ENGLISH GRAMMAR FIRST TERM EXAMINATION SS 3
FIRST TERM
Examination malpractices may lead to a repeat of the subject or suspensions don’t be involved.
SUBJECT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 1
TIME: 2hrs
CLASS: SS 3
SECTION A
ESSAY (50 marks)
Instruction: Answer ONE question ONLY from this section. All questions carry equal marks. Your answer should not be less than 450 words.
You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this section.
- You have recently moved into a new neighbourhood with your parents. Write a letter to your sister who is studying overseas giving, at least three reasons for disliking the new place.
- Write an article for publication in a national newspaper on the topic: Vocational Training is the answer to unemployment among the youths.
- Your country’s Public Transport System is not functioning properly. Write a letter to the Minister of Transport highlighting the causes and suggesting, at least, two measures to remedy the situation.
- You are the Chief Speaker in a debate on the topic: “The youths of today are more interested in the pursuit of pleasure than in academic work”. Write your speech for or against the topic.
- Write a story to illustrate the saying: A good name is better than riches.
SECTION B
COMPREHENSION PASSAGE I (40 marks)
- Read the following passage and answer the questions on it.
It was a little past 10a.m but the medium-sized hall that served as a prayer house was already brimming with people from different parts of the metropolis, who had come to seek cure or answers to their problems. The majority of this lot were those with seemingly intractable mental health conditions. The superintendent of the prayer house in questions was often spoken of in whispers as possessing uncanny spiritual powers to exercise evil spirits. It was also believed that he had answers to numerous illnesses that defied orthodox medication. Wednesday of each week was set aside for these healing sessions.
On this particular Wednesday, noisy supplications to the Most High and ceaseless invocation of His name to free those supposedly held captive by alleged evil spirits had reached fever pitch. Suddenly, a middle-aged man broke loose from the crowd and ran as fast as his wobbly legs could permit. Some male workers from the prayer house gave him a hot chase.
At first, bemused by-standers rained curses on the fleeing man, wondering why a man in his right senses would in broad daylight rob a house of God. They obviously mistook the man for a robber fleeing from the scene of his crime. But he was not. Minutes later, he was caught and chained hands and feet, despite his struggle against his captors who intermittently lashed him with horse-whip. As he was being violently dragged along the street, the man ceaselessly muttered incomprehensible words that sounded like the muttering of a colony of baboons. Then, a clear picture of the situation dawned on the on-lookers. The man, after all, was not a thief and has stolen nothing; rather, his ability to think and reason properly had taken flight of him. Simply put, he was mentally deranged.
The above incident is a common occurrence in many parts of the country. it aptly underscores the devastating mental health conditions plaguing a sizeable number of people in recent times. It also points to the unspeakable and inhuman treatment which people with such health disorders suffer at the hands of self-styled spiritualists. This is the usual lot of mental patients whose family members refuse to take advantage of orthodox treatment.
Questions
What brought the people to the prayer house?
State the functions of the superintendent of the prayer house.
What was wrong with the on-lookers’ assessment of the run-away man?
Mention two instances of inhuman treatment in the passage.
What is the writer’s attitude towards the treatment of lunatics at prayer house?
“… like the muttering of a colony of baboons.”
What figure of speech is contained in this expression?
“… Whose family member refuse to take advantage of orthodox treatment”
- What grammatical name is given to this expression as it is used in the passage?
- What is its function?
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.
- intractable ii. supplications
iii. wobbly iv. intermittently
- deranged
SECTION C
SUMMARY (30 marks)
You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this section.
It is now fashionable to hear discussions centring on the disproportionate representation of males and females in the population. It is indeed not uncommon to hear people say that for every man, there are about two or three women; so, every man can marry more than one woman. This theory is, of course popular among adherents who favour the seeming glamour of the polygamous way of life. The big question is: ‘How correct is this theory?’ And, what are the facts?
The stark reality is that in any normal population, out of every one hundred conceptions, about fifty-three to fifty-five are for boys, and about forty-five to forty-seven are for girls. So, there are potentially more boys than girls in any normal population. However, because of many factors, some of which are not fully clear, the foetus of a boy is far more fragile than that of a girl. So, there are more miscarriage of male children than female ones. So, by the time the children are born, the ratio between boys and girls have been reduced to about fifty-two boys to forty-eight girls.
As infants, boys are more delicate than girls. Boys are less resistant to certain killer diseases and girls thus have a higher chance of survival. The result is that before adolescene, at about the age of between nine and eleven years, boys and girls are virtually at par in the population.
Throughout adolescence, from the age of twelve to nineteen years, boys continue to fall victim of many ailments at a much higher degree than girls do. Besides, boys’ tendency to be more adventurous, more daring and more risk-taking expose them far more to mishaps. Some of these do reduce their representation in the population.
So, by the end of the age of adolescence, there are slightly more girls than boys. The reduction, thereafter, in the number of males continues progressively. Men are the bread-winners, the soldiers and the travelers. It is during their middle age that very many men die tragically, as soldiers in their boots, so to say. The net result of this is that by the time they are in the mid-thirties, there are more women than men.
Finally, in their forties and fifties, far more men than women die of cardiac diseases like hypertension, heart-attack and anxiety. This is the period when there are clearly more widows than widowers.
On the whole, therefore, there are more females than males but certainly not in the proportion claimed by adherents of polygamy. During their marriageable years, there are about eleven wives to ten husbands – that is, husbands and wives of the same age. That in some communities one man could marry as many as fifteen wives is a result of the fact that men normally marry from among the ladies younger than they are.
This, more than any other factor, allows some men who are inclined to polygamy to have their way.
- In five sentences, one for each factor, summarize the factors responsible for the progressive reduction in the number of males as against females from conception to adulthood.
- In one sentence, state why some form of polygamy is possible in a normal population.
DO NOT OPEN TO THE NEXT PAGE UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO.
Examination malpractices may lead to a repeat of the subject or suspensions don’t be involved.
SUBJECT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 2 TIME: 2hrs CLASS: SS 3
OBJECTIVES QUESTIONS.
SECTION I
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 that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap.
- “Hello Musa” is a _____________ opening for a friendly letter but it is inappropriate for a formal letter. (a) casual (b) serious (c) happy (d) suitable
- We blamed Obi for breaking the door, but when Ade confessed that he did it, Obi was ____________ (a) rewarded (b) exonerated (c) released (d) suitable
- Parking on this street is ___________ on weekdays but permitted at weekends.
(a) rejected (b) sanctioned (c) abolished (d) prohibited
- They had to __________ the old building to construct the fine star hotel.
(a) close (b) remove (c) demolish (d) damage
- If we can commence the meeting on time, we should be able to ________ 4.00pm.
(a) return (b) vacate (c) convene (d) adjourn
- The children expected to be praised for putting out the fire, but they were ____________ for taking such a risk. (a) rebuked (b) accused (c) despised (d) sentences
- A child got stuck trying to squeeze through an iron fence, but some aunts managed to ____________ him. (a) extract (b) push (c) save (d) extricate
- They ended the discussion on amicable terms.
(a) unacceptable (b) hostile (c) unknown (d) annoying
- Good teaching stimulates the interest of students, whereas, bad teaching _____________ it.
(a) dampers (b) encourages (c) supersede (d) retracts
- Some youths of this generation are often hard-hearted compared to those of past generation who were ____________ (a) indifferent (b) fastidious (c) proficient (d) compassionate
- The doctor does not think the patient will recover; the signs are ominous rather than _____________ (a) encouraging (b) feasible (c) obvious (d) gloomy
- The purpose of education is to enhance progress and not to ____________ it.
(a) proscribe (b) intercept (c) impede (d) confuse
- The teacher gave him marks and wrote complimentary remarks in the margin; which surprisingly gave him _______________ feelings.
(a) doubtful (b) secret (c) unpleasant (d) serious
- Many people find cod liver oil disgusting but soldiers find it ____________
(a) refreshing (b) medicinal (c) pleasant (d) bitter
SECTION II
From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
- The bride was praised by her mother-in-law for her impeccable behaviour.
(a) spotless (b) appropriate (c) beautiful (d) faultless
- Ogene was not the least cowed by the bully’s threats.
(a) intimated (b) worried (c) encourage (d) distracted
- The dissidents held several clandestine meetings before the attack.
(a) secret (b) important (c) impromptu (d) exclusive
- The principal warned the final-year student about the consequences of procestination.
(a) hatred (b) delay (c) protesting (d) rioting
- The incessant chatter of the pupils irritated the teacher.
(a) excited (b) meaningless (c) unceasing (d) illogical
- With his cogent argument in favour of the proposal he was able to check for the opposition. (a) insistent (b) urgent (c) convincing (d) uncompromising
- The professor’s explanation of the point was lucid.
(a) length (b) complicated (c) clear (d) surprising
- The foreman believed that with the augmented workforce, the construction of the job would take one more month to complete.
(a) skilled (b) enlarged (c) hired (d) determined
- The children were warned not to be unduly inquisitive.
(a) naughty (b) playful (c) troublesome (d) curious
- The accused vehemently denied the charges.
(a) ignorantly (b) stupidity (c) deliberately (d) strongly
SECTION 3
From the words lettered A to D choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences..
- The class prefect’s ____________ of the quarrel is different from yours.
(a) statement (b) account (c) outline (d) summary
- I refused to ___________ my statement because it was true.
(a) retract (b) make (c) withhold (d) voice
- But for the timely ____________ of the police there would have been a riot.
(a) interference (b) intrusion (c) intervention (d) interruption
- The boys were about to trade blows, but I managed to held one of them back while my friend ______________ the other.
(a) restrained (b) subdued (c) coaxed (d) captured
- We are waiting to hear the weather ___________ for tomorrow.
(a) broadcast (b) declaration (c) report (d) forecast
- I will tell you a secret if you promise not to _______________ it.
(a) divulge (b) show (c) scatter (d) relay
- The hilltop was a beautiful metres above sea level and from that __________ the whole town could be seen beautifully laid out.
(a) magnitude (b) altitude (c) latitude (d) longitude
- Until now, Etim has always started the fights, but this time Adamu is clearly the ______________
(a) oppressor (b) fighter (c) aggressor (d) underdog
- If found guilty, a person may appeal to a higher court in the hope that it will ___________ the verdict.
(a) discharge (b) revise (c) dismiss (d) reverse
- The visit of the patron of the club ___________ the morale of the players.
(a) elated (b) induced (c) boasted (d) boosted
- Tests revealed that the winning athlete had taken performance enhancing _______________
(a) drugs (b) tablets (c) vitamins (d) capsules
- The lawyer’s client was _____________ under oath in the law court.
(a) investigated (b) interrogated
(c) cross-fined (d) cross-examined
- That Fulani man has a large ____________ of cattle.
(a) herd (b) flock (c) multitude (d) swine
- The relationship between the couple is _____________ for lack of communication.
(a) tense (b) strained (c) relaxed (d) uneasy
- Many players have complained about biased ______________ referees.
(a) officiating (b) control (c) direction (d) handling
- She won by ________________ because her opponent refused to play.
(a) defeat (b) default (c) defiance (d) defence
- The river _______________ towards the sea.
(a) meandered (b) rolled (c) ran (d) trickled
- At a __________ of 200 kilometres an hour, the hurricane swept away everything in its path.
(a) movement (b) flow (c) velocity (d) drive
- We saw a ____________ of lion’s at the game reserve.
(a) pride (b) family (c) band (d) group
- All the people in the bus died in that ___________ accident.
(a) serious (b) reckless (c) fatal (d) ghostly
- What a ____________! The more you look, the less you see.
(a) wonder (b) miracle (c) challenge (d) paradox
- The trade unions decided to ______________ in order to form a stronger union.
(a) intermix (b) amalgamate (c) consolidate (d) join
- The boys rushed out to the beach to enjoy the ______________
(a) breath (b) wind (c) breeze (d) air
- Day light armed-robbery is a common ______________ in big cities.
(a) plan (b) site (c) exercise (d) phenomenon
- All the children were inoculated _______polio (a) from (b) by (c) against (d) for
- While paying 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 parts in a double deal
(c) hopes to achieve two aims with one action
(d) intends to do two things at the same time
- People hardly show their true colours. This means that people rarely show
(a) their abilities (b) how colour they can be
(c) their real character (d) how noble they are
- We heard that Bada has served time. This means that Bada has
(a) always been punctual (b) been the timekeeper
(c) been to prison (d) been a faithful servant
- Mary and I have never seen eye to eye on politics. This means that we have never
(a) agreed on politics (b) engaged in politics
(c) discussed politics (d) benefitted from politics
- Helen has always been a wet blanket. This means that Helen
(a) always gets wet (b) betrays her friends
(c) interacts freely with other people
(d) stops others from enjoying themselves
- The new policy has come under fire. This means that the policy is
(a) generating controversy (b) being criticized
(c) being scrutinized (d) causing a riot
- Please, don’t let them get under your skin. This means that you should not let them
(a) infect you (b) defeat you (c) bully you (d) annony you
- We were surprised to learn that Tom had been let off the hook. This means that Tom had
(a) not been punished (b) gone fishing alone
(c) been sent away (d) not been dismissed
- He is at the crossroads of his life. this means that it is time for him to
(a) make a very important decision (b) retrace his steps
(c) make peace with everyone (d) take his studies seriously
- We did understand her better by and by. This means we shall know her better
(a) without her knowing (b) much later
(c) before long (d) by spending time with her
- The student’s story did not ring true. This means that the student’s story was
(a) not audible (b) not believable
(c) full of suspense (d) quite trilling
- Mathematics is a closed book to me. This means that I
(a) do not have to study Mathematics
(b) do not understand Mathematics
(c) have never passed Mathematics
(d) cannot avoid studying Mathematics
- On hearing the news, he flew off the handle. This means that he
(a) changed his decision (b) ran away
(c) felt very disappointed (d) became very angry
- John’s money was barely enough to keep the wolf from the door. This means that
(a) John had killed a wolf (b) the money was just sufficient
(c) the situation was desperate (d) John spent money lavishly
- He was given the boot by the chairman. This means that he was
(a) offered a pair of boots (b) promoted
(c) sacked (d) sent to buy boots
- Since he left home, he has been trying to find his feet. This means that he
(a) has been suffering a lot (b) lost his pair of shoes
(c) has forgotten about his relatives
(d) has been trying to get used to his new situation
- He finds it difficult to put up with her behaviour. This means that he finds it difficult to
(a) tolerate her behaviour (b) understand her behaviour
(c) determine her behaviour (d) consider her behaviours
- The government troops extended the olive branch to the rebels. This means that the government troops
(a) had reached a critical stage (b) killed a lot of rebels
(c) were ready for peace (d) defended their territory bravely
- At the last minute, he had cold feet. This means that he
(a) suddenly fell ill (b) became nervous
(c) lost his imagination (d) rejected the offer
PASSAGE
In the following passages, the numbered gaps indicates missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are offered in columns lettered A to D, choose the option that is most suitable to fill the numbered gaps in the passage..
I remember with much delight the first time I travelled by _____69______. It was a journey that took me outside the country. when I got to the Kokonbilo International Airport, my uncle who accompanied me there showed me the _____70______ where many aircraft, big and small, were parked. Soon I was taken to the _____71______ hall and I was checked in. I was then given a boarding pass. I was privileged to see the _____72______ which contained the names and particulars of all of us travelling on the place. As soon as we _____73______ the aircraft and got comfortably seated, I heard the voice of one of the pleasant-looking _____74______ which said, ‘Fasten you _____75______’. Everybody immediately complied with the order. The pilot _____76______. Enermdem entered the _____77______ and after a few other routine checks, the aircraft began to _____78______ on the _____79______ before it smoothly took off. Soon we were _____80______.
| A | B | C | D | |
| 69 | aircraft | air | aeroplane | atmosphere |
| 70 | garage | park | hanger | runway |
| 71 | departure | waiting | large | arrival |
| 72. | book | manuscript | paper | manifest |
| 73. | entered | got to | boarded | went into |
| 74. | girls | airhostesses | ladies | guys |
| 75. | planes | ropes | self | belts |
| 76. | pilot | captain | colonel | air vice marshall |
| 77. | cockpit | pilot’s compartment | pilot’s room | cabin |
| 78. | run | taxi | speed | rev |
| 79. | gangway | hangar | runway | field |
| 80. | in the plane | in the atmosphere | in air | airborne |
