WAEC English Language 2023 Theory — Question 5

Model answer

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.