AN EASY APPROACH TO ESSAY WRITING AND CORRECTNESS OF THE LANGUAGE COMPOSITION -WHAT IS COMPOSITION: - Composition is an attempt at correctly expressing

your understanding of a given topic in writing. You are expected to put down your thought and judgment on the given topic meticulously, comprehensively, and with a virile style. For purposes of examination, these three cardinal points must be noted. 1. THE CORRECT CHOICE OF SUBJECT/TOPIC 2. CAREFULLY MAKING OF OUTLINE 3. DEVELOPMENT THE CORRECT CHOICE OF SUBJECT 1. Peruse with focused attention all the topics given. Though this might appear an obvious point, many students had failed exams for failing to examine all the topics and comment bitterly after the exam oh! I did not see this or that topic. Dont fall victim to your own negligence. 2. Make sure you choose the topic you are most comfortable with. Because, albeit some topics may appear simple, if you dont have fore knowledge of them, you cant handle them effectively unless you possess an excellent power of imagination, a great writing skills and good taste. Eg:- MY FAVORITE STEW Though it looks simple at first sight, if you have never prepared nor at least witnessed with rapt attention its preparation, you are most likely to face major difficulties. Always choose topics you are at home with. 3. Another thing students must be mindful of is DEVIATION in composition writing. In fact it is comparable to a second degree felony in criminal justice. You must very well understand the wording of the topic very well to avoid deviating. You loose valuable marks for avoidable mistakes like these. Eg: - MY FAVORITE STEW If you vividly describe the stew without saying how it is prepared, you loose precious marks on the other hand, if you go ahead to tell how the stew is prepared without describing the stew you loose out. The bottom line therefore is to read the topic very well and deliver exactly what is required of you. ***Note***: READING THE QUESTION TO UNDERSTAND IS PART OF THE EXAMINATION. MAKING OUTLINE Having carefully chosen and understood the topic, you proceed to make your OUTLINE. An outline is the chief points around which your entire piece of work revolves. It sets for you the parameters within which to write and guides your trend of thought thus confines you to write within the scope you set for your self. POINTS TO CONSIDER IN MAKING AN OUTLINE 1. Think carefully about the style and purview you would like to cover. 2. Jot down neatly the points as they come to mind 3. Peruse and select(mark) the most important points 4. Arrange logically and chronologically your selected points in the sequence in which you will use them. By paragraph. 5. Cancel neatly by drawing a single line diagonally across you outline. Where an outline is pre-prepared for you, half your problem is solved go ahead and use it. You have the prerogative to subtract or add a point or two. But dont change the entire outline.

NB: - Time spent making outlines may appear a waste but if correctly done, it rather saves time. However, dont spend too much time making an outline. Remember no marks are awarded for outlines. DEVELOPMENT

This stage is subdivided into three (3) parts, namely: introduction, body, and conclusion. Lets examine them in turn. INTRODUCTION: Your introduction must win the confidence of your reader. Be brief, captivating, interesting, and above all most suitable. There many ways to kill a cat. Its up to you to choose the most appropriate way to introduce you piece of work. Learn to be natural, innovative, creative, humorous and very original. REMEMBER BREVITY IS THE SPICE OF CREATIVE WRITING. LETS EXAMINE A FEW PROTOTYPES. 1. THE APT QUOTATION: As the name indicates, you start with a quotation. (A proverb, popular sayings etc) this however must be suitable and appropriate to the topic. Eg: - MY BEST FRIEND you may begin by quoting the popular adage a friend in need is a friend in deed or show me friend and I will tell you your character 2. THE PROVOCATIVE OPENING: This is the type of opening that challenges and provokes the reading appetite of the reader to you essay to the latter. This type of opening leaves the reader agog. He will ask for more. Eg: - MY FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL you may begin as: the anxiety and the fear of the unknown left me as we where welcomed by a dainty pretty lady who turned out to be my favorite teacher of all times. Or they were on parade when we walked in. to my utter surprise four kids were called forward and given six strokes each I took immediately to my heals. 3. THE TELLING OPENING: This gives the reader the direction you will take. It points out clearly how you will handle the topic. Eg: - MY RED LETTER DAY you may begin as: though it started as a very bad, moody day, it ended up with many surprises. Or I consider it my red letter day for the following reasons: 4. THE DIRECT OPENING: When you find it so difficult almost impossible to get anything appropriate or suitable like a proverb, dont fret around. Dont waste precious time thinking about which proverb to use or how to provoke the reader, go ahead and write as you can after all there is no punishment for direct concise opening. You loose no marks at all. Please time is money. THE BODY Much as the introduction is important, it is only a prelude to the main thing; the body. This must be the embodiment of creativity, skill ingenuity and style. Here are some points to consider: WRITE IN PARAGRAPH The first line of every paragraph must be indented. This means that, a space of about half an inch should be left at the left margin of your sheet when you begin writing and anytime you start a new idea, a fresh point or you want to develop an existing point from a deferent angle. The must be a logical link between paragraphs. Words such as:

subsequently, secondly, notwithstanding, apparently, further more, nonetheless, besides, etc are used as liaison between one paragraph and another. PRESENT YOUR WORK IN A LOGICAL SEQUENCE Your facts, ideas, points, arguments, stories etc must be presented in an orderly, logical sequence. Dont mix up your facts or arguments in a haphazard manner. Present facts or thoughts in their natural order or logical sequence. Dont write at the end what you write at the beginning or in the middle. Never repeat the same point over and over again unless for emphasis. Even there, it must be guided. Note that a careless and a poor exposition will deny you lots of valuable points. Suffice it to say that, its only an orderly, coherent, and comprehensive representation will earn you the desired points. MECHANICAL ACCURACY A) BE TENSE CONSCIOUS: Most students unfortunately take the issue of tense for granted and thus pay dearly in examinations. Every given topic clearly defines its tense. Be smart, identify it and deal with it. Learn the tenses very well and have them at your finger tips. B) PUNCTUATION: It is one of the technicalities under mechanical accuracy. A poorly punctuated essay is like a road without signs. It makes reading very difficult and thus infuriates many an examiner. Please learn your punctuations well and be mindful of them as you write. Dont be punished unnecessarily. An excellent story will be destroyed by bad punctuation. C) VARIETY: I have always admonished students to be simple in writing; however, simplicity does not mean short uninteresting sentences. To win the confidence and attention of your reader, you should be able to marry the different types of sentences youve learnt i.e. simple, compound and complex sentences. And dont forget the figures of speech, idioms, proverbs, quotations etc. in doing all these; you must be interesting, convincing, and stylish. Creativity must be your cornerstone. D) CHOICE OF WORD: Bombastic language in itself isnt bad. However, students are advised to be very familiar with the words they use. You should be conversant with the usage of a word before you use it. The crux of this is the wrong use or choice of a word would ruin your essay. The words and expressions you choose and the way you use them tell your knowledge of the language. Please avoid verbosity. E) CLARITY: Count yourself out if your handwriting is illegible because no examiner has time to waste on a clumsy, dirty script full of cancellation. The irony is while at school, you are there to explain to the teacher what you have written, and you will not be there to tell the external examiner at the time of making what you have written. Clarity and legibility are crucial. Avoid unnecessary cancellation. *NOTE: Creativity, judicious choice and use of words as well as originality are the bedrocks of a good student. Many students study prototype essays and reproduce carbon copies in an examination. Mind you, this is most dangerous because it is likely other students might have done same and this may be taken for fraud. Be original.

CONCLUSION The conclusion must be captivating, stylish, and drive home the desired impact. Hold your reader spell bound till the very last word. Obviously, like the introduction, your conclusion must be an integral part of the essay. No matter how innovative your conclusion might be if it has no bearing on the body, forget it. Its worthless. End it briefly, originally and suitably. Lets examine the following prototypes. You are advised to use them carefully and appropriately. Dont forget that originality is the mother of creativity. 1. SIMPLE OBVIOUS CONCLUSION: This is the conclusion in which the writer out rightly announces in simple style that the journey has come to an end. Eg: - on the topic The Narrow Escape you can conclude as: I barely rescued my five year old baby when the house went up in a spontaneous inferno. 2. THE REFLECTIVE: As the topic suggest, the writer winds up with a reflection. Used correctly, this type of ending can be rather stylish. Eg:- on the topic Effects Of Road Accidents On The Economy your conclusion maybe: If the report on the pilot program by the NGO Save the road is anything to go by, how horrible will our roads be without the police MTTU. 3. THE SUMMARIZER: This summarizes all the salient points made. It is particularly useful for ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS. Eg: - The Mushroom of Churches in Ghana Is a Blessing you can end as: Having critically analyzed the topic before us, I will sum up that 1) sexual promiscuity is on the ascendancy. 2) Criminal activities are more prevalent. 3) Many so called pastors are the devil incarnate. Suffice it to say that the mushroom of churches has done this nation more harm than good. 4. THE LOOKING AHEAD: This actually looks into the future of the topic under consideration. Eg:- The Importance Of Tertiary Education To Our Development you may end as: I have no doubt at all in my mind that within the five years, tertiary institutions in Ghana will not only be an embodiment of academia, but will metamorphosed into cradles of research and the back bone of the nations industrialization. CONNECTIVES OR LINKING WORDS SOME WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS INDICATING ADDITIONAL POINTS 1. Besides 9. What is more 2. Moreover 10. Surely 3. Furthermore 11. Above all 4. And 12. Similarly 5. In addition to 13. Not only but also 6. Also 14. More importantly 7. Again 15. Subsequently 8. Added to 16. As well as

SOME WORDS EXPRESSIONS INDICATING CONTRARY VIEW 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. However Whatever But In any case Whereas Despite 7. Nevertheless 8. In spite of 9. But even so 10. On the other hand 11. To the contrary 12. Yet OTHER LINKING DEVICES REFERENCES: There are some words that have no meaning in themselves; they take their meaning from other words they refer to from other parts of the sentence or paragraph. Eg: - five students were caught running away from school. They will be dismissed. The president has reduced the number of ministries by a third. He claims that will go a long way in his quest for prudent management of the economy. SUBSTITUTION: Some words, phrases or sentences are sometimes substituted by other words, phrases or sentences to avoid unnecessary repetitions. Eg: - The administrator rejoiced when all the third years passed their exams with honours. I believe all the teachers did. SEQUENCE: This involves the use of words likes then, meanwhile, after this, etc. Eg: the church service began with a time of praise. Then the sermon followed. SOME USEFUL EXPRESSIONS EXPRESSIONS MEANING 1. Leaves much to be desired Deplorable 2. Every nook and cranny Everywhere 3. A flash in the pan unsuccessful 4. Cold shoulder Ignore 5. A tall story Difficult to believe 6. To be off ones nuts Be insane (mad) 7. Keep some one at an arms length Avoid contact with 8. Throw in the towel Give up 9. To throw dust into ones eyes Deceive 10. Get into hot waters Get into trouble 11. To take a bull by the horn Tackle a difficulty boldly 12. To call it a day Close for the day 13. Blow ones own trumpet Praise ones self 14. By hook or crook By all means 15. To face the music Stand up for your blame 16. Once in a blue moon Not often, occasionally 17. Burn the midnight candle Work hard 18. To stick to ones guns Refuse to change ones mind 19. Be in the red Be in debt 20. To live from hand to mouth Unable to save

SOME SPELLING RULES AND CONVENTIONS EI and IE 1) I before E except after C when spelling words with I and E together that sounds as I always put I before E except after C. Eg:- belief, chief, field 2) E before I in words with C Eg:- receive, receipt, conceive SEDE Supersede CEDE CEED Cede Succeed Accede Proceed Concede Exceed Intercede Recede Secede A PREFIX is a verbal element placed at the beginning of a word to adjust or qualify its meaning. PREFIX AND SPELLING (prefixes are used to make words negative) IM, IL, IR, and IN IM is used before words which begin with B M and P Eg: - Imbalance, Imbecile, Imbed, imbibe Immaterial, Immoral, Immature, Immaculate Impolite, Impermeable, Impossible, Impotent IL is used before words which begin with L Eg: - Illegal, Illegitimate, Illicit, Illogical IR is used for words which begin with R Eg: - Irredeemable, Irregular, Irrevocable, Irreligious IN is used for the rest of the words. Eg: - Inability, Inadvisable, Inborn, Incalculable, Indefinite, Infinite, Invalidate, Invisible Other prefixes include DE: - as in Decompose, Demerit, Dehydration, Deformation DIS: - as in Disarrange, Disqualify, Dishonest, Disadvantage, MIS: - As in Misapply, Misbehave, Misspell, Mismanage. NON: - as in Non-acceptable, Non-deliverable, Nonsense, Non-starter UN: - As in- Undo, Unpopular, Unmask, Unwanted PREFIX Anteroom Antiantidepressant Bi, bisexual Contraflow ExForeInInterinterplay MEANING before against two against/opposite out of before not between EXAMPLE antenatal, antedate, anteanti-abortion, antidote, biannual, bicultural, bimetallic, contraceptive, contraband, contra exclusive, excommunicate, excreta forefather, foreknowledge, forenoon inaccessible, inactive, inapplicable intermediary, intermarriage,

MisPostPreReSubTransUnunseen

wrong after before back under across/beyond not, without

misunderstand, misrepresent, misuse posterior, posterity, posthumous pre-term, preview, pre-wash, pre-war reabsorb, reactivate, recall, redefine submarine, subsonic, sub-station transfer, transducer, translucent undefiled, undecided, unpriced,

SUFFIXES A suffix is a verbal element added at the end of a word to form a derivative. Eg: - -Fy, -Tion, -Ing, -Ness, -Ance, etc. SUFFIX MEANING EXAMPLE -able capable of being reasonable, predicable, movable -et, -ette little piglet, singlet, cigarette -er, -eer, -ier one who banker, engineer, courtier -ess the female goddess, princess, waitress -fy to make magnify, edify, simplify, purify -less without careless, merciless, meaningless -ment state of being entertainment, enjoyment, -ous full of famous, glamorous, ambitious Most verbs that end b, l, m, n, r and s double the ending before a suffix as added. Case basic verb past tense & present participle past participle b rob robbed robbing stab stabbed stabbing m dim dimmed dimming m gum gummed gumming m ram rammed ramming n ban banned banning n shun shunned shunning n sin sinned sinning r abhor abhorred abhorring r demur demurred demurring r occur occurred occurring s gas gassed gassing s bias biased/biassed biasing/biassing s focus focused/focussed focusing/focussing

NOTES ON SELECTED WORDS *ADAPT, ADOPT -Adapt (v tr) foll. By TO, FOR. Its noun form is adaptation Eg: - Frogs quickly adapt to new environments Can this car be adapted for the African terrain? -Adopt (v tr) Its noun form is adoption Eg: - This man has adopted five children from the orphanage. *ADOPTED, ADOPTIVE Eg: - When a child is adopted, his new parents become his adoptive parents. *ADVICE (n) ADVISE (v tr) ADVISER / ADVISOR (n), ADVISORY (adj) Eg: - The administrator gave the Science students some pieces of advice You cant advise me on parenthood when you dont have a single child. Sir Mcktosh has been appointed as the adviser to the president. My father serves on three advisory boards. *AFFECT, EFFECT - Affect is a verb, and only a verb. When used transitively it means have an effect on Eg: - The only thing affecting us now is the perennial water shortage. Onions do not affect my eyes as they do other people. -Affect (foll by TO) used as an intransitive verb means pretend Eg: - Some students affect to be from rich homes. He owns the biggest law firm in this country, but he affects to be of no importance. -Effect can be both a noun and a verb. As a verb MEANS bring about Eg: - I hope this punishment will affect the desired change in these recalcitrant students. Effecting the right attitude towards studies is a matter of immense self discipline. As a noun MEANS 1. the result or consequence of an action Eg: - Certain drugs have a soporific effect while others a placebo effect. Affluence sometimes has the effect of arrogance. 2. Efficiency Eg: - The punishment had very little effect on them. 3. Property Eg: - My personal effects have been destroyed in the raid. 4. An impression produced on spectators, hearers, etc. *ALBUMEN, ALBUMIN - Albumen is the white of an egg - Albumin is a class of protein * ANTE-, ANTI- The prefix ante- MEANS before as in : antedate, antediluvian, antechamber - The prefix anti- MEANS opposition as in: anticlimax, anticyclone, antidote. * AURAL, ORAL - These two words sound almost alike. Aural pertains to the EAR, and oral the MOUTH or SPEECH. *BIANNUAL, BIENNIAL - Biannual MEANS twice a year Biennial MEANS every two years *CENSER, CENSOR, CENSURE - A Censer is a vessel for burning incense.

- A Censor is an official authorized to examine printed material, film, news etc before it is published. - Censure as a noun means disapproval ( harsh criticism) and as verb it means to disapprove, reprimand, blame, and (criticize harshly) COMPLACENT, COMPLAISANT These two words sound almost alike and can be confused. -Complacent means self-satisfied, too willing to let things take their course or stay as they are. -Complaisant means excessively courteous, willing to please. *COMPLEMENT, COMPLIMENT -Complement means the completion of something, a quantity required to make up an existing quantity to a given total. -Compliment is an expression of courtesy, of approbation. *COUNCIL, COUNCILLOR, COUNSEL, COUNSELLOR -Council is an advisory, deliberative, or administrative body of a people. -Councillor is an elected member of a council. -Counsel means advice, especially formally given. A legal adviser or an advisory body. |-Counsellor means an adviser, a person trained to give guidance on personal problems, a senior officer in the diplomatic service. * ELICIT, ILLICIT -Elicit is a verb meaning extract as in: You must elicit the information - Illicit means unlawful, not permitted *ELIGIBLE, ILLEGIBLE - Eligible means suitable for election, fit or deserving to be chosen, qualified to apply - Illegible means unreadable * ENVELOP, ENVELOPE - The verb is envelop and the noun is envelope. * VALUABLE, INVALUABLE, VALUELESS, PRICELESS - Valuable means worth a lot of money. As such we can talk of valuable property, time, advice, paintings - Invaluable: means very useful indeed. However, invaluable is not used for money but rather for work, help, effort, advice, etc. - Valueless: means a thing is worthless, it has no value. - Priceless: means a thing is very valuable. We use eless when we want to lay emphasis on the worth of something. BRITISH Anaemia Armour Behaviour Cancelled Carburettor Centre Colour Counsellor Disc Encyclopeadia Equalled Foetus AMERICAN Anemia Armor Behavior Canceled Carburetor Center Color Counselor Disk Encyclopedia Equaled Fetus BRITISH Analyse Axe Calibre Candour Catalogue Chegue Councillor Defence Dived Enrol Favour Fulfil AMERICAN Analyze Ax Caliber Candor Catalog Check Councilor Defense Dove enroll Favor Fulfill

Glycerine Grey Heamoglobin Kerb Levelled Licence (noun) Manoeuvre Mediaeval Mollusc Moult Odour Omellete Parlour Pretence Pyjamas Sceptic Skillful Sombre Sulphur Tyre Woollen

Glycerin Gray Hemoglobin Curb Leveled License Maneuver Medieval Mollusk Molt Odor Omelet Parlor Pretense Pajamas Skeptic Somber Sulfur Tire Woolen

Goodbye Heamatite Honour Labour Libelled Litre Meagre Metre Mould Neighbour Offence Paralyse Plough Programme Quarrelled Skilful Succour Theatre Vice

Goodby Hematite Honor Labor Libeled Liter Meager Meter Mold Neighbor Offense Paralyze Plow Program Quarreled Succor Theater Vise

NB: - As a general rule, all nouns which in British English end in our end in or in American English. However, the following nouns are the same in both: glamorous, meter (instrument), coloration, honorific, humorist, humorous, laborious, license (verb), saviour (in Christian sense), stupor and tremor. The Americans use both practice and practise for the verb. The following words can be spelt either way in both regimes: Cider, cider; cipher, cipher; fantasy, phantasy; fuse, fuze; mortice, mortise; pygmy, pigmy; sylvan, silvan; siphon, siphon; siren, syren. SOME USEFUL TIPS EXPRESSION MEANING 1. I saw it in black and white I saw it in writing (or in print) 2. I am in his black books He is displeased with me 3. The man was a blackguard The man was a low scoundrel 4. He was the black sheep of the family He disgraced the family 5. The man looked blue He looks depressed in spirit. 6. He was in blue funk He was in great terror 7. He has blue blood in his veins He was of aristocratic decent 8. His brother was a bluejacket His brother was a seaman in the navy 9. He was a greenhorn at the game He was raw and inexperience at the game 10. Do you sea any green in my eyes? Do I look as if I could be easily imposed upon 11. The green-eyed monster caused him Jealousy caused him to strike his friend. to strike his friend 12. The fellow was yellow at heart The fellow was really a coward 13. He was born in the purple He was of royal birth 14. The man showed the white feather The man showed signs of cowardice 15. The business was a white elephant The business was a failure 16. It was a red letter day It was a notable and fortunate day for me

QUESTIONS GIVE A WORD THAT SOUNDS THE AS BUT IS SPELT DIFFERENTLY FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING WORDS. Aisle Fair Heart Pole Kernel Root Crews Mean Add Leek Braid Draught Him Our Peer Vale Key Thrown Dew Waist COLLOQUIALISM AND GHANAIAN INCORRECT ENGLISH There are many students who write as they speak. The influence of broken English in our vocabulary is gradually adulterating a once beautiful and well spoken language. Some of these expressions are foreign to the Queens language, while others are well known English words or phrases that are wrongly used. Some of these are so deep seated that we dont even know they are wrong. HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES. INCORRECT 1. Most a time 2. Small chops 3. Cornered beef 4. On my opinion 5. By my point of view 6. Last but not the least 7. The last but not least 8. So far as I am concerned 9. Garden boy 10. Great you mother for me 11. Do your possible best 12. He used a knife to chook me 13. The police will catch the criminal 14. My (tightest) tight friend 15. My father has hired his room for three years 16. I have borrowed some money to him 17. My skin is scratching me 18. My head is paining me. 19. Me myself will do it 20. That girl is full of enviness 21. I cannot tolerate jealousness 22. I hate your greediness 23. This is the true fact 24. Grinded corn 25. I am a boy of ten years old CORRECT Many a time Savouries Corned beef To my opinion From my point of view Last but not least The last but not the least As far as I am concerned Gardener (Extend) my regards to your mother Do your best(possible) He stabbed me with a knife The police will arrest the criminal My best (close) friend My father has rented his room for . I have lent some money to him My skin is itching me I have a headache I will do it myself That girl is (envious) full of envy I cannot tolerate jealousy I dislike your greed This is the (truth) fact Ground (milled) corn I am a boy of ten years I am ten years old

I am a boy of ten QUESTIONS ON VOCABULARY THE WORDS BELOW ARE GROUPED INTO DIFFERENT FAMILIES. LOOK UP THEIR MEANINGS FROM THE DICTIONARY AND USE THEM IN SENTENCES OF YOUR OWN TO BRING OUT THEIR MEANING. GROUP 1: SLIM, SLENDER, LEAN, THIN, HAGGARD, SKINNY, GAUNT, And FRAIL. GROUP 2: HAPPY, JOYFUL, HILARIOUS, MIRTHFUL, EXULTANT, EXUBERANT, EXCITED, And ECSTATIC. GROUP 3: ANNOY, IRRITATE, RESENT, INFURIATE, OFFEND, HURT, MAKE ANGRY. GROUP 4: ANARCHY, LAWLESS, CONFUSION, MAYHEM, PANDEMONIUM. GROUP 5: IGNORANT, NAVE, INNOCENT, UNAWARE, INCOGNITO. GROUP 6: MURDER, ASSASSINATION, HOMICIDE, INFANTICIDE, SUICIDE, MATRICIDE, PATRICIDE, GENOCIDE, HOLOCAUST, TREASON, MASSACRE, EXECUTION. ANNIHILATE. GROUP7: FRAGRANCE, ODOUR, STENCH, SCENT, AROMA, PUTRESCENT. GROUP8: CHUCKLE, GIGGLE, JEST, MUSE, SMILE, JOKE, LAUGH, SQUEAL, SQUEAK, BABBLE, SQUABBLE. GROUP9: ENEMY, ANTAGONIST, RIVAL, FOE, COMPETITOR, ADVERSARY. GROUP10: LETHAL, FATAL. DEADLY, POISONOUS, VENOMOUS. GROUP11: STEAL, ROB, PILFER, SHOPLIFT, EMBEZZLE, MISAPPROPRIATE, SPOIL, PLUNDER, LOOT. GROUP12: START, BEGIN, COMMENCE, PROCEED, INITIATE, AND EMBARK ON. GROUP13: PRAISE, EXTOL, EXALT, COMMEND, LAUD, THANK, GLORIFIED, FLATTER. GROUP14: YAWN, BELCH, RETCH, GULP, GAWP, GASP, SNORE, PANT, SNEEZE, AND HICCUP. GROUP15: ASK, DEMAND, IMPLORE, PLEAD, REQUEST, COMMAND, DECREE, BEG, CONJURE, DECLARE, STATE. GROUP16: QUIET, SERENE, MUTE, CALM, PEACEFUL, HUSHED, TRANQUIL, SILENT, SOBER, SOLEMN. GROUP17: MURMUR, COMPLAIN, GRUMBLE, SIGH, GROAN, MOAN, WAIL, NAG, HOWL, SHRIEK, SOB, WEEP, SNIVEL, WHINE, CRY, LAMENT, AGONIZED, WHIMPER. GRUOP18: DESTROY, ERADICATE, PLUNDER, WASTE, DECIMATE, ANNIHILATE. GROUP19: CLEAN, HOLY, IMMACULATE, SPICK-AND-SPAN, TIDY, PURE, CHASTE, NEAT, AND IMPECCABLE. GROUP20: CONFUSED, PERPLEX, OVERWHELM, BAFFLE, SURPRISE, FASCINATE, IMPRESS, EXCITE, MESMERIZE, FLABBERGAST, SHOCK, ASTONISH, STUN A homonym is a word having the same sound and perhaps the same spelling, as another, but with a different meaning. A homophone is a word that has the same pronunciation as another but different spelling.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ON HOMONYMS AND HOMOPHONES SCORE OUT THE WRONG WORDS: 1. She bought some (steak, stake) 2. You will know no (piece, peace) she was told. 3. Daddy has been the (principle, principal) of Peki training college for many years. 4. The newly weds walked gracefully down the (isle, aisle) amidst cheers. 5. Some babies have a phobia for (cereals, serials) 6. Can you mention a bird that (cheeps, cheaps)? 7. At the banquet, we had a four course meal followed by a (desert, dessert) 8. How can you (gamble, gambol) with your life like this. 9. For me, the pyramids remain the most brilliant (feat, feet) of engineering. 10. The suspect badly needs someone to sign his (bale, bail). 11. You will all agree with me that she has the most awkward (gate, gait) in this community. 12. I have finally collected the (draft, draught) plan from the lousy draughtsman. 13. It rained cats and dogs yesterday with lots of (lightening, lightning) and thunderstorm. 14. Do you know that the scarcity is due to shear (hording, hoarding) 15. How many (cruise, crews) are on the ship? 16. The injured footballer uttered a loud (grown, groan) 17. Can you help me change the (soul, sole) of my shoes? 18. We walked across the (plain, plane) for hours. 19. All efforts to enlist his support has been in (vein, vain) 20. This tray is made of solid (steel, steal). INSERT THE IN THEIR PROPER PLACES: 1. (allowed-aloud) It is not .. to speak . In class. 2. (maid-made) The .. admitted that she had . a mistake. 3. (vain-vein) They tried in . to locate his .. for the transfusion. 4. (week(s))-weak(s)) The old man has been. for many 5. (piece-peace) She will give no .. not even after the advice I gave him. 6. (check-cheque) You will have to . if this is genuine 7. (fair-fare) Would you say that the increase in transport .. is and justified. 8. (wholly-holy) These monks are not after all. 9. (stare-stair) I saw him . at the boy standing on the 10. (tied-tide) The magician said he . the .. WHERE: 1. Aeroplanes are kept 2. Historical relics are kept . 3. Doctors receive theirs patience ... 4. Law is mated out . 5. Young plants and flowers a reared ..

6. Water is stored . 7. Fruit trees grow 8. Grapes are grown . 9. Plays are shown 10. Motor cars are kept .. 11. Doctors perform operation .. 12. Grins are stored 13. Fish are kept . 14. Gas is stored 15. Wild animals are kept .. CHOOSE THE CORRECT PRONOUN AND INDICATE: N FOR NOMINATIVE, O FOR OBJECTIVE, I FOR INTERROGATIVE OR P FOR POSSESSIVE. INDICATE THE ANTECEDENT WHERE APPLICABLE 1. Last year my brother showed (us/we) a house. -----------------2. (I/me) am the proud owner of this house he said. -----------------3. You and (she/her) have met (he/him) and (she/her) at the party. -----------------4. Between (I/me) and (she/her), I know all about (he/him) and John --------5. (Who/whom) do you think (we/us) met at the office? -----------------6. The man from the bush (who/whom) killed the snake is my uncle --------7. Anyone (who/whom) wants to travel should see (he/him) -----------------8. (we/us) (who/whom) came second are as happy as (they/them) (who/whom) won. ____________ 9. The big lake through the woods which (we/us) crossed is infested with crocodiles. Surprisingly (they/them) didnt attack (we/us) ____________ 10. Is it so difficult for (she/her) to choose between (he/him) and you. ______ 11. Fiifi and (he/him) are forty years old ____________ 12. (They/them) are the family with (who/whom) (I/me) stayed ____________ 13. Do you know with (who/whom) (she/her) is putting up. ____________ 14. (she/her) is wicked as (her/she) and even more wicked than (he/him) _______ 15. Which of these is mine and which are theirs? ____________ UNDERLINE THE INDEFINITE PRONOUN IN EACH SENTENCE. THEN UNDERLINE THE CORRECT POSSESSIVE PRONOUN(S) IN PARENTHESES

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Several of the containers in the chemistry lab were missing (its/their) labels. Everyone has paid (his or her/their) part of the rental fee. Many of the musicians in the band bought (his or her/their) own instruments. None of the sulfur is in (its/their) flask. All the gymnasts practiced (his or her/their) routines before the tournament. Neither of the girls brought (her/their) swimsuit. If anyone is interested, have (him or her/them) fill out an application. Nobody wanted (his or her/their) lunch after seeing that horrible film. Both the stores raised (its/their) prices. Neither of the scientists completed (his or her/their) experiment. Everything was returned to (its/their) owner. Some of the architects have already sent in (his or her/ their) designs. Each of the typewriters comes with (its/their) own carrying case. Everyone helped (his or her/their neighbors after the flood. Most of the seasoning had lost its/their) flavor

WRITE THE CORRECT PRONOUN TO COMPLETE EACH SENTENCE. BE SURE THAT EACH PRONOUN AGREES WITH ITS ANTECEDENT. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Some people must be born with adventure in ________ hearts. Why else would they subject _________ to all kinds of dangers? Anyone with an ounce of common sense would not leave the safety of _______ home. Sir Mckintosh often challenged __________ . When sir Mckintosh was twenty seven, ___________ sailed alone around the world. More women nowadays prove __________ equal to the same challenges as men. Gratham Mckintosh undertook this adventure in 1995. _________ sailing companion was sir Agabus the great. 8. The voyage lasted about 225 days, and ________ was filled with beautiful sights, dangerous storms and countless problems. 9. Could he have spent all that time by _________. 10. The ships rudder gave Mckintosh problems. __________ tried to repair ______ _______ 11. Five days before Christmas, a powerful storm pounded the ship _________ howling winds created massive waves. 12. Fortunately, Mckintosh kept a log of _________ journey. 13. We can read parts of the ______ journal ________ in Alone Around the World. 14. By reading __________ book, we can take ________ on a thrilling adventure without leaving _________ chairs. 15. Neither Sir Mckintosh nor Sir Agabus can be blamed if ________ was frightened. Both _______ and __________ faced fierce dangers.

REGISTER PASSAGE 1 RELIGION (CHRISTIANITY)

A recent survey conducted by a group of sociologists showed that many ___1____ are turning away from the ____2_____ churches to join the spiritual and Pentecostal churches. Others no longer have ____3____ in the 4___________ of the churches. But some are still 5____ to their mother churches. In some churches, due to discontent about their teaching, few members have split into groups and this has led to the formation of religious 6________. In some cases, few members who have stubbornly challenged the teachings have been 7________. The survey further revealed that some 8______ went their 9_______ development to be manifested in instant healing. The study also touched on the religious 10 _________ which often leads to clashes among Christians and non-Christians and recommended that religious 11 ______ would be controlled by governments by declaring their respective countries 12______ states.

A 1. atheists 2. old 3. idea 4. instruction 5. supporters 6. groups 7. driven away 8. ingrates 9. physical 10. martyrs 11. intolerance 12. non-religious PASSAGE 2

B Moslem orthodox faith decision martyrs denominations expelled adherents spiritual crime battle secular

C pagans

E faithful new enthusiasm say aides sects sacked aides self war envy official

Christians ancient outmoded interest zeal education doctrine adherents ingrates parties opponents excommunicated beaten supporters pagan emotional psychological fanaticism envy dislike war monogamous material

ELEMENTARY SCIENCE (HOSPITAL VOCABULARY)

1. 2. 3. 4.

Dick has been sick for sometime and his parents decided that he should see a doctor. Early in the morning, the mother took him to the 1________ and sat down with other 2 _______ who were waiting for their turn. After taking their particulars, they waited for an hour before they were allowed to enter the 3 _______ room. The doctor took his 4 _________ to listen to the sounds inside Dicks chest. He held Dicks wrist and looked at his watch while he felt his 5 ____ which would tell him if his heart was 6 ________ normally or not. His mother saw at one corner of the room, a 7________ which can be used to examine blood. After the doctor had 8________ him, he 9_______ the disease as anaemia. This doctor asked the nurse to give him an injection at once. A drug was opened and the hypodermic 10 _______ was filled. Some drugs were 11 _____ for him and was ordered to go to the 12 _______ for them and was told to return in a weeks time for 13 ________. If he was not better by then he might be sent on to a 14 ________. All his 15 ________ were taken down and entered in the card index of patients. A B C D E laboratory O.P.D. surgical mortuary dressing room customers attendants patience candidates officials interrogationinterviewing investigation consulting operation stethoscope microscope barometer thermometer spectroanalizer

5. 6. 7. 8.

vibration pulse blood pulsation nerves pressing throbbing beating knocked thumbing telescope thermometer microscope periscope prism examine looked atendorsed tested felt 9. discovered realized diagnose found detected 10. syringe test tube bottle injection injection needle 11. proscribe conferred awarded prescribe ordered 12. theater O. P. D. dispensary mortuary surgical ward 13. check-up diagnosis observation investigation test 14. specialist pharmacist druggist dispenser nursing sister 15. records particulars credentials life history autobiography

PASSAGE 3

DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS (MULTIPARTY DEMOCRACY)

After many years of military rule, many countries in Africa will be returning to 1 ________ rule. The means that will be adopted for this will be a 2_________. It will commence with the selection of 3_________ by the main 4 _________ parties involved. Each party has a 5________ that is details their plans aimed at improving the life of the people in the country. Voting will be by universal 6 _________ which implies that every citizen 18 and above is can 7 ___________ and vote. Already the 8 _______ has started compiling the names of the 9 __________ voters in the 10 _________. As soon as that is completed, the various political parties will 11 __________ their 12 _______ candidates for the various 13 ________. The various political parties 14 ________ to inform the 15 _________ about the impending election and 16 _________ for their vote. Large sums of money were made available for the printing of 17 ________. In order to ensure peace during the 18 ________ process, many governments and international organizations have sent in 19 _________. The electoral commission has made adequate arraignment to mount tight security at all 20 ________ on the day of the election to ensure a 21 _________ elections. A 1. popular 2. ballot 3. players 4. popular 5. rules 6. casting 7. register 8. executive commission 9. new 10. final register 11. select 12. presidential 13. regions 14. compete 15. electorate 16. campaign B D E soldier people adult vote general election selection by election contestants voters candidates opponents good political religious ethnic preambles principles manifesto aims ballot voting suffrage nepotism nominate contest campaign run public electorate presidency electoral civilian eligible legible note book voters register nominate choose constituency parliamentary districts constituencies announce broadcast candidates adversaries beg canvass competent adult document candidates register take appoint competent best towns electoral colleges declare campaign parties voters plead ask C

17. voters names stickers ballot papers 18. voting advertising electioneering 19. observers viewers monitoring 20. polling booths regions polling stations 21. peace fair free and fair PASSAGE 4 :

voting sheets voting tickets fighting debating lawyers police officers voting center electoral college law and order total control

POWER PRODUCTION (ELECTRICITY)

In many countries, rivers have been 1_________ for the purpose of 2_______ 3______. In this process, large volume of water is used to 4 ______ giant 5 _______. For both 6 ______ and 7 _______ electricity 8 _________ is so great that 9 ___________electricity is used to supplement public consumption. In developing countries like Nigeria, where users have resorted to 10 ___________ connections, there is usually constant power 11 _______. Despite the irregular supply of power, electricity 12 _________ have however increased. Many meter 13 ______ falsify their readings. Consumers find it difficult to 14 __________ their bills. Recently the Electricity Company of Ghana embarked upon mass 15 ___________. A 1. dammed 2. erecting 3. transformer 4. switch 5. cables 6. office 7. village 8. consumption 9. extra 10. authorized 11. fuse 12. payment 13. electricians 14. settle 15. condemnation B erected marking turbine turn turbine town office fuse election illegal stoppage bills bosses buy disconnection C construction generating electron control insulators industrial national operation insulator unwanted cut voucher clerks clear cancellation D raised providing electricity infuse current village industrial running thermal disallowed shortage register writers leave stoppage E stopped supplying cables wire regulator national domestic turning supplementary allowed control receipt readers purchase cut

PASSAGE 5

AIR TRANSPORT

On May 5th 2008 Mr. Boat Harward received an invitation letter from his uncle in Canada. He decided to obtain a 1______ from 2 __________ office to enable him travel for the summer holidays. Fortunately, his friend working at the Canadian 3 _________ helped him to obtain 4 ________ for his trip. He later _5_ his ticket from _6_ and _7_ his _8_ for November, 2008. I accompanied him to the airport and he reported at the _9_ for the _10_formalities. I took the opportunity to watch _11_ and _12_. After the inspection of his passport and luggage, he was issued with _13_. He then bid me goodbye. I didnt see him again until I saw the plane _14_ on the _15_ and _16_ into space. I prayed that he had a safe _17_ to Canada.

A B C D E 1. certificate passport pass an excuse license 2. embassy immigration custom diplomatic foreign affairs 3. office high commission embassy center migration 4. certificate pass excuse visa diplomatic 5. applied asked purchased insured obtain 6. a shop a clearing agency an office a center a travel agency 7. confirmed insured assured assigned took 8. departure travel flight journey trip 9. arrival hall pilot office radar tarmac departure hall 10. arrival final departure handing landing 11. raising up overtaking uplifting take offs grounding 12. gliding landing alighting uplifting grounding 13. visa boarding pass certificate ticket trips 14. running speeding taxiing racing flying 15. motorway highway tarmac railway round about 16. booing zooming booming trotting zipping 17. journey voyage drive flight sojourn