GCE English Language 2025 Theory Past Questions

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Model letter provided in source (excerpt): Dear Tofunmi, ... describes the traditional marriage process (Iyawo/Igbeyawo) in the writer's hometown of Iseyin, covering the introduction ceremony ('Mo mi n mo e'), the engagement ceremony ('Idana') where the groom's family brings a list of items (salt, sugar, yam tubers, clothing materials, gifts, wine/schnapps, and bride price), the symbolic presentation of the bride, identification of the groom, prayers and blessings from both families, and the formal handing over of the bride to the groom's family (Ilupo), concluding that traditional marriage is more than a ceremony - it celebrates love, family and unity. A full sample letter (450+ words) is given in the source for reference.

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Model speech provided in source (excerpt, arguing AGAINST the motion): Opens by defining social media and noting how it has revolutionised global communication (real-time contact across distances), amplified the voice of the voiceless (e.g. #EndSARS, #BlackLivesMatter), promoted education and learning (virtual classes, webinars, online resources), and created business opportunities (digital marketing, remote work, online customer service). Acknowledges negatives (cyberbullying, addiction, misinformation, privacy issues) but argues the tool itself is neutral - impact depends on use - and concludes that, used responsibly, social media has done far more good than harm to communication, education, business and global awareness. A full sample speech (450+ words) is given in the source for reference.

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Model article provided in source, titled 'Preventing Water-Borne Diseases in Our Community: A Collective Responsibility'. Key points: improving access to clean and safe drinking water (covered wells, treated boreholes, public water facilities with purification systems); proper treatment of water at home (boiling, purification tablets, chlorine drops, filtration, safe storage); improving sanitation and hygiene practices (proper toilets, avoiding open defecation, handwashing); community awareness and education (outreach programmes, radio campaigns, school health clubs); government involvement and policy enforcement (regulating water usage, enforcing sanitary laws, regular inspections); and community participation (clean-up days, public health seminars, water management committees). Concludes that preventing water-borne disease is a combined effort of individuals, households, communities, and authorities, since clean water is a right, not a privilege. A full sample article (450+ words) is given in the source for reference.

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Model narrative provided in source: Jola, a final-year university student, receives a warning message from her cousin about armed robbers attacking early morning buses near Ikoyi Bridge on her route back to school. Though initially tempted to dismiss it as an exaggerated rumour, she takes the warning seriously, changes her planned travel time from 5:00a.m. to 9:00a.m., travels with a reputable transport company, and informs her parents and friends of her travel details. Later that evening she learns that the earlier 5:30a.m. bus on her original route was indeed attacked, with passengers injured and robbed - the exact scenario she narrowly avoided by heeding the warning. The story concludes with Jola adopting the habit of always taking travel advice seriously afterward, earning the nickname 'Madam Safety' among her friends, illustrating that being forewarned (informed of a danger in advance) allows one to be forearmed (prepared to avoid or handle it). A full sample story (450+ words) is given in the source for reference.

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Universities and other tertiary institutions produce thousands of graduates every year without a corresponding increase in job vacancies.

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Vocational training to acquire skills and become entrepreneurs/employers of labour, rather than relying solely on white-collar (office) jobs.

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It is because their already developed intellectual capabilities make it easier for them to acquire additional (vocational) skills.

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(i) One can become an entrepreneur and employer of labour rather than remaining a job seeker after graduation. (ii) It will help reduce the rate of crime in society, since idle, unemployed graduates are less likely to turn to crime.

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(i) It is an adverbial clause (of time). (ii) It modifies the verb phrase 'should swallow' (i.e. it indicates when the action of the main clause takes place).

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It is to equip youths with the necessary skills to become self-reliant rather than job seekers after graduation, and to help reduce the rate of crime in society by giving young people opportunities for self-development and earning a living.

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They enable people to start life all over again by using the skills they have acquired to earn a living, after losing their jobs or means of livelihood due to a disaster (such as the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic).

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(i) The pressures of civilisation and individual careers have made women prioritise personal survival over communal support. (ii) The traditional system of daily interactions and mutual support among women has been broken down by individual challenges and isolation. (iii) Modern life has shifted women away from their naturally communal and supportive nature towards a more individualistic way of living.

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(i) A strong support system among women promotes happiness and resilience among women. (ii) Women with shared visions among women can inspire one another and help balance their dreams with other areas of life. (iii) A supportive sisterhood keeps women focused and motivated, giving them joy and helping eradicate any form of stress, making life more beautiful.