The weaknesses manifested in the candidates’ scripts were:
- Poor Grammatical Expression
The tenses, and grammar of most of the candidates were bad. They hardly expressed themselves in simple correct English even in situation where they seemed to know the demands of the question.
- Inadequate Preparation for Examinations
There was clear evidence that candidates were not serious and were not really prepared for the examination. They were not used to the examination syllabus and the Bible.
(3) Violation of Rubrics
Candidates were not familiar with the rubrics of the paper . Instances abound where candidates picked questions from two Sections instead of three Sections in the paper.
(4) Inadequate knowledge of Biblical Themes
Instances abound where an Old Testament figure with similar names and
played similar roles were mistaken for the other in the New testament e.g.
Joseph and Paul.
(5) Sermonizing (Preaching)
Most of the candidates’ answers especially in Section C were more of
preaching than statements of fact.
4. SUGGESTED REMEDIES
Candidates are to select questions from the three Sections in the paper and are advice to be conversant with the rubrics of the paper.
- Candidates should read novels and different literature text to improve their grammatical expression and writing skills.
- Candidates should show greater commitment and interest in the subject. They should work hard to cover the syllabus and revise with past question papers. The Revised Standard Version of the Bible should be their companion.
- Candidates should get familiar with contextual passages and strive to have adequate knowledge of the Bible characters.
- They should avoid unnecessary preamble and write from prescribed text rather than preaching. They should compliment the study of the Bible (RSV) with their teachers notes.
