WAEC SSCE - English Language - 1989

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word that best completes the sentence is "forfeit". This is because the sentence talks about a foolish decision made by the eldest son, which resulted in the loss of his claim to an additional chieftain title. "Forfeit" means to give up something as a penalty for a mistake or wrongdoing, which fits the context of the sentence. Therefore, option D, "forfeit", is the correct answer.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option to complete the gap in question 95 is "used." The sentence structure suggests that the builder has already decided on the building materials to be used. Therefore, the next step would be to use the materials to erect the building, making option D, "erected," a possible choice. However, the sentence also suggests that the builder has made a decision on the materials to be used, which indicates that the choice of material has already been made. Therefore, "used" is the most appropriate option that fits in the gap, as it refers to the implementation of the already-decided building materials.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The appropriate interpretation for the given sentence is "her result was as expected." The sentence states that Susan was the last in the examination, but her result wasn't too different from what had been expected. This means that despite being the last, Susan's result was not a disappointment, but rather it was in line with what had been anticipated. For example, if Susan had been consistently performing well in her studies, and had prepared adequately for the examination, then her result being as expected would indicate that she had done well despite being the last. Conversely, if Susan had been performing poorly in her studies and had not prepared adequately for the examination, then her result being as expected would indicate that she did not perform well but that her poor performance was not a surprise. Therefore, the interpretation that her result was as expected is the most appropriate based on the given sentence.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word "carefree" is "meticulous" which means showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. Therefore, the correct answer is "meticulous".

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option to complete the gap is "dug." The sentence mentions the process of building a structure and says that after deciding on the building materials, the foundation is then dug. This means that the ground is excavated or dug to create a space for the foundation to be laid. Therefore, "dug" is the best option to complete the sentence.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option that completes the sentence is "stifled." The sentence is talking about how the heat affected the people when the air conditioner was switched off. When someone is "stifled," it means they are feeling suffocated or uncomfortable due to the lack of air. Therefore, the people were feeling stifled due to the heat when the air conditioner was switched off.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The option that best completes the sentence is "to." The sentence suggests that the Minister is accountable to the President and no one else. The word "accountable" means that the Minister is responsible or answerable for his actions or decisions. In this case, the Minister is accountable to the President, which means he has to explain and justify his actions to the President. Therefore, the correct option to complete the sentence is "to" because it indicates the direction of accountability, which is from the Minister to the President.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the given sentence, the expression "anxious crowds" refers to a group of people who are worried or concerned about something. So, the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to this expression would be "curious". Therefore, the answer is "curious".

Maelezo ya Majibu

The appropriate interpretation for the sentence "Chika escaped the accident by a hair's breadth" is that Chika narrowly escaped the accident. This means that Chika was very close to being involved in the accident, but luckily managed to avoid it by a very small margin.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "would have been better". This is because the sentence is in the past tense, and "would have been better" is the correct conditional form to indicate a hypothetical situation that did not actually happen. The sentence is expressing a hypothetical scenario in the past where the presence of the leader would have made things better.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "much too difficult". This phrase means that the previous assignment was excessively difficult and beyond the expected level of difficulty. "Too much difficult" and "difficult too much" are incorrect constructions in English, as the adverb "too" should come before the adjective "difficult". "Much difficult too" is also incorrect because the adverb "too" cannot be placed at the end of the sentence.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word "appalled" suggests a feeling of strong disapproval or disgust. Therefore, the word that is nearest in meaning to "appalled" as it is used in the sentence is "shocked".

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct interpretation for the sentence "The plan to upgrade the dispensary to a general hospital did not materialize" is that the arrangement did not work out as wished. This means that the plan to upgrade the dispensary to a general hospital was not successful or did not happen as intended.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined expression "exhaustive" is "thorough." The sentence suggests that the lawyer's argument of the case was detailed, complete, and comprehensive, indicating a great deal of effort and attention to detail. "Thorough" is the word that best fits this description and is therefore the correct answer. The other options, such as "interesting," "exaggerating," "exhilarating," and "fascinating," do not convey the same meaning as "exhaustive."

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option that completes the gap is "ensures." The sentence talks about a builder who is about to erect a building, and the word "then" indicates a sequence of events. The verb that best fits in the sentence should indicate an action that the builder takes to make sure that the bricks are of the recommended quality. The word "ensures" means making something certain to happen or guaranteeing it. Therefore, the best option that completes the gap is "ensures" because it implies that the builder takes the necessary steps to guarantee that the bricks are of the recommended quality. Option B, "assures," is not the best option because it means to tell someone that something is definitely true or is definitely going to happen, and it does not fit in the context of the sentence. Option C, "presumes," means to suppose something is true without evidence, which is not the right word to use in the sentence. Option D, "insures," means to protect something against loss or damage, which is not relevant to the sentence. Option E, "assumes," means to take for granted without verifying, which is not suitable in the context of the sentence. In conclusion, the correct sentence should be "He ensures that the bricks are of the recommended quality by checking them."

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option to complete the sentence is "five-man panel." In the context of the sentence, the word "panel" refers to a group of people gathered to investigate or discuss a particular issue. The word "five-man" or "five-men" implies that there are five individuals in the panel. The use of the word "man" instead of "men" indicates that the panel is composed of five individuals, regardless of their gender. The use of the apostrophe in "five-men's" is grammatically incorrect as it suggests possession, which is not applicable in this sentence. Therefore, the sentence means that the students refused to appear before the group of five individuals who were set up to investigate their demands.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the context of the passage, the question is asking what needs to be cleared before starting the construction of a building. The word "cleared" suggests that something needs to be removed or prepared before the building can be erected. The best option from the letters A - E that completes the gap is "site" (option C). This is because before starting the construction of a building, the site where the building is to be erected needs to be cleared. This involves removing any obstacles, debris, or vegetation from the area to create a level surface for the foundation of the building. The other options do not fit the context of the sentence. "Floor" (option A) refers to the inside surface of a room or building and does not relate to the preparation of the site. "Ground" (option B) is too general and does not specifically refer to the site of the building. "Bush" (option D) refers to an area with dense vegetation, which is the opposite of what needs to be done before building a structure. "Cite" (option E) means to quote or refer to something, which does not relate to the preparation of the building site.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option to complete the gap in question 87 is "exorbitant." The sentence suggests that despite the high charges imposed by transport owners during festival times, Nigerians still troop out. Therefore, the word that best describes these charges would be "exorbitant," which means unreasonably high or excessive. The other options do not fit the context of the sentence. "Unusual" does not describe the charges imposed but rather the frequency of Nigerians traveling during festival times. "Expensive" and "harsh" are not strong enough to describe the charges, and "excessive" does not convey the same level of negativity as "exorbitant."

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "ought not to have travelled". This is because the sentence is talking about a past action that was not allowed, and the speaker is explaining why the punishment was given. "Ought not to have travelled" indicates that the person should not have traveled last week without permission. The other options are not correct because they either indicate future actions (must not have traveled, will not have traveled) or present actions (ought not to travel), which do not fit the context of the sentence.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The underlined word in the sentence is "hold on" which means to continue to believe or do something, or to refuse to quit or surrender. The word that is opposite in meaning to "hold on" is "give in", which means to surrender or yield to someone or something. Therefore, the correct answer is "give in".

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option to complete the gap in question 86 is "advent." The sentence reads, "such movements reach a -85- with the -86- of festivals." The phrase "such movements" refers to the frequent travelling of Nigerians mentioned earlier in the passage, and the missing word is describing the peak or climax of these movements. "Advent" means the arrival or coming of something important, which fits the context of the sentence as it describes the peak of travelling during festivals. The other options do not fit the context of the sentence as well. "Incident" refers to an unexpected event and does not make sense in the sentence. "Arriving" is a verb and does not fit grammatically in the sentence. "Addition" means something added to an existing thing, and it does not make sense in the context of the sentence. "Adventure" means an exciting or daring experience, which does not fit the context of the sentence as it is not describing the festivals themselves but rather the peak of travelling during festivals.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option to complete the gap is "professional." The sentence suggests that the builder needs to ensure that the bricks used in constructing the building are of high quality and meet the standards set by professional builders. The word "professional" means relating to or belonging to a profession, which indicates that the builder needs to adhere to the standards and guidelines set by professionals in the construction industry. Therefore, the correct option is "professional."

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "as well". The sentence implies that the speaker had a certain expectation of the person's singing ability, but that expectation was not met. "As well" is used to compare the actual singing ability to the speaker's expectation, indicating that the person's singing ability is not as good as the speaker had originally thought.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined expression "irrevocable" as it is used in the sentence is "irreversible". "Irrevocable" means that something cannot be changed or undone, and "irreversible" means that something cannot be reversed or undone. These two words are very similar in meaning, with "irreversible" being more commonly used in everyday language. Therefore, option A, "irreversible", is the correct answer.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option that completes the sentence is "out on." The sentence suggests that Musa was disappointed and decided to take some form of action against Maryam. The phrase "take it out on" means to treat someone badly or unfairly because you are upset, angry or disappointed about something else. Therefore, the phrase "take it out on" fits the context of the sentence and conveys the intended meaning. The other options do not fit the context of the sentence. "With" suggests that Musa is angry or disappointed with Maryam, but it does not suggest any action that he will take. "At" and "in" do not convey the sense of action that Musa intends to take.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The blank space in question 76 is referring to the useful information that can be obtained from the frequency of Nigerians' travels. The option that best fits the gap is 'data', as it refers to the collection of facts, figures, or statistics used for analysis. Therefore, the answer is A - data.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option to complete the gap in question 83 is "length and breadth." Explanation: The sentence refers to Nigerians moving across the length and breadth of the country at a high rate. "Length and breadth" is a common phrase used to refer to the two dimensions of an area or space, with "length" representing the longer side and "breadth" representing the shorter side. Therefore, the option "length and breadth" is the most appropriate to complete the sentence.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option to complete the sentence is "was being questioned." This is because the sentence is in the past tense, and "was being questioned" is the past continuous tense form of "is being questioned." The use of the past continuous suggests that the questioning was already in progress when the speaker entered the office, and may still be ongoing. Options A and B use the present perfect tense, which suggests an action that started in the past and may or may not be ongoing, while option D uses the present continuous tense, which implies that the questioning is currently happening but does not indicate when it started.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The interpretation appropriate for the sentence is "be close relations with her boyfriend." The phrase "hand in glove" means working closely with someone or being in close association with them. Therefore, the sentence implies that Amina was in a close relationship with her boyfriend.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct answer is "had heard." This is because the sentence is in the past perfect tense, which indicates that the action happened in the past before another past action. In this case, the speaker did not hear what happened in the past, and as a result, did not punish the person who did something wrong.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The underlined expression "inevitable" means that something cannot be avoided or escaped, and therefore it is certain to happen. In the sentence, it refers to the fact that death is something that is certain to happen to every person. Therefore, the word from the options that is nearest in meaning to "inevitable" is "unavoidable" (option A), since it also means that something cannot be avoided. The other options have different meanings: "essential" (option B) means something that is extremely important or necessary, but it doesn't necessarily imply that it cannot be avoided; "necessary" (option C) means that something is required or needed, but again, it doesn't imply that it cannot be avoided; "immortal" (option D) means that something cannot die or is not subject to death, which is the opposite of the meaning of "inevitable"; and "imminent" (option E) means that something is about to happen or likely to happen soon, which is not exactly the same as "inevitable".

Maelezo ya Majibu

The question is asking for the best option to fill in the blank for the sentence "The _____ of the year matters". We need to choose a word that makes sense in the context of the sentence. Looking at the words provided, the most appropriate option is "time". This is because the sentence is referring to the time of year when Nigerians travel, implying that there are certain times of the year when travel is more common than others. Therefore, the word "time" is the best option to fill in the blank.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The phrase "throw dust in my eyes" is an idiomatic expression which means to deceive or mislead someone by concealing the truth or by providing false information. Therefore, the interpretation that is appropriate for the sentence is "mislead me". The speaker is saying that someone tried to deceive them by providing false information or hiding the truth from them. They did not literally throw dust in the speaker's eyes but used this expression as a metaphor to describe the act of deception.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct answer is "before". The sentence means that the PTA meeting continued until all the matters were discussed, and "before" means prior to the meeting being adjourned. "By" would imply a deadline for discussion, "with" implies simultaneous discussion, and "over" implies discussion across different time periods.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option to complete the sentence would be "hasn't it". This is because the phrase "it has been rough so far" suggests that the speaker is referring to a current or ongoing situation, and the phrase "hasn't it" is a tag question that seeks confirmation or agreement from the listener.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The opposite of "rural" is "urban." Therefore, the correct answer is "urban."

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word "ascetic" refers to a lifestyle of self-discipline and self-denial for spiritual reasons. Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined expression is "an austere."

Maelezo ya Majibu

The phrase "every cloud has a silver lining" is an idiomatic expression that means every difficult or unpleasant situation has some positive aspect to it, and the speaker is trying to provide some hope or optimism to those who lost their property in the fire outbreak. Therefore, the interpretation that is appropriate for the sentence is "there is a good side to all misfortunes". The preacher is telling those affected by the fire outbreak that although they have lost their property, they should not lose hope and should look for the positive aspect in the situation. The expression "every cloud has a silver lining" suggests that even in a dark or difficult situation, there is always some hope or something positive to look forward to.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The appropriate interpretation for the sentence is "passing the examination wasn't a guarantee of getting an admission." This means that even if a candidate passes the examination, it does not automatically mean they will be admitted. Other factors may also be considered in the admission process.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The appropriate interpretation for the sentence "My father always advised me to take time by the forelock" is "use an opportunity promptly". This is because the phrase "take time by the forelock" is an idiom that means to take advantage of an opportunity by acting quickly and decisively. Therefore, the sentence suggests that the speaker's father always advised them to act promptly when an opportunity presented itself. Hence, option A, "use an opportunity promptly", is the correct answer.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most appropriate interpretation for the sentence "Our house swept the board in the inter-house sports competition" is that our house was completely successful in the competition. The phrase "swept the board" means that they won all the available prizes or awards, indicating that our house was the overall winner of the inter-house sports competition.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The opposite of the underlined word "daring" is "timid." The sentence implies that one of the armed robbers was brave and bold in his words at the stake, while the other person was not. The word "daring" means to be brave, adventurous, or bold, while the word "timid" means to lack confidence or courage. Therefore, the correct opposite of "daring" is "timid" because it means lacking courage and being easily frightened.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The option that best completes the sentence is "an imported pure leather bag". This is because the sentence requires the proper order of adjectives, which is "quality" followed by "type" followed by "descriptor". In this case, "imported" describes the type of bag, "pure" describes the quality of leather, and "leather" is the descriptor of the bag material.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option that completes the sentence is "was broadcast." The sentence is in the past tense, and the word "yesterday" in the sentence indicates that the action took place in the past. The verb tense that matches with the past tense is the past simple tense. Therefore, the most appropriate option that matches with the past simple tense is "was broadcast." Option A, "is broadcast," is in the present tense, which is not appropriate for a past event. Option B, "has been broadcast," is in the present perfect tense, which indicates that the action took place at an unspecified time before now. This tense is not appropriate because the sentence refers to a specific past time, which is yesterday. Option C, "were broadcast," is in the past simple tense, but the verb "were" is not appropriate because "the president's speech" is a singular subject, and "were" is for plural subjects. Therefore, "was broadcast" is the best option that completes the sentence. In conclusion, the correct sentence should be "The president's speech was broadcast at 7pm yesterday."

Maelezo ya Majibu

The appropriate interpretation for the sentence is that the country is not yet free from difficulties. The phrase "out of the woods" is an idiomatic expression that means being free from difficulties, danger or hardship. However, the sentence suggests that despite the different economic measures taken by the government, the country is still facing challenges or difficulties. Therefore, the correct option to choose is "not yet free from difficulties" because it explains the meaning of the idiom used in the sentence.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option to complete the sentence is "with". The sentence means that the speaker's mother was happy about their success, so the appropriate preposition to use after "pleased" is "with".

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "father-in-law's." The sentence is describing a possessive relationship between the speaker and the house. The phrase "father-in-law's" is the only option that correctly uses the possessive apostrophe 's' to indicate ownership by the speaker's father-in-law. The other options either use incorrect punctuation or imply ownership by multiple fathers-in-law, which is not what the sentence intends to convey.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word that best completes the gap in question 85 is "peak." The sentence is talking about the frequency of Nigerians' travel reaching a certain point, which is the highest or most intense point. This is what "peak" means, making it the correct option.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The sentence states that the fact that Nigerians travel frequently does not mean they do not like to travel. The word that best fits in the blank in question 73 is "suggest". The phrase "This is not suggesting that Nigerians are not fond of travelling" means that Nigerians are fond of travelling, despite the fact that taking a vacation is not a common practice in Nigeria. Therefore, the correct option is "suggest", which means to propose or imply something without explicitly stating it.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined expression "obstinate" as it is used in the sentence is "stubborn". "Obstinate" means that someone is stubbornly refusing to change their opinion or course of action, and "stubborn" means that someone is determined to do what they want and is unwilling to change their mind. These two words are very similar in meaning, with "stubborn" being more commonly used in everyday language. Therefore, option C, "stubborn", is the correct answer.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The appropriate interpretation for the sentence is "well-treated despite their rudeness." The sentence suggests that the foreigners were not well-behaved, as indicated by the phrase "strangely unrefined behavior." However, they received preferential treatment, which means that they were treated better than others, despite their behavior. The phrase "given preferential treatment" implies that the foreigners were treated with respect, and their needs were prioritized above others. Therefore, the correct interpretation is that the foreigners were well-treated despite their rudeness.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "the less." The sentence implies that Tayo was very stubborn and would only do things if he was not asked to do them. The phrase "the more" suggests that Tayo's obedience would increase as his mother insisted more, which contradicts the sentence's intended meaning. The phrase "as less" and "so less" do not make grammatical sense in this context. Therefore, "the less" is the best option as it means that the more Tayo's mother insisted, the less likely he was to do what she wanted.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "off". "Kick off" is a phrasal verb commonly used in sports to indicate the start of a game or match. So, in this sentence, Osaro is telling the members of his club that the match would start at 4.30pm, which makes "kick off" the appropriate phrasal verb to use. Out of the options provided, only "off" fits with "kick off", so it is the correct choice.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option to complete the sentence is "cost." When planning a building project, it is important to consider the cost of the project, as well as other factors such as the location, design, and materials. The word "cost" refers to the amount of money needed to complete the project, and is therefore the best option to complete the sentence. The other options do not fit as well in this context - "amount" is too general, "price" refers specifically to what the builder charges the client, "payment" refers to the transfer of money, and "profit" is the amount of money left over after deducting the cost of producing the building.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The opposite of the underlined word "intentionally" is "accidentally".

Maelezo ya Majibu

The sentence is about the frequency and timing of the sports practice that the students protested against. The phrase that fits best in the blank is "thrice weekly sports practice". This phrase means that the sports practice happens three times a week. Therefore, the correct option is "thrice weekly sports practice".

Maelezo ya Majibu

The sentence is asking about someone's religious affiliation or their personal belief system. The word that best fits in the blank is "beliefs". "Beliefs" refers to a set of ideas or principles that a person accepts as true, particularly those related to religion or spirituality. Therefore, the correct option is "beliefs".

Maelezo ya Majibu

The option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined expression is "tempt". To tempt means to try to persuade someone to do something by offering something desirable. In this case, Okon was trying to persuade Eno to do something by offering a handsome sum of money.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The option that best completes the sentence is "in". This is because the word "in" is commonly used to show expertise or specialization in a particular field or subject. For example, someone can be an expert in a particular subject such as mechanical engineering.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Based on the sentence "Having decided -94- the building materials to be -95- the foundation is then -96-," we can deduce that the missing word is a preposition that indicates the relationship between the decision about the building materials and the next step, which is laying the foundation. The most appropriate option to complete the gap is "on," as in "Having decided on the building materials to be used, the foundation is then laid."

Maelezo ya Majibu

The appropriate interpretation for the sentence "Chika escaped the accident by a hair's breadth" is that Chika narrowly escaped the accident. The phrase "by a hair's breadth" is an idiom that means a very close call or a narrow escape.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option that completes the sentence is "left." The sentence is in the past tense, which means the action has already happened. The word "left" is the past tense of "leave" and fits the context of the sentence. The other options are incorrect because they do not match the tense of the sentence. "Leave" is in the present tense, "have to leave" is in the present perfect tense, and "will leave" is in the future tense.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The phrase "cold comfort" in this sentence means that the runners-up trophy, which the school had won, did not provide any significant comfort or consolation for all the efforts made. It implies that the team may have put in a lot of effort and were disappointed that they did not win the first prize. Therefore, the appropriate interpretation for this sentence is "a poor consolation."

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined expression in the sentence "It is absurd to suggest that Tunde should marry that saucy lady" is "ridiculous". This is because "absurd" means something that is extremely unreasonable, foolish, or silly, and "ridiculous" means something that is deserving or inviting mockery or derision; absurd.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "standard." In construction, the quality of building materials used is very important. The word "recommended" implies that there are certain standards for building materials that are set by professionals in the field. Therefore, the best option to complete the sentence is "standard," as it indicates that the bricks used must meet the recommended quality or standard set by professional builders. The other options do not fit as well in this context - "rigidity" and "solidity" suggest how sturdy or strong the bricks are, but not whether they meet a standard. "Flexibility" and "medium" are not relevant to the quality of the bricks.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word "imperative" as used in the sentence means "absolutely necessary or crucial". Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to "imperative" is "necessary".

Maelezo ya Majibu

The question requires us to choose the option that best completes the gap in the sentence. The gap reads "When you desire to erect a building, you must -88- a plan that is -89- both from the point of view of -90- and that of -91-." From the options provided, the best option that fits into the gap is "practicable." This is because a plan that is practicable means that it is feasible, realistic and workable. In other words, the plan can be executed successfully. Therefore, option D, "qualitative" is incorrect because a plan being of high quality does not necessarily mean that it is practicable.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The appropriate interpretation for the sentence is "a poor consolation." The sentence suggests that the runners-up trophy, which the school had won, did not bring the desired or expected level of comfort or satisfaction to the speaker and their team. This implies that they had worked hard and expected to win but only managed to come in second place. As a result, the trophy may seem like a poor consolation or inadequate reward for their efforts. The other options do not fit the context of the sentence. "Befitting reward" suggests that the trophy was a fitting or appropriate reward for their efforts, which is not what the sentence implies. "Wet comfort" and "an affectionate consideration" do not make sense in the context of the sentence. "Well deserved" suggests that they deserved the runners-up trophy, which is not the issue the sentence is addressing.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option to complete the gap in question 75 is "often". The sentence reads "The people travel so often that the frequency of the travelling could provide useful..." which implies that Nigerians travel frequently.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option to complete the gap in question 97 is "commences." The sentence structure suggests a sequence of events that must occur when erecting a building. The foundation is laid after the builder has decided on the building materials to be used, and the next step would be to commence the process of erecting the building. Therefore, the most appropriate option that best fits the gap is "commences." The other options, such as "continues," "demands," "prepares," and "arranged," do not fit well in the sentence context, as they do not convey the same meaning as "commences."

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word that best completes the gap in question 93 is "thoroughly". This is because the sentence is talking about clearing the site for building and it is important to do this thoroughly to ensure that there are no obstacles or debris left that could cause problems during construction. The other options, such as "barely" and "rarely", do not make sense in the context of clearing a building site. "Commonly" and "crudely" are also not appropriate choices as they do not fit the meaning of the sentence.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "which". "Which" is used to refer to things, while "who" is used to refer to people. "Of whom" is used to show possession, and "of which" is used to show that something belongs to a group or category. In this sentence, the speaker is referring to the TV set, which is a thing, so "which" is the correct choice.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The sentence is talking about the frequency of Ngozi's visits. The word that fits best in the blank is "hardly ever". "Hardly ever" means almost never or very rarely. It suggests that Ngozi does not visit often, and it has been a long time since she visited last. Therefore, the correct option is "hardly ever".

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option to complete the sentence is "rather too fast." "Rather" is an adverb used to indicate degree or extent, and "too" is also an adverb used to indicate excess or more than is desirable. In this context, the sentence is asking how fast he runs, and "rather too fast" suggests that he is running fast to an extent that is excessive or more than is desirable. The other options do not fit the context of the sentence. "Rather much fast" is not grammatically correct and "quite rather fast" is redundant because "quite" and "rather" both indicate degree or extent. "Too rather fast" is also not grammatically correct and does not make sense in the context of the sentence.

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The best option to complete the sentence is "broke up". "Broke up" means to disperse or end a meeting or gathering. In this sentence, the opposing parties were not able to agree, so the peace meeting ended in confusion. For example, if we say "The party broke up at midnight", we mean that the party ended or dispersed at midnight. Similarly, in the given sentence, the peace meeting was not successful and ended without any agreement, causing confusion. Therefore, "broke up" is the correct option to use.

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The word "outspokenness" means being very vocal or expressive in expressing one's opinions or ideas. The opposite of this is being quiet or reserved in expressing oneself. Out of the given options, the word that is opposite in meaning to "outspokenness" is "taciturnity". Taciturnity means being reserved or uncommunicative in speech. Therefore, the correct answer is "taciturnity".

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The correct interpretation of the sentence is that the sum paid to the workers was quite attractive. The word "remunerated" means to be paid or compensated, and the use of the adverb "rather handsomely" emphasizes that the amount paid was generous or substantial. Therefore, option D - "the sum paid out was quite attractive" - is the appropriate interpretation of the sentence.

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The sentence is in the present perfect tense, and the speaker is expressing an opinion about the past experiences. The phrase "so far" indicates that the situation is ongoing. Therefore, the appropriate question tag to use is "hasn't it" which means "has it not?"

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Comprehension answers (Andrew's birthday passage).

(a) Meanings of the words as used in the passage:

• (i) dissenting: disagreeing / objecting
• (ii) stamp: fix firmly / impress
• (iii) contemporaries: age-mates / people of the same period

(b) What figure of speech is "the bright sun continued to smile"?
It is personification, because the sun, which is a non-living thing, is given the human ability to smile.

(c)(i) What kind of grammatical structure is "the courage to fail"?
It is a noun phrase (headed by the noun "courage" and modified by the infinitive "to fail").

(c)(ii) What is its function in the sentence?
It functions as the subject of the sentence (the subject of the verb "is").

(d) What two hardships had Andrew gone through in life?
First, he lost both his parents early, his father dying while he was in his third year in secondary school and his mother dying two years later, leaving him an orphan. Secondly, he suffered a physical misfortune when a stockfish machine cut off his left middle finger.

(e) What is implied by the expression 'The world was at his feet'?
It implies that Andrew had become highly successful and prosperous, so that he could enjoy the good things of life and everything seemed to be within his reach and under his control.

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Mr Chairman, timekeeper, accurate panel of judges, my worthy opponents, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I rise to speak against the motion, that co-education in secondary schools should be abolished. I hold firmly that co-education should be preserved and encouraged.

My first point is that co-education mirrors real life. In the wider world, men and women live, work and build the nation side by side. A school that trains boys and girls together prepares its students for this reality, teaching them from an early age to relate to the opposite sex with respect, confidence and maturity.

Secondly, co-education promotes healthy competition and higher standards. When boys and girls learn in the same classroom, each group strives not to be outdone by the other. This friendly rivalry sharpens minds and raises academic performance for all.

Thirdly, co-education is economical for any nation. Building, staffing and equipping separate schools for boys and girls doubles the burden on scarce resources. One well-run mixed school serves a community far more efficiently than two half-equipped single-sex schools.

Fourthly, co-education helps to break down harmful prejudice. Where boys and girls study together, the old idea that certain subjects, such as science and mathematics, belong only to boys quietly disappears, for the girls prove themselves equal in every field.

My opponents may claim that mixing the sexes leads to indiscipline and distraction. But indiscipline is a failure of guidance, not of co-education. With good teachers, firm rules and proper counselling, mixed schools produce disciplined and well-rounded citizens.

For these reasons, that it prepares students for real life, raises standards, saves resources and destroys prejudice, I strongly urge this house to reject the motion. Co-education should not be abolished. Thank you.

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Comprehension answers (happy home passage).

(a) One-word replacements as used in the passage:

• (i) asset: advantage / possession
• (ii) stability: steadiness / firmness
• (iii) worthwhile: valuable / rewarding
• (iv) exhibits: shows / displays
• (v) hostile: unfriendly / antagonistic
• (vi) unwholesome: harmful / unhealthy

(b) Three reasons a happy home is the finest asset (one sentence each):

1. A happy home enables a child to develop strength and stability of character.
2. It teaches the child to face the future without fear or undue anxiety.
3. It gives the child something worthwhile to live for.

(c) What the writer means by:
(i) undue anxiety: excessive or unnecessary worry and uneasiness.
(ii) juvenile delinquents: young people (children or adolescents) who engage in wrongdoing or criminal behaviour.

(d) From the passage, give one:
(i) abstract noun meaning honour or praise: credit.
(ii) adverb meaning certainly: undoubtedly.
(iii) verb meaning make or produce: create (also acceptable: produce).

(e) Why the author uses the word 'happy' many times in the last paragraph (one sentence):
The author repeats the word "happy" for emphasis, to show that happiness is passed on in a chain from parents to homes, to children, to communities and finally to the whole world.

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How to approach this question: This is a narrative composition built around a proverb. It must tell a single, well-organized story with a beginning, a rising conflict and a resolution, and the events must clearly prove that honesty pays. Below is a model narrative.

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

It was a busy Saturday morning at Oja-Oba market, and I had been sent by my mother to buy foodstuff for the week. The crowd was thick, the traders were shouting their prices, and I clutched the money in my palm as I moved from stall to stall. Little did I know that the day held a lesson I would never forget.

As I turned into the poultry section, my foot struck something soft. Looking down, I saw a fat brown wallet lying half-hidden in the mud. My heart skipped. I picked it up quickly and stepped aside to examine it. Inside was a thick bundle of naira notes, far more money than I had ever held in my life, together with an identity card bearing the name and picture of a middle-aged man.

For a moment, a voice whispered in my mind that no one had seen me and that the money could solve many of my family's problems. But another voice, the voice of my conscience and of my parents' training, reminded me that the money was not mine. I remembered my father's favourite saying: honesty is the best policy. I made up my mind at once to find the owner.

I took the wallet to the market association's office and reported my find. Barely an hour later, a worried man rushed in, describing the wallet and its contents exactly. It was the very man on the identity card. When his wallet was handed to him, tears of relief filled his eyes. He explained that the money was meant for his daughter's school fees and a hospital bill, and that he had been searching everywhere in despair.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, he insisted on giving me a generous reward, and he took my address so that he could thank my parents. A week later, he visited our home and, impressed by my honesty, offered to sponsor my education till the end of secondary school.

That single act of honesty changed my life. It brought me a benefactor, honour for my family and a peace of mind that no stolen wealth could ever buy. From that day, I understood, beyond any doubt, that honesty is truly the best policy.

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REPORT ON THE VIOLENT DEMONSTRATION IN THE SCHOOL

To: The Principal
From: The Senior Prefect
Date: 10 July, 2026

Introduction

This report gives an account of the violent demonstration that took place in the school on Tuesday, 7 July, 2026, in which several school properties were damaged. It sets out the causes of the demonstration and recommends measures to prevent a recurrence.

Account of the Incident

At about noon, a large group of students gathered in the assembly ground chanting angrily. Within a short while the protest turned violent. Louvre blades and classroom windows were smashed, chairs and desks were broken, and the door of the tuck shop was forced open. Order was restored only after the intervention of the staff and the timely arrival of the school security team.

Causes of the Demonstration

• Poor feeding in the dining hall, as boarders complained of small and badly prepared meals despite the fees paid.
• The prolonged lack of water and electricity in the hostels, which made daily life very uncomfortable.
• A rumour that the mid-term break had been cancelled, which spread quickly because students had no proper channel through which to seek clarification.

Recommendations

• The catering and hostel facilities should be improved, and the water and electricity supply restored without delay.
• A students' welfare committee should be set up so that grievances can be heard and settled before they boil over.
• Regular meetings between the management and the student leaders should be held, and official announcements made promptly to stop the spread of false rumours.
• Those who led the destruction should be identified and disciplined to serve as a deterrent to others.

Conclusion

The demonstration arose from genuine grievances worsened by poor communication. If the recommendations above are adopted, I am confident that such an unfortunate incident will not happen again.

Submitted by:
Ngozi Eze
(Senior Prefect)

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15 Farmers' Road,
Idi-Ayunre,
Oyo State.
10 July, 2026.

The Commissioner for Agriculture,
Ministry of Agriculture,
Oyo State.

Dear Sir,

INVASION OF FARMS BY PESTS IN OUR LOCALITY

I write on behalf of the farmers of Idi-Ayunre and its neighbouring villages to report a serious invasion of our farms by pests, and to appeal for your urgent advice and assistance in bringing them under control.

For about three weeks now, swarms of insects, chiefly grasshoppers and armyworms, have descended on our fields. They have destroyed large stretches of maize, cassava and vegetables, feeding on the leaves and stems until whole plots stand bare. Rodents have compounded the damage by burrowing into our yam heaps. The few remedies within our reach, such as wood ash and local sprays, have proved wholly ineffective against so vast an infestation.

The consequences are grave. Many farmers face the loss of an entire season's harvest, which threatens both their livelihood and the food supply of the surrounding towns. If the pests are not checked without delay, they may spread to farms in other districts.

I therefore appeal to your Ministry to send agricultural officers to inspect our farms, to advise us on the correct pesticides and methods of control, and, where possible, to supply the chemicals and equipment at a price we can afford. Training on how to prevent future outbreaks would also be most welcome.

We shall be deeply grateful for a prompt response, as every day of delay increases our losses.

Yours faithfully,
Tunde Adeyemi
(Secretary, Idi-Ayunre Farmers' Association)

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How to approach this question: This is an informal letter to a brother abroad. It needs the writer's address and date, an informal salutation, a warm register, and clear description of at least three ways the economic situation has affected family life. Below is a model answer.

7 Adeyemi Close,
Abeokuta,
Ogun State.
10 July, 2026.

Dear Kunle,

It has been such a long time since we last heard from each other, and the whole family misses you dearly. Five years is no small time to be away, and I am sure you can hardly imagine how much things have changed here at home. I am writing to tell you plainly how the present harsh economic situation has affected our way of life.

In the first place, the sharp rise in the prices of goods has changed the way we eat. Where mother used to prepare rich and varied meals, we now manage simple food and have cut down the number of times we eat meat and fish. Feeding a family of six has become a daily struggle because the cost of foodstuff keeps climbing.

Secondly, the economic hardship has affected our education. Father could no longer afford the fees of the private school we attended, so both Bola and I were transferred to a public school. We have also had to do without many textbooks and now depend on borrowed copies.

Thirdly, the situation has changed our social life. Father sold the family car because fuel and maintenance became too expensive, and we now travel by public transport. We rarely go out for outings or celebrations as we used to, and mother has started a small trade to add to the family income.

In spite of all this, we remain hopeful and united, and we thank God for keeping us together. Please do write soon and tell us how you are faring in your studies. We count the days until you return home to us.

Your loving brother,
Segun

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Summary answers (corruption in Nigeria passage). Use your own words and keep within the sentence limit.

(a) The writer's reasons for the wide-spread corruption in Nigeria (two short sentences):

1. Corruption is widespread because of limited opportunities, the fast-declining state of the economy and the dire needs of the people.
2. It also thrives because of the people's poor awareness of the rights the state allows them.

(b) The common pattern that corruption takes in the country (one short sentence):

Corruption commonly takes the form of decisions being based on personal relationships, club affiliations and the expectation of kick-backs or bribes rather than on merit, so that contracts, loans and jobs go to those who offer inducements.

(c) The practical solutions to the problem of corruption (three short sentences):

1. Our leaders must lead by example by being honest, showing integrity and refusing to be involved in any corrupt practice.
2. The educational system should be overhauled to include subjects such as Civics and Social Studies and moral instruction that emphasize justice, fairness and selflessness.
3. There must be a radical reorientation of the value system, with less emphasis on material acquisition and more promotion of things that uplift the nation's name.

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The Menace of Moral Decadence in Our Society

By Chidera Okonkwo

Scarcely a day passes without a fresh report of fraud, bribery or the reckless craze for wealth. The desire to get rich overnight, the embezzlement of public funds and the general decay of decent values have become a stain on our national life. This article examines the causes of these social evils and suggests how they may be curbed.

The first and greatest cause is the worship of wealth. Our society has come to measure a person's worth not by his character but by his cars, houses and money, no matter how they were acquired. In such a climate, honesty is mocked and the fraudster is celebrated, so young people conclude that the shortest road to riches, however crooked, is the wisest.

A second cause is the breakdown of moral training. Many homes are too busy chasing money to instil discipline, while religious and traditional restraints that once guided conduct have weakened. Where children are not taught the difference between right and wrong, they grow into adults with no inner check against greed.

A third cause is weak enforcement of the law. When corrupt officials go unpunished, or buy their way out of justice, the punishment loses its power to deter. Poverty and unemployment complete the picture, tempting desperate people to steal, cheat or take bribes simply to survive.

These evils can, however, be conquered. First, moral instruction must be revived in the home, the school and the place of worship, so that integrity is planted early. Secondly, the law must be applied firmly and without favour, for a corrupt person who knows he will be caught and punished will think twice. Anti-corruption agencies should be strengthened and shielded from interference.

Thirdly, government must create honest opportunities for work, so that the young are not driven to crime by idleness. Finally, society itself must change its values, honouring hard work and integrity rather than unexplained wealth.

If we build strong homes, enforce our laws and reward honest effort, we can rescue our society from moral ruin and hand a cleaner nation to the generations to come.