2016 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. That road which used to be wide now appears ... because of the new drainage.
   1. winding
   2. limited
   3. narrow
   4. reduced
2. In the past, any person who angered the gods was made to ... them.
   1. appease
   2. reward
   3. settle
   4. beg
3. Rather than being sensitive to the plight of the workers, the manager remained ...
   1. disdainful
   2. curious
   3. negligent
   4. indifferent
4. A keen student makes progress but the...one hardly does well.
   1. inactive
   2. lowly
   3. nervous
   4. reluctant
5. Unlike you, I thought the message was quite..., not ambiguous.
   1. reasonable
   2. clear
   3. apt
   4. persuasive
6. Good policies alleviate poverty where as bad ones ... it.
   1. prolong
   2. activate
   3. aggravate
   4. provoke
7. One expects books in a library to be well ... not jumbled.
   1. numbered
   2. documented
   3. arranged
   4. listed
8. Despite everything, I chose to keep rather than ... the secret.
   1. renounce
   2. show
   3. reveal
   4. display
9. Though the teachers ... the idea, the principal was averse to it.
   1. welcomed
   2. recognized
   3. admitted
   4. greeted
10. It is only natural to feel nervous when you first take the stage but you soon become ...
    1. balanced
    2. peaceful
    3. normal
    4. composed

Section 2

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

11. Don’t tell me you’re ... enough to believe his lies.
    1. credible
    2. childish
    3. modest
    4. naive
12. The members of parliament tabled an...to the constitution.
    1. adjustment
    2. amendment
    3. enactment
    4. annulment
13. His...to violent video games is something to worry about.
    1. devotion
    2. attachment
    3. commitment
    4. addiction
14. Most people think that...punishment should be abolished, even in murder cases.
    1. fatal
    2. capital
    3. severe
    4. corporal
15. The President made a ...appeal for calm in the face of the crisis.
    1. passionate
    2. zealous
    3. tactful
    4. sensitive
16. What I gave you was supposed to ... your monthly earnings.
    1. expand
    2. enlarge
    3. complete
    4. augment
17. The boy’s parents ... a sigh of relief when he was found.
    1. raised
    2. uttered
    3. breathed
    4. heaved
18. We...the meeting indefinitely because we could not form a quorum.
    1. postponed
    2. reconvened
    3. adjourned
    4. ended
19. The policeman tried to... money from the motorist.
    1. exert
    2. extort
    3. exact
    4. extract
20. They were given an... to either pay the rent or vacate the premises.
    1. ultimatum
    2. injunction
    3. admonition
    4. undertaking

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 school carried the day in the debate. This means that my school
    1. missed the debate
    2. won the debate
    3. chose the date for the debate
    4. had very good points
22. We covered much ground at the conference yesterday. This means that we
    1. discussed some issues
    2. treated many issues
    3. used a lot of space
    4. argued about many things
23. We saw Ada, of all people, dancing. This means that
    1. we saw Ada for the first time
    2. We saw Ada dancing with everyone
    3. Ada didn’t want us to see her dancing
    4. we were surprised to see Ada dancing
24. There are clear indications that Buba, backed the wrong horse. This means that Buba .
    1. supported the wrong person
    2. argued blindly
    3. abandoned his position
    4. bet on a losing horse
25. I knew that they were being economical with the truth. This means that they
    1. were being honest
    2. did not know enough about the matter
    3. knew more than they were prepared to say
    4. did not know the truth
26. My mother wanted to know what was eating him. This means that she wanted to find out
    1. what had made him become lean
    2. what he was spending his money
    3. why he was upset
    4. why he ignored her
27. People who tell lies make me see red. This means that such people make me
    1. dizzy
    2. angry
    3. sad
    4. anxious
28. After several attempts to claim the child, he threw in the towel. This means that he
    1. succeeded finally
    2. accepted defeat
    3. gained confidence
    4. became indifferent
29. This is their third defeat in a row. This means that they have
    1. been defeated three times
    2. defeated three teams consecutively
    3. been defeated by three teams
    4. suffered three consecutive defeats
30. The company has been under siege from the public. This means that the company is being
    1. applauded
    2. picketed
    3. criticized
    4. shielded

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. Most people abhor nagging.
    1. scorn
    2. despise
    3. reject
    4. slight
32. I really hope Beatrice would be kind enough to let us stay the night.
    1. generous
    2. polite
    3. gracious
    4. gentle
33. personally think that the costume is rather outlandish.
    1. outdated
    2. strange
    3. unique
    4. foreign
34. He did all he could to fortify the building against attack
    1. defend
    2. secure
    3. shield
    4. support
35. This is one decision you cannot defend.
    1. justify
    2. explain
    3. support
    4. express
36. He.simply disliked his wife’s inordinate demands for money.
    1. frequent
    2. excessive
    3. repeated
    4. indecent
37. Bravery is Victor’s most dominant trait.
    1. admirable
    2. outstanding
    3. suitable
    4. influential
38. It’s always better to buy durable products
    1. authentic
    2. expensive
    3. permanent
    4. lasting
39. Where did this document emanate from?
    1. originate
    2. emerge
    3. appear
    4. arise
40. The management applauded the staff for their hard work.
    1. adored
    2. commended
    3. encouraged
    4. recommended

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. You like ice cream, ...?
    1. didn’t you
    2. did you
    3. isn’t it
    4. don’t you
42. I didn’t tell my parents about the trip because they would be ... themselves with worry.
    1. at
    2. upon
    3. within
    4. beside
43. We arrived just...time for the formal opening.
    1. in
    2. after
    3. before
    4. at
44. She claims ... someone jump over the fence.
    1. seeing
    2. to have seen
    3. having seen
    4. to be seeing
45. Kofi says he is better at Physics ...
    1. as l am
    2. than l am
    3. as me
    4. than I do
46. Her shoes are made ... genuine leather
    1. on
    2. of
    3. with
    4. by
47. Even after his explanation, I was none the...
    1. wiser
    2. wise
    3. wisest
    4. worse
48. I spoke to Mary and Peter in the issue but ... of them took my advice.
    1. all
    2. neither
    3. either
    4. each
49. We need to ... for lost time.
    1. make in
    2. make by
    3. make up
    4. make through
50. Everyone wants to be the ... favourite.
    1. school principal
    2. school’s principal’s
    3. school principal’s
    4. school’s principal
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