WAEC English Language 2018 Theory — Question 5

Model answer

A BIRD IN HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH Adebimpe is known for her intelligence, persistence and sense of dutifulness. She is undoubtedly a role model to her colleagues, as they all look up to her. She is not only focused but determined and would not relax until a task is performed in a perfect manner. While everyone extols her virtues, values and strength, Adebimpe has a weakness — she has a rivalry and competitive spirit, and this had a huge repercussion on her. From high school to college, Adebimpe was always topping the honour's roll; she devises crafty means to outsmart her competitors. Unfortunately for her, it is a different ball game in the labour market. In her workplace, which is a multinational company, she realises that she cannot use the same tactics she used in school. Interestingly, her company is inundated with a cluster of brains from different universities in the world. Rather than have a learning disposition, she continues to compete. On a beautiful Monday morning, the Human Resource Manager announced that some individuals would be sent abroad for a one-year course so as to strengthen their technical skills, which they would utilise when they return. To Adebimpe's surprise, her name was not mentioned, which embittered her greatly. She stormed into the HR's office after the meeting. 'This is really unfair, after all I have done for this company. You decided to sideline me... Is it because I am a lady?' she said furiously. The Human Resource Manager, who is a female, responded, 'No Ms. Adebimpe, you are scheduled to go next year, as we need you to train the newly recruited in the art of digital marketing,' she said convincingly. 'It is not a matter of gender, but the right timing, next year is your time — just relax,' she said reassuringly. Adebimpe was unconvinced; she was enraged and could not imagine her colleagues coming back and being promoted to be her superior. She paced her office for ten minutes and went straight to the Managing Director's office. 'Sir, I would like to be considered for the same course with my colleagues,' she said confrontationally. 'I won't mind sponsoring myself if the company is not disposed to; I just want an assurance that my job will remain when I return, as I can't stand to stay here while my colleagues blossom, for crying out loud. I am better qualified than them. My appraisals are excellent,' she screamed. 'Ms. Adebimpe, the management has decided you go next year; we want you to mentor the new recruits,' the MD said. Adebimpe decided to resign her appointment and go for the course on her own bill. She thought she would top the class and come back, and by then she would be wooed back, but things did not turn out as planned. She travelled to the United States of America, and to her surprise the fees were tripled. She only paid the first installment; she borrowed to pay the second installment, but unfortunately, few days to her exams, she heard that her Mum had suffered a heart attack, and she had to forfeit her studies and money, which was not refundable. By the time she came back to Nigeria, she was totally insolvent, as she had sold all she had. She went back to her company for reconsideration but was refused bluntly. She then realised the saying that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.