Nkojọpọ....
|
Tẹ mọ́ & Dì mú láti fà yíká. |
|||
|
Tẹ ibi lati pa |
|||
Ibeere 1 Ìròyìn
The performance of your country in a recent international sports competition has generated a lot of comments. Write a letter to the editor of one of your national newspapers discussing the, factors responsible for the level of performance and the lessons that should be learnt.
Model answer: Letter to the Editor on the country's sporting performance.
This is a formal letter. It must carry only the writer's address, the date, the recipient's designation and address, a salutation, a heading, the body, and a formal close. No headline or by-line is required, but a clear title is expected.
15 Unity Road,
Ikeja,
Lagos State.
10 July, 2026.
The Editor,
The National Mirror,
Broad Street,
Lagos.
Dear Sir,
OUR DISAPPOINTING PERFORMANCE AT THE RECENT GAMES
I write to express, through your widely read newspaper, my concern over the poor performance of our national contingent at the recently concluded international sports competition, and to draw attention to the factors behind it and the lessons we must learn.
Several factors were responsible for the level of performance recorded. First, our athletes were poorly funded and inadequately prepared. Camping began too late, allowances were paid irregularly, and some athletes lacked proper equipment. Secondly, the selection process was tainted by favouritism, so that a number of deserving athletes were left at home while less able ones travelled. Thirdly, there was a lack of experienced, well paid coaches and modern training facilities. Finally, poor administration and internal wrangling among sports officials distracted the team from the serious business of competition.
There are important lessons to be learnt from this experience. We must invest steadily in sports development from the grassroots, discover and nurture talent early, and stop the culture of last minute preparation. Selection must be transparent and based strictly on merit. Government and the private sector should provide modern facilities and reward both athletes and coaches adequately. Above all, sports administration must be placed in the hands of competent and honest people.
If these lessons are taken seriously, I am confident that our nation will return to sporting glory. I hope you will find space to publish this letter.
Yours faithfully,
Chidi Okafor
Note: Marks reward correct formal-letter format, a suitable heading, clear separation of causes and lessons, orderly paragraphing, and accurate expression.
Awọn alaye Idahun
Model answer: Letter to the Editor on the country's sporting performance.
This is a formal letter. It must carry only the writer's address, the date, the recipient's designation and address, a salutation, a heading, the body, and a formal close. No headline or by-line is required, but a clear title is expected.
15 Unity Road,
Ikeja,
Lagos State.
10 July, 2026.
The Editor,
The National Mirror,
Broad Street,
Lagos.
Dear Sir,
OUR DISAPPOINTING PERFORMANCE AT THE RECENT GAMES
I write to express, through your widely read newspaper, my concern over the poor performance of our national contingent at the recently concluded international sports competition, and to draw attention to the factors behind it and the lessons we must learn.
Several factors were responsible for the level of performance recorded. First, our athletes were poorly funded and inadequately prepared. Camping began too late, allowances were paid irregularly, and some athletes lacked proper equipment. Secondly, the selection process was tainted by favouritism, so that a number of deserving athletes were left at home while less able ones travelled. Thirdly, there was a lack of experienced, well paid coaches and modern training facilities. Finally, poor administration and internal wrangling among sports officials distracted the team from the serious business of competition.
There are important lessons to be learnt from this experience. We must invest steadily in sports development from the grassroots, discover and nurture talent early, and stop the culture of last minute preparation. Selection must be transparent and based strictly on merit. Government and the private sector should provide modern facilities and reward both athletes and coaches adequately. Above all, sports administration must be placed in the hands of competent and honest people.
If these lessons are taken seriously, I am confident that our nation will return to sporting glory. I hope you will find space to publish this letter.
Yours faithfully,
Chidi Okafor
Note: Marks reward correct formal-letter format, a suitable heading, clear separation of causes and lessons, orderly paragraphing, and accurate expression.
Ibeere 2 Ìròyìn
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
What is efficient reading? Basically, it involves the ability to read through a passage fairly quickly and the ability to understand what has been read. It is a mark of intellectual immaturity to hold on to a passage for hours without being able to make meaning out of it. Also. it is a mark of bad reading not to be able to recall and discuss what has been read.
The foregoing has however put the issue rather too simply. The ability to read through a passage at a good rate can be attained only after a mastery of the grammatical structures of the language. Without a sound mastery of words and how they function under various situations, and understanding how sentences are generated, one cannot read even the simplest passage efficiently. Rather, failure would ever dog one's footsteps.
Considering the issue from another perspective, merely mastering the vocabulary and structure of the language is not enough. The reader's frame of mind is equally important. Think of a man who is disturbed by the death of a dear one. Such a man would not be able to concentrate on the reading task. If the death, of the dear one is still fresh, he might read through a passage several times without understanding it. On the other hand. if the reader is too excited, he might not be able to concentrate, Take the case of a man who has just read in the newspaper that he has won a handsome sum of money. If he has to read a passage, he may not be able to concentrate.
Furthermore, the physical state of the body affects one's ability to read efficiently. So also does the presence or absence of distractions. This is why it is best to read when the body is still fresh and in a place far from noise and other distractions.
(a)According to the passage what is efficient reading?
(b) State any two language skills that are essential for efficient reading?
(c) State any two other factors that affect a reader's understanding of a passage.
(d) The reader's frame of mind" (i) What grammatical name is given to describe the above expression? (ii) What is its function in the sentence?
(e) What figure of speech is the expression 'failure would ever dog ones footsteps'?
(f) For each of the following words, find another word or phrase that means the same and can replace it as used in the passage:
(i) immaturity (ii) sound (ii) generated (iv) perspective (v) handsome.
Comprehension answers: Efficient reading passage.
(a) What efficient reading is, according to the passage: Efficient reading is basically the ability to read through a passage fairly quickly combined with the ability to understand, recall and discuss what has been read.
(b) Two language skills essential for efficient reading:
(c) Two other factors that affect a reader's understanding of a passage:
(d)(i) Grammatical name for 'The reader's frame of mind': It is a noun phrase.
(d)(ii) Its function in the sentence: It functions as the subject of the verb 'is' in the sentence 'The reader's frame of mind is equally important.'
(e) The figure of speech in 'failure would ever dog one's footsteps': It is personification (failure, an abstract idea, is given the human/animal ability to 'dog' or follow someone's footsteps). The word 'dog' is also used metaphorically.
(f) Words and their replacements as used in the passage:
Awọn alaye Idahun
Comprehension answers: Efficient reading passage.
(a) What efficient reading is, according to the passage: Efficient reading is basically the ability to read through a passage fairly quickly combined with the ability to understand, recall and discuss what has been read.
(b) Two language skills essential for efficient reading:
(c) Two other factors that affect a reader's understanding of a passage:
(d)(i) Grammatical name for 'The reader's frame of mind': It is a noun phrase.
(d)(ii) Its function in the sentence: It functions as the subject of the verb 'is' in the sentence 'The reader's frame of mind is equally important.'
(e) The figure of speech in 'failure would ever dog one's footsteps': It is personification (failure, an abstract idea, is given the human/animal ability to 'dog' or follow someone's footsteps). The word 'dog' is also used metaphorically.
(f) Words and their replacements as used in the passage:
Ibeere 3 Ìròyìn
You are the chief speaker in a debate on the topic: 'Female children are more beneficial than male children to their parents'. Write out your speech for or against the motion.
Model debate speech (arguing FOR the motion): 'Female children are more beneficial than male children to their parents.'
Mr. Chairman, accurate timekeeper, panel of judges, co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I stand before you today to speak in support of the motion which states that female children are more beneficial than male children to their parents. As the chief speaker for the proposition, I intend to convince every reasonable listener in this hall that a daughter is, in truth, a parent's most enduring treasure.
My first point, ladies and gentlemen, is that female children are more caring and attentive to their parents, especially in old age. It is the daughter who remembers her mother's medicine, who cooks for an ailing father and who sits by the sick bed when others are too busy. While the son may send money from a distant city, it is the daughter who provides the warm, daily companionship that money cannot buy.
Secondly, female children are generally more obedient, disciplined and loyal to the family. Statistics from our schools show that girls frequently outperform boys in examinations and are less likely to be lured into cultism, drug abuse and violent crime. A well brought up daughter brings honour, not shame, to her parents.
Thirdly, through marriage a daughter extends the family's network of relationships and goodwill. She binds two families together, and the respect and gifts that flow from a good marriage bring both material and social benefit to her parents.
Finally, ladies and gentlemen, the modern world has proven that daughters can achieve whatever sons achieve. Today women are doctors, engineers, ministers and captains of industry who support their parents handsomely. The old belief that only a son can carry the family forward has been overtaken by reality.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, a female child combines tenderness with achievement, loyalty with success. On these grounds, I urge this house to vote massively in favour of the motion. Thank you and God bless you all.
Awọn alaye Idahun
Model debate speech (arguing FOR the motion): 'Female children are more beneficial than male children to their parents.'
Mr. Chairman, accurate timekeeper, panel of judges, co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I stand before you today to speak in support of the motion which states that female children are more beneficial than male children to their parents. As the chief speaker for the proposition, I intend to convince every reasonable listener in this hall that a daughter is, in truth, a parent's most enduring treasure.
My first point, ladies and gentlemen, is that female children are more caring and attentive to their parents, especially in old age. It is the daughter who remembers her mother's medicine, who cooks for an ailing father and who sits by the sick bed when others are too busy. While the son may send money from a distant city, it is the daughter who provides the warm, daily companionship that money cannot buy.
Secondly, female children are generally more obedient, disciplined and loyal to the family. Statistics from our schools show that girls frequently outperform boys in examinations and are less likely to be lured into cultism, drug abuse and violent crime. A well brought up daughter brings honour, not shame, to her parents.
Thirdly, through marriage a daughter extends the family's network of relationships and goodwill. She binds two families together, and the respect and gifts that flow from a good marriage bring both material and social benefit to her parents.
Finally, ladies and gentlemen, the modern world has proven that daughters can achieve whatever sons achieve. Today women are doctors, engineers, ministers and captains of industry who support their parents handsomely. The old belief that only a son can carry the family forward has been overtaken by reality.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, a female child combines tenderness with achievement, loyalty with success. On these grounds, I urge this house to vote massively in favour of the motion. Thank you and God bless you all.
Ibeere 4 Ìròyìn
You had a quarrel with a very good friend of yours some time ago and since then both of you have not been on speaking terms. Write a letter to him or her expressing your regret at the break in your relationship and your desire for a reconciliation
Model answer: Informal letter of reconciliation to a friend.
This is an informal (friendly) letter. It carries only the writer's address and date, an informal salutation, a warm conversational body, and an informal close. No heading is required.
24 Palm Grove Street,
Enugu.
10 July, 2026.
Dear Ada,
I have started this letter several times and torn it up, because I hardly know how to begin. The truth is that our quarrel has weighed heavily on my heart, and I can no longer bear the silence between two people who were once the best of friends.
Looking back now, I feel deep regret over the harsh words I spoke that afternoon. I was hasty and proud, and I allowed a small misunderstanding to grow into a wall that has kept us apart for far too long. Not a day has passed without my remembering the laughter we shared, the secrets we kept and the way we always stood by each other. I miss all of that terribly.
I am writing, therefore, to say plainly that I am sorry. Whatever part I played in the disagreement, I take responsibility for it, and I ask you to forgive me. A friendship as precious as ours should not be sacrificed on the altar of pride. Life is too short, and true friends are far too rare, to throw away over a quarrel that neither of us can even fully explain today.
My greatest wish now is that we mend our relationship and return to the warm companionship we once enjoyed. May I come over next Saturday so that we can talk, laugh and put the past firmly behind us? I am confident that, given the chance, we can be closer than ever before.
Please write back soon and set my mind at rest. Extend my warm greetings to your parents.
Your ever loving friend,
Ngozi
Awọn alaye Idahun
Model answer: Informal letter of reconciliation to a friend.
This is an informal (friendly) letter. It carries only the writer's address and date, an informal salutation, a warm conversational body, and an informal close. No heading is required.
24 Palm Grove Street,
Enugu.
10 July, 2026.
Dear Ada,
I have started this letter several times and torn it up, because I hardly know how to begin. The truth is that our quarrel has weighed heavily on my heart, and I can no longer bear the silence between two people who were once the best of friends.
Looking back now, I feel deep regret over the harsh words I spoke that afternoon. I was hasty and proud, and I allowed a small misunderstanding to grow into a wall that has kept us apart for far too long. Not a day has passed without my remembering the laughter we shared, the secrets we kept and the way we always stood by each other. I miss all of that terribly.
I am writing, therefore, to say plainly that I am sorry. Whatever part I played in the disagreement, I take responsibility for it, and I ask you to forgive me. A friendship as precious as ours should not be sacrificed on the altar of pride. Life is too short, and true friends are far too rare, to throw away over a quarrel that neither of us can even fully explain today.
My greatest wish now is that we mend our relationship and return to the warm companionship we once enjoyed. May I come over next Saturday so that we can talk, laugh and put the past firmly behind us? I am confident that, given the chance, we can be closer than ever before.
Please write back soon and set my mind at rest. Extend my warm greetings to your parents.
Your ever loving friend,
Ngozi
Ibeere 5 Ìròyìn
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
We are today faced with a great ecological problem for which we are largely responsible. The planet Earth, the only home of man is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays. Most of these rays supply us heat and light, but a small percentage is deadly. These are the ultraviolet- B rays (or UV -B). If these were to get to the surface of the earth directly, they would kill us off. Luckily, the earth's surface is shielded from these rays by the ozone layer; but sadly enough this ozone layer is being destroyed by man. The ozone layer is formed from a kind of oxygen with three atoms (\(O_{3}\)) instead of the normal two (\(O_{2}\)).
Ozone occurs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the earth's surface. It absorbs the dangerous UV-B rays but allows the much needed and safe light to pass through. There in the stratosphere, it is constantly being created by the sun's rays; thus it is a self-repairing shield. But man is now gradually destroying this vital shield with his industrial gases. The most lethal of these gases are the chlorofluorocarbon, or CFC, which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products, propellants in spray cans, coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators and solvents to clean electronic equipment.
Down here, they are not lethal. But after they have leaked from air conditioners, plastic foam, cups, etc, they slowly drift up to the stratosphere where, bombarded by ultraviolet rays, they break up at last, releasing chlorine,the real ozone killer. Sadly, one chlorine molecule may remain active for a century, destroying thousands of ozone molecules.
(a) What is the greatest ecological problem which man faces today?
(b)(i) What is the ozone layer made of? (ii) Where is it normally found?
(c) Describe the importance of the ozone layer.
(d) How is man destroying the ozone layer?
(e) Give the name of a gas specifically mentioned as very dangerous to the ozone layer.
(f) What kind of figurative expression is: The planet, Earth, the only home of man, is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays?
(g) hi are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products
(i) What grammatical name is given to this expression?
(ii) What is its function in the sentence?
(h) For each of the following words, find another word or phrase that means the same and can replace it as used in the passage:
(i) shielded (ii) absorbs (iii) vital (iv) lethal; (v)active.
Comprehension answers: The ozone layer passage.
(a) The greatest ecological problem which man faces today: The greatest ecological problem is the destruction of the ozone layer, which shields the earth from the sun's deadly ultraviolet-B rays; man himself is largely responsible for destroying this protective shield.
(b)(i) What the ozone layer is made of: It is made of ozone, a kind of oxygen having three atoms \(O_{3}\) instead of the normal two \(O_{2}\).
(b)(ii) Where it is normally found: It occurs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the earth's surface.
(c) The importance of the ozone layer: The ozone layer is vital because it absorbs the dangerous ultraviolet-B rays that would otherwise kill living things, while allowing the much needed and safe light of the sun to pass through to the earth. It thus acts as a self-repairing protective shield for life on earth.
(d) How man is destroying the ozone layer: Man is destroying it through his industrial gases, especially the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in foamed plastics, spray-can propellants, coolants in refrigerators and air conditioners, and cleaning solvents. These gases leak, drift up to the stratosphere, are broken up by ultraviolet rays and release chlorine, which destroys thousands of ozone molecules.
(e) A gas specifically mentioned as very dangerous to the ozone layer: Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC).
(f) The figurative expression in 'The planet, Earth, the only home of man, is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays': It is a metaphor (the sun's rays are described figuratively as 'rain', and the earth as being 'bathed' in them).
(g)(i) Grammatical name for 'which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products': It is a relative clause (specifically an adjectival/adjective clause).
(g)(ii) Its function in the sentence: It qualifies (describes) the noun 'chlorofluorocarbon' (the CFCs), telling us more about them; that is, it functions adjectivally to modify that noun.
(h) Words and their replacements as used in the passage:
Awọn alaye Idahun
Comprehension answers: The ozone layer passage.
(a) The greatest ecological problem which man faces today: The greatest ecological problem is the destruction of the ozone layer, which shields the earth from the sun's deadly ultraviolet-B rays; man himself is largely responsible for destroying this protective shield.
(b)(i) What the ozone layer is made of: It is made of ozone, a kind of oxygen having three atoms \(O_{3}\) instead of the normal two \(O_{2}\).
(b)(ii) Where it is normally found: It occurs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the earth's surface.
(c) The importance of the ozone layer: The ozone layer is vital because it absorbs the dangerous ultraviolet-B rays that would otherwise kill living things, while allowing the much needed and safe light of the sun to pass through to the earth. It thus acts as a self-repairing protective shield for life on earth.
(d) How man is destroying the ozone layer: Man is destroying it through his industrial gases, especially the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in foamed plastics, spray-can propellants, coolants in refrigerators and air conditioners, and cleaning solvents. These gases leak, drift up to the stratosphere, are broken up by ultraviolet rays and release chlorine, which destroys thousands of ozone molecules.
(e) A gas specifically mentioned as very dangerous to the ozone layer: Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC).
(f) The figurative expression in 'The planet, Earth, the only home of man, is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays': It is a metaphor (the sun's rays are described figuratively as 'rain', and the earth as being 'bathed' in them).
(g)(i) Grammatical name for 'which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products': It is a relative clause (specifically an adjectival/adjective clause).
(g)(ii) Its function in the sentence: It qualifies (describes) the noun 'chlorofluorocarbon' (the CFCs), telling us more about them; that is, it functions adjectivally to modify that noun.
(h) Words and their replacements as used in the passage:
Ibeere 6 Ìròyìn
You were among a group of students from your school who went on an excursion to places of interest in your country. Narrate to your classmates who did not go what you saw in at least two of the places visited and how you have benefited from the experience.
Model answer: Narrative account of a school excursion (to be delivered to classmates).
This is a narrative/report addressed to classmates. It may take the form of a speech or a straightforward account. It should describe at least two places visited and state the benefits gained.
Fellow students, you missed a truly memorable day. Last Friday, thirty of us boarded the school bus for an excursion to two places of great interest in our country, and I have promised to tell you all about what we saw and how much we gained.
Our first stop was the National Museum in the state capital. As we stepped inside, we were carried back through the centuries. We saw ancient bronze and terracotta sculptures, royal thrones, war drums, farming tools and traditional garments worn by our ancestors. A guide walked us through each gallery, explaining how our forefathers lived, governed themselves and defended their communities long before modern times. I was fascinated to see, with my own eyes, objects that I had only read about in history books.
From the museum we travelled to a large hydroelectric dam. The sight of that enormous wall of concrete holding back a vast lake left us speechless. An engineer explained how the rushing water turns huge turbines to generate the electricity that lights up our homes and powers our factories. We watched the machinery humming in the turbine hall and learnt how much planning and science lie behind the simple act of switching on a bulb.
The excursion benefited me in many ways. It brought my school subjects to life, for history and physics suddenly became real and interesting. It broadened my knowledge of my country's heritage and its efforts at development. It taught me the value of teamwork and discipline, since we moved and behaved as one orderly group. Above all, it inspired me to work harder so that one day I too may contribute to building our nation.
I strongly encourage every one of you to join the next trip. An excursion is not merely an outing; it is education outside the classroom, and it is an experience you will never forget.
Awọn alaye Idahun
Model answer: Narrative account of a school excursion (to be delivered to classmates).
This is a narrative/report addressed to classmates. It may take the form of a speech or a straightforward account. It should describe at least two places visited and state the benefits gained.
Fellow students, you missed a truly memorable day. Last Friday, thirty of us boarded the school bus for an excursion to two places of great interest in our country, and I have promised to tell you all about what we saw and how much we gained.
Our first stop was the National Museum in the state capital. As we stepped inside, we were carried back through the centuries. We saw ancient bronze and terracotta sculptures, royal thrones, war drums, farming tools and traditional garments worn by our ancestors. A guide walked us through each gallery, explaining how our forefathers lived, governed themselves and defended their communities long before modern times. I was fascinated to see, with my own eyes, objects that I had only read about in history books.
From the museum we travelled to a large hydroelectric dam. The sight of that enormous wall of concrete holding back a vast lake left us speechless. An engineer explained how the rushing water turns huge turbines to generate the electricity that lights up our homes and powers our factories. We watched the machinery humming in the turbine hall and learnt how much planning and science lie behind the simple act of switching on a bulb.
The excursion benefited me in many ways. It brought my school subjects to life, for history and physics suddenly became real and interesting. It broadened my knowledge of my country's heritage and its efforts at development. It taught me the value of teamwork and discipline, since we moved and behaved as one orderly group. Above all, it inspired me to work harder so that one day I too may contribute to building our nation.
I strongly encourage every one of you to join the next trip. An excursion is not merely an outing; it is education outside the classroom, and it is an experience you will never forget.
Ibeere 7 Ìròyìn
A foreign magazine has requested articles on some traditional ceremonies of your people. Write your contribution describing any one ceremony such as marriage, funeral or child-naming.
THE CHILD-NAMING CEREMONY AMONG THE YORUBA
by Bunmi Omokija
Among the Yoruba people of south-western Nigeria, the arrival of a new baby is greeted with great joy, for a child is regarded as a precious gift and a sign that the family is expanding and prosperous. To welcome the newborn properly, we hold a colourful ceremony known as the child-naming ceremony, and it is my pleasure to describe it for your readers.
As soon as the child is born, word is sent to all the relatives, both those in the town and those away on the farm, to return home for the naming. A male child is traditionally named on the ninth day after birth and a female child on the eighth day, so the very day of the ceremony announces the sex of the baby.
The ceremony takes place in the compound of the Olori-ebi, the eldest man and head of the family, who presides over the occasion. Early that morning the baby is bathed by the wives of the family and carried in by the eldest wife, who holds the child throughout the ceremony before handing it back to its mother at the end.
The heart of the ceremony is prayer and the tasting of symbolic items, each carrying a meaning for the child's future. A little of each is touched to the baby's lips while the guests share the rest. Honey and sugar are offered so that the child's life may be sweet; bitter kola for long life and firmness; sugar-cane for prosperity; salt for flavour and wisdom; and water for purity. The elder then pronounces the names chosen by the parents and grandparents, and each name carries its own message of hope or gratitude.
Prayers are offered for good health, long life and success, after which the feasting begins. Guests are served pounded yam, rice, jollof and other local delicacies, while palm wine and soft drinks flow freely. Drumming, singing and dancing continue late into the day, and gifts of money, clothing and household items are presented to the delighted parents.
The child-naming ceremony is far more than a celebration. It formally welcomes the newborn into the community, binds the extended family together, and reminds everyone that a child belongs not only to its parents but to the whole society. It is a beautiful and enduring custom that I am proud to share with you.
Awọn alaye Idahun
THE CHILD-NAMING CEREMONY AMONG THE YORUBA
by Bunmi Omokija
Among the Yoruba people of south-western Nigeria, the arrival of a new baby is greeted with great joy, for a child is regarded as a precious gift and a sign that the family is expanding and prosperous. To welcome the newborn properly, we hold a colourful ceremony known as the child-naming ceremony, and it is my pleasure to describe it for your readers.
As soon as the child is born, word is sent to all the relatives, both those in the town and those away on the farm, to return home for the naming. A male child is traditionally named on the ninth day after birth and a female child on the eighth day, so the very day of the ceremony announces the sex of the baby.
The ceremony takes place in the compound of the Olori-ebi, the eldest man and head of the family, who presides over the occasion. Early that morning the baby is bathed by the wives of the family and carried in by the eldest wife, who holds the child throughout the ceremony before handing it back to its mother at the end.
The heart of the ceremony is prayer and the tasting of symbolic items, each carrying a meaning for the child's future. A little of each is touched to the baby's lips while the guests share the rest. Honey and sugar are offered so that the child's life may be sweet; bitter kola for long life and firmness; sugar-cane for prosperity; salt for flavour and wisdom; and water for purity. The elder then pronounces the names chosen by the parents and grandparents, and each name carries its own message of hope or gratitude.
Prayers are offered for good health, long life and success, after which the feasting begins. Guests are served pounded yam, rice, jollof and other local delicacies, while palm wine and soft drinks flow freely. Drumming, singing and dancing continue late into the day, and gifts of money, clothing and household items are presented to the delighted parents.
The child-naming ceremony is far more than a celebration. It formally welcomes the newborn into the community, binds the extended family together, and reminds everyone that a child belongs not only to its parents but to the whole society. It is a beautiful and enduring custom that I am proud to share with you.
Ibeere 8 Ìròyìn
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
Of all the banes confronting the economies of developing nations, not in the least in seriousness is inconsistency in policy. Apart from the quite obvious factor of frequent changes of governments in these countries, a phenomenon which invariably tolls the death knell of existing policies each time a government is swept out of office, even stable governments themselves seem to have a knack of modifying policies frequently. A leader of government is often regarded as radical, and hence popular, when he shakes up his cabinet. Such shake-ups often lead to a change of policy.
Quite often, such avoidable changes reflect the shifts in the leaders' friendship patterns. In the third world countries, a position at the top attracts large number of friends, a phenomenon which engenders keen rivalry for attention among the friends. Back-biting is hence not uncommon, and a favorite who is today regarded with an office may easily get the boot tomorrow.
Besides, the poor economic situation, a common cause of social unrest, brings about frequent changes in policy. An economic policy which does not produce the expected result within a short time is usually thrown out, often with the initiators of the policy. Sadly though the fault lies, not so much with the policy as with factors both within and outside, beyond the operators. The truth here is that failure tends to rush leaders into taking rash actions which result in further damage.
Finally, quite a number of the sharp changes are dictated, or at least influenced, from outside. In a situation where a weak country decides to embrace a stronger one. it has to contend with some dictation from the stronger partner. To reach an agreement with another country necessarily means modifying operations at home in so far as the agreement affects activities at home. For instance, to take a loan from a stronger country is to tailor one's economic operations to reflect the spirit of the loan agreement.
Frequent changes in policy harm development far more than is realized. Apart from the financial wastage brought about by the sudden abandonment of projects when new rulers assume office, the resulting sense of insecurity scares off foreign investors. Besides, inconsistency of policy hinders the concentration of effort on specific projects. Moreover, the frequent abandonment of projects mid-stream, especially those being executed under international agreements tends to suggest to aid donors and leaders that the beneficiaries are not serious. And potential donors and leaders' prefer dealing with serious-minded and committed leaders.
(a) In three sentences, one for each, state the factors responsible for frequent changes in policy.
(b) In three sentences, one for each, state the results of the frequent changes in policy.
Summary answers: Inconsistency in policy passage.
(a) Factors responsible for frequent changes in policy (three sentences, one factor each):
(A fourth factor is that changes are frequently dictated or influenced from outside, for example by stronger countries whose loan agreements compel a weaker nation to modify its operations at home.)
(b) Results of the frequent changes in policy (three sentences, one result each):
Awọn alaye Idahun
Summary answers: Inconsistency in policy passage.
(a) Factors responsible for frequent changes in policy (three sentences, one factor each):
(A fourth factor is that changes are frequently dictated or influenced from outside, for example by stronger countries whose loan agreements compel a weaker nation to modify its operations at home.)
(b) Results of the frequent changes in policy (three sentences, one result each):
Ibeere 9 Ìròyìn
Write an article for publication in a national newspaper discussing the causes and consequences of the excessive desire for material wealth among Nigerians.
Model answer: Newspaper article on the excessive desire for material wealth among Nigerians.
This is an article for publication. It needs a title, a by-line, and a discussion that clearly separates causes from consequences.
THE RACE FOR RICHES: OUR DANGEROUS OBSESSION WITH WEALTH
by a Concerned Citizen
Everywhere one turns in our society today, the same message is preached: money is everything. The hunger for material wealth has grown into an obsession, and it is worth pausing to ask what drives it and what damage it is doing to us.
Several factors are responsible for this excessive desire. First, there is the pressure of poverty and economic hardship, which makes people desperate to escape want by any means. Secondly, our society openly worships wealth: the rich are celebrated and given titles and front seats, while their sources of income are rarely questioned. Thirdly, the influence of the mass media and social media parades luxury lifestyles that make ordinary comfort seem like failure. Fourthly, the collapse of moral and religious values has removed the shame that once accompanied dishonest riches. Finally, unhealthy competition, the desire to outshine one's neighbour, drives many into a reckless scramble for money.
The consequences of this obsession are grave. It fuels corruption, fraud, examination malpractice and other crimes, as people seek short cuts to wealth. It breeds ritual killings and other abominable acts by those who want riches without work. It destroys honesty, hard work and contentment, the very values on which a healthy society is built. It widens the gap between rich and poor, breeding resentment and insecurity. Worst of all, it corrupts our youth, who now dream of quick money rather than genuine achievement.
The solution lies in re-orienting our values. Homes, schools and religious bodies must teach that dignity comes from honest labour, not from the size of one's bank account. Government must reward integrity and punish corruption without fear. Only when we learn to honour character above cash will our nation be truly great.
Wealth honestly earned is a blessing; wealth pursued at any cost is a curse. Let us choose wisely.
Awọn alaye Idahun
Model answer: Newspaper article on the excessive desire for material wealth among Nigerians.
This is an article for publication. It needs a title, a by-line, and a discussion that clearly separates causes from consequences.
THE RACE FOR RICHES: OUR DANGEROUS OBSESSION WITH WEALTH
by a Concerned Citizen
Everywhere one turns in our society today, the same message is preached: money is everything. The hunger for material wealth has grown into an obsession, and it is worth pausing to ask what drives it and what damage it is doing to us.
Several factors are responsible for this excessive desire. First, there is the pressure of poverty and economic hardship, which makes people desperate to escape want by any means. Secondly, our society openly worships wealth: the rich are celebrated and given titles and front seats, while their sources of income are rarely questioned. Thirdly, the influence of the mass media and social media parades luxury lifestyles that make ordinary comfort seem like failure. Fourthly, the collapse of moral and religious values has removed the shame that once accompanied dishonest riches. Finally, unhealthy competition, the desire to outshine one's neighbour, drives many into a reckless scramble for money.
The consequences of this obsession are grave. It fuels corruption, fraud, examination malpractice and other crimes, as people seek short cuts to wealth. It breeds ritual killings and other abominable acts by those who want riches without work. It destroys honesty, hard work and contentment, the very values on which a healthy society is built. It widens the gap between rich and poor, breeding resentment and insecurity. Worst of all, it corrupts our youth, who now dream of quick money rather than genuine achievement.
The solution lies in re-orienting our values. Homes, schools and religious bodies must teach that dignity comes from honest labour, not from the size of one's bank account. Government must reward integrity and punish corruption without fear. Only when we learn to honour character above cash will our nation be truly great.
Wealth honestly earned is a blessing; wealth pursued at any cost is a curse. Let us choose wisely.
Ṣe o fẹ tẹsiwaju pẹlu iṣe yii?