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JAMB Use of English 1978 past questions and answers

100 questions. Try each one, then open the answer to check yourself and read the explanation.

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 1978 Passage A
All over the world till lately, and in most of the world still today, mankind has been following the course of nature, that is to say, it has been breeding up to the maximum. To let nature take her extravagant course in the reproduction of the human race may have made sense in an age in which we were also letting her take her course in decimating mankind by the casualties of war, pestilence, and famine. Being human, we have at last revolted against that senseless waste. We have started to impose on nature's heartless play a humane new order of our own. But, when once man has begun to interfere with nature, he cannot afford to stop half way. We cannot, with impunity, cut down the death-rate and at the same time allow the birth-rate to go on taking nature's course. We must consciously try to establish an equilibrium or, sooner or later, famine will stalk abroad again.

The author observes that

  1. A.war, pestilence and famine were caused by the extravagance of nature
  2. B.nature was heartless and senseless
  3. C.there was a time when uncontrolled birth made sense
  4. D.it was wise at a time when mankind did not interfere with normal reproduction
  5. E.nature was heartless in its reproductive process.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (there was a time when uncontrolled birth made sense)

Explanation

The author says letting nature breed freely 'may have made sense' in an age when war, disease and famine also killed many people. So there was a time when uncontrolled birth made sense.

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Question 2

Comprehension

Which of these statements does not express the opinion of the author?

  1. A.mankind has started to interfere with the work of nature
  2. B.many people had died in the past through want and disease
  3. C.mankind should not have the maximum number of children possible
  4. D.mankind should take care of its children
  5. E.man's present relationship with nature in matters of birth and death is a happy one
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (man's present relationship with nature in matters of birth and death is a happy one)

Explanation

The author argues that man has upset nature's balance by cutting deaths but not births, so he does not think our present relationship with nature is a happy one.

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Question 3

Comprehension

'humane' as used in the passage means

  1. A.sensible
  2. B.wise
  3. C.human
  4. D.benevolent
  5. E.thorough
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (benevolent)

Explanation

'Humane' means kind and compassionate. Here it describes man's new order of saving lives, so 'benevolent' (kind, wishing good) is the closest meaning.

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Question 4

Comprehension

'We must consciously try to establish an equilibrium,' (line 8) implies that mankind must

  1. A.realistically find an equation.
  2. B.strive not to be wasteful
  3. C.deliberately try to fight nature
  4. D.try to fight nature
  5. E.purposely find a balance.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (purposely find a balance.)

Explanation

An equilibrium is a balance. 'Consciously try' means do it on purpose, so mankind must purposely find a balance between births and deaths.

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Question 5

Comprehension

The main idea of this passage is that

  1. A.nature is heartless
  2. B.man should control the birth rate
  3. C.mankind will soon perish of starvation
  4. D.pestilence causes more deaths than war
  5. E.man should change nature's course gradually.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (man should control the birth rate)

Explanation

The passage warns that since we have cut the death rate, we must also check the birth rate or famine will return. The main idea is that man should control the birth rate.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 1978 Passage B
The endeavour to maintain proper standards of fairness in journalism must be pursued. It is fatally easy for the journalist to deviate from the straight path. There is his natural desire to 'make a story' and insidious temptation to twist facts to square with his paper's policy. Both are as indefensible as the framing of misleading headlines for the sake of effect. The conscientious journalist must check any tendency to bias, and guard against the dangers inherent in personal antipathies or friendships, and in traditional opposition between rival schools of thought. When a political opponent, whose stupidity habitually provokes attack, makes an effective speech, honesty requires that he be given credit for it. Where personal relationships might make it easier and more congenial to keep silent than to criticize, the journalist must never forget his duty to the public and the supreme importance of recording the truth.

When may a journalist have to act against his own inclination?

  1. A.when his friends act stupidly.
  2. B.when he becomes weak and decrepit.
  3. C.when his enemies make a mistake
  4. D.when his political opponents frame misleading head lines
  5. E.after he has been given a bribe.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (when his friends act stupidly.)

Explanation

The journalist must criticise even when friendship makes silence easier. So when his friends act badly, he must go against his own wish to protect them.

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Question 7

Comprehension

A journalist would be able to uphold the tenets of his profession if

  1. A.he seeks publicity
  2. B.he tries to achieve popularity
  3. C.he resists temptation to bias
  4. D.he can manipulate his story to please his employers
  5. E.he tries protect his friends.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (he resists temptation to bias)

Explanation

The passage stresses that a conscientious journalist must check any tendency to bias. Resisting the temptation to bias lets him keep the rules of his profession.

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Question 8

Comprehension

'Insidious' (line 2) means

  1. A.subtle
  2. B.wicked
  3. C.natural
  4. D.unusual
  5. E.wild
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (subtle)

Explanation

Something insidious works in a quiet, hidden way that you hardly notice. 'Subtle' is the closest meaning.

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Question 9

Comprehension

A dutiful journalist must

  1. A.read widely
  2. B.have political acumen
  3. C.make no enemies but friends
  4. D.be able to make an effective speech
  5. E.be able to recognise merit wherever found.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (be able to recognise merit wherever found.)

Explanation

The passage says even a disliked opponent must be given credit for a good speech. A dutiful journalist must recognise merit wherever he finds it.

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Question 10

Comprehension

The duty of the journalist to the public entails

  1. A.giving credit to his political enemies
  2. B.keeping quiet when necessary
  3. C.trying to 'make a story'
  4. D.telling the truth
  5. E.defending the weak
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (telling the truth)

Explanation

The last sentence speaks of 'his duty to the public and the supreme importance of recording the truth'. His duty is telling the truth.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 1978 Passage C
So far I have been speaking of science in its universality, viewed from the perspective of the world at large. For in the context of our own country and our sister developing countries, many of the factors mentioned earlier are not very important. For example, pollution, deterioration of the environment and population explosion are not yet serious problems for us in this country.

Let me now turn to a more specific area, namely the question of scientific choice for developing countries. There is no doubt that the role which science and technology have played in the upliftment of the material and economic well-being of the developed nations will, and does, influence the criteria that the Third World nations must choose in order to establish their science policies and priorities.

But the criteria to be used by these nations do not have to be the same as those which have brought the developed countries to their present stage of evolution. For while human beings have the same problems, their solutions, to be meaningful will have to be sought within some relevant frame of reference, such as the available resources and expertise, social values, place and time in the historical scale.

'frame of reference' in this passage (line 11) means

  1. A.point of information
  2. B.range of authority
  3. C.economic pattern
  4. D.context of situation
  5. E.wholesome choice
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (context of situation)

Explanation

A 'frame of reference' is the set of conditions within which something is judged. Here it means the local situation: resources, values, place and time.

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Question 12

Comprehension

The writer apparently believes that through science and technology our country can achieve

  1. A.peace and order
  2. B.progress and material success
  3. C.social values and universality
  4. D.wealth and economic progress
  5. E.military development and power
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (progress and material success)

Explanation

The writer links science and technology to the 'upliftment of the material and economic well-being' of nations, that is, progress and material success.

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Question 13

Comprehension

According to the passage, the basic consideration for developing science and technology should be three of the following:
1. technical know-how
2. availability of raw materials
3. atmospheric pollution
4. the people's tradition and beliefs
5. population
6. capital

  1. A.2,1 and 6 only
  2. B.3, 2 and 4 only
  3. C.5, 3 and 6 only
  4. D.6,5 and 4 only
  5. E.5, 2 and 6 only
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (2,1 and 6 only)

Explanation

The writer's frame of reference includes 'available resources and expertise'. Raw materials (2), technical know-how (1) and capital (6) are resources and expertise.

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Question 14

Comprehension

The main idea of this passage is that

  1. A.there is a yawning gap between the haves and the have-nots
  2. B.there is need to rid his countrymen from the scourges of hunger, disease, ignorance and want
  3. C.there could be atmospheric pollution and population explosion
  4. D.the concerns of science and technology are the same in all countries
  5. E.each nation must plan its development according to its needs and resources.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (each nation must plan its development according to its needs and resources.)

Explanation

The writer says developing countries need not copy the developed ones; their solutions must suit their own resources, values, place and time. Each nation must plan by its own needs.

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Question 15

Comprehension

The term 'our sister developing countries' implies

  1. A.Britain, Gambia and Canada
  2. B.Ghana, Germany and Togo
  3. C.Russia, Switzerland and America
  4. D.Liberia Sierra Leone and Gabon
  5. E.China, India and Holland
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Liberia Sierra Leone and Gabon)

Explanation

'Sister developing countries' are poor countries like ours. Liberia, Sierra Leone and Gabon are all developing African countries; the other lists include developed countries.

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Question 16

Comprehension
JAMB 1978 Passage D
These two factors, the altitude and the weather, tend separately and together to defeat the climber. The height weakens, slows him down; it forces him to spend days and nights in the course of his assault on the summit; the weather, besides adding to the demands of his energy and moral fortitude, conspires to deny him the time he needs to complete his mission. Whereas in lower mountains and on easy ground the weather may be no more than a handicap, in the high Himalayas it is decisive, regardless of terrain.

The deduction to be drawn from these two factors was clear enough. We must either so fortify ourselves that we could continue, without detriment, to live and have our being above the limit of natural acclimatization, or, better still, we must solve the problem of speed. It was desirable, in fact, that we should meet both these requirements and thus give to those chosen to attempt the summit and to their supporting teams some measure of insurance against the vagaries of the weather, for safety in mountain climbing is as much a matter of swiftness as of sureness of foot. Either or both could be achieved only by the administration of oxygen in sufficient quantities to make up for the deficiency in the air, and for the duration of the upward journey above the limit of successful acclimatization.

The author believes that to overcome the problems of altitude and weather the climber needs mainly

  1. A.courage and speed
  2. B.energy and moral fortitude
  3. C.sufficient quantities of oxygen
  4. D.swiftness and sureness of foot
  5. E.quick acclimatization
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (sufficient quantities of oxygen)

Explanation

The passage says the problems could be solved 'only by the administration of oxygen in sufficient quantities'.

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Question 17

Comprehension

'conspires' (line 3) means

  1. A.ruins
  2. B.makes secret plans
  3. C.takes a wicked action
  4. D.combines
  5. E.aggravates.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (combines)

Explanation

The weather 'conspires to deny him the time' means it works together with the altitude against the climber. 'Combines' carries this idea of joining forces.

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Question 18

Comprehension

'regardless of terrain' (line 5) means

  1. A.even on easy ground
  2. B.despite the nature of the ground
  3. C.because of steeper gradients
  4. D.ignoring the inhospitality of the mountainside
  5. E.without considering the handicap
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (despite the nature of the ground)

Explanation

In the high Himalayas the weather decides success whatever kind of ground the climber is on. 'Regardless of terrain' means despite the nature of the ground.

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Question 19

Comprehension

'to live and have our being above the limit of natural acclimatization' (line 7) means

  1. A.to be protected from the effects of the weather
  2. B.to expect no protection from the bad weather
  3. C.to survive under unnatural weather conditions
  4. D.limit our natural desires to get acclimatized to the weather
  5. E.none of the above.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (to survive under unnatural weather conditions)

Explanation

Above the limit of acclimatization the body cannot normally adjust. Living there means surviving in conditions the body is not naturally suited to.

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Question 20

Comprehension

Which ONE of the following was NOT a reason for using oxygen?

  1. A.It gave them psychological encouragement.
  2. B.It fortified them to live above the limit of natural acclimatization
  3. C.It protected them against the unexpected changes of the weather
  4. D.It quickened their journey to the summit
  5. E.It helped them to survive the worst effects of the weather.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (It gave them psychological encouragement.)

Explanation

The passage gives oxygen as the way to live above the acclimatization limit, to climb faster and to be safer from the weather. It never mentions psychological encouragement.

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Question 21

Comprehension
JAMB 1978 Passage E
I dare not lift the veil that protects our tribal marriage customs and ceremonies from the eyes of outsiders. There is already too little in this world that is sacred; and what Fatmata and I were required to go through during the next week must remain so. I was deeply in debt by the time everything was over, but I was absolutely satisfied with my parents' choice. Fatmata was as black as satin, and as soft. She had the teeth and smile of a goddess. The Dopo tutors had done their job well; she was a completely efficient lover and mother. I brought her home with swelling pride, and began at once to save all I could spare towards the cost of acquiring my second wife. My anti-Western revolt was gaining momentum.

The evidence would seem to indicate that

  1. A.the author adores his wife
  2. B.he disapproves of her ways
  3. C.he thinks she is extravagant
  4. D.the author regrets the cause of his debt
  5. E.she had not been properly brought up
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (the author adores his wife)

Explanation

He praises Fatmata's beauty, softness, smile and efficiency as lover and mother, and brings her home proudly. He clearly adores his wife.

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Question 22

Comprehension

When the author said 'my anti-Western revolt was gaining momentum' (lines 6 and 7), he was referring to the fact that

  1. A.he did not like polygamy
  2. B.he hated Europeans
  3. C.he did not want to marry another wife
  4. D.he admired everything about his wife
  5. E.he revolted against European values.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (he revolted against European values.)

Explanation

Right after praising his marriage he starts saving for a second wife. Taking more wives by native custom is a rejection of Western values, so his revolt against European ways was growing.

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Question 23

Comprehension

It would appear that the marriage had turned him into

  1. A.a good worker
  2. B.a faithful husband
  3. C.an incurable debtor
  4. D.a tragic figure
  5. E.a proud husband
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (a proud husband)

Explanation

He brought his wife home 'with swelling pride'. The marriage made him a proud husband.

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Question 24

Comprehension

Which one of the following is NOT true of the passage?

  1. A.The lady was beautiful.
  2. B.The marriage cost a lot of money
  3. C.The marriage was according to native law and custom
  4. D.Fatmata never had an issue
  5. E.The author wanted another wife
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Fatmata never had an issue)

Explanation

The passage calls Fatmata 'a completely efficient lover and mother', so she did have children. The statement that she never had an issue is not true.

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Question 25

Comprehension

'swelling' (line 6) means

  1. A.jovial
  2. B.great
  3. C.remarkable
  4. D.happy
  5. E.growing.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (growing.)

Explanation

'Swelling' means getting bigger, so his 'swelling pride' was pride that kept growing as he brought his wife home.

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Question 26

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: In the match against the Uplanders team, the Submariners turned out to be the dark horse

  1. A.played most brilliantly
  2. B.played below their usual form
  3. C.won unexpectedly
  4. D.lost as expected
  5. E.won as expected
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (won unexpectedly)

Explanation

A dark horse is a little-known competitor who surprises everyone by winning. So the Submariners won unexpectedly.

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Question 27

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: Only the small fry get punished for such social misdemeanours

  1. A.small boys
  2. B.unimportant people
  3. C.frightened people
  4. D.frivolous people
  5. E.inexperienced people.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (unimportant people)

Explanation

'Small fry' means people of little importance. Only the unimportant people are punished while the big ones escape.

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Question 28

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: He spoke with his heart in his mouth

  1. A.courageously
  2. B.with such unusual cowardice
  3. C.with a lot of confusion in his speech
  4. D.without being able to make up his mind
  5. E.with fright and agitation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (with fright and agitation)

Explanation

To have your heart in your mouth is to be very frightened and nervous. He spoke with fright and agitation.

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Question 29

Synonyms

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: The leader in today's issue of our popular newspaper focuses on inflation

  1. A.president
  2. B.headline
  3. C.editorial
  4. D.columnist
  5. E.proprietor
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (editorial)

Explanation

In a newspaper, the 'leader' (leading article) is the editorial, which gives the paper's own opinion.

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Question 30

Synonyms

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: From the ways my friend talks, you can see he is such a bore

  1. A.rude
  2. B.brilliant
  3. C.uninteresting
  4. D.overbearing
  5. E.humorous.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (uninteresting)

Explanation

A bore is a dull person who talks in an uninteresting way.

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Question 31

Synonyms

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: His jail terms were to run concurrently

  1. A.simultaneously
  2. B.uniformly
  3. C.laboriously
  4. D.consecutively
  5. E.judiciously
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (simultaneously)

Explanation

Sentences that run concurrently are served at the same time, that is, simultaneously.

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Question 32

Synonyms

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: There is some obvious symmetry in the whole presentation

  1. A.confusion
  2. B.hesitation
  3. C.excitement
  4. D.orderliness
  5. E.dissatisfaction
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (orderliness)

Explanation

Symmetry means balance and regular arrangement of parts, so 'orderliness' is closest.

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Question 33

Synonyms

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: This bill has to wait as we are now insolvent

  1. A.overworked
  2. B.bankrupt
  3. C.unsettled
  4. D.insoluble
  5. E.affluent
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (bankrupt)

Explanation

Insolvent means unable to pay one's debts, that is, bankrupt.

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Question 34

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: All his plans fell through

  1. A.failed
  2. B.were accomplished
  3. C.had to be reviewed
  4. D.were rejected
  5. E.fell
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (failed)

Explanation

When plans 'fall through', they fail to happen.

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Question 35

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: The balance sheet at the end of the business year shows that we broke even.

  1. A.lost heavily
  2. B.made profit
  3. C.neither lost nor gained
  4. D.had no money to continue business
  5. E.were heavily indebted to our bankers
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (neither lost nor gained)

Explanation

To break even means to make neither a profit nor a loss.

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Question 36

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: He was appointed specifically to put the recruits through

  1. A.assign them to work
  2. B.train them
  3. C.discipline them
  4. D.assist them at work
  5. E.supervise them at work
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (train them)

Explanation

To 'put recruits through' their paces means to give them their training.

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Question 37

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: The result of his experiment represents a break through in medical science

  1. A.an outstanding success
  2. B.catastrophe
  3. C.an end to such experiments
  4. D.a breaking point
  5. E.a colossal failure
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (an outstanding success)

Explanation

A breakthrough is an important new discovery or achievement, so it is an outstanding success.

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Question 38

Synonyms

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: Being an optimist, our professor always sees the brightside of most things

  1. A.charming
  2. B.illumined
  3. C.brilliant
  4. D.pleasing
  5. E.cheerful.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (cheerful.)

Explanation

The bright side of things is their hopeful, cheerful side. An optimist always expects good things.

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Question 39

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: The State Government appointed a Commission of Inquiry to go into the community's complaints carefully and without prejudice

  1. A.investigate
  2. B.search
  3. C.look for
  4. D.account for
  5. E.ascertain
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (investigate)

Explanation

To 'go into' complaints means to examine them carefully, that is, to investigate them.

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Question 40

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: The traffic situation in Lagos can lead to disastrous consequences: a man lost a very lucrative job because he was held up by it

  1. A.confused
  2. B.delayed
  3. C.annoyed
  4. D.intrigued
  5. E.obstructed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (delayed)

Explanation

To be held up by traffic means to be delayed by it.

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Question 41

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: Mrs. Dada has been deserted by her husband because he feels she has a heart of stone

  1. A.She has a heavy heart
  2. B.she has little warmth of feeling
  3. C.she has a hard heart
  4. D.she is hard hearted
  5. E.she has a strong heart
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (she is hard hearted)

Explanation

Someone with a heart of stone feels no pity or sympathy. She is hard-hearted.

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Question 42

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: Mr. Jack could be a successful businessman if he paid more attention to the more intricate aspects of his account

  1. A.Mr Jack will undoubtedly succeed
  2. B.Mr Jack cannot succeed
  3. C.Jack will have a very good chance of succeeding
  4. D.Mr. Jack will find it difficult to succeed
  5. E.Mr Jack will succeed in spite of all odds
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Jack will have a very good chance of succeeding)

Explanation

'Could be a successful businessman if...' says success is quite possible under a condition. So he has a very good chance of succeeding.

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Question 43

Sentence Interpretation

If my father had not arrived, I would have starved. This sentence means

  1. A.my father did arrive and I didn't starve
  2. B.I had to starve because my father didn't come
  3. C.my father didn't arrive and I didn't starve
  4. D.I should have starved but I didn't
  5. E.I had starved before my father arrived
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (my father did arrive and I didn't starve)

Explanation

'If my father had not arrived, I would have starved' describes an unreal past: in fact the father did arrive, so I did not starve.

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Question 44

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: The two sprinters were running neck and neck

  1. A.exactly level
  2. B.very slowly
  3. C.very fast
  4. D.with their necks together
  5. E.together
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (exactly level)

Explanation

Running 'neck and neck' means being exactly level in a race, with neither ahead.

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Question 45

Synonyms

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: He stared at her

  1. A.glanced
  2. B.peeped
  3. C.looked
  4. D.gazed
  5. E.fixed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (gazed)

Explanation

To stare is to look at someone fixedly for a long time, which is to gaze.

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Question 46

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: When the man was caught by the police he presented a bold front

  1. A.he attacked the policemen boldly
  2. B.he walked up to the policemen
  3. C.he faced the situation with apparent boldness
  4. D.he bravely attempted to give them a present
  5. E.he frowned at them in a defiant manner
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (he faced the situation with apparent boldness)

Explanation

To present a bold front is to appear brave and confident, even if one is not. He faced the situation with apparent boldness.

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Question 47

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: I have been able to observe him at close quarters

  1. A.in government houses near by
  2. B.within a short space of time
  3. C.in a small family house
  4. D.at close range
  5. E.at regular intervals
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (at close range)

Explanation

'At close quarters' means from very near, that is, at close range.

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Question 48

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion: At the sight of the ghastly accident the poor woman's hair stood on end

  1. A.the woman's hair became straight
  2. B.the wind blew her hair upwards
  3. C.the woman was unmoved
  4. D.the woman disarranged her hair
  5. E.the woman was frightened.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (the woman was frightened.)

Explanation

When your hair stands on end, you are extremely frightened.

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Question 49

Verb Forms

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: When the beggar was tried he..... down by the roadside

  1. A.lied
  2. B.laid
  3. C.layed
  4. D.lay
  5. E.lain
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (lay)

Explanation

The past tense of 'lie' (to rest flat) is 'lay'. 'Laid' is the past of 'lay' (to put something down).

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Question 50

Pronouns

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: He did not like ...... leaving the class early

  1. A.we
  2. B.us
  3. C.our
  4. D.ourselves
  5. E.our selves
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (our)

Explanation

Before a gerund (an -ing word used as a noun) we use the possessive: 'our leaving the class early'.

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Question 51

Tenses

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: Before the operation the dentist found that his patient's teeth....

  1. A.have long decayed
  2. B.have long been decayed
  3. C.have long being decayed
  4. D.had long decayed
  5. E.had been decayed.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (had long decayed)

Explanation

The finding is in the past ('found'), so the earlier state needs the past perfect: 'had long decayed'.

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Question 52

Concord

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: The employer, not the salesman and his representative... responsible for the loss

  1. A.are
  2. B.are being
  3. C.are never
  4. D.have been
  5. E.is
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (is)

Explanation

The subject is 'the employer'; the phrase 'not the salesman and his representative' does not change it. A singular subject takes 'is'.

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Question 53

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: The boy was born before his parents actually got married and so the court has declared him ....

  1. A.illegal
  2. B.illegitimate
  3. C.illicit
  4. D.unlawful
  5. E.untenable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (illegitimate)

Explanation

A child born to parents who are not married to each other is called illegitimate.

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Question 54

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: As he was still owing me two naira, I was careful not to.... him any more money

  1. A.lend
  2. B.loan
  3. C.borrow
  4. D.extend
  5. E.credit
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (lend)

Explanation

To lend is to give money for a while; to borrow is to take it. Since he owed me, I would not lend him more.

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Question 55

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: Last week the ..... at the theatre was the largest I had ever seen

  1. A.assembly
  2. B.congregation
  3. C.convention
  4. D.audience
  5. E.crowd
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (audience)

Explanation

The people who watch a play in a theatre are the audience.

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Question 56

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: If you travel by air you will be given an allowance to cover......

  1. A.a luggage
  2. B.luggage
  3. C.luggages
  4. D.a baggage
  5. E.baggages
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (luggage)

Explanation

'Luggage' is uncountable, so it takes no 'a' and has no plural.

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Question 57

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: Tennyson and Browning lived about the same time and are therefore....... poets

  1. A.contrary
  2. B.contractual
  3. C.contemporaneous
  4. D.contemporary
  5. E.contemptible
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (contemporary)

Explanation

Writers or people who live at the same time are contemporaries; 'contemporary poets' is the right expression.

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Question 58

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: The green snake which lives in the green grass is using a perfect ......

  1. A.ambush
  2. B.under cover
  3. C.camouflage
  4. D.shelter
  5. E.subterfuge
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (camouflage)

Explanation

Camouflage is colouring that helps an animal blend with its surroundings, like a green snake in green grass.

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Question 59

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: In order to carry out the necessary examination the dead body was......

  1. A.extracted
  2. B.extradited
  3. C.exiled
  4. D.expelled
  5. E.exhumed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (exhumed)

Explanation

To exhume is to dig a buried body out of the ground, for example for an examination.

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Question 60

Pronouns

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: Remember this matter is strictly....

  1. A.between you and I
  2. B.among you and I
  3. C.among you and me
  4. D.between you and me
  5. E.between you and myself
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (between you and me)

Explanation

After a preposition like 'between' we use object pronouns ('me'), and 'between' is used for two people.

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Question 61

Verb Forms

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: He went abroad with a view....... a business partner

  1. A.to find
  2. B.to be finding
  3. C.to have found
  4. D.to finding
  5. E.he will find
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (to finding)

Explanation

The fixed expression is 'with a view to' followed by an -ing form: 'with a view to finding'.

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Question 62

Conjunctions

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: He had just entered the office..... the telephone rang

  1. A.as
  2. B.before
  3. C.since
  4. D.when
  5. E.until
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (when)

Explanation

'Had just entered... when the telephone rang' is the normal pattern for one action happening just after another.

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Question 63

Verb Forms

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: They..... receive visitors at short notice

  1. A.use to
  2. B.are used to
  3. C.used to
  4. D.are always
  5. E.are use to
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (used to)

Explanation

'Used to' + verb describes a past habit: 'They used to receive visitors at short notice'.

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Question 64

Prepositions

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: His suggestion is completely.... the point and cannot be accepted

  1. A.to
  2. B.about
  3. C.beside
  4. D.on
  5. E.under
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (beside)

Explanation

'Beside the point' means not relevant, so the suggestion cannot be accepted.

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Question 65

Conjunctions

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: For..... he is secretary we shall not have correct minutes

  1. A.because
  2. B.as long as
  3. C.so long
  4. D.in as much
  5. E.although
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (as long as)

Explanation

'As long as' means 'while' or 'provided that': as long as he is secretary, the minutes will be wrong.

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Question 66

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: He went up quickly and returned......

  1. A.fastest
  2. B.fastly
  3. C.as fastly
  4. D.as fast
  5. E.in fastness
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (as fast)

Explanation

'Fast' is both adjective and adverb; 'fastly' is not a word. 'As fast' completes the sentence correctly.

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Question 67

Pronouns

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: Invariably, he ends all his letters '...... amicably'

  1. A.you
  2. B.your's
  3. C.yours'
  4. D.yours
  5. E.your own
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (yours)

Explanation

The letter closing is 'Yours amicably'. 'Yours' never takes an apostrophe.

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Question 68

Tenses

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: If I went to the cinema I ...... early

  1. A.shall return
  2. B.am returning
  3. C.would return
  4. D.had returned
  5. E.may return.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (would return)

Explanation

'If I went...' is the second conditional, so the main clause takes 'would' + verb: 'I would return early'.

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Question 69

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: The traditional folktales form an... to the book

  1. A.index
  2. B.insertion
  3. C.information
  4. D.overview
  5. E.appendix
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (appendix)

Explanation

An appendix is extra material added at the end of a book, such as a set of folktales.

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Question 70

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: The frightening explosion in the factory.... whole wing

  1. A.washed out
  2. B.wiped out
  3. C.rooted out
  4. D.flushed out
  5. E.cleared out
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (wiped out)

Explanation

To 'wipe out' is to destroy completely. The explosion wiped out the whole wing.

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Question 71

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: Our plane was scheduled to.... at 10.00 hrs but it was delayed because of bad weather

  1. A.fly out
  2. B.take off
  3. C.start out
  4. D.shoot off
  5. E.lift off
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (take off)

Explanation

An aircraft 'takes off' when it leaves the ground.

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Question 72

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: As luck would have it, the weather brightened almost immediately and after six hours flight we.... at Heathrow Airport

  1. A.touched down
  2. B.dropped
  3. C.came down
  4. D.flew down
  5. E.stopped
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (touched down)

Explanation

A plane 'touches down' when it lands.

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Question 73

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: Before we left the airport, each passenger was made to.... certain forms

  1. A.fill in
  2. B.write in
  3. C.enter in
  4. D.go through
  5. E.read out
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (fill in)

Explanation

We 'fill in' forms by writing information in the spaces.

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Question 74

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: My father cannot bear the..... of the concoction that emanates from my mother's soup pot

  1. A.sweet
  2. B.savouring
  3. C.aroma
  4. D.smell
  5. E.scent
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (smell)

Explanation

'Cannot bear' shows he dislikes it, so we need a neutral or unpleasant word. 'Aroma' and 'scent' are pleasant, so 'smell' fits.

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Question 75

Verb Forms

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: I would not have condescended to appease the traffic policeman but I happened..... traffic regulations

  1. A.to have broken
  2. B.to be breaking
  3. C.to break
  4. D.to break in
  5. E.to have evaded
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (to have broken)

Explanation

He condescended because of something already done before the meeting, so the perfect infinitive is needed: 'happened to have broken'.

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Question 76

Question Tags

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: The Managing Director did not pay his staff last month,.....?

  1. A.didn't he
  2. B.had he not
  3. C.is not it
  4. D.did he
  5. E.has he
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (did he)

Explanation

A negative statement ('did not pay') takes a positive tag in the same tense: 'did he?'

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Question 77

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: Although he is in all respects a poor student, he has managed to buy a tape recorder to improve his....of French.

  1. A.mastery
  2. B.mastering
  3. C.speaking
  4. D.ideas
  5. E.thinking
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (mastery)

Explanation

He wants to improve his command of French, which is his 'mastery' of it.

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Question 78

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: Granted you are my senior by one year, you cannot....... me around as if I were your servant

  1. A.control
  2. B.dribble
  3. C.order
  4. D.ask
  5. E.compel
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (order)

Explanation

To 'order someone around' is to keep telling them what to do, as if they were a servant.

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Question 79

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: ........ marked an important step in the history of the industrial revolution

  1. A.The invention of the locomotive engine
  2. B.The discovery of locomotion
  3. C.The discovery of the engine
  4. D.Inquiry into locomotion
  5. E.The process of locomotion
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (The invention of the locomotive engine)

Explanation

The locomotive (steam railway) engine was an invention, and it was an important step in the industrial revolution.

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Question 80

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: Because the referee was partial and his opponent rough, the loser of the wrestling match received..... cheers than the winner.

  1. A.thunderous
  2. B.many more
  3. C.overwhelming
  4. D.a little more
  5. E.several
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (many more)

Explanation

'Than' needs a comparative. The partial referee and rough opponent won the loser sympathy, so he got many more cheers.

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Question 81

Prepositions

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: The boxer was highly rated..... his doggedness and ability to absorb heavy punches

  1. A.by
  2. B.through
  3. C.for
  4. D.about
  5. E.in
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (for)

Explanation

We rate or praise someone 'for' a quality: highly rated for his doggedness.

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Question 82

Prepositions

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: Many lives are lost on Nigerian roads...... lack of consideration for other road users by many crazy drivers

  1. A.in view of
  2. B.resulting in
  3. C.owing totally to
  4. D.through
  5. E.by
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (owing totally to)

Explanation

'Owing to' means 'because of'. The deaths happen because of drivers' lack of consideration.

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Question 83

Prepositions

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: The man no longer feared his opponents after their spokesman had assured him that they were well disposed..... him

  1. A.to
  2. B.towards
  3. C.around
  4. D.about
  5. E.for
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (towards)

Explanation

The fixed expression is 'well disposed towards' someone, meaning friendly to them.

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Question 84

Prepositions

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: My little boy is hyper-active and he is therefore prone..... accidents

  1. A.with respect to
  2. B.for
  3. C.to
  4. D.about
  5. E.as regards
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (to)

Explanation

'Prone to' means likely to suffer from something: prone to accidents.

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Question 85

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: His horrible high-pitched laugh...... on my nerves

  1. A.jags
  2. B.jabs
  3. C.jams
  4. D.jars
  5. E.jeers
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (jars)

Explanation

Something unpleasant 'jars on' your nerves, meaning it irritates you.

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Question 86

Prepositions

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: The train rattled along... full speed

  1. A.in
  2. B.at
  3. C.with
  4. D.by
  5. E.on
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (at)

Explanation

The fixed phrase is 'at full speed'.

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Question 87

Question Tags

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: You would have thought that somebody would've informed me,......

  1. A.shouldn't they
  2. B.wouldn't you
  3. C.I should think
  4. D.you agree
  5. E.isn't it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (I should think)

Explanation

The tag must match the main clause 'You would have thought', so it is 'wouldn't you?'

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Question 88

Tenses

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: If this had happened to you, what...... ?

  1. A.would you do
  2. B.have you done
  3. C.would you have done
  4. D.will you do
  5. E.would you be doing.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (have you done)

Explanation

The 'if' clause is in the past perfect ('had happened'), so the main clause needs 'would have': 'what would you have done?'

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Question 89

Tenses

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: What a relief that the strike..... when it did!

  1. A.would end
  2. B.was ending
  3. C.ended
  4. D.has ended
  5. E.is ending
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (ended)

Explanation

The strike's end is a finished past event ('when it did'), so the simple past 'ended' is correct.

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Question 90

Conjunctions

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: We should take care ....... the robbers come back

  1. A.may be
  2. B.should in case
  3. C.perhaps
  4. D.probably
  5. E.in case
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (in case)

Explanation

'In case' means 'because something might happen': take care in case the robbers come back.

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Question 91

Tenses

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: By the time the rainy season ended, all the young cocoa trees..... in size.

  1. A.have double
  2. B.had doubled
  3. C.were doubling
  4. D.doubled
  5. E.will double
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (had doubled)

Explanation

The doubling was complete before a past time ('By the time... ended'), so the past perfect 'had doubled' is needed.

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Question 92

Conjunctions

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: There were so many children.......

  1. A.that she couldn't feed them all
  2. B.than she could feed
  3. C.that she couldn't feed
  4. D.that she could feed them all
  5. E.more than she could feed them all
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (that she couldn't feed them all)

Explanation

'So many... that' introduces a result: so many children that she couldn't feed them all.

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Question 93

Tenses

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: Isn't it high time you..... your office?

  1. A.are leaving
  2. B.do leave
  3. C.leave
  4. D.left
  5. E.did leave
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (left)

Explanation

After 'It is high time' we use the simple past to talk about the present: 'high time you left'.

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Question 94

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: In West Africa the..... of sickle cell is about 25 per cent.

  1. A.incident
  2. B.incidence
  3. C.accident
  4. D.accidence
  5. E.incense
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (incidence)

Explanation

'Incidence' means how often something (such as a disease) occurs. 'Incident' is a single event.

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Question 95

Tenses

Choose the option that most suitably fills the space: We got to the hall after the play.....

  1. A.is started
  2. B.was starting
  3. C.had started
  4. D.has started
  5. E.would start
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (had started)

Explanation

The play began before we arrived, both in the past, so the earlier action takes the past perfect: 'had started'.

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Question 96

Antonyms

Substitute for the underlined word in the following sentence the word that most closely expresses the opposite meaning: The plaintiff made very cogent submissions to the trial judge

  1. A.bailiff
  2. B.prosecutor
  3. C.lawyer
  4. D.defendant
  5. E.accused.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (defendant)

Explanation

A plaintiff brings a case to court; the person the case is brought against is the defendant.

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Question 97

Pronouns

Choose the option which is nearest in meaning to the sentence: We visited the home of one boy. That's the boy I mean.

  1. A.That's the boy whom we visited his home
  2. B.That's the boy whose home we visited.
  3. C.That's the boy to whose home we visited.
  4. D.That's the boy whom we visited the home
  5. E.That's the boy the home of whom we visited.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (That's the boy whose home we visited.)

Explanation

'Whose' shows possession and replaces 'his': 'the boy whose home we visited'.

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Question 98

Sentence Interpretation

Choose the option which is nearest in meaning to the sentence: The dog was limping. It appeared that one of its legs might have been injured.

  1. A.The dog was limping as if it had an injured leg
  2. B.The dog was limping as it had an injured leg
  3. C.The dog was limping so it had an injured leg
  4. D.The dog was limping so as it had an injured leg
  5. E.The dog was limping for it had an injured leg.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (The dog was limping as if it had an injured leg)

Explanation

'It appeared that one of its legs might have been injured' means we only guess; 'as if' shows this appearance.

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Question 99

Sentence Interpretation

Choose the option which is nearest in meaning to the sentence: I can walk that distance and have done so many times.

  1. A.I am used to walk that distance
  2. B.I used to walk that distance
  3. C.I used to walking that distance
  4. D.I am used to walking that distance
  5. E.I will walk that distance.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (I am used to walking that distance)

Explanation

'Can walk that distance and have done so many times' means it is a familiar thing. 'Be used to' is followed by the -ing form: 'I am used to walking'.

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Question 100

Sentence Interpretation

Choose the option which is nearest in meaning to the sentence: For all he cared, his parents might have been dead for years

  1. A.although concerned about his parents, he had been unable to find out if they were alive
  2. B.He cared for no-one except his parents and it was possible that they had died long before
  3. C.He did not care whether his parents were alive or had died long before
  4. D.He was concerned about every one, not just about his parents, who might have died long before
  5. E.He cared very much for his parents even though they were dead.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (He did not care whether his parents were alive or had died long before)

Explanation

'For all he cared' means he did not care at all. So he did not care whether his parents were alive or long dead.

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