An examiner's observations and advice to candidates I

What is the difference between 'thank you' and 'thanks'? You should never use thanks in a formal letter. 'Thanks' is informal so it is permitted to be used in informal letter writing. 

May I also say that the expression, I hope you're fine is not a question but an expression of optimism. Hence, avoid the use of a question mark after it. Why not check this up in the dictionary to corroborate my explanation. 

Simple as it may seem, it is wrong to write e.t.c. My students' argument has always been, 'But teachers write it like that, too!' Those teachers can be encouraged to imbibe how to write it correctly because they are role models. There are three ways that I have noticed it is written: 

I bought apples, oranges, mangoes, almonds, etc., at the market yesterday. 

I bought apples, oranges, mangoes, almonds, etc. at the market yesterday.

I bought apples, oranges, mangoes, almonds, etc at the market yesterday.

I think it is necessary to stress that pronoun I should always be written in capital letter irrespective of where it is used in the passage. For example: 

"Senator James Paterson and I will not repent," he said.

It is usually my candid advice to candidates to always write in simple sentences. Writing in long sentences may lead to unintended grammatical errors. 

I personally think creativity is lacking in students' writings. How creative can you be as a student/candidate if you are asked, for instance, to write to the honourable minister of education or health on problems affecting education or healthcare delivery in the country? I see students write all sort, without letting loose their imagination. What do I mean? Can't the honorable minister be congratulated on his/her assumption of office before proceeding to the main purpose of writing the letter? Let me show you an example:

                               5, Shehu Musa Avenue,

                               Kofar Ruwa,

                               Kano State.

                               16th November, 2019. 

The Honourable Minister

Federal Ministry of Education,

Garki,

Abuja.

Dear Sir, 

PROBLEMS AFFECTING EDUCATION IN NIGERIA AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

I wish to congratulate you on your recent appointment as the Honourable Minister of Education. It is him who the cap fits that should wear it. 

May I quickly state the main reason for which I am writing this letter, sir. I am writing to bring to your attention some of the problems affecting education in Nigeria. 

First, ...

In addition to the above, ...

Similarly, ...

Finally, ....

                               5, Shehu Musa Avenue,

                               Kofar Ruwa,

                               Kano State.

                               16th November, 2019. 

The Honourable Minister

Federal Ministry of Health,

Garki,

Abuja.

Dear Sir, 

PROBLEMS AFFECTING HEALTHCARE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA

I wish to congratulate you on your recent appointment as the Honourable Minister of Health. Given your achievements, recognized within and outside the shores of this country, I have no doubt that the long awaited messiah that will solve the problems affecting healthcare delivery in Nigeria has finally arrived. 

In your acceptance speech you stated categorically that you will hit the ground running. That brings me to the purpose of writing this letter, sir. I wish to bring to your attention some of the problems affecting healthcare delivery in Nigeria. 

First, ...

In addition to the above, ...

Similarly, ...

Finally, ...

I think it is necessary to stress that students/candidates should arrange their points in order of importance. Don't make your major point the last point. For instance, if you are to write to the minister of health on problems affecting healthcare delivery in Nigeria, what will be your major points? 

The first and rampant problem is incessant strike actions by health workers. (You may wish to state the reason. For example, non-payment of salaries regularly and disparity in salaries of health workers) 

In addition to the above is the unhealthy professional rivalry among medical professionals. (You cite instances too). Let me show an example: 

The unhealthy professional rivalry between doctors and nurses constantly paralyse healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Of course when two elephants are at war, it is the grass that suffers the effect the most. The patients are always the ones at the receiving end of this unhealthy rivalry. This unhealthy rivalry has continued unchecked and unaddressed. It has even created more bitter rivalry between doctors and medical laboratory scientists, and doctors and pharmacists. This has done more damage than good to healthcare delivery in the country. 

Similarly, most hospitals across the country lack modern day medical equipment. This has hampered healthcare delivery in the country. In most of the hospitals, there are no scan machines, x-ray machines, defilabrator, among other equipment. It beats imagination, sir that tests are run in private laboratories....

I also think the mass exodus of doctors and nurses should be addressed urgently. It is estimated that three out of five medical doctors in Nigeria are planning to leave the shores of this country. The effect has obviously taken its toll on quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria. (This can still be developed.)

To be continued...

Thank you for reading. 

The blogger, Olabanji O. Odurombi, can be contacted via voice call, text, or WhatsApp on 08037699294.