The Costly Mistake by Chinelo Ifezulike: JSS3 Quiz & Worksheet for Literature Mastery
The Costly Mistake” by Chinelo Ifezulike is a compelling novella included in the JSS3 English Literature curriculum in Nigeria. It serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of poor choices, peer pressure, and the significance of discipline and integrity in a student’s life.Kofa Study+1ClassNotes+1Scribd+1LinkedIn+1
📖 Summary
Daniel, the protagonist, is a bright and morally upright student from a humble background. His parents, valuing education and hard work, enroll him in Little Stars Nursery and Primary School in Oboji, where he excels academically and ethically. Upon transitioning to Metropolitan Grammar School alongside his friends Udoh and Uchenna, Daniel’s life takes a downturn. Influenced by negative peers, he begins to neglect his studies, engages in truancy, and eventually resorts to examination malpractice. Caught cheating during his final exams, Daniel faces severe consequences: his results are canceled, leaving him without qualifications and leading to a life of regret and missed opportunities. LinkedIn+3Kofa Study+3Scribd+3Scribd+2ClassNotes+2Kofa Study+2LinkedInScribd
🎯 Themes
Peer Pressure: The narrative illustrates how negative influences can derail one’s future.
Consequences of Choices: Daniel’s downfall underscores the long-term effects of seemingly minor decisions.
Importance of Discipline: The story emphasizes that discipline is crucial for academic and personal success.
Parental Guidance: Daniel’s parents’ efforts highlight the role of upbringing in shaping a child’s character.
Examination Malpractice: The book addresses the dangers and repercussions of cheating in academics.
🧠 Evaluation Questions
Who is the main character in “The Costly Mistake”?
A) Tony
B) Uchenna
C) Daniel
D) Stephanie
What is the primary setting of the novel?
A) Lagos
B) Metropolitan Grammar School in Obosi
C) A village in northern Nigeria
D) Port Harcourt
What leads to Daniel’s academic decline?
A) Illness
B) Lack of interest
C) Negative peer influence
D) Family issues
What consequence does Daniel face for cheating?
A) Expulsion
B) Scholarship loss
C) Exam result cancellation
D) Suspension
What lesson does the story impart about choices?
A) Choices have no real impact
B) Only major decisions matter
C) Every choice has consequences
D) Choices can be reversed easily
📝 Activities for Students
Role-Play: Students can reenact pivotal scenes to understand character motivations and consequences.
Debate: Organize a debate on the topic: “Peer pressure has a more significant impact than parental guidance.”
Essay Writing: Students write an essay on how discipline influences academic success.
❓ FAQs
Is “The Costly Mistake” based on a true story?
No, it’s a fictional narrative designed to teach moral lessons.
Why is the book included in the JSS3 curriculum?
To educate students on the importance of making wise choices and understanding the consequences of their actions.
What age group is the book appropriate for?
Primarily for junior secondary school students, but its lessons are universal.
🔚 Conclusion
“The Costly Mistake” serves as a mirror reflecting the challenges students face and the importance of making prudent decisions. Through Daniel’s journey, readers learn that while the path to success is fraught with temptations, maintaining integrity and discipline is paramount.
Here are the correct answers to the questions based on “The Costly Mistake” by Chinelo Ifezulike:
21. The Principal of Metropolitan Grammar School is Mr.
(d) Nwokedi
22. Senior students deprive junior students in the hostel, especially ‘the freshers’ of their
(c) provisions
23. Mr. Giwa is Daniel’s
(c) guardian
24. The essay competition is sponsored by Noodles
(c) Indomie
25. The subject matter of the novel is
(a) consequences of peer pressure
Title: Comprehension and Quiz Worksheet
Literature Text: The Costly Mistake
Author: Chinelo Ifezulike
Class: JSS3
Subject: English Literature
Duration: 40 minutes
Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (Circle the correct answer)
1. The Principal of Metropolitan Grammar School is:
(a) Adigwe
(b) Chiwetalu
(c) Jideofor
(d) Nwokedi
(e) Okonkwo
2. Senior students often deprive junior students of their:
(a) beans
(b) money
(c) provisions
(d) textbooks
(e) uniforms
3. Mr. Giwa is Daniel’s:
(a) cousin
(b) father
(c) guardian
(d) nephew
(e) uncle
4. The essay competition in the novel is sponsored by:
(a) Dangote
(b) Golden Penny
(c) Indomie
(d) Noma
(e) Supreme
5. The main theme of The Costly Mistake is:
(a) consequences of peer pressure
(b) education is invaluable
(c) hard work does not pay
(d) love and marriage
(e) marriage and its challenges
Section B – Comprehension Questions
6. Who is the main character in the story, and what mistake did he make?
7. How did peer pressure influence Daniel’s behavior in the novel?
8. What lesson can students learn from Daniel’s experience?
9. How did Daniel’s parents respond to his academic performance?
10. Suggest two ways schools can help students avoid making Daniel’s kind of mistake.
Teacher’s Note: Evaluation Guide
Multiple Choice: 5 marks (1 mark each)
Comprehension Questions: 10 marks (2 marks each)
Total: 15 marks