Passage I
Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow.
They are approaching the school building, holding hands as they walk to school. Ayele and Esinam are friends who attend the same school and are in the same class. Today, Ayele is not talking, though Esinam expects her to say something about her new bag. "So is that how you are? You're not passing any comment about my schoolbag? Dad gave it to me when he returned from America yesterday." Ayele's reply is a mere grunt, but Esinam is in no mood to be unhappy. Ignoring her friend's mood, she breaks into a song about her parents' many acts of love. "Mum and Dad buy me dresses, shoes and anything I wish for, if I ask. It's great to be young!"
Ayele is strapping on her back an old school bag once used by her elder sister. The brown colour has faded because she washes it too many times. When she breaks her silence she speaks solemnly and without regret. "I've grown used to old dresses, bags and shoes Mum buys. She says she can't do more. I trust her and love." There is a tremble in her voice, as though she is about to cry. But her eyes gradually brighten up as she speaks on: "I'm in J.S.S 3, like you, and we are both doing well. It's great to look to the future with hope." Esinam nods her agreement as the school bell rings and breaks their walk into a gallop.
Question 1
Why is Ayele not talking today?
Question 2
For Esinam, It's great to be young means
Question 3
We learnt from the passage that Ayele's parents are ......
Question 4
In the passage, Ayele comes across as one who is ......
Question 5
The word tremble means
Passage II
There are two questions that people often ask about laughter. These are: what makes people laugh, and what laughter does to them
.
When you try to think of what makes people laugh or what they consider funny you start thinking about how one person behaves towards another in different situations. For example, why do people laugh when they see others behaving awkwardly, or see some kind of weakness in other person?
The explanation is often quite simple. We laugh when we see people behaving or acting in an odd manner. For example, if on your way to work or to school you see a big fat man in a leafy green suit, wearing a tiny blue straw hat, or at a party, you encounter a very short man dancing with a big tall woman, you will naturally laugh, won't you? These things are funny and queer.
Apart from the strange things that make people laugh, laughter is good for our body and health. It is good for our lungs and allows us to release extra energy. It also has a great social value. If you enjoy laughter you invite good company. Indeed, in most societies, laughter is used as a way of keeping people who do not do the right things in check. Thus laughter is a way of ensuring discipline.
Question 6
According to the passage, people laugh when they ......
Question 7
From the passage we learn that laughter makes people look ......
Question 8
People who laugh a lot ......
Question 9
Societies can use laughter to ......
Question 10
The word awkwardly in the passage means
SECTION B
Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D, the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word
in each sentence.
Question 11
Our dependable goalkeeper saved us from disgrace.
Question 12
A neutral referee handled the final match.
Question 13
The pupils were jubilating because they had passed their examinations.
Question 14
Kuuki's dream is to become a celebrated musician.
Question 15
Appiah is a talented football player.
SECTION C
In each of the following sentences a word or groups of word has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one that best explains the underlined group of words.
Question 16
Andy returned to school after playing truant for three days. This means that Andy was ......
Question 17
Ama was the only one who was close-lipped about the theft. This means that Ama ......
Question 18
Issah was asked to toe the line or quit the team. This means that Issah was asked to
Question 19
The students were advised to give up smoking. This means that the students were asked to ...... smoking.
Question 20
Mrs. Vesa has a heart of gold. This means that Mrs. Vesa is very ......
SECTION D
From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word
underlined in each sentence.
Question 21
My grandfather is a robust ninety-year-old.
Question 22
I consented to his suggestion because it was useful.
Question 23
A sharp cutlass is one of the items on the prospectus.
Question 24
The J.S.S students are reading the abridged versions of Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Question 25
The best pupil was awarded a prize.
SECTION D
From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one that is most suitably completes each sentence.
Question 26
Ashia is used to ...... her parents every weekend.
Question 27
...... students were present.
Question 28
Jenny has ...... on her head.
Question 29
Korkoi is a ...... of twelve.
Question 30
The man of God preached that we should love ......
Question 31
Mansah is ...... beautiful than any of her three sisters.
Question 32
Appiah was appointed prefect of his class, ......
Question 33
Anytime Ataa went to school, she ...... into trouble.
Question 34
My dream school is for ...... only.
Question 35
Sam, have you ever ...... in this river?
Question 36
Susie and Tim are friends; they like ......
Question 37
Aunt Ekuwa ...... be able to solve the problem.
Question 38
For one week I went to school ...... foot.
Question 39
The committee has been meeting over the case ...... 2pm.
Question 40
I hope you are not ...... tired to run an errand for me.