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JAMB Use of English 1983 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 1983 Passage I: Developing the University
The approach to the University is being restructured to ease the flow of traffic, give better security and provide an appropriate introduction to a set of higher learning. The Works and Services Complex is also under construction, and we intend to move into the completed (major) part of it within the next few weeks

All these projects are being executed with an eye to aesthetics, for we recognize the important influence of a beautiful and healthy environment on its inhabitants and feel that a cluster of buildings on a small space such as we have should be so well designed as to have a beneficial psychological and sociological effect on all members of the community.

I have gone to these lengths to itemize these examples of current development for two main reasons. Firstly, to advise you that the road diversions and other physical inconveniences currently being experienced will be on the increase because of intense development activity. We therefore appeal to you to bear with us in full knowledge and consolation that such inconveniences are temporary and will soon yield final tangible results. Secondly, to demonstrate our capacity for executing approved projects with dispatch, and to assure Government that we are up to the task. Indeed, I can assure Government that its ability to disburse funds to us will be more than matched by our capacity to collect and expend them on executing various worthy projects in record time.

From the passage we can gather that

  1. A.there is not much consideration for the health of the inhabitants
  2. B.there is deliberate effort to inconvenience the people
  3. C.buildings are put up anyhow
  4. D.projects are carried out without approval
  5. E.the inconveniences suffered by the inhabitants will be for a while.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (the inconveniences suffered by the inhabitants will be for a while.)

Explanation

The writer says the inconveniences 'are temporary', so they will last only for a while.

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Question 2

Comprehension

Unless it can be shown that the money voted for projects can be spent on them in good time

  1. A.the development activity will not be intense
  2. B.it will not be easy to convince the Government of our executive ability
  3. C.it will not be difficult to ask Government for funds
  4. D.our final results will be unreliable
  5. E.the road diversions and other inconveniences will continue
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (it will not be easy to convince the Government of our executive ability)

Explanation

The writer wants to show the Government that the university can spend its funds quickly and well; without that proof the Government would not trust its ability to carry out projects.

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Question 3

Comprehension

An eye to aesthetics in this passage means

  1. A.regard for space
  2. B.beneficial psychological effects
  3. C.regard for health
  4. D.consideration for beauty
  5. E.a cluster of buildings
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (consideration for beauty)

Explanation

Aesthetics is about beauty; the writer stresses 'a beautiful and healthy environment'.

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Question 4

Comprehension

In the passage the author tries to explain why

  1. A.it is necessary to establish the Works and Services Complex in the University
  2. B.beauty should not be taken into consideration when building on such a small space as we have
  3. C.the gateway to the University is being rebuilt
  4. D.a major part of the project should be completed in the next few weeks
  5. E.visitors should be debarred from using the gates in the meantime
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (the gateway to the University is being rebuilt)

Explanation

The passage opens by giving the reasons the approach (gateway) to the University is being rebuilt: to ease traffic, improve security and give a fitting introduction to the institution.

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Question 5

Comprehension

Which of these is NOT among the reasons given by the author for enumerating the examples of the current development?

  1. A.to show that we are capable of executing approved projects
  2. B.to convince the government that we can be trusted with the task
  3. C.the inconvenience currently being experienced will go on indefinitely
  4. D.we are fully aware of inconveniences being caused but we do not want you to complain
  5. E.we have the capacity to complete worthy projects within the scheduled time.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (the inconvenience currently being experienced will go on indefinitely)

Explanation

The writer says the inconveniences are temporary, so saying they will go on indefinitely is not one of his reasons.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 1983 Passage II: Work for prisoners
Is work for prisoners a privilege to save them from the demoralizing effects and misery of endless unoccupied hour? Is it something added to a prison sentence to make it harder an more unpleasant, or something which should have a positive value as part of a system of rehabilitation?

Those magistrates who clung to sentences of hard labour doubtless looked upon strenuous work as an additional punishment. This point of view is widely accepted as right and proper, but it ignores the fact that unwillingness to work is often one of the immediate causes of criminality . To send prisoners back to the outside world, more than ever convinced that labour is an evil to be avoided, is to confirm them in their old way of life.

It has been said that the purpose of prison work in a programme of rehabilitation is twofold: training for work and training by work. The prisoner, that is to say, needs to be trained in habits of industry; but over and above this, he will gain immeasurably if it is possible to rouse in him the consciousness of self-mastery and of purpose that the completion of any worthwhile piece of work can give to the doer. He may find a pride of achievement in something more satisfying, and more socially desirable, than crime. But these things can only come when the work itself has a purpose and demands an effort.

According to the author, some magistrates sentence prisoners to hard labour becasue

  1. A.some prisoners are unwilling to work
  2. B.work is a privilege
  3. C.prisoners need to learn a trade
  4. D.it is an additional punishment
  5. E.it is a means of rehabilitation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (it is an additional punishment)

Explanation

The passage says magistrates who gave hard labour 'looked upon strenuous work as an additional punishment'.

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Question 7

Comprehension

Which of these is NOT the purpose of work in a programme of rehabilitation?

  1. A.Training the prisoners to have satisfaction in work
  2. B.Developing in them a pride in sense of achievement
  3. C.Developing in them more satisfaction in work than in crime
  4. D.Helping them to accelerate their reform and discharge
  5. E.Training them for work and by work
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Helping them to accelerate their reform and discharge)

Explanation

The passage mentions training, a sense of purpose and pride in work, but says nothing about speeding up prisoners' release.

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Question 8

Comprehension

The author thinks that strenuous work in prison

  1. A.is a privilege for the prisoners
  2. B.may do more harm than good
  3. C.is part of their punishment
  4. D.is a right and proper thing
  5. E.should be an additional punishment
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (may do more harm than good)

Explanation

He warns that work given only as punishment sends prisoners out convinced that labour is evil, which pushes them back to crime.

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Question 9

Comprehension

What the author is trying to put across in this passage is that

  1. A.crime does not pay
  2. B.prisoners should be made to work hard
  3. C.work is more desirable than crime
  4. D.life in prison is one of misery
  5. E.work in prison without a purpose is bad
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (work in prison without a purpose is bad)

Explanation

He ends by saying the benefits come only 'when the work itself has a purpose', so purposeless prison work is harmful.

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Question 10

Comprehension

Demoralizing in this passage means

  1. A.deforming
  2. B.reforming
  3. C.agonizing
  4. D.destructive
  5. E.corrupting
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (agonizing)

Explanation

'Demoralizing' describes something that wears down a person's spirit and causes distress, as the misery of idle hours does; the key takes this as 'agonizing'.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 1983 Passage III: The Save the Children Fund in Malawi
The Save the Children Fund (SCF) was first started in London on 19th May, 1919 by an English woman-named Miss Jebb. It is now a worldwide organization, dedicated to helping needy children everywhere. The SCF of Malawi was formed in 1953, under the patronage of His Excellency the Life President Ngawazi Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda.

'Our job in Malawi is to give those unfortunate children the rights that they are deprived of through no fault of theirs. These are internationally recognized as the ten rights of children and include protection, care, food and accommodation, and relief, a spokesman for the Fund explained.

One of those who benefited from the help of the Fund is Samuel Mpetechula, a graduate of Chancellor. His sponsorship started in 1967. The SCF of Malawi found him sponsors. They were Mr and Mrs Sutton of Australia who paid his school fees and continued to help him financially throughout his University education.

Mr. Mpetechula said, 'They even built a house for me at home and looked after my family while I was a student. They were really helpful to me, and the thought that there were these sponsors caring, for me from thousands of kilometres away from here was an encouragement for me to work hard at college'.

Another important function of the work of the SCF is in the field of nutrition. With the help of the Australian Government, the SCF established two nutrition rehabilitation centres for children; one at Mpemba and another in Mulanje'

The object of the centre's, explained Mr. Petre Chimbe, the Executive Secretary of the Fund, 'is to combat malnutrition in children, by giving them the proper food'.

In Malawi, the 'Save the Children Fund' was formed

  1. A.by an English woman named Miss Jebb in 1919
  2. B.in 1919 under the patronage of His Excellency the Life President Ngawazi Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda
  3. C.under the patronage of His Excellency the Life President Ngawzi Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda in 1953
  4. D.in 1953 by a group of social workers headed by Dr. Mbagunda
  5. E.none of the above
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (under the patronage of His Excellency the Life President Ngawzi Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda in 1953)

Explanation

The passage says the SCF of Malawi was formed in 1953 under the patronage of Dr. Banda; 1919 was when the Fund began in London.

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Question 12

Comprehension

The 'Save the Children Fund' in Malawi helps needy children by

  1. A.finding families which are willing to adopt the children
  2. B.finding sponsors for the children's education and by opening nutrition centres
  3. C.giving loans and scholarships to students who cannot afford to continue their education
  4. D.running institutions which give free food
  5. E.clothing and lodging poor children without parents.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (finding sponsors for the children's education and by opening nutrition centres)

Explanation

The passage describes the Fund finding sponsors for Samuel Mpetechula and setting up two nutrition rehabilitation centres.

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Question 13

Comprehension

Samuel Mpetechula was able to graduate from Chancellor because

  1. A.of the financial assistance given to him by his sponsors
  2. B.his uncle paid his education fees
  3. C.he was able to win a scholarship to the university
  4. D.the SCF subsidized his education expenses
  5. E.of the assistance given to him by the Australian Government
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (of the financial assistance given to him by his sponsors)

Explanation

His sponsors, Mr and Mrs Sutton, paid his fees and supported him through university.

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Question 14

Comprehension

In questions 14 and 15 choose the meaning which best fits the underlined phrases taken from the passage. Combat malnutrition means

  1. A.struggle against the eating of the wrong type of food
  2. B.fight ill health caused by over-feeding
  3. C.wipe out ignorance
  4. D.fight to wipe out ill-health caused by lack of food
  5. E.fight against hunger
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (fight to wipe out ill-health caused by lack of food)

Explanation

Malnutrition is ill-health from not getting enough proper food, and to combat it is to fight it.

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Question 15

Comprehension

In questions 14 and 15 choose the meaning which best fits the underlined phrases taken from the passage. Deprived of means

  1. A.spared
  2. B.prevented from getting
  3. C.robbed of
  4. D.unable to take
  5. E.snatched from
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (prevented from getting)

Explanation

Children 'deprived of' their rights are kept from having them, i.e. prevented from getting them.

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Question 16

Comprehension
JAMB 1983 Passage IV: Human nature
At the time of the trouble in Ireland, a priest said, 'Man is half beast', A diplomat replied, 'Yes. And the beast is the half I like the best'. The priest meant that beasts behave as badly as man when man makes up his mind to behave badly. If you look at the folly and cruelty of today's world, it is hard to disagree with the diplomat or the priest. But human nature can be changed. Anybody, if that is what they most want to do, can change the most difficult person they know. The art of changing people has been lost in the modern world. That is why the modern world has lost its way.

There are two ways of looking at human nature. One is to make the best of it as it is and assume that it is the raw material of life which cannot be altered. That is what most people in the free world do today. In these circumstances, if you expect the worst, you are seldom disappointed. Faith today has become irrelevant to the everyday needs, of so many people in positions of responsibility because they do not expect faith to change men.

Another way of dealing with human nature is to exploit it. All materialists, whether of the right or the left, do this. All over the world vanity, fear, ambition, lust and greed are used to control the life of men; and if the control breaks down, man does not hesitate to use force, or to destroy life. The end, he says, justifies the means and men are only of value in so far as they are a means towards the achievement of his ambition. If they cannot be bribed or forced to play their part, then they must be liquidated.

The priest meant that

  1. A.man is both beast and human
  2. B.man could be worse than a beast if he wants to
  3. C.he liked beasts more than man
  4. D.he liked both man and beast
  5. E.really, a man cannot be a beast.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (man could be worse than a beast if he wants to)

Explanation

The passage explains that the priest meant man can behave as badly as a beast when he decides to behave badly.

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Question 17

Comprehension

The modern world has lost its way because

  1. A.it no longer believes in God
  2. B.ambition has made people greedy
  3. C.people are no longer interested in one another
  4. D.the technique of influencing people is no more
  5. E.people are just too selfish
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (the technique of influencing people is no more)

Explanation

The passage says 'the art of changing people has been lost' and 'that is why the modern world has lost its way'.

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Question 18

Comprehension

What most people do in the free world today is to

  1. A.leave other people alone
  2. B.assume that human nature is bad
  3. C.accept human nature as it is since it is immutable
  4. D.attempt to change the world
  5. E.leave the world as it is
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (accept human nature as it is since it is immutable)

Explanation

People in the free world assume human nature is raw material that 'cannot be altered', i.e. immutable, and accept it.

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Question 19

Comprehension

Faith today is by and large irrelevant because

  1. A.nobody thinks it can alter human nature
  2. B.most people do not believe in God
  3. C.being in a position of responsibility nullifies the importance of faith
  4. D.responsible people need not bother about faith
  5. E.the faithful are very few in the world anyway
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (nobody thinks it can alter human nature)

Explanation

Faith is irrelevant to people in authority 'because they do not expect faith to change men'.

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Question 20

Comprehension

Materials can be found

  1. A.in capitalist countries
  2. B.in communist countries
  3. C.in less developed countries
  4. D.among people who do not have neighbours
  5. E.all over the world
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (all over the world)

Explanation

The passage says materialists of both the right and the left exploit human nature 'all over the world'.

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Question 21

Comprehension
JAMB 1983 Passage V: Zacharia
The passage, as printed

Zacharia

  1. A.was the cook of a trade
  2. B.worked for a priest
  3. C.worked for the speaker's mother
  4. D.was a rich man
  5. E.was a handsome man
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (was the cook of a trade)

Explanation

The narrator says Zacharia had been cook to a Greek trader in the town.

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Question 22

Comprehension

Which of the following was NOT a quality of Zacharia's character?

  1. A.Vanity
  2. B.Lack of respect for others
  3. C.Humility
  4. D.Arrogance
  5. E.Insubordination
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Humility)

Explanation

Zacharia is shown as vain, haughty and conceited, which is the opposite of humble.

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Question 23

Comprehension

The girls were apparently attracted to Zacharia by

  1. A.wealth
  2. B.the life of the towns
  3. C.the appearance of the young men
  4. D.the fact that the young men spoke strange dialects
  5. E.food
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (food)

Explanation

The narrator suggests the girls may only be after 'a bit of bread or a pot of jam' because Zacharia is a cook.

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Question 24

Comprehension

From the passage we can conclude that the young girls were

  1. A.attractive
  2. B.religious
  3. C.modern
  4. D.easily led
  5. E.indifferent.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (easily led)

Explanation

The girls run after men for small things like money or food, and the father says women are like children, so they are easily led.

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Question 25

Comprehension

The speaker's mother considered that

  1. A.things were not as good as they used to be
  2. B.women were foolish
  3. C.the world was corrupt
  4. D.the love of money was the root of all evil
  5. E.it was necessary for attitudes to change.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (the love of money was the root of all evil)

Explanation

She complains that girls throw themselves at ugly strangers for 'Just money! Money!', blaming the love of money.

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Question 26

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: The story has to be taken with a grain of salt. This means that

  1. A.you need some salt to listen to the story
  2. B.there is not salt in the story
  3. C.the story is questionable
  4. D.the story is true
  5. E.you have too much salt in the story,
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (the story is questionable)

Explanation

To take something 'with a grain of salt' is to doubt it, so the story is questionable.

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Question 27

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: It is usually hard to change the course of action when one crosses the rubicon. The underlined expression, as used in this sentence means to

  1. A.pass through a place called rubicon
  2. B.cross a river called rubicon
  3. C.cross a bridge called rubicon
  4. D.pass a special test
  5. E.be irrevocably committed.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (be irrevocably committed.)

Explanation

'Crossing the Rubicon' means taking a step that cannot be undone, so one is irrevocably committed.

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Question 28

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: The salesman tried to pull the wool over my eyes. This implies that the salesman tried to

  1. A.force me to buy his goods
  2. B.offer me cotton wool
  3. C.make me buy his wool
  4. D.dupe me
  5. E.cover my eyes with wool
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (dupe me)

Explanation

To 'pull the wool over someone's eyes' is to deceive or dupe them.

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Question 29

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: Ijeoma counted her chickens before they were hatched. This means that Ijeoma

  1. A.regarded each egg as a chicken
  2. B.hatched the eggs prematurely
  3. C.assumed that her expectations had already been realized
  4. D.protected her eggs from breaking
  5. E.insured the eggs
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (assumed that her expectations had already been realized)

Explanation

The idiom means acting as if what you hope for has already happened.

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Question 30

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: Solo has resigned his job with the Textile Mills. He doesn't seem to worry about getting another job. His plans are still quite in the air. This means that his plans are

  1. A.airmailed
  2. B.airtight
  3. C.uncertain
  4. D.certain
  5. E.airborne
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (uncertain)

Explanation

Plans that are 'in the air' are not yet settled, i.e. uncertain.

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Question 31

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: Ike is head over heels in love with Ngozi. This means that

  1. A.Ike is friendly with Ngozi
  2. B.Ike is trying to fall in love with Ngozi
  3. C.Ngozi fell on Ike's heel and both of them fell in love
  4. D.Ike is madly in love with Ngozi
  5. E.none of the above
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Ike is madly in love with Ngozi)

Explanation

'Head over heels in love' means completely or madly in love.

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Question 32

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: The legislator has decided to play second fiddle after he had been walked out of the Assembly for violating basic procedures of the House. This means that the legislator has decided to

  1. A.oppose every motion in the House
  2. B.support every motion in the House
  3. C.condemn every motion
  4. D.support the lead given by others
  5. E.become active in the house
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (support the lead given by others)

Explanation

To 'play second fiddle' is to take a less important role and follow someone else's lead.

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Question 33

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: Old customs die hard. This implies that old customs

  1. A.cause a lot of hardship and death
  2. B.must be stopped
  3. C.never die out
  4. D.cause hardship for younger people
  5. E.tend to last for a long time
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (tend to last for a long time)

Explanation

Things that 'die hard' are slow to disappear; they last a long time (though they can eventually go).

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Question 34

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: The convict said he was tired of leading a dog's life. To lead a dog's life means to live

  1. A.carelessly
  2. B.in disgrace
  3. C.in solitude
  4. D.in misery
  5. E.in poverty.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (in misery)

Explanation

'A dog's life' is a wretched, unhappy life, i.e. a life of misery.

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Question 35

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: After the initial confusion, the Manager's suggestion brought________ to the depressed investors.

  1. A.a glitter of hope
  2. B.a glimmer of hope
  3. C.a sparkle of hope
  4. D.a raise of hope
  5. E.a shower of hope
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a glimmer of hope)

Explanation

The fixed phrase for a small sign of hope is 'a glimmer of hope'.

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Question 36

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: The farmer has bought the insecticide because he was bent on________ the insects in his farm.

  1. A.exterminating
  2. B.estimating
  3. C.extenuating
  4. D.extinguishing
  5. E.exemplifying
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (exterminating)

Explanation

Insecticide is used to kill insects completely, i.e. to exterminate them; 'extinguish' is for fires.

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Question 37

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: The young lady decided to________

  1. A.do away with the many advices given by her relatives
  2. B.reject all the advices given by her relatives
  3. C.reject all the advice given by her relations
  4. D.take to all the advices given by her relations
  5. E.eject all the advice given by her relatives
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (reject all the advice given by her relations)

Explanation

'Advice' is uncountable, so 'advices' is wrong; 'reject all the advice' is correct, while 'eject' does not fit advice.

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Question 38

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: Two ministers found it very difficult to get________

  1. A.through with each other in the Cabinet
  2. B.by with one another
  3. C.through with one another
  4. D.off from each other
  5. E.on with each other
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (on with each other)

Explanation

'Get on with' someone means to have a good relationship with them, and 'each other' is used for two people.

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Question 39

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: The School Board has placed an order for________

  1. A.all the furnitures and equipments required in the new schools
  2. B.all the furniture and equipment required in the new schools
  3. C.all of the furniture and equipments required in the new schools
  4. D.many of the furnitures and equipment required in the new schools
  5. E.many of the furnitures and equipments required in the new schools.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (all the furniture and equipment required in the new schools)

Explanation

'Furniture' and 'equipment' are uncountable nouns, so they never take -s.

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Question 40

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: On his way back the boy ran into a long procession of men, women and children in________

  1. A.white beautiful exceedingly flowing gowns
  2. B.exceedingly flowing white beautiful gowns
  3. C.exceedingly beautiful white flowing gowns
  4. D.white flowing exceedingly beautiful gowns
  5. E.flowing exceedingly white beautiful gowns
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (exceedingly beautiful white flowing gowns)

Explanation

An opinion adjective (with its adverb 'exceedingly') comes before colour, then the describing word next to the noun: 'exceedingly beautiful white flowing gowns'.

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Question 41

Question Tags

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: The proprietors should be blamed for such a deplorable condition in the nursery schools,________

  1. A.isn't it?
  2. B.shouldn't they?
  3. C.should they?
  4. D.is it?
  5. E.shouldn't it?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (shouldn't they?)

Explanation

A positive statement with 'should' and the subject 'proprietors' takes the negative tag 'shouldn't they?'.

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Question 42

Tenses

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: I could not believe that our team________ the match after being in the lead for most of the match.

  1. A.to lose
  2. B.lost
  3. C.will be losing
  4. D.losing
  5. E.loosen
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (lost)

Explanation

The sentence is in the past ('could not believe'), so the simple past 'lost' fits.

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Question 43

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: The Head of Department is away to Murtala Mohammed Airport and has asked Dr. Haruna to stand________ for him

  1. A.out
  2. B.in
  3. C.on
  4. D.across
  5. E.about
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (in)

Explanation

'Stand in for' someone means to take their place for a time.

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Question 44

Prepositions

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: The Commission was set up to enquire________ the general conditions of child abuse in such institutions.

  1. A.at
  2. B.from
  3. C.after
  4. D.before
  5. E.into
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (into)

Explanation

To 'enquire into' something means to investigate it officially.

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Question 45

Concord

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: We hold that the nation, both in its public and private sectors________ the best consultancy service and advice in all its endeavours.

  1. A.deserve
  2. B.is deserving
  3. C.deserves
  4. D.are deserving
  5. E.richly deserve
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (deserves)

Explanation

The subject 'the nation' is singular, so it takes 'deserves'; 'deserve' is not normally used in the continuous form.

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Question 46

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: The situation has deteriorated sharply, and relations between the two countries may soon be________

  1. A.removed
  2. B.broken
  3. C.withdrawn
  4. D.eliminated
  5. E.deferred
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (broken)

Explanation

When relations between countries end because of conflict, we say they are 'broken' (off).

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Question 47

Concord

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: One of the men________ round the lawn three times every evening

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

Answer: C (is used to running)

Explanation

The subject 'One' is singular, so it takes 'is', and 'used to' as an adjective is followed by the -ing form.

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Question 48

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: The problems of Nigeria's worsening economy seem to have________an immediate solution

  1. A.defined
  2. B.defied
  3. C.rejected
  4. D.rewarded
  5. E.retained
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (defied)

Explanation

Problems that 'defy' a solution resist being solved.

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Question 49

Verb Forms

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: This conference is designed to enable delegates________ their personal interests with specialists in various fields

  1. A.to discuss about
  2. B.discussing
  3. C.to discuss
  4. D.for discussing
  5. E.by discussing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (to discuss)

Explanation

'Enable someone' is followed by 'to' + verb, and 'discuss' takes no 'about'.

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Question 50

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: The car owner does not think about the________ of his vehicle and the other payments involved in owning it

  1. A.transportation
  2. B.depreciation
  3. C.calculation
  4. D.appreciation
  5. E.association
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (depreciation)

Explanation

A car loses value over time; this loss is called depreciation, a hidden cost of owning it.

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Question 51

Tenses

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: The very moment she________ her folly, she will come back to apologize

  1. A.realized
  2. B.is realizing
  3. C.will realize
  4. D.has realized
  5. E.realizes
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (realizes)

Explanation

In a time clause about the future, English uses the simple present: 'The moment she realizes ..., she will come back'.

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Question 52

Tenses

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: The lazy candidate suggested that it________

  1. A.is time we do away with JAMB
  2. B.was time we do away with JAMB
  3. C.is time we did away with JAMB
  4. D.was time we did away with JAMB.
  5. E.is time we are done away with JAMB
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (was time we did away with JAMB.)

Explanation

'Suggested' is past, so 'is' becomes 'was', and 'it was time' is followed by the past tense 'did away'.

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Question 53

Verb Forms

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: I do not want the light in my room________ when asleep

  1. A.turned off
  2. B.turn off
  3. C.to run out
  4. D.turned out
  5. E.turned in
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (turned off)

Explanation

The structure is 'want something + past participle': 'want the light turned off'.

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Question 54

Spelling

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: I have applied for________ on the campus and almost certain I shall get it

  1. A.acommcdation
  2. B.accommondation
  3. C.accomodation
  4. D.acomoddation
  5. E.accommodation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (accommodation)

Explanation

The correct spelling is 'accommodation', with double c and double m.

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Question 55

Verb Forms

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: The dead body of the armed robber has________ in the street for three days.

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

Answer: B (lain)

Explanation

'Lie' (to rest flat) has the past participle 'lain'; 'laid' is from 'lay' (to put down).

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Question 56

Verb Forms

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: Candidates who are not accustomed to________ fast will find it difficult to finish this paper.

  1. A.write
  2. B.have written
  3. C.be writing
  4. D.writing
  5. E.having written
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (writing)

Explanation

In 'accustomed to', 'to' is a preposition, so it takes the -ing form: 'accustomed to writing'.

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Question 57

Verb Forms

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: Do you mind________ another minute or two?

  1. A.to wait
  2. B.wait
  3. C.waiting
  4. D.having awaited
  5. E.being awaited
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (waiting)

Explanation

'Mind' is followed by the -ing form: 'Do you mind waiting?'

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Question 58

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: We shall offer a good job to a________ to register guests in the Central Hotel

  1. A.waiter
  2. B.watchman
  3. C.cashier
  4. D.receptionist
  5. E.cleaner.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (receptionist)

Explanation

In a hotel, the receptionist is the person who registers guests.

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Question 59

Prepositions

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: I've lived________ this street________ ten years.

  1. A.at, since
  2. B.for, during
  3. C.on, for
  4. D.on, from
  5. E.in, for
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (in, for)

Explanation

We live 'in' a street (British usage), and a length of time takes 'for': 'for ten years'.

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Question 60

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: North Africa is________ than Northern Europe.

  1. A.hotter
  2. B.more hot
  3. C.more hotter
  4. D.the hottest
  5. E.hot
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (hotter)

Explanation

Short adjectives form the comparative with -er, and 'than' needs a comparative: 'hotter'.

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Question 61

Verb Forms

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: I________a lot when I was a student.

  1. A.used travelling
  2. B.was used to travel
  3. C.used to travel
  4. D.used travel
  5. E.was used to travelling
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (used to travel)

Explanation

A past habit is expressed with 'used to' + base verb: 'I used to travel'.

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Question 62

Tenses

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: I wish I________ your age

  1. A.to be
  2. B.were
  3. C.to have been
  4. D.would be
  5. E.could be
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (were)

Explanation

After 'wish' for an unreal present situation, we use 'were' for all persons.

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Question 63

Verb Forms

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: I am looking forward to________ you

  1. A.seeing
  2. B.see
  3. C.have seen
  4. D.will see
  5. E.be see
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (seeing)

Explanation

In 'look forward to', 'to' is a preposition, so it takes the -ing form: 'seeing'.

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Question 64

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: I can't offer you another loan, I have________ money left in my account

  1. A.a few
  2. B.a little
  3. C.little
  4. D.few
  5. E.some
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (little)

Explanation

'Money' is uncountable, and 'little' (without 'a') means almost none, which explains why no loan is possible.

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Question 65

Tenses

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: I told you you would miss the bus. You________ left home earlier.

  1. A.can't have
  2. B.must have
  3. C.will have
  4. D.should have
  5. E.had to have
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (should have)

Explanation

'Should have' + past participle expresses criticism of something that was not done.

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Question 66

Prepositions

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: I always prefer the theatre________ the cinema

  1. A.than
  2. B.then
  3. C.on top of
  4. D.before
  5. E.to
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (to)

Explanation

'Prefer' is followed by 'to' when comparing two things: 'prefer X to Y'.

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Question 67

Conjunctions

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: He acts________ he were a manager.

  1. A.like
  2. B.such as
  3. C.such
  4. D.as
  5. E.as if
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (as if)

Explanation

'As if' introduces an unreal comparison and is followed by 'were'.

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Question 68

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: Don't________ the teacher that he________ that!

  1. A.tell, said
  2. B.say, tells
  3. C.talk, spoke
  4. D.speak, talked
  5. E.tell, told
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (tell, said)

Explanation

'Tell' takes a person as object ('tell the teacher'), and 'said' is used for reporting words ('he said that').

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Question 69

Verb Forms

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: He is very tired. He really is________ staying up late

  1. A.getting used to
  2. B.not used to
  3. C.got used to
  4. D.used to
  5. E.being used to
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (not used to)

Explanation

He is tired because staying up late is not his habit, so he is 'not used to' it.

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Question 70

Tenses

Choose the expression or word which best completes the sentence: He has only ordered some lettuce and tea. He________ on a diet. He is a bit too fat.

  1. A.can't be
  2. B.needn't be
  3. C.must be
  4. D.mustn't be
  5. E.shouldn't be
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (must be)

Explanation

Ordering only lettuce and tea is evidence, so the speaker deduces 'he must be on a diet'.

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Question 71

Sentence Interpretation

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: Had she known he was a highway robber she would not have married him. This means

  1. A.she married him before she knew he was a robber
  2. B.she knew he was a robber when she married him
  3. C.she did not marry him because she was a robber
  4. D.she refused to marry the man when she knew he was a robber
  5. E.she was a robber marrying a highway robber.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (she married him before she knew he was a robber)

Explanation

The third conditional shows she did marry him, because she did not yet know he was a robber.

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Question 72

Sentence Interpretation

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: Jide is being force to go to Lagos tomorrow. This means that Jide

  1. A.will go to Lagos
  2. B.must go to Lagos
  3. C.wishes to go to Lagos
  4. D.is going to Lagos
  5. E.goes to Lagos
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (must go to Lagos)

Explanation

Being forced to do something means you must do it.

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Question 73

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: It is sheer fantasy to believe that there could never be a miscalculation by any nation that has atomic weapons. Fantasy here means

  1. A.dream
  2. B.hope
  3. C.nonsense
  4. D.joke
  5. E.stupidity
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (dream)

Explanation

A fantasy is an imagined idea that is far from reality, like a dream.

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Question 74

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined expression: The ingenious scheme of the robber broke down because of the efficiency of the police officer. Ingenious here means

  1. A.suspicious
  2. B.ambitious
  3. C.deceitful
  4. D.clever
  5. E.stupid
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (clever)

Explanation

'Ingenious' means clever and inventive.

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Question 75

Spelling

Select the wrongly spelt word.

  1. A.disappointed
  2. B.embarassed
  3. C.equipped
  4. D.rhythm
  5. E.restaurant
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (embarassed)

Explanation

The correct spelling is 'embarrassed', with double r and double s.

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Question 76

Spelling

Select the wrongly spelt word.

  1. A.occurences
  2. B.surprise
  3. C.personnel
  4. D.possess
  5. E.curiosity
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (occurences)

Explanation

The correct spelling is 'occurrences', with double r.

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Question 78

Nouns and Determiners

Fill in the right word/phrase: There is not________ sense in what that politician has just said.

  1. A.many
  2. B.plenty
  3. C.lot of
  4. D.much
  5. E.big
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (much)

Explanation

'Sense' is uncountable, and 'not much' is used with uncountable nouns.

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Question 79

Tenses

Fill in the right word/phrase: He________ the book to the library last week.

  1. A.has returned
  2. B.had returned
  3. C.was returning
  4. D.returned
  5. E.was to be returning
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (returned)

Explanation

'Last week' is a finished past time, so the simple past 'returned' is used.

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Question 80

Vocabulary in Context

Fill in the right word/phrase: The candidate made________ at the village square a day before the elections

  1. A.a sermon
  2. B.an address
  3. C.a eulogy
  4. D.a lecture
  5. E.a speech
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (a speech)

Explanation

Candidates make campaign speeches; a sermon is religious, a eulogy praises the dead and a lecture is for teaching.

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Question 81

Vocabulary in Context

Fill in the right word/phrase: The policeman was sent to________ the allegation made by the man

  1. A.investigate
  2. B.examine
  3. C.probe
  4. D.enquire
  5. E.observe
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (investigate)

Explanation

Police 'investigate' an allegation to find out the truth; 'enquire' would need 'into'.

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Question 82

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Which of the options expresses the same idea as the one in quotes? 'To be in the red', is to be

  1. A.in debt
  2. B.rich
  3. C.a socialist
  4. D.red
  5. E.dressed in red
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (in debt)

Explanation

A person or account 'in the red' owes money, i.e. is in debt.

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Question 83

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Which of the options expresses the same idea as the one in quotes? 'To beat down the price' is to

  1. A.flog the price
  2. B.reduce the price
  3. C.beat the salesman
  4. D.attack the seller
  5. E.control the price
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (reduce the price)

Explanation

To 'beat down' a price is to bargain until the seller reduces it.

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Question 84

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Which of the options expresses the same idea as the one in quotes? 'To ask after a friend' is to

  1. A.ask questions about the friend
  2. B.inquire about the friend's welfare
  3. C.go after the friend
  4. D.like the friend
  5. E.take after the friend
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (inquire about the friend's welfare)

Explanation

To 'ask after' someone is to ask how they are.

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Question 85

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Which of the options expresses the same idea as the one in quotes? 'An open secret' means

  1. A.a fact that is very secret
  2. B.an open matter
  3. C.a secret known to everybody
  4. D.a confidential matter
  5. E.a secret told in the open air.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (a secret known to everybody)

Explanation

An 'open secret' is something meant to be secret but actually known by everyone.

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Question 86

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Which of the options expresses the same idea as the one in quotes? 'To put something aside' is to

  1. A.put it by ones side
  2. B.put it in a side pocket for future use
  3. C.keep something for some special purpose
  4. D.keep in safety
  5. E.protect it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (keep something for some special purpose)

Explanation

To 'put something aside' is to save or reserve it for a particular purpose.

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Question 87

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the phrase or word which best completes the meaning of the sentence: One of the________, during the football match led to a fight between the teams

  1. A.incidence
  2. B.incidences
  3. C.incidents
  4. D.occasions
  5. E.linesmen
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (incidents)

Explanation

An 'incident' is an event, often an unpleasant one; 'incidence' means rate of occurrence.

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Question 88

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the phrase or word which best completes the meaning of the sentence: He used to play tennis, but he doesn't________

  1. A.as of now
  2. B.any longer
  3. C.again
  4. D.presently
  5. E.since
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (any longer)

Explanation

'Not ... any longer' shows that a past habit has stopped.

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Question 89

Conjunctions

Choose the phrase or word which best completes the meaning of the sentence: He was________ he had to time to eat.

  1. A.so busy that
  2. B.very busy
  3. C.very busy that
  4. D.too busy that
  5. E.busy that
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (so busy that)

Explanation

The pattern is 'so + adjective + that': 'He was so busy that he had no time to eat'.

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Question 90

Question Tags

Choose the phrase or word which best completes the meaning of the sentence: It had been raining before the match started,________?

  1. A.isn't it
  2. B.hasn't it
  3. C.hadn't it
  4. D.wasn't it
  5. E.is it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (hadn't it)

Explanation

The auxiliary in the statement is 'had', and the statement is positive, so the tag is 'hadn't it?'.

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Question 91

Tenses

Choose the phrase or word which best completes the meaning of the sentence: The mechanic said that he________ mend my car before Saturday

  1. A.can't
  2. B.couldn't
  3. C.can't be able to
  4. D.couldn't be able to
  5. E.won't be able to
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (couldn't)

Explanation

In reported speech after 'said', 'can't' becomes 'couldn't'; 'couldn't be able to' repeats the same idea twice.

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Question 92

Prepositions

Choose the phrase or word which best completes the meaning of the sentence: There was a fire in the market last week which resulted________ a terrible destruction of property

  1. A.in
  2. B.to
  3. C.from
  4. D.into
  5. E.with
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (in)

Explanation

'Result in' means to cause something; 'result from' means to be caused by it.

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Question 93

Tenses

Choose the phrase or word which best completes the meaning of the sentence: At the end of the month we________ each other for five years

  1. A.would know
  2. B.should have known
  3. C.should be knowing
  4. D.would have been knowing
  5. E.used to know
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (should have known)

Explanation

A situation completed by a future point needs a perfect form; 'should have known' is the older first-person form of the future perfect ('we shall have known').

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Question 94

Tenses

Choose the phrase or word which best completes the meaning of the sentence: The body is sensitive to changes in velocity which, if too sudden,________

  1. A.consciousness may be lost
  2. B.it may lose consciousness
  3. C.one may become unconscious
  4. D.may cause loss of consciousness
  5. E.may lose consciousness
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (may cause loss of consciousness)

Explanation

The subject of the clause is 'which' (the changes), so it needs a verb phrase that changes can do: 'may cause loss of consciousness'.

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Question 95

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the underlined phrase or word: The thought of his admission to the University keyed Olu up to a state of great excitement.

  1. A.stimulated Olu
  2. B.ushered Olu
  3. C.opened Olu
  4. D.frightened Olu
  5. E.allowed Olu
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (stimulated Olu)

Explanation

To be 'keyed up' is to be excited or stirred up, so the thought stimulated Olu.

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Question 96

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the underlined phrase or word: After a careful review of Adamu's last examination result, the Principal concluded that his performance left much to be desired.

  1. A.was very unsatisfactory
  2. B.was very satisfactory
  3. C.was extremely desirable
  4. D.was very brilliant
  5. E.was extremely commendable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (was very unsatisfactory)

Explanation

Something that 'leaves much to be desired' is poor or unsatisfactory.

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Question 97

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the underlined phrase or word: The president stood his ground because the Committee members would not be persuaded to arrive at a compromise on the issue being debated

  1. A.yelded his position
  2. B.shifted his position
  3. C.maintained his position
  4. D.defended his position
  5. E.resisted his position
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (maintained his position)

Explanation

To 'stand your ground' is to refuse to change your position, i.e. to maintain it.

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Question 98

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the underlined phrase or word: The take home pay of many workers is such that they can hardly make both ends meet

  1. A.live an honest life
  2. B.finish their schedule of work
  3. C.keep two jobs at a time
  4. D.live within their income
  5. E.live on both ends.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (live within their income)

Explanation

To 'make ends meet' is to manage to live on the money you earn.

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Question 99

Synonyms

Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the underlined phrase or word: When kerosine was poured on the fire, the effect was instantaneous

  1. A.momentary
  2. B.momentous
  3. C.amazing
  4. D.terrifying
  5. E.immediate
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (immediate)

Explanation

'Instantaneous' means happening at once, i.e. immediate.

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Question 100

Synonyms

Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the underlined phrase or word: It was interesting to observe the likeness between the pupil and his teacher

  1. A.similarity
  2. B.relationship
  3. C.fondness
  4. D.affection
  5. E.affinity
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (similarity)

Explanation

'Likeness' means being alike, i.e. similarity.

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