BECE 2011 English Language Essay - Paper 2

BECE APRIL 2011

ENGLISH LANGUAGE – ESSAY (Paper 2)

1 hour

Answer two questions in all: one question from each part. Your composition should be about 250 words long

Credit will be given for clarity of expression and orderly presentation of material

PART A ESSAY WRITING

Answer one question only from this part.

1. Write a letter to your District Director of Education giving at least, two reasons why caning should be banned in schools.

2. Write a story which ends with the expression: '.........what a dream!"

3. As secretary of the Friends of the Environment club, write the speech you would give to the students of your school on the need to keep the environment clean

PART B COMPREHENSION

4. Read the following passage carefully and answer all the questions which follow.

Ali set out from the house that morning in high spirits knowing well that he was going to meet his childhood friend Kofi. He had heard that his friend was occupying a very high position in a reputable company. Kofi could hardly recognize Ali when the latter entered the former's office.

"So you can't recognize me, Kofi, your classmate, Sikakrom JHS? Does money blind people and erase their memory? Can ten short years change you so completely as to make you forget an intimate friend?"

Kofi then suddenly recognized him. "Sorry, Ali. You've changed so much I couldn't make you out. Please, sit down. What can I do for you?"

Ali reluctantly sat down. He admired Kofi's tidy office and person – the well-groomed hair, the attractive shirt and tie. Ali removed a small bottle from the breast pocket of his dust-covered shirt, poured out some white substance in his palm and sniffed it greedily.

Kofi noticed all that but suppressed his anger. „I learn that luck has given you great wealth, Kofi!"

Ali said. "Indeed, some people are lucky!" he added, and pulled out a crumpled cigarette and a box of matches.

"I'd rather you didn't smoke here. I keep my air fresh," Kofi politely ordered.

Ali was shocked. "Hei, Kofi, what a complete change! What bird must have lent you its wings for you to soar so high? Oh, Luck, you can really change people! Just ten short years!"

"Look here, Ali, leave luck out of this. I worked very hard for seven years to acquire a good degree and a job. I never relied on luck for success."

(a) What did Ali expect as he left the house to meet Kofi?

(b) Why did Kofi fail to recognize Ali?

(d) (i) According to Ali, what has made Kofi successful?

(ii) What actually helped Kofi to succeed?

(e) Explain the following expressions in your own words:

(i) in high spirits; (ii) erase their memory;

(iii) I couldn't make you out.

(f) For each of the following words, give another word or phrase that means the same and can fit into the passage: (i) reputable

(ii) intimate

(iii) tidy

(iv) attractive