Candidtates' Weaknesses
Highlighted below are a summary of the weaknesses noted on the candidates’ scripts:
- Poor map work
- Listing of points
- Poor expressions
- Incomplete coverage of the syllabus
- Poor handwriting
A high proportion of the candidates could not draw good sketch maps of Nigeria. Such candidates could not properly insert the required features since the outlines were poorly drawn.
Mere listing of points for questions that required outlining, stating, explaining or highlighting will definitely lead to loss of precious marks.
Some of the candidates poorly expressed themselves. Such candidates have not fully grasped the skills in English language communication and therefore scored low marks since the language of transmitting information in geography examinations is English Language.
From the sketchy answers to some of the questions by some candidates, it could be inferred that such candidates did not fully cover the syllabus before the commencement of the examination.
The handwriting of some of the candidates were very poor. This made it difficult for the examiners to read what the candidates have written.
SUGGESTED REMEDIES
The following points are suggested as remedies to overcome candidates’ weaknesses:
- Practising map drawing:
- Adequate explanation of points
- Good expression
- Complete coverage of the syllabus
- Improvement in handwriting
Candidates are advised to practise map drawing and the insertion of geographical features on maps across the various topics in the curriculum to achieve mastery. Such maps should have keys for ease of reading and interpretation.
Points should be properly explained for questions that require outlining, describing, stating, explaining or highlighting in order to obtain full marks.
English Language is the tool of expression in our educational system. It is expected that candidates should properly master this tool of communication in order to properly express their lines of thoughts.
It is expected that candidates would start reading early enough for their examination in order to adequately cover the syllabus before the examination commences. This will facilitate better understanding of the subject.
Candidates with poor handwriting should improve it through practice since without legible handwritings, candidates cannot effectively communicate their lines of thoughts.