THE WEST AFRICAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL GHANA

Basic Education Certificate Examination

English Language 2011

OBJECTIVE TEST

SECTION A

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

Question 1

The jury acquitted the man............ murder.

Question 2

Ama's essay is superior............ that of Adzo.

Question 3

I would study hard for the examination if I............ you.

Question 4

I cannot tell you............

Question 5

That troublesome friend of............ is here again.

Question 6

I told you to leave my office,............ I

Question 7

Kofi traveled five days............

Question 8

Kwame's uncle, with his three friends,............ coming home tomorrow.

Question 9

I am afraid I cannot make you............

Question 10

The plane takes............ at noon.

Question 11

Please, can I have............ salt in my soup?

Question 12

I wish I............ my friend next week.

Question 13

By September 2007, I............ school for nine years.

Question 14

............ Aso runs short of money, what would she do?

Question 15

Human beings will not live forever,............

Question 16

I saw Esi............ a new pair of shoes.

Question 17

Let us have a cup of tea,............?

SECTION B

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

Question 18

The headteacher's arrival in the classroom was __sudden__.

Question 19

It is __rude__ to talk loudly in the presence of elderly people.

Question 20

The pupils __grumbled__ about the assignment.

Question 21

The victim could not __identify__ the thief.

Question 22

Armed robbery is a very __risky__ undertaking.

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.

Question 23

__For all his brilliance__, Kofi could not solve the problem. This means that Kofi failed to solve the problem

Question 24

The manager's decision on the matter is __cut and dried__. This means that the manager's decision is

Question 25

Abla made an __as of herself__ at the party. This means that Abla behaved

Question 26

In spite of his boasting, Mensah proved to be a __chicken-hearted fellow__. This means that Mensah was

Question 27

Efua can always __talk her way out__ of trouble. This means that Efua

SECTION D

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

Question 28

My friend __welcomed__ my suggestion.

Question 29

Unlike her sister, Ackah is __stingy__.

Question 30

Serwaa's dress was __decent__.

Question 31

It is __compulsory__ for all pupils to be in school uniform for the ceremony.

Question 32

Aminata is __boastful__ about her beauty.

PART II LITERATURE

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that correctly answers each question or completes the sentence.

Question 33

A metaphor achieves the same effect as a/an.............

Question 34

One of the following gives a clue to a character's nature:

Question 35

Read the following extract carefully and answer the question below: The fair breeze blew; the white foam flew, The furrow followed free; We were the first that burst Into the silent sea. Question: The dominant sound device used in the extract is.............

Question 36

The fair breeze blew; the white foam flew, The furrow followed free; We were the first that burst Into the silent sea. Question: The device in the extract helps to express the............

Question 37

A good novel or play both entertain and............

Question 38

A character that develops in a play or novel in the course of the work is known as.............

Question 39

Which of the following best help(s) to develop the plot of a novel or play?

Question 40

A lyric is usually fairly short and............

THEORY

THEORY QUESTIONS

Answer two questions in all; one question from Part A and all the questions in Part B. Your composition should be about 250 words long

Question 1

Write a letter to your District Director of Education giving at least, two reasons why caning should be banned in schools.

Question 2

Write a story which ends with the expression: '_………what a dream_!"

Question 3

As a secretary of the Friends of the Environment club, write the speech you would give to the students of your school on the need to keep the environment clean

Question 4

Ali set out the house that morning __in high spirits__ knowing well that how he was going to meet his childhood friend Kofi. He had heard that his friend was occupying a very high position in a reputable company. Kofi could hardly recognize Ali when the letter entered the former's office. 'So you can't recognize me, Kofi, your classmate, Sikakrom J.H.S? Does money blind people and __erase their memory__? Can ten short years change you so completely as to make you forget an __intimate__ friend?' Kofi then suddenly recognize him. 'Sorry, Ali. You've changed so much __I couldn't make you out__. Please, sit down. What can I do for you? Ali reluctantly sat down. He admired Kofi's tidy office and person - the well-groomed hair, the attractive shirt and tie. Ali removed a small bottle from the breast pocket of his dust-covered shirt, poured out some white substance in his palm and sniffed it greedily. Kofi noticed all that but suppressed his anger. 'I learn that luck has given you great wealth, Kofi' Ali said. 'Indeed, some people are lucky!' he added, and pulled out a crumpled cigarette and a box of matches. 'I'd rather you didn't come smoke here. I keep my air fresh,' Kofi politely ordered. Ali was shocked. 'Hei, Kofi, what a complete change! What bird must have lent you is wings for you to soar so high? Oh, Luck, you can really change people! Just ten short years!' 'Look here, Ali, leave luck out of this. I worked very hard hard for seven years to __acquire__ a good degree and a job. I never relied on luck for success.'

Question 5

What did Ali expect as he left the house to meet Kofi?

Question 6

Why did Kofi fail to recognize Ali?

Question 7

What does the passage tell us about Ali's habits?

Question 8

According to Ali, what has made Kofi successful?
What actually helped Kofi to succeed

Question 9

Explain the following expressions in your own words:

in high spirits;
erase their memor;
I couldn't make you out.

Question 10

For each of the following words, give another word or a phrase that means the same and can fit into the passage:

PART AESSAY WRITING

Answer one question only from this part

Questions for this section are in the printed paper.

PART BCOMPREHENSION

Read the following passage carefully and answer all the questions which follow.

Questions for this section are in the printed paper.