ONDO STATE OF NIGERIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
JOINT SS II PROMOTION EXAMINATION
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PAPER II: THEORY
SECTION A: ESSAY (40 MARKS)
INSTRUCTION: You are required to answer only one question from this section. Your
answer should be in not less than 450 words and must reflect your original work. You are
advised to spend about 40 minutes on this section.
1. 1. The level of indiscipline among Nigerian youths is alarming. Write an article
suitable for publication in a national newspaper, discussing the causes, effects, and
solutions.
2. 2. Your school was recently invited to an inter-school debate on the topic:
"Technology has done more harm than good." Write your speech either supporting or
opposing the motion.
3. 3. You were an eyewitness to a serious accident that happened on your way to school.
Write a letter to your friend describing the accident, how it happened, and what you
did afterward.
4. 4. Your community has been experiencing a shortage of clean water. Write a letter to
the Chairman of your Local Government suggesting at least three ways the issue can
be resolved.
5. 5. Write a story that ends with the statement: “It was at that moment I knew I had
made the right decision.”
SECTION B: COMPREHENSION (15 MARKS)
Last year, a group of young medical students volunteered to work in a rural village where
access to healthcare was almost nonexistent. They organized free check-ups and provided
medication to residents. However, many villagers refused the help, claiming that
traditional medicine was more effective. Despite their resistance, the students continued
their outreach, visiting schools and homes to educate the villagers on personal hygiene
and disease prevention.
One of the students, Tunde, discovered a young boy suffering from a severe infection.
His parents had tried treating him with herbs, which worsened the situation. Tunde
convinced them to take the boy to a hospital in the city, where he eventually recovered.
This incident encouraged some villagers to begin trusting modern healthcare practices.
(a) Why did the villagers reject the medical students' help?
(b) What steps did the students take to educate the villagers?
(c) Describe the case that changed some villagers’ minds.
(d) What lessons can be learned from this passage?
(e) Find synonyms for the following words as used in the passage:
(i) volunteered
(ii) nonexistent
(iii) educate
(iv) severe
(v) recovered
SECTION C: SUMMARY (25 MARKS)
In many developing nations, youth unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges.
Despite obtaining degrees, many young people are unable to find jobs due to a lack of
practical skills and a mismatch between what they studied and what employers need. As a
result, some youths turn to crime or emigrate in search of better opportunities.
Governments and private organizations have been urged to invest in vocational training
and entrepreneurship programs that can equip young people with marketable skills. Such
programs not only reduce unemployment but also promote economic growth and
innovation.
It is crucial that education systems are redesigned to combine academic knowledge with
hands-on experience. Youth empowerment should be a top priority for any nation that
hopes to build a prosperous future.
(a) What are the main causes of youth unemployment mentioned in the passage?
(b) Why do some young people emigrate?
(c) What solution is proposed for youth unemployment?
(d) How can vocational training benefit a country’s economy?
(e) Suggest a suitable title for the passage.
(f) In one sentence, summarize the writer’s main point.
