WASSCE: TEST-OF-ENGLISH-ESSAY-2009-Q1-Q5
Write a letter to your father, giving at least three reasons why you feel you can no longer live with your brother.
15, Adeola Street,
Ajegunle, Lagos.
13th July, 2025.
Dear Daddy,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing with a heavy heart to inform you about some issues that have been making my stay with my elder brother very uncomfortable. It is very difficult for me to say this, but I feel I can no longer live with him.
Firstly, he always shouts at me over little things. I try my best to obey him and do my chores on time, but even when I do, he still finds fault and talks to me harshly. It makes me feel very sad and unwanted in the house. Sometimes, I even cry myself to sleep.
Secondly, my brother does not allow me to read in peace. Whenever I bring out my books to study, he sends me on errands or asks me to do one thing or the other. During weekends, he makes me do all the house chores while he watches television. This has affected my studies and my performance in school.
Lastly, he does not give me enough food. Sometimes, I go to school on an empty stomach. Even when there is food in the house, he tells me to wait until he is done eating before I can eat. I do not feel loved or cared for in his house anymore.
Daddy, I understand you sent me to stay with him so that I would be properly guided, but I am not comfortable anymore. I miss your care and mummy's warm meals. I promise to be obedient if you allow me to return home or stay with aunty Bose as you once suggested.
Please, consider my request. I am really trying, but I don’t want this situation to affect my education and my health.
Thank you, Daddy. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Your loving son,
Tunde.
2. Magazine Article
Write an article for publication in your school magazine narrating your experiences during an excursion to a part of the country you were visiting for the first time.
Title: My Unforgettable Excursion to Obudu Mountain Resort
Last month, our school organized an excursion to Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State. It was my first time visiting that part of the country, and I must say, it was one of the most exciting moments of my life.
We left school very early in the morning and travelled in a well-arranged school bus. The journey took about nine hours, but we didn’t feel bored at all. We sang songs, played games, and had snacks along the way. When we finally got to the resort, I was amazed by the beautiful environment.
The air was fresh, the weather was cool, and everywhere looked green and clean. We stayed in wooden lodges that were well arranged and comfortable. That evening, our teachers took us on a short walk around the resort. We saw beautiful flowers, animals, and different kinds of birds.
The next day, we went on a cable car ride. I was scared at first, but when I entered the car and it started moving over the mountains, I felt like I was flying. The view from the top was breathtaking. I saw hills, valleys, and even some small rivers. It was like a dream come true.
We also visited the water park inside the resort. We played in the pool, went on water slides, and took many pictures. Our teachers made sure we were safe and well-fed throughout the trip. The food was delicious and we even had a small party on the last night before returning home.
From this excursion, I learned many things. I saw how nature is well taken care of in other places, and it made me realize that we should all protect our environment. I also learned how to relate well with others because we had to share rooms, food, and space with our classmates.
This excursion was not only fun, but it also helped me grow as a person. I now understand the importance of tourism, nature conservation, and friendship. I thank our school management and teachers for taking us on this memorable trip.
I look forward to our next excursion, but I will never forget my time at Obudu Mountain Resort.
3. Letter to the Principal
Write a letter to your Principal informing him of recent acts of bullying by senior students and suggest ways of arresting the situation.
Kingsway International College,
P.O. Box 1023,
Ikorodu, Lagos State.
13th July, 2025.
The Principal,
Kingsway International College,
Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Dear Sir,
Subject: Complaint about Recent Acts of Bullying by Senior Students
I write to bring to your attention a matter that is causing fear and sadness among many junior students in our school. Recently, there has been a rise in bullying by some senior students, and this is affecting the peace and happiness we used to enjoy in school.
Some of us are being forced to do their laundry, sweep their hostels, and even give them part of our food. Last week, one of my classmates was slapped because he refused to buy food for a senior who had already punished him earlier. This kind of behavior makes junior students live in fear.
Also, some seniors take our books and do not return them. A friend of mine, Chinedu, lost his notebook and couldn’t complete his assignment because a senior collected it and didn’t give it back. Another junior student was locked up in the toilet for refusing to run errands after prep time.
Sir, we know that seniors are supposed to guide and help us, not make life difficult. If something is not done quickly, many students may lose interest in coming to school. It is even affecting some students’ academic performance because they can’t concentrate or read peacefully.
I would like to suggest the following ways to help stop bullying:
1. Organize an anti-bullying campaign to educate both seniors and juniors.
2. Place a complaint box in the hostels and classrooms where students can report bullying secretly.
3. Set up a student welfare committee that includes some senior students, teachers, and prefects to monitor behavior in the school.
4. Any student found bullying should be warned first, and if they repeat it, they should be punished according to school rules.
Sir, I know you care deeply about the well-being of all students. Please take action so we can all learn and grow in peace. Thank you for your attention.
Yours faithfully,
Michael Oladele
SS2A
4. Debate Speech
Write your speech for or against the topic: Parents should allow their children to choose their own careers.
Good day Mr. Chairman, Panel of Judges, Accurate Timekeeper, My Co-debaters, and Audience.
I am here to speak in support of the motion that Parents should allow their children to choose their own careers.
First of all, a career is something that will affect a person’s entire life. When a child is allowed to choose a career based on his or her passion, interest, and talent, the child will be happy and successful. For example, someone who loves drawing can become a great architect or graphic designer. But if the parents force that child to become a doctor, the child may not do well or be happy.
Secondly, every child is different. Parents may want their children to become lawyers or engineers, but not every child is good at arguing cases or calculating. A child who is good at music or sports should be allowed to grow in that area. Letting them choose their career builds confidence and responsibility.
Moreover, times are changing. Many of the jobs that exist today were not known twenty years ago. There are now careers in IT, animation, online marketing, and even content creation. Most parents are not familiar with these new fields, so it is better to listen to the children and allow them to choose what suits the present world.
Also, when parents force their children to follow a career path, it can damage the relationship between them. The child may obey at first, but later regret it. This regret can lead to frustration, depression, and even failure.
Let me end with this: Parents can advise, guide, and support their children, but they should not force careers on them. After all, the child is the one who will live with the career for the rest of their life.
Therefore, I strongly say that parents should allow their children to choose their own careers.
Thank you.
5. Narrative Essay**
Write a story, real or imaginary which ends with “…I then realized that it pays to be disciplined.”
It was a bright Monday morning and I woke up late again. I had stayed up all night watching movies and chatting on my phone. My mother called out, "Tunde! You’ll be late for school again!"
I rushed out of bed, brushed quickly, wore my uniform, and didn’t even eat. I got to school just as the morning assembly ended. My class teacher, Mr. Ade, looked at me with disappointment and said, “You’re late again. See me during break.”
During class, I could hardly concentrate. I felt tired and hungry. When Mr. Ade asked me a question, I couldn’t answer. My classmates laughed at me. At break time, Mr. Ade told me that my lateness and poor performance were signs of a lack of discipline. He said, “If you continue like this, your future will be affected.”
I was ashamed. I knew he was right. I decided to change. That day, I deleted some apps on my phone, set a proper bedtime, and started waking up early. I began to prepare my school bag and uniform the night before. I also started reading every evening.
Two weeks later, my teachers noticed the change. I was more active in class, and I submitted my assignments on time. During a surprise quiz, I scored the highest mark. Everyone clapped for me, and Mr. Ade smiled proudly.
From that moment, I knew that I had made the right decision. I had become more focused, happier, and confident.
I then realized that it pays to be disciplined.
