Section A: Grammar

I. Complete the dialogue between a student and her teacher with appropriate expressions formed with the words in the brackets. (5 marks)
1. Student: Please sir, for the past one month people have been talking about good governance. What does it mean?
2. Teacher: It is a new idea. Good governance  is practiced in our families, in schools, at home work, in short everywhere.
3. Teacher: When we come early to school, pass our examination without cheating. When you are honest, hardworking and polite, it is good governance.
4. Teacher: When you are free to elect your leader. If they don’t perform well, you do not re-elect them. Transparency is also good governance.

II. Complete each sentence with the correct form of the word in the brackets. (5 marks)
1. Computer illiteracy is the worst thing for anybody in this modern age.
2. Modern technology has made communication easier for everyone.
3. The dream of many young people is to have their own computers. I believe that if they have computers, they will write emails to their friends and carry out research using the internet.
4. Some youths prefer buying smart phones to computers because of their love for the social media.
5. Alexis told me that he does not like using the social media because it is unreliable.

Section B: Vocabulary

I. To complete each sentence, choose the appropriate word from those in the brackets. (5 marks)
1. Most companies provide goods and services to their customers.
2. During auction sales the articles go to the highest bidders.
3. In small market shops customers buy articles from retailers.
4. Though government has privatized our electricity company, it still has many parts in it.
5. After bargaining with the seller, I bought two bags of rice at a reduced price.

II. Use a word of your own to complete each sentence so that it makes sense. (5 marks)
1. Kelvin has always failed in his life, he has never known success.
2. I do not have money anymore, I have to borrow some money from my friend. He always lends me some money whenever I do not have any.
3. I have forgotten all of my friend’s telephone numbers. I have to look for them in the Telephone Directory.
4. If you want to make a phone call, you should first of all dial a number.
5. My father earns a very low salary. That is why he often goes to the bank to get a loan to pay our school fees.

Section C: Reading comprehension (10 marks)

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Use correct English sentence, as for as possible, your own words.

1. In rural Africa, Ebola was considered like a mythic monster that haunted the villages. It would appear every few years, demanding a human sacrifice, and then retreat back to its cave. It was a feared entity, associated with death and suffering, much like a recurring nightmare. The disease was seen as an uncontrollable and terrifying force of nature.
2. Ebola became an epidemic in the year 2014. (0.5 marks)
It became an epidemic due to the very progress that led to paved roads, raised cities, and lifted thousands out of poverty. This progress allowed the virus to reach crowded slums in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, and to travel further to Nigeria, Mali, Spain, Germany, and the U.S. The outbreak struck doctors and nurses in unprecedented numbers, weakening the already fragile public-health infrastructure and spreading uncontrollably across multiple countries. (1.5 marks)
3. Two major difficulties encountered in the fight against Ebola were:
a) Weak Public Health Infrastructure: The public health infrastructure in the affected regions was weak to begin with. When Ebola struck doctors and nurses in unprecedented numbers, it wiped out this already fragile system, making it even more difficult to control the spread of the disease.
b) Inadequate Response from Governments and Health Organizations: Governments in the affected regions were not equipped to respond effectively to the outbreak. Additionally, the World Health Organization was in denial about the severity of the situation. This lack of preparedness and denial contributed to the disease spreading further.
4. Those who were fighting the Ebola disease were motivated by various factors, including:
• Some were motivated by their sense of duty to their country.
• Others were motivated by their faith or religious beliefs.
• Many felt compelled to help others in need, driven by empathy and a desire to make a difference.
• Some saw it as an opportunity to give back or to contribute to saving lives.
• There was also a sense of solidarity and camaraderie among healthcare workers, both local and international, who fought side by side.
Overall, their motivations ranged from altruism to personal conviction and a sense of responsibility. (1 mark)
5. An Ebola patient experiences severe pain and discomfort. As described by Salome Karwah, a nurse’s assistant who survived the disease, the pain is so intense that it feels like one’s head is being split with an axe. The physical suffering is accompanied by emotional distress as well. For instance, Dr. Kent Brantly, another survivor, overheard his own funeral being planned. The fear, uncertainty, and isolation associated with the disease add to the overall distress experienced by the patients. It’s a devastating experience that profoundly affects the patients both physically and emotionally.

SECTION D: COMPOSITION (10 marks)

Write an essay of between 150 and 180 words in any ONE of the following topics.

1. Your best friend, Sanda Mohamadou, wrote a letter to you telling you about the many problems they have concerning health. They lack poor drinking water and there is a cholera outbreak. They eat poorly and many have developed diseases. Write a reply to this letter. In your reply, imagine that you are medical personnel. Give him advice on how to purify drinking water, what to do with sick cases and what to eat to stay healthy. You are called Minkoulou David, and you live in Limbé.

Dear Sanda,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the health challenges you and your community are facing, especially with the cholera outbreak and poor access to clean drinking water. As a medical professional, I urge you to take immediate action to safeguard your health and that of your community.
Firstly, to purify drinking water, you can boil it for at least one minute before consumption or use water purification tablets if available. Additionally, investing in a simple filtration system, like a ceramic water filter, can also help remove harmful bacteria and contaminants.
Regarding sick cases, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Encourage everyone to visit the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms of cholera or any other illness. Early treatment can prevent complications and further spread of the disease.
As for maintaining good health, prioritize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. Avoid consuming contaminated or undercooked food, and practice proper hygiene, such as washing hands before eating.
Please take care, Sanda. I'm here to support you in any way I can.
Best regards, Minkoulou David

2. “Social media brings us closer together.” This is a topic of debate in the English Club of your school. Write an essay expressing what the social media is, how it brings people together and how it separates people.

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, shaping how we communicate, interact, and share information. While it's undeniable that social media platforms have the capacity to bring people closer together, the extent to which they achieve this is a topic of debate.
On one hand, social media connects individuals across vast distances, allowing them to stay in touch with friends and family regardless of geographical boundaries. It facilitates real-time communication through messaging apps, video calls, and social networking sites, fostering a sense of closeness and intimacy.
Moreover, social media serves as a platform for communities with shared interests to connect and collaborate, creating virtual spaces where like-minded individuals can engage in discussions, share resources, and support each other.
However, the flip side of social media's connectivity is its potential to sow division and alienation. The prevalence of echo chambers and filter bubbles on social media platforms can lead to the reinforcement of existing beliefs and the isolation of dissenting voices. Moreover, the anonymity afforded by some social media platforms can fuel cyberbullying and harassment, further fracturing social bonds.
In conclusion, while social media has the power to bring people closer together by facilitating communication and fostering communities, it also has the potential to widen rifts and exacerbate social divisions. It's essential to recognize both the positive and negative impacts of social media and strive to harness its potential for building connections while mitigating its drawbacks.

3. You attended your friend’s birthday party. You liked certain aspects and did not like some.
Write an essay narrating the events that took place, bringing out what you liked and did not liked and how you can improve on aspects you did not like. Your friend’s name is Andela.

Andela's birthday party was a vibrant and memorable affair, filled with laughter, music, and delicious treats. As I stepped into the venue, the cheerful decorations and warm greetings instantly set the mood for a fantastic celebration. The highlight of the party was undoubtedly the lively music and dancing, which brought everyone together and created a festive atmosphere.
One aspect of the party that I particularly enjoyed was the thoughtful attention to detail in the decorations and party favors. From the colorful balloons to the personalized goody bags, it was evident that Andela had put a lot of effort into making her guests feel special and appreciated.
However, there were also some aspects of the party that I felt could have been improved upon. For instance, the seating arrangements seemed a bit disorganized, leading to some guests feeling crowded or overlooked. Additionally, the lack of vegetarian options on the menu left some attendees feeling left out and hungry.
Moving forward, I believe that Andela could enhance future parties by paying more attention to seating arrangements and ensuring that there are diverse food options available for all guests. By soliciting feedback from attendees and making adjustments accordingly, Andela can continue to host unforgettable birthday celebrations that cater to everyone's needs and preferences.