1990 PART 1

SECTION A
COMPREHENSION
Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:
PASSAGE I
It was an English Lesson and our classroom was quiet. The blackboard was covered with sentences on 'if clauses’ and
we went through such different forms as:
(1) If he comes, I shall be happy;
(2) If you abused him, he would beat you;
(3) Amo could have won the race if he had trained harder.
We all found it difficult to understand the formula for each sentence. We had problems with the tenses but as our final
examinations were so near we really had to master them. We were, however, interrupted by the noise of a bucket and
heavy footsteps on the veranda. Then Mr. Odumba's big head came round the door. Sorry to interrupt, he told our
teacher. We all looked up, highly pleased at the welcomed interruption. Who knows, Mr. Odumba might fall down
again and what could be more pleasing than in the middle of a difficult lesson? Can I have a word with you alone,
please?' Mr. Odumba asked our teacher who followed him to the veranda. Mr. Odumba, looking uncomfortable, took a
deep breath and said that some pawpaw he had marked in the morning had been stolen from his garden.
Finally, he asked our teacher, “would you mind if I went round to find out which of your pupils' hands smell of
pawpaw?”
1. The classroom was quiet because the pupils……...................…….?
a. Wanted the lesson to end quickly.
b. Did not understand the lesson
c. Were preparing for their final examination
d. Had stolen some pawpaw.
e. Had heard that Mr. Odumba had fallen down
2. Mr. Odumba came to the school….....................................…?
a. Because he wanted to beat one of the pupils
b. To search for those who had stolen his pawpaw
c. To return the bucket to the school
d. To converse with one of the teachers
e. To learn about “if ” clauses
3. How did Mr. Odumba's visit to the school affect the pupils?
a. They were frightened
b. He disturbed them
c. They were happy
d. They felt sorry for him
e. They were ashamed
4. Which of the following statements is not true according to the passage?
a. The pupils were weak in grammar
b. Mr. Odumba fell down once
c. The lesson was not understood
d. The lesson was not understood
e. Mr. Odumba kept a garden.

5. Mr. Odumba's big head came round the door. This means Mr. Odumba's head?
a. Appeared at the entrance
b. Hit the door
c. Blocked the entrance
d. Pushed the door open
e. Turned round at the door.
6. The expression, can I have a word with you? Means let me
a. Help you teach
b. Teach you a word
c. Give you something
d. Have my pawpaw back.
e. Speak to you

SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:
PASSAGE II

Have you ever watched two dogs fighting? The scene is both interesting and terrifying. I once watched two dogs,
Whisky and Sandy fighting. Whisky was a brown dog with white hair round his eyes. This made him look very
fearful. He was often running after lizards and barking at strange things and visitors. Sandy, on the other hand, was a
black dog with white legs and face. He was gentle and friendly to both adults and children. When the fight started,
everybody thought Sandy would be no match for Whisky.Whisky was the first to attack. He jumped up with his fore-
legs raised, mouth wide open and gripped the back of Sandy's neck with his sharp teeth. Sandy went down with
Whisky on top of him. Sandy played it cool as if he did not feel any pain. The spectators believed the more aggressive
Whisky had won the fight. Suddenly, the tide turned. Sandy got hold of one of Whisky's hind legs and bit hard as if
breaking a bone. Whisky felt the pain and as he opened his mouth to help, Sandy broke free. As Whisky was about to
attack again Sandy jumped on his back and held his throat. Down he went on his back. The crowd then cheered,
Sandy! San-dy!! San-d-y!!!. Feeling very proud, Sandy released Whisky and he ran away with his tail between his
legs. Sandy had won the fight.
7. According to the passage when one comes across two dogs fighting, one ….......................................…
a. Becomes both attracted and frightened.
b. Must run away from them.
c. Must hit their necks with a stick.
d. Must shout to separate them.
e. Becomes both sorry and happy

8. The spectators thought Whisky had won the fight because he ………...................
a. Had once attacked and defeated a lizard.
b. Knew how to fight.
c. Was able to jump higher than Sandy.
d. Pushed Sandy to the ground.
e. Showed his sharp teeth.
9. Whisky was defeated because Sandy …………………..
a. Had the support of the crowd.
b. Bit his legs.
c. Held his throat
d. Turned the tide.
e. Attacked first.
10. Sandy played it cool means that Sandy…………
a. Enjoyed the fight.
b. Felt very cold.
c. Did not bark.
d. Remained undisturbed.
e. Stopped fighting
11. The tide turned as used in the passage means ……………
a. The situation changed.
b. It became windy.
c. The weather became more violent. .
d. The fight became more violent.
e. Spectators changed their minds

SECTION B
From the list of words or group of words lettered A to E choose the one which is nearly opposite in meaning to the
word underlined in each sentence.
12. The traders agreed to pay extra money to the Council
a. Tried.
b. Struggled.
c. Refused
d. Remembered.
e. Wanted
13. The boxer displayed a high degree of bravery in the fight
a. Speed.
b. Cowardice.
c. Alertness
d. Competence.
e. Skill

14. It is a fact that Zaibu often gives accurate answers to question.

a. Long
b. Silly
c. Interesting
d. Quick
e. Wrong.
15. The students rejected the prefect chosen by the staff.

a. Admired.

b. Advised.

c. Relied on.

d. Accepted .

e. Helped

SECTION C
In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to E
the one that best explains the underlined words.
________________________________________
16. At the end of the investigations the police said the hands of the accused were clean. This means the.............
…………

a. Police praised the accused for his neatness.

b. Accused was blameless.
c. Accused had washed his hands.
d. Police saw the accused's fingerprints.
e. Police said the accused told the truth.

________________________________________
17. ‘It's only 2 o'clock, Martin. You needn't go yet. This means that Martin...............

a. Doesn't go out.
b. Can't go yet.
c. Doesn't have to go yet.
d. Isn't going yet..
e. Doesn't want to go.

________________________________________
18. He feared that his father would ask where he had been This means that……………………..
a. He was afraid when his father asked him where he had been.
b. He would be afraid if his father asked him where he had been.
c. He was afraid of his father so he did not tell him where he had been.
d. He was afraid that his father would want to know where he had been.
e. He was frightened by the way his father asked him where he had been.

________________________________________
19. I don't like people who blow their own trumpet. This means I dislike people who…...............…
a. Are noisy.
b. Are selfish.
c. Blow trumpets.
d. Are quarrelsome
e. Are boastful.

________________________________________
20. If Mantey had passed the examination his father would have bought him a present. This means
Mantey……………..

a. Failed the examination so he had no present.

b. Did not usually do well in examination.
c. Would be given a present for being successful in the examination.
d. Usually received presents from his father after examinations.
e. Knew that his father would buy him a present to help pass the examination.

________________________________________
21. “Put this money aside against a rainy day, Kwesi”. Kwesi is being told…………..

a. To keep the money until he really needs it.

b. To keep the money until it rains.
c. Not to waste money when it rains.
d. To put all his money in the bank.
e. To give out money on the day it rains.

SECTION D
From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably fills the gap in each sentence
________________________________________
22. Eshun is a good singer …………?
a. Isn't it
b. Wasn't he
c. Is he
d. Isn't he

________________________________________
23. You shouldn't work so late………?
a. Won't you.
b. Do you
c. Should you.
d. Don't you.

________________________________________
24. You'll travel by train to Kumasi, …?

a. Won't you
b. Can't you
c. Shouldn't you
d. Wouldn't you.

________________________________________
25. You are not afraid of snakes………?

a. Aren't you.
b. Are you.
c. Do you.
d. Won't you

________________________________________
26. I can go to bed now because I ………………my assignment.

a. Am finishing.
b. Will finished.
c. Finished.
d. Have finished.

________________________________________
27. No one can be expected to …………..such bad behavior
a. Put up with
b. Put in for
c. Put across to
d. Put down against

________________________________________
28. I can't hear him, I wish he ……………..louder.
a. Will speak
b. Is speaking
c. Would speak
d. Had spoken

________________________________________
29. If Sampson had spoken the truth the teacher …………..him
a. Shouldn't have punished
b. Won't have punished
c. Wouldn't have punished
d. Wouldn't punish

________________________________________
30. The head teacher advised the students to …………..if they wanted to do well in their examination.

a. Sit back
b. Sit by
c. Sit on
d. Sit up

________________________________________
31. At these words, the students ……………….laughter.
a. Burst with
b. Burst into
c. Burst for
d. Burst in

________________________________________
32. My Uncle will go on a short course before he ………….his new job.
a. Takes to
b. Takes up
c. Takes out
d. Takes in

________________________________________
33. The prefect made the boy …………… the assembly hall

a. Swept
b. Sweeps
c. To sweep
d. Sweep

SECTION E
From the list of words or group of words lettered A to E choose the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined
word or words as they are used in the sentence.
________________________________________
34. It is not always good to believe all news paper accounts.

a. Cartoons

b. Headlines.
c. Reports.
d. Jokes..
e. Columns.

________________________________________
35. Everybody should have a goal in life.

a. A choice

b. A skill.
c. An opinion
d. An aim.
e. A result.

________________________________________
36. Mr. Mensah was worn out after walking up the hill.

a. Tired

b. Sweating
c. Hungry
d. Worried
e. Sleepy.

________________________________________
37. Elephants are becoming rare in some parts of Africa

a. Unimportant
b. Uncommon
c. Unknown
d. Exposed
e. Destructive

________________________________________
38. On the doctor's advice, Mr. Smith cut out smoking altogether.

a. Stopped
b. Dismissed
c. Postponed
d. Interrupted
e. Decreased

________________________________________
39. The old man told us a tall story about a soldier who fought a war with a spoon.

a. A sad story
b. An adventurous
c. A funny story
d. A long story
e. An incredible story

________________________________________
40. All my clothes are outmoded.

a. Worn out
b. Old-fashioned
c. Handmade
d. Ready-made
e. Specially made.

1991

SECTION A
COMPREHENSION
Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:
PASSAGE I
When Mr. Appiah looked at the two happy faces of his nephews, he forgot about his aching feet and smiled. He had
spent the whole day showing Asare and Attah, who came from the village, around Accra. He was satisfied that they
were happy. It was not until they were seated on a bench at the public garden that he realized how hot, tired and dusty
he was.
It was a long time since he had walked so much. Like many other successful men, Mr. Appiah had acquired the habit
of going everywhere in his car, so that day's sight-seeing expedition had worn him out.
'Well, what do you think of Accra?'
He asked the boys
“Oh!”' exclaimed Attah. “It's a wonderful place!”
“I didn't imagine any place could be like this, Uncle” said Asare, “Everything is so splendid. The roads are very wide
and the building magnificent”.
“Boys, don't get wrong impression. Today you've seen the best parts of our city; but there are bad areas with buildings
falling apart, narrow streets and insanitary conditions. However, these buildings are being “demolished”, said Mr.
Appiah.
________________________________________
1. Mr. Appiah was hot, tired and dusty because……………….
a. He had gone to bring his nephews from the village.
b. He had taken his nephews to the high buildings.
c. He had shown the boys around the city of Accra.
d. He had helped them to demolish the buildings.
e. He had been satisfied that the boys were happy.

________________________________________
2. Where were the boys living before visiting Accra?

a. In the high buildings.

b. In the village.
c. In the public houses.
d. In the public gardens.
e. In the building falling apart.

________________________________________
3. Everything is so splendid means everything is…………………

a. Satisfactory
b. Magnificent
c. Important
d. Brilliant
e. Special

________________________________________
4. According to the passage many successful men are used to …...........…
a. Walking around Accra
b. Bringing their nephews from the village to Accra
c. Going on sight-seeing in the city of Accra
d. Talking with boys in the public gardens.
e. Riding in cars wherever they go.

________________________________________
5. Which of the following statements is not true according to the passage?

a. Every part of the city is wonderful and splendid.

b. Mr. Appiah normally rides in his car.
c. Asare and Attah are in Accra for the first time.
d. The boys rested in the police garden.
e. The boys as well as Mr. Appiah must have been hot, tired and dusty.

________________________________________
6. Insanitary conditions in the last paragraph means………………
a. Some people in Accra are insane.
b. Some places in Accra are dirty and unclean.
c. Insanitary is seen in all conditions in the city.
d. Unsatisfactory reports about the city.
e. There are many sanitary inspectors in Accra.

________________________________________
7. Demolished as used in the passage means
a. Replaced
b. Repaired
c. Painted
d. Pulled down.
e. Hire out

PASSAGE II

The Akosombo Dam and the great Volta Lake are famous over the world. The two main reasons for building the dam
were, to generate electricity and to use the electricity for the production of aluminum from bauxite.
Aluminum is used throughout the world; so both the production of electricity and the production of aluminum are of
great value to Ghana. It may seem strange to talk about producing electricity by building dam, but in fact a lot of dams
have been built all over the world for this purpose. What happens is that a concrete wall, called a dam, is constructed
across a river at a narrow point. A large lake then develops behind the wall. Tunnels are made in the dam so that water
from the lake can rush fiercely through them. This powerful flow of water is used to drive huge machines called
turbines, to generate electricity. All that
the engineers need is the water rushing down from the lake, and all this costs them nothing! But of course the building
of the dam and the fixing of the machine cost a great deal of money.
Big dams have been built in many parts of the world. The Akosombo Dam is one of the biggest. However, the lake,
which has been formed is, in fact the biggest man-made lake in the world.
________________________________________
8. The main reasons why Akosombo Dam was built were……....................
a. To produce electricity and to use it to manufacture aluminum.

b. To produce electricity from aluminum and bauxite.

c. To find the mineral called bauxite and use it.

d. To use aluminum and electricity.

e. To make aluminum, bauxite and electricity

________________________________________
9. Aluminum is produced from……..............…
a. Dams

b. Electricity

c. Bauxite
d. Machine

e. Tunnels

________________________________________
10. From the passage, dams are built all over the world mainly to…..............…
a. Produce aluminum from bauxite

b. Provide water for the generation of electricity

c. Extract bauxite from lakes

d. Provide water for drinking

e. Make electricity cheap

________________________________________
11. Which of the following statements is not true according to the passage?
a. The Akosombo Dam is the biggest in the world.

b. The production of both electricity and aluminum is of great value to Ghana.

c. Water from the lake runs fiercely through tunnels.

d. The Akosombo Dam is valuable to Ghana.

e. A great collection of water running through tunnels can produce electricity anywhere in the world.

________________________________________
12. According to the passage which of the following statements is true?
a. In building dams, rivers are blocked at their broadest points.

b. Water is used to produce electricity.

c. Building the Dam and fixing machines to produce electricity cost nothing at all.

d. In producing electricity engineers need a lot of petrol to drive the machines.

e. Turbines are used in the production of electricity.

________________________________________
13. The most suitable title for the passage is

a. Akosombo and Bauxite

b. Electricity from water.

c. Dams of the world.
d. Electricity and power.

e. Aluminum from Electricity.

SECTION B
Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word or expression
in each sentence.
________________________________________
14. Your dress material is inferior to what I bought from the shop. This means that your dress material is…

a. Of poor quality

b. Very beautiful

c. Brightly coloured

d. Expensive

________________________________________
15. The girl is a spendthrift: she used all her pocket money to buy a pair of shoes. This means………………
a. Careless.

b. Bold.

c. Extravagant

d. Kind.

________________________________________
16. The pupils in the town often help in communal activities. This means that they help in…

a. All activities

b. Interesting activities

c. Public activities

d. Usual activities

________________________________________
17. The aroma of Kate's food made everyone hungry. This means the food………….

a. Smells good.

b. Is tasty.

c. Is spicy

d. Is valuable .

SECTION C

From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably fills the gap in each sentence
18. He wasn't at the scene of the accident………?

a. Wasn't he.
b. Isn't it
c. Did he
d. Was he

19. You don't speak Chinese ……….?

a. Do you
b. Can you
c. Don't you
d. Won't you

20. We worked hard in our final year………………?

a. Did we
b. Isn't it
c. Aren't we
d. Didn't we

21. They have lost the match………?

a. Didn't they.
b. Isn't it.
c. Haven't they.
d. Is it

22. He has stolen the box…………

a. In which we kept the gold chain

b. Which we kept in the gold chain
c. We kept the gold chain
d. Where we kept the gold chain

23. ……………. hard he tried Adansi came last in the test

a. Whatever
b. How
c. Whenever
d. However

24.Akwetey did the exercise…...................................

a. Even though he was sick

b. During which he was sick
c. But he was sick
d. For which he was sick

25. We are not allowed…………

a. To walk at the lawn

b. To be walking across the lawn
c. Walking across the lawn
d. To walk across the lawn

26. Everybody was pleased……………. The pastor's sermon.

a. For
b. In
c. With
d. At

27. John's father congratulated him…........….his success in the examination.

a. On
b. During
c. At
d. To

28. The patient is generally recovering …............…… his illness

a. From
b. With
c. For
d. During
29. We have been in this school …......……..three years.

a. Since
b. In
c. By
d. For

30. It would be unwise to …………the chance of making extra money.

a. Throw away
b. Throw in
c. Throw over
d. Throw by

31. Koku was sad when he lost his mother but he will soon……............…it.

a. Get along
b. Get on
c. Get by
d. Get over

32. ……...............these words in your dictionary.

a. Look around
b. Look on
c. Look up
d. Look about

33. If he……….the elections he would have become an assemblyman.

a. Won
b. Has won
c. Had won
d. Should win

34. If he continues to work hard, he…..........….his examination with ease.

a. Will pass
b. Is passing
c. Has passed
d. Would pass

35. The news he brought…………bad.

a. Are
b. Were
c. Has been
d. Was

SECTION D

From the list of words or group of words lettered A to E choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to
the word underlined in each sentence.

36. The headmaster thanked his teachers for a wonderful job done.

a. Quick
b. Difficult
c. Big
d. Bad
e. Odd.

37. The present day youth still indulge in all forms of drug abuse.

a. Avoid
b. Increase
c. Discourage
d. Disallow
e. Discontinue.

38. Some people prefer to eat lean meat.

a. Uncooked
b. Fatty
c. Spoilt
d. Bloody
e. Tasty.

39. Kojo's teacher was reluctant to accept his explanation for being late to school.
a. Willing.
b. Afraid
c. Unable
d. Planning
e. Likely.

40. The workers wanted their director to hold the meeting.

a. Continue
b. Delay
c. Cancel
d. Support
e. Interrupt.

1992

SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Njoman and Putu then went to a quiet spot on the path where it crossed a small stream. A few women were bathing in
the stream and some were washing clothes. They joked with Njoman, for they knew why he was there. Soon they saw
Ragini approaching with a basket of fruits and vegetables on her head.

'Hello, Njoman,' she said, pretending not to know why he waited there with his best friend. “Hello, Ragini. What did
you buy in the market?” “Mostly fruits for rudjaks” (spicy salad). “Wait, Ragini”, Njoman said as he stood up. “Putu
will carry them for you. It is time for us to go off together and marry”. Putu took the basket and Njoman took Ragini
by the hand and said, “We shall go to my cousin's house in the next village”.

As they were walking off, Ragini turned to the women and feigned distress. “Njoman is taking me away. What can I
do?” In this way, according to Balinese tradition, Ragini submitted to her abductor.

1. Njoman was on the path because he wanted to……………………

a. Cross the stream

b. Bath in the stream.
c. Spy on the women.
d. Meet Ragini
e. Meet Putu
2. How did Ragini behave when she was invited by Njoman?

a. She pretended she was in great pain and misery

b. She talked to the women furiously.
c. She just walked off with her basket of fruits.
d. She greeted the women noisily
e. She danced about with joy.

3. Which of the following is not true according to the passage?

a. The women teased Njoman.

b. Putu held Ragini's hand
c. All the women definitely knew his reason for coming
d. Njoman waited for sometime before Ragini arrived.
e. Njoman had a secret plan to follow.

4. The expression pretending not to know means

a. Not knowing what to do

b. Behaving well after knowing
c. Behaving as if everybody knew what to say.
d. Behaving as if one did not know, something was happening.
e. Not knowing how to behave

5. The expression feigned distress means

a. Fainted upon seeing the women

b. Pretended to be upset and having pain

c. Pretended to be very hungry on seeing the fruits.

d. Fell down with flushed face
e. Stood still and watched the women

6. The word abductor means

a. A thief

b. An armed robber
c. A hijacker
d. A kidnapper
e. ..............
PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Apart from foods which supply us with energy, we need certain substances called protein to help us grow, and when
we are fully grown, we maintain our strength. These proteins are found in meat, fish, eggs milk, green vegetables and
to a much lesser extent in grains like millet, wheat, guinea corn, rice, etc.

Children fed chiefly on roots will, therefore, stop growing. They often get very ill and die while children who are
given milk and eggs grow well and live longer.

However, cow milk is expensive in West Africa and in many places there is a wrong tradition about eggs. Some old
people say that if eggs are given to children they become liars. This is not true. Eggs do not make children either tell
truth or lie. They are simply good food which will help the child to grow well. Also, the tradition that boys become
thieves when they eat meat is not true. Both are bad traditions which have been repeated in some villages from one
generation to another.

So, the intelligent mother who wishes to bring up healthy children must discard them.

7. According to the passage, proteins…………..

a. Make us well satisfied

b. Help us grow well

c. Fill our bodies.

d. Give us energy

e. Help to maintain our tradition.

8. Which of the following statements is not true according to the passage?

a. Children must eat roots only.

b. Old people think meat makes boys thieves.

c. Children who are given milk and eggs will grow well.

d. The intelligent mother has to do away with some bad traditions.

e. Grains do not contain much protein.

9. Cow milk is expensive means it is

a. Sweet

b. White

c. Good

d. Strong

e. Dear

10. What happens to children who are not given food containing protein regularly?

a. They often become liars.

b. They often become thieves.

c. They often become ill.

d. They should preserve tradition

e. Their traditions often help them.

11. What advice did the writer give to mothers?

a. They should eat foods containing proteins.

b. They should accept traditions.

c. They should do away with bad traditions.

d. They should preserve traditions

e. They should feed their children on roots and grains only

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to E the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word or expression
in each sentence.
12. Adiza's mother prepares very palatable dishes.

a. Expensive.

b. Rich.

c. Tasty

d. Colourful.

e. Interesting

13. Sindi was brought up by a very strict woman.

a. Saved.

b. Reared.

c. Born

d. Taught.

e. Beaten

14. Janet promised to attend to her mother-in-law who was ill.

a. Look after

b. Look at

c. Look into

d. Look for

e. Look on.

15. The printing company has over a thousand agents here.

a. Vendors.

b. Caretakers.
c. Deputies on.

d. Correspondents .

e. Representatives

16. The police Inspector asked all drivers to obey the speed-limit regulations.

a. Understand.

b. Notice.

c. Recognize.

d. Observe .

e. Answer

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to E
the one that best explains the underlined words.

17. It is very difficult for many workers to make ends meet.

a. Do two jobs at a time

b. Make workers and managers come together
c. Live within their means
d. Feed two people
e. .................................

18. Since the thief came out of prison he has turned over a new leaf. This means he has

a. Changed his style of stealing

b. Started growing flowers
c. Changed for the better
d. Grown even more stubborn
e. Got a new job.
19. When the army stormed the village, all the inhabitants took to their heels. This means………….

a. The army came to the village in the storm

b. The inhabitants were frightened and stood still.
c. The inhabitants had their shoes removed
d. The inhabitants danced around on their heels.
e. The inhabitants were frightened and so ran away

20. Berko is in two minds about resigning from his job. This means that Berko has

a. Not really decoded to resign

b. Written his resignation letter
c. Decided not to resign
d. Withdrawn his resignation letter
e. Been advised to resign

21. The teacher advised Kofi not to beat about the bush. This means Kofi was asked to…............................

a. Clear the bush

b. Beat others in the bush
c. Go straight to the point
d. Waste no more time
e. Stop clearing the bush

SECTION D

From the list of words or group of words lettered A to E choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to
the word or expression underlined in each sentence.

22. He seldom comes here.

a. Never

b. Sometimes.
c. Rarely.
d. Nearly..
e. Always.

23. The police officer was harsh on the criminal.

a. Soft to

b. Lenient with
c. Mild with
d. Cruel to
e. Always

24. Musa was arrested for printing counterfeit cedi notes.

a. Correct

b. New
c. Acceptable
d. Genuine
e. Fine.

25. My father was a very stout man.

a. Handsome
b. Short
c. Lean
d. Ill
e. Weak

26. I agreed to everything Lucy said.

a. Mocked at
b. Stood by
c. Interfered with
d. Took in
e. Objected to

SECTION E

From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

27. Help him to pay his fees, …........................…?

a. Will you
b. Must you
c. Can't you
d. Won't you

28. Kwasi, you are coming to see me tomorrow, …......................……..?

a. Isn't it
b. Aren't you
c. Won't you
d. Don't you

29. If Mary had known she wouldn't have come,…………………?

a. Wasn't it
b. Hadn't she
c. Did she
d. Would she

30. She dances so beautifully, ..................……?

a. Not so.
b. Can't she
c. Doesn't she
d. Isn't it

31. J.S.S. students work hard, ………..?

a. Don't they
b. Shouldn't they
c. Can't they
d. Haven't they

32. The chief with his linguists……..coming to the durbar ground.

a. Is
b. Are
c. Were
d. Have been

33. Most people find it hard to live up………….their ideals.

a. By
b. To
c. For
d. With

34. The football match was put……....…until next week.

a. In
b. Out
c. Off
d. Away

35. These days, students are not keen…………..improving their English.

a. With
b. Of
c. About
d. On

36. When the plane arrived, Kofi……………nowhere to be found.

a. Will be
b. Had been
c. Was
d. About
e. On

37. The boys swore that the books were………………..

a. His
b. Theirs
c. Their's
d. Theirs'

38. Unless your father reports at the police station we ………….all be whipped.

a. Will
b. Shall
c. Should
d. Would

39. The bell will go…………..the next ten minutes.

a. Between
b. Under
c. From within
d. Within

40. The heavy rains have…………early this year.

a. Set in
b. Set out
c. Set up
d. Set on

1993
SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Bako was both intelligent and hardworking so he soon learnt all that Garba taught him of the art of reading and
writing. Now he was able to earn a little extra income as a letter-writer and reader to his fellow illiterate labourers. All
the people trusted him because he never revealed any information he got from the letters to anyone.
Bako's happiest moments came on Saturdays when he received his pay and on Mondays when the labourers returned
to work bringing with them all the gossip and laughter of their villages. Unfortunately, a misfortune befell Bako. One
day as he stood gazing proudly at a big tree, which he had just felled another tree being cut down by a fellow labourer
stuck him on the head. The branches tore his face and he fell unconscious. His friends carried him to Adom Hospital.

The accident changed Bako's life. His handsome face became permanently scarred. He lost his strength and job. At
first, he hoped that in time he would regain his strength but Bako grew weaker and weaker
1. According to the passage, Garba taught Bako to ………………
a. Use a matchet
b. Fell trees
c. Read and write
d. Gossip and laugh
e. Read and fell trees
2. Bako got additional incomes by ….............…
a. Cutting down trees
b. Going to the hospital
c. Meeting his friends on Monday
d. Working as a letter-writer and reader
e. Felling trees and reading letters
3. The people trusted Bako because he………………
a. Kept what he knew about them secretly
b. Wrote and read their letters
c. Gossiped and laughed with them
d. Was hardworking and clever
e. Earned extra income
4. How did the accident affect Bako?
a. He lost his senses and job
b. He could not read and write again
c. He became weak and jobless
d. His face was stitched
e. His friends left him

5. Bako liked Mondays because…......……

a. Monday started the week

b. He met all his friends again

c. He received his pay

d. He wrote and read letters
e. He heard news from other villages

6. He fell unconscious means he

a. Fell asleep

b. Became mad
c. Lost his confidence
d. Lost awareness of his surroundings

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:
We can have close friends for a very long time. But when friendship and duty come into conflict, as I once
experienced, many problems may occur.
Almost all my friends and I were leading members of our school's Supporters Club. In the beginning of our final year
it was time to elect new officers for the club. Everyone stood the chance of being elected.
When I was elected as President, I knew it would be a tough job because I would be in charge of my closest friends.
The real test would come when the sports season started.
Just as I had imagined, there were many disputes. No one listened to what I said. Everyone just wanted to have fun
instead of cheering our athletes. I knew I had to motivate them and use discipline and that was exactly what I did.
Many of my friends could not understand this. While some of them stopped coming to the games others were not
talking to me at all.
I finally decided to have a talk with everyone. I frankly admitted that I did not like the job but since I had it, I was
determined to do my best. I also told them to leave sports matters on the field because my friends were more important
to me than job. From that little talk, I had
everything resolved.
7. Why did the writer think his job would be difficult?
a. The other members were final year students.
b. He had to control his closest friends.
c. He was inexperienced.
d. He had to work with new officers.
e. Some of his friends stopped talking to him.
8. Which of the following words best describes the behavior of the writer's friends
a. Uncooperative
b. Jealous
c. Insulting
d. Funny
e. Talkative
9. According to the passage which of the following statements is true? The writer
a. Settled the misunderstanding between him and his friends.
b. Stopped talking to his friends.
c. Lost all his closest friends.
d. Appointed only his friends as officers.

e. Did not listen to the advice of his friends.

10. The word disputes means

a. Misgiving

b. Debates

c. Insults

d. Wars

e. Differences

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to E the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word or expression
in each sentence.

11. The Manager was dismissed for gross inefficiency.

a. Laziness

b. Dishonesty

c. Incompetence
d. Misconduct
e. Disrespect

12. Prices of goods have been fairly controlled.

a. Kept down.

b. Kept away.

c. Kept off

d. Kept out.

e. Kept hanging

13. Remember to look over your work when you finish.

a. Watch.

b. Look on.

c. Oversee

d. Read through.

e. Overlook

14. Although the labourers agreed to do the work, they did it reluctantly.

a. Leisurely

b. Nervously

c. Unwillingly

d. Sparingly

e. Angrily

15. The thief was humiliated when he was caught.

a. Sentenced.
b. Cautioned.

c. Beaten up

d. Discouraged

e. Mocked at

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to E
the one that best explains the underlined words.

16. don't like Ben. He is always pulling my legs. This means Ben is always…………….

a. Pulling me down.

b. Gossiping about me.

c. Abusing me.

d. Borrowing my shoes .

e. Teasing me

17. The judge turned a deaf ear to what the murderer said. This means the judge…………..

a. Was partially deaf.

b. Ignored what the murderer said.
c. Favoured the murderer when he heard his story.
d. Pretended that he was listening to the murderer's story.
e. Was asleep when the murderer gave his evidence.

18. If you don't want to regret, cut your coat according to your cloth. This means………..

a. Live within your means.

b. Use the coat cut from your cloth.
c. Sew your own coat.
d. Put on your cloth and coat.
e. Do not worry about the problems of other people.
19. Were it not for the policemen the workers would have gone on strike. From this we know that the
policemen…………………

a. Didn't go on strike.
b. Saw the workers on strike.
c. Forced the workers to go on strike.
d. And the workers were on strike.
e. Prevented the workers from going on strike.

20. Razak has been in a bad way for seven days. This means Razak has been…………….

a. Badly treated.
b. Unable to eat for many days.
c. Misbehaving.
d. Quite ill.
e. Very unfriendly towards everyone.

SECTION D

From the list of words or group of words lettered A to E choose the one which is most near opposite in meaning to the
word or expression underlined in each sentence.

21. Our school is now famous throughout the district.

a. Popular
b. Anonymous
c. Unknown
d. Irrelevant
e. Hidden

22. Our new pastor is very modest in his ways.

a. Friendly

b. Kind
c. Particular.
d. Boastful..
e. Fashionable.
23. Issa was very rude to his teacher.

a. Respectful

b. Polite
c. Obedient
d. Truthful
e. Gentile

24. We walked on the smooth side of the pavement.

a. Hard

b. Rough
c. Coarse
d. Slippery
e. Narrow.

25. The President was denounced by his subjects.

a. Elected
b. Welcomed
c. Supported
d. Advised
e. Hailed

SECTION E

From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence

26. Our ancestors ………………..to us a lot of knowledge about our culture.

a. Handed in
b. Passed out
c. Passed through
d. Handed down

27. The government has set ………… a committee on education.

a. Apart
b. Up
c. In
d. By

28. None of the suspects ………his guilt.

a. Admit
b. Admits
c. Are admitting
d. Have admitted

29. Amidu promised to be patient until his toy …………..repaired.

a. Has been
b. Will be
c. Was
d. Can be

30. The Headmaster, with his assistant... inspecting the new school library.

a. Will have been

b. Are
c. Have been
d. Is

31. I would have told you about the wedding if I ……....………

a. Have known
b. Know
c. Had known
d. Have been knowing

32. His writing is so bad that I can't make it ……………

a. On
b. Out
c. Down
d. In
33. You will be ill if you …………too much

a. Are eating
b. Eat
c. Had eaten
d. Ate

34. If it ……necessary, I shall see you again at six o'clock.

a. Is
b. Had been
c. Is being
d. Was

35. If we had not closed down the market, the traders ……there.

a. Shall still be
b. Will still be
c. Are still going
d. Would have still been

36. Mr. Adu has never been pleased with his children's performance, …….........….?

a. Hasn't he
b. Didn't he
c. Has he
d. Did he

37. You prefer playing soccer to volley ball ……………?

a. Do you
b. Will you
c. Won't you
d. Don't you

38. The cashier was rude to his boss ….......................?

a. Was he
b. Wasn't he
c. Did he
d. Didn't he

39. These days students are not very interested …..improving their English.

a. On
b. About
c. Of
d. In

40. Kofi ate ……….food than anyone else.

a. More
b. Most
c. Much
d. Too much

1994
SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:
A long time ago, the world was in total darkness. There was neither water nor fire. Men lived in this condition for a
long time because King Eagle, who was the custodian of the sun, moon, stars, water and fire, had bullied them into
accepting that situation.
Meanwhile, Eagle had a charming daughter who had fallen in love with Crow – a handsome spotless white bird. As
their friendship grew stronger, Crow got to know what Eagle was keeping away from men. On one of his visit,
therefore, he secretly stole Eagle's hidden treasure that consisted of light, water and fire and flew away with it.
As soon as he got outside, he hanged the sun in the sky. Instantly, the whole world was brilliantly lit up. When the sun
set, he fixed the moon and spread the stars around it. Then the darkness of the night began to lift. He was so thrilled by
his achievement that he glided and swerved in a beautiful display in the sky. While he was doing this, the water fell to
the ground and formed rivers, lakes and streams.

He still held fast unto the fire in his beak.

Suddenly some strong and violent winds blew smoke from the fire over Crow's beautiful feathers. The smoke made
the feathers jet-black leaving a band of white feathers around his neck.

1. Why did men not complain about their condition? Because they……

a. Thought fire was too hot.

b. Were afraid of Eagle.
c. Were satisfied with what they had.
d. Enjoyed darkness.
e. Did not like water

2. Crow released the stolen treasure to the world in the following order:

a. Sun, moon, water, fire

b. Sun, fire, water, moon
c. Moon, Water, fire, sun
d. Sun, water, moon, fire
e. Sun, moon, fire, water

3. Which of the following actions was a deliberate one by Crow? The………

a. Dropping of water to the ground.

b. Appearance of violent winds.
c. Burning of his beak.
d. Hanging of the sun in the sky.
e. Blowing of smoke over his feathers.

4. Thrilled in the passage means

a. Afraid
b. Excited
c. Surprised
d. Thankful
e. Popular

5. Eagle's action can best be described as

a. Clever
b. Dangerous
c. Famous
d. Kindly
e. Selfish

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:
As we were eagerly preparing for our special supper of roasted chicken, pepper sauce and fried yam, we heard another
loud knock at the door. Papa opened the door to let in a fast-talking handsome stranger.

According to him he was passing to the next village but there were no vehicles. Therefore he was stranded. My parents
with their customary generosity allowed him to stay the rest of the day with us.

Soon after, supper was ready. We the younger children had to eat in the kitchen, whilst my parents and the others ate
in the dining room.

From where we were eating we could hear and see the adults. “Now, Mr. Anang,” said my father, “you being the last
to arrive, will share the chicken, “Very well said,” agreed Mr. Anang. He began by cutting the head of the chicken,
which he gave to Papa saying, “You are the head of the family, so you get the head.” “To my mother,” he said, “You
are the next to the head; therefore, get the neck.” My elder brother, Yoofi, and sister, Aba, had wings because they
were of age and would need wings to fly away from the family nest. The other two guests got the feet in order that
they could walk to their destinations. Finally, he declared in a loud voice, “I, a poor wandering man, who must treat
my kwashiorkor once and forever, will take the rest!” There was a long silence after this round dining table.

6. The writer's family were preparing for…………

a. A birthday party.

b. An extraordinary supper.
c. A celebration.
d. Their usual supper.
e. A family.

7. The handsome stranger stopped at the writer's house because………….

a. He did not know the way to his village.

b. He was hungry.

c. It was very late in the night.

d. There was no transport.

e. He wanted to meet her family.

8. Their customary generosity in the passage tells us that the parents were usually…………
a. Proud

b. Strict

c. Attentive

d. Kind

e. Inquisitive

9. How many people had their meal in the dining room?

a. Six

b. Eight

c. Five

d. Four

e. Seven

10. Which of the following is true according to the order in which the roasted chicken was shared in the passage?

a. Head, feet, wings, body, neck

b. Head, wings, neck, body, feet

c. Head, neck, wings, feet, body

d. Head, neck, feet, wings, body

e. Head, feet, wings, neck, body

11. Mr. Anang's behaviour can best be described as…………….

a. Mean and clever

b. Talkative but generous

c. Honest and generous

d. Jovial but proud

e. Interesting but fooling

12. How did the writer's family respond to the way the roasted chicken was shared?

a. Were annoyed

b. Wept over it

c. Were shocked

d. Disagreed

e. Wanted to ask questions.

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to E the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word or expression
in each sentence.

13. It is always good to be modest in your demands.

a. Cheerful.

b. Humble

c. Pleasant

d. Smart

e. Truthful

14. There is no need to do rash work.

a. Speedy

b. Lazy

c. Busy

d. Hasty

e. Funny
15. Kofi spent all his time staring at the madman.

a. Smiling.

b. Shouting.

c. Laughing

d. Hooting

e. Gazing

16. This mountain is rather too risky to climb.

a. Rough

b. Steep

c. Difficult

d. Dangerous

e. Broad

17. This thief will have to plead for mercy.

a. Beg
b. Speak
c. Apply
d. Stand
e. Whisper

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to E
the one that best explains the underlined words.
18. The students were advised to stop building castles in the air. This means that students should…..

a. Not build any more castles

b. Be serious and realistic
c. Not worry about castles
d. Be serious and hardworking
e. Not think about building now

19. Even though I don't talk to her, I give the devil his due. This means I will…………her

a. Agree with
b. Confess to
c. Reward
d. Be kind to
e. Forgive

20. Kwasi is heard over heels in love with Ama. This means………..

a. Kwasi looks at his heels when he sees Ama.

b. Kwasi's love for Ama is abnormal.
c. Kwasi can't control himself when he sees Ama.
d. Kwasi is deeply in love with Ama.
e. Kwasi has hurt his head and heel by following Ama.

21. The chief told his linguist not to beat about the bush. This means the linguist must…………

a. Not stammer
b. Go straight to the point.
c. Not enter the bush.
d. Conclude the case.
e. Clear the bush.

22. When mother retuned, Kwame let the cat out of the bag. This means that Kwame………….

a. Told mother to go out.

b. Took the cat from the bag.

c. Told mother what had happened..
d. Removed the cat from the bag...
e. Told mother he had a cat in his bag..
SECTION D

From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to
the word or expression underlined in each sentence.

23. This room is too dim.

a. Lit

b. Shining
c. Bright
d. Light

24. This baby is very energetic for its age.

a. Dull

b. Simple
c. Bulky
d. Tall

25. The flower is made from artificial materials.

a. Natural
b. Preserved
c. Wonderful
d. New

26. All the accused persons were convicted.

a. Executed
b. Identified
c. Addressed
d. Freed

27. There are guards on our border because the government wants to eliminate smuggling.

a. Notice
b. Encourage
c. Manage with
d. Investigate

SECTION E

From the alternatives lettered A or D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

28. It all depends ………..your being hardworking.

a. By
b. In
c. With
d. Upon

29. We should always be proud …….. our motherland

a. In
b. Of
c. For
d. By

30. ……………hearing the news, he jumped high for joy.

a. Over
b. On
c. With
d. In

31. A thief was caught ……….the house yesterday.

a. Through
b. Up
c. Outside
d. Over

32. I object …………..your joining our school team.

a. To
b. By
c. At
d. On

33. The lady did not see ………..in the house.

a. Somebody
b. No one
c. Anybody
d. Someone

34. This is the book …………I pick from the floor.

a. Whom
b. Whose
c. What
d. Which

35. The man ……...........…..house was burnt down is in hospital.

a. Who's
b. Whom
c. Whose
d. Which

36. ………………boys are very happy with the toys.

a. They
b. These
c. That
d. This

37. Have a bottle of coke, will you? No…………

a. I don't
b. Please
c. Thank you
d. I won't
38. Let's go out and play ………..?

a. Shall we
b. Do we
c. Will we
d. Would we

39. Kofi will not meet his father at home if he …………not here by 5:00pm

a. Was
b. Were
c. Isn't
d. Is

40. The baby needs a bath, doesn't it?.....

a. No, it needs
b. No, it does
c. Yes, it doesn't
d. Yes, it does

1995
SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Where is the performance of songbirds held? It is not any concert hall but rather on trees, fences and telephone wires.
It is from these places that the little feathered creatures blend their voice in one of the most delightful songs in the
world.
Songbirds do not just make noise. The male voices in the choir for instance, have two messages.

First, it is a warning to other males not to come here. Secondly, it is an invitation from the bachelors to the female
birds. The most vigorous and interesting songs can be heard during breeding season to impress the ladybirds.

Songbirds are very remarkable. They can sing three or four notes at once. To the human ear these sound like one
continuous note, but birds can tell the difference because of their keen sense of hearing. At time, what we hear may
not be the true song of our winged friends but simply a call to keep flocks together. It may also be warning others of
an approaching danger.

Just how birds learn and invent their songs is an interesting subject. Some have their songs fixed in their brains by the
time of birth. Other birds, however, try to invent their own unique songs. They will never copy what they hear others
sing.
1. According to the passage, members of the chorus can sing without any difficulty because they …………

a. Have to sing
b. Easily learn to sing
c. Have good songs
d. Are born good singers

2. The male songbirds sing to ………………….

a. Encourage others
b. Attract the females
c. Entertain others
d. Praise nature

3. The most interesting songs are produced

a. During competitions
b. In the morning
c. During mating periods
d. In the evening

4. Unique in the passage means

a. Suitable
b. Similar

c. Exciting
d. Special

5. According to the passage which of the following is true? Birds………

a. Are impressive
b. Are awesome

c. Make too much noise

d. Are ridiculous

PASSAGE II
Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

“Locusts are descending” was joyfully chanted everywhere. Men, women and children left their work or their play and
ran into the open to see the unfamiliar sight. The locusts had not come for many years, and only the old people had
seen them before.

At first, a fairly small swarm came. And then appeared a slow-moving mass like a sheet of black cloud drifting
towards the villages. Soon it covered half the sky. It was an amazing sight full of power and beauty. Everyone was
now about praying that the locust should stay in the village for the night. For although most people had never seen
locusts before they knew by instinct that they were good to eat. At last they descended. They settled on roofs and
covered the bare ground. Tree branches broke under them and the whole village turned to brown earth colour with
locusts.

Many people who went out with baskets trying to catch them were advised to wait until nightfall. And they were right.
The locusts settled in the bushes for the night and their wings became wet with dew. Then all the village turned out, in
spite of the cold harmattan, to fill their bags and pots with locusts. The next morning they were roasted and spread in
the sun until they became dry. For many days after, this rare food was mixed with oil and eaten relish.

6. Most of the village people were excited about the coming of the locusts because they…………

a. Were moving slowly

b. Had come in a swarm

c. Were not common
d. Had covered the sky

7. Why was it easier to catch the locusts in the night? Because the locusts…………

a. Could not fly

b. Were settling down

c. Did not like darkness

d. Were feeling sleepy

8. According to the passage, the locust were

a. Brown

b. Black
c. Blind

d. Bold

9. Turned out in the passage means

a. Played outside

b. Slept out

c. Cried aloud

d. Came out

10. Which of the following expressions from the passage indicates that there were a lot of locusts?

a. Amazing sight

b. Fairly small swarm

c. Unfamiliar sight

d. Slow-moving mass

11. According to the passage, which of the following is not true?

a. Locusts are delicious.

b. Only the aged knew about the locusts.

c. The locusts come only in the dry season.

d. The locusts created a beautiful sight.

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D, the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence.
12. The government has banned the use of hard drugs in the country.

a. Destroyed

b. Forbidden

c. Kept offControlled

d. Reduced

13. Our Headmaster invited many prominent citizens to our speech day.

a. Known

b. Popular

c. Distinguished

d. Good

14. The dry season is imminent

a. Very close

b. Partly over

c. Severe

d. Gone

e. Angrily

15. The meeting was postponed to another date.

a. Cancelled.

b. Removed.

c. Called
d. Shifted

16. The man was furious when his son failed the examination.

a. Angry

b. Anxious

c. Shocked

d. Frightened

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences, a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to
D, the one that best explains the underlined words.

17. By the end of the lesson, we were completely at sea. This means that we were……

a. Fast asleep
b. Totally confused
c. Quite disturbed
d. Very inspired

18. She did her best to keep on the right side of her teacher. This means she did her best not to …………… her
teacher.

a. Interrupt
b. Mislead
c. Misunderstand
d. Offend

19.You shouldn't have hit Kuuku so hard; it was rather unkind of you. From this we know that Kuuku was…………

a. Being naughty
b. Hurt
c. Kind
d. Hit

20. If we hadn't gone to the beach so early we would have met our visitor. This means that……………………

a. We went to the beach late

b. We did not meet our visitor
c. Our visitor waited for us
d. We met our visitor at the beach

SECTION D

From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to
the word or expression underlined in each sentence.

21. There are guards on our border because the government wants to eliminate smuggling.

a. Notice
b. Manage with
c. Encourage
d. Investigate

22. The candidate worked the problem with a great deal of precision.

a. Sense

b. Energy
c. Inaccuracy.
d. Detail..

23.My grandmother likes old fashioned clothes.

a. Special

b. Decorated
c. Modern
d. Stylish
24. I am going to arrange the books in the cupboard.

a. Display

b. Scatter
c. List
d. Spill

25. Most of the men were sacked by the company.

a. Used
b. Punished
c. Warned employed
d. Employed

SECTION E

From the alternative lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

26. It's a pity I have hardly …………. food to give you.

a. A little
b. Too much
c. Some
d. Any

27. I was given …………… money than you were given.

a. Much more
b. Many
c. Much
d. Many more

28. The book you gave me was not ……. than the one I had before.

a. Any better
b. Much better
c. Any good
d. Very better
29. Are you sure ………shirts on that table were the ones I gave you?

a. That
b. These
c. Those
d. Some

30. Give me the book ……………I lent you yesterday.

a. Whom
b. What
c. Whose
d. Which

31. Of the three girls, Awo is the ……………..

a. Shorter
b. More shortest
c. Most short
d. Shortest

32. The soldier was promoted because he was the …………..among the lot.

a. Most courageous
b. Courageous
c. More courageous
d. Much courageous

33. Your nephew could not pass the interview because he was not ……… before the panel members.

a. Confident much
b. Confident quite
c. Confident enough
d. Confident somehow

34. Mr. Amakye has been robbed ……...........his property.

a. From
b. For
c. By
d. Of

35. The patient went …………a lot of body exercises.

a. In out
b. Out
c. Through
d. Ahead

36. Can I have a chat …………….you?

a. To
b. With
c. By
d. On

37. Kwesi learnt harder so he ………… the examination.

a. Passed
b. Would have passed
c. Can pass
d. Passes

38. Let's go out and play …………….?

a. Will we
b. Do we
c. Would we
d. Shall we

39. Can I come to your house on Saturday …………?

a. All right
b. Of course
c. Certainly
d. Please
40. You aren't hungry, are you?

a. No, you aren't

b. Yes, I am not
c. No, I am not
d. No, I am

1996
SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The class was very quiet when suddenly Mr. Mensah heard giggle from the back of the classroom. Of late he has
observed that giggling and murmuring have reared their ugly heads in the class. This time he was determined to find
the cause of this naughty behaviour and discipline the culprits.

Pretending not to have heard the noise, he moved to the blackboard as if to write something on it but in reality to set a
trap. Immediately the giggling and murmuring resumed, he turned and spotted three big boys at the back of the class
chattering. His turning was so quick that he caught them right in the act. He also saw one of the boys passing on a
magazine to the boy next to him.

With the speed of lighting, Mr. Mensah got there, asked the three boys to stand up and then search them in order to
seize the magazine. Smart though he was, the boys were even smarter, for the boy sitting next to the window had
thrown the magazine onto the veranda. After a thorough search Mr. Mensah nearly gave up. It was, perhaps, an
exercise book he had seen and not a magazine. However, his long years of teaching experience suggested to him that
the boys could have thrown the magazine outside. When he looked through the window, lo and behold, there lay the
magazine! He retrieved it, flipped through it and saw that it was full of obscenities Mr. Mensah fumed.

1. According to the passage, Mr. Mensah was determined to……

a. Find the trouble makers

b. Write on the board
c. Insult the class
d. Talk to the three big boys

2. The children giggled and murmured because………

a. Mr. Mensah turned to write on the board.

b. They thought Mr. Mensah was funny.
c. Of what they saw in the magazine
d. The boy near the window threw the magazine away
3. The boys threw the magazine away because …………

a. They were murmuring and giggling

b. The window was open
c. The teacher turned quickly
d. They did not want the teacher to see it.

4. The teacher found the magazine because……………

a. It was thrown onto the veranda

b. Of his many years of teaching experience
c. He walked quickly to the back of the class
d. The children gave it to him

5. The expression have reared their ugly heads in the passage means have become unpleasantly……

a. Common
b. Funny

c. Troublesome
d. Ugly

6. The word fumed in the passage mean………

a. Exclaimed

b. Left the room

c. Smoked
d. Became very angry

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Kwadwo's naming ceremony on the fifteenth day was a grand occasion to which everyone at Elmina had come.
Aboagye had specifically invited only the three elders but over three hundred people had come to the ceremony
without any invitation.
'The ceremony will start at 5:30 am,” Aboagye told everyone who passed his shop the previous day. They in turn went
and told others and at 5 am, when the ceremony was about to begin, there were about seventy people already in the
house.

“Will you bring chairs from the rooms?” Aboagye requested the young ones among the guest. They entered every
room in the house and brought out chairs and benches of all shapes and sizes. They were placed in a circle with the
three elders sitting in the centre. “Where is the child? The ceremony should be completed before the sun rises”. One of
them said.

The mother soon brought the two-week old baby. Twelve calabashes scrubbed the previous day were brought. They
looked white and dry. The old man took one and poured some of the gin into it. He raised the head of the child and
dipped his finger into the gin. He turned and asked the second elder sitting next to him, “Have you got the name?”
“Agyepong alias Koo Kra”.

7. The people gathered in order to

a. Settle a serious case

b. Drink gin

c. Witness a ceremony

d. Hear Mr. Aboagye

8. The expression of all shapes and sizes tells us the pieces of furniture were…………

a. Big

b. Long

c. Measured differently

d. Of different types

9. Aboagye was a…………

a. Teacher

b. Lawyer

c. Lost all his closest friends.

d. Trader
10. The word grand means

a. Smooth

b. Solemn

c. Happy
d. Noise

11. Which of the following is not true according to the passage?

a. The ceremony must be performed before sunrise

b. The elder dipped the head of the child into the calabash.

c. The first elder did not know the name of the child
d. The ceremony was well attended

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word or expression
in each sentence.

12. The thieves who raided the house last night have been rounded up.

a. Killed

b. Beaten

c. Arrested

d. Wounded

13. When you come across a new word look it up in a dictionary.

a. Examine it.

b. Observe it
c. Find the meaning

d. Record the meaning

14. The radio won't talk because it is defective.

a. Dirty

b. Broken

c. Faulty

d. Tuned

15. Our team was eliminated at the semi-final stage.

a. Forgotten.

b. Kicked out.

c. Wiped off

d. Promoted

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined words.

16. The boy, reluctant to go on the errand, walked at a snail's pace. This means that the boy walked……

a. Carefully

b. Slowly

c. Noisily

d. Carelessly
17. It was a red-letter day. This means it was a…………..

a. Day I got a red letter

b. Day I was sad
c. Memorable day
d. Real day

18. I have a bone to pick with my prefect for reporting me. This means…………

a. The prefect and I are going to chat

b. I have to report the prefect
c. I have to take the bone to the prefect
d. I have a quarrel with the prefect

19. His failure in the examination came out of the blue. This means his failure was

a. Destined
b. Obvious
c. Surprising
d. Sent from the blue

20. Efua behaves like a fish out of water among boys. This means Efua……………..among boys.

a. Breathes heavily
b. Feels uncomfortable
c. Swims better.
d. Looks quite happy

SECTION D
From the list of words lettered A to D choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word underlined
in each sentence.
________________________________________
21. These fruits are stale: please take them away.

a. Juicy
b. Sour
c. Fresh
d. Nice

________________________________________
22. Moses is on a temporary appointment.
a. Daily

b. Permanent
c. Probational.
d. Weekly..

________________________________________
23. The beggar vanished when he saw the policeman.

a. Showed

b. Defected
c. Jumped
d. Appeared

________________________________________
24. The taxi driver drove recklessly throughout the journey.

a. Speedily

b. Carefully
c. Noisily
d. Leisurely

________________________________________
25. Those machines are not genuine brands.

a. Fine
b. Tested
c. Fake
d. New

SECTION E

From the alternatives lettered A to D choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.
26. I am free to sleep now. I ………….. my work.
a. Completed
b. Do complete
c. Have completed
d. Complete

27. After Roderick ………………. the dress, he looked round for a pair of shoes that would match it.

a. Has bought
b. Is buying
c. Had bought
d. Was buying
28. I saw him while he ……………… the cloth
a. Is folding
b. Has been folding
c. Was folding
d. Had been folding

29. You can't eat all …………………..

a. Can't you?
b. Do you?
c. Can you?
d. Don't you?

30. Not only was she pretty …………..intelligent.

a. Or
b. Nor
c. But also
d. And also

31. Neither the headmaster nor his assistant ………….today.

a. Is working
b. Do work
c. Have worked
d. Are working

32. The antelope …………when the hunter fired.

a. Is eating
b. Is eaten
c. Was ate
d. Was eating

33. There were ……………cars at the beach.

a. Plenty
b. Most
c. Much
d. Many
34. Lucy is the ……………… beautiful girl in her class.

a. Much
b. Very much
c. Very more
d. Most

35. He is …………..to fight with a fool.

a. Too wise a man

b. Too a wise man
c. A too wise man
d. A man wise too

36. Mantey and Kofi shook hands with ………………

a. Each other
b. Each one
c. One another
d. Themselves

37. The school organized a …………… art exhibition.

a. Two days
b. Two day
c. Two-day
d. Two-days

38. We told the stranger we would put him …………..if he wanted.

a. Down
b. Up
c. On
d. Over

39. In wrestling it is not wise to take…………someone twice your size.

a. Off
b. In
c. On
d. Over

40. Kofi ate ……….food than anyone else.

a. More
b. Most
c. Much
d. Too much

1997
SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow;
When the car suddenly screeched to a halt sending tons of dust into the air, the children of the village ran helter-
skelter. Then they rushed to Mr. Opiah's compound where the car had stopped. They were delighted to see a car again
after a very long time and marveled at its beauty.

Akwasi Seth, Mr. Opiah's eldest son, the darling boy of the village had finally arrived. The day before, the gong-gong
had been beaten to announce the arrival of the first son of the village who had gone to learn the ways of the Whiteman.
Everybody was prepared to give him a rousing welcome.

Fervent preparations started there and then. However, the children's only anxiety was to see what the man had brought
and listen to what he had to say.

Meanwhile, Mr. Opiah and his family, immaculately dressed and full of joy and anxiety, were seated in the house.
There was great expectation written all over their faces. They had been told that their son would arrive at 7 am but by
1 pm there was still no sign of him. So when they also heard the screeching of the car, they all heaved sighs of relief.
They were extremely happy when Akwasi Seth entered the compound. The women began to sing his praises.

Akwasi had not forgotten his culture. He went round shaking hands with everybody. When it was his father's turn the
old man hugged him beaming with smiles. His mother also hugged him and shed tears of joy.

1. The children ran helter-skelter because…………….

a. They were expecting a car.

b. Of the sudden screeching of the car.
c. They hadn't seen a car before.
d. The car was marvelous.
2. The villagers got to know that Akwasi Seth was arriving on that day because…………….

a. The car stopped in front of Mr. Opiah's house.

b. The gong-gong beater had announced it
c. Mr. Opiah had told them about it.
d. The children ran to Mr. Opiah's house.

3. Mr. Opiah's family members were anxious because they……………

a. Were afraid he might not come.

b. Were planning what to do for him.
c. Thought Akwasi Seth would not recognize them.
d. Were surprised at how greatly Akwasi Seth had changed.

4. According to the passage, Akwasi Seth

a. Was a truant
b. Was immaculately dressed
c. Shed tears of joy
d. Was loved very much

5. Marveled in the passage means

a. Laughed
b. Surrounded

c. Wondered
d. Entered

6. Akwasi's mother shed tears of joy because..............

a. Akwasi looked strange

b. She was ill

c. She was very happy
d. Akwasi remembered his culture

PASSAGE II
Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

At the far end of the village beyond the houses, in its ground, stood the village school, ruled over by the head teacher,
Mr. Kodwo Twum. Surrounded by shady trees and with large games field to one side, it was one of the best schools in
the area.

Mr. Twum himself was a teacher of the old school, of the days when education had to be fought for the boys walked
many kilometers for a chance to read and write. He was very strict, but was held in such esteem by both parents and
teachers that no one resented his discipline. He took a personal interest in all his pupils and was affectionately known
as “Master” by the big men in the city who had passed through his hands.

The ground round the school was always well kept and tidy, for cutting and weeding the grass was one of the
punishments given to inattentive or insolent children. A small farm belonging to the school stretched down the hillside
behind it and the children were taught the elements of farming as part of their lesson.

Master Twum's house was across the road from the school and next to that belonging to John Agyemang the catechist,
so that the two men were often seen gossiping together in the evenings or going into the small village church to
discuss parish affairs.

7. The school was to be found………….

a. On the outskirts of the village
b. In the centre of the village
c. Near Mr. Kodwo Twum
d. With the house
8. According to the passage the school was surrounded by ……….....
a. Shady trees
b. The games field
c. The best schools
d. The village
9. Which of the following is not true of Mr. Twum?
a. He was respected
b. He was a disciplinarian
c. He was hated by many people
d. He was liked by all his people
10. Insolent in the passage means
a. Ruffian
b. Difficult
c. Disrespectful
d. Lazy
11. Mr. Twum and the catechist were able to gossip most of the time because they were…………….
a. Adults
b. Free
c. Very good neighbours
d. Members of the church

SECTION B
Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence
12. She is very sincere with the people she works with.
a. Free
b. Careful
c. Good
d. Honest
13. We could not stand the scent in the market.
a. Rush
b. Sight
c. Smell
d. Honest
14. My brother needs somebody to assist him complete the work.
a. Help
b. Encourage
c. Join
d. Guide
15. The chief's palace was demolished by the rainstorm.
a. Opened.
b. Built.
c. Destroyed
d. Painted
16. The visitors were happy about the calm nature of the village.
a. Neat
b. Good
c. Lovely
d. Peaceful

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined words.

17. Ekua visits her grandmother once in a blue moon. This means Ekua visits her grandmother…………..

a. Every month
b. Once a week
c. Occasionally
d. Often

18. Joana is a clever girl and will come out of her examination with flying colours. This means………………

a. She will pass in her favourite subjects

b. She will excel in some subjects.
c. Her results will be very good.
d. She will work hard.
19. The Manager hit the nail on the head in his speech to his workers. This means the Manager………………..

a. Spoke the truth

b. Was not straight forward
c. TSpoke harshly.
d. Was not happy with his workers.

20. Akosua will go to the cinema if Adjei will foot the bill. This means Akosua will go to the film show if…

a. Adjei will take her there on foot.

b. The two of them will go together.
c. Adjei will pay for her.
d. She will walk there with others.

21. The Pastor advised Yaw and Mensah to bury the hatchet. This means Yaw and Mensah are to…………

a. Keep their cutlass in a safe place

b. Work together on their farm
c. Forget about their quarrel
d. Bury their old cutlass

SECTION D

From the list of words lettered A to D choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word underlined
in each sentence.

22. This room is too dim.

a. Bright

b. Shining.
c. Clear.
d. Lit..

23. That box contains very expensive jewellery.

a. Beautiful
b. Cheap
c. Better
d. Line

24. They are waiting in the arrival hall.

a. Departure
b. Return
c. Acceptable
d. Common

25. It is very unlikely that he will report before Saturday

a. Similar
b. Credible
c. Close
d. Possible

26. This is made from artificial materials.

a. New
b. Preserved
c. Interfered with
d. Wonderful

SECTION E
From the alternatives lettered A to D choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.
________________________________________
27. I object …………….. your joining our school team.

a. On
b. By
c. At
d. To

________________________________________
28. This secret should remain ….........…you and me.
a. For
b. With
c. In
d. Between

________________________________________
29. The kind woman gave …….....…a box of sweets.

a. All and each one

b. All and everyone
c. Each and all
d. Each and everyone

________________________________________
30. Tokyo is the …..............…expensive city in the world.
a. Most
b. Much
c. More
d. Very

________________________________________
31. You have to help your parents……........……?

a. Have you
b. You do
c. Isn't it
d. Don't you

________________________________________
32. The car my uncle bought was the …..............
a. Model latest of the Benz
b. Benz latest of the Benz
c. Latest model of the Benz
d. Latest Benz of the model

________________________________________
33. I will wash my clothes when I …...............home
a. Went
b. Have gone
c. Could go
d. Go

________________________________________
34. Lucy is the ……She is very jovial…she is an orphan
a. Since
b. As
c. Though
d. Even

________________________________________
35.If you …………more attentive you wouldn't have been in such a bad situation.

a. Are
b. Were
c. Had been
d. Could be

________________________________________
36. Kwabena often…………… his grandfather after school.
a. Had visited
b. Visited
c. Has visited
d. Visit

________________________________________
37. The farmer had saved………. money for his son's education.
a. Few
b. Enough
c. Most
d. Plenty

________________________________________
38. This is my book that one is

a. Your's
b. Your
c. Yours
d. Yours’

________________________________________
39. Birds fly, don't they?

a. Yes, they don't

b. No, they do
c. Yes, they do
d. Yes, they can't

________________________________________
40. The rains had …….............……. stopped when we set off.

a. Yet
b. Either
c. Already
d. Now

1998
SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:
After the wine had been drunk Okwonkwo laid his difficulties before Nwakibie. “I have come to you for help”, he
said. “Perhaps you already guess what it is. I have cleared my farm but have no yams to sow. I know what it is to ask a
man to trust another with his yams, especially these days when young men are afraid of hard work. I am not afraid of
work
The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did. I began
to fend for myself at an age when most people will suck at their mothers' breast. If you give me some yam seeds I shall
not fail you.
Nwakibie cleared his throat. “It pleases me to see a determined young man like you these days when our youth have
gone so soft. Many young men have come to me to ask for yams but I have refused because I knew they would just
dump them in the earth and leave them to be chocked by weeds. When I say no to them they think I am hard-hearted.
But it is not so. Eneke the bird says that since men have learnt to shoot without missing, he has learnt to fly without
perching. I have learnt to be stingy with my yams. But I can trust you. I know it as I look at you. As our fathers said,
you can tell a ripe corn by its look. I shall give you twice four hundred yams. Go ahead and prepare your farm.”
1. The full form of if no one else did will be, “if no one…….........…..”
a. Jumped
b. Looked
c. Was afraid
d. Praised him
2. I began to fend for myself means the speaker…………
a. Defender himself
b. Protected his family
c. Looked after himself
d. Looked for yams

3. Being hard-hearted is to…………

a. Be solid
b. Have no kind feeling
c. Be wild
d. Refuse to smile
4. Nwakibie refused to give yams to some young men because they were…………
a. Lazy
b. Stingy
c. Unable to shoot well
d. Unable to trust him
5. According to the passage one can say that Okwonkwo is……………..
a. Always praising himself.
b. A determined hardworking young farmer.

c. Always sucking his mother's breasts.

d. Very stingy with yams.

PASSAGE II
Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:
We were suddenly awakened at dawn by the screams of the tenants in the house. Daddy quickly jumped from his bed
and made for the door. Not long after we heard him screaming. We ran to the hall, switched on the light and saw him
lying flat on his back, holding his forehead.
In his haste to get to the hall door, he must have forgotten to switch on the light thus running straight and crashing his
head against the pillar in the middle of the hall. When we examined his forehead, we saw a big lump and blood oozing
from a deep cut near his eyebrow. Mother, a retired nursing sister, shouted instructions at me to get the first aid box,
some ice cubes and Daddy's towel.

When the items were brought she then sat to work first on the cut. She put some ice-cubes in the towel and pressed
them on the cut for about two minutes. She then wiped the blood gently. Afterwards, she put a little iodine on gauze,
placed it on the cut and bandaged it. Then turning to the lump, she massaged it with some ice-cubes, which reduced
the swelling. She then opened the door and we were confronted with a pathetic scene. Lying in the middle of the house
was the body of one of the tenants. Trying to resist an attack by armed robbers, he had been butchered mercilessly and
his body left in the middle of the house.

6. What made the writer wake up?

a. The noise made by his father.

b. The shouting of people in the house.

c. His father's jumping out of bed.
d. His father crashing into the pillar.
7. The father was holding his forehead because he……..
a. Ran
b. Lay on his back
c. Did not put on the light
d. Hit his head against the pillar
8. Which of the following statements, according to the passage, is not true?
a. Mother retired as a nursing sister.
b. Mother used Daddy's towel.

c. Mother used iodine and ice-cubes.

d. Mother applied warm water.

9. How did the tenant die?

a. He was a pathetic scene.
b. He was killed by armed robbers.
c. He was merciless.
d. He had resisted armed robbers.
10. 'Pathetic' in the passage means
a. Sad
b. Strange
c. Mighty
d. Merciless

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word or expression
in each sentence.

11. We were advised to make our handwriting legible.

a. Crooked.

b. Clear.

c. Straight

d. Deep.

12. Our supporters planned to jubilate after the match.

a. Embrace the supporters.

b. Reward the players.

c. Rejoice

d. Feast.

13. Bullying has been banned in this school.

a. Encouraged

b. Forbidden

c. Discussed

d. Introduced
14. The penalty for stealing is dismissal from school.

a. Trouble

b. Cause

c. Foul

d. Punishment

15. The talking ceased as soon as the teacher appeared.

a. Changed over.

b. Dragged on.

c. Stopped

d. Increased .

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined words.

16. It will serve her right if she does not meet her friends at the airport. This means that………

a. She will have what she likes..

b. It will be too much for her..

c. She will have what she deserves.

d. It will be her right to travel..

17. Mr. Mensah appears to be an honest worker, but he leads a double life. This means that he………………..

a. Comes to work early..

b. Works harder than everybody..

c. Leads a bad private life.

d. Has two different jobs.

18. My uncle visits me once in a blue moon. This means that he visits
a. At the end of the month.
b. Rarely.
c. During the night.
d. Daily
19. Academically the Science Class is second to none in the school. This means that the class…………
a. Always takes the second position.
b. Does not do very well.
c. Is the best
d. Is the second largest
20. If we had sent him to the hospital earlier he wouldn't have died. This means that we…………….
a. Sent him to the hospital..
b. Didn't send him to the hospital at all..
c. Sent him to the hospital late.
d. Were told to send him to the hospital.

SECTION D

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word
underlined in each sentence.
________________________________________
21. The prefect was punished for being dishonest.

a. Rough.

b. Respectful.

c. Sincere

d. Tactful.

________________________________________
22. Our teachers always advised us to be humble.
a. Arrogant.

b. Gentle.

c. Hardworking

d. Wicked.
________________________________________
23. Our headmaster has purchased a lot of books for the library.

a. Selected

b. Collected

c. Sold

d. Lent

________________________________________
24. The meat I had was tough.

a. Big

b. Soft

c. Slippery

d. Rough

________________________________________
25. Vegetation is scanty in desert countries.

a. Green.

b. Dry.

c. Little

d. Dense .

SECTION E
From the alternatives lettered A to D choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.
________________________________________
26. Anto should…………his teeth before eating.

a. Have cleaned
b. Has cleaned
c. Cleaned
d. Cleans

________________________________________
27. Mr. Tawiah regularly…………late in the night.

a. Eat
b. Eats
c. Eaten
d. Eating
________________________________________
28. Can you make……Issaka in the crowd?
a. Of
b. Up
c. Out
d. Away

________________________________________
29. The earlier we…………….the work, the better.

a. Have done
b. Do
c. Did
d. Had done

________________________________________
30. You will pass this examination, …?
a. Don't you
b. Have you
c. May you
d. Won't you

________________________________________
31. He showed me the car……knocked him down.

a. Who
b. Which
c. Whom
d. What

________________________________________
32. The man is a good friend of………
a. My
b. Me
c. Myself
d. Mine

________________________________________
33. The national team is preparing ………..their next match.
a. With
b. By
c. On
d. For

________________________________________
34. Look carefully around for those books; they must be………….in this room.
a. Somehow
b. Everywhere
c. Somewhere
d. Anywhere

________________________________________
35. Find out who is the………….of the two boys.
a. Most tall
b. Taller
c. More tall
d. Tallest

________________________________________
36. …......…………..boys are very happy with the toys.
a. They
b. Those
c. This
d. That

________________________________________
37. Julie wants to visit a relative of……………
a. Hers
b. Herself
c. Themselves
d. Ourselves

________________________________________
38. The visitors don't know Krokrobite......................?

a. Is it
b. Haven't they
c. Do they
d. Isn't it

________________________________________
39.Was it not your sister who …………..this hole yesterday?

a. Has dug
b. Have dug
c. Dig
d. Dug

________________________________________
40. I can't hear her; I wish she …………..louder

a. Was speaking
b. Would speak
c. Had spoken
d. Might speak

1999
SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The persistent sound of the big bell at that time of the day surprised everybody. What could the matter be? The pupils,
bumping into each other, raced to the assembly hall. In less than a minute, Mr. Amoh, the headmaster, stood with a
glimpse face before them. He raised his hand and everybody was quiet.

“Children,” he began. “The reason why I have summoned you here is to tell you that, at long last, we have found the
students who stole the school's microphones. Bring them here!” he commanded.

Necks craned to catch a glimpse of the thieves. There was Kofi Smith, the best footballer in the school. Eyes popped
out. “Shiee!” exclaimed the students, completely surprised. Next was Akwasi Ameko.

“What………!” blurted out someone from the back. “Is he not the Form Two Class Prefect?” As if that was not
enough Akwasi Osei appeared last, his withered leg dangling on a clutch. The students exploded into uncontrolled
laughter. The Senior Prefect had to shout his head off before silence was restored. Everybody was at a loss as to what
came over the trio to commit such a crime.

In a clear voice, the headmaster handed down the punishment – two weeks' suspension.
1. Why was everybody surprised when the bell rang? Because…......
a. The students bumped into each other.
b. They ran to the assembly hall
c. The students saw the headmaster standing before them.
d. They did not expect the bell to ring at that time.

2.The students raced to the assembly hall because the………….

a. Headmaster was annoyed
b. Headmaster asked them to come
c. Bell rang many times
d. Bell rang at the normal time

3. There was laughter in the assembly hall because……………..

a. Mr. Amoah stood before them with a glimpse face.
b. Kofi Smith the footballer was involved.
c. Akwasi Ameko surprised them
d. Akwasi Osei the cripple was also involved

4. The expression at a loss means

a. Dissatisfied
b. Angry
c. Confused
d. Surprised
5. What did the headmaster do to the thieves? He ……………
a. Warned them not to repeat the offence
b. Asked a teacher to cane them
c. Sent them home to call their parents
d. Asked them to stay away from school
PASSAGE II
Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Before Obu left the house that morning for the Christmas service, he tried on his brand new clothes together with a cap
which was beautifully embroidered with yellow tread. He wore the cap at various angles, using a hand mirror to
choose the most suitable.
During the service, Obu caught himself several times admiring his clothes. Whenever the congregation sat down, he
switched his attention from the clothes to his shoes, nicknamed “Stand by”, his first pair ever. He was not alone. Even
choristers who should have joined the procession preferred to sit with the rest of the congregation in order to show off
their new clothes. The church itself was in a festive mood, beautifully decorated with palm fronds and flowers.
Obu's only problem was that he could not wear his cap inside the church. Outside, the harmattan wind was dry and
dusty, making one thirsty. One could not even smile without bleeding since one's lips were so dry. Despite this, Obu
preferred staying outside to being inside the church where he displayed his cap. Therefore, when the catechist was on
his way to the pulpit for the sermon, Obu lied to the warden that he wanted to relieve himself outside
6. Obu was inattentive in church because of…………….
a. The Christmas
b. The harmattan
c. His new dress
d. His embroidery
7. Obu's shoes were special to him because they……………
a. Were called “standby”
b. Were his first
c. Made noise
d. Looked very beautiful
8. According to the passage the choristers………….
a. Disliked their robes
b. Did not like singing
c. Wanted to display their dresses
d. Preferred sitting to standing

9. Obu went outside the church………………….

a. Since it was so warm inside.
b. Because he did not like the catechist.
c. In order to relieve himself.
d. So that he could wear his cap
10. He was not alone tells us that Obu was not the only one who was
a. In church that day.
b. Happy
c. Wearing new clothes.
d. Celebrating
11. The word relieve in the passage means
a. Lessen his suffering
b. Show his new clothes
c. Play happily
d. Sing melodiously

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word or expression
in each sentence.

12. The team's performance made the coach very anxious.

a. Hopeful
b. Angry
c. Jealous
d. Worried.
13. The Disciplinary Committee was asked to investigate the theft.
a. Condemn
b. Go into
c. Determine
d. Look for

14. The class teacher could not bear the noise.

a. Tolerate
b. Understand
c. Take in
d. Make out

15. Due to anger the pupil spoke to the teacher in an impolite way
a. Foolish
b. Loud
c. Brave
d. Rude
16. Florence Nightingale was a renowned nurse.
a. Strict
b. Humble
c. Brave
d. Famous .
SECTION C
In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined words.
17. The news of the inspectors' visit kept the pupils on their toes. This means the pupils……………
a. Stood up
b. Ran away
c. Were alert
d. Were fatigued
18. During my preparation for the examination I left no stone unturned. This means that I ……………..
a. Found it difficult to study
b. Studied thoroughly.
c. Was sure to pass
d. Took all the stones away
19. For the sake of peace Kofi gave in to his friend after their quarrel. This means that
a. Kofi accepted defeat
b. Kofi avoided his friend
c. Kofi's friend abandoned him
d. Kofi's friend was defeated

20. John was far ahead of our class but we soon caught up with him. This means that……...........
a. John was the tallest in the class
b. John kept himself away from the class
c. We soon found John in front of us
d. We reached the same level with John
21. Kwadwo turned a deaf ear to his mother's advice. This means that Kwadwo…………
a. Turned his deaf ear to his mother
b. Refused to listen
c. Stopped his ear
d. Could not hear well

SECTION D
From the list of words lettered A to D choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word underlined
in each

27. We always look………….our parents for help.

a. About
b. Up to
c. At
d. Up for

28. Finish the work quickly and………..your exercise books.

a. Hand up
b. Hand out
c. Hand down
d. Hand over

29. You don't believe that………….?

a. Isn't it
b. Do you
c. Won't you
d. Don't you

30. Amina is a good girl………………?

a. Isn't it
b. Doesn't she
c. Does she
d. Isn't she

31. Don't pay him…………….he finishes the work.

a. Since
b. Until
c. As
d. Yet

32. This is the boy………….book I took.

 a. Whom
b. Which
c. Who
d. Whose

33. She………….when her father called her.

a. Swept
b. Is sweeping
c. Has swept
d. Was sweeping

34. After the fight, the two boxers, congratulated………….

a. One another
b. Each other
c. One other
d. Each another

35. FEverybody said my father was the…………….hardworking man in the village

a. Very most
b. Very more
c. Most
d. More

36. The chief went to the durbar grounds………….horseback

a. On
b. By
c. From
d. Above

37. Nii isn't in his office; he is……….near this place.

a. Thereby
b. Sometimes
c. Somewhat
d. Nowhere
38. Kweku discovered later that………has many advantages.
a. To be telling the truth
b. Tell the truth
c. Having told the truth
d. Telling the truth
39.The Oseis are our neighbours; they…………near us for twenty years now
a. Stay
b. Were stayed
c. Stayed
d. Have stayed
40. He was sure he gave the pan to…………else.
a. Anyone
b. Someone
c. Somebody
d. Everybody

2000
SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Mr. Kobi, the next speaker, said that although he left the school many years ago, he still remembered with thanks all
that the headmaster had done to make sure that his pupils were well prepared for life. He was sorry that the headmaster
had decided to retire at so early an age. This would deprive the pupils of his assistance long before it was necessary to
do so. However, he wished the headmaster the best of luck in his retirement and offered him a silver tray as a sign of
the high esteem in which his old pupils held him.

After the tray had been handed over, the retiring headmaster came forward to make his speech of thanks. He began by
giving a brief summary of the time he had spent as headmaster of the school. He added that it had always been his aim
to do his best for the pupils under his charge. He expressed his gratitude to the masters who had been on his staff for
their hard work and sacrifice. Finally, he said how glad he was that he was being succeeded as headmaster by Mr.
Smith was generally admired and respected by all who knew him. He asked all his old pupils to take an interest in the
school after he had gone, and promised that he would certainly do so himself.

1. Mr. Kobi was sorry about the headmaster's early retirement because
a. It was necessary to do so.
b. He would deny the pupils of his help
c. He had done a lot.
d. The pupils were well prepared for life.

2. Which of the following is not true of the headmaster?

a. He was hated by the people
b. He had worked hard
c. He was happy
d. He had worked for a long time.
3. Brief in the passage means
a. Necessary
b. Good
c. True
d. Short

4. According to the passage, Mr. Smith was

a. Liked by many people

b. Liked by the headmaster only
c. A disciplinarian
d. A gentleman
5. The retiring headmaster said he would continue……...............…..the school.
a. Praising
b. To teach in
c. Visiting
d. To do his best for

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

It is easy to see why television is so attractive to both children and adults. It is available in the home and we can watch
it in comfort whenever we please. Besides, it provides entertainment after a day's work. Television also enables us to
see places and people and their ways of life. Even people with little or no formal education can watch and enjoy the
programmes.

Unfortunately, television takes up much of our time. To watch it we must sit in front of it, watch as long as a
programme lasts, and do little else. This exclusive aspect of television, the fact that it prevents us from doing other
things, poses more serious problems than is commonly realized. While television may provide an acceptable form of
relaxation for adults after a day's work, it robs children of the time they must use to learn other things. In addition, not
everything that television offers is good. Even when children's programmes are provided, we are not sure that these are
the only ones they will watch.

In fact, these days children watch more programmes meant for adults than for them.
One likely outcome of this is that children may learn about the adult too soon, at a time when they can easily be
influenced.
6. People like to watch television because it
a. Is very beautiful
b. Solves serious problems
c. Is available
d. Provides relaxation

7. The writer feels that children should

a. Watch television with parents

b. Do nothing while watching television

c. Not watch all programmes

d. Learn about adult life

8. Poses in the passage means

a. Solves
b. Increases
c. Presents

d. Determines
9. According to the passage, which of the following is not true about television?
a. It is a source of entertainment
b. It helps us to see unknown places and people
c. People with little education can also watch it.
d. Everybody has one
10. From the passage, we realize that the writer………….
a. Dislike adult programmes
b. Is not happy about the present situation
c. Produces television programmes
d. Wants television to be banned

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence.

11. The Headmaster asked the school prefect to summon a meeting of the Students' Council
a. Chair.
b. Call.
c. Cancel
d. Postpone.

12. The attitude of the security officer was very hostile.

a. Strange

b. Disturbing

c. Unfriendly

d. Interesting.

13. After the hard day's work he returned home completely exhausted.

a. Disturbed
b. Worn out
c. Unhappy
d. Broken down
14. The auditor's job was to go over the accounts carefully
a. Present
b. Calculate
c. Settle
d. Inspect
15. The paint used for the outside of the building was durable.
a. Lasting
b. Expensive
c. Attractive
d. Decorative

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined words.

16. Musa told his friend to mind his own business. This means that Musa's friend should…………..

a. Worry about his own work.

b. Do his own buying and selling.

c. Not interfere in other people's affair.

d. Not help other people.

17. Mother buys the best clothes for Patrick because he is the apple of her eye. This means that Patrick
is…………………

a. The one she loves most.

b. The most hard-working son.

c. Her most respectable son.

d. Her last child.

18. It is difficult for most people to make ends meet these days. This means most people…………
a. Live very comfortable
b. Are unable to eat delicious meals.
c. Are unable to live within their income
d. Buy expensive clothes.
19. Esi was so good a leader that we were all encouraged to take a leaf out of her book. This means we were all
encouraged to……………
a. Try and beat her record.
b. Take her advice.
c. Follow her example.
d. Treat her with respect.
20. Before I left for the market, I asked my neighbour to keep an eye on my children. This means my neighbour
should…………
a. Play with the children.
b. Look after the children.
c. Follow the children around.
d. Look at the children.

SECTION D
From the list of words lettered A to D choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word underlined
in each
21. My friend did everything to hinder my work.

a. Reduce.

b. Do

c. Understand

d. Assist.
22. Our teache It is wise to preserve works of art for the future.

a. Produce.

b. Destroy.

c. Condemn
d. Abolish.
23. The director engaged Mary as a sales woman.
a. Disqualified
b. Exempted
c. Dismissed
d. Excused
24. This soil is very fertile for the growing of vegetables.
a. Poor
b. Shallow
c. Porous
d. Hard
SECTION D
From the list of words lettered A to D choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word underlined
in each
21. My friend did everything to hinder my work.
a. Reduce.
b. Do
c. Underst
d. Assist.
22. Our teache It is wise to preserve works of art for the future.
a. Produce
b. Destroy.
c. Condemn
d. Abolish.
23. The director engaged Mary as a sales woman.
a. Disqualified
b. Exempted
c. Dismissed
d. Excused
24. This soil is very fertile for the growing of vegetables.
a. Poor
b. Shallow
c. Porous
d. Hard
25. Formerly, we walked a very long distance to attend school.
a. Sometimes.
b. Now.
c. Recently
d. Usually .
25. Formerly, we walked a very long distance to attend school.
a. Sometimes.
b. Now.
c. Recently
d. Usually .
SECTION E
From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.
26. When the lights went off, I…………..my supper.
a. Have eaten
b. Am eating
c. Have been eating
d. Was eating
27. The factory had to………..many workers because of the fall in production
a. Lay down
b. Put off
c. Put away
d. Lay off
28. We…………to play a return match last Friday.
a. Have
b. Were
c. Ought
d. Are
29. It was not obvious……………he was pointing to.
a. The one to which
b. Which one
c. One which
d. As to that
30. I have forgotten all……………you told me.
a. That
b. Which
c. What
d. Those
31. Selfish people always consider…………..first.
a. Oneself
b. Yourselves
c. Themselves
d. Himself
32. …………….the watch is old, it is still working.
a. Although
b. Despite
c. Since
d. Because
33. Teye asked me how……….French I knew.
a. Many
b. Few
c. Little
d. Much
34. Kwaku's evidence………….to be checked.
a. Needing
b. Needs
c. Is needing
d. Will have need
35. The headmistress said they could not postpone………….the school any longer.
a. Re-opening
b. Re-open
c. To have re-opened
d. Having re-opened
36. You know very well that it was no fault of………………..
a. My
b. I
c. Me
d. Mine
37. You are not hurt………................……?
a. Were you
b. Did you
c. Are you
d. Do you
38. I don't mind………...........…..home early.
a. You go
b. Your go
c. You to go
d. Your going
39. All…………................….is good health.
a. What I need
b. To need
c. That I need
d. To be needed
40. If anyone greets you, it is polite to return……………greeting.
a. Your
b. Its
c. Their
d. Anyone

2001
PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:
There stood an enormous tree in the centre of the town. Its big branches and dense foliage gave shelter in all weathers
and so it had become a natural meeting place. Benches had been placed round the base of its huge trunk so that the
elders of the town might sit in comfort and gossip or talk about serious affairs of the town. This particular morning,
three old men were resting on one of the benches. They had chosen the side which overlooks the road entering the
town. From there they could see the market, the lorry park and the main street.

As they watched, a large bus drove into the lorry park. It was surrounded immediately by a jostling crowd. Those who
wished to travel hurried forward and food sellers rushed from all sides struggling to sell their wares. In the general
uproar which followed, new passengers tried to get into the bus, whilst those who had reached their destination tried to
alight. Others who were not willing to risk losing their seats stood blocking the doorway or leaned out of the bus
windows as they bargained with the foods sellers.

1. According to the passage the elders sit under the tree to……………

a. Travel outside
b. Buy and sell
c. Discuss matters
d. Drink palm wine

2. Which of the following could the old men not see from where they sat?

a. The benches
b. The market
c. The lorry
d. The main street

3. Uproar in the passage means

a. Fight
b. Movement
c. Selling
d. Confusion

4. Some people in the bus tried to alight because they wanted to……………

a. Buy things
b. Gossip
c. Rest
d. Go home

5. Some of the passengers blocked the way because they………………….

a. Did not like the food sellers

b. Did not want to lose their seats

c. Wanted to stop the new passengers

d. Wanted to see the old men

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

As I stood by a street in Accra that late afternoon watching people rushing home from work, I felt very safe. My sense
of security came from the fact that Ghanaians are generally kind and hospitable people, particularly to strangers.
Although I had just arrived from my village, I was a Ghanaian and in my own capital I should not fear anything.

Just then, I felt a firm grip on my arm from behind. I did not feel threatened; rather I was relieved. I thought an old
schoolmate must have spotted me, James Cudjoe, and decided to play our old game on me. How welcome! The good
old days are here again.

I turned to look at the fellow in the face but the more; I turned to my left the faster he moved to my right as he
tightened his grip on my wrist watch. Suddenly he let go of my arm and bolted. I saw him vanish into the thick crowd.
Certainly, this was not how to welcome a friend. People of the city are surely very strange!
Totally confused, I made my way towards the lorry park to leave for my brother's house. In the gathering darkness, I
tried to find out what time it was. To my utter surprise, I discovered that my wrist watch was gone. The rascal had
made away with it. It was hardly new, not even expensive, yet the rogue found it worth steal.

6. The writer thought he was safe in Accra because……………

a. He saw people rushing home from work.

b. He had just arrived from his village.

c. Ghanaians would welcome him.
d. Ghanaians are famous for their kindness.

7. Spotted in the passage means

a. Looked at

b. Recognized

c. Marked

d. Pointed at

8. The writer turned to his left because he wanted to……………….

a. See the person behind

b. Keep his wrist watch safe

c. Welcome his old friend

d. Play with his schoolmate

9. According to the passage, the fellow grabbed Cudjoe's arm because…....................…

a. He wanted to embrace

b. They were mates

c. He wanted to steal the watch

d. They stood together

10. Rogue in the passage refers to………

a. A worker

b. The schoolmates

c. The thief

d. A citizen

11. Which of the following is not true according to the passage?

a. Dislike adult programmes

b. People in Accra are classmate

c. There are thieves in Accra

d. Workers in Accra return home in the evening.

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined words in each
sentence.

12. The director was humiliated when the theft was detected in his ministry.

a. Angered

b. Cautioned

c. Discouraged

d. Disgraced.

13. Nortey was industrious so he was duly rewarded.

a. Intelligent

b. Hardworking

c. Careful

d. Courageous

14. Born and bred in an affluent home, he never experienced any hardships in life.

a. Respectable

b. Religious

c. Happy

d. Rich

15. Dazzled by the bright headlights of the approaching vehicle, our driver drove into the bush.

a. Disturbed

b. Worried

c. Blinded

d. Discouraged

16. He gave a precise definition of the word.

a. Learned

b. Hasty

c. Accurate

d. Short
SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined words.

17. After serving ten years in prison he returned home under a cloud.

a. In dull weather

b. Very depressed

c. In disgrace

d. Very secretly

18. His father's death, which was a bolt from the blue, greatly affected his education.

a. A disastrous event

b. A complete surprise

c. A mournful affair

d. A blessing in disguise

19. Kofi Mensah found it difficult to do away with his habits. This means that Kofi Mensah could not ……… his bad
habits.

a. Continue

b. Hide

c. Stop

d. Talk about

20. Many people dislike Abugri because he enjoys blowing his own trumpet. This means that Abugri is…………

a. Boastful
b. Greedy

c. Disrespectful

d. Shameful

21. When Susan was caught stealing money, she shed crocodile tears.

a. Pretended she was sorry.

b. Was annoyed

c. Was embarrassed

d. Cried like a crocodile.

SECTION D

From the alternative lettered A to D choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underline word in
each sentence.

22. The health officer advised the people not to contaminate the water any further.

a. Fetch.

b. Store.

c. Purify

d. Use.

23. Theresa wanted to know the time of arrival of the plane.

a. Scheme

b. Routine
c. Departure

d. Boarding

24. I must consent to this proposal.

a. Ignore

b. Question

c. Disagree

d. React to

25. Yesterday my cousin looked very depressed.

a. Contented.

b. Active.

c. Surprised

d. Happy .

26. The level of the river subsided after the floods.

a. Outflow.

b. Ascended.

c. Enlarged

d. Rose .

SECTION E

From the alternative lettered A to D choose the one which suitably completes each sentence.
27. I suggest that they………….the piano instead.

a. Are playing
b. Play
c. Playing
d. Will play

28. ……..........…….frankly, I hate the idea.

a. Speak
b. Spoken
c. To speak
d. For speaking

29. I think we…….......……. Kwesi's offer.

a. Better taking
b. Had better taken
c. Had better take
d. Better to take

30. ……........…….the arable land was under cultivation.

a. Most of
b. Many of
c. More of
d. Much of

31. In attempting to control us, the headmaster gave…………..a great deal of trouble.

a. Themselves
b. Himself
c. Ourselves
d. Yourself

32. Do you believe in witches?

 a. Yes, I don't
b. No I won't
c. Yes I won't
d. No, I don't

33. Aba insisted that Adjoa……to the party.

a. To have come
b. Has come
c. To come
d. Should come

34. Esi: I felt rather tired yesterday. Efua: Yes………….

a. I did too
b. So I did
c. So did I
d. I didn't

35. The student complained that there was………..sugar in their tea.

a. Plenty
b. Few
c. Little
d. Small

36. One of the duties of the police is to………..traffic.

a. Lead
b. Regulate
c. Direct
d. Move

37. He decided to……….the entrance examination again.

a. Have sat
b. Sit
c. Be sitting
d. Have been sitting
38. We won the school debate……?

a. Hadn't we
b. Isn't it
c. Couldn't we
d. Didn't we

39. The plumber turned the pipe so hard that it………….

a. Will break
b. Breaks
c. Had broken
d. Broke

40. He was introduced…………the directors by his co-worker.

a. By
b. To
c. Through
d. From

2002A
PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Antobam's first day in senior secondary school was the day he would never forget. That morning he got up earlier than
usual ready for his father to take him to the new school. With the help of his father's houseboy, his trunk and chop box
were packed into his father's car. At exactly eleven o'clock, the car sped off as Antobam happily waved goodbye to his
brothers and sisters.

After about one and a half hours' drive, they arrived at the school. Antobam beamed with smiles as the car pulled up in
front of the administration block. Some huge boys rushed to the car shouting. “Hommo, welcome; hommo, welcome!”
Antobam misunderstood this for a warm welcome, but he was soon proved wrong.

From the list of newcomers displayed on the notice board, Antobam's father saw his son's name under House Two and
wanted to take the luggage there. But one of the boys politely said, “Daddy, stop. We have a tradition here.” Before he
knew what was happening, two of the boys had lifted his trunk and chop box and put them on Antobam's head. He had
never carried any load on his head before, but here he was with the arduous task of carrying two heavy boxes. Tears
started flowing as his father looked on in disbelief. He later left the school very disturbed, wondering what was going
to happen to his beloved son.
1. Antobam got up early that morning because he……….

a. Was very happy

b. Was anxious to go to his new school
c. Would never forget that day
d. Was woken up by his father

2. Antobam arrived at his new school at half past………….

a. Ten
b. Eleven
c. Twelve
d. Two

3. The senior boys made Antobam carry his boxes because they……

a. Welcomed his father

b. Were following tradition
c. Thought he was strong
d. Tried to seize his provisions

4. Arduous in the passage means

a. Strange
b. New
c. Additional
d. Difficult

5. Antobam's father left the school……

a. A happy man
b. Crying for his son

c. A worried man
d. Promising to come back

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Every year, thousands of African school leavers from the rural areas rush to the urban areas to seek employment.
Apart from leaving the countryside thinly populated, these youths cause overcrowding in the cities. They cannot get
any house to live in so they are found sleeping in market places and on verandas.

Most of our youths regard agriculture as a poor man's business. They prefer white-collar jobs to farming and forget
that one can gain fame or wealth through agriculture. Most of these youths are greatly disappointed in the townships.
Lack of jobs and money force them to join bad companies, break into houses at night or snatch people's bags at lorry
parks or in the street during the day. They often wear dirty clothes and are seen in the streets trying to find something
to eat.

One way of checking this movement is by setting up factories in the rural areas and establishing large farms where the
school leavers can easily find work. Other ways are providing good means of transport and communication. Libraries,
medical services and post offices are equally important amenities necessary in rural areas.

These facilities together with good drinking water and electricity will make these areas attractive enough for the youth
to remain and help grow food and cash crops for the country. They can also produce raw materials for our industries.

6. School leavers migrate to the cities and towns to…………………

a. Seek enjoyment

b. Look for work

c. Look for amenities
d. Continue their education

7. One of the results of the movement of the youth in the rural areas is that the……

a. Towns are overcrowded

b. Rural areas lack money

c. Youth are greatly disappointed

d. Rural areas lose their people.

8. White-collar jobs as used in the passage means…………….

a. Working in the cities

b. Working in offices
c. Wearing white-collar shirts

d. Working for white-men

9. The word snatch means…………

a. Carry

b. Steal

c. Push

d. Damage
10. When the youth come into the cities.

a. There is over-population

b. Amenities are provided

c. Jobs are created

d. They become very happy

11. When the youth remain in the rural areas they can help produce………

a. Electricity

b. Food

c. Libraries

d. Water

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined words in each
sentence.

12. James was so wicked that all his mates abhorred him.

a. Dismissed
b. Beat

c. Hated

d. Ignored.

13. The students listened to the headmaster with rapt attention.

a. True

b. Equal

c. Undivided

d. Single

14. Sam was appointed the office boy because of his faithfulness.

a. Honesty

b. Cleverness

c. Punctuality

d. Neatness

15. We were taught that banks give credit to needy businessmen.

a. Installments

b. Debits

c. Transfers

d. Loans

16. Most men normally do not wear costly jewellery.

a. Good

b. Expensive

c. Shiny

d. New

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined words.

17. The wall clock in the assembly hall is a white elephant. This means that the clock………………..

a. Does not work accurately

b. Is very big

c. Does not work any longer

d. Is very strong

18. His clothes are always out of date. This means that his clothes are……...........

a. Torn

b. Too tight

c. Faded

d. Old-fashioned

19. When it comes to honesty, Kweku is the odd one out. This means that Kweku.......................

a. Is always absent

b. Does not tell the truth

c. Does not behave normally

d. Is very tricky

20. I stopped going out with Joe because he is light-fingered. This means that Joe is a……………..

a. Lazy person

b. Liar

c. Thief

d. Dishonest friend

21. The manager's strange behaviour made the workers smell a rat. This means that the workers become…...............…

a. Rude

b. Discouraged

c. Disappointed

d. Suspicious

SECTION D

From the alternative lettered A to D choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underline word in
each sentence.

22. My former headmaster has consented to be my referee.

a. Promised.

b. Planned.

c. Decided
d. Refused.

23. The suspect was guilty.

a. Free

b. Innocent

c. Discharged

d. Imprisoned

24. When school starts the national flag is hoisted.

a. Lowered

b. Dropped

c. Saluted

d. Hung

25. We could see that mother was very proud of her dark complexion.

a. Natural.

b. Clean.

c. Fair

d. Attractive .

26. That car needs a hard push in order to start.

a. Drag.
b. Tow.

c. Force

d. Pull .

SECTION E

From the alternative lettered A to D choose the one which suitably completes each sentence.

27. The doctor advised the patient to stay away………….alcohol.

a. For
b. On
c. From
d. With

28. You have not paid your fees……….?

a. Will you
b. Won't you
c. Hadn't you
d. Have you

29. His pair of trousers…………….torn.

a. Is
b. Are
c. Have
d. Has

30. I prefer honey…………..sugar.

a. To
b. Are
c. From
d. For

31. If it rains I …………my crops.

a. Have planted
b. Had planted
c. Will have planted
d. Shall planted

32. I can……...................…time for my homework.

a. Find enough easily

b. Find easily enough
c. Easily enough find
d. Easily find enough

33. Have you heard the national anthem ………….in your language?

a. Sing
b. Sung
c. Sang
d. Sings

34. This bag is………..........….heavy for a child to carry.

a. So
b. Very
c. Too
d. Much

35. ………......…..you dislike the girl, you shouldn't beat her.

a. Even if
b. Since
c. As
d. Of course

36. Ghana is over forty years, therefore she…………of age.

a. Came
b. Comes
c. Has come
d. Is coming

37. To be a teenager is indeed great……………..?

a. Isn't it
b. Aren't you
c. It is
d. Does it

38. Alf and Pat look so identical that it is difficult to pick the………of the two

a. Oldest
b. Old
c. Elder
d. Eldest

39. Uncle Ebo brought a carpenter who easily climbed………the roof to repair the leakage.

a. Into
b. On
c. At
d. Onto

40. Bola is the………….............beautiful of the three girls.

a. More
b. Most
c. Much
d. Better

2002B
PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:

When Suzzie's mother told her that she would attend school in Ghana, she wept bitterly because she had learned that
Ghana was a backward country with no good schools, no good roads and little food. She would miss not only her
parents but also her friends and wonderful things in America. But her father insisted that she must leave for Ghana
because it was necessary for her to learn the culture and language of her motherland, in addition to those of her
fatherland if she should have a balanced education. So, Suzzie left for school in Ghana.

Suzzie had been enrolled in international school for only a year, but she already had a lot of influence on her
schoolmates. Her arrival on the first day had caused much excitement. Although her mother was black, her skin was as
white as her father's. In fact she was the only white girl in the school and this attracted many of the girls to her, while
some of the boys avoided her. In the early days, her mates found it difficult to understand her American brand of
English while she also wondered how they could so easily dance to the beat of the local drums. But as time passed
they learned from one another and Suzzie's white skin ceased to be odd. They ate together, played together, and
enjoyed school together.

Soon Suzzie began to dread the thought that she might be asked to go back to her parents. She had become a complete
Ghanaian and hoped they would not ask her to return to America.

1. Suzzie did not want to leave America because she believed that……..........……

a. Ghana was not her country.

b. She would not be accepted.
c. She might not be able to return to America.
d. Ghana was under developed.

2. Which of the following is true?

a. The boys did not like Suzzie

b. Ghana was Suzzie's fatherland
c. Suzzie enjoyed Ghana very much
d. Suzzie's mates found dancing difficult

3. Odd in the passage means…………

a. Strange
b. Bad
c. Beautiful
d. Natural

4. From the passage, we learned that…

a. Suzzie's parents wanted her to return to Ghana

b. Suzzie was eager to make friends
c. Suzzie's parents wanted her to have a good education
d. Suzzie was anxious to return to her fatherland

5. Suzzie and her classmates learnt to…

a. Play the drums

b. Live in harmony

c. Like the country

d. Dance together

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Boham woke up from a deep sleep in a hospital bed. A young doctor was examining him while another man stood
near. A nurse was also beside his bed. Boham looked at the doctor, then gazed painfully at the other man who he
gradually but happily recognized as Kankam, his own brother.

“Brother, what has happened?

Why am I here?”
“Calm down, I'll tell you.”
“Then do so, at once!”

“Listen, brother, the results of the lotto draw gave you a great shock as
you and Joe had staked heavily. The tension that had been built in you
before the announcement made you faint on hearing the winning
numbers. Luckily, a good Samaritan brought you to this hospital.”

“And Joe? Where's he, then?”

“Joe went crazy upon hearing the results. He walked up and down the streets like a mad man and got himself into
some trouble.”

“How? What trouble?”

“As Joe walked about in despair, throwing his arms about, he hit somebody's breast pocket. Thinking that Joe was
about to snatch his money, the man shouted, 'Thief! Thief!' Joe was instantly surrounded by many people who took
him for a pick-pocket and nearly lynched him. A policeman intervened, arrested and sent him to the police station
where he is still being detained for his own safety.”

6. Boham was in hospital because he had…….....…..

a. Suddenly fallen ill

b. Fallen into a deep sleep

c. Fainted upon hearing the news
d. Been under severe tension

7. Boham could not at f i r s t recognize hi s brother because………………..

a. He was still in great pain

b. The doctor was examining him

c. He had not woken up fully

d. He had not totally regained consciousness

8. Joe was in trouble because he had……………

a. Been walking about the streets

b. Heard a man shout, “Thief, thief!!”

c. Been suspected of attempting to steal money

d. Thrown his arms about carelessly

9. A policeman saved Joe from possible death by…………

a. Taking him away

b. Warning him

c. Beating him

d. Pleading with his attackers

10. The word lynched means to be killed

a. Slowly

b. For stealing
c. Instantly

d. Without a trial

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence.

11. The priest resisted the temptation to steal.

a. Withheld

b. Refused

c. Withstood

d. Refuted.

12. The man was irritated by his son's disobedience.

a. Uneasy

b. Disappointed

c. Shocked

d. Angry.

13. The headmaster had the privilege to shake hands with the chief.

a. Luck

b. Chance

c. Honour

d. Capability

14. The excessive speeding made the accident inevitable.

a. Fatal

b. Certain

c. Likely

d. Unfortunate

15. Ama broadcast the rumor about the man's death.

a. Spread

b. Dispersed

c. Revealed

d. Scattered

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined words.

16. The boy rather poured oil on the flames with his reply to the teacher's question. This means his reply made the
teacher more…...........………..

a. Confused

b. Angry

c. Careful

d. Interested

17. The harsh economic situation has forced many families to live from hand to mouth. This means many
families………….

a. Do manual work
b. Live dangerously all the time

c. Spend all their money on food

d. Are unhappy

18. In spite of the chairman's harsh words Kwame kept his head throughout the meeting. This means Kwame………

a. Was bold and confident

b. Was alert

c. Remained silent

d. Remained calm

19. Afia rose to the occasion when she was called to give the vote of thanks. This means………….

a. Got up promptly to speak

b. Proved she could do well

c. Trembled all over

d. Accepted the offer

20. I have heard from the horse's own mouth that he will be transferred. This means that………………that he will be
transferred.

a. People are saying

b. It is rumored

c. He himself says

d. It has been announced

SECTION D
From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word
underlined in each sentence.

21. Hunters are always careful in catching wild animals.

a. Tame.

b. Confined.

c. Calm

d. Free.

22. It is compulsory for all citizens to take part in communal labour.

a. Advisable.

b. Optional.

c. Good

d. Unnecessary.

23. The film was so boring that I fell asleep.

a. Exciting

b. Ordinary

c. Disorderly

d. Long

24. The classroom is surprisingly chaotic today.

a. Busy

b. Dirty

c. Hectic
d. Orderly

25. Our friends gave us a warm welcome.

a. Plain.

b. Calm.

c. Hostile

d. Steady .

SECTION E

From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

26. There was not much sense in all……….the man said

a. Those
b. Which
c. What
d. That

27. My father does not object ……my giving you the book.

a. To
b. On
c. For
d. At

28. You walk………….fast that I cannot catch up with you.

a. Quite
b. Very
c. So
d. To
29. The referee's partial decision sparked…………the fighting.

a. On
b. Out
c. Up
d. Off

30. No sooner had my uncle left the house…………my aunt arrived.

a. When
b. Before
c. Than
d. Then

31. Have you ever heard Kwesi ……………a lie?

a. To tell
b. Told
c. Tells
d. Tell

32. John has gone to bed early because he………a headache.

a. Has
b. Has been having
c. Will be having
d. Is having

33. Appiah is not playing table tennis today because he doesn't want…................…

a. It
b. So
c. To
d. That

34. She arrived at the party late…………….?

a. Didn't she
b. Isn't it
c. Didn't it
d. Wasn't she

35. ………….as Musah did, he could not get the correct answer.

a. Tried
b. Trying
c. Try
d. To try

36. The candidates were called …….turns to meet the panel.

a. On
b. In
c. At
d. By

37. Only by working hard ………this examination well.

a. A candidate can pass

b. Can pass a candidate
c. A candidate pass can
d. Can a candidate pass

38. Your writing is………….than mine.

a. Worst
b. Worse
c. Bad
d. Poor

39. Our teacher is……………man that we all like him.

a. Such kind a
b. Such a kind
c. A such kind
d. A kind such
40. Ibrahim visited the zoo after he ……………his breakfast.

a. Had
b. Have had
c. Have
d. Had had

2003
PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:

The children rushed out of school that afternoon innocently singing the song they had just learned:
Rain, rain, go away.
Go and come another day.
Little children want to play.
Rain, rain, Go away.

But they stopped abruptly when they looked up and saw dark clouds racing across the sky. These were signs of rain
and the children were beside themselves with joy. Then they burst into yet another song.

The rains will soon come.

The sky will be bright.
And the guns will boom.

As they sang and danced, they were soon joined by their parents in their happiness. It was six months since it had last
rained and all that time the farmers prayed for rain that would not come. The result was famine in the country for the
land became so dry that new crops could not be sown and cassava could not be uprooted. The streams and the wells
had also dried up and the people could find very little water for themselves and their livestock. Was it then strange that
adults danced and sang like children in the hope that their troubles would soon be over? They were sure that the fetish
priest's sacrifices would not be in vain.

But they woke up the next morning to find that the land was still dry; there was not a drop of rain water anywhere.
Then they became angry and ran after the fetish priest. But he was gone before they could lynch him.

1. The children changed their song because

a. The guns would be fired.

b. It was going to rain
c. Their parents had seen the fetish priest.
d. They did not like their teacher's song.

2. The parents also sang and danced because

a. They wanted to be happy
b. The children were returning from school
c. It started to rain.
d. They believed it would rain.

3. Which of the following is true?

a. The people beat the fetish priest.

b. It had rained for six months.
c. There was little water to drink.
d. The children did not want the rain.

4. Abruptly in the passage means.

a. Soon
b. Totally
c. Slowly
d. Suddenly

5. The people wanted to lynch the fetish priest because……………….

a. There was famine

b. The streams had dried up

c. They did not perform the sacrifices

d. He had deceived them

6. From the passage we learnt that………………

a. The children were innocent

b. Man cannot fully rely on nature

c. Adults play like children

d. It had not rained for several days

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Teacher Amu never lost the opportunity to give pep-talks to his students. Variety is the spice of life, he often began.
Then he would tell them how life has opposites, like good and bad. He would talk about the variety of birds, the
different kinds of fish and species of trees. His students could always tell when teacher Amu's sermons were about to
end. He would raise his voice and look up as he made his point: “God made them all and He said. “It is good.”

These words has a lasting effect on his students. When the class was over, they would go on reeling with laughter as
they recited these words. Soon, it was not surprising when they began to call Teacher Amu. “God made them all”
whenever his back was turned.

But one of them, Kofi Abre, did not consider Teacher Amu's pep-talk funny at all. He was not amused that his
classmates joked with his teacher's words. Teacher Amu has said that the world was made up of different things,
different people and different habits. So why did they bother when he, Abre acted differently?

The other day, he shouted down a school mate who called him lazy. He almost bloodied a friend's nose too when this
friend scolded him for not doing his homework. Teacher Amu warned that he would punish Abre. It was an act of
indiscipline. Kofi Abre shook his head. It was his friend who offended him yet teacher Amu would punish him for
being violent and different.

7. The expression, Variety is the spice of life means life……….

a. Has its ups and downs.

b. Is like a tasty food

c. Should be taken seriously

d. Is full of different and interesting things.

8. The students called Teacher Amu 'God made them all' because………

a. It was his favourite saying

b. He always looked up

c. His pep-talks were funny

d. He liked preaching.

9. Kofi Abre did not like the jokes because he……………….

a. Hated his classmates.

b. Was afraid of his teacher.

c. Loved his teacher's words.

d. Was lazy.

10. The word scolded in the passage means.

a. Reminded

b. Annoyed

c. Rebuked

d. Questioned

11. Teacher Amu punished Kofi Abre because he……………………

a. Did not do his homework

b. Did not behave well

c. Did not like pep-talks

d. Shock his head

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence.

12. Abass was not selected to play because he had little stamina.

a. Love

b. Potential

c. Endurance

d. Skill.
13. The town was deserted after the war.

a. Destroyed

b. Built

c. Quiet

d. Abandoned

14. The police interrogated the suspect at the police station.

a. Warned

b. Questioned

c. Detained

d. Beat

15. John was impressed with Joana's gift.

a. Moved

b. Deceived

c. Calmed

d. Pleased

16. Most doctors are cautious in treating patients.

a. Careful

b. Good
c. Experienced

d. Friendly

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined words.

17. The Chairman was disturbed because only fifteen members turned up for the meeting. This means that fifteen
members……………the meeting.

a. Attended

b. Avoided

c. Postponed

d. Disturbed

18. Tony held his tongue for an hour before speaking. This means that Tony.

a. Was angry

b. Was happy

c. Smiled for a while

d. Kept quiet.

19. Jones will let the cat out of the bag if he is invited. This means he will……...................

a. Cause trouble

b. Confuse everybody

c. Reveal the secret

d. Release the cat

20.The PTA Chairman cleared the air about the increase in dues. This means that he.......................….

a. Explained why there was an increase.

b. Announced the increase.

c. Published the increase in the papers

d. Was sorry about the increase.

21.Charles Taylor's shot missed its target by a hair's breadth. This means that….................................

a. He shot wide

b. The goal was disallowed

c. He nearly scored a goal

d. The keeper caught the ball

SECTION D

From the list words lettered A to D, choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word underlined
in each sentence.

22. Applying cocoa butter to the skin makes it smooth.

a. Soft.

b. Rough.

c. Warm

d. Dark.

23. Do not despise poor people because you are rich.

a. Cheat

b. Avoid

c. Admire

d. Annoy

24. Hearing is an involuntary action.

a. Difficult

b. Slow

c. Quick

d. Intentional

25. Iddrisu swore that he would rather be a spendthrift than a……………

a. Miser.

b. Pauper.

c. Weakling

d. Thief .

26. Our friends gave us a cordial welcome.

a. Plain.

b. Hostile.

c. Calm

d. Steady .
SECTION E

From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

27. The youth are advised to abstain…………….sex.

a. In
b. On
c. From
d. Through

28. Daddy writes beautifully ………….he?

a. Would
b. Wouldn't
c. Doesn't
d. Didn't

29. Bulky goods are transported …………sea.

a. Through
b. To
c. On
d. By

30. Life Skills ……………… my favourite subject when I was in school.

a. Has been
b. Were
c. Was
d. Have been

31. 'Would you mind if I borrowed your `pen?'

a. “Yes, I do”
b. “Yes, I mind”
c. “No, I don't”
d. “No, I wouldn't”
32. Has Sister Edith……………her glass of water this evening?'

a. Drunk
b. Drink
c. Drinks
d. Drank

33. If my uncle had come I ………….have had some money.

a. May
b. Will
c. Shall
d. Would

34. Newspapers are …………….. magazines.

a. Cheap as
b. Cheaper than
c. Cheapest of
d. Cheap than

35. I have discovered a new ………….rhyme.

a. Children
b. Childrens'
c. Children's
d. Childrens

36. I told mum I …………..take my breakfast later.

a. Will
b. Can
c. Would
d. Shall

37. The final match was played ………….three and five o'clock in the afternoon.
a. By
b. Toward
c. From
d. Between

38. The girl told her mother that she…………….from church.

a. Comes
b. Had come
c. Has come
d. Has been coming

39. ……………….I joined the class late I could pass the examination.

a. Since
b. As
c. Despite
d. Although

40. The book was……………..difficult to read.

a. Much
b. Too
c. Little
d. So

2004
PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Once, in the world of animals, there was a great famine and the animals were dying. For about three months, Tortoise
and his family had eaten very little. Tortoise's body rattled in his empty shell as he walked. One day as he thought of a
way to get food, his throat began to itch.

He would go to the next village where he had heard there was still some food. He would steal some for himself and his
family. He took the bush path and arrived at the village after sunset. The people were preparing their meals and the
smell made his mouth water.
How would he get this food? Not far away from him was the village playground where there was a big hollow log
leaning against a tree. This log was the drum used to summon the villagers for very important announcements. When
he reached the tree he decided to climb it so that he could see the village better. Unfortunately, as he was climbing, he
fell because he was very weak and hungry. His shell hit the drum, sending out a loud 'kpom! Kpom!' noise.

When they heard this noise, the villagers ran to the playground, believing they had been called, thereby leaving the
food cooking in their homes.

Very quickly Tortoise disappeared into a nearby bush and ran to the village. He filled his empty shell with as much
food as he could carry and returned home.

1. There was famine means that……………..

a. All the animals died

b. Food was scarce
c. There were no farmers
d. Food was not sold

2. Which of the following statements is true?

a. Tortoise had not eaten for three months.

b. The villagers gave food to tortoise
c. Tortoise got food from his own farm
d. Tortoise stole the villagers' food.

3. Tortoise arrived at the nearby village…………..

a. At sunset
b. In the night
c. At dawn
d. In the afternoon

4. The villagers went to the playground because……………..

a. They wanted to find out who made the noise.

b. They wanted to hear an announcement.
c. Tortoise had fallen
d. The drum had fallen

5. The villagers did not see Tortoise at the playground because he…………
a. Ate fast
b. Hid in the drum

c. Stole their food

d. Hid in the bush

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

In the centre of the town, the town clock chimed two o'clock. In an abandoned house on the outskirts of the town an
owl hooted as if to signal to Sergeants Abora and Abaidoo to wake up from slumber.

They had patrolled the town for hours and were heavy with sleep. The night was very dark and so cold that in spite of
their thick overcoat, the Sergeants were chattering. Abora was about to speak when he heard a faint sound down the
road that led to the town.

Abaidoo also picked the sound. Both listened attentively and realized that a late traveler was coming up the road. They
took cover behind two opposing trees. As he reached where Abaidoo was hiding, the traveler stumbled over what
looked like the root of a tree.

Then Constable Abaidoo quickly flashed his torchlight and bawled out, “Stop or I shoot!” Abora's gun was also held
in readiness. The traveler who carried a heavy load on his left shoulder panicked, dropping his cutlass in the process.

“Who are you? Where are you from?

What's in your bag? Speak out or I shoot!
We've got you at last!” Abora exclaimed.

Trembling with fear and stammering for words the traveler gave his name as Nsiah. He was returning from Fosa with
a bag of plantain and cassava.

But his cutlass and bag, both dripping with blood, gave him away. After a search, the police found a human head and
triumphantly marched him to the police station.

6. Abora's teeth chattered because……………

a. He had a toothache

b. The night was cold

c. He wore a clock

d. The owl hooted

7. From the beginning the police knew where the traveler was when………

a. He made a noise

b. The blood dripped

c. He stammered

d. The torchlight flashed

8. Sergeant Abora and Corporal Abaidoo hid themselves in order to…………….

a. Keep warm

b. Avoid being seen

c. Load their guns

d. Have some sleep

9. The police arrested the late traveler………………

a. Behind the trees

b. Near the police station

c. In the centre of the town

d. Near the town

10. '…………..gave him away' in the passage means.

a. Frightened him

b. Warned him

c. Exposed him

d. Disgraced him

SECTION B
Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence.

11. Mary's mother is confident that her daughter will win a prize.

a. Anxious

b. Proud

c. Certain

d. Determined.

12. The troops retreated when they were attacked.

a. Escaped

b. Scattered

c. Fought

d. Withdraw.

13. Our teacher advised us to be courteous always.

a. Punctual

b. Mannerly

c. Hard-working

d. Kind

14. All latecomers were promptly punished.

a. Immediately

b. Mercilessly
c. Roughly

d. Severely

15. We should all learn to restrain our anger.

a. Avoid

b. Control

c. Apply

d. Delay

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined words.

16. The two brothers are always quarrelling: they never see eye to eye. This means they do not…………….each other.

a. Agree with

b. Admire

c. Respect

d. Trust

17. You must be off your head if you really believe that the moon is a huge cake. This means that you must
be……………….

a. Crazy

b. Joking

c. Unintelligent

d. Dreaming
18. Amale does not earn much, but she has some money put by. This means Amale has some money……………

a. To live on

b. For charity

c. Saved for the future

d. To pay her children's fees.

19. Several passengers were killed in the accident, but the driver escaped by the skin of his teeth. This means that the
driver.

a. Missed death narrowly

b. Lost all his teeth

c. Ran into the bush

d. Had only a scratch on his skin.

20.When the armed robbers could no longer fight the police, they gave in. this means the armed robbers………

a. Fled

b. Surrendered

c. Shot themselves

d. Cried for help

SECTION D

From the list words lettered A to D, choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word underlined
in each sentence.
21. The Prefect was commended for his good work.

a. Admired.

b. Promoted.

c. Rejected

d. Rebuked.

22. The teacher's stern looks helped maintain discipline in the class.

a. Proud.

b. Indifferent.

c. Friendly

d. Concerned.

23. Our Assemblyman had declined our invitation to talk to us.

a. Regretted

b. Denied

c. Rejected

d. Accepted

24. Though her friend asked for some water, Divine callously drank all of it

a. Mercifully

b. Greedily

c. Playfully

d. Intentionally
25.Rain makes the soil moist for planting.

a. Fertile.

b. Loose.

c. Solid

d. Dry

SECTION E

From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

26. The students can go home when they………….the work.

a. Had finished
b. Finished
c. Finish
d. Will finish

27. Most people are not kind to animals…………?

a. Weren't it
b. Isn't it
c. Wasn't
d. Are they

28. Afua…………her clothes on the line to dry.

a. Hung
b. Folder
c. Hang
d. Stretched

29. Kwesi went to school after he…………his teeth.

a. Had brushed
b. Has brushed
c. Brushing
d. Brushed

30. Kate is the…………pupil in her class.

a. Well-behaved
b. More-behaved
c. Very well-behaved
d. Most well-behaved

31.A bag of money, with some documents ……………stolen from the car.

a. Were
b. Are
c. Was
d. Have been

32. It is necessary sometimes to resort ………….violence.

a. Through
b. To
c. Into
d. With

33. Clara understood all………….her teacher taught.

a. What
b. Which
c. That
d. This

34. Ali agrees that the rice project is………….good.

a. So
b. Much
c. Too
d. Very
35. Charles does not expect………….his teacher today.

a. Seeing
b. Having seen
c. Being seen
d. To see

36. Kweku thinks that life is difficult …………..you are old.

a. If
b. While
c. When
d. As

37. Many countries……………the world use English.

a. Across
b. Inside
c. By
d. On

38. Do you like this dress? I made ……………..myself.

a. For
b. That
c. Which
d. It

39. Ashanti Goldfields is the …………….of gold.

a. Nation's producer largest

b. Largest nation's producer
c. Producer nation's largest
d. Nation's largest producer

40. Neither Kwesi nor Yaw ………there when I got to the house.
a. Are
b. IS
c. Was
d. Were

2005
SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

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 the old dresses, bags and shoes Mum buys. She says she can't do more. I trust and love her.” 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 nodes her argument as the school bell
rings and breaks their walk into a gallop.

1. Why is Ayele not talking today?

a. She does not like Esinam's new bag.

b. She wants to get to school early
c. She is moody
d. Esinam is making her angry.

2. For Esinam, it's great to be young means

a. Having everything one wants

b. Being able to go to school
c. Having a mum and dad
d. Being cheerful

3. We learnt from the passage that Ayele's parents are……………..

a. Sort of poor
b. Rich but miserly
c. Hardworking
d. Honest and cheerful

4. In the passage, Ayele comes across as one who is………………

a. Proud
b. Hard to please
c. Hardworking
d. Thoughtful

5. The word tremble means

a. Disturbance
b. Quiver
c. Drop
d. Loudness

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

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 another 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
6. According to the passage, people laugh when they…………
a. Wear new clothes

b. See something funny

c. Are at a party

d. Are going to school

7. From the passage we learn that laughter makes people look…………………

a. Strong

b. Healthy

c. Queer

d. Ugly

8. People who laugh a lot…………

a. Look strange

b. Blame others

c. Hurt their bodies

d. Make friends easily

9. Societies can use laughter to………

a. Create fun

b. Annoy people

c. Correct behavior

d. Praise people
10.The word awkwardly in the passage means

a. Foolishly

b. Happily

c. Respectably

d. Eagerly

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence

11. Our dependable goalkeeper saved us from disgrace.

a. Reliable

b. Tall

c. Smart

d. Muscular.

12. A neutral referee handled the final match.

a. Foreign

b. Local

c. Impartial

d. Athletic.

13. The pupils were jubilating because they had passed their examinations.

a. Singing

b. Shouting
c. Dancing

d. Rejoicing

14. Kuuku’s dream is to become a celebrated musician.

a. Gospel

b. Rich

c. Famous

d. Reggae

15. Appiah is a talented football player.

a. Strong

b. Gifted

c. Dull

d. Lucky

PART 1

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined words.

16. Andy returned to school after playing truant for three days. This means that Andy was…………..

a. Expelled

b. Kidnapped

c. Deliberately absent
d. Very sick

17. Ama was the only person who was close-lipped about the theft. This means that Ama……….

a. Crazy

b. Was serious

c. Did not talk

d. Was relaxed

18. Issah was asked to toe the line or quit the team. This means that Issah was asked to

a. Apologize

b. Resign

c. Change

d. Obey

19. The students were advised to give up smoking. This means that the students were asked to…............…smoking.

a. Suspend

b. Stop

c. Prevent

d. Hate

20.Mrs. Vesa has a heart of gold. This means that Mrs. Vesa is very………

a. Bright

b. Clever
c. Kind

d. Smart

SECTION D
From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word
underlined in each sentence.
________________________________________
21. My grandfather is a robust ninety-year-old.
a. Troublesome.

b. Inquisitive.

c. Weak

d. Cheerful.

________________________________________
22. I consented to his suggestion because it was useful.
a. Disagreed.

b. Submitted

c. Replied

d. Applied.

________________________________________
23. A sharp cutlass is one of the items on the prospectus.

a. New

b. Used

c. Short

d. Blunt

________________________________________
24. The J.S.S. students are reading the abridged version of Shakespeare's Macbeth.

a. Old

b. Original

c. Cheap

d. Paperback

________________________________________
25.The best pupil was awarded a prize.

a. Rewarded.

b. Shown.

c. Denied

d. Robbed

SECTION E

From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

26. Ashia is used to………….her parents every weekend.

a. Visit
b. Have visited
c. Visited
d. Visiting

27. …………..students were present.

a. The whole
b. The several
c. Much of the
d. All the

28. Jenny has……………..on her head.

a. Plenty hair
b. A lot of hair
c. Many hairs
d. Much hairs

29. Korkor is a………….of twelve.

a. Tall, shapely, girl

b. Shapely, tall, girl
c. Girl, shapely, tall
d. Tall, girl, shapely
30. The man of God preached that we should love……………..

a. Another
b. Each other
c. One another
d. One other

31. Mansah is…………….beautiful than any of her three sisters.

a. Very
b. Most
c. More
d. Much

32. Appiah was appointed prefect of his class……………..

a. Wasn't it?
b. Didn't he?
c. Isn't it?
d. Wasn't he?

33. Anytime Ataa went to school she………….into trouble.

a. Got
b. Gets
c. Is getting
d. Has got

34. My dream school is for…………only.

a. Boy
b. Boy's
c. Boys
d. Boys’

35. Sam, have you ever………….in this river?

a. Swam
b. Swum
c. Swim
d. Swims

36. Susie and Tim are friends; they like………….

a. Each other
b. Themselves
c. The other
d. One another

37. Aunt Ekuwa……………be able to solve the problem.

a. Can
b. Has
c. Will
d. Ought

38. For one week I went to school…………..foot.

a. By
b. On
c. At
d. In

39. The committee has been meeting over the case…………2pm.

a. Over
b. By
c. Since
d. Until

40. I hope you are not…………….tired to run an errand for me.

a. Very
b. So
c. As
d. Too
2006

SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:

“Amma, Amma, get up and sweep the compound!” MaaTee shouted. However, Amma had decided she wasn't going
to work that day. “What do I do to escape these chores?” Amma asked.

“I'll pretend to be ill, then Mama can't insist that I do any work. This is a brilliant idea. I'm not so daft after all,” she
thought. When Amma told MaaTee about her headache, MaaTee suspended everything she was doing and ordered her
to get ready for the hospital. Poor Amma, her plan had backfired!

On their way to the hospital Amma prayed that the doctor would be absent, but she was out of luck that day. The
doctor examined Amma and found her as fit as a fiddle. He then guessed that Amma had feigned illness because she
wanted to dodge her usual Saturday morning chores. “I'm sorry MaaTee, Amma is very ill. Take her to the injection
room for three injections. They will……”

Before the doctor could finish speaking, Amma rushed out of the consulting room with lightning speed and would not
stop anywhere till she reached home. The doctor then looked at MaaTee and burst out laughing as he asked MaaTee to
go home. By the time MaaTee got home Amma had finished all the household chores.

1. MaaTee suspended everything she was doing because

a. She did not believe what Amma said.

b. Amma had annoyed her
c. She wanted to take Amma to the hospital.
d. Amma wanted to go to the hospital.
2. The word daft in the passage means

a. Disobedient
b. Good
c. Strange
d. Unintelligent

3. According to the passage, Amma

a. Was very ill

b. Enjoyed sweeping
c. Was ordered to go and sweep
d. Was really not ill

4. From the passage it can be said that MaaTee was a……………mother.

a. Bad
b. Caring
c. Strong
d. Weak

5. Amma rushed out of the consulting room because she

a. Was afraid of the doctor

b. Wanted to do her work at home.
c. Pitied her mother
d. Was afraid of the injection

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Grandpa is a robust centenarian. At his age, his eyesight is as clear as a child's and his memory as equally sharp. We
have always wondered what has kept him going all these years. “I have a secret theory of life,” is the reply he gives to
anyone who asks.
Grandpa's secret theory is, after all, quite simple when he explains it. He talks of a joyful attitude to life. He says that
joy begets enthusiasm and a burning desire to encourage others. He never walks anyone away who needs help, even
though Grandpa can never be described as rich.

Grandpa believes that as we see ourselves in a mirror, so do others see us. The mirror merely reflects what is before it.
So if we are wicked, people will see us as wicked and if we are honest, we will not suspect others of being deceitful.

One part of Grandpa's secret theory that he holds dearest is his love for truth. He thinks that truth enables one to live a
free life devoid of stress and worries. “Let your nay be nay,” he says, whenever he finds one of us telling a lie in order
to avoid trouble. He believes that if we tell lies, we will have to create more lies to cover them. On the other hand truth
never changes.

Grandpa never ends his explanation without rolling his eyes excitedly and advising us to be true to ourselves so that
we can't be false to others.

6. Which of the following is true?

a. A poor

b. A sick

c. An old

d. A lonely

7. People……………Grandpa.

a. Fear

b. Admire

c. Dislike

d. Tolerate

8. Devoid of in the passage means

a. Unless

b. Despite

c. Against
d. Without

9. According to the passage the mirror……….what a person is.

a. Reproduces

b. Changes

c. Enlarges

d. Extends

10.Grandpa advises us to be true to ourselves in order

a. Not to be poor

b. To be a man

c. To be kind

d. Not to lie

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence

11. All the pupils are skillful at using the computer.

a. Interested

b. Lazy

c. Expert

d. Happy.

12. The parent who donated the books to our school wants to remain anonymous.
a. Quiet

b. Rich

c. Unimportant

d. Unknown.

13. Kofi is the most popular man in the village.

a. Wanted

b. Respected

c. Liked

d. Feared

14. The P.T.A. meeting has been postponed.

a. Delayed

b. Cancelled

c. Announced

d. Held

15. Issah is gentle but his sister is arrogant.

a. Shy

b. Proud

c. Clever

d. Tough
SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined words.

16. Your father's car is expensive; my father bought his for a song. This means my father's car was

a. A used car

b. Cheap

c. Beautiful

d. A gift

17. Fatimah warned her brother that his friend had a loose tongue. This means his friend

a. Could not keep quiet

b. Could not keep secrets

c. Was a stammerer

d. Was dishonest

18. Adzo's bad manner makes her the black sheep of the family. This means Adzo is a

a. Bully

b. Destroyer

c. Disgrace

d. Liar

19. When I went to Accra Mr. Asah put me up for the night.

a. Received me
b. Entertained me very well

c. Gave me a place to sleep

d. Was angry with me

20.The Education Ministry takes the lion's share of the budget. This means that the Education Ministry

a. Uses all the money

b. Is given the largest amount of the money

c. Is given the smallest amount of the money

d. Borrows money.

SECTION D

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word
underlined in each sentence.

21. Everybody was happy because we had a fruitful discussion.

a. Long.

b. Useless.

c. Short

d. Frank.

22. Abiola complained that the work was tedious.

a. Boring.

b. Dirty

c. Good

d. Easy.
23. The students rushed towards the nearest entrance.

a. Closure

b. Opening

c. Exit

d. Departure

24. I believe that Fusena is guilty of the crime.

a. Ignorant

b. Aware

c. Innocent

d. Careless

25.Mrs. Addo is our hostess for the show.

a. Guest.

b. Speaker.

c. Guide

d. Sponsor

SECTION E

From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

26. Mary and Comfort are ………… arriving this weekend.

a. Both
b. All
c. Either
d. Neither

27.Abukari prefers dancing ……………swimming.

a. By
b. For
c. Than
d. To

28. All………......….you are saying is true.

a. What
b. That
c. Which
d. As

29. My boss says you are…………..for his liking.

a. Slow
b. Much slow
c. Slower
d. Too slow

30. Panyin is…………taller than Kakra.

a. More
b. Much
c. So
d. Too

31. Baby Tee has been missing …………….Saturday.

a. Since
b. From
c. Until
d. For
32. Akua could you…………….me your English book?

a. Lend
b. Borrow
c. Afford
d. Buy

33. Kofi insisted……………painting the house for us.

a. In
b. At
c. On
d. With

34. This book is mine and that is………….

a. Your
b. Yours'
c. Your's
d. Yours

35. If Asi had gone to Beseasi, she…………..her mother.

a. Would meet
b. Would have met
c. Will meet
d. Had met

36. You had too much to eat…………..

a. Didn't you?
b. Don't you?
c. Haven't you?
d. Isn't it?

37. He came in while I …………..my dinner.

a. Am having
b. Had
c. Have
d. Was having

38. The prisoner would neither talk………………eat.

a. Yet
b. But
c. Or
d. Nor

39. Afote gave his friend ……………… of his bread

a. Little
b. Few
c. Some
d. Any

40. John and Anita have always loved………………..

a. Each other.
b. One another
c. Themselves
d. Each one.

2007
SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:
“Help! Help! Fire!” This and other noises like the banging of doors and crunching footsteps woke Barimah up.
“Something must be done,” he exclaimed to his wife, Fosua who was already awake. He dressed up quickly, opened
the door and went out advising his wife not to leave the house.

It was pitch dark outside; the only light came from the flaming house of Agya Atta. By the time Barimah got there, the
house was truly in flames and people had gathered around busily and frantically pouring water and sand on the flames.
They were doing everything they could to put out the fire.

Meanwhile, they had managed to rescue a few things from the fire. These Barimah caused to be packed and taken to
his house to prevent them from being looted. He then took Agya Atta's wife and children to his house and quickly
returned to fight the flames.

Araba had won the hearts of many people by her good deeds and kindness. It was therefore sad to see her lose her
property, as well as the house she and Agya Atta had toiled to build.

1. Barimah asked Fosua to stay indoors because

a. People were running helter-skelter.

b. There was terrible noise
c. He suspected danger outside
d. The place was very dark

2. What did Barimah find immediately he went out?

a. Araba fighting the flames

b. People packing things
c. People shouting
d. Agya Atta's house burning

3. ……............…..put out in the passage means

a. Control
b. Extinguish
c. Reduce
d. Destroy

4. From the passage we can infer that the Barimahs and the Agya Atta are

a. Classmates
b. Good neighbours
c. In-laws
d. Age mates
5. People sympathized with Araba because she

a. Had been left by her husband

b. Toiled with her husband

c. Was a good woman

d. Was sad.

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Many smokers ignore the warning about the dangers of smoking although there is a national campaign against the
habit. The United Nations has set aside a day to be observed against the killer habit.

The story is told of a young man who became addicted to smoking. In no time, he developed smoking-related diseases
and died miserably, leaving behind his wife and children in poverty.

Research shows that the smoker is far more likely to suffer, if not die of major diseases like lung cancer and heart
failure, than a nonsmoker. It is generally known that smoking during pregnancy is undesirable. Women who smoke
produce underweight babies. They are also likely to miscarry, have still-born babies or lose them after birth. If such
children survive and attend school, they do not perform well.

What is most annoying about smoking is the risk to passive smokers. Non-smokers breathing in smoke from other
people's cigarettes, pipes and cigars stand the risk of contracting the disease that harms smokers.

If smokers knew how non-smokers feel about them, they would give up the habit. The smoker is regarded by many as
a social misfit-one who does not consider the welfare of others but his own interest in smoking, no matter where he is.

6. What has society done about smoking? It has

a. Sent smokers to court

b. Given medical treatment to smokers

c. Ignored it

d. Opposed it

7. According to the passage, which of the following is caused by smoking?

a. Malaria

b. Measles

c. Cancer of the lungs

d. Tuberculosis

8. Which of the following is true about pregnant women who smoke? They

a. Are likely to give birth to dead babies

b. Are not able to breastfeed

c. Are likely to have twins

d. Lose weight.

9. Passive smokers are those who

a. Befriend smokers.

b. Are addicted to smoking

c. Do not smoke at all

d. Inhale smoke from smoker's cigarettes

10. According to the passage, smokers are

a. Fearless

b. Selfish

c. Proud

d. Disrespectful

SECTION B
Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence

11. Senyo tried in vain to stop his friend from stealing the kitten.

a. Hard

b. Timidly

c. Angrily

d. Unsuccessfully.

12. With hard work we can overcome any problem.

a. Get

b. Avoid

c. Stop

d. Solve.

13. The meal is delicious

a. Fine

b. Tasty

c. Sweet

d. Nutritious

14. The audience applauded the actors at the end of the play.

a. Booed

b. Invited

c. Rewarded
d. Cheered

15. Jasper lamented the loss of his pet.

a. Regretted

b. Mourned

c. Remembered

d. Discovered

SECTION C
In each of the following sentences a word or group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives
lettered A to D the one that best explain the underlined word or group of words.
________________________________________
16. John is always light-hearted in spite of his problems. This means that in spite of his problems John is always.
a. Careless

b. Cheerful

c. Cool

d. Proud

________________________________________
17. After that accident Ayorkor has really gone through the mill. This means Ayorkor has
a. Changed her lifestyle

b. Become wiser

c. Suffered a lot

d. Received some money

________________________________________
18. Moro felt very much at home at his friend's house. This means that Moro

a. Knew his friend's house

b. Was comfortable and relaxed

c. Was disappointed

d. Lived with his friend.

________________________________________
19. The students were all ears during the programme. This means that the students

a. Answered questions

b. Looked closely

c. Closed their ears

d. Listened intently

________________________________________
20.It took our new prefect two months before he could find his feet. This means that it took the prefect two months
before he

a. Knew everybody

b. Became confident

c. Won a prize

d. Became popular

SECTION D
From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word
underlined in each sentence.
________________________________________
21. The Member of Parliament is very generous: he has done much for his people.
a. Honourable.

b. Proud.

c. Talkative

d. Unkind.

________________________________________
22. If you are indolent, you will not pass the examination.
a. Hard working.

b. Rude

c. Careless

d. Honest.

________________________________________
23. When asked about the theft, Kwame said he was guilty.
a. Surprised

b. Afraid

c. Absent

d. Innocent

________________________________________
24. Handle the glass with care; it is fragile.

a. Rigid

b. Beautiful

c. Unbreakable

d. New

________________________________________
25. Some of our customs are old-fashioned

a. Modern.

b. Attractive.

c. Interesting

d. Funny

SECTION E

From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

26. Of all the Brown children, Ato is……………….

a. The short
b. The shorter
c. The shortest
d. Short

27.Amma was so frightened …………she fainted.

a. So
b. As
c. Then
d. That

28. Aberewa has……………friends who often visit her.

a. Few
b. Much
c. A little
d. A few

29. Kofi is the boy to…………I gave the pen

a. Whose
b. Which
c. Whom
d. Who

30. You are tired, ………?

a. Aren't you
b. Don't you
c. Isn't it
d. Not so

31. He said that he…………come.

a. Will
b. Would
c. Has
d. Have

32. When Daddy arrived, Mummy …………..finished cooking.

a. Has
b. Had
c. Have
d. Having
33. He was………..tired that he couldn't finish the race.

a. Much
b. Too
c. So
d. Very

34. The farmer was…………..by a poisonous snake.

a. Bitten
b. Beaten
c. Bit
d. Beat

35. You have put too…………..sugar in the porridge.

a. Many
b. Much
c. Few
d. Small

36. Yaw is a………………..

a. Handsome, tall, man

b. Handsome, man, tall
c. Tall, handsome, man
d. Man, tall, handsome.

37. I am…………..to walking to school every day.

a. Using
b. Uses
c. Use
d. Used

38. The mechanic succeeded …………. the generator.

a. At repairing
b. In repairing
c. To repair
d. With repairing

39. If I ………….with my grandmother, I would have enjoyed village life.

a. Had lived
b. Have live
c. Have been living
d. Am living

40. Atia has given………..............smoking.

a. Off
b. Out
c. Up
d. In

2008
SECTION A
COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Since the building of the District Hospital at Kpota, there had sprung up some residential structures around the
hospital. One particular cluster of houses took the fancy of Mr. Akpaloo, who told himself that if ever he wanted to
build a house, it would be like one of those.

When Mr. Akpaloo thought he was ready to put up his own building, one of the things he did was to look for the plan
of the houses that he so admired. He went to the office of Dr. Agbetor, the Hospital Administrator to ask for it. Dr.
Agbetor explained that those houses in which Mr. Akpaloo was interested had actually been built by Dr. Grant who
still had the blueprint of the structure. Obviously, the person to see was Dr. Grant.

Mr. Akpaloo went and saw Dr. Grant in his magnificent house at Tokoe. The latter explained that it was not prudent to
give out the plan that had been specifically designed for those projects. However, he advised Mr. Akpaloo to go the
site and see the caretaker who would show him the rooms. Mr. Akpaloo could then make a sketch of the building.

To the site Mr. Akpaloo went. When he arrived, the caretaker took him round. What had looked like a two-bedroom
house from afar was at close quarters, four-bedroom affair. The difference that distance can make!
1. When were the residential structures built at Kpota?

a. When the hospital was begun

b. Long before the hospital was started
c. After the hospital had been built
d. They were built together with the hospital.

2. Dr. Grant did not give the plan to Mr. Akpaloo because

a. The houses belonged to him

b. Mr. Akpaloo can make a design for himself.
c. It was not a wise thing to do.
d. The caretaker had the plan.

3. What did Mr. Akpaloo do when he was ready to build a house? He

a. Made a sketch of the building.

b. Sent a plan to Dr. Grant
c. Looked for the plan of the house
d. Made sure he had enough money.

4. The word magnificent means

a. Massive
b. Beautiful
c. Good
d. Expensive

5. …............One particular cluster of houses took the fancy of Mr. Akpaloo… this means Mr. Akpaloo

a. Laughed at the houses

b. Was confused by the houses

c. Found the house attractive

d. Detested the houses.

COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE II
Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

One day a poor fisherman went fishing and caught nothing. He was just about to go home when he felt the net
suddenly grow heavy. He thought he had caught a large fish. But when he dragged it ashore, he found only a heavy
copper pot sealed with lead. He took it and feeling sure it contained something valuable, he took his knife, cut the lead
and tuned it upside down. For a moment nothing came out; and then it started to smoke, and this smoke slowly rose
right up to the sky like a thick fog. It suddenly turned into a huge genie.

“Bow down” said the genie “and let me kill you.” Why? asked the fisherman. “Have you forgotten that I set you free?”
“Yes, but I have sworn to kill you”, said the genie. “I'm a spirit that rebelled against the Creator and to punish me he
shut me up in this copper pot. During the first century of my captivity, I swore to make anyone who freed me rich.
During my second century, I swore I would grant him any three things. But after these centuries, in anger I swore to
kill my liberator without mercy”.

“Well, die I must”. Said the fisherman, “but swear that you really were in that pot. It is too small to hold even your
little finger. Unless I see it, I shall not believe it.” “See then and believe” said the genie. He slowly changed back into
smoke and entered the pot. The fisherman immediately put back the lead cover and threw it into the sea.

6. According to the passage, the fisherman caught

a. A pot of gold

b. A lead pot

c. A big fish

d. No fish

7. What is the genie?

a. A big fish

b. A copper pot

c. Smoke

d. A spirit

8. The word captivity in the passage, means

a. Loss

b. Birth

c. Imprisonment

d. Defeat

9. How many times did the genie swear?

a. Once

b. Twice

c. Three times

d. Four times

10. According to the passage, the

a. Fisherman freed himself

b. Fisherman killed the genie

c. Genie made many people rich

d. Genie saved the fisherman from troubles.

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence

11. Ama was persuaded by her brother to change her course.

a. Convinced

b. Commanded

c. Told
d. Advised.

12. The talented footballer scored three goals.

a. Trained

b. Serious

c. Gifted

d. Skilled.

13. Araba was saddened because she failed to win the beauty contest.

a. Furious

b. Amazed

c. Excited

d. Sorrowful

14. Charles behaved in an unruly manner towards his teacher.

a. Impolite

b. Strange

c. Indecent

d. Wicked

15. My mother is very enthusiastic about my success.

a. Anxious

b. Frank
c. Aware

d. Hopeful

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a word or group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives
lettered A to D the one that best explain the underlined word or group of words.

16. The accused died without clearing his name. This means, the man did not

a. Prove his innocence

b. Erase his name

c. Make a will

d. Prove his case

17. The teacher advised us to go over our work before submitting them. This means the teacher asked us
to………….our work.

a. Rewrite

b. Remember

c. Repeat

d. Review

18. You don't have to be so high and mighty about your own opinion. This means

a. Positive

b. Confused

c. Strong

d. Arrogant
19. Mr. Ala urged Peter and Paul to mend their fences. This means Peter and Paul should

a. Repair their broken fences

b. Make peace

c. Be careful

d. Defend themselves.

20. He was asked not to attend the party but he turned a deaf ear to the advice. This means that he……….the advice.

a. Did not hear

b. Laugh at

c. Was angry at

d. Ignored

SECTION D

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word
underlined in each sentence.

21. Everyone knows Musa to be very generous.

a. Stingy.

b. Selfish.

c. Strict

d. Serious.

22. The headmaster rebuked the students who came in late.

a. Admitted

b. Praised

c. Admired

d. Embraced.

23. Naa answered the questions with confidence.

a. Joy

b. Firmness

c. Timidity

d. Uncertainty

24. Judges are expected to be impartial

a. Biased

b. Proud

c. Disrespectful

d. Bold

25. Our father advised us not to exalt ourselves.

a. Humble.

b. Raise.

c. Decorative

d. Train

SECTION E
From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

26. I promised my parents that I …...……..study very hard.

a. Would
b. Should
c. Will
d. Can

27.If Kofi……........…me, I would have helped him.

a. Had asked
b. Asks
c. Has asked
d. Asked

28. Let's leave now, Akosua,…………?

a. May we
b. Can we
c. Must we
d. Shall we

29. Adjo is………young to marry.

a. So
b. Very
c. Too
d. Much

30. Give that book of………to Mansah.

a. Their
b. Yours
c. My
d. Your's

31. ………the warning of the weatherman, the fishermen went to sea.

a. In spite of
b. Apart from
c. In case of
d. Instead of

32. We've been living here ………….2001.

a. Since
b. By
c. In
d. For

33. Kofi told the court that he had met the suspect two days………

a. Before
b. Ago
c. Now
d. Then

34. Kwame has been accused……….... stealing the money.

a. With
b. Of
c. For
d. On

35. This is the man…………. I met at the bus stop.

a. Who
b. Whose
c. Whom
d. Which

36. My friend is good…………..English.

a. On
b. At
c. For
d. With

37. I hear the programme was interesting; I wish I ………… there.

a. Am
b. Were
c. Was
d. Have been

38. Our pastor is now the …………. senior of the pastors in the church.

a. Much
b. More
c. Most
d. Far

39. I prefer oranges ………… mangoes.

a. To
b. Than
c. Against
d. From

40. I hope the team………perform better next year.

a. Would
b. Will
c. Should
d. Shall

2009
COMPREHENSION
PASSAGE I
Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow:

We were suddenly awakened at dawn by the screams of the tenants in our house. They were making a lot of
commotion in the yard. Daddy quickly jumped from his bed and made for the door. Not long after, we heard him
scream. We ran to the hall, switched on the lights and saw him lying flat on his back holding his forehead.

In his haste to get to the hall door, he must have forgotten to switch on the lights thus running straight and crashing his
head into the pillar in the middle of hall. When we examined his forehead, we saw a big lump and blood oozing from a
deep cut near his eyebrow.

Mummy, a retired nursing sister, shouted instructions to me to get the first-aid box, some ice cubes and Daddy's towel.
When the items were brought, she set to work first on the cut. She put some ice cubes in the towel and pressed the
towel on the cut for about two minutes.

She then wiped the blood gently. Afterwards, she put a little iodine on a piece of gauze, placed it on the cut and
bandaged it. Turning to the lump, she massaged it with some ice cubes, which reduced the swelling.

She then opened the front door and we beheld a pathetic scene. Lying in the middle of the house was the motionless
body of one of the tenants. Trying to resist an attack from armed robbers, he had been butchered mercilessly and his
body left in the middle of the house.

1. What made the writer wake up?

a. The father crashing into the pillar

b. The noise made by his father
c. The attack by the armed robbers
d. The shouting of the tenants

2. The writer's father was holding his forehead because he

a. Had fallen flat on his back

b. Had hit his head against the pillar
c. Wanted to stop the blood from flowing.
d. Was thinking of what to do.

3. The purpose of the ice cubes was to

a. Stop the bleeding

b. Heal the cut
c. Manage the cut
d. Reduce the swelling
4. Pathetic in the passage means

a. Naughty
b. Merciless
c. Sad
d. Strange

5. What happened to the tenant?

a. He opened the door

b. He was killed by the robbers

c. He fell down heavily

d. He saw a pathetic scene

COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE II

Read the following carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Where is the musical performance of songbirds held? It is not in any concert hall but rather on trees, fences and
telephone wires. It is from these places that little feathered creatures blend their voices in some of the most melodious
songs sung in the world.

Songbirds do not just make noise. The male voices in the choir, for instance, have two different messages. Firstly, it is
a warning to other males not to come near their partners. Secondly, it is an invitation from the bachelors to the female
birds. The most interesting songs which are sung with a lot of vigour are produced during the breeding season by the
males to impress the lady birds.

Songbirds are very remarkable. They sing three or four notes at a time. To the human ear it sounds like one beat but
the birds can identify the different notes because of their keen sense of hearing. At times, what is heard may not be a
song of our winged friends but simply an instruction to keep the flock together. It may also be a warning of an
approaching danger.

Just how birds compose their songs is an interesting subject. Some birds have their songs fixed in their brains at birth.
Whilst some imitate others, other birds try to compose songs which are unique. They will never copy what they hear
others sing

6. According to the passage, members of the choir can sing without difficulty because they

a. Are born good singers

b. Easily learn to sing

c. Have good songs

d. Have to sing

7. The male songbirds sing

a. To instruct others

b. Four notes at a time

c. To attract the females

d. What others have composed

8. According to the passage, birds sing

a. Only in the breeding season

b. Some of the sweetest songs

c. To invite the bachelors

d. Only one note

9. Unique in the passage means

a. Suitable

b. Similar

c. Exciting

d. Special

10. The writer suggests that

a. Human beings sing better than birds

b. Birds can interpret notes better

c. Birds make louder noise than human beings.

d. Birds compose more interesting songs.

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence

11. The house by the sea has been abandoned.

a. Deserted

b. Destroyed

c. Infested

d. Robbed.

12. Most Ghanaians were optimistic about the Black Stars winning the African Cup.

a. Reasonable

b. Happy

c. Concerned

d. Hopeful.

13. The indigenous people provided the labour during the building of the school

a. Skilled

b. Native

c. Expatriate

d. Urban
14. The effort of the watchman which led to the arrest of the thieves was laudable.

a. Quick

b. Real

c. Constant

d. Praiseworthy

15. Our parents deserve our appreciation.

a. Assistance

b. Gratitude

c. Concern

d. Encouragement

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a word or group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives
lettered A to D the one that best explains the underlined word or group of words.

16. Mr. Taiwoo took the clerk to task for losing the letters. This means that Mr. Taiwoo

a. Sacked the clerk

b. Blamed the clerk

c. Called the clerk a criminal

d. Gave the clerk another work

17. The quarrel got out of hand. This means that the quarrel

a. Became uncontrollable
b. Was prolonged

c. Became boring

d. Was unhealthy

18. On seeing the headmaster, the girl took to her heels. This means that the girl

a. Fainted

b. Felt frightened

c. Ran away

d. Hid herself

19. Joseph lives within a stone's throw from the station. This means that Joseph

a. Lives in a stony house

b. Lives very close to the station

c. Goes to the station

d. Often throws stones at the station

20.All his plans for building a new theatre came to nought. This means that

a. The theatre was built

b. His plans were unsuccessful

c. The building collapsed

d. There was nothing in the theatre.

SECTION D
From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word
underlined in each sentence.

21. May father has a cordial relationship with all his neighbours.

a. Harsh.

b. Hostile.

c. Scornful

d. Different.

22. John's latest play is rather dull.

a. Interesting

b. Informative

c. Sensible

d. Educative.

23. The feeble old man spoke for about three hours.

a. Bold

b. Strong

c. Bright

d. Successful

24. The thief descended the stairs hurriedly.

a. Consciously

b. Lazily

c. Slowly
d. Noisily

25. The diligent student won a prize.

a. Careless.

b. Lucky.

c. Playful

d. Proud

SECTION E

From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

26. My father wanted to find out how Abu was getting…………..at school.

a. On
b. Down
c. Back
d. Up

27. If the boat had been maintained properly it…………..capsized

a. Hand not
b. Will not have
c. Would not have
d. Might have not

28. The white horse is…………….than the black one.

a. Faster
b. Very fast
c. Fast
d. More fast
29. They thought he would become a businessman……………?

a. Wouldn't they
b. Didn't they
c. Wasn't they
d. Isn't they

30. There were only two of us who ………….any idea of the answer.

a. Have
b. Had
c. Has
d. Would have

31. He had boarded a taxi……………..?

a. Wouldn't he
b. Hadn't he
c. Isn't it
d. Won't he

32. Mrs. Mensah………….in Saltpond since 1970.

a. Was living
b. Has been living
c. Has lived
d. Is living

33. The booking clerk made him………….a deposit.

a. To pay
b. Paid
c. To be paying
d. Pay

34. Although all the dresses were beautiful, she liked ………….of them.
a. Any
b. None
c. Neither
d. Both

35. Kwesi and Ama are in love with……...........

a. Themselves
b. One another
c. Each other
d. Ourselves

36. It is……………to attempt in one day.

a. Too long and difficult a journey.

b. The journey too long and difficult
c. Long and difficult too a journey
d. Too long and difficult the journey

37. Ben is leaving ………….. Takoradi this morning.

a. For
b. To
c. By
d. From

38. Yesterday I met the man…………

a. The car of whom I bought

b. Whose car I bought
c. I bought his car
d. Whom I bought his car.

39. I prefer oranges ………… mangoes.

a. To
b. Than
c. Against
d. From
40. I hope the team………perform better next year.

a. Would
b. Will
c. Should
d. Shall

2010
LEXIS AND STRUCTURE

SECTION A

From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

1. Our teacher was late for school because he………......................….a flat tyre.

a. Had
b. Will have
c. Is having
d. Has

2. We had dinner at a Chinese restaurant where I ………......….fried chicken.

a. Am enjoying
b. Will enjoy
c. Enjoyed
d. Would enjoy

3. Ama's father asked her to choose ………… John and William.

a. Among
b. From
c. With
d. Between

4.Willie has malaria and is not ………........… enough to go to school.

a. Good
b. Well
c. Fine
d. Free

5. The school band ………............... two days a week.

a. Practise
b. Are practising

c. Practises
d. Were practising

6. Philomena…………passed the examination if she had tried harder.

a. Could have
b. Will have

c. May have
d. Could

7. The law was passed according to strict legal………………

a. Cases
b. Principles

c. Rules
d. Issues

8. The book, as well as several others …………..interesting reading.

a. Makes
b. Are to make

c. Are making
d. Make

9. .....……………Joe scored the first goal, he was injured in the process.

a. But
b. Nevertheless

c. Although
d. Furthermore

10. Neither Kojo nor his friend ……………..the issue clearly.

a. Understands
b. Have understood

c. Understand
d. Is understanding

11. The……… centre is located on the hill.

a. Womens'
b. Woman

c. Womans'
d. Women's

12. One of the cows…………from the herd.

a. Has strayed
b. Have strayed

c. Have been strayed

d. Has been strayed

13. At the party, the guests placed an order for a large……………of drinks.
a. Count
b. Total

c. Quantity
d. Sum

14. The hall was so small that it could ……………….contain all of us.

a. Rarely
b. Comfortably

c. Conveniently
d. Hardly

15. If I were a manager, I ……….satisfy my customers.

a. Will
b. Shall
c. Would
d. Must

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence.

16. Florence performs creditably in all examinations.

a. Fairly

b. Well

c. Graciously

d. Good.

17. The choir sang some melodious songs at the function.

a. Loud

b. Pleasant
c. Soft

d. Musical.

18. Jane is always immaculately dressed.

a. Modestly

b. Correctly

c. Neatly

d. Scantily

19. The village was enveloped in a thick fog.

a. Built

b. Put

c. Shaped

d. Covered

20. The inquisitive stranger asked many questions.

a. Curious

b. Pompous

c. Intelligent

d. Cowardly

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined group of words.
21. Whenever Kweku goes to Kumasi, he puts up with his uncle. This means that Kweku…...................……his uncle.

a. Helps

b. Stays with

c. Converses with

d. Avoids.

22. I glanced over the papers as I walked home. This means that I quickly ……............……the papers.

a. Wrote

b. Analyzed

c. Saw

d. Read.

23. The woman entered the room to find her daughter with her eyes glued to the television. This means that her
daughter was……………..the television.

a. Smiling at

b. Dismantling

c. Intently watching

d. Cleaning

24. Kojo was dragged to the farm like a lamb to the slaughter. This means that Kojo was dragged……………

a. With difficulty

b. Without resistance

c. With a lamb on his shoulder

d. Without anything on him

25. The bully was ordered to leave his younger brother alone. This means that the bully was told……………

a. Not to accompany him anywhere

b. To accompany him everywhere

c. Not to disturb him

d. To teach him well

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.

26. Some of the guest at the party were rude.

a. Courteous

b. Bold

c. Friendly

d. Shy

27. The lawyer supported his argument with copious evidence.

a. Inconsistent

b. Scanty

c. Bad

d. Unconvincing

28. If you want to be believed, you must be objective.

a. Subjective

b. Positive

c. Active

d. Emotive

29. In all boarding schools, going out in the night is prohibited.

a. Advised

b. Ignored

c. Permitted

d. Admitted

30.The surest way to avoid defeat is to strive for……………..

a. Position

b. Victory

c. Knowledge

d. Ability

31. Suddenly the sky became dark and there was a rainstorm.

a. Continuously

b. Gradually

c. Heavily

d. Immediately
32. The athlete looked dejected at the end of the race.

a. Angry

b. Calm

c. Strong

d. Excited

LETERATURE

Read the following extract carefully and answer Questions 33 to 36

'Young lady, you are like

The moon that walks beautifully across the sky,
An eagle feather worn by a husband.’

33. The extract is an example of………...........

a. Prose
b. Poetry
c. Drama
d. Dialogue

34. The extract is about……........................…

a. A mirror
b. An eagle feather
c. The moon
d. A beautiful young lady

35. 'The moon that walks beautiful across the sky' is an example of

a. Metaphor
b. Hyperbole
c. Alliteration
d. Personification

36. 'Young lady, you are like ………................ An eagle feather worn by a husband'
The above extract is an example of

a. Simile
b. Metaphor
c. Alliteration
d. Assonance

37. The writer of a poem is called

a. A novelist
b. A poet
c. A playwright
d. An actor

38. 'The potter puts the pots in the pans' is an example of

a. Metaphor
b. Simile
c. Alliteration
d. Personification

'Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.’

39. The rhyme scheme of the above verse is

a. abab
b. aabc
c. abcc
d. aabb
40. 'Afua Bonsu is the apple of my eye.' This is an example of

a. Metaphor
b. Simile
c. Alliteration
d. Personification

2011
LEXIS AND STRUCTURE

SECTION A

From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

1. The jury acquitted the man …………….murder.

a. From
b. Of
c. On
d. With

2. Ama's essay is superior ………….. that of Adzo.

a. From
b. Over
c. Than
d. To

3. I would study hard for the examination if I ……….. you.

a. Am
b. Be
c. Was
d. Were

4. I cannot tell you………………...........................

a. What about the story is

b. What about is the story
c. What is the story about
d. What the story is about

5. That troublesome friend of ……………is here again.

a. He
b. Him

c. His
d. Himself

6. I told you to leave my office …………. I?

a. Aren't
b. Didn't

c. Don't
d. Wasn't

7. Kofi traveled five days …………

a. Ago
b. Hence

c. Now
d. Since

8. Kwame's uncle, with his three friends ……….. coming home tomorrow.

a. Are
b. Is
c. Were
d. Would be

9. I am afraid I cannot make you……

a. In
b. On

c. Out
d. Up

10. The plane takes ………….. at noon.

a. From
b. Of

c. Off
d. To

11. Please, can I have ………….salt in my soup?

a. Little more
b. A few more

c. A little more
d. Few more

12. I wish I ……….. my friend next week.

a. Can visit
b. Am visiting

c. Shall visit
d. Could visit

13. By September 2007, I ………… .school for nine years.

a. Had attended
b. Have attended
c. Have been attending
d. Shall have attended

14. …..........…Aso runs short of money, what would she do?

a. If
b. In case

c. Should
d. Were

15. Human beings will not live forever, ………….?

a. Will they
b. Isn't it

c. Does it
d. Shall they

16. I saw Esi ……………… a new pair of shoes.

a. Bought
b. Buy

c. Buys
d. To buy

17. Let us have a cup of tea, ……..........…….?

a. Do we
b. Shall we

c. Should we
d. Would we

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence.
18. The head teacher's arrival in the classroom was sudden.

a. Quick

b. Strange

c. Unexpected

d. Unusual

19. It is rude to talk loudly in the presence of elderly people.

a. Impolite

b. Incorrect

c. Improper

d. Unwise

20. The pupils grumbled about the assignment.

a. Bothered

b. Complained

c. Talked

d. Questioned

21. The victim could not identify the thief.

a. Discover

b. Find

c. Know
d. Recognize

22. Armed robbery is a very risky undertaking.

a. Dangerous

b. Dreadful

c. Unacceptable

d. Uncertain

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences a group of words has been underlined. Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined group of words.

23. For all his brilliance, Kofi could not solve the problem. This means that Kofi failed to solve the problem.

a. As he was clever enough

b. Even though he was clever

c. As he was too clever

d. For he was still clever

24. The manager's decision on the matter is cut and dried. This means that the manager's decision is

a. Clear

b. Simple

c. Unchangeable

d. Unknown
25. Abla made an ass of herself at the party. This means that Abla behaved.

a. Foolishly

b. Shamefully

c. Uncontrollably

d. Unpleasantly

26. In spite of his boasting, Mensah proved to be a chickenhearted fellow. This means that Mensah was

a. Cowardly

b. Mean

c. Stupid

d. Weak

27. Efua can always talk her way out of trouble. This means that Efua

a. Is troublesome

b. Can defend herself

c. Can avoid trouble

d. Is talkative

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.
28. My friend welcomed my suggestion.

a. Changed

b. Discussed

c. Disliked

d. Rejected

29. Unlike his sister, Ackah is stingy.

a. Friendly

b. Generous

c. Selfless

d. Sympathetic

30.Serwaa's dress was decent.

a. Dirty

b. Old

c. Shabby

d. Ugly

31.It is compulsory for all pupils to be in school uniform for the ceremony.

a. Considerate

b. Optional

c. Unnecessary
d. Expected

32. Aminata is boastful about her beauty.

a. Careless

b. Humble

c. Modest

d. Uneasy

LETERATURE

33. A metaphor achieves the same effects as a/an…………….

a. Alliteration
b. Metonymy
c. Paradox
d. Simile

34. One of the following gives a clue to a character's nature:

a.What he thinks
b.How he feels
c.What he says
d.How he moves about

Read the following extract carefully and answer Questions 35 and 36.

The fair breeze blew; the white foam flew

The furrow followed free;
We were the first that burst
Into the silent sea.
35. The dominant sound device used in the extract is

a. Alliteration
b. Onomatopoeia
c. Pun
d. Rhyme

36.The device in the extract helps to express the

a. Silence of the sea

b. Smoothness of the movement
c. Whiteness of the foam
d. Fairness of the weather

37. A good novel or play entertains and

a. Condemns
b. Preaches
c. Teaches
d. Warns

38. A character that develops in a play or novel in the course of the work is known as

a. Complete
b. Flat
c. Round
d. Sound

39. Which of the following best help(s) to develop the plot of a novel or play?

a. Characters
b. Literary devices
c. Setting
d. Style
40. A lyric is usually fairly short and

a. Tells a short story

b. Praises a dead person
c. Expresses thoughts and feelings
d. Is sung to send a child to sleep

2012
LEXIS AND STRUCTURE

SECTION A
From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.

1. Two people perished ………………….. the spot

a. upon
b. in
c. on
d. through

2. Oyo fell ill …………… measles.

a. upon
b. by
c. of
d. with

3. The doctor gave ………………….. to the patient.

a. some good advice

b. much good advice
c. many good advice
d. some good advice

4. All girls were supposed to wear ….......… during the Speech Day.

a. new, white, long, dresses

b. new, long, new, dresses
c. long, white, new,dresses
d. white, new, long, dresses

5. I think you know ………………….. already, said the host to all the particpants.

a. one another
b. each one

c. themselves
d. ourselves

6. The girls asserted that both tennis racquets were ………….

a. Of Akologos
b. Akologo's

c. Akologo's own
d. Akologo

7. Children usually take ……….. their parents in appearance.

a. after
b. from

c. to
d. up

8. We haven't had ……………………….. rice to eat this week.

a. some
b. little

c. any
d. many

9. The chief praised the……. during the student's demonstration.

a. Policemen's behaviours
b. Policemen behaviours
c. Policemen's behaviour
d. Policemens' behaviour

10. When the lights went off I …………………. my supper.

a. have eaten
b. have been eating

c. am eating
d. was eating

11. The doctor said she ……. if she had not kept strictly to her diet.

a. has died
b. will die

c. would die
d. would have died

12. We saw the plane …………………… for Kumasi.

a. take on
b. take of

c. take off
d. take out

13. There are many big houses in our area, ……………………?

a. isn't it
b. aren't they

c. weren't there
d. aren't there

14. You have cut the grass, ……………………..?

a. haven't you
b. did you
c. didn't you
d. had you

15. The new airport …………………….next year.

a. will be completed
b. shall complete

c. will be completing
d. shall have completed

16. Walking in the rain is not good…………………?

a. is not
b. is it

c. must not
d. must it

17. Go over your work carefully,……………………. you?

a. do
b. will

c. may
d. shall

SECTION B

Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence.

18. About fifty houses were demolished to make way for the new road.

a. removed

b. attacked

c. destroyed

d. displayed
19. The headmaster took drastic action against the culprits.

a. bold

b. dangerous

c. necessary

d. severe

20. It was forecast that there would be flood this year.

a. deducted
b. predicated
c. imagined
d. observed

21. Many people revered the old man for his charity to the poor.
a. glorified
b. respected
c. feared
d. praised

22. When they reached the frontier, the customs officer stopped the car
a. fence
b. gate
c. entrance
d. border

SECTION C

In each of the following sentences, a group of words has been underlined. Chose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined group of words.

23.Awuni normally feels at home in my house. This means that Awuni ……......………….. in my house

a. feels comfortable

b. lives

c. moves about

d. eats
24. The students were advised to stop building castles in the air. This means that the students should.

a. be serious and realistic

b. not worry about castle

c. be serious and hardworking

d. not build any more castle

25. The chief told his linguist not to beat about the bush. This means that the linguist must

a. not stammer

b. go straight to the point

c. to enter the bush

d. cut down the bush

26.Immediately Ekuba's mother left the house, she let the cat out of the bag. This means that Ekuba

a. bought a cat

b. took the cat

c. left her house

d. revealed the secret

27. The teacher poured cold water on Sena's suggestion. This means that the teacher

a. challenged Sena's suggestion

b. approved of Sena's suggestion

c. discouraged Sena

d. provoked Sena

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.

28. He had applied for a permanent job

a. a boring

b. a dull

c. an exacting

d. a temporary

29. He has a violent temper

a. mild

b. natural

c. flexible

d. pleasant

30. His position made him humble

a. stubborn

b. wicked

c. arrogant

d. selfish
31. That is a genuine painting

a. bad

b. fake

c. damaged

d. poor

32. The soldier climbed the mountain carefully

a. decended

b. circled

c. fell off

d. looked up

LETERATURE

33. The main idea in a novel or play is the ……………………..

a. suspense
b. plot
c. gist
d. theme

34. The three main forms of literature are prose, drama and ………........

a. novel
b. satire
c. poetry
d. prosody
Read the following stanza and answer question 35 and 36

Time, like an ever rolling stream,

Bears all its sons away
They fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day

35. Time in this stanza is being used as …………………..

a. symbol
b. simile
c. synecdoche
d. personification

36.The rhyme scheme of the stanza is ……………………………………

a. abba
b. bbaa
c. abab
d. baba

37. The place and time of the action of a play or novel is its

a. background
b. setting
c. scene
d. atmosphere

38. One of the following helps best to create interest in a work of art:.

a. rhythm
b. preface
c. epilogue
d. suspense
39. The main function of imagery in literature is to make readers / listeners ………………

a. appreciate the great efforts of writers

b. understand clearly what writers put across
c. admire how learned writers are
d. know literature is different from other uses of language

40. A character in a play that opposes the hero or heroine is the ………………..

a. antagonist
b. challenger
c. opponent
d. protagonist

2013
LEXIS AND STRUCTURE
SECTION A
From the alternatives lettered A to D, choose the one which most suitably completes each sentence.
1. The lion .............. under the tree waiting for its prey.
a. lie
b. lain
c. lay
d. laid

2. I wish Ato............come to see us tomorrow.

a. will
b. is to
c. would
d. may

3. It's high time we ..........the items out. A. B. C. D.

a. move
b. are moving
c. moved
d. were moving

4. This amount is all ......... I have on me.

a. what
b. that
c. which
d. this

5. The harder you study................. your chances of success.

a. the great
b. greatest
c. great
d. the greater

6. Please I would rather you..............not disturb me.

a. did
b. will
c. may
d. do

7. That pair of trousers is worn..............

a. in
b. out
c. into
d. on

8. Atsu is looking forward to .............. his friends at the party.

a. see
b. be seeing
c. seeing
d. have seen

9. The minister is my ................brother.

a. senior
b. older
c. elder
d. junior

10. We have .................sugar, so we cannot have breakfast.

a. a few
b. little
c. few
d. a little

11. I wouldn't say this to.................

a. no other
b. any other
c. nobody
d. anyone else

12. This vase is made ...................glass.

a. on
b. of
c. with
d. by

13. Mrs Akwei is blind...............the faults of her children.

a. on
b. over
c. to
d. by

14. Shika was absent yesterday,...........?

a. isn't she
b. has she
c. didn't she
d. wasn't she

15. Come and see me tomorrow, ...you?

a. shall
b. will
c. may
d. would

16. If Kofi had studied hard ,he .....................his examination.

a. would pass
b. would be passing
c. will be passing
d. would have passed

17. The boy likes his........... dog.

a. little pretty brown
b. pretty brown little
c. pretty little brown
d. brown little pretty

SECTION B
Choose from the alternatives lettered A to D the one which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in each
sentence.
18. The radio is a very potent means of communication.
a. necessary
b. powerful
c. widespread
d. sound

19. Benjamin deserves the prize because he is industrious.

a. polite
b. hardworking
c. intelligent
d. funny

20. Farming is lucrative.

a. easy
b. profitable
c. necessary
d. good

21. The recklessness of the driver caused the woman's death.

a. drunkenness
b. arrogance
c. carelessness
d. ignorance

22. The doctors have been discussing the shortage of nurses.

a. indiscipline
b. love
c. scarcity
d. efficiency

SECTION C
In each of the following sentences, a group of words has been underlined. Chose from the alternatives lettered A to D
the one that best explains the underlined group of words.
23. Adzo takes after her mother. This means that Adzo.
a. likes her
b. resembles
c. is unlike her
d. always follows her

24. Board members are paid five Ghana Cedis a day across the board. This means that
a. Every member receives five Ghana Cedis
b. Some members receive five Ghana Cedis
c. Members are given five Ghana Cedis
d. Only deserving members are given five Ghana Cedis

25. Advise Peter not to poke his nose into my affair.

a. interfere
b. enter
c. speak
d. believe

26. During the lecture, Sarfo was miles away. This means that Sarfo
a. was self –consciou
b. had travelled
c. had slept
d. was absent –minded

27. Ato was at his wit's end. This means that Ato
a. was collecting his ideas together
b. had come to the end of his talk
c. did not know what to do next
d. did not have much to do

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.
28. We are surprised at her hostility to us.
a. faithfulness
b. attitude
c. manner
d. friendliness

29. She timidly faced her accusers.

a. boldly
b. calmly
c. angrily
d. smilingly

30. The minister is sincere in his promise

a. unrealistic
b. uncertain
c. dissatisfied
d. dis honest

31. The flag was hoisted during the golden jubilee celebration.
a. sunk
b. dipped
c. lowered
d. dropped

32. Transparent ballot boxes are used in elections.

a. painted
b. coated
c. opaque
d. dark

LETERATURE
From the options lettered A to D choose the one that correctly answers each question or completes the sentence.
33. The sequence of events in a play is the
a. theme
b. plot
c. conflict
d. resolution

34. An address directed at oneself is known as

a. monologue
b. dialogue
c. apostrophe
d. soliloquy

Read the following stanza and answer question 35 and 36

“O incomprehensible God!
Shall my pilot be
My inborn stars to that
Final call to thee'?

35. The poem is a kind of

a. sermon
b. apostrophe
c. dirge
d. sonnet

36. The theme of the above extract is

a. life
b. neglect
c. war
d. death

37. Which of the following expressions from the extract suggests the theme above?
a. “ incomprehensible God”
b. “inborn stars”
c. “ final call”
d. “ my pilot”

38. The main character in a play or a novel is called

a. hero
b. villain
c. dramatist
d. antagonist

39. The conversation between two characters is known as

 a. a dialogue
b. a monologue
c. an aside
d. a soliloquy

40. Miming refers to

a. the use of song in a drama
b. acting without the use of words
c. imitation of a character
d. the use of dialogue in acting.