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Ibeere 1 Ìròyìn
Write a story to illustrate the saying: A good name is better than riches.
Chief Obidi was the richest man in Umuoka. His compound of gleaming mansions stood at the centre of the village, and his convoy of cars raised dust on the untarred roads whenever he passed. Yet, behind the glitter, whispers followed him everywhere. It was said that he had built his fortune by cheating traders, seizing the land of widows and bribing his way through every court that dared to question him. Men greeted him aloud but cursed him under their breath.
In the same village lived Mazi Uche, a poor but honest carpenter. His workshop was small and his savings meagre, but no one had ever accused him of a dishonest act. He returned every naira that was overpaid to him, kept faithfully to his promises, and was known far and wide as a man whose word was as firm as iron.
Time, that great judge, soon told the difference between the two men. A change of government brought a determined anti-corruption panel to the state. Chief Obidi's dealings were dragged into the open; his wealth was traced to fraud, and in a single week his mansions were sealed and his accounts frozen. Deserted by the very people who had once flattered him, he fell into disgrace and disease, and died a lonely, broken man. His name became a byword for shame, and mothers warned their children never to walk his crooked path.
Mazi Uche, on the other hand, was invited by a foreign company that was seeking an honest contractor for a large project. His reputation, not his riches, had spoken for him. Overnight, the poor carpenter became a respected businessman, and his children rose to enviable positions, opening every door with the good name their father had left them.
Standing one evening at Chief Obidi's abandoned gate, an old man shook his head and said to the gathering youths, "You have seen it with your own eyes. Wealth wickedly gathered melts like wax, but a good name endures and lifts up even the poor." From that day, the young people of Umuoka understood, beyond all argument, that a good name is truly better than riches.
Awọn alaye Idahun
Chief Obidi was the richest man in Umuoka. His compound of gleaming mansions stood at the centre of the village, and his convoy of cars raised dust on the untarred roads whenever he passed. Yet, behind the glitter, whispers followed him everywhere. It was said that he had built his fortune by cheating traders, seizing the land of widows and bribing his way through every court that dared to question him. Men greeted him aloud but cursed him under their breath.
In the same village lived Mazi Uche, a poor but honest carpenter. His workshop was small and his savings meagre, but no one had ever accused him of a dishonest act. He returned every naira that was overpaid to him, kept faithfully to his promises, and was known far and wide as a man whose word was as firm as iron.
Time, that great judge, soon told the difference between the two men. A change of government brought a determined anti-corruption panel to the state. Chief Obidi's dealings were dragged into the open; his wealth was traced to fraud, and in a single week his mansions were sealed and his accounts frozen. Deserted by the very people who had once flattered him, he fell into disgrace and disease, and died a lonely, broken man. His name became a byword for shame, and mothers warned their children never to walk his crooked path.
Mazi Uche, on the other hand, was invited by a foreign company that was seeking an honest contractor for a large project. His reputation, not his riches, had spoken for him. Overnight, the poor carpenter became a respected businessman, and his children rose to enviable positions, opening every door with the good name their father had left them.
Standing one evening at Chief Obidi's abandoned gate, an old man shook his head and said to the gathering youths, "You have seen it with your own eyes. Wealth wickedly gathered melts like wax, but a good name endures and lifts up even the poor." From that day, the young people of Umuoka understood, beyond all argument, that a good name is truly better than riches.
Ibeere 2 Ìròyìn
You have recently moved into a new neighbourhood with your parents. Write a letter to your sister who is studying overseas giving, at least, three reasons for disliking the new place.
Format note: This is an informal letter to a sister, so it needs only the writer's address and date (no receiver's address), an informal salutation (Dear Sabina), a warm, personal tone, at least three clear reasons for disliking the new place, and an informal close (Your loving brother/sister).
24 Marsh Lane,
Ajegunle,
Lagos.
10 July, 2026.
Dear Sabina,
How are you doing in far-away London? I hope your studies are going well and that the cold weather is treating you kindly. We all miss you terribly at home. I am writing to tell you about our new neighbourhood, into which Mum and Dad moved us last month, and to be honest, I am finding it very hard to like the place at all.
My first reason is the terrible noise. Our house stands right beside a busy motor park, and from dawn till late at night there is an endless din of blaring horns, quarrelling drivers and loud music from nearby shops. I can hardly read my books or sleep in peace, and I often wake up with a headache.
Secondly, the environment is dirty and unhealthy. A large refuse dump sits at the end of our street, and its stench fills the air whenever the wind blows. Gutters overflow after every rainfall, and mosquitoes have become our unwelcome guests. Since we arrived, I have already suffered one bout of malaria.
My third reason is the unfriendliness of the neighbours. Unlike our old street where everyone greeted us warmly, the people here keep to themselves and eye newcomers with suspicion. I have not made a single friend, and the evenings feel lonely and dull without the laughter of familiar faces.
I have begged Mum and Dad to consider moving again once they are able to, and I truly hope they will. Do write back soon and tell me all your own news. Greet your roommates for me.
Your loving brother,
Emeka
Awọn alaye Idahun
Format note: This is an informal letter to a sister, so it needs only the writer's address and date (no receiver's address), an informal salutation (Dear Sabina), a warm, personal tone, at least three clear reasons for disliking the new place, and an informal close (Your loving brother/sister).
24 Marsh Lane,
Ajegunle,
Lagos.
10 July, 2026.
Dear Sabina,
How are you doing in far-away London? I hope your studies are going well and that the cold weather is treating you kindly. We all miss you terribly at home. I am writing to tell you about our new neighbourhood, into which Mum and Dad moved us last month, and to be honest, I am finding it very hard to like the place at all.
My first reason is the terrible noise. Our house stands right beside a busy motor park, and from dawn till late at night there is an endless din of blaring horns, quarrelling drivers and loud music from nearby shops. I can hardly read my books or sleep in peace, and I often wake up with a headache.
Secondly, the environment is dirty and unhealthy. A large refuse dump sits at the end of our street, and its stench fills the air whenever the wind blows. Gutters overflow after every rainfall, and mosquitoes have become our unwelcome guests. Since we arrived, I have already suffered one bout of malaria.
My third reason is the unfriendliness of the neighbours. Unlike our old street where everyone greeted us warmly, the people here keep to themselves and eye newcomers with suspicion. I have not made a single friend, and the evenings feel lonely and dull without the laughter of familiar faces.
I have begged Mum and Dad to consider moving again once they are able to, and I truly hope they will. Do write back soon and tell me all your own news. Greet your roommates for me.
Your loving brother,
Emeka
Ibeere 3 Ìròyìn
Write an article for publication in a national newspaper on the topic: Vocational Training is the answer to unemployment among the youths.
Format note: This is a newspaper article, so it needs a clear title, the writer's name, an engaging introduction, well-argued body paragraphs supporting the topic, and a firm conclusion. The register is formal and persuasive.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING: THE REAL ANSWER TO YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
By Ngozi Adeyemi
Year after year, our universities and colleges pour thousands of graduates into a labour market that simply cannot absorb them. Armed with certificates but few practical skills, many of these young people roam the streets in search of white-collar jobs that do not exist. The time has come to face the truth: vocational training, not paper qualifications alone, is the real answer to unemployment among our youths.
In the first place, vocational training equips young people with practical, marketable skills. A youth trained in tailoring, welding, plumbing, carpentry, catering or computer repair leaves the workshop able to earn a living immediately. Unlike the graduate who must wait endlessly for an employer, the skilled artisan carries his livelihood in his own hands.
Secondly, vocational training promotes self-employment and entrepreneurship. Rather than searching for jobs, trained youths can establish their own workshops and businesses, and in time even employ others. In this way, one trained young person becomes a source of jobs rather than a burden on the economy.
Furthermore, vocational skills drive national development. Every nation depends on artisans and technicians to build its houses, repair its machines, and keep its industries running. A country rich in skilled hands reduces its dependence on foreign labour and imported goods, thereby strengthening its economy.
Some may argue that vocational work is inferior to office work, but this is an outdated prejudice. Across the world, skilled technicians and craftsmen earn handsome incomes and command great respect. The dignity of labour lies not in the certificate on the wall but in the honest wealth produced by one's hands.
To reap these benefits, government and private organisations must build well-equipped vocational centres, provide soft loans and tools to trainees, and change the negative attitude of society towards handwork. Schools too should introduce practical skills early in the curriculum.
In conclusion, if we are truly serious about ending the scourge of youth unemployment, we must invest boldly in vocational training. Skilled hands build nations, and a youth with a trade will never go hungry.
Awọn alaye Idahun
Format note: This is a newspaper article, so it needs a clear title, the writer's name, an engaging introduction, well-argued body paragraphs supporting the topic, and a firm conclusion. The register is formal and persuasive.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING: THE REAL ANSWER TO YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
By Ngozi Adeyemi
Year after year, our universities and colleges pour thousands of graduates into a labour market that simply cannot absorb them. Armed with certificates but few practical skills, many of these young people roam the streets in search of white-collar jobs that do not exist. The time has come to face the truth: vocational training, not paper qualifications alone, is the real answer to unemployment among our youths.
In the first place, vocational training equips young people with practical, marketable skills. A youth trained in tailoring, welding, plumbing, carpentry, catering or computer repair leaves the workshop able to earn a living immediately. Unlike the graduate who must wait endlessly for an employer, the skilled artisan carries his livelihood in his own hands.
Secondly, vocational training promotes self-employment and entrepreneurship. Rather than searching for jobs, trained youths can establish their own workshops and businesses, and in time even employ others. In this way, one trained young person becomes a source of jobs rather than a burden on the economy.
Furthermore, vocational skills drive national development. Every nation depends on artisans and technicians to build its houses, repair its machines, and keep its industries running. A country rich in skilled hands reduces its dependence on foreign labour and imported goods, thereby strengthening its economy.
Some may argue that vocational work is inferior to office work, but this is an outdated prejudice. Across the world, skilled technicians and craftsmen earn handsome incomes and command great respect. The dignity of labour lies not in the certificate on the wall but in the honest wealth produced by one's hands.
To reap these benefits, government and private organisations must build well-equipped vocational centres, provide soft loans and tools to trainees, and change the negative attitude of society towards handwork. Schools too should introduce practical skills early in the curriculum.
In conclusion, if we are truly serious about ending the scourge of youth unemployment, we must invest boldly in vocational training. Skilled hands build nations, and a youth with a trade will never go hungry.
Ibeere 4 Ìròyìn
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
It was a little past 10 a.m. but the medium-sized hall that served as a prayer house was already brimming with people from different parts of the metropolis, who had come to seek cure or answers to their problems. The majority of this lot were those with seemingly intractable mental health conditions. The superintendent of the prayer house in question was often spoken of in whispers as possessing uncanny spiritual powers to exorcise evil spirits. it was also believed that he had answers to numerous illnesses that defied orthodox medication. Wednesday of each week was set aside for these healing sessions.
On this particular Wednesday, noisy supplications to the Most High and ceaseless invocation of His name to free those supposedly held captive by alleged evil spirits had reached fever pitch. Suddenly, a middle-aged man broke loose from the crowd and ran as fast as his wobbly legs could permit. Some male workers from the prayer house gave him a hot chase.
At first, bemused by-standers rained curses on the fleeing man, wondering why a man in his right senses would in broad daylight rob a house of God. They obviously mistook the man for a robber fleeing from the scene of his crime. But he was not. Minutes later, he was caught and chained hands and feet, despite his struggle against his captors who intermittently lashed him with horse-whip. As he was being violently dragged along the street, the man ceaselessly muttered incomprehensible words that sounded like the muttering of a colony of baboons. Then, a clear picture of the situation dawned on the on-lookers. The man, after all, was not a thief and had stolen nothing; rather, his ability to think and reason properly had taken flight of him. Simply put, he was mentally deranged.
The above incident is a common occurrence in many parts of the country. It aptly underscores the devastating mental health conditions plaguing a sizeable number of people in recent times. It also points to the unspeakable and inhuman treatment which people with such health disorders suffer at the hands of self-styled spiritualists. This is the usual lot of mental patients whose family members refuse to take advantage of orthodox treatment.
(a) What brought the people to the prayer house?
(b) State the functions of the superintendent of the prayer house.
(c) What was wrong with the on-lookers' assessment of the run-away man?
(d) Mention two instances of inhuman treatment in the passage.
(e) What is the writer's attitude towards the treatment of lunatics at prayer house?
(f) "... like the muttering of a colony of baboons." What figure of speech is contained in this expression?
(g) "... Whose family member refuse to take advantage of orthodox treatment." (I) What grammatical name is given to this expression as it is used in the passage? (ii) What is its function?
(h) For each of the following words, find another word or phrase which means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the passage.
(i) intractable ; (ii) supplications; (iii) wobbly; (iv) bemused; (v) intermittently (vi) deranged.
(a) What brought the people to the prayer house?
They came from different parts of the metropolis to seek cure or answers to their problems, the majority of them being people with seemingly intractable mental-health conditions.
(b) Functions of the superintendent of the prayer house.
He was believed to possess uncanny spiritual powers to exorcise (cast out) evil spirits, and he was also believed to have answers or cures to numerous illnesses that had defied orthodox medication.
(c) What was wrong with the on-lookers' assessment of the run-away man?
They wrongly took him for a robber fleeing from the scene of his crime, whereas in fact he was not a thief and had stolen nothing; he was simply a mentally deranged man.
(d) Two instances of inhuman treatment in the passage.
(e) The writer's attitude towards the treatment of lunatics at the prayer house.
It is one of strong disapproval and condemnation; the writer regards the treatment as unspeakable, cruel and inhuman, and sympathises with the mental patients who suffer it.
(f) Figure of speech in "... like the muttering of a colony of baboons."
A simile.
(g) "... whose family members refuse to take advantage of orthodox treatment."
(h) Replacement words
Awọn alaye Idahun
(a) What brought the people to the prayer house?
They came from different parts of the metropolis to seek cure or answers to their problems, the majority of them being people with seemingly intractable mental-health conditions.
(b) Functions of the superintendent of the prayer house.
He was believed to possess uncanny spiritual powers to exorcise (cast out) evil spirits, and he was also believed to have answers or cures to numerous illnesses that had defied orthodox medication.
(c) What was wrong with the on-lookers' assessment of the run-away man?
They wrongly took him for a robber fleeing from the scene of his crime, whereas in fact he was not a thief and had stolen nothing; he was simply a mentally deranged man.
(d) Two instances of inhuman treatment in the passage.
(e) The writer's attitude towards the treatment of lunatics at the prayer house.
It is one of strong disapproval and condemnation; the writer regards the treatment as unspeakable, cruel and inhuman, and sympathises with the mental patients who suffer it.
(f) Figure of speech in "... like the muttering of a colony of baboons."
A simile.
(g) "... whose family members refuse to take advantage of orthodox treatment."
(h) Replacement words
Ibeere 5 Ìròyìn
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
Miss Williamson announced in class one day that she wanted one of us to live with her to help her with her domestic work after school. There was a rush to volunteer which took her completely by surprise. When she recovered and had quietened our excited shouting, there was a moment during which none of us dared breathe, as she scanned the eager faces. What made her choose me i had never found out, but i had noticed before that she was partial to me. "All right Karimu," she said. "You can come, but first run along and get your father's consent"
My parents were only too glad to have one mouth fewer to feed and my brothers and sisters to see the back of one who inevitably, had begun to assume an air of superiority in talking to them. Miss Williamson's bungalow was a stone's throw from school. That very evening saw me installed on a mat in a corner of her back veranda. I was unable to sleep, excited at the thought of the good fortune that had come my way. To be within earshot of Miss Williamson's English all day, to have access to her books, to nurse the possibility, overwhelming even in thought, of going with her frequently of Rofunkti - all these visions kept my eyes wide open and my brain racing until very late that night. With my "lapa" pulled right over my head and happy beyond all description in my heart, I smiled myself to sleep.
I learnt a very great deal in Miss Williamson's bungalow. Apart from improving my English, I learnt about the world outside and began to sense that were barriers much higher and much less easily gauged than those of mere language and colour, between my own people and those from whom she sprang. The smiling teacher in the daytime often became the brooding restless, ill-tempered spinster in the evening. Her bungalow was shared by another lady, a doctor, also a Scot, who traveled to and fro between the villages on a bicycle. I noticed that when not at their work or talking about it, these women showed no signs of being happy. As I grew up with them, i found myself wondering what had made them leave their country and come to live among a people whose ways were totally different from theirs.
(a) Why was Miss Williamson completely surprised?
(b) Why was Karimu's family happy to see him go to stay at the bungalow?
(C) State the overwhelming thought that kept Karimu awake.
(d) What did Karimu find difficult to understand about the two ladies?
(e) Mention the identical trait in these two ladies behaviour.
(f) "What made her choose me. ."
(i) What grammatical name is given to this expression as it is used in the passage? ;
(ii) What is its function?
(g) "I smiled myself to sleep."What is the meaning of this expression?
(h) For each of the following words, find another word or phrase which means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the passage: (i) scanned; (ii) inevitably; (iii) nurse; (iv) vision; (v)gauged; (vi) brooding.
(a) Why was Miss Williamson completely surprised?
She was surprised because, instead of the reluctance she expected, there was a sudden rush of pupils all eagerly volunteering at once to go and live with her.
(b) Why was Karimu's family happy to see him go to stay at the bungalow?
His parents were glad because it meant one mouth fewer to feed, and his brothers and sisters were glad to see the back of someone who had begun to talk to them with an air of superiority.
(c) State the overwhelming thought that kept Karimu awake.
It was the thrilling possibility of going frequently with Miss Williamson to Rofunkti.
(d) What did Karimu find difficult to understand about the two ladies?
He could not understand what had made them leave their own country to come and live among a people whose ways were totally different from theirs.
(e) Mention the identical trait in these two ladies' behaviour.
Whenever they were not doing their work or talking about it, both women showed no sign of being happy.
(f) "What made her choose me ..."
(g) "I smiled myself to sleep." Meaning:
He was so happy that he drifted off to sleep while still smiling; he fell asleep in a state of joy.
(h) Replacement words
Awọn alaye Idahun
(a) Why was Miss Williamson completely surprised?
She was surprised because, instead of the reluctance she expected, there was a sudden rush of pupils all eagerly volunteering at once to go and live with her.
(b) Why was Karimu's family happy to see him go to stay at the bungalow?
His parents were glad because it meant one mouth fewer to feed, and his brothers and sisters were glad to see the back of someone who had begun to talk to them with an air of superiority.
(c) State the overwhelming thought that kept Karimu awake.
It was the thrilling possibility of going frequently with Miss Williamson to Rofunkti.
(d) What did Karimu find difficult to understand about the two ladies?
He could not understand what had made them leave their own country to come and live among a people whose ways were totally different from theirs.
(e) Mention the identical trait in these two ladies' behaviour.
Whenever they were not doing their work or talking about it, both women showed no sign of being happy.
(f) "What made her choose me ..."
(g) "I smiled myself to sleep." Meaning:
He was so happy that he drifted off to sleep while still smiling; he fell asleep in a state of joy.
(h) Replacement words
Ibeere 6 Ìròyìn
Your country's public transport system is not functioning properly. Write a letter to the Minister of Transport, highlighting the causes and suggesting at least two measures to remedy the situation.
12, Ademola Street,
Ikeja,
Lagos State.
15 June, 2024.
The Honourable Minister of Transport,
Ministry of Transport,
Federal Secretariat,
Abuja.
Dear Sir,
THE POOR STATE OF OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM
I write, with all sense of responsibility, to draw your attention to the deplorable condition of the public transport system in our country and to suggest measures that may restore it to good working order.
The problem has grown from bad to worse in recent years. Commuters now spend several hours at bus stops before securing a vehicle, and the few buses available are old, overloaded and unsafe. Several factors are responsible for this. First, the fleet of publicly owned buses is grossly inadequate and poorly maintained, so that vehicles break down almost daily. Secondly, our roads are riddled with potholes and are hardly repaired, which discourages transport operators and damages their vehicles. Thirdly, corruption and the extortion of drivers by touts and some officials have raised fares beyond the reach of the ordinary citizen. Finally, there is no reliable rail or mass-transit alternative to relieve the pressure on the roads.
In view of the above, I humbly suggest the following remedies. To begin with, the government should procure a large number of modern, well-maintained buses and establish proper workshops for their servicing, so that the fleet remains roadworthy. In addition, our major roads should be rehabilitated and kept in good repair through a well-funded maintenance scheme. It would also be of immense benefit if the government revived and expanded the rail system and introduced an organised mass-transit service, since this would ease congestion and reduce fares. Above all, the extortion of drivers by touts should be firmly stamped out through proper enforcement.
I am confident that, if these measures are put in place, the suffering of commuters will be greatly reduced and the economy will benefit from the smooth movement of people and goods. I count on your kind and prompt intervention.
Thank you, Sir.
Yours faithfully,
Adewale Johnson.
Awọn alaye Idahun
12, Ademola Street,
Ikeja,
Lagos State.
15 June, 2024.
The Honourable Minister of Transport,
Ministry of Transport,
Federal Secretariat,
Abuja.
Dear Sir,
THE POOR STATE OF OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM
I write, with all sense of responsibility, to draw your attention to the deplorable condition of the public transport system in our country and to suggest measures that may restore it to good working order.
The problem has grown from bad to worse in recent years. Commuters now spend several hours at bus stops before securing a vehicle, and the few buses available are old, overloaded and unsafe. Several factors are responsible for this. First, the fleet of publicly owned buses is grossly inadequate and poorly maintained, so that vehicles break down almost daily. Secondly, our roads are riddled with potholes and are hardly repaired, which discourages transport operators and damages their vehicles. Thirdly, corruption and the extortion of drivers by touts and some officials have raised fares beyond the reach of the ordinary citizen. Finally, there is no reliable rail or mass-transit alternative to relieve the pressure on the roads.
In view of the above, I humbly suggest the following remedies. To begin with, the government should procure a large number of modern, well-maintained buses and establish proper workshops for their servicing, so that the fleet remains roadworthy. In addition, our major roads should be rehabilitated and kept in good repair through a well-funded maintenance scheme. It would also be of immense benefit if the government revived and expanded the rail system and introduced an organised mass-transit service, since this would ease congestion and reduce fares. Above all, the extortion of drivers by touts should be firmly stamped out through proper enforcement.
I am confident that, if these measures are put in place, the suffering of commuters will be greatly reduced and the economy will benefit from the smooth movement of people and goods. I count on your kind and prompt intervention.
Thank you, Sir.
Yours faithfully,
Adewale Johnson.
Ibeere 7 Ìròyìn
You are the Chief Speaker in a debate on the topic: The youths of today are more interested in the pursuit of pleasure than in academic work. Write your speech for or against the topic.
The Chairman, the accurate timekeeper, the panel of impartial judges, my co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I stand before you to speak in support of the motion that the youths of today are more interested in the pursuit of pleasure than in academic work.
My first and strongest point is the way our youths spend their time. Walk into any neighbourhood in the evening and you will find young people glued to social media, video games and endless entertainment, while their books gather dust. The time that should be devoted to private study is squandered on parties, night clubs and the chasing of fashion. A person who values learning does not treat it as a spare-time affair.
Secondly, the values that our youths celebrate today are pleasure-driven. The heroes of many young people are not scholars, inventors or scientists but musicians, celebrities and those who flaunt wealth of doubtful origin. When a society worships enjoyment rather than knowledge, it is no surprise that its young ones prize pleasure above the classroom.
Thirdly, examination malpractice, which has become alarmingly widespread, is itself proof of my case. Why do candidates cheat? It is because they crave the reward of a certificate without the discipline and hard work that learning demands. The love of ease and pleasure has replaced the love of genuine study.
Some may argue that a few youths still excel in their studies, and I do not deny it. But we are speaking of the general trend, not the rare exception. For every diligent student, there are many more who would rather be entertained than educated.
Ladies and gentlemen, the evidence is clear. The way our youths spend their time, the values they hold and the shortcuts they take all point in one direction. It is on these grounds that I urge this house to agree with me that the youths of today are indeed more interested in the pursuit of pleasure than in academic work.
Thank you for listening.
Awọn alaye Idahun
The Chairman, the accurate timekeeper, the panel of impartial judges, my co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I stand before you to speak in support of the motion that the youths of today are more interested in the pursuit of pleasure than in academic work.
My first and strongest point is the way our youths spend their time. Walk into any neighbourhood in the evening and you will find young people glued to social media, video games and endless entertainment, while their books gather dust. The time that should be devoted to private study is squandered on parties, night clubs and the chasing of fashion. A person who values learning does not treat it as a spare-time affair.
Secondly, the values that our youths celebrate today are pleasure-driven. The heroes of many young people are not scholars, inventors or scientists but musicians, celebrities and those who flaunt wealth of doubtful origin. When a society worships enjoyment rather than knowledge, it is no surprise that its young ones prize pleasure above the classroom.
Thirdly, examination malpractice, which has become alarmingly widespread, is itself proof of my case. Why do candidates cheat? It is because they crave the reward of a certificate without the discipline and hard work that learning demands. The love of ease and pleasure has replaced the love of genuine study.
Some may argue that a few youths still excel in their studies, and I do not deny it. But we are speaking of the general trend, not the rare exception. For every diligent student, there are many more who would rather be entertained than educated.
Ladies and gentlemen, the evidence is clear. The way our youths spend their time, the values they hold and the shortcuts they take all point in one direction. It is on these grounds that I urge this house to agree with me that the youths of today are indeed more interested in the pursuit of pleasure than in academic work.
Thank you for listening.
Ibeere 8 Ìròyìn
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
No one can deny the fact that anyone who wants to be successful in learning the English language needs a good English dictionary. Such a dictionary should be a source of information about the language — information that is not generally available in grammar books It should not only contain a list words and their meanings, but also a lot of information that can help a leaner to speak and write good English.
In order to use a word correctly, the reader needs to know how to link it with other words in a sentence. He should also know the structures that often precede or follow it, and whether it is formal or informal. This will help him to choose what word is appropriate for a particular context. The dictionary is therefore, an invaluable aid to reading as well as writing skills.
If the meaning of a particular word in a passage impedes the overall comprehension of the main ideas presented in it, then a dictionary should be used. Most teachers must have observed a widespread tendency among their students to attack a new passage by reading it word by word, stopping to reach for a dictionary whenever they come across a word they do not know. This is a wrong approach; the dictionary should be used only as a last resort. The main objective of reading a passage is not to define specific words but to understand the ideas and concepts of the passage. the frequent use of a dictionary tends to focus the reader's attention on words when he should be concentrating on understanding the main ideas of the passage. Efficient reading implies obtaining the greatest amount of information from the passage in the shortest time possible. The frequent use of a dictionary takes too much time — time that can better be employed in getting an overall understanding of the passage.
Instead of turning to the last resort, the reader should continue reading. Very often, the meaning of an unfamiliar ford can be guessed from the context in which it is used. The passage may give a definition, cite examples or describe )e circumstances surrounding the use of such a word well enough for him to know what it means. After reading the 'hole passage, the reader may realize that he has understood the important ideas presented without knowing the leaning of every word. If, after reading the entire passage, the reader is still unable to guess the meaning of a word from the context, then he should study the structure of the word The word may be a compound word which, when broken into its component parts, can be easily understood.
If after exhausting these approaches. the reader still does not understand the meaning of a word, and if this word is vital to the comprehension of the whole passage, then and only then, should he refer to a dictionary,
(a) In one sentence state the purpose of a good dictionary
(b) In two sentences, one for each, state the two disadvantages of constantly referring to a dictionary when reading a passage.
(c) In three sentences, one for each, summarize the three steps that a reader should take before referring to a dictionary.
(a) In one sentence, the purpose of a good dictionary.
A good dictionary should be a source of information about the language that helps a learner not only to know the meanings of words but also to speak and write good English correctly.
(b) In two sentences, the two disadvantages of constantly referring to a dictionary when reading.
(c) In three sentences, the three steps a reader should take before referring to a dictionary.
Awọn alaye Idahun
(a) In one sentence, the purpose of a good dictionary.
A good dictionary should be a source of information about the language that helps a learner not only to know the meanings of words but also to speak and write good English correctly.
(b) In two sentences, the two disadvantages of constantly referring to a dictionary when reading.
(c) In three sentences, the three steps a reader should take before referring to a dictionary.
Ṣe o fẹ tẹsiwaju pẹlu iṣe yii?