Education: A Mirror of Society: Exams & Admissions

The 2014 Nigeria Immigration Service Recruitment Exercise and Its “Killer Questions”

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<div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Editorial note:</strong> This post reflects the controversy surrounding the 2014 Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment exercise, which resulted in deaths and numerous injuries at overcrowded test centres. The questions below were reproduced from those reportedly given to candidates at one of the centres. Some appear incomplete or contain errors, possibly from the original test or their later transcription.</span></p></blockquote><h2>A Recruitment Exercise of National Shame</h2><p>The 2014 Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment exercise, which resulted in numerous injuries and deaths, was described in many ways: <strong>“the killer recruitment exercise”, “a show of national shame”</strong> and <strong>“a job seekers’ reunion and parade”</strong>, among others.</p><p>Equally disturbing were the “killer questions” given to candidates during the test.</p><p>Candidates were required to answer 30 questions within 30 minutes—an average of only one minute per question. Yet, according to the instructions, each question required “a certain amount of critical reasoning and thinking on the part of the candidate”.</p><p>Many candidates, rather than leave the questions unanswered, randomly shaded options before submitting their papers.</p><p>As one candidate remarked to me after the test:</p><blockquote><p>“Not even the Controller-General of the Service could answer these questions in 30 minutes.”</p></blockquote><p>The questions reproduced below are not the complete set of 30 questions given to university graduates at one of the centres.</p><p>You may, however, have some fun brainstorming them.</p><h2>Family Relationship Questions</h2><p>A genealogist has determined that M, N, P, Q, R, S and T are the father, mother, aunt, brother, sister, wife and daughter of X, but she has been unable to determine which person has each status.</p><p>She knows that:</p><ul><li><p>P and Q are of the same sex.</p></li><li><p>M and N are not of the same sex.</p></li><li><p>S was born before M.</p></li><li><p>Q is not the mother of X.</p></li></ul><h3>Question 1</h3><p>How many of the seven people—M, N, P, Q, R, S and T—are female?</p><p>A. 3<br />B. 4<br />C. 5<br />D. 6<br />E. 7</p><h3>Question 2</h3><p>Which of the following must be true?</p><p>A. M is female.<br />B. N is female.<br />C. P is female.<br />D. Q is male.<br />E. S is male.</p><h3>Question 3</h3><p>If T is the daughter of X, which of the following must be true?</p><p>A. M and P are of the same sex.<br />B. M and Q are of the same sex.<br />C. P is not of the same sex as N.<br />D. R is not of the same sex as S.<br />E. S is not of the same sex as T.</p><h3>Question 4</h3><p>If M and Q are sisters, all of the following must be true except:</p><p>A. N is male.<br />B. M is X’s mother.<br />C. Q is X’s aunt.<br />D. T is X’s daughter.<br />E. S is not X’s brother.</p><h3>Question 5</h3><p>If S is N’s grandfather, which of the following must be true?</p><p>A. R is N’s aunt.<br />B. X is P’s son.<br />C. M is X’s brother.<br />D. Q is S’s husband.<br />E. P is N’s aunt.</p><h3>Question 6</h3><p>If M is X’s wife, all of the following could be true except:</p><p>A. S is X’s daughter.<br />B. P is X’s sister.<br />C. Q is X’s sister.<br />D. R is X’s father.<br />E. N is X’s brother.</p><h2>The Farmer and His Fields</h2><p>A farmer has three fields—1, 2 and 3—and is deciding which crops to plant. The crops are F, G, H, I and J.</p><ul><li><p>F will grow only in Fields 1 and 3. For F to grow, fertiliser X must be used.</p></li><li><p>G will grow in Fields 1, 2 and 3. For G to grow, fertiliser X must be used.</p></li><li><p>H will grow in Fields 1, 2 and 3. For H to grow in Field 3, fertiliser Y must be used.</p></li><li><p>I will grow only in Fields 2 and 3. For I to grow in either field, pesticide Z must be used.</p></li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Note:</strong> No condition was provided for crop J in the reproduced question. This makes some of the questions difficult to answer reliably.</p></blockquote><h3>Question 7</h3><p>Which of the following pairs of crops can be grown together in Field 1?</p><p>A. F and G<br />B. F and J<br />C. G and H<br />D. J and H<br />E. J and G</p><h3>Question 8</h3><p>Which of the following groups of crops can be grown together in Field 2?</p><p>A. F, G and H<br />B. F, H and I<br />C. G, H and J<br />D. G, I and J<br />E. H, I and J</p><h3>Question 9</h3><p>Which of the following is a complete and accurate list of crops that will grow alone in Field 2 if the only pesticide or fertiliser used is Y?</p><p>A. F<br />B. F and H<br />C. G and H<br />D. G, H and J<br />E. G, H, I and J</p><h3>Question 10</h3><p>Which of the following pairs of crops will grow together in Field 3 if no fertiliser or pesticide is applied?</p><p>A. F and H<br />B. F and I<br />C. G and H<br />D. G and I<br />E. H and J</p><h3>Question 11</h3><p>What is the maximum number of different crops that can be planted together in Field 3?</p><p>A. 1<br />B. 2<br />C. 3<br />D. 4<br />E. 5</p><h3>Question 12</h3><p>Which of the following is a complete and accurate list of crops that will grow alone in Field 2 if only one pesticide or fertiliser is applied?</p><p>A. H and J<br />B. I and G<br />C. I and H<br />D. I and J<br />E. J and G</p><h2>Quantitative Reasoning Questions</h2><p>The instructions stated:</p><blockquote><p>“The problems in this test involve a certain amount of critical reasoning and thinking on your part. Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer from the multiple choices that follow.”</p></blockquote><h3>Question 13</h3><p>A national travel survey in 2007 found that Nigerians made 382.6 million trips within and outside the country. Lagos was the destination of 38 million trips.</p><p>Approximately what percentage of the trips had Lagos as their destination?</p><p>A. 0.01%<br />B. 0.1%<br />C. 1%<br />D. 3.8%<br />E. 10%</p><h3>Question 14</h3><p>The taxi fare was ₦1.00 for the first mile and ₦0.20 for each additional one-fifth of a mile.</p><p>What was the fare for a three-mile journey?</p><p>A. ₦1.56<br />B. ₦2.40<br />C. ₦3.00<br />D. ₦3.80<br />E. ₦4.20</p><h3>Question 15</h3><p>A warehouse had a square floor with an area of 10,000 square metres. A rectangular extension was built along one entire side of the warehouse, increasing the floor area by half of the original area.</p><p>How many metres did the extension project from the original building?</p><p>A. 10<br />B. 20<br />C. 50<br />D. 200<br />E. 500</p><h3>Question 16</h3><p>A digital wristwatch was set accurately at 8:30 a.m. It then lost two seconds every five minutes.</p><p>What time would the watch indicate at 6:30 p.m. on the same day, assuming it operated continuously?</p><p>A. [Option missing]<br />B. 5:58 p.m.<br />C. 6:00 p.m.<br />D. 6:23 p.m.<br />E. 6:26 p.m.</p><h3>Question 17</h3><p>A merchant sells an item at a 20 per cent discount but still makes a gross profit equal to 20 per cent of its cost.</p><p>What percentage of the cost would the gross profit have been if the item had been sold without the discount?</p><p>A. 20%<br />B. 40%<br />C. 50%<br />D. 60%<br />E. 75%</p><h3>Question 18</h3><p>Each step of a staircase is 0.25 metres wide and 0.20 metres high, as shown in the figure. All the angles in the figure are right angles.</p><p>If the staircase is 3.6 metres high and the landing at the top is one metre wide, how long, in metres, is AB?</p><p>A. 3.0<br />B. 4.25<br />C. 4.5<br />D. 5.25<br />E. 5.5</p><blockquote><p><strong>Note:</strong> The figure referred to in this question was not provided to the candidates in the reproduced copy.</p></blockquote><h3>Question 19</h3><p>The table above shows the number of tickets sold during each of the first four weeks after a film was released.</p><p>The producer received 10 per cent of the revenue from every ticket sold, with a guaranteed minimum payment of ₦200,000 each week for the first four weeks.</p><p>If each ticket sold for ₦4, how much did the producer receive during the first four weeks?</p><p>A. ₦800,000<br />B. ₦900,000<br />C. ₦1,000,000<br />D. ₦1,200,000<br />E. ₦1,300,000</p><blockquote><p><strong>Note:</strong> The table required to answer this question was not provided in the reproduced test.</p></blockquote><h3>Question 20</h3><p>Equal stacks of chips are to be made from nine red chips, seven blue chips and five green chips.</p><p>If all the chips are used and each stack contains at least one chip of each colour, what is the maximum number of red chips that can be placed in any one stack?</p><p>A. 7<br />B. 6<br />C. 5<br />D. 4<br />E. 3</p><h3>Question 21</h3><p>Three automobiles travel distances in the ratio 1:2:3. Their travelling times are in the ratio 3:2:1, respectively.</p><p>What is the ratio of their average speeds?</p><p>A. 1:1:1<br />B. 1:3:3<br />C. 1:3:9<br />D. 3:2:1<br />E. 3:4:3</p><h3>Question 22</h3><p>Over three years, a scientist earned an average annual income of ₦45,000.</p><p>The scientist earned one and a half times as much in the second year as in the first year, and two and a half times as much in the third year as in the first year.</p><p>What was the scientist’s income in the second year?</p><p>A. ₦9,000<br />B. ₦13,500<br />C. ₦27,500<br />D. ₦40,500<br />E. ₦45,000</p><h3>Question 23</h3><p>How many two-digit whole numbers leave a remainder of 1 when divided by 10 and also leave a remainder of 1 when divided by 6?</p><p>A. None<br />B. One<br />C. Two<br />D. Three<br />E. Four</p><h2>Could You Answer Them in Time?</h2><p>These are only some of the questions reportedly given to candidates during the exercise.</p><p>Did you answer any of them?</p><p>More importantly, how long did it take you to arrive at your answers?</p><p>Now imagine attempting 30 similar questions in only 30 minutes while standing in an overcrowded recruitment centre and competing with hundreds of thousands of desperate job seekers.</p></div>
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The 2014 Nigeria Immigration Service Recruitment Exercise and Its “Killer Questions”

Editorial note: This post reflects the controversy surrounding the 2014 Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment exercise, which resulted ...

TOEFL Testing Resumes in Nigeria

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<div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Editorial note:</strong> This post refers to the resumption of TOEFL testing in Nigeria in January 2014 after an earlier suspension over security concerns. Test centres, dates and registration procedures may have changed since then.</span></p></blockquote><p>In what would come as a relief to many Nigerians, the Educational Testing Service announced that TOEFL testing would resume at selected centres in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.</p><p>The first test following the resumption was scheduled for 25 January 2014, while registration for upcoming test dates was expected to open on 13 January.</p><p>TOEFL—the Test of English as a Foreign Language—is an English-language proficiency test commonly taken by people whose first language is not English.</p><p>TOEFL scores are accepted by many universities and institutions as proof of English-language proficiency. The test may also be required for admission, scholarships or certain visa applications.</p><p>The resumption of testing in Nigeria would therefore come as a relief to Nigerians seeking admission or scholarships to study abroad, particularly in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.</p><p>The testing body had suspended TOEFL and GRE examinations in Nigeria the previous year because of security concerns.</p><p>Candidates should visit the official TOEFL website for current test dates, available centres and registration information.</p></div>
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TOEFL Testing Resumes in Nigeria

Editorial note: This post refers to the resumption of TOEFL testing in Nigeria in January 2014 after an earlier suspension over security c...

Examination Success Tips

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><p style="text-align: left;">Let me begin with a popular saying among students:</p><blockquote><p>“School is fun, but examinations spoil the fun.”</p></blockquote><p>Examinations can also be enjoyable, especially when a candidate is well prepared.</p><p>An examination is an evaluation tool used to assess how much of a learning objective has been achieved. Every subject or course has its own objectives—the knowledge, skills and behavioural changes it is expected to produce in the learner. An examination is one of the tools used to determine the extent to which those objectives have been achieved.</p><p>The key to success in any examination is preparation. Preparation is an important ingredient for success, while failure to prepare may lead to examination disaster.</p><p>Many of us may remember moral stories from comprehension passages read during our primary-school days. In one popular story, Agbo failed to prepare for his examination. Instead, he consulted a traditional healer who gave him a magical ring and some incantations which, he was told, would help him perform well.</p><p>When the ring failed to work, Agbo became angry and disappointed and eventually threw it into a river.</p><p>Today, the situation may be different, but some students still depend on supposedly “lucky” pens and other writing materials rather than preparing properly for their examinations.</p><p>So, how should a student prepare for an examination?</p><p>The following tips may help improve performance.</p><h2>1. Studying</h2><p>Studying is the most important preparation for any examination. However, the manner in which students study often determines how useful their efforts will be.</p><h3>Choose a Suitable Study Location</h3><p>Choose an appropriate place for studying, preferably a quiet and peaceful environment.</p><p>The environment in which you study can greatly affect how much you gain from your study time.</p><p>Personally, during my undergraduate days, I preferred studying at home. My roommate, however, preferred going to the classroom, where he could study in the company of coursemates.</p><p>It depends largely on individual preference. The important thing is to choose a place where you can concentrate.</p><h3>Begin Studying Early</h3><p>The best time to begin preparing for an examination is several days or weeks before the first paper.</p><p>Many students make the mistake of beginning serious study only a day or a few hours before the examination. Ideally, the final hours should be used for revision rather than learning an entire topic for the first time.</p><p>A good practice is to prepare a study timetable one or two weeks before the examination. This allows the evening or morning before each paper to be used for revision or relaxation.</p><h3>Use Group Study Wisely</h3><p>Participate in small study groups with classmates when necessary.</p><p>Group study provides an opportunity to share ideas, explain difficult topics and learn from others. However, there is no complete substitute for spending quality time studying alone.</p><p>Some students move from one study group or tutorial class to another during the examination period without creating time for personal study. This is not an effective way to prepare.</p><h3>Avoid Cramming</h3><p>As much as possible, avoid cramming when preparing for examinations.</p><p>Students who depend entirely on cramming may become disappointed when they cannot remember exactly what they memorised. This may lead to confusion, loss of confidence and frustration in the examination hall.</p><p>Try to understand the ideas, principles and relationships between concepts rather than memorising words without meaning.</p><h3>Practise Past Questions</h3><p>Many examination questions are drawn from topics or patterns that have appeared in previous years.</p><p>When preparing for an examination, it is advisable to attempt past questions during both personal and group study.</p><p>Past questions can help you understand:</p><ul><li><p>the common question formats;</p></li><li><p>topics frequently examined;</p></li><li><p>the level of difficulty;</p></li><li><p>how marks are distributed; and</p></li><li><p>how quickly you can answer within the available time.</p></li></ul><p>However, past questions should not replace studying the complete syllabus.</p><h2>2. Staying Free from Stress</h2><p>For many students, the mention of the word “examination” creates fear and tension.</p><p>Unfortunately, excessive tension may affect even a well-prepared student. It is therefore important to remain calm and manage stress before entering the examination hall.</p><p>Examinations are tools for evaluating learning, not instruments designed to spoil your fun.</p><h3>Get Enough Sleep</h3><p>If you must spend part of the night studying, it is still advisable to go to bed early enough to get proper rest.</p><p>It is not uncommon to see students feeling tense, uncomfortable or even sleeping in the examination hall because they did not get enough sleep.</p><p>Do not overwork yourself during the night or hours before the examination.</p><h3>Spend Time with Supportive Friends</h3><p>Stay in the company of supportive friends when possible. You may discuss light topics, play simple games or share jokes to reduce tension.</p><p>However, avoid friends who spread fear by constantly discussing how difficult the examination may be.</p><h3>Relax and Build Confidence</h3><p>Put yourself in a relaxed state of mind.</p><p>Rather than spending your time worrying, remind yourself of the effort you have made and approach the examination with confidence.</p><p>Positive thinking will not replace proper preparation, but it can help you use what you have learnt effectively.</p><h2>3. Examination Ethics and Conduct</h2><p>There are proper ways to conduct yourself in the examination hall if you want to maximise your chances of success.</p><h3>Choose Your Seat Carefully</h3><p>In examination centres where seats are not officially allocated, choose a suitable seat.</p><p>It may be better to sit away from close friends or students who may depend on you for answers. Calls and distractions from friends can affect your concentration and waste valuable time.</p><p>Make up your mind to work independently, and let your choice of seat reflect that decision.</p><h3>Read the Instructions</h3><p><strong>Always read and understand the instructions in every examination.</strong></p><p>Instructions are part of the examination, so do not ignore them.</p><p>Before answering, confirm:</p><ul><li><p>how many questions you are expected to attempt;</p></li><li><p>whether any question is compulsory;</p></li><li><p>where each answer should be written;</p></li><li><p>how marks are allocated; and</p></li><li><p>whether calculators or other materials are permitted.</p></li></ul><p>A student may know the answers but still lose marks by failing to follow instructions.</p><h3>Answer Questions Strategically</h3><p>When answering objective questions, do not spend too much time on one difficult question. Move to the next question and return to it later if time permits.</p><p>For essay questions, first read through all the questions before selecting the ones you intend to answer.</p><p>Where you get stuck on one part of a question, do not waste all your time there. Move to another part and return later.</p><p>When questions have marks attached to them, use the marks as a guide to the amount of detail and time required.</p><p>A question worth two marks should not take the same amount of time as one worth twenty marks.</p><h3>Manage Your Time</h3><p>Use the allocated time wisely.</p><p>Before beginning, divide your time among the questions you are required to answer. Avoid spending too much time on the first question and then rushing through the remaining ones.</p><p>Always reserve a few minutes for proofreading and corrections before submitting your answer booklet.</p><p>Check that:</p><ul><li><p>all required questions have been answered;</p></li><li><p>your answers are properly numbered;</p></li><li><p>your handwriting is readable;</p></li><li><p>calculations are clearly shown; and</p></li><li><p>your name or examination number is written where required.</p></li></ul><h2>Final Advice</h2><p>These tips are not exhaustive, but they may improve your chances of success when followed properly.</p><p>Examination success is not based on luck, magical rings or special pens. It comes mainly from preparation, understanding, confidence and proper conduct in the examination hall.</p><p>I wish you the very best in your examinations.</p><p><strong>Good luck!</strong></p></div>

Examination Success Tips

Let me begin with a popular saying among students: “School is fun, but examinations spoil the fun.” Examinations can also be enjoyable, espe...

TOEFL AND GRE TESTING SUSPENDED IN NIGERIA.

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Sad news for potential candidates of the upcoming TOEFL test in Nigeria as the testing in Nigeria has been suspended indefinitely. TOEFL made the announcement on its <a href="http://www.ets.org/toefl">website</a> citing insecurity in Nigeria for its decision, the statement read</div>
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"Due to security concerns in Nigeria, GRE® and TOEFL® testing in the country has been suspended for an indefinite period. Candidates who have appointments to take the TOEFL or GRE Tests will be contacted by ETS to process a refund."<br />
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Some commentators have however attribute suspension of testing to the "colossal malpractices" taking place in the numerous testing centres scattered around the country. TOEFL decision to suspend testing would now force Nigerians to take the test abroad, particularly in a neighboring country as Ghana. <br />
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TOEFL is an English-language test often taken as a test of proficiency and use of English mostly in countries where English isn't spoken or used as a second language. For many institutions, TOEFL score is used to satisfy admission and visa requirements, which is why this decision is a blow to Nigerians seeking admissions into universities abroad such as in UK, Australia and USA. </div>
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TOEFL AND GRE TESTING SUSPENDED IN NIGERIA.

Sad news for potential candidates of the upcoming TOEFL test in Nigeria as the testing in Nigeria has been suspended indefinitely. TOEFL m...

Akomst Education

The 2014 Nigeria Immigration Service Recruitment Exercise and Its “Killer Questions”

TOEFL Testing Resumes in Nigeria

Examination Success Tips

TOEFL AND GRE TESTING SUSPENDED IN NIGERIA.

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