ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 1 FIRST TERM EXAMINATION SS 1

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  1

SECTION B:    COMPREHENSION

Answer all the questions in this section. You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this section.

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

One of the basic language skills is reading. In nay literate society, reading is a very essential aspect of effective communication in daily activities. Reading has been many things to many people. To some people, it is like looking at printed words while most students see it as a tedious task that has to be performed in order to pass a particular examination. Reading, like any other term, has been described in several ways, such as: ‘Reading is an intellectual activity directed towards the extraction of information form a written piece.’

One of the causes of mass failure in various examinations among candidates is their inability to imbibe a good reading culture. With poor reading habit, learners cannot comprehend the intention of the writer. The need to cultivate a very good reading culture so as to be well informed and of course to pass examinations cannot be overemphasized.

One of the ways of improving the reading culture in our society id through the provision of adequate and relevant textbooks for schools. Textbooks are reservoirs of knowledge. They provide readers an opportunity of interesting with the best of brains living and dead. Facts in the textbooks are researched into and so almost invariably provide scholars with an almost infallible source of knowledge. They are indispensable tools to reading, so they should be readily available to both the teacher and the taught.

Teachers must be well equipped in their chosen profession by consulting various textbooks relating to their disciplines. Moreover, they should live abreast of time in their noble profession by organizing and attending workshops and seminars aimed at educating and refreshing them. In this way they will be purged of outdated or obsolete methods and facts and adorned with modern methods and current facts.

The school environment has to be made inviting if learners are to be encouraged to imbibe a reading culture. The structure in the school must be attractive and well ventilated. They should be adequately furnished and provided with conveniences. The provision of a good and financial library should be a matter of priority.

Questions.

1. How do students perceive reading?
2. What is the aim of reading?
3. Why, according to the writer, do candidates perform poorly in examinations?
4. How can the culture of reading be improved in the society?
5. What, according to the writer, should be done to attract learners to read?
6. ‘Textbooks are reservoirs of knowledge’

• What figure of speech is used in this expression?
• What does it mean?

1. ‘Facts in the textbooks…’

• What grammatical name is given to the above expression as used in the passage?
• What is its function?

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

• Tedious
• Extraction
• Comprehend
• Infallible
• Taught
• Inviting

SECTION C (SUMMARY)

You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this section.

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

I am proud to be in the one profession which moulds young minds and prepares them for the future. When I voluntarily opted for this profession forty-one years ago. I could easily have chosen any other, such as medicine, accountancy, engineering or law. But I had an irresistible love for children. I loved playing the role of an elder brother or a kind parent. So I chose my profession fully conscious of my action because no other role would have pleased me if it didn’t keep me close to children.

As a learner, I had no problem with mastering facts. I had never been found wanting in my studies. I had great respect for those brilliant teachers who were believed to be walking encyclopedias. Naturally, therefore, I wanted to be admired and respected as a storehouse and dispenser of knowledge. Besides, I wanted to influence the views of others through imparting knowledge. Afterall, most of my own views had been shaped by my teachers, whom I admired.

Moreover, there are circumstances and conditions unique to the profession. I loved the long holidays which exceeded the normal leave period in the civil service or the commercial firms. I also loved the relative peace of mind which was the rule among teachers. Our teachers did quite a number of things in common and even dined together, just like brothers and sisters. To us learners, they were not rivals but colleagues.

So, I plunged myself into it. After secondary school, I opted for a degree in education at the university to the surprise of my parents and friends. Three years in the college of education and another three in the university prepared and shaped me for the career. Today, after thirty-five years in the profession, I ask myself how it has been. Did I err in my judgement?

The answer is ‘No’. Factors that endeared the profession to me are still there but times have changed. In all my years as a pupil, I never knew of a learner confronting his teacher nor ever heard of a pupil openly boasting in the class that he possessed supernatural powers to torment his teacher with Now, some of my colleagues receive such threats.

Another unhealthy development is the antagonism of parents of teachers. Lately, I have seen parents burst into the school to threaten of even beast up teachers. And for what? For correcting their children! I know of parents who took their grievances to their secret cults for redress, when the teacher’s only offence was sending the pupils home to buy the prescribed textbooks for their studies. How should a teacher feel when he is betrayed by those who should understand and support him?

I am disheartened by the fact that society holds the teacher responsible for the failure of his pupils. The teacher is generally held responsible for their poor performance in examinations. Yes, it is the teacher who is blamed, even when he overworked himself in order to ensure that his wards pass their examinations.

Despite these negative trends, I still look back on my thirty-five years of teaching with some joy and pride. I have turned out a good number of responsible citizens who are now in respectable positions. My products are there in the banks, hospitals, firms, the civil service and in the teaching field. I am also proud of them because I know they love me, and so I am retiring quite satisfied with my lot.

• In three sentences, one for each, summarize the writer’s reasons for choosing to be a teacher.
• In three sentences, one for each, summarize the recent negative developments which worry the writer.

SECTION A

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.

1. Your friend in another school has requested some information about your school to enable him to decide on moving over to your school. Write a letter to him discussing at least three areas in which your school excels.
2. Write an article for publication in your school magazine, discussing the reasons why children in your area drop out of school and suggesting ways of minimizing this negative trend.
3. There has been a continue discussion on the evils of unemployment. Write a letter to the Commissioner for Labour highlighting at least three of these evils and suggest ways of addressing them.
4. You are one of the speakers in a debate on the topic: ‘Women should not be in paid employment while they are still bearing children.’ Write your contribution for or against the proposition.
5. Write a story ending with the words: I wish I had listened to my father.

Examination malpractices may lead to a repeat of the subject or suspensions don’t be involved.

SUBJECT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE    PAPER II            TIME: 2HRS            CLASS: SS  1

OBJECTIVE

Answer all questions

SECTION 1

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

1. The man refused to accept the offer of a job in the rural area; he preferred one in the ______________ area. (a) local (b) urban (c) township (d) municipal
2. He is quite an outspoken young man but his father is ____________ (a) humorous (b) sober (c) taciturn (d) silent
3. One of the twins was as daring as the other was ________________. (a) morose (b) timid (c) secretive (d) rational
4. A gully, which is a natural phenomenon, should not be mistaken for a tunnel, which is ________________ (a) supernatural (b) false (c) artificial (d) modern.
5. The crops the farmer planted will be _______ in three months’ time. (a) sold (b) weeded (c) uprooted (d) harvested
6. He intentionally hid the document but his secretary _________ burnt them. (a) carelessly (b) willingly (c) accidentally (d) foolishly
7. It is curious how Bayo can be so carefree in his ways while his younger brother is so ____________. (a) meticulous (b) eccentric (c) indifferent (d) active.
8. Personally, I give in rather easily when it comes to arguments but Emeka will always __________ to his opinion. (a) hold in (b) hold on (c) hold up (d) hold back
9. He didn’t lose the fight because of his bravery but for his ____________ (a) ignorance (b) strength (c) cowardice (d) rashness
10. If you do not drive with care you may be charged for ___________. (a) recklessness (b) drunkenness (c) speeding (d) ignorance

SECTION 2

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

11. When you _________ an opponent’s point in a debate, you must do so politely. (a) refute (b) rebuke (c) reject (d) refuse
12. Collins does not allow his name to be published in connection with his philanthropy because he ________________ publicity. (a) wields (b) lacks (c) detests (d) denies
13. I should be as ___________ as Kofi if I were so rejected by a close friend. (a) conscious (b) timid (c) aggrieved (d) courteous
14. The press will no longer be free when the new government starts to _____________ the newspaper. (a) censure (b) edit (c) publish (d) censor
15. Everyone was disappointed to see the pastor doing those things that were with the morals he preached. (a) complacent (b) inconsistent (c) conducive (d) incompetent
16. That boy is mentally unbalanced, so you should be ______________ of his behaviour. (a) tolerant (b) tolerable (c) apologetic (d) careful
17. The president complained that too many doctors have ______________ for better remuneration. (a) repatriated (b) exiled (c) emigrated (d) immigrated
18. The doctor listened to my heart-beat with a ________________. (a) microscope (b) scalpel (c) chronometer (d) stethoscope
19. She was ________________ and it was not clear to me what she meant. (a) unknown (b) unintelligible (c) indefinite (d) illegible
20. Clara, your writing is difficult to read, you must try to make it _______________. (a) bold (b) legible (c) large (d) eligible

SECTION 3

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

21. Despite their newness on the job, the workers were remunerated rather handsomely. This means that (a) the salaries were poor (b) those paid were handsome in appearance (c) the salaries were attractive (d) the workers were paid by handsome Accountants
22. The plan to upgrade the dispensary to a general hospital did not materialize. This means that (a) the arrangements did not work out as wished (b) the plan was badly executed (c) it was difficult to obtain the materials (d) the plan did not meet the required specifications
23. The robbery suspect said he made his earlier confessional statement under duress. This means that made it (a) because he was forced to (b) in the presence of a judge (c) because he took an oath (d) with the help of his lawyer
24. Despite their unrefined behaviour, the visitors were given preferential treatment. This means that visitors were (a) ill-treated because of their coarseness (b) treated with caution (c) well-treated despite their crudity (d) attended to first by the doctor
25. Onome’s father blew his top at the news of his performance in the examinations. This means that he (a) was overjoyed (b) whistled loudly (c) was very angry (d) was impressed
26. ‘There is no question of either of you getting the job,’ the manager said. This means that (a) the manager would not ask any question about the job (b) both of them would get the job (c) only one of them would get the job (d) neither of them would get the job
27. Jumoke knew that her husband had had a drop too many when he asked her to pack out. This means that her husband was (a) sleepy (b) confused (c) drunk (d) joking
28. It was quite impossible for him not to have noticed that Lola had arrived. This means that he (a) should have known that Lola had arrived (b) found it impossible to say that Lola had arrived (c) said that Lola had not arrived (d) pretended not to know that Lola had arrived
29. My father advised us not to go with the crowd. This means that he advised us not to (a­) stay in the crowd (b) have many friends (c) travel with many people. (d) be unduly influenced by others.
30. We would grant your request if we had money. This means that (a) we have the money but will not grant your request (b) we have the money and will grant your request (c) we will have the money and will grant your request (d) we do not have the money and cannot grant your request.

SECTION 4

From the words or group of 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 or group of words as it is used in the sentence.  

31. The government has approved a new salary structure as an incentive for workers. (a) a reward (b) an encouragement (c) a package (d) an advance
32. The accident victim was bleeding profusely. (a) slowly (b) excessively (c) extremely (d) abundantly
33. They have tried to circumvent the restriction on the importation of scarce commodities. (a) bypass (b) confront (c) oppose (d) challenge
34. The company had satisfied itself that the project was feasible before embarking on it. (a) easy (b) attractive (c) capable (d) practicable
35. Though there is no riot on the campus, the students are restive. (a) quiet (b) chaotic (c) restless (d) busy
36. The prosecutor was accused of obstructing (a) hindering (b) retarding (c) stopping (d) interrupting
37. The man preaches humility without matching it with action. (a) salvation (b) honesty (c) kindness (d) modesty
38. Haruna plays the piano with great dexterity. (a) wisdom (b) pride (c) force (d) skill
39. The college officer insisted that I show him my credentials before I could be registered (a) books (b) qualification (a) statements (d) identity
40. Amina said that she married a doting (a) loving (b) uncaring (c) funny (d) nagging

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.

41. The story she was reading made her _________________. (a) laughed (b) to laugh (c) laugh (d) laughing
42. _________________ people turned out for the rally because of the poor publicity. (a) Few (b) Quite a few (c) Only fewer (d) A few
43. The two brothers fell out and refused to live _________________ the same roof. (a)inside (b) beneath (c) in (d) under
44. The teacher asked, ‘ ___________________ will have the courage to try and lift that heavy log?’ (a) whom (b) which (c) who (d) whomever
45. My friend and I quarrelled last week and haven’t __________________ yet. (a) made it out (b) made up (c) made out (d) made it up
46. After two years of courtship, Jide is _____________________ Nkechi next Sunday. (a) getting married (b) marrying (c) to marry to (d) being married by
47. The visitor was very uncomfortable because of his ________________ nose (a) runny (b) watery (c) flowing (d) running
48. My friend’s car has __________________ to a halt. (a) grinded (b) grounded (c) ground (d)grind
49. It’s time we ________________ for the party. (a)leave (b) left (c)are leaving (d) taken up
50. Bassey was _________________ by the girl’s story. (a) taken away (b) taken on (c) taken in (d) taken up
51. ____________________, you should put in some effort to show that you are interested. (a) However you are tired (b) However tired you are (c) However tired are you (d) However are you tired
52. ___________ ride a bicycle but he also drives a car. (a) He not only does (b) Not only he does (c) He only does not (d) Not only does he
53. Our plans for the trip fell ________________ (a) down (b) through (c) off (d) out
54. My brother _________ studying in England for two years now. (a) is (b) has been (c) was (d) had been
55. I am not going to the cinema tonight, neither _____________ you. (a) would (b) are (c) do (d) have
56. No sooner had we started the journey ________ we had a flat tyre. (a) then (b) that (c) when (d) than
57. In this letter there ___________ good news about your elder brother. (a) is some (b) are (c) is a (d) are some
58. There were men on the job day and night all the time that this hotel __________. (a) was building (b) was being built (c) was built (d) is being built
59. I shall have to start work ______________ I can after leaving school. (a) so soon as (b) as soon (c) as soon that (d) as soon as
60. Mary and Jane are always fighting _________. (a) each other (b) themselves (c) another (d) the other
61. Don’t let him bully you; you must stand up ________ him! (a) for (b) before (c) to (d) against
62. The plane ________ at 2 o’clock yesterday. (a) take off (b) took up (c) take up (d) took off
63. It was a long time before his surprise wore __________ (a) out (b) off (c) through (d) down
64. The bananas were ________ ripe enough for use today. (a) almost (b) scarcely (c) nearly (d) hardly
65. I’m sorry I can’t find ________ of the two books you lent me. (a) neither (b) each (c) either (d) any
66. When she visited us we asked her if she __________ pounded yam for lunch. (a) want (b) wants (c) wanted (d) wanting

SECTION 6

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

PASSAGE A

Oil is perhaps the most sought-after of all -77-. However, a major difficulty in its -78- is that oil -79- are very often found below the sea -80-. As a result, the search for oil is very expensive, and unless oil is found there in -81- quantities the companies or governments involved are liable to lose heavily. Therefore, before -82- starts, extensive surveys are carried out to see how much oil, or -83- gas the rock formation is likely to yield. If the results are favourable an oil rig is towed into position. The rig consists of a main -84- on which the men work and a derrick which supports the drill. This drill goes down thousands of feet until oil or a -85- of gas is reached. The next stage is to transport the gas or oil to the shore. In the case of gas, this is normally done by laying a -86- below the sea, but oil on reaching the top of the well is more often transported in its -87- state by -88-. On shore it is -89- into different fuels or it is treated chemically to turn it into a variety of -90- materials such as polythene.

A                                  B                                  C                                  D

67. products                 commodities              liquids                         natural resources
68. manufacture exploitation              research                      investigation
69. fields             plants                          mines                         holes
70. surface             shelf                           shore                           bed
71. usable             saleable                        commercial                        practical
72. mining             prospecting                        drilling                        digging
73. natural             oceanic                        flammable                        household
74. ramp             foundation                        scaffold                        platform
75. pocket             marsh                         balloon                      stratum
76. cable             tunnel                                    pipeline                     channel
77. raw             crude                         liquid                         impure
78. tanker             boat                            transporter                           tug
79. made             refined                        produced                    manufactured
80. processed             industrial                         artificial                        synthetic