Essay Writing

Read the passage carefully and answer this question.

May your road be rough. I am not cursing you: I am wishing you what I wish myself every year, I therefore repeat, may you have a hard time this year. May there be troubles for you this year. If you are not sure of what to say back, why not just say "same to you" – I ask for no more.

Our successes are conditioned by the amount of risk we are about to take. Earlier today, I visited a local farmer about five kilometers from where I live. He could not have been 55, but he said he was already too old to farm vigorously. He still suffered, he said, from the energy he displayed as a farmer in his younger days. Around his hut were two pepperbushes. There were cocoyam growing around him. There were snail shells which had given him meat. There must have been more snails around the banana trees than I saw. He hardly ever went to town to buy things. He was self-sufficient. The car, the television or radio and the newspaper were things he could live without. He had no ambition whatsoever, he told me.

I am not sure if you are already envious of him, but were we all to revert to such a life, we would be driven back like aimless sheep to cave dwelling. On the other hand, try to put yourself in the shoes of the Russian or American astronauts. Any moment you are shot into space, you have to be mentally alert, else, if you forget what to do, one of the things that might happen to you is that you could forever become a satellite going round until you die of starvation, and even then, your dead body would continue the gyration.

Naturally, they may have some slight foreboding on the contingency of their non-return. However, it is their courage for going in spite of these apprehensions that makes the world hail them so loudly today.
(Akinyemi, A., Olupe, F., & Adetutu, S. (2012): Rubrics of English Language for Schools and Colleges. Divine Glory Printers, Abeokuta.)

What sort of life, according to the passage, will drive people back like aimless sheep back to cave dwelling?

Answer Details

According to the passage, a life without ambition will drive people back like aimless sheep to cave dwelling. The passage describes a local farmer who is self-sufficient and lives a simple life, without any desire for material possessions or success. While this may seem attractive to some, the passage emphasizes that reverting to such a life would be regressive for humanity as a whole.
The passage suggests that having ambition and striving for success are essential aspects of human progress. Without ambition, individuals may become complacent and stagnant, lacking the drive to improve themselves and their circumstances. It is through ambition that individuals set goals, take risks, and work towards achieving greater heights.
In contrast, a life without ambition can lead to a lack of innovation, exploration, and societal advancement. It would be like going back to a primitive existence, devoid of growth and development. Humans are inherently curious and driven to explore new frontiers, both personally and collectively. It is through ambition that new inventions, discoveries, and achievements are made.
Therefore, the passage implies that a life without ambition would hinder progress and lead people to a state of aimlessness akin to cave dwelling. It is the aspiration for something greater, the desire to overcome challenges and achieve success, that propels human civilization forward.

SECTION A: ESSAY

Write a letter to your friend in another school telling him or her about your future career and how it will be beneficial to your country.

Answer Details

Dear [Friend's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you today to share with you my plans for the future and how they will benefit our country.

As you know, I have always been passionate about [insert career choice]. I believe that this career path not only aligns with my interests and skills but also has the potential to make a significant impact on our society. By pursuing this career, I hope to contribute to the development and growth of our country in meaningful ways.

One of the main reasons why I am so excited about this career path is that it allows me to work towards solving some of the biggest challenges facing our country. For example, through my work, I will have the opportunity to address issues such as [insert specific examples]. I believe that by tackling these challenges head-on, we can make a real difference in the lives of our fellow citizens.

Furthermore, I am also excited about the potential for this career to help me grow both personally and professionally. By pursuing this path, I will have the chance to learn new skills, work with inspiring individuals, and take on new challenges. Ultimately, I believe that this will not only benefit me but also allow me to contribute even more to our society in the long run.

I hope this letter has given you a better understanding of my future career plans and how they will benefit our country. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you along the way.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]