1989 English Language WAEC SSCE (School Candidates) May/June

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English Language 1 - Objective Questions

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.

Your school has been invited to participate in a debate on the topic: Co-education in secondary schools should be abolished, Write out your speech for or against the motion
Write a letter to the Commissioner for Agriculture informing him of the invasion, by certain pests, of farms in your locality and asking for advice and help in controlling them
There has been an outcry in the country against the desire to get rich quickly, bribery and corruption, embezzlement of public funds and other forms of moral decadence. Write an article, suitable for publication in a national magazine, stating the causes of these social evils and suggesting possible solutions
There has been a violent demonstration in your school in which damage was done to school property. Write a report for the principal stating the causes of the demonstration, and what you think should be done to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.
In a letter to your brother who has been studying abroad for the past five years, describe at least three mays in which the current economic situation has affected the way of life of your family.
Narrate an experience you have had or heard about which illustrates the saying: Honesty is the best policy.

Section B - Comprehension

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

[Comprehension passage]

It was a sunny day in the month of May. The sun took its rightful position very early, lending credence to the general feeling that Andrew's birthday ceremony was going to be greeted with the blessing of a pleasant climate. The sky looked so bright that Andrew insisted on having an open-air party The habitual doubting Thomases had no dissenting opinions to express. Andrew had gone to a great length to ensure a hitch-free party; a party which would remain the talk of the town. Although it was not intended to be free for all, a lot had been done to stamp the occasion on the memories of many people long afterwards. The bright sun continued to smile. Andrew's face beamed with pleasure with every passing moment. Very few of his contemporaries have so succeeded in reaching the top of the ladder. Andrew in particular had been an orphan of storm. His father's death during his third year in the secondary school and that of his mother two years later were only two of this orphan's 'storms'. He suffered a physical misfortune when a stock fish machine severed his left middle finger. But Andrew did not despair. The courage to fail is very cheap. Every fool can afford to fail. But it raises one above the herd of cowards and never do-wells to be up and struggling. The reward of forbearance in the end is resounding success. And so it was for Andrew. Ever since he finished his university education, it had been success galore. He had got a good job in one of the country's insurance companies. His pay was good, his promotion had been steady and his prospects seemed bright. At forty, he had a good car and had already bought a house of his own. The world was at his feet!
1. Give, in a word or phrase, the meaning of each of the following words, as used in the passage: (i) dissenting; (ii) stamp; (iii) contemporaries
2. What figure of speech is "the bright sun continued to smile?"
3. (i) What kind of grammatical structure is “the courage to fail?” (ii) What is its function in the sentence?
4. What two hardships had Andrew gone through in life?
5. What is implied by the expression The world was at his feet?
The finest asset any child can have is a happy home. Such environment will enable him to develop strength and stability of character, thereby teaching him to face the future without fear or undue anxiety. It also will give him something worthwhile to live for. If he exhibits good judgement in later years, much of the credit must go to those who trained him. If he fails, it may have been due to troubles in his home, his school or unsympathetic and hostile relatives. A great percentage of juvenile problems can be traced to faulty home education and unwholesome influences in early childhood. Undoubtedly, there would be fewer juvenile delinquents if there were more homes where children learned to love and respect their fellow men. Remember this: happy parents create happy homes; happy homes produce happy children; happy children make happy communities and happy communities make a happier world.
1. Give one word that could replace each of the following in the passage: (i) asset (ii) stability; (iii) worthwhile;(iv) exhibits;(v) hostile;(vi) unwholesome
2. State, in three sentences, three reasons given by the writer to support his view that a happy home is the finest asset any child can have.
3. What does the writer mean by: (i) undue anxiety, (ii) juvenile delinquents?
4. Give, from the passage, one: (i) abstract noun which means honor or praise; (ii) adverb which means certainly; (iii) verb which means make or produce.
5. In one sentence, state why you think the author uses the word happy many times in the last paragraph.

Section C - Summary

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

[Summary passage]

Most of the discussions in the newspapers today in Nigeria focus on the problem of corruption and its pervasive effects on our national life. It is a phenomenon which appears to have settled comfortably with us, more so that we now regard it, in a rather casual manner, as a normal way of life. One may then wish to ask, what exactly is the complexion of corruption in Nigeria? Why is it so pervasive and how can it be minimized, if not completely eradicated? Corruption takes many forms in the country. Contracts are not awarded on the objective criteria of professional competence and results of good feasibility studies. It is a matter of personal relationships, club affiliations or the expectation of some kick-backs. Loans are not given out by banks on the merit of what you need them for; it is the kick backs from the loans that decide the managers approval. Those who need jobs either have to bribe their way through to get the jobs or they do not get any. Limited opportunities, the fast declining state of the economy, poor awareness of the rights the state allows, dire needs and a host of others have often been cited as factors responsible for the picture painted above. Many suggestions have been offered for the alleviation of the problem. Some of these suggestions are practical while others appear unrealistic especially in the context of the present orientation in the country. However, the view being held in this write-up is that the problem of corruption can only be tackled by the application of some practical solutions. Thus, we have to start with our leaders. It is being suggested here that our leaders must learn to lead by example. It is not enough for them to condemn corruption; they themselves must not be seen to be involved in any dirty practice. This calls for a great deal of honesty from them coupled with an appreciable degree of integrity and the readiness to help others without expecting to be cheaply rewarded. Our educational system needs a serious overhaul to achieve some positive results. The teaching programs must include subjects like Civics and Social Studies which normally expose students to their rights, the limits of such rights and the virtues of good neighborliness. Moral instruction in the schools should be tilted in favour of those imperatives that emphasize justice, fairness and selflessness. In addition, we need a radical reorientation with regard to our value system in the country. There should be less emphasis on the acquisition of material things. Those things that help to uplift the glory and name of the country need to be promoted.
1. In two short sentences, give the writer's reasons for the wide-spread corruption in Nigeria.
2. In one short sentence, explain the common pattern that corruption takes in the country
3. In three short sentences, summarize what the writer considers to be the practical solutions to the problem of corruption in the country.

English Language 2 - Theory

Section 1

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to E, 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.

One of the armed robbers was as daring in his words at the s lake as the other was ⋯⋯⋯
1. morose
2. secretive
3. reckless
4. timid
5. rational
His outspokenness contrasts with the ⋯⋯⋯ of the father.
1. humor
2. sobriety
3. deafness
4. dumbness
5. taciturnity
A gully, which is a natural phenomenon, could not be mistaken for a tunnel, which is ⋯⋯
1. false
2. artificial
3. imitative
4. modern
It is curious how Bayo can be so carefree in his ways when his brother is so ⋯⋯⋯
1. meticulous
2. eccentric
3. easy-going
4. lovable
5. indifferent
Personally, I give in rather easily when it comes to arguments, but Emeka will always ⋯⋯⋯ to his opinions.
1. hold in
2. hold on
3. give out
4. hold off
5. hold back
He intentionally threw the documents away and somebody ⋯⋯ ⋯ burnt them
1. carelessly
2. willingly
3. accidentally
4. foolishly
5. fortunately
The crops the farmer planted were ⋯⋯ by some naughty boys.
1. sowed
2. weeded
3. destroyed
4. cultivated
5. uprooted
The man refused to accept the offer of a job in the rural area; ha preferred one in the ⋯⋯⋯ area
1. local
2. urban
3. municipal
4. township
5. Zonal

Section 2

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

The candidates were told that passing the examination wasn't a passport to getting an admission.
1. a guarantee of
2. a suggestion in
3. an equivalent to
4. a necessity for
5. an intention for
She tried to throw dust in my eyes
1. blow dust into my eyes
2. light me
3. rebuke me
4. mislead me
5. make me blind.
Despite the different economic measures taken by the government, the country is not yet out of the wood.
1. on the right path
2. undeveloped
3. generating enough money from its forest resources
4. free from difficulties
5. above comfort
Our House swept the board in the inter-house sports competition.
1. prepared the field
2. came last
3. was completely successful
4. was only partially successful
5. won a consolation prize.
The preacher advised those who lost their property in the fire outbreak that every cloud has a silver lining
1. the loss is common
2. everybody must witness misfortunes in life
3. every cloud has some silvery lines behind it
4. when there is life, there is hope
5. there is a good side to all misfortunes
My father always advised me to take time by the forelock.
1. use an opportunity promptly
2. take things easy
3. be clever
4. always hurry up
5. think twice before l act
Soyinka has made his mark in the literary world.
1. become rich
2. become distinguished
3. scored high marks
4. stressed his point
5. won the competition for authors
The runners -up trophy which our school won was cold comfort for all the efforts we made
1. befitting reward
2. wet comfort
3. an affection consideration
4. well deserved
5. a poor consolation
Amina used to be hand in glove with her boyfriend.
1. cheat her boyfriend
2. admire her boyfriend
3. fight her boyfriend
4. wear her boyfriend's glove
5. be close relations with her boyfriend
Chike escaped the accident by a hair breadth.
1. narrowly
2. jumping
3. seriously injured
4. holding on to another person's hair
5. crying for help.

Section 3

From the words lettered A to E 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.

The decision taken by the panel is irrevocable.
1. irreversible
2. unexpected
3. acceptable
4. irresponsible
5. unacceptable.
Death is inevitable for man.
1. unavoidable
2. essential
3. necessary
4. immortal
5. imminent
The superintendent was appalled by the attitude of some of the employees towards their work.
1. annoyed
2. disappointed
3. shocked
4. provoked
5. depressed
The lawyer's argument of the case was exhaustive
1. Interesting
2. exaggerating
3. exhilarating
4. thorough
5. fascinating
The suspect was made to walk in front of the anxious crowd
1. surprised
2. astonished
3. engrossed
4. curious
5. questionable
The principals' orders are imperative.
1. lenient
2. authoritative
3. genuine
4. necessary
5. optional
It is absurd to suggest that Tunde should marry that saucy lady.
1. pitiable
2. hopeless
3. humorous
4. untrue
5. ridiculous
I am very proud to speak before this august assembly
1. ignominious
2. undignified
3. monthly
4. untrue
5. popular
She tried to settle the quarrel but the man remained obstinate to listen to her
1. offensive
2. angry
3. stubborn
4. unstable
5. impolite
Okon attempted to entice Eno with the promise of a handsome sum of money.
1. deceive
2. enchant
3. force
4. trick
5. tempt
The monk lived an ascetic He in order to discipline himself
1. a holy
2. a religious
3. an enjoyable
4. a prayerful
5. an austere

Section 4

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

Despite their newness on the job, the workers were remunerated rather handsomely. This means that
1. the sum paid was poor
2. those paid were handsome in appearance
3. the system of payment was quite attractive
4. the sum paid out was quite attractive
5. the workers were paid by handsome officials
The plan to upgrade the dispensary to a general hospital did not materialize. This means that
1. the arrangement did not work out as wished
2. the plan was badly executed
3. it was difficult to obtain the materials.
4. the materials purchased were not the right ones
5. the plan did not meet the required specifications
When the principal was asked what his opinion was on the controversial issue, his reply was ambiguous. This means that the principal's reply was not
1. convincing
2. audible
3. intelligent
4. clear
5. comprehensible
Even though Susan was the last in the examination, her result wasn't too different from what had been expected. This means that
1. her result was a disappointment
2. her result was as expected
3. she had not been serious with her studies
4. her result was known early
5. her poor performance made her feel sad
Despite their strangely unrefined behavior, the foreigners were given preferential treatment. This means that the foreigners were
1. ill-treated because of their coarseness.
2. cautioned before they were attended to
3. well-treated despite their rudeness
4. not attended to because of their behavior
5. sorry for their unrefined behavior

Section 5

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

Mrs. Adams purchased⋯⋯⋯
1. a pure leather bag imported
2. an imported pure leather bag
3. a leather bag imported pure
4. an imported bag pure leather
The students protested against the ⋯⋯
1. thrice sports weekly practice
2. weekly sports practice thrice
3. thrice weekly sports practice
4. weekly thrice s ports practice
It was apparent that we were being ⋯⋯⋯ by the heat as soon as the air conditioner was switched off.
1. beaten
2. stifled
3. attacked
4. bitten
The oldest son took a foolish decision which made him⋯⋯his claim to the additional chieftaincy title.
1. neglect
2. yield
3. disclaim
4. forfeit
Jumal's stay in the hotel afforded her ⋯⋯chance to do her writing.
1. ample
2. insufficient
3. powerful
4. opportune
If l⋯⋯.what actually happened, I would have punished him.
1. had heard
2. have had
3. had had
4. have heard
it ......... if the leader of the group had come with them.
1. will have been better
2. ought to have being better
3. would have been better
4. shall have been better
It is time we⋯⋯for the party.
1. leave
2. left
3. have to leave
4. will leave
The suspect⋯⋯when l entered the office
1. has been questioned
2. have been questioned
3. was being questioned
4. is being questioned
She ⋯⋯before l entered the office.
1. has to be questioned
2. has been questioned
3. have been questioned
4. had been questioned
The president's speech⋯⋯at 7p.m yesterday.
1. is broadcast
2. has been broadcast
3. were broadcast
4. was broadcast
You were punished because you ⋯⋯ last week without permission.
1. ought not to have travelled
2. must not have travelled
3. ought not to travel
4. will not have travelled
it has been rough so far,⋯⋯?
1. hasn't it
2. hadn't it
3. isn't it
4. wasn't it
The Minister says he is accountable⋯⋯⋯the president, and nobody else.
1. from
2. to
3. with
4. by
Nobody was surprised that the thief was convicted ⋯⋯⋯⋯ all the charges. A. on B. with C. of D. over
1. on
2. with
3. of
4. over
The PTA meeting did not adjourn until it had discussed all the matters placed ⋯⋯it.
1. by
2. with
3. before
4. over
My uncle is an expert⋯⋯⋯Mechanical Engineering.
1. at
2. in
3. with
4. for
⋯⋯⋯is the owner of this pair of scissors?
1. who
2. whom
3. which
4. whose
My mother was pleased ⋯⋯⋯me when she learnt of my success.
1. with
2. at
3. in
4. for
Musa was disappointed and decided to take it⋯ ⋯Maryam.
1. off on
2. out in
3. of from
4. out on
The students refused to appear before the⋯⋯⋯ panel set up to look into their demands.
1. five-man's
2. five-man
3. five-men's
4. five-men
He played⋯⋯⋯than anyone else.
1. worse
2. badly
3. more worse
4. worst
She can't sing⋯⋯⋯as I had thought.
1. so well
2. good
3. well
4. as well
Tayo was very obstinate; the more his mother insisted⋯⋯willingly would he do anything.
1. the more
2. as less
3. the less
4. so less
There was ⋯⋯⋯enough food to go round.
1. .scarcely
2. a little
3. almost
4. little
That child ⋯⋯⋯⋯ nearly caused an accident.
1. rather
2. just
3. very
4. fairly
The students did the assignment, but not⋯⋯⋯the way had expected.
1. so
2. quite
3. hardly
4. as
5. Option 5
Osaro told members of his club that the match would kick⋯⋯at 4.30 p.m.
1. up
2. off
3. back
4. on
Ngozi⋯⋯⋯comes to see us now.
1. scarcely never
2. almost ever
3. never more
4. hardly ever
As the opposing parties would not agree, the peace meeting⋯⋯in confusion.
1. broke out
2. broke through
3. broke off
4. broke up
Mallam Gana owns many ⋯⋯⋯on his farm.
1. cattles
2. herd of cattle
3. heads of cattle
4. head of cattle
I want to know your religious ⋯⋯⋯⋯
1. believe
2. believing
3. beliefs
4. believes
He runs⋯⋯⋯
1. rather much fast
2. quite rather fast
3. rather too fast
4. too rather fast
The previous assignment was ⋯⋯⋯ for me.
1. much too difficult
2. too much difficult
3. difficult too much
4. much difficult too
The TV set,....... was damaged last week, has been taken to an electronics engineer.
1. which
2. who
3. whom
4. of which
My⋯⋯⋯house is by the side of the road.
1. father-in-law's
2. father's-in-law
3. fathers'-in-law
4. father-in-laws'
The students were advised to look⋯⋯⋯difficult words in the dictionary. A. in B. on C. out D. up.
1. in
2. on
3. out
4. up

Section 6

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

PASSAGE A

In Nigeria, the idea of taking a vacation cannot be said to have-72-. This is not to-73-that Nigerians are not-74-of travelling. The people travel so-75-that the frequency of the travelling could provide useful-76-for a-77-census. The 78-of the year-79-matters-80-Nigerians are-81-studied, it will be-82-that they move across the -83- of the country at an-84-high rate. Such movements reach a-85-with the-86-offestivals. At such times, Nigerians troop out despite the-87-charges imposed by transport owners.

	A	B	C	D	E
72	sunk on	caught on	caught in	taken in	come on
73	think	withdraw	consider	suggest	disprove
74	disposed	found	fund	inclined	fond
75	always	quickly	uniformly	often	aimlessly
76	data	matter	subjects	items	date
77	state	seasonal	traffic	regular	regional
78	duration	age	time	session	span
79	rarely	narrowly	always	regular	clearly
80	where	why	if	because	when
81	really	nicely	quickly	scientifically	closely
82	known	discovered	uncovered	arrived	concluded
83	length and size	length and depth	length and breadth	length and corner	breadth and size
84	amazingly	amusingly	arguably	indelibly	intolerably
85	crescendo	rise	height	increase	peak
86	incident	arriving	addition	advent	adventure
87	unusual	exorbitant	expensive	excessive	harsh

PASSAGE B

When you desire to erect a building, you must-88- a plan that is -89- both from the point view of-90-and that of 91-The-92-must be-93-cleared. Having decided-94- the building materials to be-95-, the foundation is then-96-. The builder then-97-to erect the building. He-98-that the bricks are of the -99- recommended by-100- builders.

	A	B	C	D	E
88	work by	work from	work in	work on	work for
89	beautiful	commendable	admirable	qualitative	practicable
90	cost	amount	price	payment	profit
91	environs	area	context	atmosphere	environment
92	floor	ground	site	bush	cite
93	thoroughly	barely	rarely	commonly	crudely
94	in	with	on	under	up
95	built	managed	heated	erected	used
96	probed	dug	levelled	hewn	arranged
97	continues	demands	prepare	commences	requests
98	ensures	assures	assumes	insures	presumes
99	rigidity	flexibility	standard	medium	solidity
100	architectural	commisioned	supervisory	professional	pragmatic