JAMB Use of English 1985 past questions and answers

Which of the following is NOT implied in the expression: 'One naira per meal is a privilege in this country'?

1. A.Nowhere in this country is food sold for one naira
2. B.The price per meal at the Sports Club Cafeteria is one naira
3. C.It is rare for anybody to feed satisfactorily with one naira in any hotel in the country.
4. D.Obi cannot afford more than one naira for one meal
5. E.Ordinarily one naira cannot buy much in the country

The conversation about identity cards suggests that

1. A.without an identity card, no one can be allowed to eat in the Sports Club Cafeteria
2. B.without an identity card, no one can be allowed into the Sports Club
3. C.there is thorough checking of identity cards at the Sports Club gate
4. D.bona fide members of the Club do not have to carry identity cards
5. E.a club member can afford to forget his membership card

The conversation about queues in the passage reveals that

1. A.everybody at the Club Cafeteria queues
2. B.club members can always break a queue at the cafeteria
3. C.people always break queues in the cafeteria on the pretext that they are V.I.Ps
4. D.only people who are capable of posing can break queues
5. E.there is nothing wrong in breaking queues.

The conversation about privileges shows that

1. A.an impostor is one who claims privileges
2. B.to get along must always imply making claims to privileges
3. C.it is always easy to recognize V.I.Ps in Nigeria, because they are always laying claim to privileges
4. D.there are many impostors laying claim to privileges in Nigeria
5. E.'semantics means calling 'to get along' 'privileges'

From the whole conversation, it is clear that Obi and Olu are

1. A.irresponsible
2. B.selfish
3. C.privileged
4. D.'go-getters'
5. E.epitomes of the Nigerian society.

JAMB 1985 Passage II: Ntanya and Teresa

Bolus in this passage means

1. A.Adam's apple
2. B.throat pill
3. C.liquid
4. D.piece of meat
5. E.large morsel

Ntanya and Teresa could hardly notice the land getting brown because

1. A.they were on their honeymoon
2. B.they had just got married
3. C.they hardly noticed the sun
4. D.the sun did not come up
5. E.Ntanya worked very hard in the field

Teresa gave only bits of meat to the children because

1. A.they would get more from Ntanya
2. B.she cooked it with extra care
3. C.they were young
4. D.she kept most of it for her husband
5. E.she could not afford meat.

Ntanya said "Thank you mother' to

1. A.his mother
2. B.his wife
3. C.his aunt
4. D.Teresa'a mother
5. E.his grand-mother

Teresa would say she had eaten already no matter how hungry she might be so that

1. A.Ntanya would eat to his satisfaction
2. B.Ntanya would say 'Thank you mother'
3. C.she could cook again
4. D.she could watch him eat
5. E.every bolus would go down her own throat.

The view expressed in this passage belong to

1. A.JAMB
2. B.artists
3. C.mathematicians
4. D.the poet
5. E.the author of the passage

The expression 'Mathematics is the queen of the Sciences' contains

1. A.a contradiction
2. B.an analogy
3. C.an irony
4. D.a lie
5. E.nonsense

'Mathematics' is written with a capital M in this passage because

1. A.the writer is a mathematician
2. B.the writer does not know how to use punctuation correctly
3. C.the writer wants to distinguish between a concept and a subject
4. D.it is the normal way of writing about the sciences
5. E.the writer is confused

The last sentence of the passage, 'So if Mathematics is not an art what is art?' is a

1. A.question posed for the reader to answer
2. B.statement put in the form of a question
3. C.question combined with a statement
4. D.mathematical equation stated in words
5. E.pattern which illustrates beauty, harmony and order in language.

Mathematics can be considered as a form of art because

1. A.its main principle is made use of by the arts
2. B.it involves drawing of figures
3. C.it is a form of Fine Arts
4. D.it is a type of Graphic Arts
5. E.it also involves a study of beauty harmory and order.

The author is

1. A.exonerating himself from allegations of embezzlement
2. B.ignoring the allegations of embezzlement
3. C.taking part in a political campaign
4. D.demonstrating that he is a Senator
5. E.trying to implicate Abu O. Abu, a fellow politician.

Constituent in the passage means

1. A.a section of his constituency
2. B.his entire constituency
3. C.his campaigner
4. D.a person having voting rights where he is living
5. E.a supporter.

Accosted in the passage means

1. A.grossly insulted
2. B.greeted
3. C.fought with
4. D.forced
5. E.went and spoke to

It appears that the ₦50,000

1. A.has been spent
2. B.has been paid into the government treasury
3. C.will soon be paid to the government treasury
4. D.has been saved by Abu O. Abu
5. E.will be used for future compaigns

Abu O. Abu is portrayed as

1. A.a corrupt politician
2. B.the administrator of the fund
3. C.an ordinary taxpayer
4. D.a government official
5. E.a citizen.

JAMB 1985 Passage V: Waiting for rain

The evidence that the family hopes had run high is that the

1. A.land was ready for planting
2. B.earth was alive with insects singing
3. C.goats had started producing milk
4. D.family ate porridge
5. E.family had corn and maize seeds

'The adults paid no attention to this' refers to

1. A.the children scolding the rag-dolls
2. B.the plain porridge
3. C.the burnt porridge
4. D.their breaking nerves
5. E.the land

The family sat down in despair because

1. A.the land was ready and ploughed
2. B.they ate plain porridge with no milk
3. C.the sun danced dizzily in the sky
4. D.the land was covered in a haze of mist
5. E.it was impossible to plants seeds

All their animals had been sold in order to

1. A.avoid despair
2. B.buy food
3. C.induce rain
4. D.save animal food
5. E.make the children happy

'Game of making house' means

1. A.building a house with sand
2. B.being happy in the house
3. C.playing in the house
4. D.imitating running a home like adult
5. E.playing hide-and- seek in the house.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined: To most people last Christmas was an austere period.

1. A.prosperous
2. B.harsh
3. C.severe
4. D.sour
5. E.stern

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined: The chief was generous in his award of university scholarships.

1. A.noble
2. B.considerate
3. C.liberal
4. D.mean
5. E.honest

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined: Chidi is naturally taciturn.

1. A.friendly
2. B.cheerful
3. C.dumb
4. D.lively
5. E.garrulous

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined: He is loved for his altruism

1. A.benevolence
2. B.sincerity
3. C.selfishness.
4. D.selflessness
5. E.kindness

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined: The Military Governor upheld the decision of his cabinet.

1. A.held up
2. B.undercut
3. C.maintained
4. D.abolished
5. E.reversed

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined: Many untrustworthy students give evasive answers to questions which they fully understand.

1. A.direct
2. B.outspoken
3. C.simple
4. D.truthful
5. E.clever

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined: The deafening noise of the two jet planes which flew across our compound yesterday made people fear that an assault on the country might be imminent.

1. A.impending
2. B.ahead
3. C.remote
4. D.eminent
5. E.threatening

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined: Disgruntled people are indifferent to any plans to rid the society of evil.

1. A.different from
2. B.diffident about
3. C.in agreement with
4. D.interested in
5. E.opposed to

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined: The severity of the harmattan helped me to complete my writing assignment in record time because I had no choice but to lock myself indoors

1. A.warmth
2. B.mildness
3. C.moderation
4. D.leniency
5. E.gentility

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined: The increase in transport fares deterred our club from planning an excursion this year.

1. A.deferred
2. B.irritated
3. C.impelled
4. D.restricted
5. E.encouraged.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined: This card entitles you to attend the filmshow

1. A.disqualifies
2. B.discourages
3. C.disenchants
4. D.proclaims
5. E.satisfies

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: Victor will not attend the dinner party tonight: he is afraid of his own shadow

1. A.not in the mood
2. B.attending another party
3. C.scared of imaginary things
4. D.unhappy with his assigned role
5. E.unable to forget his fears

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: Telling Ali to break his habit of coming to work late is like knocking your head against a brick wall.

1. A.trying the impossible
2. B.asking him to beat you
3. C.making a fool of yourself
4. D.asking him to be your enemy
5. E.making him break down at work

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: The manager often quarrels with his staff because he goes around with a chip on his shoulder.

1. A.deformed shoulder
2. B.readiness to be angered
3. C.look of contempt
4. D.an air of superiority
5. E.search for gossip

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: The new employees is so humble and friendly that he will soon make himself popular.

1. A.welcomed and accepted
2. B.hated
3. C.estranged
4. D.rejected
5. E.a personal friend.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: He took exception to Ezenwa's remark.

1. A.was delighted at
2. B.was excited by
3. C.got demoralized by
4. D.objected to
5. E.was perplexed by

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: Kelechi hardly ever falls sick.

1. A.most often
2. B.very seldom
3. C.sometimes
4. D.frequently
5. E.occasionally

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: The gallant solders met their Waterloo at Philippi.

1. A.victory
2. B.trouble
3. C.defeat
4. D.happiest period
5. E.enemy

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: It is futile trying to make bricks without straw.

1. A.fertile
2. B.important
3. C.fragile
4. D.vain
5. E.bad

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: The ceiling of my bed-room fell in and knocked me out.

1. A.made me unconscious
2. B.removed me
3. C.flattened me
4. D.killed me
5. E.frightened me

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: In May 1978 the rain fell incessantly and made life drab.

1. A.at intervals
2. B.recurrently
3. C.repeatedly
4. D.concurrently
5. E.continuously

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: Little Ugochi has a bicycle which is in marvellous condition.

1. A.need of a tune up
2. B.excellent
3. C.questionable
4. D.unstable
5. E.working

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: The lecturer maintained his usual good humour in spite of the cat-calls and the rude behaviour of his students

1. A.provoked
2. B.obtained
3. C.kept
4. D.lost
5. E.improved

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: The class as a whole will have a lecture on scarce commodities tomorrow.

1. A.argument
2. B.deliberation
3. C.dispute
4. D.conference
5. E.talk

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: Many states practise the ideals of democracy.

1. A.government by elections
2. B.government by representatives
3. C.government by civilians
4. D.government by all the people
5. E.oligarchy

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: He lost his voice momentarily.

1. A.in moment
2. B.in a split second
3. C.for a brief period of time
4. D.without delay
5. E.instantly

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: The corrupt official had to leave the public service willy-nilly.

1. A.unprepared
2. B.reluctantly
3. C.willingly
4. D.compulsorily
5. E.by retirement

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: I am yet to write the penultimate paragraph of my essay.

1. A.last but one
2. B.third to the last
3. C.second
4. D.concluding
5. E.introductory

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: One hindrance to an orderly economic development of the country is large scale fraud and corruption

1. A.difficult.
2. B.disturbance
3. C.reason
4. D.obstacle
5. E.ritual

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: Stephen was blamed for leaving his door ajar during the heavy rainfall.

1. A.unlocked
2. B.unbolted
3. C.open
4. D.keyless
5. E.locked

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: If people don't want to play the game according to the rule, that is their business.

1. A.their business will suffer
2. B.it is not their fault
3. C.they should blame others for it
4. D.other people will take over their business
5. E.they will have themselves to blame

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: Nigeria, like most other African countries is predominantly agricultural .

1. A.mainly
2. B.certainly
3. C.entirely
4. D.undoubtedly
5. E.superficially

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: Despite increasingly punitive laws against hemp smoking, it is still rising at an alarming rate.

1. A.devastating
2. B.exemplary
3. C.barbaric
4. D.severe
5. E.satisfactory.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: The Senate postponed the meeting indefinitely.

1. A.for a short time
2. B.for six months
3. C.definitely
4. D.without fixing a date
5. E.for several months

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: You have been asked to change your laissez-faire attitude to work.

1. A.stupid
2. B.care-free
3. C.careful
4. D.serious
5. E.responsible

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: Since his father's death, Osita has not been able to cope with the tasks of a family head.

1. A.perform adequately
2. B.tolerate
3. C.accept
4. D.assess properly
5. E.manage

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: My spell in the university was an unmitigated disaster.

1. A.an unavoidable
2. B.a painful
3. C.a regrettable
4. D.an unqualified
5. E.an unfortunate

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: To be above board is to be

1. A.afloat
2. B.on top of a plank
3. C.above suspicion
4. D.raised above a board
5. E.the chairman of a board

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word: It is sheer foolhardiness for unarmed policemen to pursue armed robbers.

1. A.nonsense
2. B.bravery
3. C.foolishness
4. D.stupidity
5. E.foolish risk taking

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: Bankole was a man given to much wine.

1. A.pushed to
2. B.taken over by
3. C.addicted to
4. D.forced to
5. E.afflicted by

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: The officer refused to the taken in by the report given by the private.

1. A.won over
2. B.drawn in
3. C.overtaken
4. D.deceived
5. E.involved

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: The principal advised the boy to come to grips with himself if he wanted to do well at the end of his course.

1. A.criticized himself
2. B.master his difficulties
3. C.learn to be obedient
4. D.behave himself
5. E.fight with himself

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: The Judge came down heavily on the accused person in his judgement.

1. A.crashed heavily
2. B.fell down headlong
3. C.descended upon heavily
4. D.imposed a stiff penalty
5. E.crash-landed on

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: Employees have been urged to desist from witch-hunting and character assassination.

1. A.commanded to stop hunting witches
2. B.ordered to stop assassinating witches
3. C.entreated not to accuse individuals unjustly and maliciously
4. D.informed to resist witch-hunters and character assassins
5. E.urged to desist from barbaric acts

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase: The government should stop white elephant projects.

1. A.projects in which white men kill elephants
2. B.projects in which white elephants are used
3. C.projects for painting some elephants white
4. D.high cost projects with low untility values
5. E.low cost projects with high utility values

The loud noise in the neighbourhood attracted people who stared....... the thief.

1. A.at
2. B.about
3. C.with
4. D.on
5. E.over

The students' unrest resulted ......... the expulsion of the ringleaders

1. A.to
2. B.in
3. C.from
4. D.with
5. E.by

The lawyer insisted............ the full payment of his charge.

1. A.with
2. B.in
3. C.for
4. D.at
5. E.on

Little children are usually afraid......... thunder.

1. A.about
2. B.for
3. C.of
4. D.with
5. E.at

On the orders of the steward, the cook rushed. ... the market

1. A.to
2. B.at
3. C.for
4. D.in
5. E.against

The principal advised that we pursue this case cautiously, otherwise we are bound to be taken......... by Ada's lies.

1. A.away
2. B.out
3. C.in
4. D.off
5. E.on

I am very sorry............. to attend the meeting yesterday.

1. A.for failure
2. B.in failing
3. C.to having failed
4. D.to fail
5. E.for failing

When you are faced with an examination of this nature, endeavour to keep your mind........... the job and not be distracted for one moment.

1. A.at
2. B.in
3. C.for
4. D.on
5. E.to

It all depended on what...........

1. A.does he want
2. B.he wants
3. C.he does want
4. D.he wanted
5. E.did he want

Samuel: Would you please come here, John? John: No I'm busy............... in my farm.

1. A.I am working
2. B.I'm working
3. C.I am to work
4. D.I shall have worked
5. E.I go to work

My colleagues ...... before I arrived

1. A.started writing
2. B.wrote
3. C.had started writing
4. D.have written
5. E.have been writing

After the team had conceded two goals, their enthusiasm...........

1. A.was beginning to wane
2. B.was waning
3. C.began to wane
4. D.had begun to wane
5. E.had been waning

The Government....... the initial value of the hotel complex at ten million naira

1. A.costed
2. B.had cost
3. C.had valued
4. D.had constructed
5. E.has costed

James........ reminding that not all that glitters is gold.

1. A.needs
2. B.need
3. C.needing
4. D.needs
5. E.need to

The dull student took correspondence course as a means......... his standard in the class.

1. A.to improve
2. B.for improving
3. C.of improving
4. D.by improving
5. E.to improving

The boy thought that driving a car was not .........dangerous than riding a bicycle

1. A.so very
2. B.particularly
3. C.very
4. D.any more
5. E.any

I do not want........ from such a friend as Jimoh.

1. A.any more advices
2. B.no more advice
3. C.any advices
4. D.no advice
5. E.any advice

Very few students have satisfactory...... these days because the student population has increased tremendously

1. A.acommondation
2. B.accomodation
3. C.accommodation
4. D.acommoddation
5. E.acommodation

The old politicians were discredited because they tried to....... the people's ignorance.

1. A.cash in on
2. B.catch in with
3. C.catch in on
4. D.cash in with
5. E.cash in by

The plane overshot the ..... in a minor accident.

1. A.railway
2. B.hangar
3. C.tarmac
4. D.run way
5. E.road

The thief ran...... luck when the policeman running after him caught up with him and knocked him down.

1. A.into
2. B.with
3. C.of
4. D.out of
5. E.off

Whilst the thief was......... the passengers, he kept apologizing for the inconvenience he was causing them.

1. A.robbing
2. B.rubbing
3. C.robing
4. D.rubing
5. E.robbed

Your brigade would be the better for it, if you desisted....... rumour - mongering, observed the Chief of Staff

1. A.from
2. B.away
3. C.into
4. D.away from
5. E.on

The court ordered the lorry driver to pay for the......... to my car.

1. A.damages
2. B.heavy damages
3. C.destruction
4. D.many damages
5. E.damage

Journalists always collect and publish............

1. A.informations
2. B.an information
3. C.some informations
4. D.information
5. E.much informations

He received a pat...... the back for his brilliant success in the examination

1. A.by
2. B.at
3. C.in
4. D.on
5. E.for