2020 English Language WAEC SSCE (School Candidates) May/June

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English Language 1 - Objective Questions

Section 1

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence.

1. A guest should not make derogatory remarks about what he is offered by his host but _______ statements.
   1. candid
   2. appealing
   3. polite
   4. complimentary
2. The audience applauded the last speaker, but the first was ______.
   1. booed
   2. rejected
   3. abused
   4. scorned
3. The commander said that raw recruits could not dislodge the enemies; he needed _____ men.
   1. skilled
   2. practical
   3. learned
   4. seasoned
4. John gave a fictitious account of the incident but his son’s account was _____.
   1. probable
   2. compelling
   3. factual
   4. necessary
5. While the refuse dump smelled fetid, the orchard exuded a _____ smell.
   1. fragrant
   2. spicy
   3. clean
   4. dry
6. Only some of the accused were acquitted: the rest were _____.
   1. remanded
   2. convicted
   3. detained
   4. interdicted
7. The principal chastised Ben for his use of coarse language and advised him to emulate his sister’s _____ behaviour.
   1. pure
   2. neat
   3. refined
   4. organised
8. It would have been my pleasure to accept your invitation but I have to _____ because of a previous engagement.
   1. jettison
   2. defer
   3. suspend
   4. decline
9. Older people are expected to be ____ where youths are green.
   1. experienced
   2. cautious
   3. equipped
   4. considerate
10. I accidentally stepped on my brother but he told Mummy I did it _____.
    1. thoughtfully
    2. intuitively
    3. deliberately
    4. annoyingly

Section 2

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.

11. The runner was _____ at fifteen seconds at the end of the race.
    1. taped
    2. timed
    3. belled
    4. flagged
12. The appellate court has _____ the decision of the lower court.
    1. obstructed
    2. nullified
    3. neutralized
    4. balanced
13. The defeated boxer left the ring looking extremely _____.
    1. dislocated
    2. distorted
    3. deserted
    4. dejected
14. There is an election _____ pending against the senator.
    1. application
    2. appeal
    3. petition
    4. complaint
15. The manager was not in when Addo called, so he left his _____ card.
    1. supplementary
    2. complimentary
    3. complementary
    4. identification
16. Coming from the kitchen was the sweet _____ of Mummy’s soup.
    1. aroma
    2. odour
    3. fragrance
    4. Scent
17. There is a need to raise teachers’ salary in order to boost their _____.
    1. spirit
    2. moral
    3. soul
    4. morale
18. The librarian has not entered the new books in the _____.
    1. catalogue
    2. roster
    3. list
    4. directory
19. The textbook is very costly; I cannot _____ it to my students.
    1. commit
    2. afford
    3. endorse
    4. recommend
20. The weather is too hot; I need some water to _____ my thirst.
    1. wet
    2. quench
    3. cool
    4. soak

Section 3

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence.

21. My grandmother once told me that old habits die hard. This means that old habits are
    1. easily corrected
    2. difficult to change
    3. short-lived
    4. forever changing
22. If you ask him to sing, he will do it at the drop of a hat. This means that he will sing.
    1. Joyfully
    2. melodiously
    3. immediately
    4. sluggishly
23. The man has lost a lot and he only keeps up appearances by driving a big car. This means that the man.
    1. intends to work harder
    2. pretends that all is well
    3. wants everybody to see him
    4. wants to please his people
24. The game was tough but our team lost by a whisker. This means that our team lost by.
    1. default
    2. a wide margin
    3. not preparing well
    4. a narrow margin
25. When the result was announced, it was discovered that Bimbo and Pam were neck and neck. This means that Bimbo and Pam.
    1. had most the same result
    2. failed badly
    3. had equal result
    4. passed well
26. The old woman’s birthday was marked by her children with pomp. This means that the birthday was.
    1. greatly celebrated
    2. remembered fondly
    3. Widely advertised
    4. filmed and played back
27. When the man was accused of stealing the money, nobody raised an eyebrow. This means that nobody was.
    1. sad
    2. pleased
    3. interested
    4. surprised
28. People do not often rely on men who allow their exalted position to go to their head. This means that people shun those who
    1. are highly placed
    2. are conceited because of their position
    3. are rude because of their position
    4. do not do their work
29. The manager hit the roof when he was presented with the estimate for the new project. This means that the manager
    1. mobilised the workers
    2. became very angry
    3. became very suspicious
    4. became very suspicious
30. When he received the news that he had lost the election, he did not bat an eyelid: his means that he
    1. expected to lose the election
    2. stood perfectly still
    3. was shocked to have lost the election
    4. showed no feelings

Section 4

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.

31. Question 31
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
32. Question 32
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
33. Question 33
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
34. Question 34
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
35. Question 35
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
36. Question 36
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
37. Question 37
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
38. Question 38
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
39. Question 39
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
40. Question 40
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4

Section 5

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.

41. Question 41
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
42. Question 42
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
43. Question 43
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
44. Question 44
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
45. Question 45
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
46. Question 46
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
47. Question 47
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
48. Question 48
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
49. Question 49
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
50. Question 50
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
51. Question 51
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
52. Question 52
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
53. Question 53
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
54. Question 54
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
55. Question 55
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
56. Question 56
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
57. Question 57
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
58. Question 58
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
59. Question 59
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
60. Question 60
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
61. Question 61
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
62. Question 62
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
63. Question 63
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
64. Question 64
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
65. Question 65
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
66. Question 66
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
67. Question 67
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
68. Question 68
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
69. Question 69
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
70. Question 70
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4

Section 6

In the following passage, the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below the passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. Choose the word that is most suitable to fill the numbered gaps in the passage.

*question text

	A	B	C	D
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80

English Language 2 - Theory

Section A - Essay Writing

All questions carry equal marks. Your answer should not be less than 450 words. You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this section.

1. Question 1
2. Question 2
3. Question 3
4. Question 4
5. Question 5

Section B - Comprehension

You are advised to spend about 30 minutes on this section.

[Comprehension passage]

6. Question 6
   1. Sub-question 1
   2. Sub-question 1
   3. Sub-question 1
   4. Sub-question 1
   5. Sub-question 1
   6. Sub-question 1
   7. Sub-question 1
   8. Sub-question 1

Section C - Summary

You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this section.

[Summary passage]

7. Question 7
   1. Sub-question 1
   2. Sub-question 1

English Language 3 - Test of Orals

Section 1

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined.

1. Question 1
   1. Option 1
   2. Option 2
   3. Option 3
   4. Option 4
2. Question 2
   1. Option 1
   2. Option 2
   3. Option 3
   4. Option 4
3. Question 3
   1. Option 1
   2. Option 2
   3. Option 3
   4. Option 4
4. Question 4
   1. Option 1
   2. Option 2
   3. Option 3
   4. Option 4
5. Question 5
   1. Option 1
   2. Option 2
   3. Option 3
   4. Option 4
6. Question 6
   1. Option 1
   2. Option 2
   3. Option 3
   4. Option 4
7. Question 7
   1. Option 1
   2. Option 2
   3. Option 3
   4. Option 4
8. Question 8
   1. Option 1
   2. Option 2
   3. Option 3
   4. Option 4
9. Question 9
   1. Option 1
   2. Option 2
   3. Option 3
   4. Option 4
10. Question 10
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
11. Question 11
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
12. Question 12
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
13. Question 13
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
14. Question 14
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
15. Question 15
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4

Section 2

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined.

16. Question 16
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
17. Question 17
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
18. Question 18
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
19. Question 19
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
20. Question 20
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
21. Question 21
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
22. Question 22
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
23. Question 23
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
24. Question 24
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
25. Question 25
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
26. Question 26
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
27. Question 27
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
28. Question 28
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
29. Question 29
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
30. Question 30
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4

Section 3

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that rhymes with the given word.

31. Question 31
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
32. Question 32
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
33. Question 33
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
34. Question 34
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
35. Question 35
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4

Section 4

From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress.

36. Question 36
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
37. Question 37
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
38. Question 38
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
39. Question 39
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
40. Question 40
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4

Section 5

In the following options lettered A to D, all the words except one have the same stress pattern. Identify the one with the different stress pattern and shade your answer in the usual way.

41. 1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
42. 1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
43. 1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
44. 1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
45. 1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4

Section 6

In each of the following sentences, the word that receives the emphatic stress is written in capital letters. From the questions lettered A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer.

46. Question 46
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
47. Question 47
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
48. Question 48
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
49. Question 49
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
50. Question 50
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4

Section 7

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol.

51. Question 51
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
52. Question 52
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
53. Question 53
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
54. Question 54
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
55. Question 55
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
56. Question 56
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
57. Question 57
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
58. Question 58
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
59. Question 59
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4
60. Question 60
    1. Option 1
    2. Option 2
    3. Option 3
    4. Option 4