Comprehension: Graduation Day Passage – Basic 6 English Lesson Note (Third Term)

A Memorable Graduation Day

The sun shone brightly on Friday, June 14th, 2024, as Greenfield Primary School prepared for its annual graduation and prize-giving ceremony. The school compound buzzed with excitement as Primary 6 students, dressed in their finest clothes, arrived with proud parents and family members.

The ceremony began at 10:00 AM in the school hall, beautifully decorated with colorful balloons and banners reading “Congratulations Class of 2024.” The guest of honor, Dr. Amina Hassan, a former student who had become a successful doctor, took her seat on the stage alongside the school principal, Mr. Adebayo, and other distinguished guests.

The Academic Achievements: Principal Adebayo opened the ceremony by welcoming everyone and highlighting the academic achievements of the graduating class. “This year’s Primary 6 students have performed exceptionally well,” he announced proudly. “Ninety-eight percent of our students passed the Common Entrance Examination, and fifteen students scored above 80%.”

The prize-giving segment was particularly exciting. Fatimah Ibrahim received the Overall Best Student Award for maintaining the highest average throughout Primary 6. Chidi Okafor won the Mathematics Prize, while Blessing Adeyemi was recognized for Excellence in English Language. The Sports Award went to Taiwo Adeleke for his outstanding performance in athletics.

Emotional Valedictory Speech: The highlight of the ceremony was the valedictory speech delivered by Kemi Ogundimu, the class representative. With tears of joy in her eyes, she thanked the teachers for their dedication and patience. “You have not just taught us subjects,” she said, “but you have shaped our characters and prepared us for the future.”

Kemi also thanked the parents for their support and encouraged her fellow graduates to work hard in secondary school. “Today we say goodbye to Greenfield Primary School, but we carry its values with us forever,” she concluded, receiving thunderous applause.

Looking Forward: The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates and a group photograph. As students hugged their teachers and friends, there were mixed emotions – sadness at leaving their primary school home, but excitement about the adventures awaiting them in secondary school.

Dr. Hassan advised the graduates to remain focused, work hard, and always remember their roots. “Education is a journey, not a destination,” she reminded them. “Continue to learn, grow, and make positive contributions to society.”

Exercise H – Comprehension Questions

Answer these questions based on the passage:

1. When did the graduation ceremony take place?
2. Who was the guest of honor and what was her profession?
3. What percentage of students passed the Common Entrance Examination?
4. Who delivered the valedictory speech?
5. What did Kemi thank the teachers for?
6. What advice did Dr. Hassan give to the graduates?

Exercise I – Vocabulary from Passage

Use these words in your own sentences:

1. distinguished: _________________________________
2. exceptionally: _________________________________
3. dedication: _________________________________
4. thunderous: _________________________________
5. contributions: _________________________________

Exercise J – Sequence of Events

Number these events in the order they happened:

___ Prize-giving segment ___ Valedictory speech by Kemi ___ Principal’s welcome address ___ Group photograph ___ Arrival of students and parents ___ Advice from Dr. Hassan