ENGLISH EXAM QUESTIONS FOR SS2 THIRD TERM

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SS2 ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAM QUESTIONS THIRD TERM – EDUDELIGHT.COM

THIRD TERM EXAMINATION

Examination malpractices may lead to a repeat of the subject or suspensions don’t be involved.

SUBJECT ENGLISH LANGUAGE

CLASS: S. S. S TWO

DURATION:1HR 30MINS

PAPER 1

ESSAY

Answer one questions in all.

The topic of an essay competition organised by the Young Writers Club for final year students is: Our traditional marriage system is more suitable for the present generation of Nigerians than the English system. Write your entry for or against the topic:
You were one of those arrested by the police at the scene of a crime. Write a letter to the Commissioner of Police giving details of the crime, pleading your innocence and requesting to be released.
You witnessed the campaigns that preceded a local government election in your area in which the favourite candidate was defeated. Give a vivid account of the events before, during and after the election to your friends, explaining why you think the candidate lost.
You have changed school and after a few months, you discover that your present school is not as good as the former. Write a letter to a friend of yours in your former school giving at least three areas in which the new school does not measure up to the old one.
Write an article for publication in the science magazine on the topic: Science and Technology in National Development.
Write a story in which you were personally involved, ending with, ‘If I knew he was kind of person. I wouldn’t have gone out with him.’

COMPREHENSION

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.

Malnutrition has been described as a tragedy of great magnitude. WHO declares that it is an

accomplice in at least half of the 10.4 million child deaths each year. Malnutrition covers a wide range of illnesses from undernourishment due to a lack of one or more nutrients such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies – to obesity and other diet related chronic diseases.

However, Protein-Energy Mal-nutrition (PEM) is by far the most lethal form of

malnutrition. Malnutrition is not restricted to children. It cast long shadows in the

developing world according to WHO.

Industrialised countries are not free from the scourge of malnutrition as about 11 million people suffer from it.

Malnutriton is caused by a deficiency in the intake of nutrients by the cells of the body

and it is usually triggered by a combination of factors ,an insufficient intake of proteins,

calories, vitamins and minerals and frequent infections

Illnesses such as diarrhoea, measles, malaria and respiratory diseases tax the body heavily and cause loss of nutrients. They reduce appetite and food intake thus contributing to

malnutrition.

Children are at a greater risk of suffering malnutrition. This is because they are in a

period of rapid growth that increases the demand for calories and protein. For

similar reasons pregnant and nursing women are easily prone to malnutrition.

Frequently, the baby’s problem begins even before birth. If a mother is undernourished or malnourished before and during pregnancy, the baby will have a low weight. Then early

weaning, poor feeding habits and lack of hygiene can bring on malnutrition.

Malnutrition wreaks havoc on the body particularly that of a child and various studies

have shown that poor growth in a child is associated with impaired mental development

and poor scholastic and intellectual performance. A report from United Nations calls

these effects the most serious long-term results of malnutrition. For children who survive malnutrition, the aftermath can linger on into adulthood.

QUESTIONS

Why is malnutrition described as a tragedy of great magnitude?
What, according to the passage, are the immediate causes of malnutrition?
Why are pregnant women and nursing women easily vulnerable to malnutrition?
How can a child’s problem begin before birth?
What according to the passage are the long-term results of malnutrition?
‘…the scourge of malnutrition’ What figure of speech is this?
‘…who survive malnutrition’ (i) What is the grammatical name given to this expression? (ii) What is its function?
For each of the following words, find another word or phrase which means the same and can replace it as used in the passage
Magnitude (ii) lethal (iii) restricted (iv) industrialised (v) risk (vi) havoc

Summary

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.

Apart from bringing forth children, a mother has also to cater for their emotional welfare. She plays a vital role in helping a child learn about love and affection-lessons that may be just as important as the satisfaction of his physical needs. In order to develop into a well-balanced adult, a child needs a warm, secure environment while growing up. Here again, a mother’s role is crucial. So, whatever else a woman might do, this is her primary function in society. Besides looking after her children, the mother is often their principal teacher. It is mainly the mother or grandmother who patiently teaches the child to speak, to walk, and to do household chores and countless other things. Little wonder then that one’s language the world over is referred to as one’s ‘mother tongue’ rather than ‘father tongue.’

Today more women than ever have to work outside the home to help support their families. Millions of women work on the land, or care for livestock. This labour, usually underpaid or unpaid, feeds half the world. In Africa, 70 per cent of the food is grown by women, in Asia the figure is 50-60 per cent and in Latin America 30 per cent.

In the Western world, most women leave home daily to work in offices, schools and factories. Many of them are indeed getting into top positions, although they are still outnumbered by men at this level. Although, they generally earn less than men, simply because they are women, they nonetheless provide very essential services that keep many factories and institutions running. Indeed, in many countries of the world, most nurses, midwives, doctors and teachers are women. One of the greatest gift that women can give their families is compassion. When a family member falls sick, the mother takes on the role of a nurse, while still shouldering all her other responsibilities. A woman’s compassion may even motivate her to eat less than herself so that her children do not go without food. Researchers have found that some women consider their food intake as sufficient even though they are malnourished. They are so accustomed to giving the larger share to their husbands and children that as long as they can still work, they consider themselves adequately fed.

Sometimes, a woman’s compassion is expressed in her concern for the local environment. That environment matters to her, since she also suffers when drought, desertification, and deforestation impoverish the land. In one town in India, women were outraged when they learnt that a lumber company was going to cut down about 2,500 trees in a nearby forest. When the loggers arrived, the women were already in place, hands joined, protectively encircling the trees. ‘You will have to cut us down as well if you want to cut down the trees, ‘they told the loggers. The forest was saved.

Perhaps because of her biological role as provider of succor and compassion, a woman is hardly ever a soldier. However, if need be, she can take arms to save her children and her community. And when a woman does that, oh, she can be terrible! The Dahomey warriors who tormented the ancient Egba for ages were women in arms. However, it is perhaps best to save women the abominable role of killers and reserve them for what they are best at: bringing forth and bringing up the young ones.

QUESTIONS:

In six sentences, one for each, state the functions of women is stated in paragraph one, two important functions are identifiable in paragraph two, one function is stated in paragraph three, one function is stated in paragraph four and one is expressed in paragraph five.

SS2 ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAM QUESTIONS THIRD TERM – EDUDELIGHT.COM

THIRD TERM

Examination malpractices may lead to a repeat of the subject or suspensions don’t be involved.

SUBJECT ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASS: S. S. S TWO DURATION:1HR 30MINS

OBJECTIVE PAPER 2

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 sentences.

Micheal is stingy but his brother is ….. A. generous B. kind C. humane D. hospitable.
Success is the reward of ….. not indolence A. prudence B. attentiveness C. diligence D. sharpness.
I don’t know how Yusuf became so proud; his parents have always been …. A. gentle B. noble C. humble D. simple.
The once unknown musician became ….. in a very short time. A. popular B. accepted C. respected D. admirable.
Issa is very much interested in education while his sister is ….. A. dull B. indifferent C. uncertain D. serious.
The comment I made at the conference was general; being… would have hurt some people. A. ordinary B. specific C. tactful D. candid.
Buba was purposeful in his search for a job but Bala was rather … about his A. ordinary B. specific C. tactful D. candid.
In recent tournaments I have seen amateurs play better than so-called…. A. experts B. veterans C. specialists D. professionals.
The student appeared…. But we were all confident in his ability. A. afraid B. nervous C. unconvinced D. ignorant.
Giraffes are attractive animals but snakes are…. A. repulsive B. ugly C. poisonous D. offensive.

SECTION 2

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

Mr Uche was trying to…. a list of debtors A. compare B. compose C. compound D. compile.
He tried to…..the housemistress by entering the hostel through the back door. A. reject B. repel C. evade D. deflect.
He gives the…. That he ibs wealthy but he really isn’t A. impression B. opinion C. attribute D. indication.
Frank was….in the riot because his books were found at the scene. A. blamed B. caught C. implicated D. grafted.
The insurance company….my uncle for the loss of his car. A. redeemed B. relieved C. compensated D. paid.
Before giving his speech, the chairman….copies of it to the members of the council A.

duplicated B. spread C. circulated D printed

We wished to win the tournament but we knew our ………. Were slim. A. skills B. opportunities C. odds D. chances.
When all the members started arguing, the chairman called the meeting to ……… A. silence B. order C. audience D. attention
The felling of trees contributes to environmental………..A. pollution B. damage C. .

Degration D. destruction.

I had to put up my house as ………..for the bank loan. A. pledge B. agreement.

C. collateral D.surety.

SS2 ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAM QUESTIONS THIRD TERM – EDUDELIGHT.COM

SECTION 3

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

Our mother always warn us against washing our dirty linen in public. This is means that

She warn us

.A.Not to discuss private matters public

B. to fetch enough water washing

C. Not to soil our clothes

D. To keep our mouths shut.

Let us draw a veil over this matter. This means that we should
Avoid discussing the matter
To take the matter to court
Cover our heads with a veil
Get the elders to resolve the matter
Children think their parents are behind the times.

This means that their parents are

Always late for work
Not worried about new things
Old fashioned
Not duty conscious
Ever since that issue came up. I have been sitting on the fence

This means that I have been

Countinously in trouble
Sitting alone in the house
Walking around to find a job
Avoiding stating my opinion
You must spare up to your problems. This means that to have to
Deal with your problem effectively
Consider your problem from all angles
Forget your problems
Arrange your problem
Many of us escaped with the skin of our teeth during the crisis. This means that we
Lost some of our teeth
Narrowly escaped
Quickly escaped
Had marks on our skin
Peter and paul get along like a house on fire. This means that they
Have a very good relationship
Are not an speaking terms
Avoid each other always
Pretend to like each other.
Where Victor’s father gave him a new car, he was lost for words. This means that it is

A.did not like the car

B. forget to show his gratitude

C. was overwhelmed

D. was not grateful

This film is a cut above the others. This means that it is
Cut to like the others
Much better than the others
Different from the others
Inferior to the others
We knew our father was talking tongue-in-cheek when he spoke of a vacation abroad.

This means that our father was.

Sincere B. courageous C. joking D. reasonable

SECTION 4

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

The accused was asked to retract his statement.
Recall B. withdraw C. make D. rewrite

32. On the death of her father, friends went to express their condolences A. sympathy B. pity C. concerns D. worries.

33. The Chume’s house caught fire because their little girl had turned on the gas

inadvertently. A. automatically B. hurriedly C. carelessly D. unintentionally.

34. A magnificent structure was erected

close to our house A. real B. splendid

C. colourful D. fine.

35. Mediocrity in politics should not be

tolerated A. promoted B. encouraged

C. approved D. helped.

36. A group of experts was brought into

verify the authencity of the evidence

A. support B. improve C. correct

D. ascertain..

37. Due to the pressure of work, the old

man had no alternative but to relinquish his post A. give out B. give in C. give up D. give away.

38. The obstinate boy soon met his Waterloo when the war broke out A. Proud B. stubborn C. careless D. rude.

39. The prescribed textbooks are difficult to find in the bookshops A. highlighted

B. right C. actual D. recommended.

40. Our stationery supplies are exhausted A. completed B. finished C. consumed

D. destroyed.

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. My sympathies are……..the victims of

the flood A. on B. to C. with

D. about.

42. Your application for employment……at

this very moment A. was being considered B. is considered C. is being considered D. was considered.

43. ……..the court orders, he went ahead to build on that land. A. In spite of

B. besides C. But for D. although.

44. He almost got ………With the crime

A. up. B. off C. Over D. away.

45. …….an accident, the police should be

informed immediately. A. in the event of B. in view of C. in view to D. in place

of.

46. If you don’t get off my property, I’ll set the dog….you A. off B. on C. unto D. into.

47. The task…..to them was very difficult A. giving B. given C. give D. gave.

48. Two boys in the art class were doing

self-portraits by looking at…….in the mirror. A. oneself B. each other C. one another D. themselves.

49. Hardly a day passes by…….his thinking of her. A. that B. without C. While D. when.

50. Each time he opens his mouth, he…….something foolish A. says B. said

C. saying D. say

51. ……I would love to be at your party, I

really can’t A. in as much as B. as much as C. much as D. as much.

52. The spectators had to endure the heat……… A. as they could B. as best as they

could C. as best they could D. as they

could best.

53. The sick man was……emaciated that I

could hardly recognized him. A. too B.

very C. quite D. so.

54. One of the muggers wo snatched the handbag…..been arrested by the police

A. have B. was C. is D. has.

55. She is not the right candidate for the job…….. ? A. is she B. is it C. was she D. isn’t it.

56. She……to excuse herself ten minutes ago. A. has had B. had C. have had D. has.

57. Many a man….., to endure hardship in

life. A. have had B. are C. were

D. has had.

58. She……….as a very intelligent person A. comes in B. comes about C. comes up D. comes across.

59. You have to be in school early……….. ? A. shouldn’t you B. shall you

C. haven’t you D. aren’t you.

60. Either he or you……to clean up the mess right now A. has B. was C. have

D. were.

61. He would rather resign………part in such a dishonest deal. A. Instead of taking

B. than talking C. than takes D. than take

62. The farmer, with his sons …millet

A. grows B. grow C. were growing D. have been growing.

63. The teachers wants…………….

A. modern, attractive, well-equipped

schools.

B. attractive, well-equipped, schools modern

C. well-equipped, attractive, modern schools

D.schools, well-equipped, attractive, modern

64. She suddenly came…..a lot of money

A. into B. up C. over D. through.

65. My mother……to my leaving the dishes unwashed last night A. did not take kind B. does not take kind C. did not take

kindly D. does not take kindly.

66. The place was quite neat except for…..

on the floor A. dirty B. a dirt

C. dirtiness D. some dirt.

67. He dabbles………politics from time to

time A. in B. about C. through

D. into

68. The shot hit………you want me to.

A. neither I nor he B. neither me or he C. either I nor him D. neither me nor him.

69. I will do for you……..you want me to

A. whenever B. whichever

C. whatever D. However.

70. The students’ week was rounded…….

.with a dance A. off B. up C. out D. down.

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 the most suitable to fill the numbered gaps in the passage.

The farmer -71- the nation and can be said to

be the most important professional. But low

many people would make farming their first

choice of professional. But low many people

would make farming their choice of

professional? The arduous task of turning a

virgin rain forest into a farmland, of battling the land until -72- are carved out and crops are -73-, of fighting off the weeds and -74- the tender

crops from pest, and of preparing the harvested crops in -75- for long months, could scare off

the lily livered. Family is really not for the faint hearted who are easily defeated by the -76- of

the weather and the uncertainties of the soil.

But the fruits of farming are sweet. Farmers are assured of the -77- yields of their farms. A farmer worth his salt can never go

hungry, never mind that the dishes may not be -78- in a palatial mansion. Besides, the

physical rigours demanded of him ensure

that he is constantly kept -79-, that his

muscles are forever well shaped. The clean air surrounding him ensures that his eyes

remain sharp, that

his breath is pure, and that his immunity

level is always high. Finally good and -80-

harvest, especially in these days of

mechanise farming, do ensure that a good

farmer is immune to poverty.

A B C D

71. feeds tends nourishes develops

72. hedges crests ridges folds

73. deposited planted lodged buried

74. defending screening covering shielding

75. barns huts pits shelter

76. ways fancies adjustments vagaries

77. newest freshest brightest latest

78. provided supplied taken served

79. healthy huge alert stout

80. overflowing generous bountiful great

THIRD TERM TERM EXAMINATION

Examination malpractices may lead to a repeat of the subject or suspensions don’t be involved.

Subject: ORAL ENGLISH

Class: SS 2

DURATION ; 50Mins

PAPER 3

Section A

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letters(s) underlined. An example is given below:

Example: seat (a) sit (b) cite (c) set

(d) key.

The correct answer is D because only ‘key’

contains the same vowel sound as the one

underlined in ‘seat’.

Now, answer the questions that follow:

Burn (a) barn (b) owl (c) girl (d) cousin.
Crew (a) tool (b) tour (c) throw (d) throve.
Reed (a) spice (b) irk (c) chief (d) eye.
Fill (a) hit (b) ice (c) piece (d) file.
Let (a) tried (b) trade (c) throw (d) thread.
Cup (a) curt (b) coach (c) tough (d) cot.
Hot (a) sport (b) most (c) host (d) rock.
Corn (a) cock (b) form (c) lust (d) fun.
Sat (a) mane (b) man (c) main (d) mart.
Last (a) pat (b) late (c) painter (d) pass.
Buy (a) ice (b) ease (c) obey (d) buoy.
Oath (a) ooze (b) oar (c) hold

(d) urban.

Stay (a) height (b) rake (c) rise (d) rose.
How (a) about (b) agree (c) ago (d) argue.
Air (a) here (b) hear (c) ear

(d) hare.

Section B

From the words Ato D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letters(s) underlined.

An example is given below:

Example: vice (a) cat (b) dress (c) show

(d) chalk.

The correct answer is B, because only ‘dress’

contains the same consonant sound as the one

underlined in ‘vice’.

So, answer the questions that follow:

Kin (a) knife (b) queen (c) scene (d) know.
Parent (a) pious (b) pneumonia (c) corps (d) psychology.
Tax (a) thump (b) irrigation (c) asked (d) fetch.
Bar (a) comb (b) plumber (c) stab (d) lamb.
Same (a) isle (b) dies (c) daze (d) dice.
Axe (a) sinks (b) ask (c) exact (d) lack.
Jury (a) gang (b) gnat (c) image (d) anger.
How (a) path (b) photo (c) hour (d) half.
Lamb (a) half (b) glare (c) slab (d) calm.
Shine (a) measure (b) massive (c) census (d) mission.
Zip (a) lose (b) loss (c) lost (d) loose.
Street (a) lustre (b) style (c) strength (d) austere.
Flame (a) phlegm (b) play (c) alpha (d) apply.
Voice (a) yellow (b) win (c) sure (d) save.
Erect (a) elect (b) connect (c) correct (d) collect.

Section C

From the words lettered A to D, choose

the word that rhymes with the given word. An example is given below:

Example: detain

Obtain B. Detail C. Claim

D. Relay

The correct answer is ‘A’ because only ‘obtain’ rhymes with ‘detain’.

Now, answer the questions that follows:

Handsome A. Some B. Dancing C. Hasten D. Ransom.
Cheer A. Charm B. Chair C. Air D. Hear.
Flour A. Floor B. Flier C. Flower D. Louvre.
Loins A. Loans B. Corns C. Lions D. Coins.
Keys A. Kiss B. Quays C. Ease D. King.

Section D

In each of the following questions the main/primary stress is indicated by writing

the syllable on which it occurs in capital

letters.

From the words lettered A to D ,choose

the one that has the correct stress.

An example is given below:

Example: democratic (a) DE- mo-cra-tic (b) de-MO-cra-tic (c) de-mo-CRA-tic (d) de-mo-cra-TIC.

The correct answer is C because the main/

primary stress of the word ‘democratic’ is on

the third syllable.

Now, answer the questions that follow:

Dedication (a) de-di-CA-tion (b) DE-di-ca-tion (c) de-DI-ca-tion.
Resuscitate (a) re-sus-ci-TATE (b) re-sus-CI-tate (c) re-SUS-ci-tate (d) RE-sus-ci-tate.
Certificate (a) cer-TI-fi-cate (b) CER-ti-fi-cate (c) cer-ti-FI-cate (d) cer-ti-fi-CATE.
Introduction (a) IN-tro-duc-tion (b) in-tro-DUC-tion (c) in-tro-duc-TION (d) in-TRO-duc-tion.
Questionable (a) quest-TION-a-ble (b) ques-tion-A-ble (c) ques-tion-a-BLE (d) QUEST-tion-a-ble.

Section E

In the following options lettered A to D, all the words except one have the same stress pattern.

Identify the one with different stress pattern and shade your answer in the usual way.

An example is given below:

Example: A. Away B. Apart C. Behind D. River.

Options A, B, C, are all stressed on the second

syllable, while option D is the only one stressed on the first syllable. So D is the correct answer.

Now, answer the questions that follow:

A people B. Unused C. Sportsman D. Lorry.
A trader B. pupil C. prefer

D. perfect

43. A reprimanded B. pupil C. prefer D. mosquito.

44. A appear B. enough C. detain

D. modest

45. A principal B. civilian C.

tomorrow D. sensation

THIRD TERM TERM EXAMINATION

SECTION 6

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

Example: My mother’s FRIEND hates pets

A Does your mother’s boss hate pets?

B Does your mother’s friend love pets?

C Does your mother’s friend hate toys?

D Does your father’s friend hate pets?

The correct answer is A. because “My

mother’s FRIEND hates pets” answers the

question,

“Does your mother’s boss hate pets?”

Now, answer the questions that follow:

46. Nigeria hosted the 1995 African Youth FOOTBALL competition.

A. Did Qatar host the 1995 Afican Youth Boxing competition?

B. Did Nigeria host the 1995 Africa Youth Boxing competition?

C. Did Nigeria host the 1973 Afica Youth Football competition?

D. Did Nigeria lose the 1995 Africa Youth Football competition?

47. GHANA is the largest producer of

Cocoa

A. Is Brazil the largest producer of Cocoa?

B. Is Ghana the smallest producer of

Cocoa?

C. Is Ghana the largest exporter of Cocoa?

D. Is Ghana the largest producer of

groundnut?

48. Our school is the BEST in the village.

A. Is our school the best in the country?

B. Is their school the best in the village?

C. Is our club the best in the village?

D. Is our school the worst in the village?

49. The JUNE presidential election result

was annulled.

A. Was the june councillorship election

annulled?

B. Was the july presidential election

released?

C. Was the July presidential election

annulled?

D. Was the june presidential debate

annulled?

50. The bus driver was polite to the

POLICEMAN.

A. Was the bus driver rude to the

policeman?

B. Was the tax driver polite to the

policeman?

C. Was the bus driver polite to the judge?

D. Was the bus conductor polite to the

policeman?

SECTION 7

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

An example is given below:

Example: /ↄ:/

A. yell B. holy C. boy D. idiot.

The answer is C because only ‘boy’ contains the sound represented by the given symbol.

Now, answer the questions that follows:

51. /ɔ/ A. pot B. pat C. port D. park

52. /a:/ A. firm B. fine C. farm D. fun

53. /ↄ:/ A. work B. wink C. wine D. jaw.

54 /ei/ A. live B. play C. act D. try

55 /ₔʋ/ A. knew B. no C. who D. how

56 /ð/ A. hose B. those C. dose

D. truth.

57 / / A. answer B. augur C. nicer D. anger.

58 /j/ A. you B. joy C. wonder

D. under.

59 /t/ A. watch B. motion C. ten

D. lotion.

60 /tʃ/ A.. child B. cash C. marsh

D. machine.

SS2 ENGLISH EXAM QUESTIONS THIRD TERM – EDUDELIGHT.COM

CLASS: S.S.S 2 SUBJECT: ENGLISH STUDIES

SECTION A.

INSTRUCTION:- Read the passage below and answer the questions that follows.

As I watched Musa step out of the plane, I concluded that diligence, intelligence and luck had turned Musa from the rustic pauper of thirty years earlier to a highly successful professional. Here was a village boy of yesteryear, an orphan from early life, cheated out of his heritage by his half-brothers and uncles whose actions forced him to fend for himself. So, how did he become an intentionally acclaimed computer wizard?

When his well-to-do father died three years after his mother, he had gained admission to a fee-paying secondary school. Had his parents lived, that would not have been a problem. But his closet relatives were interested in sharing assets than handling liabilities. They shared the three building in the city as well as several cocoa plantations with hundreds of oil palms. None considered it right to take on the care of the poor boy.

Lefty in the lurch, he clung on to a classmate who had longed to work in the city as petty clerk. They moved to the city. Both were engaged by a big-time retailer in all sorts of goods, which he gave out to the boys to hawk on the busy roads. There were no salaries; all they had were commission from each day’s sales. Musa and his friend could be out in the streets from 6.00am till almost midnight. That way they were able to keep body and soul together.

But Musa soon decided that his return could cater for a little more than that. His yearning for education still very keen, he cut short his daily schedules at 4.00pm to attend an evening organized by some secondary school teachers and he made very rapid progress. Often, after classes, he would return to the streets. He never fared worse than any of the other learners, most of whom attended classes after normal school. In time, he sat for and with flying colours. Indeed, his results were among the best in the country.

An oil company which had a policy of sponsoring the university in the various disciplines awarded him a scholarship. Thus, his university education in computer science was fully sponsored. Eventually, he emerged as the best graduate in the university. Their training made him a top 3-D computer programmer in engineering and architectural designs.

So as he stepped out of the plane, returning from on of his school international conferences, I could not but reach the conclusion I had earlier.

A. Where was the writer when he arrived at the conclusion with which heopened the passage?

b. What tragedy had beset Musa early in life?

c. What worsened Musa’s plight?

d. How did Musa solve the problem of acquiring secondary education?

e. What element of luck contributed to Musa’s success?

F. “…..keep body and soul together”. What figure of speech is contained in this expression ii. What does it mean?

e. “……who had longed to work in the city” i. what is the grammatical name given to this expression as it is used in that passage?

ii. what is its function?

h. For each of the following words or phrase, find another word or phrasewhich means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the passage

i. Fend for

ii. Considered

iii. Engaged

iv. Yearning

v. Eventually (20 MARKS)

SECTION B.

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

1. When I arrived, I noticed that he_______ the kitchen a. had slept b. has slept c. is sweeping d. will sleep

2. He was dismissed because he _________ the cheque. A. must not issue

b. Ought not to issue c. should not have issued d. will have issued

3. Is there__________chalk in the classroom?

a. a b. any c. many d. plenty

4. The _________toys have been stolen. A. children b. childrens

c. childrens’ d. children’s

5. Ojulari passed his examination________he was a determined student. A. although b. because c. unless d. when

Choose the word or group of words that is the nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence

6. Nowadays, children are given much more latitude than before.

a. advice b. freedom c. luxury d. variety

7. The manager described the new accountant as a man of impeccable character.

8. That old woman looked comical in those trousers. A. shabby b. ridiculous c. strange d. awkward

9. This book is the abridged version of the original a. edited b. detailed c. Shortened d. revised

10. The doctor his patient about all the things that could impair his healtha. attack b. terminated c. damaged d. reduce

From the list of the words lettered A-D choose the one that is nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word that will correctly fill the gap sentence.

11. There isn’t enough rice, so its importation is permitted whereas the importation of cement is _________ a. suspended b. licensed c. Unaccepted d. prohibited

12. My grandfather, rather than being ___________ was often prejudiced in his opinions a. subjective b. discriminating c. impartial d. strict

13. The principal of that school was demoted for his incompetence while several others were commended for their ____________

a. punctuality b. honesty c. efficiency d. sincerity.

14. Both sides are very hopeful about the outcome of the peace talk, but observers are still very___________a. realistic b. emphatic c. explicit d. Pessimistic

15. The prosecutor argued his case vehemently but the defense lawyer responded _________ a. constantly b. feebly c. roughlyd. hurriedly.

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

1. Cain was a perpetual source of trouble in the household.(a) increasing (b) never-ending (c) consistent (d) frequent

2. The mother attempted to entice the children with the promise of biscuits (a) tempt (b) trick(c) deceive (d) enchant

3. The two brothers were identical in character(a) similar (b) alike (c) indifferent (d)comparable

4. He was regarded as a man of remarkable modesty(a) reserved (b) patience (c) humility (d) simplicity

5. He inspected the materials before sending them to shop. (a) received (b) examined (c)viewed (d) saw

6. Tolani could not conceal the truth from her mother (a) reveal (b) remove (c) doubt (d) hide

7. She claimed that her husband had beaten her. (a) reported (b) narrated(c) asserted (d) announced

8. The journalist refused to divulge the source of his information (a) deny (b) inform (c) disclose (d) confirm

9. The manager was appalled by the attitude of some the workers. (a) convinced (b) disappointed (c) happy (d) depressed

10. He employed illegal methods to earn money and became very rich (a) unlawful (b) clever (c) modest (d) proper

Choose the word that is nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word in the sentences below

11. To encourage productivity we must reward industry and ______ laziness (a) withhold (b) withdraw (c) punish (d) oppose

12. I took the drug to relieve my headache only for it to _____ my condition(a) alleviate (b) provoke (c) abate (d) aggravate

13. An optimist wears a smile most of the time but ______ goes about with a long face (a) pacifist (b) an occulist (c) a pessimist (d) a pessimist

14. While Adjoa is attentive to her studies, Kofi is ______ (a) curious (b) negligent (c) punctual (d) realistic

15. Tell Chike something confidential and he makes it ______ the next minute (a) personal (b) public (c) popular (d) private

16. You will succeed fairly well with adolescents if you coax rather than ____ them(a) love (b) punish (c) dislike (d) coerce

17. You will make a good counsellor by listening to your clients rather than ____ them(a) offending (b) ignoring (c) mishandling (d) threatening

18. The governor declined to give audience to the journalist (a) accepted (b) forge (c) ignored (d) refused

19. We expected the market woman to accept our offer; instead she ____ it (a) rejected (b) dismissed (c) denied (d) abandoned

20. Rachel was perturbed by her father’s illness but her sister remained ______(a) tranquil(b) unaffected (c) disturbed (d) silent

From the options A-D, choose the correct interpretation to the underlined expression in the sentence below

21. Hit the nail on the head in your response means (a) tell a lie (b) nail your head (c) expose the nail (d) say the real thing

22. Her father turned a cold shoulder to her when she was young. This means (a) neglected her completely (b) helped her greatly (c) did not see her in the cold (d) saw her shoulder cold.

23. He has been sick since last week and now he is a shadow of his former self. This means (a) looks like a shadow (b) is thin and weak (c) appears strong and healthy (d) has changed a little

24. His father cautioned him but he turned a deaf ear. This means he—— (a) closed his ears (b) abused his father (c) changed his ways (d) refused to listen.

25. The peace meeting nipped the crisis in the bud. This means that _______ (a)the meeting was deadlock (b) there was disagreement (c)the crisis was averted (d)the crisis escalated despite the meeting

26. It is alleged that the accountants doctored the accounts of the company. This means that the accountants ____

(a) called in the company doctor

(b) falsified the accounts

(c) became sick

(d) improved the accounts of the company

PASSAGE A

Sandra and John had to share the same house because of __27___ difficulties. After some time, they found themselves __28_and fell in love. They then decided to ___29__ their relationship. Sandra _30___ her boyfriend to her parents, who approved of their getting _31___. John in turn took his __32___ to his parents. They too gave their blessing to the relationship and the __33___ day was fixed. Both families then set about preparing for the great day. There was a large attendance that day and the __34___ priest advised the ____35__to remain___36___ to each other all their lives and never___37___. A grand ___38___ was held during which friends and relatives showered ____39___ on them. The newly-wed then left for their __40__.

A B C D

27. Accommodation residence house rent

28. Comparable adorable compatible admirable

29. Co-operate join unite marry

30. Introduced disclosed revealed invited

31. Connected engaged admitted accepted

32. Companion fiancée partner colleague

33. Unification blessing marriage wedding

34. Praying presiding officiating celebrating

35. Lovers friends couple two

36. Withdrawn close loving faithful

37. Collapse divide divorce break

38. Celebration reception party get-together

39.Gifts prizes valuables offerings

40. Holiday retreat leave honeymoon

TEST OF ORALS

Choose the word that has the same vowel or sound as the one represented by the underlined letter.

41. How (a) low (b) surd (c) plough (d) rock

42. met (a) eight (b) hate (c) at (d)says

43. seat (a) sit (b) cite (c) set (d) key

44. chair (a) care (b) tar (c) here (d) aim

45. tyrant (a) libel (b) typical (c) year (d) weird

46. about (a)boat (b) fable (c) candle (d) doctor

47. people (a) quay (b) leopard (c) shone (d) pip

Choose the word that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the underlined letter.

48. cough (a) bought (b) love (c) dough (d) rough

49. watch (a) character (b) stomach (c) ritual (d) champagne

50. vain (a) physics(b) faint (c) vest (d) pain

51. get (a) ghastly (b) gesture (c) engine (d) neighbor

52. comb (a) home (b) rugby (c) bubble (d) bright

53. thing (a) thin (b) song (c) bin (d)tin

54. seize (a) sees (b) cease (c) rush (d) talks

55. castle (a) bustle (b) chuckle (c) dazzle (d) missile

Choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol.

56. /ei/ (a) aisle (b) eat (c) wait (d) dirt

57. /dЗ/ (a) just (b) ghost (c) dose (d) dogged

58. /i:/ (a) bee (b) height (c) third (d) sit

59. /j/ (a) you (b) just (c) wedge (d) ditch

60. /v/ (a) phase (b) orphan (c) off (d) of

SECTION B: COMPREHENSION PASSAGE

INSTRUCTION: ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION.
Chief Ibezim and the District officer were good friends. Ibezim was the Chief Priest of Ani, the earth goddess, in Ndiuzo and although the District officer was stationed in far-away Umueke and the Chief Priest by his calling should not travel out of Ndiuzo, their friendship remained as solid as a rock.

They became friends after Ibezim had testified before the District Officer in the land dispute between Ndiuzo and Umueke. He was the only man to testify against his own people in that dispute, and had struck the District Officer as an honest man who was telling the truth.

This was what earned Ibezim the admiration and friendship of the District Officer. Consequently , the District Officer advised him to send his son to the new school and the new religion that held out so much promise of positive change in the future. And when the system of indirect rule necessitated the appointment of a warrant chief at Ndiuzo, the District Officer also promptly thought of his honest friend as the most suitable candidate.

On the other hand, Ibezim’s testimony in the land dispute earned him the wrath of many of his own people. They not only held him responsible for their loss of the disputed land but also resented his friendship with the District Officer and his patronage of the new education and religion, which were threatening to erode the old ways of the land. So, when the District Officer wanted Chief Ibezim at Umueke, and he sought to confer with his people on what to do, his detractors quickly turned their backs on him and left him alone in his dilemma. Some even secretly hoped that he was going to be arrested and detained.

After a long period of hesitation, Ibezim finally decided to break with tradition and go to Umueke. The times were changing and he was sure the earth goddess would understand and condone his going away from the village.

When he came back, those who had wished him the worst got the shock of their lives. They now had a new Warrant Chief to rule over them.

Questions

a. What had earned Chief Ibezim the District Officer’s friendship?

b. State two ways in which Ibezim benefitted from his friendship with the District Officer.

c. Give two reasons why the villagers were unhappy with Chief Ibezim

d. State the dilemma in which Chief Ibezim found himself

e. “ …Ibezim finally decided to break with tradition…”. What tradition is meant here?

f. “When he came back…” (i) What grammatical name is given to this expression (ii) What is its function as it is used in the sentence?

g. “…as solid as a rock”. What figure of speech is contained in this expression?

h. For each of the following words, find another word or phrase that means the same and can replace it as it is used in the passage:

(i) Calling (ii) consequently (iii) promptly (iv)wrath (v)detractors (vi) condone

SUMMARY A

Read the following passage carefully and answer the question on it.

‘Impure water can be purified in several ways. The simple way is by filtering. Large quantities of water can be filtered using a clean white sheet of cloth folded several times. Another way is to prepare a simple filter bed. This kind of bed helps to remove solid particles from water. To make water safer for drinking, chemicals are added to kill harmful micro-organisms. An example is chlorine. The best way to get pure water is by distillation. This involves boiling the water. The steam produced is condensed by cooling to form pure water.

(a)In three sentences, one for each, state the ways impure water can be purified

SUMMARY B

The New Stone Age lasted for about 10,000 years. During this time, men became most skilled in the fashioning of stone implements. The men of the Old Stone Age had merely chipped their pieces of stone into the required shape but in the New Stone Age, great advances were made. It was found that if you press one stone against another, you could flake off small pieces and obtain a finer edge than mere chipping gave. So, men learnt to grind and polish their stones, thus giving the finest edge of all. This method of grinding is still in use at the present day, as it can be used for our modern metal implements just as it was used thousands of years ago for stones and flints.

Neolithic men also learnt to fasten handles much more skillfully; they found that holes bored through their stones were of great assistance in this respect.

Further advances were made at this time which from some point of view were more important than the discovery of grinding.

Man learnt to tame and domesticate certain animals, too. The dog was probably the first friend of man; it would be useful when he went hunting. Other animals followed; horse, cattle and sheep. Why bother to hunt them when they could be kept in flocks and herds? This led man to follow a somewhat more settled life as he would stay in those places where the pasturage was good. But he was still a wanderer, or a nomad, going from place to place in search of grass.

Man did not finally give up his nomadic life till he learnt to cultivate the ground and grow crops. This also he discovered at this time. How? We can only guess.

1. In five sentences, one for each, state the advances made by man in the New Stone Age.

SS2 ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAM QUESTIONS THIRD TERM – EDUDELIGHT.COM

SECTION C :

Answer only one question from this section.

Your answer should not be less than 300 words long.

1. You have spent about six weeks in your new school. Write a letter to your father telling him about your experiences so far.

2. Write an article for publication in your school magazine on ‘The dangers of keeping bad company in school’.

Answer one question from this section

1. You are about to leave secondary school and a friend of yours who is attending school in another town has written to esquire about what you wish to do after leaving school. Write a reply to him/her, explaining your plans

2. Write a letter to the Minister for Education in your country on the poor state of schools in your area and its effect on the performance of students.

3. Imagine that the local Youth Club of which you are the secretary is going to hold its annual general meeting in a week’s time. Write a report reviewing the year’s successes& failures of the club which you intend to your colleagues at the meeting

(350 words )

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