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Question 1 Report
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
Scientists have made spectacular advances in genetic engineering in the last fifty years. The benefits of this genetic revolution to mankind are immense and almost limitless. In the field of medicine many of the diseases that have hitherto proved incurable can now be eradicated using genetic engineering. It is now possible to identify the specific gene responsible for any given disease and to replace the diseased gene with a healthy one This new technology can now be used to cure such serious diseases as diabetes sickle-cell anaemia and cancer. Geneticists (specialists in genetic science) claim that there are several other medical benefits that can be derived from this new science. They assert that by increasing the neurons in the brain. we could slow down the ageing process.
Scientists are now on the threshold of being able to redesign the human body to make it function more efficiently. This interesting aspect of preventive medicine involves the intervention of the doctor to ensure that the foetus contains no diseased gene that can develop into a disease later on. Moreover scientists can now build or develop organs for transplant surgery. Patients who need heart or kidney transplants no longer have to wait endlessy for donors or be worried that the donated organs would be rejected by their body's immune system.
Perhaps the greatest benefits of the genetic revolution are in the areas of crop and livestock production. Cloning. or the creation of a new plant or animal from the genetic information carried in one cell, has already been done with plants and animals. The result is the production of grains that yield their own fertilizer or can be grown in factories without sunshine and soil. Already in the United State of America genetically modified (GM) potatoes, tomatoes, apples, etc. are on sale in supermarkets. The main difference between these GM products and their conventionally produced counterparts is that the former are usually bigger and have a longer shelf-life than the latter. Consequently, most shoppers would rather go for the GM products, other things being equal. GM livestock are usually a good bargain. Imagine being offered a chicken the size of a turkey or a sheep almost as big as a cow! If the price and the taste are comparable. then the housewife would naturally prefer the GM breed. just as we now prefer the so-called "Agric" fowls to our smaller, local breed.
There are, however, serious potential dangers. The greatest risk is the escape — by accident or by design of harmful microbes from the laboratory into a world that has no defences against them. Some scientists have speculated that the HIV virus may have originated from such an accidental escape. The world has not forgotten the case of Adolf Hitler who, in furtherance of his project of creating "a superior race." abused scientific knowledge and plunged the world into World War 11. For this reason, many governments have been cautious. or even reluctant, to give the geneticists the necessary approval to implement the results of their researches. There is no guarantee that man can be trusted not to use this new found "power" for destructive ends.
(a) In four sentences, one for each, summarize four benefits of genetic engineering to man.
(b) In two sentence, one for each, state two dangers inherent in genetic engineering.
(a) Four benefits of genetic engineering (one sentence each):
(b) Two dangers inherent in genetic engineering (one sentence each):
Answer Details
(a) Four benefits of genetic engineering (one sentence each):
(b) Two dangers inherent in genetic engineering (one sentence each):
Question 2 Report
The rising incidence of road traffic accidents nowadays. In a articles suitable for publication in an international magazine, discuss at least three factors responsible for this and suggest ways of improving the situation.
The Rising Incidence of Road Traffic Accidents
By a Concerned Correspondent
Hardly a day passes without news of a fatal accident on our roads. Vehicles collide, lives are lost, and families are plunged into grief. The rising incidence of road traffic accidents has become a global tragedy that demands urgent attention. In this article I wish to examine three major factors responsible for this menace and to suggest ways of improving the situation.
Reckless and Careless Driving
The first and most common cause is reckless driving. Many drivers exceed safe speed limits, overtake dangerously and jump traffic lights in their impatience. Worse still, some drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while others use their mobile phones behind the wheel. Such recklessness turns a simple journey into a deadly gamble.
Poor Vehicle and Road Conditions
The second factor is the poor condition of vehicles and roads. Many vehicles on our highways are old and unroadworthy, with worn-out tyres and faulty brakes that fail without warning. In addition, numerous roads are narrow, poorly lit and riddled with potholes, while bad weather such as heavy rain and thick harmattan haze reduces visibility and worsens the danger.
Weak Enforcement of Traffic Laws
The third factor is the weak enforcement of traffic regulations. Where road safety officials are few or, worse, corruptible, offenders escape punishment and are emboldened to repeat their offences. Unqualified drivers who obtain their licences dishonestly compound the problem.
Suggested Solutions
The situation, however, is not beyond remedy. Governments should intensify public enlightenment campaigns to educate road users on safe practices. Traffic laws must be enforced firmly and impartially, with heavy penalties for speeding, drunk driving and the use of unroadworthy vehicles. Roads should be properly constructed, well lit and regularly maintained, while driving licences should be issued only after thorough tests. Above all, every road user must cultivate patience, courtesy and discipline.
Road traffic accidents are largely preventable. If drivers, road-safety agencies and governments each play their part, our roads will become far safer, and countless precious lives will be saved.
Answer Details
The Rising Incidence of Road Traffic Accidents
By a Concerned Correspondent
Hardly a day passes without news of a fatal accident on our roads. Vehicles collide, lives are lost, and families are plunged into grief. The rising incidence of road traffic accidents has become a global tragedy that demands urgent attention. In this article I wish to examine three major factors responsible for this menace and to suggest ways of improving the situation.
Reckless and Careless Driving
The first and most common cause is reckless driving. Many drivers exceed safe speed limits, overtake dangerously and jump traffic lights in their impatience. Worse still, some drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while others use their mobile phones behind the wheel. Such recklessness turns a simple journey into a deadly gamble.
Poor Vehicle and Road Conditions
The second factor is the poor condition of vehicles and roads. Many vehicles on our highways are old and unroadworthy, with worn-out tyres and faulty brakes that fail without warning. In addition, numerous roads are narrow, poorly lit and riddled with potholes, while bad weather such as heavy rain and thick harmattan haze reduces visibility and worsens the danger.
Weak Enforcement of Traffic Laws
The third factor is the weak enforcement of traffic regulations. Where road safety officials are few or, worse, corruptible, offenders escape punishment and are emboldened to repeat their offences. Unqualified drivers who obtain their licences dishonestly compound the problem.
Suggested Solutions
The situation, however, is not beyond remedy. Governments should intensify public enlightenment campaigns to educate road users on safe practices. Traffic laws must be enforced firmly and impartially, with heavy penalties for speeding, drunk driving and the use of unroadworthy vehicles. Roads should be properly constructed, well lit and regularly maintained, while driving licences should be issued only after thorough tests. Above all, every road user must cultivate patience, courtesy and discipline.
Road traffic accidents are largely preventable. If drivers, road-safety agencies and governments each play their part, our roads will become far safer, and countless precious lives will be saved.
Question 3 Report
Your school's Literary and Debating Society has organized a debate on the topic; "The Television is Doing More Harm Than Good to Our Youths.' Write your contribution for or against the topic.
Debate: "The Television is Doing More Harm Than Good to Our Youths" (Speaking Against the Motion)
Mr Chairman, panel of judges, accurate timekeeper, co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen. I stand before you this afternoon to oppose the motion which states that the television is doing more harm than good to our youths. It is my firm conviction, and I intend to prove, that the television is a friend, not a foe, to the youth of today.
My first point, ladies and gentlemen, is that the television is a powerful instrument of education. Through documentaries, news bulletins and educational channels, our youths learn about science, history, current affairs and distant cultures without ever leaving their homes. Many students have passed difficult examinations with the help of televised lessons. Can such an instrument be called harmful?
Secondly, the television keeps our youths informed and aware. It brings to their notice the happenings in their country and around the world, warning them of dangers such as disease outbreaks, examination malpractice and drug abuse. A young person who is well informed is a young person well armed against ignorance.
Thirdly, the television provides wholesome entertainment and relaxation. After the stress of school and study, our youths need to unwind. Music, sports, drama and comedy refresh the tired mind and keep the young at home, away from dangerous company on the streets.
My worthy opponents may argue that some youths watch violent and immoral programmes. But, ladies and gentlemen, is the knife to be blamed when it is misused? The fault lies not with the television but with careless viewing and the absence of parental guidance. A tool is only as good or as bad as the hand that uses it. With proper guidance and self-discipline, the television becomes a treasure, not a threat.
Mr Chairman, distinguished judges, the television educates, informs and entertains our youths. Its benefits far outweigh whatever harm careless use may cause. I therefore urge this noble house to reject the motion in its entirety. The television is doing far more good than harm to our youths.
Thank you.
Answer Details
Debate: "The Television is Doing More Harm Than Good to Our Youths" (Speaking Against the Motion)
Mr Chairman, panel of judges, accurate timekeeper, co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen. I stand before you this afternoon to oppose the motion which states that the television is doing more harm than good to our youths. It is my firm conviction, and I intend to prove, that the television is a friend, not a foe, to the youth of today.
My first point, ladies and gentlemen, is that the television is a powerful instrument of education. Through documentaries, news bulletins and educational channels, our youths learn about science, history, current affairs and distant cultures without ever leaving their homes. Many students have passed difficult examinations with the help of televised lessons. Can such an instrument be called harmful?
Secondly, the television keeps our youths informed and aware. It brings to their notice the happenings in their country and around the world, warning them of dangers such as disease outbreaks, examination malpractice and drug abuse. A young person who is well informed is a young person well armed against ignorance.
Thirdly, the television provides wholesome entertainment and relaxation. After the stress of school and study, our youths need to unwind. Music, sports, drama and comedy refresh the tired mind and keep the young at home, away from dangerous company on the streets.
My worthy opponents may argue that some youths watch violent and immoral programmes. But, ladies and gentlemen, is the knife to be blamed when it is misused? The fault lies not with the television but with careless viewing and the absence of parental guidance. A tool is only as good or as bad as the hand that uses it. With proper guidance and self-discipline, the television becomes a treasure, not a threat.
Mr Chairman, distinguished judges, the television educates, informs and entertains our youths. Its benefits far outweigh whatever harm careless use may cause. I therefore urge this noble house to reject the motion in its entirety. The television is doing far more good than harm to our youths.
Thank you.
Question 4 Report
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
The great white shark is at the top of the marine food chain. In the shark family, it is the king, it will eat anything, even other sharks. But as it gets older, bigger and slower, it develops a preference for seals, penguins and carrion, especially dead whales.
In locating their food, most sharks use all their senses, including excellent vision. Their sense of smell is incredible and their ears are aided by pressure-sensitive cells along each side of their body. Nothing escapes this eavesdropping system, which is attuned to vibrations in the water. Sharks also have a sixth sense which enables them to detect the weak electrical fields emanating from the beating heart or the swimming muscles of a potential prey.
The white shark's most fearsome assets are its huge head, its black eyes, and its razor-sharp, serrated teeth. The circulatory system of the white shark is different from that of most other sharks. Its blood temperature is about three to five degrees Celsius above water temperature; this speeds up digestion and adds to its strength and endurance.
It is known that the white shark spits out its wounded prey after an initial, powerful bite. Then it waits for the victim to die before eating it. Why does it use this bite-and-spit strategy? Experts speculate that this is because of its eyes. sockets when a collision is Unlike other sharks, the white shark has no eyelid-like membrane to protect its eyes; rather, it rotates them in their sockets when a collision is imminent. At the moment of impact, the eye is left exposed, perhaps to the flaying claws of a seal. Therefore, for the white shark, a quick mortal strike and release is common behaviour.
The public image of sharks has been greatly coloured by the novel Jaws which was turned into a popular movie. Overnight the white shark became evil incarnate. However, it is not a demon craving human flesh. The smell of blood does not drive it into a feeding frenzy as it does certain other sharks. Nevertheless it is a dangerous animal that should be treated with caution and respect
(a) How do sharks used their sixth sense?
(b) In what significant way is the circulatory system of the white shark different from that of other sharks?
(c) What according to the passage. is the probable reason why the white shark waits for its victim to die before eating it?
(d)(i) What is the writer's attitude to the white shark?
(ii) Quote an expression expression from the passage to support your answer.
(e) "At the moment of impact..."
(i) What grammatical name is given to this given to this expression as it is used in the passage.
(ii) What is its function?
(f) "However, it is not a demon craving human flesh." What figure of speech is contained in this expression?
(g) 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) preference; (ii) incredible, (iii) emanating: (iv) speculate: (v) mortal: (vi) coloured.
(a) How sharks use their sixth sense: Sharks use their sixth sense to detect the weak electrical fields given off by the beating heart or the swimming muscles of a potential prey, thereby locating their food.
(b) How the white shark's circulatory system differs: The white shark's blood temperature is about three to five degrees Celsius above the temperature of the surrounding water, and this warmth speeds up its digestion and adds to its strength and endurance, unlike the blood of most other sharks.
(c) Probable reason the white shark waits for its victim to die: Because the white shark has no eyelid-like membrane to protect its eyes and must roll them back at the moment of impact, leaving the eye exposed and vulnerable to a struggling prey; it therefore delivers one powerful bite, releases the prey and waits for it to die before eating, so as to avoid injury to its eyes.
(d) (i) The writer's attitude to the white shark: The writer's attitude is balanced and respectful; he sees the shark not as an evil demon but as a remarkable, dangerous animal deserving caution and respect.
(ii) Supporting expression: "Nevertheless it is a dangerous animal that should be treated with caution and respect."
(e) (i) Grammatical name: "At the moment of impact" is an adverbial phrase (of time).
(ii) Function: It modifies the verb "is left" (the eye is left exposed), telling us when the action happens.
(f) Figure of speech in "However, it is not a demon craving human flesh": Metaphor (the shark is spoken of as a demon).
(g) Words and their replacements as used in the passage:
Answer Details
(a) How sharks use their sixth sense: Sharks use their sixth sense to detect the weak electrical fields given off by the beating heart or the swimming muscles of a potential prey, thereby locating their food.
(b) How the white shark's circulatory system differs: The white shark's blood temperature is about three to five degrees Celsius above the temperature of the surrounding water, and this warmth speeds up its digestion and adds to its strength and endurance, unlike the blood of most other sharks.
(c) Probable reason the white shark waits for its victim to die: Because the white shark has no eyelid-like membrane to protect its eyes and must roll them back at the moment of impact, leaving the eye exposed and vulnerable to a struggling prey; it therefore delivers one powerful bite, releases the prey and waits for it to die before eating, so as to avoid injury to its eyes.
(d) (i) The writer's attitude to the white shark: The writer's attitude is balanced and respectful; he sees the shark not as an evil demon but as a remarkable, dangerous animal deserving caution and respect.
(ii) Supporting expression: "Nevertheless it is a dangerous animal that should be treated with caution and respect."
(e) (i) Grammatical name: "At the moment of impact" is an adverbial phrase (of time).
(ii) Function: It modifies the verb "is left" (the eye is left exposed), telling us when the action happens.
(f) Figure of speech in "However, it is not a demon craving human flesh": Metaphor (the shark is spoken of as a demon).
(g) Words and their replacements as used in the passage:
Question 5 Report
Write a story which ends with the words, "Had I known, I wouldn't have believed him."
A Costly Trust
He called himself Uncle Fred, and he arrived in our neighbourhood with the confidence of a wealthy man. His shoes shone, his car gleamed, and his words flowed like sweet palm wine. He told everyone that he ran a big import company in Lagos and that he was looking for smart young people to help him expand his business.
My mother, a petty trader who had saved for years, was among those who listened. Uncle Fred promised that anyone who invested with him would double their money within three months. He spoke of ships, of containers, of contracts with foreign partners. He even showed us photographs of a large warehouse said to be his.
I remember warning my mother gently. "Mama," I said, "we do not really know this man." But she waved my caution aside. "My son," she replied, "a serious man like Uncle Fred cannot deceive a poor widow." One evening she withdrew all her savings and handed the money over, receiving in return a smart-looking receipt and a warm handshake.
For the first few weeks, Uncle Fred remained friendly and reassuring. Then his visits grew fewer. His phone began to ring endlessly without an answer. One morning we learned that the fine car had never been his, that the warehouse belonged to another company, and that dozens of families had handed him their life savings. By nightfall, Uncle Fred had vanished from the town as quietly as he had come.
My mother wept for days, and I wept with her, not for the money alone but for the trust that had been so cruelly betrayed. If only someone had told me from the beginning who that smiling stranger truly was. Had I known, I wouldn't have believed him.
Answer Details
A Costly Trust
He called himself Uncle Fred, and he arrived in our neighbourhood with the confidence of a wealthy man. His shoes shone, his car gleamed, and his words flowed like sweet palm wine. He told everyone that he ran a big import company in Lagos and that he was looking for smart young people to help him expand his business.
My mother, a petty trader who had saved for years, was among those who listened. Uncle Fred promised that anyone who invested with him would double their money within three months. He spoke of ships, of containers, of contracts with foreign partners. He even showed us photographs of a large warehouse said to be his.
I remember warning my mother gently. "Mama," I said, "we do not really know this man." But she waved my caution aside. "My son," she replied, "a serious man like Uncle Fred cannot deceive a poor widow." One evening she withdrew all her savings and handed the money over, receiving in return a smart-looking receipt and a warm handshake.
For the first few weeks, Uncle Fred remained friendly and reassuring. Then his visits grew fewer. His phone began to ring endlessly without an answer. One morning we learned that the fine car had never been his, that the warehouse belonged to another company, and that dozens of families had handed him their life savings. By nightfall, Uncle Fred had vanished from the town as quietly as he had come.
My mother wept for days, and I wept with her, not for the money alone but for the trust that had been so cruelly betrayed. If only someone had told me from the beginning who that smiling stranger truly was. Had I known, I wouldn't have believed him.
Question 6 Report
Your sister wants to marry a man from another ethnic group against your mother's wishes. Write a letter to your mother giving at least three reasons why she should accept your sister's decision.
Model Informal Letter to My Mother
15 Ogunlana Drive,
Surulere,
Lagos.
10th July, 2026.
Dear Mama,
How are you keeping these days? I hope your health is much improved and that Papa and the little ones are well. I think of you constantly and pray for you every morning. I am writing on a matter that lies heavily on my heart, and I beg you to read my words to the end with an open mind.
Mama, I know how deeply you love Nkechi, and I know that her wish to marry Emeka, a man from another ethnic group, has troubled you greatly. You have always dreamt that your daughters would marry from among our own people, and I understand your fears. Yet I write to plead, respectfully, that you accept her decision, and I offer you three reasons why.
In the first place, Nkechi truly loves Emeka, and he loves and respects her in return. Marriage that is built on genuine love and mutual respect stands a far better chance of lasting than one arranged merely for the sake of tribe. If we force her into a loveless union, we may condemn her to a lifetime of unhappiness.
Secondly, Emeka is a decent, hardworking and God-fearing young man. He holds a good job, comes from a respectable family, and has shown, through his conduct, that he will care for our sister. Character and integrity matter far more in a husband than the language he speaks or the town he comes from.
Thirdly, Mama, we now live in one nation where people of different tongues live, work and marry together. Such marriages help to break down suspicion and to bind our country in unity. Rather than weaken our family, this union will widen it, giving us new friends and relations in another part of the country.
I do not ask you to abandon our traditions, Mama. I only ask that you weigh Nkechi's happiness against the differences of tribe, and I am confident that your loving heart will choose her happiness. Please give the young man a chance, and I believe you will come to love him as your own son.
Do extend my warm greetings to Papa. I remain your obedient child, and I await your kind reply.
Your loving child,
Chidinma.
Answer Details
Model Informal Letter to My Mother
15 Ogunlana Drive,
Surulere,
Lagos.
10th July, 2026.
Dear Mama,
How are you keeping these days? I hope your health is much improved and that Papa and the little ones are well. I think of you constantly and pray for you every morning. I am writing on a matter that lies heavily on my heart, and I beg you to read my words to the end with an open mind.
Mama, I know how deeply you love Nkechi, and I know that her wish to marry Emeka, a man from another ethnic group, has troubled you greatly. You have always dreamt that your daughters would marry from among our own people, and I understand your fears. Yet I write to plead, respectfully, that you accept her decision, and I offer you three reasons why.
In the first place, Nkechi truly loves Emeka, and he loves and respects her in return. Marriage that is built on genuine love and mutual respect stands a far better chance of lasting than one arranged merely for the sake of tribe. If we force her into a loveless union, we may condemn her to a lifetime of unhappiness.
Secondly, Emeka is a decent, hardworking and God-fearing young man. He holds a good job, comes from a respectable family, and has shown, through his conduct, that he will care for our sister. Character and integrity matter far more in a husband than the language he speaks or the town he comes from.
Thirdly, Mama, we now live in one nation where people of different tongues live, work and marry together. Such marriages help to break down suspicion and to bind our country in unity. Rather than weaken our family, this union will widen it, giving us new friends and relations in another part of the country.
I do not ask you to abandon our traditions, Mama. I only ask that you weigh Nkechi's happiness against the differences of tribe, and I am confident that your loving heart will choose her happiness. Please give the young man a chance, and I believe you will come to love him as your own son.
Do extend my warm greetings to Papa. I remain your obedient child, and I await your kind reply.
Your loving child,
Chidinma.
Question 7 Report
There has been a public outcry against the escalating prices of foodstuff in your area. Write a letter to your representative in the House of Assembly, stating the causes of the increases and suggesting ways or improving the situation.
Model Formal Letter to a Member of the House of Assembly
12 Market Road,
Aba,
Abia State.
10th July, 2026.
The Honourable Member,
Aba South Constituency,
House of Assembly,
Umuahia,
Abia State.
Dear Sir,
THE ESCALATING PRICES OF FOODSTUFF IN OUR AREA
I write, on behalf of the residents of our community, to draw your attention to the alarming rise in the prices of foodstuff in our area, and to appeal to you to intervene on our behalf. In recent months, the cost of basic items such as rice, garri, beans, yam and vegetable oil has soared beyond the reach of the ordinary family, and there is widespread hardship and discontent.
Permit me, Sir, to state the causes of these increases. First, the poor state of our roads has made it difficult and costly for farmers and traders to transport their produce to the market, and this added cost is passed on to buyers. Secondly, the high cost of fuel has raised transport fares and, with them, the price of nearly every commodity. Thirdly, insecurity in the farming communities has driven many farmers off their land, reducing the supply of food while demand keeps rising. Finally, the activities of hoarders and middlemen, who buy up goods and release them at inflated prices, have made matters far worse.
In view of these hardships, I respectfully suggest some remedies. The government should repair the roads leading to our markets and farms so that produce can move freely and cheaply. Security in the rural areas should be strengthened to encourage farmers to return to their farms. Furthermore, the authorities should provide farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers and soft loans to boost production, and should firmly check the greed of hoarders through market regulation. The opening of subsidised food outlets would also bring immediate relief to the poor.
I am confident, Sir, that as our representative you will bring these concerns before the House and press for urgent action. Prompt intervention will ease the suffering of your constituents and restore their confidence in the government.
Thank you for your anticipated understanding and swift response.
Yours faithfully,
Emeka Okoro
(Community Representative)
Answer Details
Model Formal Letter to a Member of the House of Assembly
12 Market Road,
Aba,
Abia State.
10th July, 2026.
The Honourable Member,
Aba South Constituency,
House of Assembly,
Umuahia,
Abia State.
Dear Sir,
THE ESCALATING PRICES OF FOODSTUFF IN OUR AREA
I write, on behalf of the residents of our community, to draw your attention to the alarming rise in the prices of foodstuff in our area, and to appeal to you to intervene on our behalf. In recent months, the cost of basic items such as rice, garri, beans, yam and vegetable oil has soared beyond the reach of the ordinary family, and there is widespread hardship and discontent.
Permit me, Sir, to state the causes of these increases. First, the poor state of our roads has made it difficult and costly for farmers and traders to transport their produce to the market, and this added cost is passed on to buyers. Secondly, the high cost of fuel has raised transport fares and, with them, the price of nearly every commodity. Thirdly, insecurity in the farming communities has driven many farmers off their land, reducing the supply of food while demand keeps rising. Finally, the activities of hoarders and middlemen, who buy up goods and release them at inflated prices, have made matters far worse.
In view of these hardships, I respectfully suggest some remedies. The government should repair the roads leading to our markets and farms so that produce can move freely and cheaply. Security in the rural areas should be strengthened to encourage farmers to return to their farms. Furthermore, the authorities should provide farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers and soft loans to boost production, and should firmly check the greed of hoarders through market regulation. The opening of subsidised food outlets would also bring immediate relief to the poor.
I am confident, Sir, that as our representative you will bring these concerns before the House and press for urgent action. Prompt intervention will ease the suffering of your constituents and restore their confidence in the government.
Thank you for your anticipated understanding and swift response.
Yours faithfully,
Emeka Okoro
(Community Representative)
Question 8 Report
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
When health workers first came to the village and talked about family planning, no one took, them seriously, including Amusa, whose young wife was then pregnant with their first baby. Had their fathers and fore before them not had as many wives and children as they desired? And had the not been able to take care of their families? So everyone shunned the family planning clinic which was established in the village shortly afterwards.
Twelve years later, Amusa was a clerical assistant in the city and lived with his wife and eight children in a single room because he could not afford larger quarters. For as long as he could remember, his large family had been gong sent going through difficult times, which appeared to be worsening lately. Only yesterday, his third child had been sent away from school because her parents could not replace her old and torn school uniform. Last year, their first son could not proceed to the secondary school as the family could not afford the cost. Then recently, the landlord had announced his intention to increase the rent.
Amusa found himself thinking about the days when he was himself a young child. His own father had had two wives and thirteen children, yet as far as he could remember, the family had not faced anything similar to what he was going through now. He suddenly realized that this was because the times had changed and that the requirements of modem living put great pressure on large family sizes. His father's time and age had been different: he had been a successful farmer in the village, had lived in his own house, employed members of his large family as farm hands and fed everyone from the abundance of the farm. On the other hand, Amusa lived in the city on a limited income. He had no farm land nor Amusa's shoes became wiser only when it was too late. family. And at four or five times what they cost a few years before! even a vegetable garden, and had to pay for everything, from his rented room to the smallest domestic need of his.
It was then that he sadly remembered the health workers and their gospel of family planning. How he wished he had listened and taken their advice! Unfortunately, he had not. And what was even more unfortunate was that the millions in Amusa's shoes became wiser only when it was too late.
(a) What advice do you think the health workers gave to the villagers?
(b) Give two reasons why the villagers did not take the health workers seriously.
(c) Give two indications of Amusa's financial difficulties.
(d) Mention any two differences between Amusa's condition and his father's
(e) "And what was even more unfortunate... (I) What grammatical name is given to this expression as it is used in the passage?
(ii) What is its function?
(f) "And had they not been able to take care of their families?"
(i) What literary device is used in this expression?
(ii) What does it mean?
(g) For each of the following words or phrases, find another word or phrase which means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the passage: (i) shunned; (ii) established; (iii) announced; (iv) going through, (v) limited; (vi) shoes
(a) Advice the health workers gave: The health workers advised the villagers to practise family planning; that is, to limit the number of children they had to a size they could conveniently care for, given the demands of modern living.
(b) Two reasons why the villagers did not take the health workers seriously:
(c) Two indications of Amusa's financial difficulties:
(d) Two differences between Amusa's condition and his father's:
(e) (i) Grammatical name: "And what was even more unfortunate" functions as a noun clause.
(ii) Function: It serves as the subject of the verb "was" in the sentence.
(f) (i) Literary device: The expression "And had they not been able to take care of their families?" is a rhetorical question.
(ii) What it means: It means that the forefathers had indeed been able to take care of their families; the question is asked not for an answer but to emphasize that fact and justify having many children.
(g) Words and their replacements as used in the passage:
Answer Details
(a) Advice the health workers gave: The health workers advised the villagers to practise family planning; that is, to limit the number of children they had to a size they could conveniently care for, given the demands of modern living.
(b) Two reasons why the villagers did not take the health workers seriously:
(c) Two indications of Amusa's financial difficulties:
(d) Two differences between Amusa's condition and his father's:
(e) (i) Grammatical name: "And what was even more unfortunate" functions as a noun clause.
(ii) Function: It serves as the subject of the verb "was" in the sentence.
(f) (i) Literary device: The expression "And had they not been able to take care of their families?" is a rhetorical question.
(ii) What it means: It means that the forefathers had indeed been able to take care of their families; the question is asked not for an answer but to emphasize that fact and justify having many children.
(g) Words and their replacements as used in the passage:
Would you like to proceed with this action?