Question: Your cousin living in another state has written to ask why your school's students performed exceptionally well in the recent national examinations despite widespread complaints of difficult papers. Write a reply explaining the main factors responsible for this success and how it has influenced the general learning atmosphere in your school.

Government College,
P.M.B. 1024,
Ikeja, Lagos State.
18th October, 2024.

Dear Tunde,

I was thrilled to receive your letter yesterday. It is always a pleasure reading from you, especially now that our hectic examination schedule has finally wound down. I could not help smiling at your curiosity regarding our school's outstanding results in the recently concluded West African Senior School Certificate Examination. You are quite right that candidates across the federation lamented the unprecedented difficulty of the papers, but our exceptional performance was neither a fluke nor the product of mere luck. It was the deliberate outcome of strategic preparation, selflessness, and discipline.

First and foremost, our teachers went far beyond the standard curriculum requirements. Long before the examination timetable was officially released, the management instituted an intensive revision framework. Our teachers voluntarily sacrificed their weekends and public holidays to organize diagnostic clinics, during which they methodically dismantled tricky questions from past papers spanning over two decades. Rather than merely drilling us on rote answers, they trained us in conceptual understanding and analytical problem-solving. This made us remarkably resilient, such that when we encountered unconventional questions in the examination hall, we were unperturbed.

Another decisive factor was the vibrant culture of peer study groups introduced by our senior prefects. The entire graduating class was divided into small, manageable study circles headed by students with proven strengths in particular subjects. For instance, I led the literature and history discussions, while my friend Emeka handled further mathematics and physics. In these informal circles, no one felt too intimidated to ask foundational questions. We engaged in vigorous intellectual debates, critiqued one another's mock essays, and ensured that no classmate was left behind. This collaborative spirit effectively converted individual anxiety into collective confidence.

Furthermore, the timely intervention of our alumni association provided us with modern academic resources that broadened our horizons. They equipped our e-library with high-speed internet, functional computers, and updated digital archives. We also had unrestricted access to well-equipped science laboratories for practical sessions twice a week. Being able to visualize abstract scientific theories and independently simulate chemical titrations gave us a decisive edge in the practical examinations, which had proved catastrophic for candidates in less equipped centres.

As you can imagine, this resounding triumph has completely transformed the learning atmosphere in our school. The most noticeable effect is the surge in morale and self-belief among the junior students. Seeing their immediate seniors clear all their papers with distinctions has demystified national examinations for them. The customary fear and defeatist attitude that often precede external assessments have been replaced by a fierce, positive ambition to outperform our benchmark.

Moreover, the general classroom dynamic has grown substantially more serious and intellectually engaging. Students no longer wait passively for teachers to prompt them; instead, they arrive at classes having read ahead, armed with probing questions. Even the teachers seem visibly invigorated, knowing that their dedication yields tangible excellence. Our school compound now buzzes with purposeful energy, healthy academic rivalry, and a renewed pride in scholarship.

I hope this gives you a clear picture of how the miracle was accomplished. Please extend my warmest regards to Uncle Segun, Auntie Ronke, and little Simi. Do write back soon to tell me about your preparation for your upcoming joint mock examinations. I am confident you will also make the family proud.

Your affectionate cousin,

Femi

Content: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Expression: 20/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 10.0/10
Total: 50.0/50
Feedback: Outstanding performance. The candidate fulfills all task demands and stylistic requirements with sophisticated language, detailed point development, and flawless mechanical accuracy.
Priorities: Maintain this exceptional standard.


Question: Write a story that clearly illustrates the saying: All that glitters is not gold, contrasting the outward appeal of two different choices or paths with their actual outcomes.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

When I completed my secondary education with flying colours, I was eager to gain practical skills before gaining admission into the university. Two very distinct opportunities presented themselves to me in my bustling neighbourhood. The first was an apprenticeship at a newly opened, flashy digital marketing agency located in an air-conditioned, glass-fronted plaza on the main avenue. The second was an offer to learn under Mr. Benson, a quiet, elderly furniture maker whose modest workshop stood on a dusty side street.

Naturally, the digital agency, named Apex Zenith Hub, captured my youthful imagination completely. The manager, Mr. Roland, wore tailored suits and drove an eye-catching imported sedan. He promised all new recruits massive monthly allowances, international trips, and instant wealth within three months. In contrast, Mr. Benson’s workshop seemed dull and tiring. The old carpenter wore simple overalls dusted with sawdust and made no extravagant promises, only assuring me that I would master the patience and discipline needed for fine craftsmanship.

Ignoring my father’s gentle warning that quick riches often conceal danger, I chose Apex Zenith Hub without hesitation. Meanwhile, my classmate, Tunde, opted to train with Mr. Benson. For the first few weeks, I felt immensely proud as I sat in the chilled office wearing neat ties. However, beneath the polished surface, things were not what they seemed. We were never taught any actual digital marketing skills. Instead, Mr. Roland forced us to participate in an elaborate pyramid scheme, pressuring us to recruit family members and collect their savings under the guise of fake investments. Whenever anyone raised questions, he would boast about upcoming company expansion.

On the other hand, whenever I passed by the old carpentry shop, I saw Tunde diligently measuring timber, cutting joints, and learning about various wood finishes under the careful supervision of his master. Although his clothes were often stained, he was visibly growing in confidence and technical capability.

The bubble burst dramatically on a Tuesday morning. As I arrived at the plaza, I met a crowd of furious investors and armed policemen surrounding the locked gates. Mr. Roland had disappeared overnight with millions of naira belonging to innocent clients, leaving his staff stranded and subject to intense police interrogation. I returned home deeply humiliated, empty-handed, and burdened with an aching regret for wasting six precious months on a grand illusion.

A few days later, I visited Tunde at the workshop. He was putting the finishing touches on an exquisite mahogany dining set that had already been purchased for a substantial sum by a wealthy client. Mr. Benson had even placed him on a steady salary and promised to help him establish his own workshop eventually.

Watching my friend work with such pride and peace of mind taught me a bitter but indispensable lesson about human ambition. I realized that superficial charm and loud promises can easily mask total ruin. Indeed, all that glitters is not gold.

Content: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Expression: 19/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 10.0/10
Total: 49.0/50
Feedback: This is an exceptionally well-crafted narrative. The storyline clearly illustrates the core moral by effectively contrasting the flashy digital marketing agency with the humble carpentry workshop. Paragraph structure, narrative flow, and vocabulary choices are excellent, displaying a strong command of expression and immaculate mechanical accuracy.
Priorities: Incorporate brief direct dialogue to heighten the dramatic tension.


Question: The Directorate of Youth Development has invited submissions for an essay competition on the topic: The Influence of Modern Parenting Styles on Teenage Behaviour. Write your entry.

THE INFLUENCE OF MODERN PARENTING STYLES ON TEENAGE BEHAVIOUR

The family remains the fundamental unit of human socialisation, serving as the crucible within which character, values, and identity are forged. In contemporary society, however, the paradigm of child-rearing has shifted remarkably. The communal and rigid disciplinary methods of past generations have increasingly yielded to diverse modern parenting philosophies. As teenagers navigate the intricate transition from childhood to adulthood, their psychological resilience, academic focus, and moral orientation are profoundly dictated by the specific parenting styles employed within their households.

Foremost among contemporary approaches is the authoritative parenting style, characterised by a delicate equilibrium between high expectations and emotional warmth. Parents adopting this method establish clear boundaries and enforce discipline while actively encouraging open dialogue and mutual respect. Consequently, adolescents raised under this balanced guidance consistently exhibit remarkable self-regulation, high self-esteem, and superior academic performance. Because their opinions are validated rather than suppressed, these teenagers develop critical problem-solving skills and a strong internal moral compass, rendering them far less susceptible to negative peer pressure.

Conversely, permissive or indulgent parenting, which prioritises unchecked freedom over necessary restraint, fosters entirely different behavioural outcomes. In a bid to be viewed as companions rather than authority figures, permissive parents rarely enforce rules or demand accountability. Teenagers nurtured in such environments frequently struggle with self-discipline, boundary recognition, and emotional regulation. Accustomed to instant gratification at home, they often display entitlement, academic apathy, and difficulty coping with structured social institutions. When confronted with external restrictions in school or society, their frustration often manifests as insubordination or risky experimental behaviours.

Another prevalent phenomenon in modern domestic life is overprotective or "helicopter" parenting, marked by hyper-vigilance and excessive control over every facet of a child's existence. While born out of genuine maternal or paternal concern, this style inadvertently stifles autonomous growth. Teenagers subject to perpetual surveillance often internalise immense performance anxiety and a pervasive fear of failure. Deprived of the opportunity to confront and overcome everyday challenges independently, they become emotionally fragile and indecisive. In some instances, the suffocating atmosphere triggers extreme subterranean rebellion, where the adolescent secretly engages in delinquent acts to assert the autonomy denied them at home.

Finally, the rise of modern digital neglect, wherein parents are physically present but emotionally detached due to career demands and personal screen dependency, exerts a profoundly destabilising influence. Deprived of authentic parental engagement, teenagers often experience deep-seated alienation, turning to unregulated internet communities for validation. This emotional vacuum frequently results in depressive symptoms, digital addiction, and premature exposure to antisocial vices.

In conclusion, the trajectory of adolescent development is inextricably linked to the atmosphere cultivated at home. Neither unrestrained indulgence nor suffocating micromanagement can replace the constructive synergy of firm boundaries and unconditional empathy. If society aspires to raise emotionally stable, responsible, and visionary youths, modern parents must embrace an authoritative approach that nurtures independence while upholding unyielding moral standards.

Content: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Expression: 20/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 10.0/10
Total: 50.0/50
Feedback: Outstanding essay. Flawless structure, advanced vocabulary, and precise execution.
Priorities: Maintain this outstanding standard.


Question: You are the chief speaker in an inter-school debate on the motion: Starting a small business immediately after secondary school is more rewarding than pursuing a university degree. Write your speech for or against the motion, ending with the exact words: '...for these undeniable reasons, I urge everyone present to support my stand.'

Good day Mr Chairman, distinguished panel of judges, accurate timekeeper, co-debaters and members of the audience. My name is Ibrahim Musa, and I am the chief speaker standing here today to vehemently support the motion which states that starting a small business immediately after secondary school is more rewarding than pursuing a university degree.

To begin with, starting a business early gives young school leavers early financial independence. In our country today, many university students depend entirely on their parents for feeding, textbooks and accomodation for four to six years. When someone starts a small trade or venture after secondary school, they begin to make their own money immediately. They do not have to wait for pocket money every month. This early income helps them to learn how to manage finance, plan their budget, and avoid being a burden to their families. Therefore, early financial freedom is a major reward that tertiary education cannot guarantee immediately.

Secondly, early business experience saves young people from the widespread problem of graduate unemployment. We all see thousands of graduates roaming the streets every year looking for white-collar jobs that are not available. Many of them end up staying at home for years without any employment after wasting time and huge money on university fees. On the other hand, a person that starts a small enterprise like a provision shop, tailoring or phone accessories business immediately after school becomes an employer of labour instead of a job seeker. By the time their mates are graduating, the young entrepreneur has already built a large customer base and stable profit.

Furthermore, the practical experience gained in running a business is far more useful in the real world than theoretical knowledge taught in universities. In most higher institutions, lecturers teach outdated theories that do not reflect modern economic realities. However, a person doing business on the street learns practical negotiation skills, customer relations, and problem-solving through daily experience. These practical skills are permanent assets that will continue to yield financial rewards throughout life. Many successful business moguls in Nigeria did not need big degrees before making their fortune, they relied on practical business acumen.

In addition, starting young allows an entrepreneur to take risks and recover quickly from mistakes. When you are young, you have fewer responsibilities, so if a business idea fails, you can easily change strategy and try another one. But after spending many years in the university, the pressure to provide for family makes it difficult to take such bold steps.

Mr Chairman, panel of judges, ladies and gentlemen, while university education has its own place, the practical rewards and financial security of starting a trade cannot be overemphasised in our present society. Therefore, for these undeniable reasons, I urge everyone present to support my stand.

Content: 9/10
Organisation: 9/10
Expression: 17/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 9.0/10
Total: 44.0/50
Feedback: An excellent, highly persuasive debate speech meeting all rubric requirements. It features distinct, well-developed arguments comparing entrepreneurship and university education, using proper debate protocol and the exact concluding phrase. Expression is fluent and effective. Errors are minor and infrequent.
Priorities: Check spelling of words with double consonants (e.g., accommodation).; Avoid comma splices between independent clauses.


Question: A vocational training centre established to empower unemployed youths in your community is currently facing severe operational difficulties. Describe the current state of this facility, highlighting the specific challenges it faces and suggesting practical measures to revive its operations.

THE DEPLORABLE STATE OF AMUWO VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE AND WAYS TO REVIVE IT

The Amuwo Vocational Training Centre was established some years ago by our local government to help unemployed youths to learn different skills. When it was newly opened, many youths were going there to learn tailoring, carpentry, catering and computer work. But today, if you visit the centre, the place is looking very bad and deteriorating day by day. The environment is now full of overgrown weeds and broken plastic chairs scattered everywhere in the compound. The main building have faded paint with cracks on the walls, and the roof is leaking badly whenever rain is falling.

Inside the various workshops, the condition is very discouraging for any student that want to learn. In the tailoring department, most of the sewing machines are broken down and covered with heavy dust because there is no maintenance. The carpentry section smells of damp wood because the roof leaks on the few manual tools left there. Also, the computer room which suppose to be the pride of the youth is completely locked up because the generator has spoilt since last year. There is no public power supply in the area, so everywhere is hot and dark inside the rooms. You will only see few frustrated youths sitting under the mango tree outside because they cannot do any practical work inside the facility.

Apart from the broken equipments, the centre is facing serious operational challenges. The main problem is lack of adequate funding from the local government authorities. Because of this, the trainers and instructors have not been paid their allowances for several months. Many of the qualified tutors has resigned to look for better jobs in private companies, leaving only two elderly instructors who cannot teach all the trades. Furthermore, there is no money to buy training materials like fabrics for tailoring, wood for carpentry, or fuel for the generator. This situation makes the remaining youths to loose interest in coming for training everyday.

However, some practical measures can be taken to revive this useful vocational centre. Firstly, the local government should release urgent funds to renovate the dilapidated buildings and fix the leaking roof. They should also repair the broken machines and buy modern tools so that students can practice well. Secondly, the authorities should partner with private business owners and rich individuals in our community. These people can donate equipments and help to pay the salary of instructors through public-private partnership. In addition, solar energy should be installed in the centre to solve the problem of electricity permanently.

In conclusion, the vocational training centre is very important for our community to reduce youth unemployment and crime. The government and community leaders should not allow this facility to die completely. If the recommended steps are taken immediately, the centre will become alive again and many unemployed youths will gain useful skills for their future.

Content: 8/10
Organisation: 8/10
Expression: 12/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 6.5/10
Total: 34.5/50
Feedback: Initial logic and parameters are validated. This piece effectively diagnoses the centre's challenges and offers sensible remedies.
Priorities: Ensure singular subjects take singular verbs.; Treat non-count nouns such as 'equipment' as uncountable.; Distinguish clearly between the verb 'lose' and the adjective 'loose'.


Question: A national educational foundation is organizing an essay competition on the topic: The growing trend of secondary school dropout among boys in your country. Write an essay analyzing the major causes of this issue and explaining its effects on national development.

THE GROWING TREND OF SECONDARY SCHOOL DROPOUT AMONG BOYS IN NIGERIA: CAUSES AND EFFECTS ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

In recent years, the educational sector in Nigeria has witnessed an alarming shift in student retention, particularly concerning the male child. While sustained global advocacy has focused immensely on the girl-child education, a quiet crisis has emerged where young boys are abandoning their secondary school education at an increasing rate. This growing trend of male dropout poses a critical threat to our societal progress. To effectively tackle this problem, it is necessary to examine the underlying causes and understand its far-reaching consequences on national development.

Foremost among the causes of this issue is intense economic pressure and the pervasive get-rich-quick syndrome. Due to widespread poverty, many families are unable to sustain the financial demands of schooling, such as payment of school fees and purchasing textbooks. Consequently, young boys feel pressured to contribute to family income. This economic hardship is further amplified by the lure of rapid wealth through internet fraud, commonly known as yahoo-yahoo, and commercial motorcycle riding. When these boys observe peers displaying unearned wealth without formal qualifications, they are easily persuaded that academic pursuit is a waste of precious time.

Another significant factor driving boys out of classrooms is peer pressure and the lack of positive male mentorship. In many communities today, young boys lack responsible role models who can guide them through adolescence and reinforce the value of diligence. Instead, they fall prey to delinquent peer groups who encourage truancy, substance abuse, and eventual abandonment of schooling. In addition, the informal apprenticeship system in some regions, while traditionally useful, often pulls boys out of school prematurely before they acquire basic secondary education.

The ramifications of this trend on national development are profound. Chief among these is the alarming rise in social vices and criminality. When young boys drop out of school without foundational literacy, discipline, and marketable skills, they become vulnerable to recruitment by criminal gangs, cult groups, and political thugs. A nation burdened with a large population of uneducated and idle young men inevitably experiences heightened insecurity, which discourages both domestic and foreign investments.

Furthermore, the abandonment of secondary education leads to a severe loss of skilled manpower. Secondary education provides the bedrock for tertiary education and specialized technical training. Without it, the nation suffers a deficit of qualified professionals, including engineers, medical practitioners, and administrators required to drive industrialisation. This imbalance weakens the country's economic productivity and leaves a major demographic underutilized.

In conclusion, the increasing rate at which male students drop out of secondary school is a multifaceted crisis rooted in poverty, skewed societal values, and peer influence. Its devastating effects on national security and human capital development cannot be overlooked. Government at all levels, educational stakeholders, and community leaders must urgently collaborate to provide scholarships, enforce youth mentorship, and reorient the mindset of our boys to secure a brighter future for the nation.

Content: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Expression: 19/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 10.0/10
Total: 49.0/50
Feedback: This is an exceptionally well-crafted essay. You thoroughly analyzed the causes and national consequences of male secondary school dropouts, maintaining a highly formal tone and flawless mechanical accuracy throughout.
Priorities: Vary sentence openings slightly more


Question: Vandalism of public infrastructure has become a major hindrance to societal progress in our communities. Write an article suitable for publication in a national daily discussing the adverse effects of this menace on public life and national development.

THE SCOURGE OF INFRASTRUCTURE VANDALISM: A CLOG IN THE WHEEL OF NATIONAL PROGRESS

By Chinedu Okafor

Public infrastructure serves as the lifeblood of any modern society, underpinning economic vitality, communal safety, and social well-being. Roads, electricity networks, water supply pipelines, and rail systems are constructed at immense cost to facilitate daily living and spur economic growth. Unfortunately, in recent years, our nation has witnessed an alarming rise in the deliberate destruction, theft, and tampering of these shared assets. Vandalism of public infrastructure has mutated from a minor nuisance into a catastrophic menace that threatens to derail our collective development. It is therefore imperative to examine the severe consequences of this destructive behaviour on public life and national progress.

First and foremost, the vandalism of public utilities imposes an enormous economic burden on both the government and ordinary citizens. When critical assets such as power transmission cables, electrical transformers, and railway sleepers are stolen or damaged, vast sums of public funds that should ideally be channelled into building new schools or equipping public hospitals are diverted toward repeated repairs. Furthermore, businesses that depend on a stable power supply and functional transport networks suffer severe disruptions. Small-scale entrepreneurs like welders, tailors, and cold-room operators are forced to spend their meager profits on expensive fuel for private generators, while larger manufacturing firms face reduced productivity. In the long run, this economic strangulation discourages foreign investors, who require dependable utilities to operate, thereby stagnating our national economy.

Beyond economic losses, the destruction of infrastructure severely jeopardises the health and safety of the populace. Consider the widespread vandalisation of pipe-borne water installations across many communities. When water pipes are punctured or broken to siphon water or steal metal fittings, communities are cut off from safe, treated drinking water. Consequently, residents are left with no choice than to rely on contaminated streams and shallow wells, which inevitably leads to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Similarly, the removal of metal manhole covers and vital road signages on busy expressways turns our highways into death traps, causing fatal vehicular accidents that claim innocent lives.

In addition, the breakdown of social amenities drastically lowers the standard of living and breeds widespread insecurity in our neighbourhoods. When streetlights and community transformers are stripped bare by vandals, entire streets are plunged into darkness for months. These dark enclaves swiftly become breeding grounds for criminal elements, who capitalise on the absence of light to rob, harass, and intimidate residents. Public schools and healthcare centers are equally not spared, as roofings, laboratory equipment, and solar panels are routinely carted away, thereby leaving students to learn in squalid conditions and depriving patients of essential medical care.

Another detrimental effect of this menace is the disruption of communication and transportation networks. The theft of telecommunication cables and railway clips creates serious bottlenecks in mobility and information flow across different states, creating unnecessary panic and delays for commuters.

In conclusion, the vandalism of public infrastructure is a self-inflicted wound that cripples our society from within. It undermines every modest step taken towards modernization and paints our nation in an unfavourable light. Government law enforcement agencies must intensify their surveillance and impose stiffer penalties on perpetrators and unscrupulous scrap metal dealers who purchase stolen items. However, the ultimate responsibility rests on everyday citizens. We must adopt a sense of collective ownership over public utilities and report suspicious activities in our vicinity, for until we protect what belongs to us all, our pursuit of sustainable development will remain an elusive dream.

Content: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Expression: 19/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 9.5/10
Total: 48.5/50
Feedback: This is an exceptional essay. It features an appropriate title, clear byline, well-developed paragraphs, and sophisticated vocabulary. The points are thoroughly developed with relevant examples, the organisation is seamless, and the register is highly sophisticated.
Priorities: Use 'no choice but to' instead of 'no choice than to'.


Question: As the President of the Youth Development Association in your community, write a letter to the Chairman of the Local Government Council proposing the organisation of an annual cultural and sports festival, highlighting the benefits of such an event to the youth and suggesting at least three ways the council can support it.

Youth Development Association,
Ikate Community,
Lagos State.
14th October 2023.

The Chairman,
Local Goverment Council,
Ikate Local Goverment Area,
Lagos State.

Dear Sir,

LETTER OF PROPOSOL FOR CULTURE AND SPORT FETIVAL IN OUR LOCAL GOVERMENT

I am writting this letter to you as the president of youth in our community for to tell you about one good thing. Which we want to do for all our youth in this local goverment area. We are looking that our community need one big program that will bring every body together and make peace to reign. So therefore I am proposing annual culture and sport fetival for our people.

First of all the youth in this place is just roaming about the street without doing nothing and some of them is doing bad thing like smoking and fighting every day because of no work. If this fetival is organise it will help them to stop bad behavior. When youth come to play football and run race and do traditional dance. They will be very happy and will not have time for crime again. Also it will show our culture to our children who does not know how our culture is before. Because many youth now they dont know how to speak our language and they dont know our native dance. So this program will make them learn it properly.

Furthermore this festival will bring unity among our people. Different village in our local goverment will come together and compete in peace. It will also help our youth to show their talent so that big club can see them and take them to abroad to play professional ball.

Sir, to make this program to happen we need the councel to help us in many thing. The first way the local goverment can support us is to give us money fund. Because we need to buy prize like cup and medal and also buy jersey for the player and food for the traditional dancers. Without money we cannot do anything at all.

Secondly the local goverment should allow us to use the township stadium and the community hall. The field is very bushy now and the light is not working so if the council can repair it and clear the bush. It will be very fine for the sport and the culture dance.

Thirdly we need security from the council. Because sometimes when crowd gather bad boy use to come and cause trouble and steal phone. So you should send police and civil defence to protect every body that day.

I hope that you will look this our proposol with good eye and help the youth so that our community will move foward. We are waiting for your good reply sir.

Yours Faithfully,

Samuel Akpan
President of Youth

Content: 7/10
Organisation: 6/10
Expression: 7/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 0/10
Total: 20/50
Feedback: You addressed all mandatory prompt requirements clearly, suggesting valid benefits to youth and three specific avenues for council support. Unfortunately, severe grammatical problems, numerous spelling errors, and fragmented sentences greatly undermine the required formal tone. A zero score for Mechanical Accuracy impacts your total.
Priorities: Correct sentence fragments caused by starting sentences with conjunctions.; Ensure strict subject-verb and noun-pluralization agreement.; Eliminate basic spelling mistakes like 'goverment' and 'fetival'.


Question: Your school recently hosted an Entrepreneurship and Skills Exhibition for youth in your community. As the President of the Young Entrepreneurs Club, write a report on the event to the Principal, detailing its proceedings and outcomes.

A REPORT ON THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SKILLS EXHIBITION HOSTED BY OUR SCHOOL

This report is written to inform the Principal about the recent event that took place in our school premises. The Entrepreneurship and Skills Exhibition for youth in our community was held on the 14th of May 2024 at the school main hall. As the President of the Young Entrepreneurs Club, I am writing this to show the activities and how the program went from morning till night.

Many people attend the program including youth from our community and also students from neighboring schools. The venue was decorated very well and many exhibitors arrived early in the morning to set up their tables. The opening ceremony started around 9:00 am with an opening prayer and the welcome address was given by our club patron. After that the guest speaker who is a popular businessman in town advise the youth on how to start small business with little money. He explain that youth should not wait for government job before they can survive.

During the main exhibition, many skills was showcased by the participant. There were tables for different vocational skills such as tailoring, bead making, barbing, and catering services. Some youths also bring agricultural products like poultry feeds and fresh vegetables to sell. People were moving around to see what the youths made with their hands. Many items were buy by visitors who were very surprise at the talent of the youths. The tailoring group display beautiful native wears and some people place order for their clothes immediately. In the catering department, they prepare snacks and small chops which was finished within few hours because many people was hungry and eager to patronise them.

Furthermore, the outcome of the program was very encouraging to all of us. Many youths were able to make good profit from the goods they brought to the exhibition hall. It also give them connection with bigger business owners who promise to mentor them in the future. The community leaders that visited the place were very happy and they praised the school for helping the youth to learn good work instead of staying idle at home. The program make our club members to understand that entrepreneurship is very important for our country Nigeria.

However, there were some few problems that we face during the exhibition. The time for the program was not enough because many exhibitors did not finish showing their items before the closing time. Also the sound system was not audible enough in the back of the hall so some people could not hear the speech properly.

In conclusion, the exhibition was a great success despite the small challenges. It has helped the youths in our community to know the value of handwork. I suggest that our school should continue to host this kind of event every year so that more youths will benefit.

Yours faithfully,

Ibrahim Musa
President, Young Entrepreneurs Club

Content: 8/10
Organisation: 8/10
Expression: 11/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 0/10
Total: 27/50
Feedback: The report fulfills the task requirements with clear organisation, detailed content, and appropriate formal features. However, mechanical accuracy is severely impaired by pervasive grammatical errors, particularly inconsistent past-tense forms and frequent subject-verb agreement mistakes, which cap the Expression score.
Priorities: Ensure consistent use of the past tense when reporting completed past events.; Pay close attention to subject-verb agreement with plural subjects.; Use correct participle forms in passive voice constructions.


Question: The annual cultural and sports festival in your community has been discontinued for several years due to logistical and funding issues. Write a letter to the Chairman of your Local Government Area stating why the festival should be revived and suggesting three practical ways the local council can ensure its smooth organisation.

Community Youth Forum,
Post Office Box 42,
Oshimili North Local Government Area,
Delta State.

14th May, 2024.

The Executive Chairman,
Oshimili North Local Government Council,
Ibusa,
Delta State.

Dear Sir,

AN APPEAL FOR THE REVIVAL OF OUR ANNUAL CULTURAL AND SPORTS FESTIVAL

I write on behalf of the youth and entire residents of our local government area to respectfully appeal for the revival of our cherished annual cultural and sports festival. For several years, this vibrant fiesta has remained dormant owing to logistical constraints and inadequate funding. Its prolonged absence has created a noticeable vacuum in community cohesion, talent development, and socio-economic life. I believe the time is ripe for your administration to restore this invaluable heritage.

Reviving this festival is crucial for multiple reasons. Primarily, the event serves as a unifying platform that fosters peace and inter-communal solidarity across our various clans. It provides an avenue for our young people to channel their boundless energies into productive athletic competitions and creative cultural exhibitions. In doing so, it preserves our indigenous heritage, folklore, and dances for posterity, while simultaneously deterring youths from social vices such as restiveness and drug abuse. Furthermore, the festival provides a substantial economic boost, creating opportunities for local artisans, food vendors, and transport operators to earn vital income.

To overcome the historical bottlenecks and ensure the smooth execution of future editions, I wish to propose three practical recommendations for the council's consideration.

First, the local government should actively pursue corporate sponsorships and public-private partnerships. Rather than bearing the entire financial burden from municipal coffers, the council can collaborate with commercial banks, telecommunication companies, and thriving indigenous enterprises operating within our locality. In exchange for branding rights and exclusive advertising privileges during the events, these private stakeholders can finance major tournament expenses, trophies, and artist honoraria.

Second, the council should constitute a broad-based, multi-stakeholder Organising Committee at least six months before the designated festival date. This committee ought to include representatives of the traditional council, youth leaders, seasoned physical education instructors, and security personnel. Early planning by a dedicated team will eliminate the logistical chaos and last-minute procurement failures that historically marred previous editions. This body would oversee venue preparation, event scheduling, and the transparent management of allocated resources.

Finally, the council should establish an integrated security and volunteer mobilisation network. To guarantee the safety of attendees, the local government should coordinate closely with the Nigeria Police Force, civil defence corps, and community vigilante outfits. Complementing these security agencies with trained local youth volunteers for crowd control, ticketing, and sanitation will minimise operational costs while giving the youths a strong sense of ownership in the event.

In conclusion, restoring our annual festival will undoubtedly etch your administration’s name in the hearts of the populace as a champion of culture and youth empowerment. I trust that you will give this appeal your favourable consideration.

Yours faithfully,

[Signature]

Chukwudi Nwachukwu
President, Community Youth Forum

Content: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Expression: 19/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 10.0/10
Total: 49.0/50
Feedback: Flawlessly formatted formal letter. Excellent justification and practical strategies for smooth organisation provided.
Priorities: Maintain this standard.


Question: As the President of your school's Health and Wellness Club, write a speech to be delivered on World Health Day to fellow students, examining the benefits and drawbacks of modern pharmaceutical medicine compared to traditional herbal remedies.

Good day the Principal, Vice Principals, respected teachers, and my fellow students. I stand before you today as the President of the Health and Wellness Club to celebrate the World Health Day. Today is a very important day for us to discuss about our health. The topic I want to present to you is examining the benefits and drawbacks of modern pharmaceutical medicine compared to traditional herbal remedies. Health is wealth, so we must know what we are taking into our body when we are sick.

Firstly, modern pharmaceutical medicine have many benefits. These medicines are produced in laboratories by qualified doctors and scientists. They are tested properly before giving them to patients. One big advantage is that the dosage is always clear. You are told to take two tablets three times daily, so you will not take too much. Also, modern medicine works very fast for emergency cases. For instance, if someone have severe malaria or pain, injection and modern drugs can relieve it quickly. However, modern drugs also have disadvantages. Some of them cause serious side effect like dizziness, vomiting, and weakness. Another problem is that modern drugs are very expensive nowadays in our chemists and hospital. Fake drugs are also in the market which can destroy human organs.

On the other hand, let us look at traditional herbal remedies. In our country Nigeria, our forefathers use herbs, roots, and leaves to cure sickness. The main benefit of herbal remedies is that they are natural and very cheap to get. You can just prepare agbo or dogonyaro leaves in your house without spending plenty money. Many people believe natural things are safer for the body. But herbal medicine has major drawbacks too. The biggest problem of herbs is lack of accurate dosage. People just drink one full cup of herbal mixture without knowing the quantity inside. This can cause kidney and liver damage. Also, some herbal sellers do not prepare them in a hygienic environment, so bacteria can enter it.

Fellow students, we can see that both modern medicine and traditional herbal remedies have their good sides and bad sides. We should not just say one is totally good and the other is totally bad. Therefore, my recommendation is that we must be very careful with our health choices. If you want to take herbal medicine, make sure it is tested and approved by agency like NAFDAC. Do not just buy any medicine from roadside hawkers in the bus. If you are seriously sick, go to the hospital first so that doctor can diagnose you properly before taking any medication. We must avoid self-medication because it is very dangerous to our health.

In conclusion, we need to balance both methods wisely to stay healthy. Thank you all for listening to my speech and happy World Health Day to everyone.

Content: 8/10
Organisation: 8/10
Expression: 14/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 5.0/10
Total: 35.0/50
Feedback: This is a well-structured speech that successfully balances all required content for both medical approaches. The expression is clear, though mechanical accuracy can be improved. Pay careful attention to subject-verb agreement, pluralisation of nouns, and eliminating redundant prepositions to further elevate the piece.
Priorities: Ensure correct subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'medicine has', 'someone has').; Eliminate redundant prepositions (e.g., use 'discuss' without 'about').; Maintain consistent pluralization for nouns like 'side effects' and 'bodies'.


Question: Write a story illustrating the saying: 'Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors', showing how enduring difficult trials produced far greater strength and wisdom than experiencing easy success.

Smooth Seas Do Not Make Skillful Sailors

In the quiet town of Ikaram, two young men named Tunde and Segun decided to learn the trade of carpentry after completing their secondary school education. They were both admitted into different workshops. While their starting point was the same, their journeys turned out to be very different, teaching everyone a valuable lesson about life.

Tunde was fortunate to be accepted into his uncle's modern furniture workshop in the heart of the town. The workshop was fully equipped with electric cutting machines, smooth sanding tools, and already prepared planks of wood. His uncle was very protective of him, so Tunde never had to carry heavy logs or work under the hot sun. Whenever a task seemed slightly difficult, the senior apprentices were asked to complete it. For two years, Tunde enjoyed an easy training. He believed he was already a master craftsman because his work always looked neat and effortless. However, he only knew how to operate machines on soft wood and had never learned how to fix mistakes by hand.

On the other hand, Segun became an apprentice to Pa Michael, an old and strict carpenter who worked in an open shed near the timber market. Pa Michael did not have modern machines. Segun had to use manual hand saws and heavy planers every day. In the beginning, his palms were full of blisters and his back ached terribly. During rainy seasons, the roof of the shed leaked, and they had to struggle to protect their works. Pa Michael was also very demanding and would make Segun dismantle any poorly joined cupboard and start all over again. There were many days Segun felt like giving up, but he endured the hardship and mastered the grain of every hard wood.

The real test came when a wealthy contractor visited the town to hire a head carpenter for a major resort project. He brought irregular logs of seasoned mahogany and asked both young men to construct a heavy conference table using only basic manual tools, as electricity was unreliable at the construction site.

Tunde started confidently, but as soon as his saw got stuck in the dense mahogany, he became confused. He could not plane the uneven surface evenly without a machine, and out of frustration, he ruined his timber. Segun, however, remained calm. Having endured difficult trials in Pa Michael's shed, he examined the wood carefully, adjusted his tools, and worked steadily. In the end, Segun produced an exquisite and sturdy table that won the contractor's admiration and the lucrative contract.

Tunde stood beside his damaged timber, full of regret. He finally understood that his easy background had left him unprepared for real challenges. Truly, smooth seas do not make skillful sailors, because it is through overcoming difficulties that one gains genuine strength and wisdom.

Content: 9/10
Organisation: 9/10
Expression: 17/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 10.0/10
Total: 45.0/50
Feedback: An outstanding story that perfectly captures the prompt's proverb. The dual narrative is expertly handled, contrasting easy paths with productive struggle. Vocabulary and phrasing are vivid and confident, leading to a satisfying climax and resolution. Mechanical control is excellent.
Priorities: Consider adding direct dialogue to enhance the climactic scene and bring characters to life.; Experiment with slightly more complex sentence structures to further elevate narrative style.


Question: Write an article suitable for publication in a national daily on the detrimental effects of disregard for traffic regulations on Nigerian roads.

THE CARNAGE ON OUR HIGHWAYS: THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF DISREGARDING TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

By Chidubem Okafor, Lagos

Every single day, millions of Nigerians step out of their homes with the simple hope of returning safely after the day's toil. Tragically, for thousands of citizens each year, this ordinary aspiration is brutally cut short on our highways. The prevailing culture of lawlessness on Nigerian roads has metamorphosed into an alarming national crisis. From the reckless beating of traffic lights in cosmopolitan centres to the perilous habit of driving against the flow of traffic, commonly termed 'one-way' driving, the open contempt for basic traffic regulations continues to exact severe tolls on the nation's human and economic resources.

First and foremost, the most devastating consequence of this indiscipline is the tragic loss of human lives and the infliction of permanent physical injuries. When commercial bus operators and private motorists exceed legal speed limits or overtake recklessly at blind corners, catastrophic collisions inevitably occur. Families are routinely plunged into sudden mourning, and vibrant breadwinners are permanently incapacitated, leaving their dependants stranded in despair. The Federal Road Safety Corps continues to record grim casualty figures, reminding us that these road crashes are not mere acts of providence, but the direct fallout of calculated human impatience and systemic negligence.

Furthermore, the persistent flouting of traffic rules exerts a crippling toll on our national economy. Severe traffic gridlocks, often triggered by recalcitrant drivers who block intersections and create illegal lanes, paralyze commercial activities in major urban hubs like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano. Inestimable man-hours that should have been channelled into productive enterprise are squandered in bumper-to-bumper standstill. In addition, the violent collisions resulting from reckless driving cause immense damage to public infrastructure, streetlights, and private vehicles, imposing heavy financial burdens on already strained household budgets and governmental treasuries.

Beyond the physical and financial repercussions, this pervasive lawlessness fosters intense psychological stress and social hostility among citizens. The everyday commute on Nigerian roads has become a battleground characterised by unbridled aggression and road rage. Commuters and drivers operate in perpetual fear and anxiety, anticipating the next errant motorcycle rider or reckless truck driver who might veer into their path. This state of constant tension impairs mental well-being and diminishes the overall quality of life for millions of urban dwellers.

In conclusion, the alarming degradation of order on our highways demands urgent, collective action. We cannot continue to treat traffic rules as mere optional suggestions. Law enforcement agencies, including the police and road safety officials, must enforce existing penalties transparently without compromising on integrity. Simultaneously, every road user, whether behind the wheel or on foot, must embrace civic responsibility and mutual respect. Only through rigorous enforcement and personal discipline can we reclaim our roads from chaos and ensure that our highways become conduits of progress rather than corridors of tragedy.

Content: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Expression: 19/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 10.0/10
Total: 49.0/50
Feedback: An exceptional article. Content is completely relevant and comprehensive, structure is flawless, and expression is highly sophisticated. Mechanical accuracy is perfect.
Priorities: Maintain this outstanding standard of writing.


Question: Your elder brother has offered to fund your apprenticeship in his trade after secondary school, but you prefer to pursue a university education. Write a letter to him thanking him for the generous offer, explaining why you have chosen tertiary study instead, and ending with the sentence: "I hope you will understand my choice and continue to support me as you have always done."

24 Adebayo Street,
Off Ring Road,
Ibadan, Oyo State.
14th November, 2024.

Dear Bro Kola,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. How are your family and your business in Lagos? We are all doing well at home, and Mother often mentions how proud she is of your dedication and growth. I am writing to you today with a heart full of appreciation and deep respect for your constant care over my welfare.

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your wonderful proposal to sponsor my apprenticeship in your automobile spare-parts enterprise once I conclude my secondary school education. Considering the economic realities of our country today, I know how rare and valuable such an opportunity is. Your willingness to invest your hard-earned resources into teaching me your trade and establishing me afterwards demonstrates just how much you love and look out for me. For this selfless gesture, I am immensely grateful.

However, after extensive reflection, personal assessment, and long prayers, I have decided that I would prefer to pursue a university degree rather than going directly into the trade. Ever since I entered senior secondary school, my deepest passion has been in the field of Computer Engineering. As the world becomes increasingly digital, my dream is to acquire formal tertiary training where I can master software development, hardware systems, and modern technological innovations. Gaining a bachelor's degree in this discipline will equip me with the technical expertise and professional qualifications required to build solutions for our local industries.

Furthermore, while I hold immense respect for your line of business, I believe my natural inclinations and academic strengths are best aligned with university study. I have consistently excelled in the sciences, and my teachers have strongly encouraged me to harness this momentum. A university education will not only grant me the foundational knowledge I desire, but it will also expose me to research opportunities, professional networks, and diverse experiences that will shape my character and future career. In fact, the skills I hope to acquire could even complement your enterprise in the future through the digitisation of your inventory management and supply chain logistics.

I understand that my decision may come as a surprise, given the immediate financial security your generous path guarantees. Please be assured that I do not take your kindness for granted, nor am I blind to the sacrifices you continue to make for our family. I am simply following a deep-seated conviction that higher education is the most fulfilling path for my talents and long-term aspirations.

Thank you once again for your unwavering care, guidance, and generosity. I hope you will understand my choice and continue to support me as you have always done.

Your loving brother,
Tunde

Content: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Expression: 19/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 10.0/10
Total: 49.0/50
Feedback: This is an exceptionally well-written letter that fully addresses all prompt requirements with admirable politeness, clarity, and paragraph organisation. The required final sentence and formal features are flawlessly incorporated.
Priorities: Maintain this outstanding standard of writing.


Question: A national committee is deliberating on the proverb 'Spare the rod and spoil the child' regarding school discipline policies. Write a letter to the Chairman of the National Basic Education Board examining both the advantages and disadvantages of using corporal punishment to maintain discipline in secondary schools, and recommend an effective balance.

Government Secondary School,
P.M.B. 1024,
Minna, Niger State.

14th May, 2024.

The Chairman,
National Basic Education Board,
Federal Secretariat Complex,
Abuja.

Dear Sir,

AN EXAMINATION OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND RECOMMENDATION FOR DISCIPLINE

I am writing this letter as a concerned senior secondary student to share my own view on the current debate about the proverb that say spare the rod and spoil the child. Our schools today are facing many discipline problems. Many people believe that beating students is the only way to correct them, while other people believe that corporal punishment is not good for children. Therefore, I want to discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of this issue and give some recommendations.

To begin with, there are some advantages of using corporal punishment in secondary schools. Firstly, it brings immediate obedience among the students. When a student know that the cane is waiting for him, he will not come late to school or make noise in the classroom. This make the work of teachers very easy because fear of pain will make students to obey school rules and regulations without any delay. Another advantage is that it helps to correct stubborn students who refuse to listen to simple advice. Some students will never change their bad behaviours unless they are flogged by the discipline master. Thus, it stops bad habits from spreading to other innocent students in the school.

On the other hand, corporal punishment has many disadvantages that affect students negatively. In the first place, it can cause serious physical injury to the students. Some wicked teachers use heavy sticks to beat children on their heads or hands, which can lead to wounds and hospitalisation. Also, corporal punishment causes fear and hatred instead of true respect. When students are always beaten, they will be afraid of their teachers and they will start running away from school. This kind of fear make students to hate some subjects like mathematics because the teacher is always carrying cane. In addition, it can make stubborn students to become more hardened and aggressive instead of changing for good.

Furthermore, the Board should look for a better way to balance this matter so that our schools will be peaceful and safe for learning. I want to recommend that government should not ban the cane completely, but they should regulate it properly. Teachers should not be allowed to beat students anyhow. Only the principal or the vice principal should have the right to administer few strokes of the cane for very serious offences. Again, schools should introduce alternative punishments like cutting grass, washing toilets, and suspension. Teachers should also learn how to counsel students who have bad behaviour instead of using violence all the time.

In conclusion, discipline is very important in our secondary schools, but we must be careful not to harm the future leaders of our country. I hope the Board will consider my suggestions.

Yours faithfully,

Samuel Bala

Content: 8/10
Organisation: 8/10
Expression: 13/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 6.0/10
Total: 35.0/50
Feedback: This formal letter addresses all prompt requirements clearly and effectively. The arguments are well structured. To improve Expression, focus on resolving subject-verb agreement errors ('student knows', 'fear makes') and removing incorrect infinitives after causative verbs ('make students obey').
Priorities: Ensure subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'a student knows').; Omit 'to' after the causative verb 'make' (e.g., 'make students obey').


Question: As the Health Prefect of your school, write an official report to the Principal on the recent outbreak of a waterborne disease among the boarding students, detailing the root causes and recommending actionable steps to prevent future occurrences.

A REPORT ON THE RECENT OUTBREAK OF CHOLERA AMONG BOARDING STUDENTS AND PROPOSED PREVENTIVE MEASURES

To: The Principal, Government Secondary School
From: The Health Prefect
Date: 24th October, 2023

1.0 INTRODUCTION
I am writing to formally present a comprehensive report concerning the sudden outbreak of a waterborne disease, specifically cholera, which affected the boarding house on Monday, 16th October, 2023. Over forty students from both the male and female hostels reported severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and frequent watery stool within a forty-eight-hour period. While the school clinic acted swiftly to stabilise the victims and transferred the critical cases to the General Hospital, it is imperative to investigate the immediate circumstances and prevent further occurrence.

2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF THE OUTBREAK
Following a thorough inspection carried out alongside the hostel masters and health committee members, several factors were identified as the causes of this unfortunate crisis.

Firstly, there was severe contamination in the main overhead water reservoir that supplies water to the hostel blocks. Upon opening the main tank behind the dining hall, it was discovered that the lid had broken off weeks ago without being replaced. Dead leaves, bird droppings, and thick silt had accumulated at the base of the tank. Consequently, the water pumped from the borehole became heavily contaminated before reaching the taps used by students for drinking and brushing their teeth.

Secondly, there was an undetected leakage along the underground pipe network close to the boys' hostel septic tank. Heavy rains over the previous weekend caused wastewater from the soaked ground to seep directly into the cracked distribution pipes. This introduced harmful bacteria directly into the running water.

Lastly, poor hygiene habits among some students also contributed to the rapid spread. A number of junior students were observed using unwashed buckets to fetch drinking water and neglected washing their hands with soap before meals.

3.0 ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS
In order to avert a recurrence of this health crisis, I wish to recommend the following practical measures for immediate implementation:

a. Thorough Cleaning and Disinfection: All overhead and ground storage tanks should be completely drained, scrubbed, and treated with chlorine before being refilled. Damaged tank covers should also be replaced with heavy-duty metal lids immediately.

b. Overhaul of Plumbing Infrastructure: The school management should employ certified plumbers to inspect and replace all broken underground pipes, ensuring they are relocated far away from drainage channels and soakaway pits.

c. Provision of Water Filters and Treatment: Water filtration systems should be installed at strategic drinking points within the hostels. Furthermore, water quality testing should be conducted by public health officials on a monthly basis.

d. Sensitisation on Personal Hygiene: The health committee should organise regular hygiene orientation for all boarders to reinforce proper handwashing techniques.

4.0 CONCLUSION
The recent outbreak posed a serious challenge to the wellbeing and academic focus of our students. With prompt implementation of the recommendations highlighted above, our school will remain a safe and healthy learning environment.

Respectfully submitted,

Ibrahim Musa
Health Prefect

Content: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Expression: 19/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 10.0/10
Total: 49.0/50
Feedback: An exceptional official report. You perfectly address all mandatory requirements with a formal, objective tone. The root causes and recommendations are systematically laid out and actionable. Language use and mechanical accuracy are flawless.
Priorities: Maintain this excellent standard of formal report writing.


Question: Your elder sibling recently sent you a message complaining about the lack of job opportunities after graduating from the university. Write a letter to him or her suggesting three practical small-scale business ventures that can be started with little capital, explaining how each can be operated successfully.

Comprehensive High School,
P.M.B. 1042, Akure,
Ondo State.
14th May, 2024.

Dear Brother Dapo,

I received your message yesterday, and I must confess that my heart went out to you as I read about the frustrating search for a white-collar job after completing your National Youth Service. It is truly disheartening that our country currently offers few ready-made opportunities for brilliant graduates like you. However, you must not lose hope or allow despair to paralyze your potentials. While you wait for that dream corporate position, you can take control of your circumstances by starting a small enterprise. I have thought deeply about your situation and would like to suggest three practical ventures that require minimal startup capital.

The first viable option is setting up a Point of Sale (POS) agency banking service. In our neighborhood and around busy junctions, people constantly need quick cash withdrawals, utility bill payments, and fund transfers to avoid long queues in commercial banks. You only need a modest amount to acquire a terminal from a reputable fintech company and secure a shaded kiosk or umbrella stand near a bustling market. To operate this successfully, you must ensure that you always maintain sufficient cash reserves, render courteous customer service, and strictly follow basic security precautions to safeguard your daily earnings.

Secondly, you could consider establishing a home tutoring service for primary and secondary school pupils. Since you graduated with a strong degree in Biochemistry, you are exceptionally well-equipped to teach core science subjects like Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology. This venture requires almost no physical capital; your primary assets are your knowledge and time. You can begin by printing simple flyers and speaking directly to parents within the community whose children are preparing for WAEC, NECO, or UTME. To build a thriving practice, you should design tailored study plans, maintain punctuality, and demonstrate visible academic improvements in your students, which will naturally attract more referrals.

Lastly, starting a customized laundry and dry-cleaning service is another lucrative path. Many busy civil servants, bankers, and shop owners lack the time to wash and press their clothes during the week. With an efficient pressing iron, some sturdy washbasins, reliable detergents, and your personal smartphone for communication, you can launch this right from our family compound. To excel in this trade, you must offer the convenience of free home pick-up and delivery, uphold impeccable fabric-care standards, and always return freshly scented garments on the agreed dates.

My dear brother, do not underestimate humble beginnings. Any of these ventures will not only provide you with an honest, steady income but will also keep your mind active and financially independent. Please take some time to weigh these suggestions and let me know your thoughts.

Send my warm regards to your friends. I remain confident that your breakthrough is just around the corner.

Your loving brother,
Tobi

Content: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Expression: 19/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 10.0/10
Total: 49.0/50
Feedback: This is an exceptionally well-crafted informal letter. You addressed all parts of the question thoroughly, providing clear and practical business ideas with insightful operational advice. The tone is encouraging, empathetic, and perfectly adapted to the recipient. The paragraphing, flow, and mechanical accuracy are flawless.
Priorities: Maintain this excellent standard of structure and vivid vocabulary in future writing tasks.


Question: Your cousin has suddenly started skipping classes and neglecting schoolwork because of an obsession with online gaming. Write a letter to him, explaining at least three reasons why this habit is harming his academic future and advising him on how to regain his focus.

24 Adebayo Street,
Off Ring Road,
Ibadan, Oyo State.
14th November, 2023.

Dear Tunde,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. How is everyone at home, especially Auntie and Uncle? It has been quite a while since we last saw each other during the mid-term break, and I really miss those our evening conversations about football and our dreams for the future.

However, the main reason why I am writing this letter is because of some troubling news I heard recently from your elder sister. She told me that you have started skipping classes in school and neglecting all your assignments because you are now completely obsessed with playing online video games on your phone and computer. When I first heard it, I could hardly believe it because you have always been a serious student. As your brother and closest cousin, I feel it is my duty to talk to you frankly about why this new habit is seriously harming your academic future, and how you can overcome it before it is too late.

Firstly, skipping classes creates serious knowledge gaps that will directly lead to poor grades and exam failure. As we are preparing for our final examinations, every single topic taught in class is crucial. When you miss important subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and English language, you will not understand the basic concepts needed to pass your WAEC and NECO. If your foundation is weak now, it will be impossible to cope during the examination hall. Without good grades in these exams, your dream of studying Computer Engineering at the university will be completely destroyed.

Secondly, this excessive gaming habit is ruining your mental focus and concentration. Online games are designed in a way that keeps your mind constantly engaged, even when you are not playing them. I know this because I have seen friends who could not concentrate on reading a single chapter of a textbook because their minds were still busy calculating game scores and planning strategies. When you stay up late into the night playing with other players online, you will always be tired and sleepy during the day. Your brain needs proper rest so that you can absorb what the teachers are explaining in the classroom.

Thirdly, neglecting your studies now will damage your reputation with your teachers and your parents. In secondary school, continuous assessment scores and good recommendations from teachers are very important. If the principal and teachers notice your constant absence from class, you might even be given suspension or repeated in your current class. Furthermore, think about the huge sacrifices Uncle and Auntie are making every term to pay your expensive school fees. It will break their hearts completely if they find out that you are wasting your time on games instead of attending classes.

Tunde, I am not saying you should never play games again, but your education must always come first. To regain your focus, I advise you to take some immediate practical steps. First, create a strict personal study timetable for yourself every day. Allocate specific hours for reading, doing homework, and resting. You should only allow yourself a maximum of one hour for gaming during weekends after all your school tasks have been completed. Also, it will be very helpful if you uninstall the most addictive games from your smartphone for now. You can also form a study group with serious classmates who will encourage you to attend all classes regularly.

Please take this advice to heart because I truly care about your future. Let me know how you are progressing as soon as you receive this letter. Greet everyone at home for me.

Your loving cousin,

Chinedu

Content: 9/10
Organisation: 9/10
Expression: 18/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 9.5/10
Total: 45.5/50
Feedback: This is an exceptionally well-written informal letter. It thoroughly fulfills all prompt requirements with three well-developed reasons and sound advice. The register, structure, and expression are exemplary, featuring excellent vocabulary and sentence variety.
Priorities: Refine preposition choice in set phrases like 'in the examination hall'.


Question: You are the chief speaker in an inter-school debate on the motion: Artificial intelligence tools do more harm than good to secondary school education. Write your speech for or against the motion.

Mr Chairman, Panel of Judges, Accurate Timekeeper, Co-debaters, and Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is Ibrahim Musa, and I am the chief speaker standing here today to vehemently support the motion which states that artificial intelligence tools do more harm than good to secondary school education.

To begin with, what is artificial intelligence? It refers to computer systems that perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. While some people think these new tools make life easier, the reality in our secondary schools today shows that they are causing more damage than benefit to students.

First and foremost, artificial intelligence tools encourage extreme laziness and destroy the critical thinking ability of students. In the past, secondary school students used to visit the library, read textbooks, and make their own research whenever assignments were given. Today, the story has changed completely. Many students simply copy their homework questions into AI chatbots and copy the answers directly into their exercise books without understanding anything. How can such students pass external examinations like WAEC or NECO where phones are not allowed? This over-reliance on technology is making our brains dull and useless.

Secondly, AI tools promote examination malpractice and dishonesty among students. Nowadays, it is very difficult for teachers to know whether an essay or continuous assessment was written by the student or generated by an AI application. Some students now submit sophisticated project works that they cannot even explain when asked in class. This habit of cheating destroys moral values and makes genuine learning impossible. Education is supposed to build character, but artificial intelligence is teaching secondary school students how to cut corners and claim credit for work they did not do.

Furthermore, the use of AI tools widens the inequality among secondary schools in our country. We all know that many students in rural areas and poorly funded public schools do not have access to smartphones, computers, or reliable internet connections. Meanwhile, students in expensive private schools have easy access to these expensive AI applications. This creates an unfair advantage during competitions and general learning. Instead of bringing all students together, these technologies are dividing us further based on financial background.

My worthy opponents may argue that artificial intelligence provides fast information and serves as a digital tutor. However, they fail to realise that fast information without deep understanding is completely useless. A computer program cannot replace the personal guidance and moral discipline that a dedicated classroom teacher gives to a developing adolescent.

In conclusion, Mr Chairman and members of the panel, it is crystal clear that artificial intelligence tools are killing our reading culture, promoting dishonesty, and creating unfair division among students. We must protect our education system before it is too late. Therefore, I strongly urge everyone here today to agree with me that artificial intelligence tools do more harm than good to secondary school education. Thank you.

Content: 9/10
Organisation: 9/10
Expression: 17/20
Mechanical Accuracy: 9.5/10
Total: 44.5/50
Feedback: An excellent, well-structured debate speech. The arguments are clear, well-developed, and tailored to the secondary school context with appropriate debate conventions, rhetorical devices, and formal register throughout. Mechanical accuracy is nearly flawless.
Priorities: Use standard collocations such as 'do research' or 'conduct research' instead of 'make research'.