ORIGINAL AND CURRENT WAEC SYLLABUS FOR MAY/JUNE AND OCT/NOV EXAMS-ENGLISH LANGUAGE

[caption id="attachment_2609" align="alignleft" width="125"] waec logo[/caption]

WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION- ENGLISH LANGUAGE SYLLABUS ( Nigeria  Only)

THE SCOPE OF THE SYLLABUS
This examination sets out to test the different basic skills of communication in English using the mediums of speech and writing. The examination will test the receptive and productive abilities of candidates. These abilities will be demonstrated in the following forms: Reading Comprehension, Summary, Vocabulary, Lexis and Structure, Listening Comprehension and Recognition of different aspects of English speech.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The objective of the syllabus is to measure the extent to which the aims of the teaching syllabuses of member countries have been realized in candidates‟ Secondary School career. The examination sets out to examine candidates‟ ability to
(i) use correct English;
(ii) write about incidents in English that are appropriate to specified audiences
and situations;
(iii) organize materials in paragraphs that are chronologically, spatially and logically coherent;
(iv) control sentence structures accurately;
(v) exhibit variety in the choice of sentence patterns;
(vi) comply with the rules of grammar, spelling and punctuation;
(vii) comprehend written and spoken English;
(viii) recognize implied meaning, tones and attitudes;
(ix) use an acceptable pronunciation that can be comprehended by others;
(x) isolate and summarize relevant information from set passages.

OUTLINE
Candidates will be required to take three papers. Total marks for the three papers will be 220 marks for The Gambia and Sierra Leone and 200 for Nigeria.
PAPER 1: 2½ hours - Essay Writing, Comprehension and Summary - 120 marks
PAPER 2: 1 hour - Multiple Choice questions (Lexis and Structure) - 50 marks
PAPER 3: 45 minutes – Test of Orals – 30 marks (for Nigeria only).

WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION- ENGLISH LANGUAGE-DETAILED SYLLABUS

PAPER 1: This paper will be divided into three sections (A, B and C).

SECTION A: ESSAY WRITING (50 marks)

Candidates will be required to spend 50 minutes on this section. There will be five questions in all and candidates will be required to answer only one question.
The questions will test candidates‟ ability to communicate in writing. The topics will demand the following kinds of writing:
(i) letter;
(ii) speech;
(iii) narrative;
(iv) description;
(v) debate/argumentative;
(vi) report;
(vii) article;
(viii) exposition;
(ix) creative writing.

Credit will be given for
(i) Content: relevance of ideas to the topic and its specified audience and purpose;
(ii) Organization: formal features (where applicable), good paragraphing, appropriate emphasis and arrangement of ideas;
(iii) Expression: control of vocabulary and sentence structure;
(iv) Mechanical Accuracy: grammar, punctuation and spelling.
The minimum length expected will be 450 words.

SECTION B: COMPREHENSION (40 marks)

Candidates will be required to spend 50 minutes on this section. The section will consist of two passages each of about three hundred (300) words. Candidates will be required to answer questions on the two passages.
The questions will test the candidate‟s ability to
(i) find appropriate equivalents for selected words and phrases;
(ii) understand the factual content;
(iii) make inferences from the content of the passages;
(iv) respond to uses of English expressions to reveal/reflect sentiments/emotions/attitudes;
(v) identify and label basic grammatical structures, words, phrases or clauses and explain their functions as they appear in the context;
(vi) identify and explain basic literary terms and expressions;
(vii) recast phrases or sentences into grammatical alternatives.
The passages will be chosen from a wide variety of sources all of which will be suitable for this level of examination in terms of theme and interest. The passages will be written in modern English that will be within the experience of candidates. The comprehension test will include a total of three questions based on (vi) above in any one paper.

SECTION C: SUMMARY (30 marks)

Candidates will be required to spend 50 minutes on this section. The section will consist of one prose passage of about five hundred (500) words and will test the candidate‟s ability to
(i) extract relevant information;
(ii) summarize the points demanded in clear, concise English;
(iii) present a summary of specific aspects or portions of the passage;
(iv) avoid repetition, redundancy and extraneous material.
The passage will be selected from a wide variety of suitable sources, including excerpts from narratives, dialogues and expositions of social, cultural, economic and political issues in any part of the world.

PAPER 2: This is an objective/multiple choice paper comprising 100 questions: 40 lexical and 60 structural items. Each question/item will have four options lettered A to D.

A. LEXIS

In addition to items testing knowledge of the vocabulary of everyday usage (i.e. home, social relationships, common core school subjects) questions will be set to test the candidate‟s ability in the use of the more general vocabulary associated with the following fields of human activity:
I. (a) Building;
(b) Plumbing;
(c) Fishing;
(d) Finance – commerce, banking, stock exchange, insurance;
(e) Photography;
(f) Mineral exploitation;
(g) Common manufacturing industries;
(h) Printing, publishing, the press and libraries;
(i) Sea, road, rail and air transport;
(j) Government and politics;
(k) Sports and entertainment;
(l) Religion;
(m) Science and Technology;
(n) Power production – hydro, thermal, solar;
(o) Education;
(p) Transport and Communication;
(q) Military;
(r) Journalism and Advertising.
II. Idioms, i.e. idiomatic expressions and collocations (e.g. “hook, line and sinker”, “every Tom, Dick and Harry” etc.) the total meaning of which cannot be arrived at simply by consideration of the dictionary meanings of the words in the structures in which they appear.
III. Structural elements of English e.g. sequence of tenses, matching of pronouns with noun referents, use of correct prepositions.
IV. Figurative usage
By “more general” vocabulary is meant those words and usages of words normally associated with the field of human activity in question which are generally known, used and understood by most educated people who while not engaged in that field of activity may have occasion to read, speak or write about it. Thus, for example, in the vocabulary of transportation by sea, one would expect knowledge of terms such as “bridge” and “deck”, which most educated people understand, but not “halyard”, “dodge”, “davit” or “thrust block”, which are specialized.
All items will be phrased in such a way as to test the use and understanding of the required lexis, rather than dictionary definitions and explanations. In practice, the test of lexis will be so designed as to explore, not merely the extent of the candidates‟ vocabulary but more importantly their ability to respond to sense relations in the use of lexical items e.g. synonyms, antonyms and homonyms.
In the testing of figurative language, candidates will be expected to recognize when an expression is used figuratively rather than literally.

B. STRUCTURE

Structure here is used to include:
(i) The patterns of changes in word-forms which indicate number, tense, degree, etc.;
(ii) The patterns in which different categories of words regularly combine to form groups and these groups in turn combine to form sentences;
(iii) The use of structural words e.g. conjunctions, articles, determiners, prepositions, etc.

PAPER 3 ORAL ENGLISH (30 marks)
This paper will test candidates‟ knowledge of Oral English.

ALTERNATIVE C: TEST OF ORALS (For School and Private Candidates in Nigeria)A Test of Orals format is a multiple-choice paper of 60 items testing a wide range of areas or aspects of Orals as contained in the syllabus.

The Test of Orals will cover the following areas:
(1) Vowels – pure vowels and diphthongs;
(2) Consonants (including clusters);
(3) Rhymes;
(4) Word Stress/Syllable Structure;
(5) Emphatic Stress/Intonation Patterns;
(6) Phonetic Symbols.
The items to be tested in the specified areas are in accordance with the following blueprint:

SECTION/AREA/FEATURE/NO. OF ITEMS
1.Test of Vowels-15 (10 pure vowels, 5 diphthongs)
2.Test of Consonants-15
3.Test of Rhymes-5
4.Test of Stress (4 – Syllable word)-5
5.Test of Stress (2/3 – Syllable word)-5
6.Test of Emphatic Stress/Intonation-5
7.Patterns in Sentences-10 (5 vocalic and 5 consonantal)

TO ALL NIGERIAN STUDENTS TAKING JAMB/WAEC EXAMS,PLEASE REMEMBER WHAT WE TOLD YOU ABOUT OBJECTIVE QUESTION PAPERS!

12 POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR YOUR JAMB EXAM

It is most likely you'll be reading this long after your JAMB EXAM if its the only one you are taking.But in case one or two of you decide to check here for any last-minute hints these are our reminders

It is in the examination hall after all that you’d be expected to display a mastery of the techniques we have told you but a few words of Solomon are not inappropriate.

1.On getting to the examination center, you will meet many archangels of the devil pretending to be saints. Many would be smiling as if there is nothing worrying them; don’t be deceived. Remember that a body of observers once announced that there are almost 50 types of examination malpractices in Nigeria .There is double personality (impersonation) and “double exam hall” Tampering with computer results, are only tips of the iceberg. There are also dramatic characters around whom we have tagged over the years as “Invigilators”, “Instigators” and “Alligators”. They move around looking for foolish students to devour. Some students affected by the examination atmosphere lose their heads, their personality and their honor believing that there is something going on which they must take part in to pass.

2.Yes some of you reading this write-up today will forget it and be drawn like cattle to slaughter. Some of you will still go tossing your flip-flops in the examination hall. Please start strengthening yourselves right away against the hours of temptation.I WANT TO ASSURE YOU THAT THE TECHNIQUES YOU NEED TO KNOW ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN ANY ALLIGATOR SUPPORT U MIGHT BE LOOKING FOR .Yes,pray fervently for the period when Satan will take you up to the highest buildings and offer you the world through its human archangels.You must learn to say “I HAVE PLANNED,PREPARED AND PRACTICED FOR THIS EXAM. LORD KEEP ME FOCUSED ON MY BATTLE PLAN.LORD KEEP ME PRESSING FORWARD TO MY JAMB VICTORY AMEN!”

3. Let us assume you are in the examination hall and JAMB question papers are in your hands and that you have been permitted to start the exams. You must observe a few things.

-Whisper a short prayer such as “LORD BE WITH ME AND IN MY UNDERSTANDING AMEN” then open your

paper.

- Next read the instructions carefully to know if they are different from those past questions papers you were using for preparation

-Note that studying for the exam itself was very serious business in a way but think of the exam itself as a game for which you must use good strategies as in a video or computer game to your maximum mileage or advantage. So before you start the exam, jot down any formulae or name you will like to remember later on which you are sure will come up or be useful.

4. Now, plan your time (pacing) for each subject in advance. Except Use of English there are 50 questions for 45 minutes. So the average expected time for each question is 54seconds. But you need more time for some subjects and time for revision at the end of the exam. For instance you can pace yourself as follows: Government-30mins, Economics-45mins,Maths-55mins, revision-5mins. Pacing can only be done after practicing with questions and answers during your study long before the examination period. Thus this is another use for those past question papers. So don’t pace yourself haphazardly without practice before the examination date!

5.For every period you allocate to each subject, you will also reallocate these periods to the 3 techniques which will be mentioned sooner than later,kapish? The choice and use of the techniques will help you to keep you within your pacing plan. Exceeding it a little will lead to failure. Don’t put yourself into quandary or what is called a TIME WARP by forgetting to check the clock or your wristwatch. One trick however is to scribble down for yourself, the desired finish time for each subject based on the time allocated. This will constantly get you prompted to check your wristwatch after the completion of each subject.

6.When you have allocated time to each subject, take a deep breath of 30 seconds after each paper before proceeding to the next one. Deep breathing clears the brain of residual matter and allows you to focus on the next set of questions.

7. Don’t jump from one subject to another. The techniques will show why you do not need to do so.

8. When you erase, make sure that you erase completely and that you are using an appropriate pencil (recommended) and eraser. The scanning machine being used is usually very sensitive to erasures and will score a smudge or incomplete erasure caused by you when you are in haste. Remember also that computer programs for the scanner machines have been built to give you a score according to the scanning process ( of course when not hijacked by agents of evil). Many students have failed to reach the expected grades by 2 or 3 marks because of mistakes such as this.

9.Any technique learned for JAMB exam must increase your speed in making choices and must also increase your accuracy in deciding the best answers.

10.Don’t panic if you cannot find the answer among the options immediately. Leave it and return to it later using the other available techniques.Please remember what was earlier said about options. They will be made up of the following:

a. An answer that is irrevocably right (best answer)

b. An answer that is true only to a limited extent vis-à-vis the question and therefore false. (Partially correct answer)

c. An answer that looks odd but is only possibly false. Any option that is partially false cannot be correct(Partially wrong answer)

d. An answer that is entirely false and is very obvious if you have complete grasp of the question. (Worst answer)

11.Don’t panic if you see questions you never anticipated or prepared for. One of the two remaining techniques will take care of such questions.

12. Definitely, doing the easiest questions first calms down the nerves and establishes your concentration for other methods.

GOOD LUCK

MONEY,WEALTH AND COMMON SENSE FOR NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

WHAT NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MONEY,WEALTH AND COMMON SENSE (2)

(FROM A LECTURE DELIVERED AT A SUMMER SCHOOL IN MASON COLLEGE FESTAC)

C.SECRETS TO BEING WEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS

There are three basic secrets that makes those rich, richer. These are:

(a)    Recognition of Seeds Time and Harvest Time

(b)   Distinction between Seeds and Fruits

(c)   Replenishment of the "earth".

Simply put they mean...

(a) SEEDS TIME AND HARVEST TIME

Whatever you sow you reap. The seeds of a rich man is MONEY he invests it.

(b) SEEDS AND FRUITS

Fruits are for eating and seeds are for sowing. The rich man separates his seeds from his fruits. He sows the seeds and eats the fruits. The money you receive even when you are young is also made up of seeds and fruits. Don’t spend all the money your parents give you. Either save them at home or ask them to open a saving account for you. For every money you receive whether it is pocket money or money for your break period first remove a part of it no matter how small and save it whether it is N10 or N100. That is what  rich men do. They are investors while poor men are spenders. Obey God by replanting seeds. Money can be planted. Money is the seed, investment is the tree and profit is the fruit. This is why JEWS always prosper all over the world. The owner of Mega Plaza is Jewish. Also remember that Joseph in Egypt gave seed (not food) to the people to sow on the land (Gen 47 23:24).

Even if you earn salaries, it is the same. Give God your tithe out of your increase (profit) and he will multiply your harvest. If you eat the tithe life will become tight for you. Out of the balance set aside another for investment or for a rainy day.

[caption id="attachment_7849" align="aligncenter" width="500"] you would be wealthier if you stop acting rich[/caption]

(c) REPLENISH  THE EARTH

God said man should multiply and replenish the earth. Out of the balance set aside after paying the tithe, you should support fellow human beings. The poor, the widow. You must also support good causes to make life easier for other human beings, animals, plants, the environment etc.

(d)  OTHER IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES

 (i)Remember  capital is made up of  80% IDEA and 20% CASH. You can start business with whatever you have. Even if you lost your initial capital, don’t be discouraged.

(ii) Have something for sale always – skills, goods or services.

(iii). Sell your personal property only if the cash you will get will be another investment capital.

(D)   PURPOSE OF MONEY AND COMMON SENSE LECTURE

 You might be wondering why we need to teach you money sense at your stages in life. You might be wondering “why do I need this since my parents are still fending for me”. The reasons are not far-fetched. Through this lecture/write-up, we have tried to use the scriptures to inform you that

(i)   There are opportunities that you can make use of even within a poor environment e.g the need for mass transportation and dignified housing in a place like Ajegunle.

(ii)   God is not against rich people but against those who do not use their wealth for the benefit of fellow human beings.

(iII)   God also want those who profit to sow seeds from their venture in His house.

(Iv)    You must start to apply common sense even to the daily or weekly pocket money or termly allowance you take to school.

(v)   Above all, your parents will be happier and grateful to God if you are a child filled with wisdom on how to manage personal and family finances and who gives a helping hand to the Household of God.

(E) QUIZ COMPETITION/GAME ON MONEY END COMMON SENSE

Quiz will cover

(i)    Actual questions from write-up

(ii)   Inferential questions from write-up (answers not directly from write-up but derivable from it).

(iii)    Money instruments, banking and other financial institutions.

(iv)   Other common sense business practices (setting up business, location of business).

(v)   Students Companion (as it relates to money etc).

(vi)     The Bible/ The Quran

(vii)    Economics/Accounting/Commerce/Business Studies.

(viii)   Financial concepts such as prudence, income, interest, expenses, profit, tithe, savings, venture, budget, cash flow, balance, assets, liabilities, investment, stocks & shares, debt, credit, giving, donation, deposit etc.

    Quiz competition shall be a mixture of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”?. “Snake and Ladder”, and “Monopoly” games......etc.

EDUPEDIA IS WILLING TO CONDUCT THIS QUIZ COMPETITION FOR ANY SCHOOL AS A PREMIUM-LEVEL SERVICE

Thank you.

THE 10 CHARACTERISTICS OF A POOR MAN... A MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

WHAT NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MONEY,WEALTH AND COMMON SENSE (1)

(FROM A LECTURE DELIVERED AT A SUMMER SCHOOL IN MASON COLLEGE FESTAC)

A.INTRODUCTION

1. The Dictionary definition of WEALTH is “riches, being rich or being abundant”. On the other hand COMMON SENSE means having sound practical thoughts and habits (OXFORD).On its own, wealth is nothing except it brings happiness to its owner. Unfortunately it does not always do so. The great American billionaire, Rockefeller said wealth did not bring him happiness and that he was happier when he was a mechanic. In fact the scriptures say it is harder for a rich person to get to heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. (Mathew 19:24).

2. The purpose of our discussion today is to get briefed on what we can do to be prosperous and thereafter know what to do with that prosperity- right from our youth.

3. The common sense for wealth management can be smmarized in the following words LEARNING, EMPLOYMENT, ACCUMULATION, SAVINGS, ENGAGEMENT (LEASE or lease of life).

a. LEARNING – Get “complete” education. Learn about financial concepts too.

b. EMPLOYMENT – Seek for a job or be self-employed in an environment that is natural with you.

c. ACCUMULATION --- Work hard to make progress in whatever you do. Keep close to God in all things. Promotion, progress and riches shall follow.

d. SAVINGS –Don’t spend all your income. Save part of it and invest it for future income.

e. ENGAGE – Use your wealth for Gods work, your family and fellow human beings. Don’t let the wealth be your master.

B. THE 10 CHARACTERISTICS OF A POOR MAN STUDENTS SHOULD AVOID FROM YOUTH

 A poor and unhappy man can be said to be a person who does not use the common sense principles of LEASE. Here are the characteristics of a poor man.

a. THOUGHTS: The poor man always think small forgetting that everything we see on earth the land, tree, moon, stars, the air are the products of the thought of God. If you think great you will do great things. “Small Thinking” is the root cause of poverty. As a man thinks so is he. God’s thoughts are so powerful that He thought of the star and the moon and spoke them into existence. Because of the power of His thoughts he did not need any labor to put them into existence. We should also remember that God created us in His image and decreed a lot of power into us.

b. UNBELIEF:  The poor man is a chronic unbeliever. He does not believe in himself or in other people. The government or the economy. He does not even believe in God’s ability and willingness to provide for him.

c. OPINION:  To the poor man money is evil. He thinks to be rich is sin. He thinks all rich men are crooks. He thinks riches bring trouble. He knows why it is not good to be rich. He even hates rich people.

d. SPEECH: The poor man speaks negative words, curses everyone and everything. He talks lack and want all the time. He will give you reason all the time why he cannot improve his situation. He will say all the time that “Nigeria don spoil” But the Lord says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. With his mouth confession is made into perpetual poverty.

e. VISION: The poor man has no good plan for tomorrow. He has no provision for education, more income and even the training of his children. On a dark night he will see darkness only, whereas the rich man will notice any  brilliant star in the dark.

f. ACTIVITY: The poor man is a loafer. When he works he does not do it well. He works hard instead of working smart and he remains at work for ever. He is always looking for fortune through pools, gambling and 419.

g. ASSOCIATION: His friends are birds of the same feather. They are found in poor places. Poor eating places, poor neighborhoods. There they smoke, drink and sometimes quarrel on the streets or with their wives or their neighbors. Many of them plan evil together such as robbery, rape and fraud.

h. FALSE LIVING: Sometimes the poor man likes to talk and behave like a rich man. He buys food on credit and rides cars he cannot support or maintain. He also borrows dresses only the rich can wear. He is a name-dropper of uncles, friends, father and mother. He is usually fake.

[caption id="attachment_7844" align="aligncenter" width="400"] proverbs-1-6-06[/caption]

i. QUITTER: He is always a quitter. He tries but always stop midway. Quitters never win.

j. MONEY: Poor men are riotous spenders. They have no respect for money. Give them some money they will go wild. Wives, women, weed, gambling and liquor will snatch the money from them. Even the way they squeeze money is unbelievable. Have you ever seen how taxi drivers and petty traders handle money? They squeeze, rumple and tear money like rags. If you are money will you like to come back to them? Money usually reject those who have no respect for it.

CONCLUSIONS
1. Start your day with praises, prayers and thanksgiving to God to claim new blessings each day.
2. Have absolute faith in God for provisions.
3. At your work see yourself as the ambassador of God and not that of your boss. Don’t pay attention to those who say “Is this your father’s job?” Regard God as your employer.
4. Never squeeze money. Plan for money through a budget before it gets to you. Save money and invest money.
5. When you are wealthy minister and inspire others with your words and wealth. Be a financial prophet of God.
6. Be real, don’t fake your living.

TO BE CONTINUED

LIBRARY RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR REFERENCE AND USE BY NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS (2)

VOCABULARY IMPROVEMENT,NOVELS SUMMARY SCHEME AND RELATED RULES FOR OPERATION

 PREAMBLE

 WHAT IS A NOVEL SUMMARY SCHEME?

 1. Simply put, it means lending novels to students from the school library for reading,  summarization and submission for marking. The major objective is to improve students’ usage of English Language by acclimatization with the written word and subsequent widening of their vocabulary. There are many formats for achieving these and they shall be made available in similar write-ups which are coming up after this.

 2. However, the aim of this write-up is to specify library-related rules for operating the novel summarization schemes in a situation where a school has the library and willingness to operate such a program..The write-up should be read vis-à-vis another write-up titled LIBRARY RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR REFERENCE AND USE BY NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS (1).

 3. In using the rules below please note that they relate more to the circumstances at Mason College Festac. Each school should therefore modify them according to its local or special circumstances once it takes a decision to start the Novels scheme.

 HOW TO OPERATE A NOVEL SUMMARY SCHEME

 4. We suggest a novel summary scheme  to be operated  in two phases. The first phase shall include NEW AND POPULAR  novels  recommended by the school for purchase by students during the 1^st and 2^nd terms. The objective shall be to encourage students build up personal libraries in addition to novels collectible from the school library under the second phase The first phase made up mainly of new novels shall be subjected to an overall test during the mid-term examination of the 3^rd term and shall constitute part of the general paper examination (as in Mason College) for the year. The second phase shall be operated as indicated in subsequent paragraphs below.

 JS 1- SS2 (3 TERMS)+ SS3(1^ST TERM ONLY)

 5. Collection of novels shall take place once every fortnight (probably on Fridays)

 6. Novels shall be returned within two weeks with summaries in the FORMAT indicated by school management. The formats acceptable to the school (see more notes on formats in paragraph 1 above) shall be indicated in a subsequent write-up to this.

 7. Students shall be allowed to take additional novels for personal reading if requested by them (subject to a limit of one at a time) but all novels collected at any time shall be returnable to the library within a fortnight as indicated above. All such additional novels, on return, shall have their statuses renewed if requested

 8. The school’s Academic Group shall be present at each collection exercise to assist librarians and students

9.  It shall be the responsibility of the Academic Group to keep a ledger of books collected by each student to prevent repeated  collection of the same novel or non-collection by some lazy students. If any student by chance escapes due observation by the Academic Group and knowingly engages in repeated collections or non-collection such shall be punished in accordance with the school’s list of academic offenses.

 10. Only SS 1 to SS3 students shall be allowed to collect movie VHS, CDs or DVDs in lieu of novels. Such can be collected from the internal or external library of the school.An example of an external library is The academic-related content of the movie shall, however, be approved by the Academic Group if it can. If not references shall be made to the Director for approval. Librarians shall be expected to extract a list of educational   movies available at the external library so that students can make their choices from the library within the school premises. Librarians shall also review this list at the beginning of each term.

 11. Non-collection of novels by students are offenses under the school’s (Mason College) academic offenses schedule and shall be punishable as stated therein. This shall be pointed out to students from time to time. It shall however be the duty of the Academic Group as well as that of the Librarians to monitor students who have not collected novels. They should also ensure that this is done not later than the Tuesday following the Friday scheduled for collection.

 12. No JSS student shall be allowed to take a book or a movie from the external library for the novel summary scheme. However, they shall be allowed to do so for pleasure-reading  purposes.

 SS3 STUDENTS(2^ND/3^RD TERMS) + AFTER GRADUATION OR AS ALUMNI

 13. During the second and third terms SS3 students shall be allowed to collect novels or movies from both libraries without submitting any summary work. They shall also be allowed to keep such assets for 3 days (movies) and 7 days (novels) respectively. Any additional novel or movie collected by any of them from the external library shall be paid for according to the terms of rentals or lateness as operated at that library. Collections from the external library shall be initiated through a note given by the Academic Group after express permission by Management.

 14. No library services shall be available, however, from 1^st May of each year to SS3 students because of WAEC examinations. Such services shall not be available either after the NECO examinations in July. However they shall have the privilege of becoming automatic members of the external library without paying any registration fees as might be demanded. But they shall pay for  services like other public members of that library

DUTIES OF LIBRARIANS

 15. It shall be the duty of Librarians to secure the assets and keep the library neat and tidy at all times. It shall also be their responsibility to prevent or  put in check any form of noise, disturbance or distraction in the library They are permitted to raise appropriate penalties on students or staff members for any misdemeanor in the library. However on any issue leading to penalties to be raised on staff members such shall first be raised to  Management for confirmation through the official daily work done books.

MOVEMENT OF LIBRARY ASSETS

 16. All students and staff members are allowed to make reference to text books in the library only. They are not allowed to take text books away except if specially permitted by management through the Academic Group.

 17. Staff   members whose appointments have been confirmed by management are allowed to take a movie or a novel at the school or external library for a maximum 3 days for a movie and 7 days for a novel after which they shall be charged for late return on  any asset collected from the external library like other members of the public

 OTHER REGULATIONS

 18. The school libraries have more detailed sets of rules and regulations for reference purposes However, additional rules and regulations shall be made known to students and staff members through the usual channels such as this.

 RELATED POST

 LIBRARY RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR REFERENCE AND USE BY NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS (1)

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Donate Please

If you feel that our  work has helped you and you’d like to support our mission to  continue spreading ideas like  those mentioned above, please make a donation below. We shall be very grateful for your support.AND NO AMOUNT SHALL BE CONSIDERED TOO SMALL!

Being supported by our readers LIKE YOU enables us to give our creative output (those that originate from us) to the public domain, so it isn’t copyrighted. Please share it freely so that others may benefit from it.

To donate via credit card,cheque or cash, please use the information below and let us know if don’t mind if we acknowledge the donation publicly

Thanking you

O.O.ODUMOSU

ACCOUNTS AT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UBA)(23RD/72RD BRANCH FESTAC,LAGOS)

MASON COLLEGE A/C NO-1005353681

EDUPEDIA ASSOCIATES A/C NO -1005280011

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

LIBRARY RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR REFERENCE AND USE BY NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS (1)

A. LIBRARY OFFICIAL HOURS

1.The College library shall be opened every school day from 9:00am to 12 noon and from 1:20 pm to 4:00pm Mondays to Fridays only.

2. It shall be opened on Saturday for cleaning and arranging of its assets only. Specifically, no borrowing, reading or referencing  shall take place on Saturdays by students or staff members.

3. During daily lunch periods it shall be closed but school’s  Academic group shall create a Press Room mode outside the library ( in one of the special rooms) for reading of newspapers, magazines etc. by students and staff members.

4. Between 9:00am and 4:00pm daily librarians shall use their discretion to keep the library opened or closed in accordance to any inconvenience experienced by students or  staff members. However the library shall be closed if 2  generators installed by the school nearby are in use.

B.  GENERAL RULES

5. The Library is the BRAIN of the school and it plays an indispensable role in accomplishing its aims. In order to perform its functions to the satisfaction of students and staff members it needs their understanding and cooperation. The following rules of conduct are meant to spell out in practical terms what we consider as the GOLDEN RULES of the college Library.

6. Students or staff members must sign in and sign out at the librarians’ desk when entering or exiting the library.

7. Observe silence.Idle conversation, loud laughter and other unnecessary noise disturbs other library users and therefore should be avoided. Talking out of necessity must be done in subdued tones. The library atmosphere must be conducive for studying or referencing.

8. Keep the library clean. Do not litter tables with any waste and paper scraps. Use the trash baskets      provided for the purpose.

9.  Eating, drinking and sleeping in the library shall not be allowed.

10. Keep things in order. When you leave arrange/clear your table. Put your chair against the table and avoid obstruction of movement by other users.

11. Return all newspapers, magazines and other materials ( usually located on the central operational table) back to where they were collected from.

12. Handle both books and other library materials with care. They are intended to serve a great many users after you.

C. SCHOOL I.D. CARDS

13. Only students and staff with the school I.D card shall be allowed in the library. Where a student or staff is yet to be issued with such a card, a written authorization in the daily admin work done or the operational books of the library shall be obtained from school Management.

14. All I.D cards shall be properly counter–signed by authorised management staff and shall be laminated. Such cards shall not be transferable by students or staff members. All library assets taken out or used within the library through such cards shall make the owner liable for any inappropriate handling. Such cards shall be submitted to  librarians each day before library use by both students and staff members. They shall also be collectible when exiting the library. Torn, dirty or mutilated cards shall be rejected and shall not be honored until replaced by the school.

F. SECURITY OF ASSETS/DELINQUENT USAGE

15. No bag, envelope, briefcase or any sort of container (nylon or otherwise) shall be allowed in the library.If deposited anywhere outside the library it shall not be the responsibility of the Librarians for any loss of valuables or  disappearance.

16. Every library user shall subject himself or herself to a personal search on the request of any Librarian.

17. No delinquent borrower or user shall be allowed to use the library and its resources unless he/she has settled all debts due to the library for materials, lost, defaced, damaged, torn, etc.

 18. Any person who willfully or maliciously tear, deface, injure or destroy any print or non- print materials or carry away with intent to convert to his or her personal  use any of the library collections and assets shall be punished by suspension or expulsion by the school as the case may be or by a fine exceeding the current price of the library asset in question and shall be recommended by the Librarians to  Management for final disciplinary action.

19. A lost book must be reported immediately to the Librarians, and in the case of students, parents too. The student or staff responsible for the loss shall be expected to replace the lost book with a new one or pay an equivalent sum for a new acquisition within 7 days of such a report being made.


 G. HOME READING/NOVEL SUMMARY SCHEME

20. Library assets shall be allowed to be taken out/home as stated under the rules for Novel Summary Scheme. Any Librarian found  discouraging students from home reading shall be penalized. The maximum numbers of books allowed are stated in the write-up for the Novel Summary scheme (please see the relevant write-up on this).


21. The Alumni of the school shall be allowed to borrow books for use within the library too. The rules for this and the use of Bookends, our public external library(now known as LAGOS BOOKS CLUB), are also stated in the write-up for the Novel Summary scheme.

22. Students who were in PASS Tutorial College or Mason 6^th Form College shall be allowed after leaving the school only with express permission of the Director. Those of them who qualified/ collected testimonials of the school may however be authorized by the school management,who shall thereafter inform the Director.

H. GROUP LIBRARY USAGE /ACADEMIC PERIODS

23. No teacher, Management Staff or the Academic Group shall be allowed to send students or classes of students to the library for “study” or “research/reference” purposes as replacement for regular or remedial periods.

24. Where tutors or the Academic Group require that a class be engaged in group/class  research in the library notice shall be given in advance through the school requisition file or Academic Work Done at least 24 hours prior to the event . The Librarians shall also be informed about the requisition made. Once approved, the use of the library by other students and staff shall be blocked by Librarians for the class during the period covered by such a request

25. The library personnel are empowered to enforce the rules and regulations of the library as stated herein. They shall be accorded the courtesy and respect they deserve. The rules and regulations they enforce are not their own but those of the Mason College Group. They are permitted to report any uncooperative student or staff to school management.

26. No violation of any of these regulations by students or staff members shall lead to an exclusion or forgiveness on a plea of ignorance.

RELATED POST

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Donate Please

If you feel that our  work has helped you and you’d like to support our mission to  continue spreading ideas like  those mentioned above, please make a donation below. We shall be very grateful for your support.AND NO AMOUNT SHALL BE CONSIDERED TOO SMALL!

Being supported by our readers LIKE YOU enables us to give our creative output (those that originate from us) to the public domain, so it isn’t copyrighted. Please share it freely so that others may benefit from it.

To donate via credit card,cheque or cash, please use the information below and let us know if don’t mind if we acknowledge the donation publicly

Thanking you

O.O.ODUMOSU

ACCOUNTS AT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UBA)(23RD/72RD BRANCH FESTAC,LAGOS)

MASON COLLEGE A/C NO-1005353681

EDUPEDIA ASSOCIATES A/C NO -1005280011

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………................................

WHETHER YOU PASS WAEC OR JAMB STARTS FROM HERE AND NOW! (2)

RELATED POST


WHETHER YOU PASS WAEC OR JAMB STARTS FROM HERE AND NOW! (1)

50 SELF-REVIEW QUESTIONS BY STUDENTS FOR WAEC / NECO / JAMB EXAMS (2)

26.HAVE YOU CHOSEN A STUDY PARTNER OR STUDY GROUP?

27.HAVE YOU ENGAGED YOURSELF IN BRAINSTORMING SESSIONS ABOUT LIKELY QUESTIONS?

28.HAVE YOU UNDERSTOOD THE IMPORTANCE OF ROLE-PLAYING IN PREPARING FOR EXAM THROUGH A GROUP?

29.HAVE YOU UNDERSTOOD THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNIQUE SEMINARS IN PREPARING FOR AN EXAM?

30.HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM JAMB SEMINARS THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO MAKE EDUCATED   GUESSES?



..mason college queen…

31.HAVE YOU MASTERED HOW TO UPLOAD AND DOWNLOAD FACTS TO YOUR PAPER IN THE EXAM HALL FROM YOUR EXAM SCRAPBOOK THROUGH YOUR BRAIN?

32.HAVE YOU UNDERSTOOD WHY THE TIME YOU USED IN PRACTICING PAST Q/As SHOULD BE SLIGHTLY LESSER THAN THE REAL EXAM?

33.HAVE YOU MASTERED THE 6-STEPS ANSWER PLAN FROM MATHS THEORY PAPERS?(THESE ARE STILL TO COME FROM EDUPEDIA) DO YOU KNOW YOU CAN STILL GET A REASONABLE GRADE WITHOUT GETTING THE REAL ANSWER IF YOU FOLLOW THE 6-STEP PLAN? HAVE YOU UNDERSTOOD WHY ALL ROUGH WORK IN MATHS, PHYSIC & CHEMISTRY THEORY PAPERS HAVE TO BE TAGGED TO THE REAL ANSWERS?

34. HAVE YOU LEARNED THE ETIQUETTE OF MATHS?

35. HAVE YOU PRACTICED RELEVANT EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES?



…our beautiful, brilliant,entertaining senior prefect girls…an all-rounder!…now a medical student…

TO SATISFY WAEC/NECO/JAMB EXAMINERS

36.HAVE YOU UNDERSTOOD THE IMPORTANCE OF EXAM INSTRUCTIONS?

37.HAVE YOU KNOWN HOW TO START RIGHT IN THE EXAM HALL AFTER READING THE INSTRUCTIONS? HOW TO SELECT AND ALLOCATE TIME THROUGH PROPER PACING OF YOURSELF?

38.HAVE YOU KNOWN HOW TO INTERPRETE QUESTIONS PROPERLY? DO YOU KNOW THE VOCABULARY OF QUESTION TYPES? (TO BE PROVIDED LATER BY EDUPEDIA)

39.HAVE YOU KNOWN HOW TO PRESENT YOUR ANSWERS NEATLY, TO MAKE THE EXAMINER FAVORABLE TOWARDS YOUR WORK?

40.HAVE YOU BELIEVED THAT THE QUANTITY OF ANSWER YOU GIVE IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS THE QUALITY?



…singing or praying?…very talented summer school student…

41.HAVE YOU MASTERED HOW TO PRESENT YOUR WORK THROUGH THE HANDOUT TITLED ‘HOW TO PASS EXAMS BY RELEVANT PRESENTATION OF WORK?’(STILL TO COME FROM EDUPEDIA)

42.HAVE YOU LEARNED HOW TO KEEP AN EXAMINER HAPPY BY NOT IRRITATING HIM THROUGH ILLEGIBLE HANDWRITING,WRITING IN THE MARGIN, ROUGH WRITING, INCORRECT NUMBERING, USING INK FOR DRAWING DIAGRAMS, HALF-FINISHED OR VERBOSE SENTENCES ETC?

43. HAVE YOU MASTERED THE RULES OF DRAWING DIAGRAMS IN AN EXAM? HAVE YOU LEARNED THAT YOUR DIAGRAMS SHOULD BE LARGE AND NOT SMALL MAY BE UP TO HALF OF THE PAGE? DO YOU KNOW THIS IS APPLICABLE TO GRAPHS TOO?

44.HAVE YOU LEARNED TO KEEP A RULER AND A COIN OR MATHS SET WITH YOU? WHAT ABOUT YOUR WRISTWATCH?

45.HAVE YOU UNDERSTOOD THAT ALL OBJECTIVE PAPERS IN WAEC OR NECO HAVE GOT TO BE ANSWERED USING SAME JAMB TECHNIQUES?



…because she was soooooo involved…very funny though…

46.HAVE YOU REALIZED THAT MATHS, PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE WORKED OUT IN THE HEAD AS OBJECTIVE EXAMS IS ALL ABOUT SPEED. DURING THE EXAMINATION, EXPECT TO  GRASP  RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FIGURES AND MANIPULATE THEM WITHOUT PUTTING PEN TO PAPER

47.HAVE YOU UNDERSTOOD THAT IF YOU FEEL CERTAIN ABOUT AN ANSWER YOU DON’T NEED TO PONDER FURTHER ON IT? YOU MUST ACCEPT THAT YOU GOT IT RIGHT AND MOVE TO THE NEXT. THIS IS MORE FOR MATHS, PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY QUESTIONS.

48.HAVE YOU ALSO LEARNED TO LEAVE DIFFICULT QUESTIONS THAT MIGHT HOLD YOU UP OR DOWN UNTIL YOU HAVE DEALT WITH THE EASIER ONES?

49.HAVE YOU MASTERED IN OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS HOW NOT TO  PUT THE ANSWER OF QUESTION 22 IN THE ANSWER SPACE OF 21 WHICH WAS DIFFICULT AND WHICH YOU SKIPPED TO ANSWER LATER?

50. HAVE YOU LEARNED NOT TO DISCUSS THE EXAM WITH ANY OTHER STUDENT ON THE MORNING OF THE EXAM OR AFTER THE EXAM ITSELF?



…involved and funny too…nice kids they were…

GOOD LUCK

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW WAEC EXAMINERS MARK ENGLISH ESSAYS?...THEN READ THIS!

TECHNICAL NOTES USUALLY USED BY EXAMINERS FOR MARKING WAEC ENGLISH ESSAYS  USING COEM (WAEC SCHEME)

...exam hall...

COEM means CONTENT + ORGANIZATION + EXPRESSION + MECHANICAL ACCURACY

 Please take note of the instruction usually given by WAEC at the beginning of the essay section…

YOUR ANSWER SHOULD NOT BE LESS THAN 450 WORDS!

   CONTENT

1. For each essay “content” has a maximum of 10 marks.

2. “Content” refers to relevance of ideas to the topic and its specific audience and purpose. It also refers to the appropriateness of the language and relevance to the central theme and its development. The adequacy of treatment of the subject is important and there must be some originality in approach. A reproduction of knowledge from another subject like Biology or Economics not original to the writer will lead to reduction of marks. Above all, any deliberate distortion of ideas will be penalized e.g. writing a letter to an editor instead of an article, will be punished. Engaging in an irrelevant topic to the question set will lead to being awarded zero marks. Where the composition appears to be totally irrelevant, the scripts will be referred to the Chief Examiner. Sometimes, many candidates hastily choose a topic they do not understand. Consequently, the topic is often misinterpreted, distorted or abandoned half way for lack of acceptable material e.g. a candidate who was asked to write on an incident  but who wrote on an accident will lose marks for irrelevancy if the question has no relevance to an accident.

3.Following the rules of grammar and punctuation judiciously is not  enough, a passage without errors of language can be considered badly phrased or difficult to follow based on form and content.

4.An unusual and unexpected approach will,however, not be rejected without careful consideration.

ORGANIZATION

5.For each essay, “organization” has a maximum of 10 marks.

6.“Organization” refers to the correct use of formal features such as good paragraphing, proper use of emphasis and arrangement of ideas. Paragraphs are expected to be chronologically, spatially and logically coherent.

7.What examiners look for include a suitable opening, adequate development into paragraphs, links between paragraph, balance, unity, coherence, and a suitable conclusion. For example, in a letter, all features must be present. Absence of necessary feature or wrong use will be penalized. Paragraphs are expected to be effectively linked for a good score. The usual problem here is inadequate preparation. Many answers lack paragraph development, or logical slanting. Again, single-sentence paragraphs are usually common. At the extreme, some essays have one or two paragraphs.

EXPRESSION

8.For each essay, “expression” has a maximum of    20 marks.

9.Expression refers to vocabulary chosen, which should reflect the general audience, atmosphere or format of composition, e.g. vocabulary for an informal letter. Vocabulary must also be controlled and the sentences structured.

10.An example of the distinction being made about vocabulary is the language expectations for an article in a school magazine, which should be a story telling experience, or for expressing a personal opinion. On the other hand, the language in an article for publication is expected to be formal.

11.Sentences of informal letters can be long, while those for formal ones short. But incomplete sentences will be penalized. There is also room for emotional language in an informal letter. A judicious and imaginative use of figurative language is also allowed. Descriptive words to create a vivid picture of an incident are also allowed.

12.Examiners are not expected to be unduly influenced by mechanical errors in awarding marks for expressions but this is perhaps the greatest problem to students, many candidates suffer from a severely restricted vocabulary and inadequate exposure to idiomatic English. Many sentences are translations of the mother tongue, resulting in many un- English collocation. The real cause of the problem is the neglect of extensive reading.

MECHANICAL ACCURACY

13.For each essay, “mechanical accuracy” has a maximum of   10marks

14.Mechanical accuracy refers to grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS) rules to be complied with. Errors discovered will be penalized by examiners, and ¹/₂ mark deducted for each, up to a maximum of  10marks.

15.Candidates are expected to use skillful and sophisticated ways of punctuations and should avoid being “caught” by examiners especially on errors indicated by WAEC in its yearly Chief Examiners’ Reports.

ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL NOTES FOR MARKING ESSAY / COMPOSITIONS

16.Examiners will mark on the principle of positive marking i.e. credit will be awarded for what is done right, and penalty will be given for errors and blemishes. Penalties are not in all cases numerical deductions, but the award of a mark lesser than would have been awarded if there were no blemishes.

17.Once the examiner determines the length of about 450 words, he or she will rule the point. No errors are to count for mechanical accuracy after this point but will be underlined if found and taken into account in giving the mark for “expression”.

18.When a composition is short or below its required length the maximum mark for M.A shall be proportionately reduced. This will be done before the examiner awards the overall mark for M.A. While there is no penalty against a long composition, generally, the length may count for either a reward or a penalty under CONTENT, ORGANIZATION and EXPRESSION.

19.If a candidate attempts more than one essay question, only the first one answered will be marked. No penalty shall be given for others.

20.If a candidate writes on a topic that is irrelevant to the question set, zero shall be awarded for content and organization, and not more than 8 marks out of 20 for expression. The mechanical accuracy bit of it will be treated as stated above

ADDING SOME FINESSE TO WAEC ENGLISH ESSAYS BY OUR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

 To write with finesse  the student should take note of the following

(a)   he or she must be ready to display the reading level reached or achieved in life through the reading of novels, newspapers ,magazines, watching of films and T.V the lyrics of music or the lines of a poem can be useful in writing an essay if they are not reggae or hip hop.

(b)   The introduction should be interesting and catchy or attention- seeking or attention-grabbing. Some say it should be ‘like a shock and awe’’ sometimes “hitting the examiner in the middle of the face like a fresh gush of cool wind or hot air’’



academics at mason college was well combined with fun…

(c)    Idioms could be useful for introduction e.g ‘’the love of money is the root of all evils’’

(d)   Other ways of getting an interesting introduction is to use quotations. Statistics, questions, anecdotes, quotations can be proverbs, sayings of the wise or biblical e.g ‘’o death where is thy sting? Or in relation to literature e.g ‘’ water, water  everywhere but none to drink’’. However, when quotations are used they should be explained in the essay close to where they are expressed.



…with mrs emezue headmistress of foundation school…funny children!…

(e)     When questions are used they could be rhetorical e.g ‘’who is a corrupt man?’’ however don’t raise the question in paragraph 1 and then attempt to answer it in paragraph 4!

(f)    The body of each essay should be cohesive and should have a unity of purpose (theme). The points should be deliberately interrelated. Examples should be given where necessary too.

(g)   Appropriate lengths must be used for sentence. Too much information should not be chunked together in a sentence.



…kind of man-o-war?…or what?…

(h)    Sentences should be logically, chronologically or spatially arranged. A student should not  be disorganized in thaer arrangement of essays.

(i)     A statement or an idea which has already been stated should not be restated by the word “otherwise” or “in other words” as no extra mark will be awarded for such restatement.

(j)     Do not overuse a word just because you like it or because you think it will make an impression on the examiner.



members of Spices and Juices club cooked and served co-students at a co-curricular event…

(k)   Use jargons or colloquial English sparingly and essentially for non- formal compositions.

(l)     If there are’’ technical’’ words in the question they have to be taken apart one by one e.g “man proposes but God disposes’’

(m) In writing the conclusion you should summarize what have been said or take a stand. It  should also be interesting and arresting as the introduction. it  should summarize or highlight the points raised. A quotation or anecdote can also be used to end the essay.

(n)   Generally speaking, let your conclusion be appropriately short. Don’t use the conclusion to make another point you did not make in the body of the essay. If you happened to remember a point you should have included then put “P.S ‘’ (post script) where the point or paragraph should have been and write the point after the conclusion .



…foundation school students were made to see schooling as having fun…seniors in the background…

Good luck.