Reading: A Job Interview Passage Basic 6 English Studies Lesson Note

Kemi’s First Interview Experience

Kemi Adebayo straightened her school uniform and took a deep breath as she stood outside the principal’s office. Today was the day of her interview for the position of Head Girl at Government Secondary School, Ikeja. She had been preparing for this moment for weeks.

Before the Interview: At exactly 2:00 PM, Kemi knocked gently on the door. “Come in,” called a voice from inside the office. She entered to find three teachers sitting behind a long table. The principal, Mrs. Okafor, sat in the middle, with Mr. Adeyemi, the Vice Principal, on her right, and Mrs. Bello, the English teacher, on her left.

“Good afternoon, ma. Good afternoon, sirs,” Kemi greeted politely, with a slight bow.

“Good afternoon, Kemi. Please take a seat,” Mrs. Okafor replied, pointing to the chair placed in front of their table.

The Interview Begins: “Tell us about yourself, Kemi,” Mrs. Okafor began.

Kemi sat up straight and spoke clearly: “My name is Kemi Adebayo. I am thirteen years old and currently in JSS 2. I live with my parents and younger brother in the school neighborhood, on Adeniran Street. I am passionate about reading and helping others, which is why I want to serve as Head Girl.”

Mr. Adeyemi asked, “What do you think are the main problems facing students in this school?”

Kemi thought carefully before answering: “I believe some students struggle with time management and study habits. Many also feel shy about asking teachers for help when they don’t understand lessons. If I become Head Girl, I would organize study groups and create a buddy system where senior students help junior ones.”

Difficult Questions: Mrs. Bello leaned forward and asked, “What would you do if you caught a student cheating during an exam?”

“That’s a serious situation,” Kemi replied thoughtfully. “I would report it to the teacher immediately because cheating is unfair to honest students. However, I would also try to understand why the student felt the need to cheat and help them find better study methods.”

“How would you handle conflicts between students from different classes?” asked Mrs. Okafor.

“I would listen to both sides carefully and try to find a peaceful solution. Sometimes conflicts arise from misunderstandings that can be resolved through proper communication,” Kemi explained confidently.

The End: After twenty minutes of questions, Mrs. Okafor smiled and said, “Thank you, Kemi. You may go now. We will announce the results next Monday.”

Kemi stood up, shook hands with each interviewer, and said, “Thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you.”

As she walked out of the office, Kemi felt proud of how she had handled her first formal interview. Whether she won or not, she had learned valuable lessons about expressing herself clearly and confidently.

Exercise H – Reading Comprehension

Answer these questions:

1. What position was Kemi applying for?
2. Where did the interview take place?
3. How many interviewers were there?
4. What time did the interview start?
5. What solution did Kemi suggest for students who struggle with studies?
6. How long did the interview last?

Exercise I – Find Prepositions of Place

List all the prepositions of place used in the passage:

1. _______ 2. _______ 3. _______ 4. _______
2. _______ 6. _______ 7. _______ 8. _______

Exercise J – Interview Vocabulary

Use these words from the passage in your own sentences:

1. straightened: _________________________________
2. passionate: _________________________________
3. struggle: _________________________________
4. conflicts: _________________________________
5. confidently: _________________________________

Exercise K – True or False

Write T (True) or F (False):

1. Kemi arrived late for her interview. ___
2. The principal sat in the middle during the interview. ___
3. Kemi lives far from the school. ___
4. She suggested organizing study groups. ___
5. The results would be announced the next day. ___