SECTION I : GRAMMAR (10 MARKS)
I. Complete the dialogue below with suitable expressions chosen from those in the brackets. (5 marks)
Nda: Hello, good morning my neighbour. How are you today?
Chi: I am doing great.
Nda: (Have) you been to town one of these days?
Chi: No, why? I have not gone to town (since) last week.
Nda: The situation in town is not the (best).
Chi: What is happening in town? Is there any disaster?
Nda: More than a disaster. Most of the streets are (littered) with garbage.
Chi: Really! What is wrong with the company in charge of clearing the rubbish?
Nda: The workers have downed their tools for unpaid wages.
Chi: That is dangerous for the people and the environment. (Something) must be done and quickly too.
II. Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the words in the brackets. (5 marks)
1. Modern technology has developed many ways of (sending) fast messages.
2. The fax machine is one of them. To send fax (messages), you need printers.
3. The fax machine must be (connected ) to a telephone line.
4. The message usually (goes) immediately, but you must make sure that you touch the right buttons.
5. As soon as my mum sent her message, lights went off and she became (worried).
Section II : Vocabulary (10 marks)
I. Choose the correct alternatives from the box and fill in the blanks. Use each item only once. More words have been given than you will need. (5 marks)
1. This is because young (mothers) do not eat well especially if they are not from well to do
2. (families) or their parents are not happy with their pregnancies.
3. Early pregnancies come when their bodies have not finished growing so the pelvis maybe too narrow for the (babies) to get out easily.
4. If they have to leave school early, they will miss their (education).
5. They may not even know anything about (anti-natal) clinic and good nutrition.
II. Fill in each blank space with the appropriate word chosen from the brackets. (5marks)
1. Always (save) your money in the bank.
2. Good athletes often win (trophies).
3. The money you sent (enabled) me to meet up with some pressing needs.
4. The policeman arrested the suspect and kept him in (custody).
5. I was (wondering) if you could lend me some money.
SECTION III : READING COMPREHENSION (10 MARKS)
1. Global warming, according to the passage, is the gradual increase in the Earth's average temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This warming results from a combination of natural processes and human activities, with gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane trapping heat, leading to a rise in Earth's temperature. The physical processes involved in global warming are complex, but it is largely believed to be caused by human activities such as industrialization, fossil fuel combustion, and the release of gases from farm animals.
2. Global warming is blamed on mankind primarily because human activities are seen as the main source of the greenhouse gases that contribute to this phenomenon. These activities include:
• Industrialization: The large-scale burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil during the industrial revolution significantly increased the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas.
• Transportation and Energy Use: The use of vehicles, airplanes, and power plants, which rely heavily on fossil fuels, also contributes to the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
• Deforestation: The clearing of forests reduces the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide, further adding to the greenhouse effect.
• Agriculture: The increase in farm animals for meat production generates methane and nitrous oxide, which are potent greenhouse gases.
These human-driven factors disrupt the natural balance of the atmosphere, causing more heat to be trapped and contributing to global warming.
3. The "greenhouse effect" refers to the natural process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, helping to keep the planet warm enough to sustain life. Here's how it works:
• Sunlight and Energy Absorption: When sunlight reaches the Earth, much of it is absorbed by the Earth's surface, warming the land, air, and oceans.
• Infrared Radiation: The absorbed energy is then released back into space as infrared radiation, which would help maintain a balanced temperature on Earth.
• Heat Trapping by Greenhouse Gases: Certain gases in the atmosphere, like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor, act like the glass panels of a greenhouse. They allow sunlight to enter but trap some of the heat that would otherwise escape into space.
As a result, this trapped heat leads to a warming of the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere. While the greenhouse effect is essential for life on Earth, an excessive accumulation of greenhouse gases can lead to global warming, causing climate changes and environmental issues.
4. The four gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect are:
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Methane (CH₄)
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
• Water vapor (H₂O)
5. To control or prevent global warming, various measures can be implemented at individual, community, national, and global levels. Here are some key approaches:
• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: This can be achieved by transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which produce less or no carbon dioxide compared to fossil fuels. Adopting energy-efficient technologies in industries and households also helps.
• Promote Sustainable Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation, electric or hybrid vehicles, cycling, and walking can reduce the emissions from transportation. Implementing better city planning can minimize the need for long commutes.
• Enhance Carbon Sequestration: Planting more trees and preserving forests increase carbon dioxide absorption, removing it from the atmosphere. Reforestation and afforestation projects can help achieve this.
• Implement Climate Policies and Agreements: International agreements like the Paris Agreement set global targets for reducing emissions. Governments can adopt policies to regulate emissions, provide incentives for sustainable practices, and enforce environmental standards.
• Raise Awareness and Education: Educating the public about the effects of global warming and the benefits of sustainable practices can lead to more responsible behaviors, both in consumption and production.
Collectively, these strategies can help mitigate global warming and its impacts on the environment and human life.
Section IV : Composition (10 marks)
Write a composition of between 250–300 words on any ONE of the following topics.
1. Your friend invited you for his birthday party last week. The party was very interesting and you enjoyed yourself very well. Write a composition in which you say when, where, and what happened there. Also say what particularly attracted your attention. Your friends name is Bah.
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a birthday party hosted by my dear friend, Bah. The party was held on Saturday evening at Bah’s family home, nestled in the heart of our city. The house was beautifully decorated with vibrant balloons and streamers, creating a festive atmosphere that was both welcoming and exciting.
As I walked into the party, the air was filled with the sweet aroma of delicious food and the sound of laughter. Friends and family were gathered around, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the moment when Bah made his grand entrance. Dressed in a stylish suit, he greeted everyone with a warm smile, radiating happiness and gratitude.
The party was a delightful mix of fun activities, from dancing to games. However, what particularly attracted my attention was the live music performance. A local band was invited to play at the party, and their energetic tunes had everyone tapping their feet. Their performance was truly captivating, adding a unique charm to the celebration.
Another memorable moment was when Bah cut his birthday cake. It was a magnificent three-tiered chocolate cake, adorned with colorful icing. The room filled with cheers and applause as Bah made his birthday wish and cut the cake. The joy on his face was priceless.
But what made the party truly special was the sense of camaraderie and warmth. Bah has a knack for bringing people together, and this was evident in the way everyone interacted at the party. The laughter, the shared stories, and the friendly banter created a sense of community that was truly heartwarming.
In conclusion, Bah’s birthday party was a wonderful celebration filled with joy, laughter, and memorable moments. It was not just a party, but a testament to Bah’s ability to bring people together and create lasting memories. I left the party with a heart full of happiness and a mind full of unforgettable moments. It was indeed a night to remember.
2. You are a teacher in a school and you have been invited by the school cooperative as a resource person. You are to talk to students about immigration.
Write a speech. Tell them what are the dangers of travelling abroad illegally, how they can contribute to the development of their country by staying in it. You might want to say why you think they would be more successful if they stayed in their homeland.
Speech on Immigration
Good morning, students, teachers, and distinguished guests,
It's an honor to be here today, speaking to you about a topic that has significant implications for both individuals and our society as a whole: immigration. In particular, I want to focus on the dangers of illegal travel abroad and the importance of contributing to the development of our country by staying here.
Dangers of Illegal Immigration Traveling abroad illegally may seem tempting for many reasons, such as the promise of a better life, employment opportunities, or even the dream of supporting family back home. However, illegal immigration comes with serious dangers and consequences. Those who choose this path often face:
1. Physical Risks: Illegal immigration can involve dangerous routes, harsh weather conditions, and treacherous terrain. Many migrants endure long journeys through deserts, jungles, or across seas, putting their lives at risk.
2. Exploitation and Abuse: Without legal status, illegal immigrants are vulnerable to exploitation, including forced labor, trafficking, and abuse. They often work under poor conditions for low wages and have little recourse to seek justice.
3. Legal Consequences: Illegal immigrants face constant fear of arrest, detention, and deportation. They lack access to basic legal rights, which can hinder their ability to build a stable life abroad.
4. Social Isolation: Being in a foreign country without legal status can lead to social isolation, making it difficult to form connections and build a supportive community.
Contributing to Your Country's Development Instead of taking the dangerous route of illegal immigration, consider how you can contribute to the development of your country by staying here. You are part of a generation with unique skills, creativity, and potential. By investing in your education and career at home, you can help build a brighter future for everyone.
1. Education and Innovation: By staying in your homeland, you can focus on acquiring knowledge and skills that will benefit your community. Education is the key to innovation, and your contributions can drive progress in various fields.
2. Economic Growth: When young people invest their talents locally, they create new businesses, jobs, and opportunities. This fosters economic growth and reduces the need for risky emigration.
3. Cultural and Social Development: By staying in your homeland, you strengthen the cultural fabric of your society. You can contribute to preserving traditions and building a sense of community.
Why You Can Be More Successful at Home Finally, you may find greater success by staying in your homeland. Here, you are part of a community that shares your values, language, and traditions. This support system can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals. Additionally,
3. Write a letter to the principal of your school and persuade him/her that your school computers should be connected to the internet. Give reasons why you think the school will benefit from this venture. You are Zang Albert of Hosanna College in Bamenda, and your Post Office Box is 1051 Bamenda.
Dear Principal,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am Zang Albert, a student at Hosanna College in Bamenda. I am writing to propose a significant enhancement to our school's computer facilities - connecting them to the internet.
In today's digital age, the internet has become an indispensable tool for education. It provides access to a vast array of resources and information that can greatly enhance our learning experience. Here are a few reasons why I believe our school would greatly benefit from this venture:
Access to Educational Resources: The internet is a treasure trove of educational resources. Websites, online libraries, and educational platforms provide a wealth of knowledge on virtually any subject. This could supplement our textbooks and classroom learning, providing us with a more comprehensive understanding of our subjects.
Collaboration and Communication: Internet connectivity can facilitate better communication and collaboration among students and teachers. We could use email or educational platforms for discussions, group projects, and to share resources. This would foster a collaborative learning environment and make communication more efficient.
Preparation for the Future: Proficiency in using the internet and digital tools is a crucial skill in the modern world. By providing internet access in school, we would be equipping students with these essential skills, preparing them for higher education and the workplace.
Keeping Up-to-Date: The internet allows us to stay updated with the latest news, advancements, and trends in various fields. This could be particularly beneficial for subjects like science, technology, and current affairs.
I understand that there may be concerns about misuse of the internet. However, I believe that with proper guidelines, monitoring, and the use of internet filters, we can ensure that the internet is used responsibly for educational purposes.
Investing in internet connectivity is an investment in our education and our future. I kindly request you to consider this proposal. I am confident that it will significantly enhance our learning experience and prepare us for the digital age.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Zang Albert
P.O. Box 1051
Bamenda