Observation

This question was popular and a whole lot of the candidates answered this question. In Part A, the students were required to point out the issues that caused the hatred of his brothers against Joseph. This hatred originated from the father’s special love for Joseph and the gifts for dreams which Joseph had. Candidates who were familiar with this story were able to answer the question correctly thereby, scoring high marks in this question. However, it was discovered that some candidates wasted valuable time writing off points in that they discussed about the entire life of Joseph including how he narrated the dreams of Pharaoh which Joseph helped to interpret. Candidates were expected to arrange their points as listed below;

1. Joseph was the son of his father’s old age and was specially loved by him.
2. His brothers hated him for this favouritism.
3. In addition, Jacob made for Joseph a long robe with sleeves depicting Joseph Joseph. as a would be heir instead of Reuben the eldest son. Thus, the brothers hated
4. Again, Joseph had a gift for dreams which he narrated to his father and brothers.
5. His brothers hated him the more because all his dreams, implied that Joseph will rule over them.
6. Furthermore, Joseph’s ill reports about his brothers increased their hatred for him.
7. When the opportunity came they plotted to kill Joseph.

In Section B, candidates performed above average in that, they were able to draw their answers from the story they had earlier narrated in Section A. The points candidates were expected to have written included:

1. Famine in Israel led Joseph’s brothers to seek for corn in Egypt.
2. On their second visit to Egypt, Joseph revealed himself to them, as the one they sold into slavery.
3. Joseph wept aloud in front of them and inquired about his father.
4. He told his brothers not to be distressed or angry with themselves for their wrong act.
5. He told them that God sent him before them to preserve life/ His predicament was thus, a divine scheme.
6. Though what they did was evil, God meant it for good.
7. Joseph gave an open invitation to the family to settle in Goshen.
8. He gave them abundant food and clothes to return home.
9. Joseph shed tears of joy over Benjamin and the rest of his brothers with kisses to assure them of his love.

 In Section C, most of the expected answers were not written by the candidates. They only concentrated on forgiveness, reconciliation and avoidance of favouritism. Some other points candidates were expected to have written are;

1. Need to help and do good to those who hurt us.
2. Need to respect our elders/be diplomatic.
3. Avoid hatred and evil.
4. Need to show remorse when we do wrong/ability to own up/accept responsibility for wrong done.
5. What God has destined, no one can change.
6. Care for others, especially in times of need.
7. Being good role models.
8. Avoiding unnecessary disputes/Peaceful settlement of disputes.