abandoned his position   D. bet on a losing horse
5. I knew that they were being economical with the truth. This means that they  A. were being honest   B. did not know enough about the matter  C. knew more than they were prepared to say  D. did not know the truth
6. My mother wanted to know what was eating him. This means that she wanted to find out  A. what had made him become lean  B. what he was spending his money on   C. why he was upset   D. why he ignored her
7. People who tell lies make me see red. This means that such people make me   A. dizzy  B. angry  C. sad  D. anxious
8. After several attempts to claim the child, he threw in the towel. This means that he   A. succeeded finally  B. accepted defeat   C. gained confidence  D. became indifferent
9. This is their third defeat in row. This means that they have  A. been defeated three times   B. defeated three teams consecutively   C. been defeated by three teams   D. suffered three consecutive defeats
10. The company has been under siege from the public. This means that the company is being  A. applauded  B. picketed  C. criticized  D. shielded

SECTION 4

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.

1. Most people abhor nagging.    A. scorn  B. despise  C. reject  D. slight
2. I really hope Beatrice would be kind enough to let us stay the night.  A. generous  B. polite  C. gracious   D. gentle
3. I personally think that the costume is rather outlandish.   A. outdated  B. strange  C. unique  D. foreign
4. He did all he could to fortify the building against attack.    A. defend  B. secure  C. shield  D. support
5. This is one decision you cannot defend.     A. justify  B. explain  C. support  D. express
6. He simply disliked his wife’s inordinate demands for money.   A. frequent  B. excessive  C. repeated  D. indecent 
7. Bravery is Victor’s most dominant trait.   A. admirable   B. outstanding  C. suitable  D. influential
8. It’s always better to buy durable products.  A. authentic  B. expensive  C. permanent   D. lasting
9. Where did this document emanate from?   A. originate  B. emerge  C. appear  D. arise
10. The management applauded the staff for their hard work.   A. adored  B. commended  C. encouraged   D. recommended

SECTION 5

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences:

1. You like ice cream, ____________?     A. didn’t you    B. did you  C. isn’t it   D. don’t you
2. I didn’t tell my parents about the trip because they would be ________ themselves with worry.  A. at B. upon  C. within  D. aside
3. We arrived just ______ time for the formal opening.  A. in  B. after  C. before  D. at
4. She claims __________ someone jump over the fence.   A. seeing  B. to have seen  C. having seen  D. to be seeing
5. Kofi says he is better at Physics ________   A. as I am  B. than I am  C. as me  D. than I do 
6. Her shoes are made _______ genuine leather.   A. on  B. of   C. with  D. by
7. Even after his explanation, I was none the _________   A. wiser   B. wise  C. wisest  D. worse
8. I spoke to Mary and Peter on the issue but ________ of them took my advice.  A. all   B. neither  C. either  D. each
9. We need to _________ for lost time.   A. make in   B. make by    C. make up   D.  make through 
10. Everyone wants to be the ________ favourite.     A. school principal  B. school’s principal’s    C. school principal’s    D. school’s principal
11. That haircut makes him __________ in the crowd.   A. stand out  B. stand tall  C. stand in   D. stand on’
12. The deal ________ because we could not get enough money to finance it.  A. fell up   B. fell out  C. fell in   D. fell through
13. ____________ in this town for many years, I can tell you a lot about its people.    A. from living   B. to have lived    C. having lived   D. in living
14. I don’t believe that any __________ person would do such a thing.   A. matured  B. mature   C. maturing   D. matures
15. The coach, as well as the players, _____________ given fantastic gifts last month.    A. was    B. were   C. are   D. is 
16. If he _________ here, he would do it for free.    A. is   B. were   C. was   D. will be
17. Had she told me, I _________ you.   A. will have stopped   B. would have stopped  C. would stop  D. must have stopped 
18. Since his transfer to Banjul, my brother __________ our hometown.     A. had not been visiting  B. did not visit   C. has not visited  D. had not visited
19. The Minister __________ Agriculture visited our school today.   A. to  B. on  C. of  D. in
20. You must obtain a degree _______ medicine to be a doctor.  A. on   B. for   C. or  D. an
21. We’ll buy more but for now, let’s just _________ with what we have.  A. make up  B. make do  C. make away  D. make out
22. They told her that we would solve the problem __________ A. herself  B. himself  C. themselves  D. ourselves
23. The sport I like ________ is swimming.  A. better  B. much  C. most   D. more
24. If you insist that you are not a tailor, _________ are you?    A. whom  B. which  C. what   D. who
25. If your grades don’t improve, I shall have no option __________ to move you to another school.   A. than  B. except  C. besides    D. but
26. I _________ rather he did not stay.   A. could  B. should  C. will  D. would
27. Everyone of the boys __________ excited about the picnic.   A. was seeming  B. is seeming  C. seem    D. seems
28. You _______ be ashamed of yourself for saying such a thing before the principal.   A. will  B. should  C. might  D. shall

SECTION 6

In the following passage, the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below the passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. Choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gaps in the passage.

The young doctor looked sprightly in his white coat. Displaying his ____ 71 ___ very conspicuously on his neck, he walked through the ___ 72 ___, greeting each of the ___ 73 ____ who greeted him in return. Then suddenly, his eyes caught a woman on a nearby ___ 74 ____. He went closer, held her hand, feeling for her ____ 75 ___, and then carried out some other minor ___ 76 ___. After he had elicited one or two answers from the woman, the young doctor ordered, “Stretcher, quickly; take her to the ___ 77 ___!” Even the ___ 78 ___ who had been supervising her treatment were amazed. As the woman was being wheeled to the operating room, one of the nurses asked, “Are you sure doctor that she is for surgery?” The young doctor did not mince words; he said to her, “This is an ectopic pregnancy, no mistake about it. The ___ 79 ___ must be taken out promptly.” That was it. Within minutes, the operation began. While this was going on, blood was being prepared for ___ 80 ___. Before long, the surgery was completed.

    A          B        C          D

1. chain      badge    stethoscope    watch
2. aisles            office            room                ward
3. patients        clients                    invalids            customers
4. stretcher        bed            wheelchair            bench
5. breathing        pulse            response            pressure
6. experiments        probes                    drills                checks
7. theatre            laboratory                  clinic                casualty
8. orderlies        matrons        midwives            attendants
9. baby             child            infant                foetus
10. dripping        pumping        transfer            transfusion