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Question 1 Report
Write a letter to the newly-elected chairman of your local government council congratulating him on his election an stating the priority needs of the people of your community.
How to approach this question: This is a formal (official) letter. It requires the writer's address, date, the receiver's title and address, a formal salutation, a title, a body that both congratulates and states priority needs, a formal close and a signature. Below is a model answer.
15 Unity Road,
Ikeja,
Lagos State.
10 July, 2026.
The Chairman,
Ikeja Local Government Council,
Ikeja,
Lagos State.
Dear Sir,
CONGRATULATIONS AND THE PRIORITY NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY
On behalf of the people of my community, I write to congratulate you most heartily on your election as the Chairman of our Local Government Council. Your victory at the polls is a clear testimony to the confidence which the people repose in you, and we are convinced that your wealth of experience will bring the development we have long desired.
While rejoicing with you, permit me to draw your attention to a few pressing needs of our people, which we hope your administration will place high on its agenda.
In the first place, our roads are in a deplorable state. The main road linking our community to the town has become almost impassable, especially during the rainy season, and this has greatly hampered trade and movement. We appeal for its urgent rehabilitation.
Secondly, we lack a functional health centre. The sick are compelled to travel many kilometres before receiving treatment, and lives have been lost as a result. The building of a well-equipped clinic would be a great relief.
Thirdly, our community is in dire need of pipe-borne water and a stable supply of electricity. The absence of these basic amenities has slowed down the growth of small businesses and has exposed the people to avoidable hardship.
I am confident that under your able leadership these needs will receive prompt attention. Once again, I congratulate you and wish you a successful tenure of office.
Yours faithfully,
Adewale Johnson
(Community Representative)
Answer Details
How to approach this question: This is a formal (official) letter. It requires the writer's address, date, the receiver's title and address, a formal salutation, a title, a body that both congratulates and states priority needs, a formal close and a signature. Below is a model answer.
15 Unity Road,
Ikeja,
Lagos State.
10 July, 2026.
The Chairman,
Ikeja Local Government Council,
Ikeja,
Lagos State.
Dear Sir,
CONGRATULATIONS AND THE PRIORITY NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY
On behalf of the people of my community, I write to congratulate you most heartily on your election as the Chairman of our Local Government Council. Your victory at the polls is a clear testimony to the confidence which the people repose in you, and we are convinced that your wealth of experience will bring the development we have long desired.
While rejoicing with you, permit me to draw your attention to a few pressing needs of our people, which we hope your administration will place high on its agenda.
In the first place, our roads are in a deplorable state. The main road linking our community to the town has become almost impassable, especially during the rainy season, and this has greatly hampered trade and movement. We appeal for its urgent rehabilitation.
Secondly, we lack a functional health centre. The sick are compelled to travel many kilometres before receiving treatment, and lives have been lost as a result. The building of a well-equipped clinic would be a great relief.
Thirdly, our community is in dire need of pipe-borne water and a stable supply of electricity. The absence of these basic amenities has slowed down the growth of small businesses and has exposed the people to avoidable hardship.
I am confident that under your able leadership these needs will receive prompt attention. Once again, I congratulate you and wish you a successful tenure of office.
Yours faithfully,
Adewale Johnson
(Community Representative)
Question 2 Report
As the Senior Prefect in your school, write out the speech you would give on the occasion of your school's end-of-year ceremony. Mention some of the problems you faced and give suggestions on how they could be solved.
How to approach this question: This is a speech by the Senior Prefect at an end-of-year ceremony. It must open with vocatives addressing the dignitaries, use a formal but warm speech register, mention specific problems faced during the year, offer practical suggestions, and close with thanks. Below is a model answer.
SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE SENIOR PREFECT AT THE END-OF-YEAR CEREMONY
The Principal, the Vice-Principals, distinguished members of staff, invited guests, my dear fellow students, ladies and gentlemen. I count it a great privilege to stand before you today, on behalf of the entire student body, on the occasion of our school's end-of-year ceremony.
It has indeed been a year of hard work, growth and achievement. Our academic results have improved, our sports teams have brought home trophies, and the spirit of unity among us has grown stronger. For all these, we thank our dedicated teachers and our supportive parents.
However, permit me to speak frankly about some of the problems we faced in the course of the year, for it is only by naming our challenges that we can overcome them.
First, we suffered from inadequate learning facilities. Our library is poorly stocked and our science laboratories lack basic equipment, which made practical lessons difficult. I humbly suggest that the school management and our old students' association come to our aid by donating books and equipment.
Second, the problem of lateness and indiscipline among a few students disturbed the smooth running of the school. I suggest that a stronger prefect system, supported by regular counselling, be put in place to guide erring students back to the right path.
Third, the poor state of some of our classrooms and the shortage of desks made learning uncomfortable. I appeal for the renovation of these classrooms so that the coming year may be more conducive to study.
In spite of these challenges, we have kept the flag of our dear school flying high. Let me therefore urge my fellow students to remain focused, disciplined and hardworking, for the glory of our school rests on our shoulders.
On this note, I thank the Principal and the entire staff for their tireless efforts, and I thank all of you for your kind attention.
Thank you, and long live our great school.
Answer Details
How to approach this question: This is a speech by the Senior Prefect at an end-of-year ceremony. It must open with vocatives addressing the dignitaries, use a formal but warm speech register, mention specific problems faced during the year, offer practical suggestions, and close with thanks. Below is a model answer.
SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE SENIOR PREFECT AT THE END-OF-YEAR CEREMONY
The Principal, the Vice-Principals, distinguished members of staff, invited guests, my dear fellow students, ladies and gentlemen. I count it a great privilege to stand before you today, on behalf of the entire student body, on the occasion of our school's end-of-year ceremony.
It has indeed been a year of hard work, growth and achievement. Our academic results have improved, our sports teams have brought home trophies, and the spirit of unity among us has grown stronger. For all these, we thank our dedicated teachers and our supportive parents.
However, permit me to speak frankly about some of the problems we faced in the course of the year, for it is only by naming our challenges that we can overcome them.
First, we suffered from inadequate learning facilities. Our library is poorly stocked and our science laboratories lack basic equipment, which made practical lessons difficult. I humbly suggest that the school management and our old students' association come to our aid by donating books and equipment.
Second, the problem of lateness and indiscipline among a few students disturbed the smooth running of the school. I suggest that a stronger prefect system, supported by regular counselling, be put in place to guide erring students back to the right path.
Third, the poor state of some of our classrooms and the shortage of desks made learning uncomfortable. I appeal for the renovation of these classrooms so that the coming year may be more conducive to study.
In spite of these challenges, we have kept the flag of our dear school flying high. Let me therefore urge my fellow students to remain focused, disciplined and hardworking, for the glory of our school rests on our shoulders.
On this note, I thank the Principal and the entire staff for their tireless efforts, and I thank all of you for your kind attention.
Thank you, and long live our great school.
Question 3 Report
You have been invited by a youth organization to speak on 'Indiscipline among youths'. Write your speech.
How to approach this question: This is a speech. You are addressing a live audience, so it must open with a vocative (address forms), carry a clear speech register (rhetorical questions, direct address to "fellow youths"), and close with a note of thanks. Mark allocation rewards format, content, expression and mechanical accuracy. Below is a full model speech.
SPEECH ON INDISCIPLINE AMONG YOUTHS
The Chairman, the invited guests, distinguished members of the youth organization, my fellow young people, ladies and gentlemen. I am honoured to stand before you this morning to speak on a subject that touches the very future of our nation: indiscipline among youths.
What exactly is indiscipline? It is the refusal to submit to acceptable rules of conduct. It shows itself when a young person disobeys parents and teachers, disregards the laws of the land, cheats in examinations, abuses drugs, dresses indecently or resorts to violence to settle disputes. Everywhere we turn today, these signs stare us in the face.
Fellow youths, the causes of this problem are not far to seek. First, poor home training has produced children who were never taught the difference between right and wrong. Second, the wrong company keeps many young people on the path of ruin, for a person is known by the friends he keeps. Third, the influence of unwholesome films and social media glamorizes crime and disrespect. Fourth, unemployment and idleness push some youths into vices, since an idle mind is the devil's workshop.
May I remind us that the consequences are grievous. Indiscipline breeds examination malpractice, which produces half-baked graduates. It fuels cultism, armed robbery and drug addiction. It destroys the good name of families and it robs the nation of the responsible leaders of tomorrow.
What then is the way forward? Let us return to the values of honesty, hard work and respect for elders. Parents must train their children early. Schools must enforce rules firmly but fairly. Government must create opportunities that keep young people gainfully engaged. Above all, we the youths must discipline ourselves, for no meaningful change can come from outside if we are not willing to change within.
Fellow young people, the discipline we build today is the greatness we shall harvest tomorrow. Let us rise to the challenge and prove that our generation is not lost but is ready to lead.
Thank you, and God bless you all.
Answer Details
How to approach this question: This is a speech. You are addressing a live audience, so it must open with a vocative (address forms), carry a clear speech register (rhetorical questions, direct address to "fellow youths"), and close with a note of thanks. Mark allocation rewards format, content, expression and mechanical accuracy. Below is a full model speech.
SPEECH ON INDISCIPLINE AMONG YOUTHS
The Chairman, the invited guests, distinguished members of the youth organization, my fellow young people, ladies and gentlemen. I am honoured to stand before you this morning to speak on a subject that touches the very future of our nation: indiscipline among youths.
What exactly is indiscipline? It is the refusal to submit to acceptable rules of conduct. It shows itself when a young person disobeys parents and teachers, disregards the laws of the land, cheats in examinations, abuses drugs, dresses indecently or resorts to violence to settle disputes. Everywhere we turn today, these signs stare us in the face.
Fellow youths, the causes of this problem are not far to seek. First, poor home training has produced children who were never taught the difference between right and wrong. Second, the wrong company keeps many young people on the path of ruin, for a person is known by the friends he keeps. Third, the influence of unwholesome films and social media glamorizes crime and disrespect. Fourth, unemployment and idleness push some youths into vices, since an idle mind is the devil's workshop.
May I remind us that the consequences are grievous. Indiscipline breeds examination malpractice, which produces half-baked graduates. It fuels cultism, armed robbery and drug addiction. It destroys the good name of families and it robs the nation of the responsible leaders of tomorrow.
What then is the way forward? Let us return to the values of honesty, hard work and respect for elders. Parents must train their children early. Schools must enforce rules firmly but fairly. Government must create opportunities that keep young people gainfully engaged. Above all, we the youths must discipline ourselves, for no meaningful change can come from outside if we are not willing to change within.
Fellow young people, the discipline we build today is the greatness we shall harvest tomorrow. Let us rise to the challenge and prove that our generation is not lost but is ready to lead.
Thank you, and God bless you all.
Question 4 Report
Read the following passage carefully and then answer the questions on it.
A study conducted in Nigeria recently recognized three varieties of spoken English. Speakers of the first variety exhibit characteristics of a very long and difficult process of 'internal interpretation from the mother-tongue into English. Thinking and expression do not go closely together. A listener would notice this from the way the speaker pauses before expressing himself, apparently deciding which words to use and how to arrange them. Thus, thinking is exclusively through the medium of the mother-tongue and English is thus a poor shadow of the original thoughts of the speakers. Utterances heard invariably have to be translated silently into the mother-tongue to be maximally meaningful, and then responses are translated from the mother-tongue into English. Consequently, the long, indirect routes make statements slow, halting and jerky.
The second variety speakers exhibit features described above but to a much lesser degree. internal translations from the mother-tongue to English still take place during the speaker's expression of opinions and complex concepts but the process now takes a shorter span of time. With ordinary words or simple ideas, internal interpretations need not intervene between the points at which the thought is conceived and the time it is given verbal expression. Discussions are quicker and smoother though these might not always be entirely free from minor halting gaps.
With the third variety speakers, thought is almost entirely in English and translation is not needed. The speaker has a wealth of linguistic weapons to choose from to express the minute distinctions between similar concepts - and these come quickly and easily. Thus for instance, whereas speakers of the lower varieties have only the word 'rain', the speaker of variety III recognizes distinctions between 'shower', down-pour' drizzle'. 'mist'. 'deluge', etc.. and uses each in the appropriate context. Also, his mastery of the sounds and features of the English Language equips him to express the utterances accurately and automatically without having to pause and think of the correct version of a sound since he masters the various distinctions in the pronunciation of each vowel and each consonant.
We need to recognize, however, that most Nigerian learners of English 'graduate' from one variety to another, from the lowest stratum of variety Ito the highest stratum of that variety. and then to variety II and so on until they achieve variety III. Length of periods of education. exposure to standard English and a personal conscious effort play major roles in deciding what variety a particular speaker uses.
Finally, we must recognize that most speakers of the higher varieties are still capable of reverting to the lower ones, if they choose. Thus we can find even a Nigerian professor of phonology switching to the lowest stratum of variety I if he feels so inclined when discussing with a house-servant or a porter.
(a) In three sentences. one for each, summarize the distinctive characteristics of the speakers of the three varieties of English described in the passage.
(b) In two sentences, one for each, describe the conditions under which a person can:
(i) move from lower varieties to the upper ones: (ii) switch from a higher variety to a lower one.
(a) The distinctive characteristics of the speakers of the three varieties (one sentence for each):
(b) The conditions (one sentence for each):
Answer Details
(a) The distinctive characteristics of the speakers of the three varieties (one sentence for each):
(b) The conditions (one sentence for each):
Question 5 Report
Write an article, for publication in a national newspaper, on the dangers of drug abuse among youths.
How to approach this question: This is a newspaper article. It requires a catchy title, the writer's name below the title (by-line), an introduction that states the problem, well-developed paragraphs on the dangers, and a concluding call to action. No address or salutation is needed. Below is a model answer.
DRUG ABUSE: THE SILENT KILLER OF OUR YOUTHS
By Ngozi Okafor
Across the length and breadth of our nation, a silent enemy is destroying the flower of our youth. That enemy is drug abuse, the misuse of substances such as Indian hemp, cocaine, tramadol, codeine and other harmful substances. Day after day, promising young men and women are wasting away because they have fallen into this deadly trap. It is high time the whole society woke up to the dangers that lie ahead.
The first and most obvious danger of drug abuse is the destruction of health. Hard drugs damage the brain, the heart, the liver and the lungs. Many addicts have lost their sanity and now roam the streets as a pitiable sight, while others have died in the prime of life. No amount of pleasure is worth such a price.
Secondly, drug abuse ruins the future of the youth. A student who takes to drugs loses concentration, fails his examinations and eventually drops out of school. The dreams of the parents who laboured to train him are dashed, and society loses a mind that might have become a doctor, an engineer or a leader.
Thirdly, drug abuse fuels crime and violence. Under the influence of these substances, young people commit armed robbery, rape, cultism and even murder. Many of the atrocities reported daily in the media are traceable to minds that have been poisoned by drugs.
Finally, drug abuse brings shame and sorrow to families. The addict becomes a burden and a source of endless grief to his parents, and the good name of the family is dragged in the mud.
What must be done? Parents must watch over their children and teach them the dangers of drugs early. Schools should intensify enlightenment campaigns, while government must strengthen the agencies fighting the drug trade and provide rehabilitation centres for victims. Above all, our youths must learn to say a firm "No" to drugs.
The battle against drug abuse is a battle for the survival of our nation. If we fail to act now, we may wake up to find that we have lost an entire generation. The time to save our youths is now.
Answer Details
How to approach this question: This is a newspaper article. It requires a catchy title, the writer's name below the title (by-line), an introduction that states the problem, well-developed paragraphs on the dangers, and a concluding call to action. No address or salutation is needed. Below is a model answer.
DRUG ABUSE: THE SILENT KILLER OF OUR YOUTHS
By Ngozi Okafor
Across the length and breadth of our nation, a silent enemy is destroying the flower of our youth. That enemy is drug abuse, the misuse of substances such as Indian hemp, cocaine, tramadol, codeine and other harmful substances. Day after day, promising young men and women are wasting away because they have fallen into this deadly trap. It is high time the whole society woke up to the dangers that lie ahead.
The first and most obvious danger of drug abuse is the destruction of health. Hard drugs damage the brain, the heart, the liver and the lungs. Many addicts have lost their sanity and now roam the streets as a pitiable sight, while others have died in the prime of life. No amount of pleasure is worth such a price.
Secondly, drug abuse ruins the future of the youth. A student who takes to drugs loses concentration, fails his examinations and eventually drops out of school. The dreams of the parents who laboured to train him are dashed, and society loses a mind that might have become a doctor, an engineer or a leader.
Thirdly, drug abuse fuels crime and violence. Under the influence of these substances, young people commit armed robbery, rape, cultism and even murder. Many of the atrocities reported daily in the media are traceable to minds that have been poisoned by drugs.
Finally, drug abuse brings shame and sorrow to families. The addict becomes a burden and a source of endless grief to his parents, and the good name of the family is dragged in the mud.
What must be done? Parents must watch over their children and teach them the dangers of drugs early. Schools should intensify enlightenment campaigns, while government must strengthen the agencies fighting the drug trade and provide rehabilitation centres for victims. Above all, our youths must learn to say a firm "No" to drugs.
The battle against drug abuse is a battle for the survival of our nation. If we fail to act now, we may wake up to find that we have lost an entire generation. The time to save our youths is now.
Question 6 Report
A friend of yours has been absent from the school for about a month due to illness. Write a letter to the friend describing some interesting things that have happened in the school during the period and expressing your wish for a quick recovery.
How to approach this question: This is an informal letter to a sick friend. It needs the writer's address and date, an informal salutation, a sympathetic opening, a body describing interesting school happenings, and a warm wish for quick recovery. Below is a model answer.
Boys' Hostel, Block C,
Government College,
Enugu.
10 July, 2026.
Dear Chidi,
I was very sorry to learn that you have been confined to bed for almost a month now. Your absence has left a great gap among us, and there is not a day that passes without one of us asking after you. I decided to write so that you do not feel cut off from all the exciting things that have been happening here.
You will not believe how eventful the school has been. First, our football team lifted the Principal's Cup after beating our great rivals, Merchants' High School, by two goals to one. The whole school poured onto the field in wild celebration, and you would have loved every minute of it.
Secondly, the Literary and Debating Society organized an inter-house debate on the topic "Science has done more harm than good," and our house, Blue House, carried the day. Adaeze, our chief speaker, was so brilliant that even the visiting judges could not stop praising her.
Thirdly, we had a memorable excursion to the National Museum, where we saw ancient artefacts and learnt so much about our history. The trip was rounded off with a picnic that left everyone in high spirits.
Enough of the news for now. The most important thing is your health. Please take your medicines faithfully, eat well and rest properly. We are all praying earnestly for you, and I am certain that you will soon be up and about. School is simply not the same without you.
Get well soon, my dear friend. I look forward to seeing your cheerful face again very shortly.
Your loving friend,
Emeka
Answer Details
How to approach this question: This is an informal letter to a sick friend. It needs the writer's address and date, an informal salutation, a sympathetic opening, a body describing interesting school happenings, and a warm wish for quick recovery. Below is a model answer.
Boys' Hostel, Block C,
Government College,
Enugu.
10 July, 2026.
Dear Chidi,
I was very sorry to learn that you have been confined to bed for almost a month now. Your absence has left a great gap among us, and there is not a day that passes without one of us asking after you. I decided to write so that you do not feel cut off from all the exciting things that have been happening here.
You will not believe how eventful the school has been. First, our football team lifted the Principal's Cup after beating our great rivals, Merchants' High School, by two goals to one. The whole school poured onto the field in wild celebration, and you would have loved every minute of it.
Secondly, the Literary and Debating Society organized an inter-house debate on the topic "Science has done more harm than good," and our house, Blue House, carried the day. Adaeze, our chief speaker, was so brilliant that even the visiting judges could not stop praising her.
Thirdly, we had a memorable excursion to the National Museum, where we saw ancient artefacts and learnt so much about our history. The trip was rounded off with a picnic that left everyone in high spirits.
Enough of the news for now. The most important thing is your health. Please take your medicines faithfully, eat well and rest properly. We are all praying earnestly for you, and I am certain that you will soon be up and about. School is simply not the same without you.
Get well soon, my dear friend. I look forward to seeing your cheerful face again very shortly.
Your loving friend,
Emeka
Question 7 Report
You have just spent your holiday in another part of the country with a friend. Narrate your experience to other friend: describing what you found interesting about the customs, food. dress and way of life of your hosts.
How to approach this question: This is an informal (friendly) letter narrating a holiday experience. It requires only the writer's address and date, an informal salutation ("Dear ..."), a warm, chatty register, and clear coverage of the four required points: customs, food, dress and way of life. Below is a model answer.
12 Oke-Ado Street,
Ibadan,
Oyo State.
10 July, 2026.
Dear Tunde,
How are you and how is your family? I have been longing to write to you ever since I returned from the most memorable holiday of my life. I spent the last three weeks with my friend, Musa, in Sokoto, and I simply must share with you all that I found so fascinating about the people there.
What struck me first was their customs. The people are extremely hospitable and respectful. A guest is treated like royalty, and the young greet their elders by kneeling or bowing, which touched me deeply. Their many festivals, especially the colourful Durbar, with its horses and parade, held me spellbound.
Their food was another delightful surprise. I tasted tuwo and miyan kuka for the first time, and I fell in love with their spicy suya and the sweet fura da nono they took every evening. It was so different from the amala we enjoy here.
Their dress also caught my eye. The men wore flowing babban riga with beautifully embroidered caps, while the women wrapped themselves in bright, patterned cloths and covered their heads gracefully. They looked truly dignified.
Finally, their way of life impressed me. They live in close-knit communities where neighbours share everything and no one goes hungry. Farming and trading are their mainstay, and life moves at a calm, unhurried pace that made me feel completely at peace.
I have returned home richer in experience and full of admiration for a people I once knew only from books. You must come with me next time so that you too can enjoy their warmth.
Do extend my greetings to your parents. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Your friend,
Bola
Answer Details
How to approach this question: This is an informal (friendly) letter narrating a holiday experience. It requires only the writer's address and date, an informal salutation ("Dear ..."), a warm, chatty register, and clear coverage of the four required points: customs, food, dress and way of life. Below is a model answer.
12 Oke-Ado Street,
Ibadan,
Oyo State.
10 July, 2026.
Dear Tunde,
How are you and how is your family? I have been longing to write to you ever since I returned from the most memorable holiday of my life. I spent the last three weeks with my friend, Musa, in Sokoto, and I simply must share with you all that I found so fascinating about the people there.
What struck me first was their customs. The people are extremely hospitable and respectful. A guest is treated like royalty, and the young greet their elders by kneeling or bowing, which touched me deeply. Their many festivals, especially the colourful Durbar, with its horses and parade, held me spellbound.
Their food was another delightful surprise. I tasted tuwo and miyan kuka for the first time, and I fell in love with their spicy suya and the sweet fura da nono they took every evening. It was so different from the amala we enjoy here.
Their dress also caught my eye. The men wore flowing babban riga with beautifully embroidered caps, while the women wrapped themselves in bright, patterned cloths and covered their heads gracefully. They looked truly dignified.
Finally, their way of life impressed me. They live in close-knit communities where neighbours share everything and no one goes hungry. Farming and trading are their mainstay, and life moves at a calm, unhurried pace that made me feel completely at peace.
I have returned home richer in experience and full of admiration for a people I once knew only from books. You must come with me next time so that you too can enjoy their warmth.
Do extend my greetings to your parents. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Your friend,
Bola
Question 8 Report
Read the following passage carefully and then answer the questions which follow.
Though Hitler is dead, many mysteries about him remain unravelled. especially the mystery of how he was able to rise to supreme power. The source of his strength, the nature of his ultimate beliefs, and the workings of his fatal weaknesses, all these would be debated for many years to come. No final assessment could be made at the time, nor can we reasonably expect to reach a final assessment in our generation. Hitler's verdict on himself was given in the testament he drew up the day before his suicide. It is an astonishing and revealing document. Having sacrificed millions of Germans to his own glory, he claimed that all his actions had proceeded out of love and loyalty to his people. With perfect detachment and single-mindedness, he claimed that he had shown the German people the way which destiny had pointed out to them, and it was not his fault that they had proved unworthy of the task. He urged the Germans to continue the struggle.
While he was dictating these words. the Russians had encircled Berlin and the Chancellery was being bombarded by Russian guns at close range. Hitler wrote that he chose to die by his own hand rather than submit to cowardly abdication or capitulation. But the most revealing paragraph of his testament referred to his possessions, which he bequeathed to the party, or if the party was no longer in existence to the state. 'Should the state too be destroyed, no further decision on my part is necessary'.
(a) From the passage. what type of ruler was Hitler during his life?
(b) (i) How did Hitler die? (ii) Why?
(c) What was the last thing Hitler did before his death?
(d) At the time of his death, how was Germany performing in the war?
(e) What two options did Hitler give for disposing of his possessions?
(f) For each of the following words, find another word or phrase that means the same and which can replace it in the passage:
(i) mystery; (ii) verdict; (iii) astonishing, (iv) detachment; (v) submit; (vi) bequeathed.
(g) 'While he was dictating these words (i) What is the grammatical term used to describe the above expression, as used in the passage? (ii) What is the function of the expression in the sentence?
(a) What type of ruler was Hitler during his life?
Hitler was a ruthless, self-glorifying dictator who sacrificed millions of his own people for his personal glory while still claiming that he acted out of love and loyalty to them.
(b)(i) How did Hitler die?
Hitler died by committing suicide; he took his own life by his own hand.
(b)(ii) Why?
He chose to die by his own hand rather than submit to what he regarded as a cowardly abdication or capitulation, that is, rather than surrender or be captured by the Russians.
(c) What was the last thing Hitler did before his death?
The last thing he did was to draw up and dictate his testament, or will, in which he passed his own verdict on himself and stated how his possessions were to be disposed of.
(d) At the time of his death, how was Germany performing in the war?
Germany was losing the war badly; the Russians had already encircled Berlin and were bombarding the Chancellery with their guns at close range.
(e) What two options did Hitler give for disposing of his possessions?
(f) Words and their replacements as used in the passage:
(g) "While he was dictating these words"
(i) Grammatical term: It is an adverbial clause of time (a subordinate clause of time).
(ii) Function: It functions as an adverbial of time modifying the verb "had encircled" in the main clause; it tells us when the Russians encircled Berlin and bombarded the Chancellery.
Answer Details
(a) What type of ruler was Hitler during his life?
Hitler was a ruthless, self-glorifying dictator who sacrificed millions of his own people for his personal glory while still claiming that he acted out of love and loyalty to them.
(b)(i) How did Hitler die?
Hitler died by committing suicide; he took his own life by his own hand.
(b)(ii) Why?
He chose to die by his own hand rather than submit to what he regarded as a cowardly abdication or capitulation, that is, rather than surrender or be captured by the Russians.
(c) What was the last thing Hitler did before his death?
The last thing he did was to draw up and dictate his testament, or will, in which he passed his own verdict on himself and stated how his possessions were to be disposed of.
(d) At the time of his death, how was Germany performing in the war?
Germany was losing the war badly; the Russians had already encircled Berlin and were bombarding the Chancellery with their guns at close range.
(e) What two options did Hitler give for disposing of his possessions?
(f) Words and their replacements as used in the passage:
(g) "While he was dictating these words"
(i) Grammatical term: It is an adverbial clause of time (a subordinate clause of time).
(ii) Function: It functions as an adverbial of time modifying the verb "had encircled" in the main clause; it tells us when the Russians encircled Berlin and bombarded the Chancellery.
Question 9 Report
Read the following passage carefully and then answer the questions on it.
When neighbours learnt that the Umorus household had been raided by robbers, they were genuinely downcast because the easy-going Umorus minded their own business and had contributed immensely to the development of the area. Visitors early that morning were shocked at the way the doors were vandalized before the robbers forced their way into the living-room to make away with the radio, the television, the wall clock, and the video cassette recorder.
As some sympathizers discussed the perfection with which modern robbers strike nowadays, a few of them drove to the police station and soon arrived with detectives. Quickly, statements were obtained from the couple and a few neighbours, all in an attempt to pin down suspects. From these statements. it was learnt that the bushes and uncom-pleted houses nearby had not been searched. The officer ordered his men to comb the bushes and the unfinished structures. While this lasted, he stood over the culvert near one of the buildings.
Thoroughly, from room to room, from tree to tree, the searchers toiled. But it was a fruitless exercise. The help rendered by neighbours did not yield clues. At last, the police boss concluded that the robbers were beyond their reach, and so called off their chase. He blew his whistle and ordered his men into the jeep. Reassuring Mr. Umoru that the search would continue, he instructed the driver to move.
All the while, in the culvert, their booty by their side, the two robbers snored on. Had a stray dog not given them away, later in the afternoon, they would have escaped with their booty.
(a) Why were the neighbours concerned about the robbery in the house of the Umorus?
(b) Identify the two types of sympathizers mentioned in the passage.
(c) (i) Were the Police careful enough in their search? (ii) Why do you think so?
(d) What finally happened to the robbers?
(e) 'Had a stray dog not given them away'
(i) What is the grammatical term used to describe the above expression, as used in the passage?
(ii) What is its function?
(f) Give one word that could replace each of the following as used in the passage: (i) immensely; (ii) vandalized; (iii) pin down (iv) comb; (v) structures; (vi) chase.
Comprehension answers (Umoru robbery passage).
(a) Why were the neighbours concerned about the robbery in the house of the Umorus?
The neighbours were concerned because the Umorus were easy-going people who minded their own business and had contributed immensely to the development of the area, so the misfortune that befell such good neighbours genuinely saddened them.
(b) Identify the two types of sympathizers mentioned in the passage.
The first type were those who merely stood around discussing the perfection with which modern robbers strike, while the second type were the practical ones who drove to the police station and returned with detectives.
(c)(i) Were the Police careful enough in their search?
No, the police were not careful enough in their search.
(c)(ii) Why do you think so?
Although the officer ordered his men to comb the bushes and unfinished buildings, he himself merely stood over the culvert where the robbers were actually hiding and never searched it, so the very spot that held the criminals was overlooked.
(d) What finally happened to the robbers?
The two robbers, who had fallen asleep in the culvert with their booty beside them, were given away later in the afternoon by a stray dog, and so they did not escape with their loot.
(e) 'Had a stray dog not given them away'
(i) Grammatical term: It is a conditional clause (an adverbial clause of condition, in the inverted form without "if").
(ii) Function: It functions as an adverbial of condition; it states the condition upon which the robbers' possible escape depended.
(f) One-word replacements as used in the passage:
Answer Details
Comprehension answers (Umoru robbery passage).
(a) Why were the neighbours concerned about the robbery in the house of the Umorus?
The neighbours were concerned because the Umorus were easy-going people who minded their own business and had contributed immensely to the development of the area, so the misfortune that befell such good neighbours genuinely saddened them.
(b) Identify the two types of sympathizers mentioned in the passage.
The first type were those who merely stood around discussing the perfection with which modern robbers strike, while the second type were the practical ones who drove to the police station and returned with detectives.
(c)(i) Were the Police careful enough in their search?
No, the police were not careful enough in their search.
(c)(ii) Why do you think so?
Although the officer ordered his men to comb the bushes and unfinished buildings, he himself merely stood over the culvert where the robbers were actually hiding and never searched it, so the very spot that held the criminals was overlooked.
(d) What finally happened to the robbers?
The two robbers, who had fallen asleep in the culvert with their booty beside them, were given away later in the afternoon by a stray dog, and so they did not escape with their loot.
(e) 'Had a stray dog not given them away'
(i) Grammatical term: It is a conditional clause (an adverbial clause of condition, in the inverted form without "if").
(ii) Function: It functions as an adverbial of condition; it states the condition upon which the robbers' possible escape depended.
(f) One-word replacements as used in the passage:
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