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BEGINNING OF TERM I EXAMINATIONS, 2025

S.4 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

PAPER 1 (208/1)

DURATION: 1 HOURS & 30 MINUTES

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES:

This paper consists of ONE examination item.

It is a compulsory item.

All answers must be written on the answer sheets provided.

For Examiner’s Use Only

Total

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 Read the passage below and then answer all the tasks that follow.
Speaking of which, Dr. Dibia has asked to see you. He’s the doctor I saw when
I went for my appointment at UCH. He said it’s important that he speaks to you.” It
went down perfectly.
“So, you went for the appointment?” He hadn’t expected that she would take
the initiative.
“Yes, and I took the results of the tests. He said it was important to see you.
Tomorrow, in fact.”
“But why didn’t you tell me before?”
“What sense does it make to treat ringworm when the body is consumed with
leprosy? Segi’s condition has overtaken all our minds.”
Baba Segi exhaled deeply. “You are right. Well, if the doctor calls, then I must
answer. All the diseases of the body must be treated.” He tiptoed toward the door.
“The appointment is at ten thirty.”
“May we wake well!”
A few half truths, a few untold truths, and the deed was done.
Dr. Dibia was not in a hospitable mood; when Baba Segi and Bolanle walked
into his consultation room. He was digging the lid of his pen into his ear, as if
something had jumped in when he wasn’t looking, just to annoy him.
“Good morning, Doctor.” Baba Segi hoped to impose his high spirits upon him.
“Please sit. I take it you are Mr. Alao?” He looked at the clean pen top with
disgust and threw it in the bin.
“Yes. I am the husband.” He drew his hands to his bosom. “And this is the wife
who cannot conceive.” He pointed two forefingers at Bolanle as if there was a slight
chance that the doctor might mistake one for the other.
“Good, good. Now that I know who’s who, let me tell you why you are here.
Now, in order to arrive at a conclusive prognosis about your wife’s inability to
conceive, it’s important that couples hoping to become parents are examined together.
We’ve already administered some tests on Mrs. Alao, so now you need to do some
initial tests too. This will help us determine how we might overcome the difficulties.”
He avoided using the word “problems.”
“I hope you’re not insinuating that I might be the cause of these difficulties.”
Baba Segi glanced at Bolanle, then moved his face as close to the doctor’s as the table
would allow. “Listen, Doctor, I have many children. I have sons; I have daughters.
The only thing God has not blessed me with is twins. Mind you, there is still time. So,
tell me.” He paused. “Are the tests you want to do on me not a waste of time?”
Dr. Dibia reclined into his seat and took off his glasses. He looked intently at
Baba Segi while his glasses swung from his finger like the wand of a metronome. “Mr.
Alao, did you see that queue out there?”
“Yes. There are many people waiting outside the door.”
“Good. Do you know why they are there?”
“Is it not to see you?” Baba Segi didn’t know where he was going but he was
suspicious all the same.
“Indeed, they are. But they are also there because they have a common belief.”
Baba Segi opened his mouth to talk but the doctor raised a solitary finger and
stopped him before he started. “They believe that I know what I am doing. They believe

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that I don’t just sit here making things up. They believe that when I ask them to do
something, it is because I believe it is for their own good. After all, I did not drag them
here from their homes, did I?”
“Well—”
“There are no wells, no buts, no arguments, no questioning of my
understanding of obstetrics and gynaecology.” He turned to Bolanle.
“Mrs. Alao, if you seek a solution, perhaps you can advise your husband. A
sperm count has to be done. This involves us taking a sample of your husband’s sperm
and examining it in a lab. The hospital labs are open until twelve. The sooner the
sample is taken, the better.” He scrawled on a yellow form and handed it to her,
together with a small transparent container. His whole manner made it clear that he’d
appointed her as the go-between.
“Thank you, Doctor.”
“And how is the head?”
“Much better.” She patted her scarf discreetly and flashed the doctor an
embarrassed grin.
Adapted from: The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin

Tasks:

a) In literature, a character can be understood through what they say, do, and what
others say about them. Referring to the dialogue, actions, and relationships in the
passage: Describe the character of Baba Segi based on:
i. His response to the doctor’s request.
ii. His relationship with Bolanle and how he views her situation.
iii. The doctor’s subtle hints about his attitude.
b) Some texts communicate ideas through narrative style, setting, character actions,
experiences, and relationships. These ideas are broadly presented as themes.
Explain the themes below as brought out in the passage:
i. The theme of pride and vulnerability as seen in Baba Segi’s reactions.
ii. The theme of health and familial responsibility in the doctor’s approach to
solving Bolanle’s infertility.
iii. The theme of trust in expertise, as conveyed by Dr. Dibia.
c) Authors use specific writing techniques to make their stories engaging, relatable to
convey ideas and emotions.
i. Identify and explain two stylistic techniques the author uses in the passage.
ii. Choose one line from the passage that you find particularly striking or
memorable. Explain how the author’s choice of words in this line enhances
the meaning or adds to the enjoyment of the story.
d) Baba Segi says, “I have many children. I have sons; I have daughters. The only thing
God has not blessed me with is twins.” This statement reflects his sense of pride
and self-assurance. Using Baba Segi’s character as an example, advise a classmate
who is overconfident about their abilities on how to be more open to feedback.
Write your advice in two paragraphs, addressing why listening to others can lead
to growth and how overconfidence can sometimes hinder progress.
END

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