HOW TO ATTAIN ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

IN THE FACE OF OBSTACLES

 

BEING

 

A WORKSHOP ORGANIZED FOR YOUTHS

UNDER THE AUSPICES OF

 

THE YOUTH FOR CHRIST END-TIME MINISTRIES INC.

 

ILORIN

 

HELD

 

FROM 6TH TO 8TH AUGUST, 1998

 

Foreword by Prof. E. E. Adegbija

 

 

 

HOW TO ATTAIN ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

IN THE FACE OF OBSTACLES

BY

THE YOUTH FOR CHRIST END-TIME MINISTRIES INC (YCEM)

 

 

 

 

 

THE YCEM PUBLICATIONS

C/O P. O. BOX 2449, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.

 

Copyright @ 1998

 

 

by

 

 

THE YOUTH FOR CHRIST END-TIME MINISTRIES INC (YCEM)

 

 

All rights reserved under Nigerian and International conventions. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

 

 

 

First published in Nigeria 1998

ISBN 978 - 33852 - 1-6

Printed in Nigeria.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pages

Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………     v    

Foreword……………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………..      vi 

General Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….     vii

Chapter One: How to know God's will in choice of a career by Dr J.A. Omotosho …………………………………………………    1-7

Chapter Two: Courses Required in the choice of particular career by Dr J.A Olorunmaiye ………………………………………..     8-12

Chapter Three: How to Read and Pass Examinations by Dr (Mrs) M. V. Adegbija ………………………………………………..     13-16

Chapter Four: How to Answer Essay Questions by Mrs O.A Owoyele ……………………………………………………………      17-19

Chapter Five: How to Answer Comprehension Questions by Prof. E. E. Adegbija………………………………………………..       20-23

Chapter Six: How to Answer Objective Questions by Mrs C. Bamgboye………………………………………………………….      24-29

Chapter Seven: Examination Mal-practices: Factors Responsible and anti-dotes by Mr J.A Fayeye………………………………     30-34

General Conclusion  ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..      35

The YCEM President's brief salvation testimony…………………………………………………………………………………..      36-37

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

            I, Revd. Abednego Oghenekevwe, am indeed very grateful to God for enabling us to start the Youth for Christ End-time Ministries on the 7th of February, 1998, for the purpose of enhancing the lives of youths morally, spiritually, physically, socially and academically, and for the purpose of reaching or winning them for Christ. We thank Him for the many lives He has enabled us to influence since the inception of the ministry through our various programmes which include seminars, and workshops among others, one of which is our August 6th to 8th workshop titled: “How to attain academic excellence” which has produced this fantastic book in your hand. To God be the glory.

 

            I am also indebted to the various brethren, specialist in their various fields, who presented papers during that August 6th to 8th 1998 workshop that has produced this book. I don't know how to thank them enough, especially when they have given us permission to publish their activities as their contribution to the ministry.

 

            I must not forget to thank the numerous brethren who have supported the ministry morally, spiritually, and financially since its inception and several others too numerous to mention.

 

            Please, accept my sincere thanks and appreciation. May God bless you richly in all your endeavours in Jesus name (Amen).

 

 

 

 

FOREWORD

 

Attaining academic excellence is often a difficult and sometimes absolutely frustrating endeavour which requires hard, dedicated labour and utmost commitment. The present book, Attaining Academic Excellence is a by-product of a workshop specifically conducted for secondary school students. It unveils practical hints and hidden secrets desirable for achieving success in academic studies. Very pertinent and extremely relevant topics are maturely, somewhat comprehensively and insightfully treated. These range from the choice of a career, courses required in choosing a career, reading and passing examinations, to answering essay and comprehension questions and, a most recent nagging problem in most institutions—examination malpractice, for which the book provides the causes, dangers and antidotes. Overall, such topics should be of cardinal interest not only to secondary school students, but also any student desirous to know the secrets of success in academics. Each topic is handled in a heart-to-heart, practical, simple, readily accessible, appealing and compelling language and style with the potential of actually challenging readers of all categories to take practical steps toward attaining academic excellence.

            The insights in each article are incisive, practical and, to my mind, very valid and workable, thus betraying the expertise, varied experiences and rich exposures of the different authors. I therefore very strongly and enthusiastically recommend Attaining Academic Excellence not only to all secondary school students in particular, but also, in general, to anyone who has anything to do with career choice and examinations.

 

 

Prof. Efurosibina Adegbija

University of Ilorin, Ilorin.

GENERAL INTODUCTION

PRIVATE

There is a sense in which we could title this book as career talk. According to Dr J.A. Omotosho, a career “--- is a chosen pursuit, life work, or a profession. It is a sequence of major positions occupied by a person throughout his/her lifetime.

In a nutshell, career is the totality of work which one does in one's lifetime.”  Dr J.A. Olorunmaiye confirms this with further insight when he defines career as "--- the course or progress of some portion of a person's life as related to his occupation."  Defining  "Occupation", he says ”--the work one does to gain a livelihood. For example, trading, farming, teaching, etc.”  The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of current English defined career to mean "progress through life; way of making a living; profession ---." Therefore, career is what you do after leaving school to earn a living.

Since you must work to earn a living, you need to prepare your self. In the words of Dr J.A. Olorunmaiye, "you need to be wise in the choice of the work you'll do for a living and you also need to be wise in preparing your self to enter into such a work." And this is the essence of this book.

Therefore, chapter one and chapter two help you to know how you can make that choice. Chapter three to six help you to master or  prepare yourself to succeed in the choice of the career you have made.

While chapter seven examines examination mal-practices as to the types, factors responsible for it and anti-dotes.

Students fail exams not because they are not intelligent but because they have not been engaged in systematic preparation for the examinations, master the techniques of reading, the techniques of answering questions in various types of examination and knowing the courses required for particular careers in the first place.

Student, if you want to succeed in your career and be what you hope to be in life, we strongly recommend this book to you. You will be glad you did. Happy reading.

 

Revd. Abednego Oghenekevwe,

President,

YCEM, Ilorin.

 

DEDICATION

 

                                                This book is dedicated to:

                                                            Pastor Dr. J.A. Omotosho

                                                            Pastor (Prof.) E. E. Adegbija

                                                            Dr (Mrs) M. V. Adegbija

                                                            Mrs. C. Bamgboye

                                                            Mrs. O. A. Owoyele

                                                            Dr J.A. Olorunmaiye

                                                            Mr J.A. Fayeye

   Who presented papers at the YCEM workshop from 6th to 8th August 1998, and to:

 All who have supported the YCEM morally, spiritually, and financially since its inception.

 

CHAPTER ONE

 

HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL IN THE CHOICE OF A CAREER

 

BY

 

PASTOR (DR) J.A OMOTOSHO

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

What is a career? It is a chosen pursuit, life work, or a profession. It is a sequence of major positions occupied by a person throughout his/her lifetime. In a nutshell, career is the totality of work, which one does in one's lifetime. Careers exist only because people pursue them: so careers are careers  are person - centred. It is an orderly work history in which each job is preparatory for the next. Suppose a young senior secondary school starts as a clerical officer in the Ministry of Social Welfare. Suppose also that he studies in his spare time at home (while still an employee of the Ministry) and obtains his two or three passes at 'A' level. Then he proceeds on study-leave (with or without pay) to obtain a Bachelors degree in administration, and then he returns to his work and works for several years to become the Director General of his Ministry, he would be said to have a career. The sequences of major positions he occupied in his occupational life, including work-related roles such as those of a student, employee, and pensioner etc., form his career.

What role does God have to play in all this? For the Christian, "Much" is the answer. This is so because as a Christian you are to renounce your own will and submit to the will of God for your life in all that you do, including this all important area: - your career.

Jesus said that He chose you and called you to do His will (John 15:16). If you have decided to accept Him as your Saviour, then you have done what He said you must do to be His disciple. That is, forget self, take up your cross daily and follow Him (Lk.9: 23). But have you let Him become the Master of your will yet? If yes, do you allow Him to give direction to your life?  His direction in the area of your career is very important and needed.

THE NEED TO KNOW GOD'S CHOICE IN OUR CAREERS

 

The problem that faces every Christian is how to know or ascertain the will of God. While Jesus Christ was on earth He was a perfect illustration of absolute conformity to the will of God. That is why it was written of Him thus, "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of me) to do Thy will, O God" (Heb 10:7). In fact, He knew and did the will of God so well that He could say, "I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do" (John 17:4). And as Jesus was given a specific task to perform on earth, so is each Christian assigned a specific task to do on earth. It is usually by means of their careers that most people perform that task. It is therefore, the responsibility of every Christian not just to choose any career, but to choose the career that is in line with God's will for him/her and to follow it through, also in line with God's will. It is your responsibility to learn from the Lord his plan for your life's career.

There are grave dangers in not following the career of God's choice if one is a Christian. You must have heard of the slang, "a square peg in a round hole." It is used when there is misfit. If the career you end up choosing is different from the one that God intends for you then you are a misfit and you stand the risk of not fulfilling God's desire and will for your life. There is a misfit, which will ultimately lead to lack of satisfaction. In that way your life will not fined fulfilment. There is nothing that leads to sin, frustration and sorrow as much as an unfulfilled life. It leads to dissatisfaction with one self and with God and fruitlessness results. One can even backslide from the faith and finally end up in hell. That is too high a price to pay for a wrong choice of a career, and may you not have to pay so highly for your career choice.

 

GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW THE PLAN HE HAS FOR YOUR LIFE AND CAREER

 

There is a divine blueprint for each child of God. This plan includes your career too. God's plan for you fits you perfectly. Particularly, His plan for your career fits your personality, characteristics, your talents, your abilities, your needs, your interests, your environment, etc. In Eph. 2:10 we are told, "for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them". God has ordained certain specific tasks, works and assignments for each individual Christian. The Apostle Paul could say, "I have finished my course". He fulfilled his ministry and his work was completed. (2 Tim. 4:7).

In Acts 22:14 we read that immediately Paul was saved and baptized, Ananias said to him, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will". God wanted Paul to know His will for him. In the same way today, God wants you to know His will concerning your life and career. God's plan for your career is very personal. It is just for you and no one else. God promises His children in Ps. 32:8 thus, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shall go: I will guide thee with mine eye". Isn't that very comforting? Praise the Lord!

God usually leads us one step at a time. Even though God has a purpose for us for the whole of our future, but He often leads us step by step. In Psalm 37:23 we read, "The step of a good man are ordered by the Lord". He does this continually. Isa 58:11- "And the Lord shall guide thee continually". So it is up to you to listen to Him and follow His leading continually. In addition, when God leads you He does so in definite and specific ways. "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, this is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left". God has a way of showing His will to His children. Such a way is definite and specific. If you form a habit of listening well and paying attention He will help you to discover it. You will need to pray daily details. Finally, since God's will for you is always "good, and acceptable and perfect" (Rom 12:2), you should not be afraid to pray for it to be revealed to you. One reason why Christians don't look for God's will for their lives and careers is that they fear that if God reveals His will to them it will be contrary to what they themselves cherish and want. On the contrary, however, God's will for you is good and much better than what you can possibly choose for yourself. His will brings more joy and peace to His children than their own choice could bring. God is not a slave master who always forces us to do a will that is distasteful to us. Rather, He is a loving Father who gives us what will satisfy us and help us to live a life which leads us to heaven at last. Eternal life in His kingdom will be far better than a short life on earth that has the possibility of leading us to hell fire.

 

CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE FULFILLED IN ORDER TO KNOW GOD'S WILL IN YOUR CAREER CHOICE

 

If you want to be sure of receiving God's will about your career choice, you must fulfil certain conditions. Without fulfilling those conditions you cannot be sure if your career choice is from God or from Satan. When you play your part faithfully in obedience to God's commands God will have no other choice, as it were, than to also fulfil His part.

1st Condition: Ensure that you already know God's Son, Jesus Christ, as your Lord and personal Saviour. God makes His divine will known only to those who have become His children through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. You must first be born again (Jn 3:3,5). That is where the process of knowing God's will begins. God's choice is only for the believer in Jesus Christ. I am not referring to merely going to church or being a chorister, etc. In fact, I am not referring to being born into a Christian family, bearing a Christian name, etc. Rather, I am referring to being born again and knowing it for sure. Examine yourself. If you have a doubt about this possibility, this is the time to settle it once and for all. (If you desire to know how to be born again and receive assurance of being God's child who will go to reign in Heaven with God eternally, indicate this desire of yours to the leader right now before going to the 2nd condition. Otherwise, the whole of this book will not bring you lasting profit).

 

2nd Condition: Trust in the Lord to guide you because He has promised to do so: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye". (Psalm 32:8)

 

3rd Condition: Delight yourself in the Lord so that He will give you your heart's desires. "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He will give thee the desires of thine heart". (Ps 37:4). To delight yourself in the Lord means to be willing and eager to know His will and be ready to do it.

 

4th Condition: Commit your ways to the Lord. Ps. 37:5 says "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass". You must have complete and explicit faith in God to the point that you are ready to let Him guide your choice of career. You are ready to yield to doing His will by taking His choice, not yours.

5th Condition: Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him to reveal His will to you. In Ps 37:7 we have, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him..." God has promised to guide you (Ps 32:8), so do not choose your career in a hurry. Don't become a 'russian' in this important area of your life.

 

6th Condition: Consecrate yourself to God for His use by surrendering your self to Him totally. You must be willing to obey and do His will (Rom.12: 1). Decide to be wholly for God and bring yourself to Him even as a sacrifice as in the times of old when sacrifices were brought to God and left there at the alter of sacrifice, never to be taken away by the one offering the sacrifice.

 

7th Condition: Separate yourself from the world and all known sins. Rom 12:2 says "And be not conformed to this world... that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God". Have nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11, I John 2: 15-17).

 

8th Condition: Renew your mind (Rom 12:2). Let your mind be in tune with God, His Spirit, and the Holy Bible so that you can hear His still, small voice. Only spiritually minded persons who are in tune with God can hear Him when He reveals His will.

 

CERTAIN FEATURES THAT ARE ALWAYS GOD'S WILL AND CHOICE

 

The following are always parts and parcels of God's will for us in the choices we make. In fact, we don't need to ask Him to show us; they are already included, as part of His will.

(a)        A life of holiness and separation from sin. I Thess 4:3 says, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification". God is holy and it is His will that we be like Him in holiness. There is no need for us to ask Him whether He wants us to be holy or not; He does. Because of this truth, if a career you are considering will not help you to live a holy life you must drop it at once. Examples of such careers are stealing/embezzling of government/public money or property, prostitution, selling of wine or cigarettes or trafficking in cocaine or illegal drugs.

 

(b)        Prayer and Thanksgiving are always God's will for us. In I Thess. 5:17,18 we are told, "Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you". Take your career choice prayer requests to the Lord, and thanking Him always for answers you receive.

(c)        Doing good deeds is always God's will for you. I Pet.2: 15 says, "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men". The reason God saves us is to do good works and no evil (Eph.2: 10).

 

THE METHODS GOD USES FOR HELPING US MAKE A CHOICE OF A CAREER

 

How does God reveal His choice of a career to us? Since God sees us as unique beings different from one another He uses various methods to lead us: some persons are led one way while others are led differently.

 

(1)        Opportunities and Circumstances: Usually after we have committed our ways to the Lord, He may suddenly provide specific opportunities and situations that are answers to our prayers on choice of careers. God can use circumstances to open one door and close another door.

 

(2)        Your own abilities: may match a job vacancy that becomes available as you pray about a career.

 

(3)        Your interests: May match the job descriptions that are required. God may make His will known to you by helping you observe similarities/dissimilarities between your own interests and the general of the majority of persons in particular occupations.

 

(4)        God may use the counsel of others to reveal His will for your career. Such persons include elderly or more matured Christians, parents (especially if they are believers too), friends, etc. Others may get a better picture of you than you can. If you have a Christian counsellor in your school visit him for God can use him for you.

 

(5)        The needs of the day may be what God uses to direct your path. Such needs may include the economic situation in the country, the needs of those around you especially if you have dependants, your ordinary position among your parents' children, etc.

 

(6)        Your value system: may be what God uses to reveal His will about a career. Those who are deeply committed to obeying God wholly may determine to accept or reject certain careers in preference to others even though the rejected offer may offer a bigger pay e.g. a young Christian graduate may take a job as a mathematics teacher in a village Secondary School where he will find better avenues to reach the villages and students for Christ than take a higher-pay job in another place where he cannot have access to enough people.

 

(7)        God often guides through verses of Scriptures that speak loudly to you. You therefore, need to read, study and mediate on the Word of God carefully and purposefully. God's will is never contrary to the Bible.

 

(8)        Inner Conviction: that is given by the Holy Spirit is another method. In Rom.8:16 we are told, "The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit..." that a certain career is good for us. The Holy Spirit is the one who "will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13)

 

(9)        At times God guides us by a vision. The Apostle Paul was so led at one point in his life (Acts 16:9-10), "Come over into Macedonia and help us". Be careful you are not misled by this method; test it with other methods.

 

(10)      Some knowledge of God's choice of a career may reach us by our putting out a fleece. In Judges 6:37-39, Gideon knew God's will by this method. Be very careful in the use of this method. We must not form the habit of putting God to test.

 

TESTS THAT ENABLES US TO KNOW AND CONFIRM IF CAREER CHOSEN IS OF GOD

 

The following tests or criteria can be used to ascertaining whether the career we have chosen is of God's leading or not.

1.         Scripturality Test ...............................................................

2.         Holy Spirit's Ministration Test...........................................

3.         Peace of Heart Test............................................................

4.         Congruency Test................................................................

5.         Growth Test.......................................................................

6.         Fruitfulness Test ................................................................

7.         Confirmation of Others Test .............................................

8.         Sincerity Test or Heart's Conscience Test .........................

 

CONCLUSION

 

Let us summarize what we have been saying with the following statements of facts:

1.         In knowing God's will for your career choice you need God's light for one step at a time?

2.         Obey the light that God has already given you, and then He will give you further light.

3.         God is the one who can enable you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil.2: 13).

4.         Matthew 12:50 tells us about the importance of doing God's will. What does it say? What then is your choice: To follow His leading or to make your choice yourself?

5.         How did Jesus feel about doing the will of God from a study of the following verses?

(a)        John 5:30 ...............................................................

(b)        John 6:38 ...............................................................

(c)        John 17:4 ...............................................................

(d)       Luke 22:42 ............................................................

(e)        What do you feel about God's will in your career choice?    

CHAPTER TWO

 

COURSES REQUIRED IN THE CHOICE OF PARTICULAR CAREERS

 

BY

DR J.A. OLORUNMAIYE

 

INTRODUCTION

 

"Get wisdom, get understanding; Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Prov. 4:5,7 (NIV.). "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed". Prov 15:22 (NIV).”Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." Matt 4: 21 -22 (NIV.). Isn't this the carpenter's son? Matt 13:55. Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son?--- Mark 6:3. .... We gave you this rule, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat-2 Thess. 3:10.

Since man must eat to live, the last scripture quoted above is commanding us to work for our living. You need to be wise in the choice of the work you'll do for a living and you also need to be wise in preparing yourself to enter into such a work. You can make good use of the counsel of experienced advisers so that you can make a good choice and have a good preparation for the work you want to do (see the Proverbs passage above).

Long ago people entered into various professions and trades through apprenticeship training and children often take to the work their parents did. For example, James Zebedee and John Zebedee took to fishing like their father (Matt 4:21-22).

Jesus also learned to be a carpenter like his earthly father, Joseph (Matt 13:55 and Mark 6:3).

Many different types of occupations are mentioned in the Scriptures. Among them are porters (I Chronicles 4:23), carpenter (Mark 6:3), mason (Luke 6:48), metal workers (Gen 4:22, I Sam 13:19, I King 7:45), tanner (Acts 9:43), dyer (Acts 16:14), tentmakers (Acts 18:1-3), moneychangers (Matt 21:12), bankers (Luke 19:23), tax collector or publican (Luke 3:12,13), and physicians (Mark 5:26).

In modern times, the numbers of occupations available to choose from are far more than were available in Bible times.

DEFINITION OF SOME WORDS

 

Occupation or Vacation means the work one does to gain a livelihood. e.g. trading, farming, teaching etc.

Trade or Craft is a work that requires manual skill e.g. plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying etc.

The word Craft is used for a trade that requires a greater degree of skill and even artistic creation e.g. jewelry.

Profession is an occupation that requires special knowledge and training. Other qualities of an occupation that qualifies it to be called a profession include altruistic motive as an attitude of mind while doing the work, and a confidential relationship between the client and the person doing the work. Examples of professions are law, medicine, divinity and engineering.

Career is the course or progress of some portion of a person's life as related to his occupation. For example, a young graduate engineer who may work in an oil company for a few years, and later join a University as a lecturer and get promoted until he becomes a professor and end up as minister of works and Housing could be said to have a career. Note that all the jobs a person does in his career may not necessarily all be in the same profession as in the example above.

Note also that there may be many occupations in one profession.

For example, an engineer who specializes in one of the more than 30 specialties of engineering may work in some of the career function of research, development, design, production, testing, sales, management, consulting, and teaching.

 

DIFFERENT OCCUPATIONS IN WHICH ONE CAN HAVE A CAREER

In modern times, many occupations require training at secondary school and tertiary institutions before one can go into them. Those occupations that are professions may even require additional periods of apprenticeship before one is licensed to practise them, and even after one is licensed, continuing education may be necessary for professional development.

The following is a list of such occupations.

1.   Medicine

2.   Law - bar; bench.

3.   Divinity or Theology

4.   Architecture

5.   Geology

6.   Forestry

7.   Agriculture

8.   Surveying

9.   Estate Management

10.  Urban and Regional Planning

11.  Insurance

12.  Marketing

13.  Pharmacy

14.  Veterinary Medicine

15.  Journalism

16.  Accounting

17.  Banking

18.  Aviation

19.  Computer programming

20.  Theatre Arts

21.  Broadcasting

22.  Catering

23.  Counselling

24.  Library

25.  Medical technology

26.  Police Force

27.  Customs and Immigration

28.  Quantity Surveying

29.  Building

30.  Nursing

31.  University/College Lecturing

32.  Teaching-Elementary School; Secondary School

33.  Armed Forces-Army; Navy; Air Force.

34.  Engineering (all the specialties i.e. Agricultural, Civil,  

       Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Petroleum, Metallogical, 

       Aeronautical, Industrial, Marine, Computer etc.)

 

      *   What occupation do you intend to take to?

 

SUBJECTS AND COURSES REQUIRED FOR SOME CAREERS

 

English Language and Mathematics are two subject generally considered important for any course you want to read at tertiary institution level.

For Arts, Education (Art), Law, Business and Social Science courses you are expected to take at least five of the following subjects Economics, History/Government, Commerce, Literature in English, Geography, one science subject (Health Science or Biology), one Nigeria Language, CRK/IRK, Typewriting/Shorthand, and French.

For Agriculture, Education (Science), Engineering/Technology, Medical/Pharmaceutical sciences and Sciences, you should take at least five of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Geography, Agric. Science, Further Maths, Technical Drawing, French, CRK/IRK and one Nigeria Language.

Note that if you are going to take a course that requires that you take Maths or Physics as a subject beyond SSCE, you are strongly advised to take Further Maths in your SSS (i.e. if you want to read Engineering, Architecture, Medicine, B.Sc Physics etc.

You may take JAMB exam to enter a tertiary institution to read the course of interest to you. Decide on the particular institution you want to go and be sure you take the correct subject combination for the course you want to read. For instance, Unilorin will only accept English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry for Computer Science, whereas you get the impression that you are to take English, Maths, Physics, Economics from the JAMB brochure. Some things written in the JAMB brochure are wrong and you may need to visit the department where the course you want to read is run to get correct information.

If you want to enter the University through GCE A/L (Cambridge) or IJMB examination, find out from JAMB brochure or the institution you want to attend to read the course the three advanced level subjects you should take.

 

Occupation	Courses of Institutions where you can study them
Medicine & Surgery	MBBS in University
Dentistry and Dental Surgery	BDS in a University
Nursing	NRN from school of nursing B.Sc Nursing from a University
Medical Lab Technology/Science	Diploma from a University B.Sc from a University
Pharmacy	B. Sc from University
Veterinary Medicine	DVM from a University
Legal Practitioner (Company Secretary, Barrister, Solicitor), Judicial officer (magistrates, judges)	LL. B from a University B. LL. from Law school
Divinity or Theology	Diploma; B.A; B.Th.; B.Div., etc. from a Seminary or Theological College. B.A Religious Studies from a University
Engineering	B.Sc.; B. Eng or B. Tech. from a University
Engineering Technology	HND from a Polytechnic
Architecture	B.Arch or M.Sc. Architecture from a University
Geology	B.Sc. Geology from a University
Agriculture (Agric officer-civil servant)	B.Sc. Agric from a University Diploma in Agric from College of Agric.
Journalism	B.A.; B.Ed English or English/Education      from a University B.A. in Language Arts B.A. in Mass Communication
Banking	B.Sc. Accounting from a University B.Sc. Banking and Finance from a        University B.Sc. Economics from a University B.Sc. Computer from a University HND in Accounting from a Polytechnic HND in Banking and Finance from a    Polytechnic HND Computer Science from a Polytechnic B.Sc. or B.Eng in Engineering from a     University
Teaching	B.Ed., in various subjects from a University B.A or B.Sc. in various subjects plus PGDE    from a University HND from a Polytechnic plus Diploma in    Education NCE from a College of Education B.Ed. from a College of Education
Armed Forces - Army, Navy, Air Force	B.Sc.; B.A from Nigeria Defence Academy.
Police Force	Police College.

 

 

 

CONCLUSION

With good planning i.e. choice of appropriate subjects in your SSS, taking correct subject combination in JAMB exam or GCE A/L and going to read the appropriate course in a tertiary institution, you can achieve your ambition with God's help.

Let us conclude this lecture with a passage from the Scriptures:

 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths”.Proverbs 3:5-6.

As you work towards achieving your ambition, you need to commit your ways to God and trust God to make you successful rather than relying on your own ability.

 

 

CHAPTER THREE

 

HOW TO READ AND PASS EXAMINATION

 

BY

 

DR (MRS) M. V. ADEGBIJA

 

 INTRODUCTION

 

Examination is a way of testing, inspecting and asking some questions (whether oral or written) with the intent of discovering whether the person is correct or will pass. Examinations have been accepted world wide as the best way to test memory skills. Before a student can be said to pass an examination, he must be able to train and condition his mind/memory towards the 3RS of memory skills.

These are:

(a) Reception - e.g. understanding, comprehension.

(b) Retention - e.g. ability to keep the facts/knowledge.

(c) Recall - e.g. remembering /or ability to bring back to

     memory what has been learnt.

 

 

 

TECHNIQUES FOR READING AND REMEMBERING

 

 Normally reading precedes any examination. The reading required for examinations is different from the type of reading required for leisure or literature books. Thus, in order to be able to read adequately for examinations the following techniques should be applied:

(a)        Good notes taking- this includes notes taken during normal lectures and individual notes taken when preparing for your examination. Appropriate and good lecture notes are compulsory for good preparation towards examinations. Notes taken during your own revision or preparation should cover only major items or topics, and should be precise and logical. Also you may decide to just underline those major items, topics or sentences in your lecture notes or textbooks.

(b)        Text books - These should be used to gather additional information or for clarity.

(c)        Read to understand - try to understand every aspect of the topic covered or areas specified by the lecture to be used for the examination.

(d)       Pattern making - use pattern making for facts, major sentences or items you do not easily remember.

(e)        Acronyms - develop acronyms for difficult things to remember e.g. Laser = light amplification by stimulated emission of radiance; U.N.O; WIN, etc.

(f)        Difficult- to -remember information or items can be converted to rhymes, graphs, drawings, listings, abbreviations, etc.

(g)        Select appropriate reading time, place or venue - do not take any of these for granted.

(h)        Avoid reading when you are exhausted or when interest and attention are not there.

(i)         Revision of previous reading before beginning a new one should always be done.

(j)         Test yourself on materials covered and aim at mastering every major item before proceeding to another one.

(k)        Relate your reading to your personal everyday experience. This will make it tangible and concrete.

(l)         Transfer of knowledge from one subject to the other can be very helpful.

(m)       Association of knowledge can be done as you relate the unfamiliar to the familiar and difficult to the easy.

(n)        Use memorization and recitation methods for formulas, tables, creeds, etc.

(o)        One reading is not usually sufficient for an excellent performance - go over your work as often as possible.

(p)        Rest and sleep aid good concentration and recall. Thus, plan your work well so as to enable you have enough rest and sleep.

(q)        Read fairly wider (not aimlessly) than the predicted examination questions.

(r)        Go over past questions and practice answers to them.

 

DURING THE EXAMINATION

 

(1)        Read everything written on the examination paper beginning from the very first word.

(2)        Take notes of the time limit and organise the time among the number of questions you are to answer.

(3)        Read examination instructions carefully, understand them and follow them. Take note of the number of questions you are required to answer - do not answer more or less.

(4)        Read questions carefully until you understand how to approach them. Start from answering the easiest questions or those you are sure of first and do not spend too much time on one question (except, however, where such a question carries more marks than others).

(5)        Take adequate care of your written English, style, organisation and logical presentation of your answers because they affect directly or indirectly the marks awarded.

(6)        Do not use abbreviations or non-standard usage but be coherent in all your presentations.

(7)        Write out a brief and no time taking outline, which you will cancel after use.

(8)        Revise and proof read your work before submission.

 

SOME EXAMPLES OF EXAMINATION QUESTIONS INSTRUCTIONS

 

Examination questions instructions are so important to your success that you need to know what they are. The first step to failure or poor performance is to ignore these instructions as you attempt to answer the questions. Some of the examples of examination questions instructions are as follows:

(1)        List, name or mention - no need to provide any detailed information but just list the items.

(2)        Describe - you are to give the major characteristics of something.

(3)        Outline or indicate - you are to provide the essential features of something (possibly just the summary).

(4)        Compare - you are expected to analyze the similarities and possibly the dissimilarities between two objects.

(5)        Discuss - this is to examine something by stating through argument or debate the positive and negative aspects of the thing.

(6)        Criticize - this is to enumerate both the strengths and weaknesses or the good and bad points of something.

(7)        Contrast - this is to state the difference between two things. The similarities may be mentioned.

(8)        Account - 'give account of'’ is to describe something while 'account for' is to give reasons for something.

(9)        Evaluate - this is to decide or judge the worth of something i.e. how good, bad, worthwhile, relevant, important that thing is.

(10)      To what extent? - This is assuming that something is not absolutely or 100% correct and thus you are to state the degree the statement can be correct.

(11)      Prove - you are expected to provide evidence, facts or use logic to show that a statement is true.

(12)      Define - usually terms are given in which you are expected to give a clear, simple and concise meaning.

(13)      Comment on - to give your views about something and to show with your reasons whether you agree or not with the idea presented.

(14)      Review - this is asking for a report or major points of an issue.

(15)      Consider - you are to give your thoughts and impressions on a thing.

(16)      Devise - this is asking you to find a solution to a problem.

(17)      Specify - this is asking you to provide particular details to something.

(18)      Explain - 'explain why' is to give reasons for something while 'explain how' is to give a clear description of something or a process on how something will work.

(19)      Label, Diagram, sketch - any of these is asking you to show something in a pictorial form.

 

CONCLUSION

 

God is the only one that gives wisdom for genuine success - Joshua 1:8 & 9; James 1:5. After all said and done you still have to depend on God who is the Author of success. May the Lord help you to succeed in Jesus Name - Amen.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER FOUR

 

HOW TO ANSWER ESSAY QUESTIONS

 

BY

 

MRS O. A. OWOYELE

 

INTRODUCTION

 

There are different types of examinations. In such examinations, there are different types of questions. One of such questions is essay question. Several students fail examinations because they do not know how to attempt essay questions. It is the focus of this chapter to educate such students how to attempt essay questions in an examination. Some of these principles may have been mentioned already in the previous chapter but we want to emphasis them here especially for the role they play in passing any examination.

In answering essay questions, the student must read the instructions very carefully, and while doing this he should consider the following:

(1) Number of questions he is expected to answer.

(2)  Number of questions that are compulsory.

(3)  Time allotted to each question, and any other instructions.

(4)  Number of marks allotted to each question, and any other instructions.

These must be followed very strictly.

There are three stages in attempting or answering essay questions:

1.         Pre-writing stage

2.         Writing stage

3.         Proof-reading stage.

 

PRE-WRITING STAGE

The pre-writing stage is the planning stage. A specific and short time should be allotted to this stage. It is during this stage you read through all the questions with the hope of choosing the numbers specified in the instruction.

There are two tasks to be performed at this stage. They are, namely, brainstorming and outlining. During brainstorming, you think and stimulate your brain to yield all knowledge that might have accumulated from reading (reading notes) and lectures, etc. The ideas from any or all of these can be jotted down or outlined. This outline can be done by the side of the question paper or preferably at the beginning of each question. But this should be cancelled at the end of answering such a question. The advantage of this is that, in a situation where you can not finish a particular question before the end of the examination, the marker can be lenient with you because he discovers that you would have attempted such a question, it is just that you had no time to develop all your points. Also it helps you not to forget or leave out any vital point on any question.

 

WRITING STAGE

The writing stage is the execution or development stage. The student develops his points in a continuous prose of ideas or points, using one or two paragraphs or more as the case may be. Note that the point outlined for each question form the body of that essay. In a situation where the student is required to have an introduction and conclusion for an essay question, the student should explain some terms and mention what he wants to discuss in the body of the essay question in the introduction and summarize his points and his own opinion if need be at the conclusion stage.

 

 

PROOFREADING STAGE

The proofreading stage is the evaluation stage. It is at this stage the student reads over his work. By this we mean revising and "editing" what he has written, checking each word, phrase, sentence, crossing the t's and dotting the i's, and making sure that all the points are well presented. Also, it is at this stage that he checks paragraphs, transitional markers, lexical, grammatical spelling, and punctuation errors.

 

CONCLUSION

In concluding this chapter, we need to remind ourselves all that we have been saying:

1.         Read the instructions very carefully.

2.         Try to understand the questions.

3.       Try to remember all that you have been reading and listening   to in lectures.

4.         Jot down those points in an outline form for each question.

5.       Write an introduction to the essay question, if need be,  

        defining some terms and stating briefly what you want to say          (points) in the body of the essay question.

6.       Develop each point in the body of the essay question, using one or two, or more paragraphs as the case may be (use transitional linkers like first and foremost, secondly, next, in addition, however, in contrast, finally, in conclusion, conclusively, in the last analysis, in summary, etc.)

7.   Proof read your work.

8.   Make sure you allocate specific time for each stage or

      question.

9.     Write a conclusion to the essay question, if need be,

      summarizing all your points.

 

CHAPTER FIVE

 

HOW TO ANSWER COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

BY

 

PASTOR (PROF) E. E. ADEGBIJA

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A comprehension question seeks to measure your ability to understand the contents of a particular passage. You should therefore ensure that you have thoroughly understood a text before attempting to answer the questions set on it.

 

SOME FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO UNDERSTANDING A TEXT

 

            Your world knowledge: Your knowledge of different aspects of the world referred to by a particular text will help you to easily understand what is being talked about. If you have no idea what is meant by "SNOW", for instance, the word could hinder your understanding of a particular text. You should therefore constantly access relevant aspects of your knowledge of the world as you read.

            The context in which a particular word is used: Sometimes you may not really understand a word, but the context in which it is used will assist you in getting at it's meaning. Context here refers to the total context: Linguistic, socio-cultural, textual, and psychological. Sensitivity to these different types of contexts as you read will enhance your understanding.

            Your linguistic competence: Comprehension will be impeded by poor linguistic competence. Linguistic competence in this context refers to:

1          Your mastery of the vocabulary, figurative language and idioms used.

2          Your familiarity with the grammatical patterns in the passage.

3          Your familiarity with the way in which apparently difficult words have been formed.

4          Your ability to make sense of the sound patterns of the language used.

5          Your familiarity with the socio-cultural context of the passage.

            Although we have mentioned the above factors as if they were isolated, in a text, they usually act together and create a cumulative impact in making the understanding of a passage possible.

            The extent to which your mind is alert, active and involved in the reading process:. While an alert and an active mind participates in the world of the text and retains what is read, a distracted and docile mind tends to easily forget what has been read.

            The speed and technique of your reading, put differently, your reading habits: For instance, word by word reading inhibit understanding while phrase by phrase reading tends to enhance it.

 

HOW TO ANSWER COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

 

            The following procedure may help you in answering comprehension questions:

1          Read the passage very quickly.

2          Read the questions to be answered, ensuring that you fully understand them.

3          Read the passage again, now more carefully, bearing in mind the questions to be answered.

4          Now begin to answer the questions, paying specific attention to the specific demands of a particular question. If, for instance, you are requested to respond with only one word, don't use two, or a sentence. If you are asked to use a phrase, don't use a sentence. Be specifically alert to the demands of a particular question.

5          Find time to read your answers. Ensure that you have satisfied the demands of the examiner as much as possible.

6          Check your grammar, word choice, spellings, etc to ensure that every flabbiness in expression is eliminated.

7          If you have time, read through the question and your answer one by one to ensure that you have provided an appropriate response to each question.

 

PRACTICE EXERCISE

 

            Read through the following passage very carefully and then answer the questions that follow:

            Timothy J. Fine once rejected the faith of his forefathers as "intellectually incompatible" with this thinking. But these days, Fine a 31-year-old New York corporate real estate executive, carries on what amounts to running conversation with God. "It started when I just wanted to thank God for getting me past the drug scene," Fine says. "For years, I had wanted to pray, but I didn't know how, "Then the damn burst.

 

"Suddenly it was simple. "Fine says, "I didn't hear bells ring or see neon signs flash; it was just like talking to someone personally.

 

            A lanky, deliberate man with a scholarly air, Fine now describe his days as filled with snatches of conversational prayer that often begin in the shower, continue during a train commute from Greenwich, Connecticut, and carry on through a busy schedule of meetings. The intermittent silent dialogue, he says, brings a much-needed serenity to his days.

 

            On Friday mornings, Fine, who is now the senior deacon of the Stanwich Congregational Church in Greenwich, makes a special prayer stop at university club in New York's Manhattan. There he meets briefly before work with a small interdenominational group of professional men who, hands folded and eyes closed, share their concerns with one another and their God.

 

            Fine's story is being repeated all over the United States in a multitude of versions by those who have come to the realization that the human predicament requires a spiritual answer.

 

            From burgeoning numbers of retreat houses and spiritual centres of various faiths, the message is the same: a prayer revival is the most powerful, least documented development within modern American religion today.

 

            The vitality of prayers is a key measure of American religious character, subject that attracted keen interest during the 1984 political campaigns. A cluster of church-state concerns, such as the role of religious values in public policy, begs the underlying question of the spiritual fiber found in Americas" private lives.

 

            The current yearning for deeply personal, in-depth prayer signifies that the spiritual revival of the mind-1970's, sometimes known as the "born-again" movement, has taken some new directions.

            Now, answer the following questions:

1.         Give an appropriate title for the passage.

2.         Answer True or False: at 31 years of age, Fine has rejected the faith of his forefathers.

3.         Explain, in not more than one sentence for each, and using your own words, the following:

(i)         "Then the damn burst" (in paragraph 2) as used in the passage.

(ii)        "I didn't hear bells ring or see signs flash; it was just like talking to someone personally".

4.         Quote a sentence in the passage that shows that prayer has introduced peace and calm to Fine's life.

5.         What church responsibility does Fine have?

6.         Which of these is true, according to the passage?

(a)        Fine has a shower every morning.

(b)        Many Americans have become prayerful.

(c)        Retreat centres and spiritual houses are being built in New York

(d)        Fine is keenly interested in the 1984 religious campaigns.

7.         Use one other word to replace the word "fiber" italicized in the passage.

8.         Quote a phrase that can replace "born again movement" in the passage.

9.         When, according to the passage, does Fine usually hold a prayer meeting?

10.       In one sentence summarise the main point being made by the author.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER SIX

 

HOW TO ANSWER OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

 

BY

 

MRS C. BAMGBOYE

 

INTRODUCTION

 

            Objective test is a test to determine the mental alertness of a student. It is a test where options are given to the students to answer the questions. The options may be in form of letters or numbers. Objective test enhances the knowledge of the student on the laid down syllabus of a subject because the students have to read wide in order to pass objective test. Further, the purpose of objective test is to enable the examiner have control over what is being tested. It also helps the candidates to have a fair and accurate assessment of their scores.

Objective test should be the easiest examination to pass. This is because the answers are right there before you. But it could also be the most difficult examination to pass. This is because the students are to have a thorough knowledge of every section of the syllabus of the subject. And this is where many students have problems. We don't need to discuss how students can read and have thorough knowledge of every section of the syllabus of each subject because chapter three of this book has dealt with that. The question we may ask is, why do students fail objective questions in examinations?

Students fail objective test in examinations for several reasons:

1.         Lack of proper understanding of the instructions given at the

beginning of the question sheet.

2.         Failure to follow strictly such instructions.

3.         Failure to understand what the examiner is requesting for in

each questions.

4.         Inability to eliminate the possible wrong answers.

5.         Lack of concentration in the examination hall.

6.         Lack of alertness during the examination itself.

7.         Fear.

8.         Lack of confidence in oneself.

9.         Cheating during the examination (your answer could be

correct, but because somebody shaded a particular answer, you change your own. Or you asked a friend about a particular question, and he knew the correct answer but decided to give you the wrong answer).

10.       Lack of thorough understanding of the syllabus.

11.       Failure to read properly for the examination.

12.       Juvenile delinquency.

13.       Laziness.

14.   Boy - Girl friend relationship.

15.   Attitude of parents toward their children’s education.

16.   Over-working of children in domestic work at home, etc.

Interestingly, these causes of failure in objective question examinations are relevant to examination generally.

However, in this book, we shall use English Language as a case study.

 

TYPES OF OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

 

1.         Completion (multiple choice):

In this type, one or more words are missing, followed by several alternative completions:

e.g.      (i)         Ade ………………...in Lagos since 1960.

                                     A lives   B  is living  C  has lived

(ii)        "Is Teju Johnson still in Ibadan? No ------ in Oyo.

(a)        She lives          (b)        She'd lived 

(c)        She's living      (d)       She's lived.

The two styles have been used many times with about equal success and preference for one over another seems to be largely a matter of personal choice.

 

2.         Sentence Alternatives:

This type present several sentence from which the examinee choose the acceptable one. e.g. Choose the possible interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence:

(a)        Mr. Aje is generous to a fault with everything he has. This means that he is

(i)         just a little generous

(ii)        not generous at all

(iii)       excessively generous

(iv)       very stingy

 

(b)        What I have told you is the gospel truth. This means that the information is :-

(i)         False.

(ii)        Unconfirmed.

(iii)       Partly true.

(iv)       Completely true.

 

(c)        When Audu took that step, he was on the horns of a delima. This means that he:-

(i)         Was calm and composed.

(ii)        Faced a choice between two unpleasant alternatives.

(iii)       Had many attractive options.

(iv)       Slept over the matter before he took the step.

 

(d)        Mary told John to put his own house in order before correcting her. This means that John should:-

(i)         Solve his own problem first.

(ii)        Rearrange his house.

(iii)       Repaint his house.

(iv)       Not be harsh on her.

This type of item is less confusing for the examinee to work with.

Again, however, there appears to be no strong evidence that students do perform better on this item type.

 

3.         Sentence Scrambled:

 

This is testing of word order, test writers sometimes use the device of the scrambled sentence in which the examinee rearranges a jumbled series of elements so as to form an accepted sentence.

e.g. "The friend of the doctor that Yomi met when he

       visited his daughter and her husband came to the

       library today".

(a)        The person who visited the library was:-

(i)         The friend 

(ii)        Yomi

(iii)       The doctor

(iv)       The daughter

(v)        The daughter's husband.

 

(b)        When                  ?

(i)  Plan     (ii)   Do      (iii)  To go     (iv)    You.

This has some merits; students are intrigned by its puzzle - solving aspects. On a more advanced level, however, this item type has several drawbacks.

(c)        When ----- to go to New York?

(i)         You are planning         (ii) You plan

(iii)       You do plan                (iv) Do you plan.

 

4.         Completion Type:

 

We may use the completion item type as a fill-in exercise. e.g.

(a)        She said that she heard Julie               

(i)         Sing

(ii)        Song

(iii)       Sang

(iv)       Sung

 

(b)        It is useless                   with a fool.

(i)         Argue              (ii)        To Arguing

(iii)       Arguing           (iv)       To argued.

 

(c)                            committed the offence will be dealt with.

(i)         Which ever                  (ii)   Whom ever

(iii)       What ever                    (iv)   Who ever

 

(d)        The thief died shortly after               shot at by the police.

(i)         Been                (ii)        Having

(iii)       Becoming        (iv)       Being

 

(e)        The sole occupant of the car was injured in the              accident

(i)         Fatal                (ii)        Ghastly

(iii)       Incredible        (iv)       Trivial

 

This type is time consuming to score than multiple choice items and there may be several possible correct answers to some of the items so that different scorers might judge the same response differently.

 

5.         Conversion Type:

It is another short answer test that requires the examinees to convert or transform a series of sentences in a specified manner by changing them from present to past tense, from active to passive voice, from singular to plural, and so forth.

 

 

B.        HOW TO ANSWER OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

 

Now, having discussed the types of objective questions let us now talk about how to answer objective questions:

(1)        Look out for agreement. By agreement we mean the harmonization of all the component parts of the sentence or expression. That is, the subject, the verb, the object, the pronoun etc. must be in agreement. e.g.

(a)        The subject must agree with the verb.

(i)         Wale and his family are coming

(ii)        But Wale with his family is coming

(iii)       The king, not to mention his people, loves peace.

(iv)       The king and his people love peace.

 

(b)        When two verbs are linked up with and, the tenses of the two verbs must agree. e.g.

(i)         He came and reported the case

(ii)        He is the one who comes and reports the case

(iii)       He was the one who came and reported the case

 

(c)        There must be agreement between nouns and pronouns. e.g.

(i)         Give the girl her salary

(ii)        Some men are weak that they cannot cope with problems.

 

(2)        Look out for agreement of tenses. If the beginning of a sentence is in the past tense, what follows should be in past tense.

(3)        Check out for "word positions". Words have position in sentences. Adjectives usually cannot replace nouns in their position and vice versa. Sometimes, however, they do interchange.

(4)        Elimination Method:-

First pick out those items you are quite sure are wrong. Make a guess between what remains.

(5)        Watch out for Register.

Some words may be synonymous but belong to two different registers.

Use the context of the expression to determine the word that is appropriate for the particular register. e.g.

(i)         Shoot has a meaning among hunters

(ii)        Shoot has a meaning among filmmakers

(iii)       Shoot has a meaning among foot- ballers.

C.        SUMMARY

 

1.         Read the passage

2.         Make sure you understand the question

3.         Do not just guess

4.         Reject the obvious wrong answers

5.         Examine the possible answers very well.

6.         Check the tense, agreement, gender of the possible answers compared with the question.

It is very important to shade your O M R sheet very well and never shade two answers for a question. Clean very well any wrong answer you want to change.

 

 

 

CHORUSES:

 

I           Good better best, I shall never rest/2x till my good is better and my better best.

II         Yesterday was good; today is better, tomorrow will be best.

This is my hope.

 

 

 

REFERENCE BOOKS

 

(1)        Teaching English as a Second Language

By David P. Harris.

(2)        Lexis, structure, Common Errors and Idioms for S.S.C.E. and U.M.E. BY P. O. Olatunbosun.

(3)        Past questions in English Language (Objective test)

 

Remain blessed in Jesus name. With the love of Christ.

 

 

 

CHAPTER SEVEN

 

EXAMINATION MAL-PRACTICES: FACTORS AND ANTI-DOTES

 

 

BY

 

MR J.A. FAYEYE

 

INTRODUCTION

This chapter addresses the issues of examination mal-practices as a major problem of our time. It has gained widespread concern among the cross-section of the society. It is a reflection of definite weakness in the contemporary society with a potential danger for the future. The youths who are the anchor bearer for days to come have been caught in the web of examination mal-practices. To address these issues we shall examine the meaning, types and factors of examination mal-practices. The chapter conclude with Christian mandates as anti-dotes to this problem.

 

PRELIMINARY DEFINITIONS

 

Examination mal-practices: It is defined as any act or omission that is perpetuated to put a candidate at an unmerited advantage over others, which can also result in the examiner awarding an unmerited grade to the candidate.

The Youth: This is synonymous to the general term "young person". A youth can be defined by age as being above childhood and not yet in the aged group of the society. In general term, a youth may be from ages 6 to 30 or 35 years. Every society defines its own youth.

Candidate: A candidate is a student or prospective student who have to be subjected to tests and examination for the purpose of advancement in learning.

Examination: This is a range of tests that may be put up to assess the ability - mental, physical, emotional etc. of a candidate. Every examination has special code that has to be open-up by the candidate. The higher the ability of the candidate to open-up the examination code the more brilliant his/her success.

 

TYPES OF EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES

 

       There are several types of examination mal-practice. A few of these are discussed here:

1          Receiving the examination questions in part or whole before the days and time of examination. Examples of this are the popular `expo', `origo' etc.

2          Taking relevant documents, papers, and textbooks into the examination hall with or without intention to use them.

3          Sharing in the answer of the other candidate or giving tips and promptings to other candidates.

4          Whispering, talking, eye blinking and other non-verbal communication that give the clue to examination questions.

5          Writing inscriptions on examination desk, one's palm, thigh, or body with an intention to use them for better scoring chances.

6          Starting examination before the start time, and writing on the answer script after other candidates have stopped.

7          Impersonating other students with the intention to write an examination for them either on contract or other moratorium.

8          Causing distraction in examination hall so that the invigilators could be distracted and cheating carried out.

9          Entering the examination hall with loaded pockets or bags even if it is impossible to utilize the materials.

10        Talking to self, smiling and being restless, thus disturbing self and others.

 

FACTORS THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES

 

   Several factors could predispose a candidate to embark on examination mal-practices. A few of these are highlighted herewith:

1          Inadequate preparation of students due to absenteeism of lecturers and/or the students. In either way, the candidate may therefore be pushed to engage in examination mal-practices.

2          The failure of the students to consult appropriate textbooks or materials in preparation for examination.

3          The technical nature of some courses and the fear of usual failure of the said courses.

4          Moral laxity and decadence that would not praise a failure with honesty than a success on falsehood.

5          Collaboration of subject teachers with desperate students, and the persuasive tactics of some students to get the essential exposition of the anticipated examination questions.

6          Insufficient textbooks in the library; non-attendance of lectures by staff; and insufficient sitting arrangement for the purpose of examination.

7          Population explosion in schools that make teaching, learning, and career counselling difficult in schools.

8          Peer influence that emphasizes law breaking and disorderly behaviour in school. Such influence may result into examination mal-practices.

9          Failure on the part of parents to work with the school to shape the disciplined lives of students.

10        Failure and laxity of examination supervisors to be vigilant during the process of examination.

11        High cost of registration for examination even when grading pattern may not be fair.

12        Collusion of school authority with external examination supervisors in attempt to have a high overall grade for the school.

 

ANTI-DOTES TO EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES

 

Since the predisposing factors to examination mal-practices are many, the solution to them are also many.

1          Every student should make it a duty to be fully prepared for every examination. They should be informed that when a person fails to prepare, he/she must be prepared to fail.

2          The libraries and reading rooms should be adequately stuffed with relevant textbooks. They should be accessible also to the students.

3          Students should form study groups to jointly study technical courses with a view to address the difficulty to pass courses such as Mathematics, English Language, among others.

4          Educational institutions should punish adequately both the students and members of staff who are guilty of examination mal-practices.

5          Both students and teachers should attend to their learning and teaching with regularity and a sense of mission. Syllabus would thus be covered and students would be in good position to face the examination.

6          More schools should be built to cater for the teaming population of the youth who need to study. In this sense, teacher-student ratio would be reasonably light to foster success in learning and teaching.

7          School authority should show interest in the cliques and peers that are found within the school. This would enable the school to adequately monitor discipline among the youth.

8          Examination supervisors should be held responsible for any lack in their duty during the conduct of any examination.

9          Schools which collude with external supervisors to embark on examination mal-practice’s should be barred from such examination as deterrence.

10        Sufficient supervisors, lecturers, and sitting arrangement should be put in place to raise the standard in the conduct of examination in schools.

 

CHRISTIAN MANDATE TO THE YOUTH IN THE FACE OF HIGH  PREVALENCE OF EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES (Text: Eccl. 11:9-10, 12)

 

In this direction, the following points deserve emphasis as the implications for living and achieving within the framework of Christianity; that:

1          True education means more than taking a certain course of study. It is broad. It includes the harmonious development of all the physical and mental faculties. It teaches the love and fear of God, and is a preparation for the faithful discharge of life's duty.

2          The youths who need an education should set to work with a determination to obtain it. They should be thorough and faithful in whatever they undertake.

3          The youth who professes to love God and is saved should possess that degree of self-control and the grace of Christ that will enable them to remain unmoved amid temptations and to stand up for Jesus in their circumstances.

4          The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. The youth should take a cue from Joseph, Daniel and his fellows so that they would not turn aside from their course of integrity as Christians.

5          As a matter of complete consecration, youths should commit themselves wholly to the right that the world may know where they are standing.

6          Through Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, youths should show that they are worthy of the sacred trust with which the Lord has honoured them. They should refuse to be in subjection to the power of evil.

7          The youth would search the scriptures, and do as they think Christ would have done under similar circumstances.

8          The Christian youth should be different, and achieve excellence in learning to the praise of God, the honour of Christ, and in yieldedness to the Holy Spirit.            

 

 

GENERAL CONCLUSION

 

PRIVATE

A lot has been said in this book and repeating them will mean writing another book. However, it will not be out of place if we highlight some of the vital points mentioned. It is very important that we know God's will in our choice of a particular career. Knowing and doing God's will gives the peace and satisfaction we need in our jobs. Secondly, do not depend solely on JAMB brochure in choosing your subject combination. Visit the department of the institution that runs the course of your choice in order to get the correct information. Thirdly, have a reading note. In your reading note, jot down the major points in topics read. During examinations, try to remember or recall those major points. In addition, if you really want to pass your comprehension examination, you need to have a thorough knowledge of the word, know the context in which a particular word is used, you need to improve on your linguistic, and make sure your mind is at alert, active and involved in the reading process. Again in answering objective questions, look out for agreement or harmonization of all the component parts of the sentence or expression, agreement of tenses, check out for ‘word positions’, eliminate those wrong items, and watch out for register. Use the context of the expression to determine the word that is appropriate for the particular register. Finally, examination mal-practice is any act or omission that is perpetuated to put a candidate at an unmerited advantage over others resulting in the examiner awarding an unmerited grade to the candidate. Types of examination mal-practices are already enumerated in the last chapter of this book. But it must be stated that examination mal-practice does not pay, either now or in the future. Try to resist the temptation to cheat or encourage cheating, and instead follow the various suggestions and principles or techniques given in this book in order to succeed not only in examinations but also in life. May God grant you success as you work harder.

 

"Be strong and very courageous

Be careful to obey all the law

---, do not turn from it to the

right or to the left, that you

may be successful wherever you

go. Do not let this Book of the

law depart from your mouth:

meditate on it day and night, so

that you may  be careful to do

everything written in it. THEN

you will be prosperous and

successful." (Joshua 1:7,8, NIV)

 

THE YCEM PRESIDENT’S BRIEF SALVATION TESTIMONYPRIVATE