BECE 2005 English Language Past Question and Answers
Answer all questions in this section.
Each question is followed by four options lettered A to D. Find the correct answer for each question.
Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions which follow.
They are approaching the school building, holding hands as they walk to school. Ayele and Esinam are friends who attend the same school and are in the same class. Today, Ayele is not talking, though Esinam expects her to say something about her new bag. “So is that how you are? You‟re not passing any comment about my schoolbag? Dad gave it to me when he returned from America yesterday.” Ayele‟s reply is a mere grunt, but Esinam is in no mood to be unhappy. Ignoring her friend‟s mood, she breaks into a song about her parents‟ many acts of love. „Mum and Dad buy me dresses, shoes and anything I wish for, if I ask. It’s great to be young!"
Ayele is strapping on her back an old school bag once used by her elder sister. The brown colour has faded because she washes it too many times. When she breaks her silence she speaks solemnly and without regret. “I‟ve grown used to the old dresses, bags and shoes Mum buys. She says she can‟t do more. I trust and love her.” There is a tremble in her voice, as though she is about to cry. But her eyes gradually brighten up as she speaks on: „I‟m in JSS 3, like you, and we are both doing well. It‟s great to look to the future with hope.‟ Esinam nods her agreement as the school bell rings and breaks their walk into a gallop.
1. Why is Ayele not talking today?
Solution: The passage describes Ayele as silent and solemn, indicating she is moody, not angry or disliking the bag.
2. For Esinam, It's great to be young means
Solution: Esinam links youth to getting "dresses, shoes and anything I wish for," showing material fulfillment.
3. We learn that Ayele's parents are ......
Solution: Ayele uses hand-me-downs and says her mother "can't do more," implying limited means.
4. In the passage, Ayele comes across as one who is....
Solution: She reflects maturely on her circumstances and future, showing thoughtfulness.
5. The word tremble means
Solution: Tremble refers to a shaking voice, suggesting emotional strain. PASSAGE II
There are two questions that people often ask about laughter. These are: what makes people laugh, and what laughter does to them.
When you try to think of what makes people laugh or what they consider funny you start thinking about how one person behaves towards another in different situations. For example, why do people laugh when they see others behaving awkwardly, or see some kind of weakness in other person?
The explanation is often quite simple. We laugh when we see people behaving or acting in an odd manner. For example, if on your way to work or to school you see a big fat man in a leafy green suit, wearing a tiny straw hat, or at a party, you encounter a very short man dancing with a big tall woman, you will naturally laugh, won‟t you? These things are funny and queer.
Apart from the strange things that make people laugh, laughter is good for our body and health. It is good for our lungs and allows us to release extra energy. It also has a great social value. If you enjoy laughter you invite good company. Indeed, in most societies, laughter is used as a way of keeping people who do not do the right things in check. Thus laughter is a way of ensuring discipline.
6. People laugh when they ......
Solution: The passage links laughter to observing odd/funny behavior.
7. Laughter makes people look ....
Solution: It's described as good for lungs and health.
8. People who laugh a lot .....
Solution: Laughter "invites good company" (social bonds).
9. Societies use laughter to ......
Solution: It helps "keep people...in check" (discipline).
10. Awkwardly means
Solution: Awkward behavior appears foolish or clumsy.
Choose the word nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
11. Our dependable goalkeeper saved us.
Solution: Dependable means trustworthy/reliable.
12. A neutral referee handled the match.
Solution: Neutral means unbiased/impartial.
13. The pupils were jubilating after passing.
Solution: Jubilating means celebrating joyfully.
14. Kuuki dreams of being a celebrated musician.
Solution: Celebrated means renowned/famous.
15. Appiah is a talented footballer.
Solution: Talented means naturally skilled (gifted).
Choose from the alternatives, the one that best explains the underlined words
16. Andy played truant for three days. This means Andy was......
Solution: Play truant means skip school intentionally.
17. Ama was close-lipped about the theft. This means Ama......
Solution: Close-lipped means secretive/silent.
18. Issah was asked to toe the line. This means to......
Solution: Toe the line means follow rules strictly.
19. Students were advised to give up smoking. This means to ......smoking.
Solution: Give up means quit permanently.
20. Mrs. Vesa has a heart of gold. This means she is very ......
Solution: Heart of gold describes kindness/generosity.
Choose the word opposite in meaning to the underlined word.
21. My grandfather is robust – ninety-year-old.
Solution: Robust (strong) vs. weak.
22. I consented to his suggestion.
Solution: Consented (agreed) vs. disagreed.
23. A sharp cutlass is needed.
Solution: Sharp vs. blunt (direct opposites).
24. They read the abridged version.
Solution: Abridged (shortened) vs. original.
25. The best pupil was awarded a prize.
Solution: Awarded (given) vs. denied.
Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
26. Ashia is used to ...... her parents weekly.
Solution: Used to + gerund (visiting) for habits.
27. ...... students were present.
Solution: All the is correct for plural countable nouns.
28. Jenny has ...... on her head.
Solution: Hair is uncountable; a lot of is appropriate.
29. Korkoi is a ...... of twelve.
Solution: Correct adjective order: size (tall) → shape (shapely) → noun (girl).
30. We should love......
Solution: One another is standard for groups.
31. Mansah is ...... beautiful than her sisters.
Solution: Comparative form (more) for comparison.
32. Appiah was appointed prefect, ......?
Solution: Tag question matches "was appointed" (wasn't he).
33. Anytime Ataa went to school, she......into trouble.
Solution: Past tense (got) for past habitual actions.
34. My dream school is for ......only.
Solution: Plural boys (no apostrophe for plurals).
35. Sam, have you ever ......in this river?
Solution: Past participle of "swim" is swum.
36. Susie and Tim like......
Solution: Each other for two people.
37. Aunt Ekua ......solve the problem.
Solution: Will expresses future ability.
38. I went to school ......foot.
Solution: On foot is the correct phrase.
39. The committee has met ......2pm.
Solution: Since marks the start time (from 2pm).
40. I hope you're not ......tired to help.
Solution: Too tired implies excessive fatigue preventing action.