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Question 1 Report
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.
Model answer: informal letter
10 School Road,
Enugu.
3 March, 2025.
Dear Ada,
It has been quite a while since we last exchanged letters, and I hope you are enjoying life in your new school. I am writing to share with you some of the practices in my school that trouble me, hoping that yours is free of them.
To begin with, I am dissatisfied with the excessive manual labour we are made to do. Instead of a few reasonable chores, we spend hours cutting grass and clearing the compound during lesson periods, so that our studies suffer. I would prefer that a groundsman be employed and that labour be limited to short, after-school periods.
Secondly, I dislike the way meals are handled in the dining hall. The food is often poorly prepared and served in small quantities, and complaints are ignored. I strongly desire a review of the menu and better supervision of the kitchen staff so that we are properly fed.
Thirdly, I am unhappy about the harsh and unfair punishments given by some prefects. Minor offences attract heavy flogging, which breeds fear rather than discipline. I would like to see punishments made moderate and offenders given a fair hearing before they are punished.
These are the practices that worry me most. I believe that if they are corrected, our school will be a far happier and more productive place. Please write back and tell me how things are done in your school.
Your friend,
Ngozi.
Key features expected: informal-letter format; at least three clearly stated practices, each with the desired improvement; friendly tone; orderly paragraphs.
Answer Details
Model answer: informal letter
10 School Road,
Enugu.
3 March, 2025.
Dear Ada,
It has been quite a while since we last exchanged letters, and I hope you are enjoying life in your new school. I am writing to share with you some of the practices in my school that trouble me, hoping that yours is free of them.
To begin with, I am dissatisfied with the excessive manual labour we are made to do. Instead of a few reasonable chores, we spend hours cutting grass and clearing the compound during lesson periods, so that our studies suffer. I would prefer that a groundsman be employed and that labour be limited to short, after-school periods.
Secondly, I dislike the way meals are handled in the dining hall. The food is often poorly prepared and served in small quantities, and complaints are ignored. I strongly desire a review of the menu and better supervision of the kitchen staff so that we are properly fed.
Thirdly, I am unhappy about the harsh and unfair punishments given by some prefects. Minor offences attract heavy flogging, which breeds fear rather than discipline. I would like to see punishments made moderate and offenders given a fair hearing before they are punished.
These are the practices that worry me most. I believe that if they are corrected, our school will be a far happier and more productive place. Please write back and tell me how things are done in your school.
Your friend,
Ngozi.
Key features expected: informal-letter format; at least three clearly stated practices, each with the desired improvement; friendly tone; orderly paragraphs.
Question 2 Report
Tourism is an area which has not been fully explored by the government to boost the economy of your country. Write an article suitable for publication in a national newspaper on the need to develop the tourism industry
Question 3 Report
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 the 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 than 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 II join the show myself." There and then, he went to his car took out his riffle 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 dear life. Some thought this was still part of the show. but when the man would not return it was clear that he had bidden the audience a hasty farewell.
What the American and most others did not realise all the time was that the local guns had no bullets whatsoever only the gunpowder.
(a) What suggests that the show was free?
(b) What evidence is there that the performance was not a one-man show?
(c) Why was the magician confident to receive the shots from his aides?
(d) What did the American tourist set out to prove?
(e) What might have happened if the American had completed his contemplated action?
(f) ....he showed a clean pair of heels. What does this expression mean?
(g) ... which went along with the hilarious drumming.
(i) What is the grammatical name given to this expression as it is used in the passage?
(ii) What is its function?
(h) 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) feats (ii) aides 1 (iii) steadied (iv) mystified (v) unscathed (vi) hasty
(a) What suggests that the show was free:
The show was staged openly in the village square, under the big iroko tree, where a massive crowd of men, women, boys and girls from every nook and cranny, as well as passing tourists, simply gathered round to watch, with no mention of any gate or payment.
(b) Evidence that the performance was not a one-man show:
The magician was assisted by three aides, who each took out a local gun and took up positions, and the feats were accompanied by drummers whose hilarious drumming urged him on; others clearly took part.
(c) Why the magician was confident to receive the shots:
Because the local guns held by his aides had no bullets in them whatsoever, only gunpowder, so he knew that the shots could do him no harm.
(d) What the American tourist set out to prove:
He set out to prove that the magician could not really survive a genuine gunshot, intending to expose the trick by firing his own rifle, which contained real bullets, at the performer.
(e) What might have happened if the American had completed his contemplated action:
He would have shot the magician with a real bullet from his rifle, and the magician would have been killed or seriously wounded, since the trick only worked with the aides' bulletless guns.
(f) Meaning of "he showed a clean pair of heels":
It means that he ran away swiftly; he took to his heels and fled.
(g) "...which went along with the hilarious drumming."
(h) Words that can replace the following as used in the passage:
Answer Details
(a) What suggests that the show was free:
The show was staged openly in the village square, under the big iroko tree, where a massive crowd of men, women, boys and girls from every nook and cranny, as well as passing tourists, simply gathered round to watch, with no mention of any gate or payment.
(b) Evidence that the performance was not a one-man show:
The magician was assisted by three aides, who each took out a local gun and took up positions, and the feats were accompanied by drummers whose hilarious drumming urged him on; others clearly took part.
(c) Why the magician was confident to receive the shots:
Because the local guns held by his aides had no bullets in them whatsoever, only gunpowder, so he knew that the shots could do him no harm.
(d) What the American tourist set out to prove:
He set out to prove that the magician could not really survive a genuine gunshot, intending to expose the trick by firing his own rifle, which contained real bullets, at the performer.
(e) What might have happened if the American had completed his contemplated action:
He would have shot the magician with a real bullet from his rifle, and the magician would have been killed or seriously wounded, since the trick only worked with the aides' bulletless guns.
(f) Meaning of "he showed a clean pair of heels":
It means that he ran away swiftly; he took to his heels and fled.
(g) "...which went along with the hilarious drumming."
(h) Words that can replace the following as used in the passage:
Question 4 Report
Your parents want you to study a particular course but you know you do not have a flair for it. Write a letter to them, giving at least three reasons why a course of your course will suit you better.
Answer Details
None
Question 5 Report
Your sister has helped you to secure a good job in another city. Write a letter to her explaining why it will be impossible to take up the job offer.
Answer Details
None
Question 6 Report
Write an article suitable for publication in a national newspaper on street hawking, discussing the dangers and suggesting appropriate solutions.
Answer Details
None
Question 7 Report
You are the main speaker in a debate on the topic: Learning about the past has no value to those of us living today. Write your speech for or against the motion.
Question 8 Report
Write a story ending with the expression: ''Then, I realized that everyone is important in his or her own way.''
Question 9 Report
Write a letter to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Agency on the effects of illegal felling of trees and suggest ways to remedy the situation.
Model answer: formal letter
15 Riverside Street,
Benin City.
8 May, 2025.
The Chairman,
Environmental Protection Agency,
Benin City.
Dear Sir,
THE EFFECTS OF ILLEGAL FELLING OF TREES
I write to draw your attention to the alarming rate at which trees are being illegally felled in our community, and to suggest ways of remedying the situation before the damage becomes irreversible.
The effects of this practice are grave. In the first place, the reckless cutting of trees exposes the soil to erosion, so that fertile topsoil is washed away and farmlands are ruined. Secondly, the loss of forest cover destroys the habitat of wildlife and upsets the balance of nature. Thirdly, fewer trees mean less rainfall, rising temperatures and poorer air quality, since trees absorb carbon dioxide and give out oxygen. Altogether, the practice threatens both our environment and our health.
To remedy the situation, I respectfully suggest the following. The Agency should enforce strict laws against illegal logging and prosecute offenders. It should also launch a vigorous tree-planting campaign, requiring that several trees be planted for every one lawfully cut. In addition, public enlightenment programmes should be organized in schools and markets to teach citizens the value of trees.
I am confident that, with your prompt intervention, our environment can be protected for the good of present and future generations. Thank you for your attention.
Yours faithfully,
Osaro Igbinedion.
Key features expected: formal-letter format (two addresses, "Dear Sir", subject heading, "Yours faithfully"); clear effects of tree-felling; practical remedies; formal, respectful tone.
Answer Details
Model answer: formal letter
15 Riverside Street,
Benin City.
8 May, 2025.
The Chairman,
Environmental Protection Agency,
Benin City.
Dear Sir,
THE EFFECTS OF ILLEGAL FELLING OF TREES
I write to draw your attention to the alarming rate at which trees are being illegally felled in our community, and to suggest ways of remedying the situation before the damage becomes irreversible.
The effects of this practice are grave. In the first place, the reckless cutting of trees exposes the soil to erosion, so that fertile topsoil is washed away and farmlands are ruined. Secondly, the loss of forest cover destroys the habitat of wildlife and upsets the balance of nature. Thirdly, fewer trees mean less rainfall, rising temperatures and poorer air quality, since trees absorb carbon dioxide and give out oxygen. Altogether, the practice threatens both our environment and our health.
To remedy the situation, I respectfully suggest the following. The Agency should enforce strict laws against illegal logging and prosecute offenders. It should also launch a vigorous tree-planting campaign, requiring that several trees be planted for every one lawfully cut. In addition, public enlightenment programmes should be organized in schools and markets to teach citizens the value of trees.
I am confident that, with your prompt intervention, our environment can be protected for the good of present and future generations. Thank you for your attention.
Yours faithfully,
Osaro Igbinedion.
Key features expected: formal-letter format (two addresses, "Dear Sir", subject heading, "Yours faithfully"); clear effects of tree-felling; practical remedies; formal, respectful tone.
Question 10 Report
Read the following passage carefully and answer the question 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, 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 central nervous system as well as cause memory loss, brain damage and depression.
Drug addicts may display psychotic behaviours, mood swings and may be predisposed 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 drug addiction on the individual are enormous.
Apart from the 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 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 rate 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 drug 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 addicts 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
(a) In three sentences, one for each state three categories of people that are affected by drug addiction and what they suffer.
(b) In three sentences one for each, identify three ways to combat drug addiction in the society.
(a) Three categories of people affected by drug addiction and what they suffer (one sentence each):
(b) Three ways to combat drug addiction in the society (one sentence each):
Answer Details
(a) Three categories of people affected by drug addiction and what they suffer (one sentence each):
(b) Three ways to combat drug addiction in the society (one sentence each):
Question 11 Report
Your community lacks some basic amenities. Write a letter to the Local Government Administrator explaining the importance of such amenities and how their absence affects the lives of the people.
Question 12 Report
You have been invited to participate in a debate on the topic: Technology has eroded our values. Write your argument for or against the motion.
Question 13 Report
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 the problem.
Model answer: newspaper article
TAMING THE RISING COST OF LIVING
By Aisha Bello
Life has become unbearably expensive for the ordinary citizen. The prices of food, transport, rent and other basic needs have soared beyond the reach of the average family, and many now struggle to afford even a single decent meal a day. Unless urgent steps are taken, the suffering will only deepen.
The causes are not far to seek. Poor harvests, insecurity that keeps farmers off their land, a weak local currency, and the high cost of fuel have all pushed prices upward. The worst hit are workers on fixed salaries, whose earnings can no longer match the daily rise in prices.
Fortunately, the government can do much to ease the burden. First, it should support agriculture by providing farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers and loans at low interest, and by securing farmlands, so that food production increases and prices fall. Secondly, it should stabilize the national currency and curb inflation through sound economic policies, thereby restoring the purchasing power of the people. Thirdly, it should invest in reliable public transport and a steady supply of electricity, which would lower the cost of moving goods and running businesses.
The high cost of living is not beyond solution. With sincere effort and good planning, the government can lift the heavy load from the shoulders of its citizens. The time to act is now.
Key features expected: headline and by-line; identification of the problem; at least three practical government measures; formal, impersonal style; clear paragraphing.
Answer Details
Model answer: newspaper article
TAMING THE RISING COST OF LIVING
By Aisha Bello
Life has become unbearably expensive for the ordinary citizen. The prices of food, transport, rent and other basic needs have soared beyond the reach of the average family, and many now struggle to afford even a single decent meal a day. Unless urgent steps are taken, the suffering will only deepen.
The causes are not far to seek. Poor harvests, insecurity that keeps farmers off their land, a weak local currency, and the high cost of fuel have all pushed prices upward. The worst hit are workers on fixed salaries, whose earnings can no longer match the daily rise in prices.
Fortunately, the government can do much to ease the burden. First, it should support agriculture by providing farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers and loans at low interest, and by securing farmlands, so that food production increases and prices fall. Secondly, it should stabilize the national currency and curb inflation through sound economic policies, thereby restoring the purchasing power of the people. Thirdly, it should invest in reliable public transport and a steady supply of electricity, which would lower the cost of moving goods and running businesses.
The high cost of living is not beyond solution. With sincere effort and good planning, the government can lift the heavy load from the shoulders of its citizens. The time to act is now.
Key features expected: headline and by-line; identification of the problem; at least three practical government measures; formal, impersonal style; clear paragraphing.
Question 14 Report
Write a story ending with the statement: "I wish I had told the truth."
Question 15 Report
You are the main speaker in a debate on the topic: Children of literate parents perform better in school than those of illiterate parents. Write your argument for or against the motion.
Model answer: debate speech (arguing FOR the motion)
Mr Chairman, accurate timekeeper, panel of judges, my co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen. I stand before you to speak in support of the motion that children of literate parents perform better in school than those of illiterate parents.
My first point is that literate parents can guide their children in their studies. They understand what the child is being taught, help with homework, explain difficult topics and monitor progress. The child of an illiterate parent, however willing, receives no such help at home.
Secondly, literate parents provide a home rich in learning. Their homes usually contain books, newspapers and a quiet place to study, and the children see their parents reading. This atmosphere encourages the child to value education and to read widely.
Thirdly, literate parents appreciate the importance of education and are ready to invest in it. They pay fees promptly, buy the necessary books and take interest in the child's school, attending meetings and asking questions. This support naturally spurs the child to greater performance.
My opponents may argue that many great men rose from illiterate homes. I concede that hard work and determination matter, but such cases are exceptions; the general truth remains that a supportive, educated home gives a child a clear advantage.
Mr Chairman, for these weighty reasons, I firmly urge this house to support the motion. Thank you.
Key features expected: full debate opening with vocatives; a clear stand (for or against); at least three well-developed arguments; a concession or rebuttal of the opposing view; a firm concluding appeal. A candidate may equally argue AGAINST, stressing determination, government support, hard-working teachers and successful people from illiterate homes.
Answer Details
Model answer: debate speech (arguing FOR the motion)
Mr Chairman, accurate timekeeper, panel of judges, my co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen. I stand before you to speak in support of the motion that children of literate parents perform better in school than those of illiterate parents.
My first point is that literate parents can guide their children in their studies. They understand what the child is being taught, help with homework, explain difficult topics and monitor progress. The child of an illiterate parent, however willing, receives no such help at home.
Secondly, literate parents provide a home rich in learning. Their homes usually contain books, newspapers and a quiet place to study, and the children see their parents reading. This atmosphere encourages the child to value education and to read widely.
Thirdly, literate parents appreciate the importance of education and are ready to invest in it. They pay fees promptly, buy the necessary books and take interest in the child's school, attending meetings and asking questions. This support naturally spurs the child to greater performance.
My opponents may argue that many great men rose from illiterate homes. I concede that hard work and determination matter, but such cases are exceptions; the general truth remains that a supportive, educated home gives a child a clear advantage.
Mr Chairman, for these weighty reasons, I firmly urge this house to support the motion. Thank you.
Key features expected: full debate opening with vocatives; a clear stand (for or against); at least three well-developed arguments; a concession or rebuttal of the opposing view; a firm concluding appeal. A candidate may equally argue AGAINST, stressing determination, government support, hard-working teachers and successful people from illiterate homes.
Question 16 Report
Write a story to illustrate the saying: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Once upon a time, there was a man named Jack who lived in a small village. Jack was a hunter and loved to spend his days in the forest, hunting for birds. One day, Jack was walking through the forest when he saw two birds fly by. He quickly aimed his bow and arrow and shot one bird. However, the other bird flew away into the bushes. Excited to have caught one bird, Jack started to walk back to the village with his catch. But as he was walking, he couldn't stop thinking about the bird that had flown away into the bushes. He thought to himself, "What if the bird in the bushes is bigger and more beautiful than the one I have in my hand? Maybe I should go back and try to catch it." So, Jack decided to go back into the bushes to search for the other bird. He spent hours searching, but he couldn't find it. Frustrated, Jack realized that the bird in his hand was worth more to him than two birds that he might have caught in the bushes. From that day on, Jack learned that it's better to be content with what you have, instead of always searching for something better. He also realized that the saying, "A bird in hand is worth two in the bush," is very true. The end.
Answer Details
Once upon a time, there was a man named Jack who lived in a small village. Jack was a hunter and loved to spend his days in the forest, hunting for birds. One day, Jack was walking through the forest when he saw two birds fly by. He quickly aimed his bow and arrow and shot one bird. However, the other bird flew away into the bushes. Excited to have caught one bird, Jack started to walk back to the village with his catch. But as he was walking, he couldn't stop thinking about the bird that had flown away into the bushes. He thought to himself, "What if the bird in the bushes is bigger and more beautiful than the one I have in my hand? Maybe I should go back and try to catch it." So, Jack decided to go back into the bushes to search for the other bird. He spent hours searching, but he couldn't find it. Frustrated, Jack realized that the bird in his hand was worth more to him than two birds that he might have caught in the bushes. From that day on, Jack learned that it's better to be content with what you have, instead of always searching for something better. He also realized that the saying, "A bird in hand is worth two in the bush," is very true. The end.
Question 17 Report
Write a letter to the Chairman of your Local Government Area discussing at least, three ways in which food production can be improved in the community.
Would you like to proceed with this action?