W.A.E.C. PRACTICE QUESTIONS By: Dinzei Maureen Marris

 W.A.E.C. Practice Questions (Paper 1) By:  Dinzei Maureen Marris 

Section A

Answer one question only from this section. Your answer should not be less than 450 words

Your sister wants to marry a man from another ethnic group against your mother's wishes. Write a letter to your mother giving at least three reasons why she should accept your sister's decision.

The rising incidence of road traffic accidents nowadays is alarming. In an article suitable for publication in an international magazine, discuss at least three  factors responsible for this and suggest ways of dealing with the problem.

There has been public outcry against the escalating prices of foodstuffs in your area. Write a letter to your representative in the House of Assembly, stating the causes of the increase and suggesting ways of improving the situation.

Your school's Literary and Debating Society has organized a debate on the topic: "The Television is Doing More Harm Than Good to Our Youths". Write your contribution for or against the topic.

Write a story which ends with the words: "Had I known, I wouldn't have believed him".

Section B

Comprehension Passage

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

Sampa sat by the table, her legs stretched out and her feet out of her shoes. Once in a while, she would unconsciously lift them up in an attempt to place them on the table- a bad habit she had acquired in college.

Six members of the committee, including her, sat round the large table that stood right in the middle of the conference room. The seventh member, the chairman, was busy giving a long incomprehensible speech. He stood at the end of the room with a marker in hand, facing the white board that was in front of him. His well-tailored black suit provided a sharp contrast to the white blinds that covered the glass windows behind him. He spoke with a hesitation that cast a spell on everyone. Occasionally, he stopped to wipe the beads of sweat that dripped from his bald head onto his stern face.

Amanda, one of Sampa’s colleagues was fanning her face not only to keep cool, but also to lessen the odour emanating from the chairs. Even though the foul smell was a familiar one in that room, it was worse that day because the heat aggravated it. Sampa had been sitting there for about forty-five minutes but nothing had changed.

The Chairman was still talking, and even though it was clear that he was heading nowhere, he went on and on. Here he was, inviting contributions on an issue that was not on the agenda.

‘‘Ladies and gentlemen, the floor is now open…..’’, he said, looking intently into everybody’s face. “The floor is open for what?” Sampa whispered to Aba who was sitting beside her. Aba merely shrugged and leaned back in her chair and looked up. She opened her notepad. Maybe she could try to write something to keep her focused for a while, but the attempt to write failed. She yawned loudly and looked round shyly to see whether anyone was looking at her. On realizing that no one was looking her way, she moaned, dozed and soon began to snore, but not for long. Aba nudged her into reality. She opened her eyes to find everyone staring at her. “Do you mind sharing your dream with us, Sampa?” the chairman asked, teasingly.

Questions

a) According to the first paragraph, what two things did Sampa do to feel comfortable?

b) Why was Amanda uncomfortable?

c) Describe the physical appearance of the chairman.

d) What evidence is there in the passage to show that Sampa was bored by the chairman’s speech?

e) …...cast a spell on everyone

i) What figure of speech is used in the expression above?

ii) What does it mean?

f) ……that was not on the agenda……

i) What is the grammatical name for this expression as it is used in the passage?

ii) What is its function?

g) For each of the following words underlined in the passage, give another word or phrase which means the same and can replace it in the passage:

i) unconsciously ii) sharp iii) aggravated

iv) clear v) intently

Section C

Summary Passage

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions.

One perennial problem which school authorities have to grapple with is indiscipline. In some schools, acts of gross indiscipline are indulged in on a daily basis. Despite this, corporal punishment which was used to curb this in the past has been banned by the education authorities. Indiscipline has led to chaos and upheavals in many cases. This accounts for the poor academic performance of some schools. Sometimes, the student’s future is ruined as he leaves school prematurely, becoming a burden on his family and a potential threat to the society.

The causes of indiscipline in schools can, in the first place be traced to the family background of the student. Charity is said to begin at home. Family upbringing is the foundation of the child’s character. The moral fiber and behavior of an individual speak volumes about the type of training given him at home. Take insubordination for example. It can be traced to pampering and over-indulging of the child at home by the parents. Children from such a background find it difficult to obey simple school regulations. They cannot bear the control that contrasts with the permissiveness experienced at home.

Another form of indiscipline which has defied solution is examination malpractice. This is often blamed on the dishonesty of the individual, but the real problem is the family’s failure to inculcate in the child the virtues and benefits of hard work. Students who indulge in such acts often see those around them succeeding through fraudulent means so they try to follow suit. The larger society must also take some of the blame because it condones such fraudulent acts. The habit of worshipping the rich, regardless of the questionable sources of the wealth of some of them, makes the young develop the end justifies the means attitude. They would therefore not devote their time to their studies but sit by and seek and employ all means to pass their examinations.

It cannot be denied that indiscipline in schools has far-reaching consequences for society at large. The school brings up most of our leaders. So the corrupt and dishonest leaders of tomorrow are the students who cheat in examinations and wantonly break school regulations today. It is therefore important to curb the spate of indiscipline in our schools.

The solution will not come easily but a measure of success can be achieved if counselling sessions are held regularly for students and students are taught how to invest their energies in profitable ventures. Concerted efforts should be made to build strong family values which can assist the child to imbibe the cherished virtues of society. Consequently, leaders, whether political, religious, business or community must hold themselves up as models for students. Those who indulge in acts of indiscipline, whether students or adults must be severely dealt with to serve as a deterrent to others.  Parents and guardians should be interested not only in their wards’ academic progress but also closely monitor their social life at home and in school by paying regular visits to the school.

a) In two sentences, one for each, state two ways in which the family contributes to indiscipline in children.

b) In one sentence, state one way in which society contributes to indiscipline in children

c) In three sentences, one for each, state the remedies suggested by the writer in curbing indiscipline.