WAEC English Language 2023 Theory Past Questions

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REPORT ON THE INTER-SCHOOL SPORTS FESTIVAL The inter-school sports festival was held on Saturday, August 19, 2022, at the sports complex of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State. It was a grand event that showcased the talents and skills of students from various schools in the state. The festival was organised by the Ministry of Education and the National Sports Commission, with the aim of promoting physical fitness, sportsmanship, and national unity among students. Our school participated in several events, such as athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, chess, and scrabble. We competed with other schools in our zone and qualified for the finals in some events. We also had the opportunity to watch and cheer for other schools in different events. The festival was a great success, as it was well attended by students, teachers, parents, officials, and dignitaries. The atmosphere was festive and lively, with music, dance, and cultural performances. The opening ceremony was graced by the Commissioner of Education, who declared the festival open and encouraged the students to do their best. The closing ceremony was presided over by the President of the National Sports Commission, who congratulated the winners and presented them with medals and trophies. Our school performed excellently in the festival, winning several medals and awards: gold medals in football, basketball, chess, and scrabble; silver medals in athletics, volleyball, and badminton; and bronze medals in table tennis. We also received a special award for being the most disciplined and well-behaved school at the festival. We are very proud of our achievements and thank our teachers, coaches, and parents for their support and guidance, as well as our fellow students for their enthusiasm and spirit. We congratulate all the other schools on their participation and performance, and hope to take part in more sports festivals in future to further improve our skills and abilities. We hereby submit this report for your kind consideration. Thank you. Yours faithfully, Kayode Oloyede Sport Prefect

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Pacesetter Grammar School Agboyi, Ketu Lagos State 30/08/2023 The Editor The Vanguard Newspaper Mobolaji Way, Anthony Lagos State Dear Sir, LACK OF MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC FACILITIES I am writing to express my concern and dissatisfaction with the state of public facilities in our country. I have read several articles in your newspaper that highlight the poor condition and neglect of public facilities such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, parks, and libraries, exposing the negligence of the authorities responsible for their upkeep. Public facilities are essential for the well-being and development of citizens and the nation. They provide basic services and amenities and reflect the image and reputation of the country. It is therefore imperative that they be well-maintained and functional at all times. However, many public facilities are clearly in a state of disrepair, plagued by potholes, cracks, leaks, rust, broken equipment, faulty wiring, and inadequate lighting and security. These problems cause inconvenience and pose serious risks to health and safety; a recent article in your newspaper, for instance, reported a bridge collapse due to structural damage that killed and injured several people. The lack of maintenance also has negative impacts on the economy and environment, leading to wastage of resources, loss of productivity, damage to property, and increased pollution, while discouraging tourism and investment. Another article revealed that many schools cannot provide quality education because of poor infrastructure. This state of affairs is unacceptable and a sign of poor governance, corruption and mismanagement, threatening the rights, dignity, progress and prosperity of citizens and the nation. I therefore urge the authorities to take immediate and effective action: allocating sufficient funds, resources and personnel for maintenance; ensuring transparency and accountability in project execution; and involving stakeholders such as users, experts and civil society groups. I also appeal to citizens to play their part by using public facilities responsibly, reporting damage promptly, and demanding better services from their representatives. I hope this letter draws attention to this important matter and inspires action from all parties involved, so that together we can restore and enhance our public facilities for the benefit of ourselves and future generations. Thank you for your attention. Yours sincerely, Bolaji Aremu

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Ikeja Senior School Ikeja, Lagos State Nigeria 30/08/2023 Dear Tolulope, I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I was thrilled to receive your letter expressing your interest in studying at my school, and I am more than happy to give you the information and advice you need to make an informed decision. First, let me tell you a bit about our school. Ikeja High School is a renowned educational institution known for its excellent academic programmes, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant, diverse student community. The school offers a wide range of subjects across various disciplines, giving students ample opportunity to pursue their interests and passions. As an international student, you will be pleased to know that the school has a dedicated International Student Office that provides comprehensive support to help you with the transition and ensure a smooth academic journey, from visa assistance to orientation programmes. In terms of accommodation, the school hostel provides a convenient and immersive experience, in close proximity to classes, and the facilities there are second to none. Regarding the application process, you will need to submit the necessary documents, including letters of recommendation and a personal statement. The admissions office will review your application and notify you of their decision, so it is important to apply well in advance to secure your place at the school. Once you arrive, you will be welcomed into a vibrant and inclusive community, with various clubs and organisations catering to a wide range of interests, allowing you to meet like-minded people and take part in extracurricular activities. The school also hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year, providing a platform to celebrate diverse backgrounds. Lastly, I would advise you to make the most of the resources available - our well-stocked library, modern laboratories, and advanced sports facilities - and our highly qualified and dedicated faculty, who are always ready to offer guidance and support whenever needed. I hope this letter has given you a comprehensive overview of the school. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me; I am more than happy to assist you in any way I can. Wishing you all the best in your academic pursuits, and I hope to see you soon at our school! Warm regards, Alonge Bolanle

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THE NEED TO REVIVE CLUBS AND SOCIETIES IN SCHOOLS Schools are not only places where students learn academic subjects, but also where they develop their personalities, interests, and skills. One of the best ways to do this is by joining clubs and societies that cater to different hobbies, passions, and causes. However, in recent years, many students have become less interested or involved in extracurricular activities, preferring instead to spend their time on social media, video games, or other distractions. This is a worrying trend that needs to be reversed, as clubs and societies offer many benefits for students' personal and academic growth. First of all, clubs and societies provide opportunities for students to explore their talents and passions and to discover new ones. By participating in activities they enjoy, students can develop their creativity, confidence, and self-expression. For example, a student who joins a film club can learn how to make movies, a student who joins a cooking club can learn how to prepare delicious dishes, and a student who joins a foreign language club can learn how to speak another language. These skills can enrich their lives and open up new possibilities for their future. Secondly, clubs and societies help students to make friends and build social networks. By joining a club or society, students can meet other students who share their interests and values, and form meaningful relationships with them. They can also interact with teachers, mentors, or experts who can guide and support them in their endeavours, and learn how to work in teams, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts - social skills that are essential for success in school and beyond. Thirdly, clubs and societies foster a sense of responsibility and citizenship among students. By joining a club or society, students can contribute to their school community and to society at large. They can organise events, raise funds, volunteer for causes, or advocate for issues that they care about; through this, they develop leadership skills, civic awareness, and moral values, while learning about different cultures, perspectives, and challenges that affect the world today. In conclusion, clubs and societies are valuable assets for schools and students alike, offering many opportunities for students to learn new skills, make new friends, and make a difference in the world. Schools should therefore encourage students to join clubs and societies that suit their interests and goals, and students should take advantage of these opportunities and participate actively in extracurricular activities. By reviving clubs and societies in schools, we can create a more vibrant, diverse, and engaged learning environment for everyone.

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HALF A LOAF IS BETTER THAN NONE In the heart of a quaint village nestled between rolling hills lived a man named Elias. He was known throughout the village for his boundless curiosity and insatiable appetite for knowledge, spending his days exploring the forests, talking to the villagers, and discovering the hidden gems of wisdom the world had to offer. One day, as the sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, Elias heard whispers of a wise sage who lived on the other side of the Great Forest, said to possess knowledge that could answer the questions he had carried in his heart for years. Driven by his thirst for knowledge, Elias set out toward the Great Forest, packing a few essentials and a loaf of freshly baked bread. The villagers warned him of the dangers ahead - wild beasts, treacherous terrain, and mystic challenges guarding the path to the sage. As Elias ventured deeper into the forest, he faced trials that tested his courage and wit: he crossed roaring rivers on wobbly bridges, deciphered riddles carved on ancient stones, and braved storms that seemed to whisper secrets of the universe. Throughout his journey, he rationed his loaf of bread, savouring each morsel, as he knew it was his only sustenance. Days turned into weeks, and Elias finally reached the dwelling of the sage - a venerable old man with twinkling eyes, who welcomed him warmly and listened to his questions patiently. Elias poured out his heart, seeking answers that had eluded him for so long. The sage began to share his wisdom, answering Elias's questions one by one, and Elias hung onto every word, his heart swelling with gratitude. But as the day waned, the sage paused and, with a knowing gleam in his eyes, said, "It's time for you to leave now, my dear traveller. Your journey doesn't end here. The answers I've shared are like the slices of bread you carried with you - a nourishment to sustain you on the path ahead." Elias felt a pang of disappointment, having hoped for a complete solution to all his inquiries. Reluctantly, he gathered his belongings, bade farewell to the sage, and began his journey back home. As he retraced his steps through the Great Forest, Elias realised the true depth of the sage's words. With each challenge he faced, he remembered the advice given, the riddles solved, and the wisdom shared - just as the loaf of bread he had rationed, the sage's teachings proved to be invaluable sustenance for his mind and soul. Back in the village, Elias shared his experiences with the villagers, imparting the wisdom he had gained. He realised that though he hadn't received all the answers in one go, the knowledge he had gained was far more valuable than he had initially thought. The villagers, inspired by his journey and the lessons he brought back, coined a new saying: "Half a loaf is better than none, for even a little wisdom can light up the path of a seeker." And so, Elias became a revered storyteller, passing on the sage's wisdom and his own experiences to generations to come, understanding that the journey and the lessons learned along the way were as precious as the destination itself, and that even a small piece of knowledge could make a profound difference in someone's life.

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She went out to send a parcel to her son (through The Pathfinder), who had come home for a two-day visit and was about to leave for the city.

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1. She had to walk a long distance. 2. She had to contend with bad weather (the cold, windy morning and, later, a sudden downpour) and walk through bad/muddy roads.

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He was the very first person from the village of Koomla to earn a doctoral degree, blazing a trail/path of academic achievement that others in the village had not achieved before him.

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1. Her worn-out clothes (she wore just a threadbare sweater over an equally aged wrapper). 2. Her meagre savings (she had saved for three months and it fit into a small envelope, described as "all I have").

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It was one of pity, compassion and sympathy - he treated her kindly and with respect, taking care to see that she got to shelter and did not suffer further in the rain.

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She wanted/expected her son to be successful in life and to turn out well.

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She was between 70 and 74 years old (an early septuagenarian, in her early 70s).

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Personification - the sky (rain) is given the human quality of "weeping".

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It is an adverbial clause (of time).

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It modifies/qualifies the verb phrase "shall see", indicating when the action will take place.

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(i) delicate - frail, fragile, weak, poor, ailing (ii) ominous - threatening, menacing, foreboding, portentous, eerie (iii) an obligation - a duty, a responsibility, a commitment, an onus (iv) overcast - cloudy, (very) dark, grey, clouded, hazy, sunless (v) pensively - thoughtfully, reflectively, contemplatively

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1. Parents should instil the quality of self-control in their children. 2. Parents should teach their children to be humble. 3. Parents should teach their children to be resilient (or: to be persevering). 4. Parents should teach their children to instil the virtue of integrity. 5. Parents should teach their children to be industrious/hardworking. 6. Parents should teach their children to be law-abiding (or: to obey rules and regulations).