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JAMB Use of English 1986 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 1986 Passage I: The fashion craze
It is customary nowadays among fashionable ladies and gentlemen to acquire strange and sometimes quaint clothes which are scarcely ever used. Sometimes it may be an approaching festival; sometimes a two hour ceremony and sometimes to honour a dead colleague — something triggers off the modern craze to sew new materials whose use does not outlast the moment of craze. And so, people who just occupy small apartments in their parents' homes, or have rented one room in a densely-peopled house find that more than two-thirds of their rooms are filled with bongo trousers which they cannot wear, worn out jeans which stinks, or specially made clothes for occasions that are not recurrent.

Although plagued by the problem of school fees for their children, parents have had to swallow their own phlegm and humour their children who need special clothes for important events. Newly employed youths soon find that their comrades getting married, and a new and special attire must be used to grace the occasion University students see matriculation ceremonies or induction ceremonies into club membership as special reasons to make new attire which — you may be sure — they would not wear on another occasion that parallels the one for which these clothes were made.

Medical doctors may soon find another cause for the incidence of high blood pressure among the youth. The desire to acquire new clothes is one strong possible cause, but a more subtle one which haunts like a ghost is the problem of choice of what to wear. The youths have so stuffed their apartments, wardrobes, drawers and trunks with so many clothes that the greatest problem they face is the choice of what to wear

A suitable tittle for this passage is

  1. A.Fashion craze
  2. B.Fashion craze among the youth
  3. C.University students and induction ceremonies
  4. D.Parents and the money for fashion craze
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Fashion craze among the youth)

Explanation

The whole passage is about young people's craze for new clothes, so 'Fashion craze among the youth' names both the subject and the people concerned. 'Fashion craze' alone is too general.

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Question 2

Comprehension

In this passage the expression 'Parent have had to swallow their own phlegm' means parents

  1. A.had to swallow the sputum in their mouths
  2. B.have been phlegmatic all along
  3. C.have had to overcome their own pride or prejudice
  4. D.no longer had to swallow their own phlegm
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (have had to overcome their own pride or prejudice)

Explanation

To 'swallow your phlegm' here is figurative: the parents put aside their own feelings and objections to please their children, i.e. they overcame their pride or prejudice.

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Question 3

Comprehension

The youth acquire clothes for

  1. A.burials, great occasions or for matriculation ceremonies
  2. B.occasions that are not recurrent
  3. C.boosting their ego
  4. D.the purpose of praising their parents
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (occasions that are not recurrent)

Explanation

The passage states directly that the youths' rooms are filled with 'specially made clothes for occasions that are not recurrent', that is, events that will not happen again.

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Question 4

Comprehension

In this passage we learn that parents

  1. A.admire their children's craze for new clothes
  2. B.do not provide the money for the fashion craze
  3. C.endure a lot of handship to provide for their children
  4. D.gladly provide the money for the fashion craze
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (endure a lot of handship to provide for their children)

Explanation

Although they are already 'plagued by the problem of school fees', parents still humour their children's demands for clothes, so they endure hardship.

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Question 5

Comprehension

A likely cause of high blood pressure among the youth is

  1. A.the clothes they wear to parties
  2. B.that different clothes are meant for different occasions
  3. C.that the youth have stuffed their wardrobes, apartments and drawars with new clothes
  4. D.the thought of the choice of what to wear
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (the thought of the choice of what to wear)

Explanation

The last paragraph says the subtle cause 'which haunts like a ghost is the problem of choice of what to wear'.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 1986 Passage II: Delinquency
Delinquency describes actions that would not be crimes if performed by adults. If a young person performs one of such actions then he has committed a crime. Delinquency is one of several status offences — offences that can be committed only by people in particular stations of life as determined by age, profession or a person's role in society. For young people such offences include drinking, driving and smoking under age. Usually they are offences only to the extent that they help to preserve some of the good things of life for the exclusive enjoyment of the adult world. Delinquency is therefore a weapon forged in adult minds and directed by adult hands against young people. It is born out of a envy, adult pride and intolerance. If the world changed overnight and the responsibility to make and enforce laws fell on juvenile shoulders, the adults should expect a raw deal in return. Delinquency would than certainly refer only to many of the adult actions now freely committed by them.

The writer of the passage believes that delinquency laws are

  1. A.not relevant to human society
  2. B.only fit for young people
  3. C.unfair to the juveniles
  4. D.very fair to the adult world
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (unfair to the juveniles)

Explanation

The writer calls delinquency 'a weapon forged in adult minds ... against young people', born out of envy and intolerance, so he sees the laws as unfair to juveniles.

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Question 7

Comprehension

Status offences are those that can be committed by

  1. A.all adults
  2. B.juveniles only
  3. C.delinquent juveniles only
  4. D.specified classes of people
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (specified classes of people)

Explanation

The passage defines status offences as offences 'committed only by people in particular stations of life' (age, profession or role), i.e. specified classes of people.

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Question 8

Comprehension

In the view of the writer, drinking under age is an offence because

  1. A.adults want to have all the to themselves
  2. B.adults do not want juveniles to get drunk
  3. C.drunken juveniles can cause disorder in society
  4. D.adults have a duty to protect young persons
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (adults want to have all the to themselves)

Explanation

The writer says such offences exist to preserve good things of life 'for the exclusive enjoyment of the adult world', so adults want them for themselves.

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Question 9

Comprehension

If the world changed overnight

  1. A.there would be more delinquency laws
  2. B.delinquency would refer to all adult actions
  3. C.delinquency would no more be a crime
  4. D.delinquency would also change in meaning
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (delinquency would also change in meaning)

Explanation

If young people made the laws, 'delinquency' would then refer to many adult actions, so the word itself would change in meaning. Option B is wrong because the passage says 'many', not 'all'.

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Question 10

Comprehension

When young people make and enforce laws

  1. A.the responsibility will be too heavy on their shoulders
  2. B.they would retaliate against the adults
  3. C.their laws will be very juvenile
  4. D.the world will be turned upside down
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (they would retaliate against the adults)

Explanation

The passage says adults 'should expect a raw deal in return', meaning the young would pay them back, i.e. retaliate.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 1986 Passage III: Ludo
Those who are familiar with it will tell you that Ludo, like human life itself, is a game both of chance and skill. You need skill in deciding how to make the most advantageous use of the figures that turn up on the die when you cast it. Since each player has at least four alternative ways of using his figures, two players with equal luck may fare differently, depending on how cleverly each one uses his figures. The element of luck, again as in human life, plays a dominant role however. For no matter how skillful a player may be in using the figures he gets on the die, he has a slim chance of winning if he continually throws low figures. While a combination of ones and twos may be useful in checking the advance of one's opponents, it will not take one home fast enough to win. On the other hand, consistent throws of sixes and fives, with the very minimum of skill, will help a player to home all his four counters before any of the three other players, unless, of course, he has no idea of the game at all

According to the passage Ludo is

  1. A.more a game of skill than of chance
  2. B.more a game of luck than of skill
  3. C.equally a game of chance and skill
  4. D.a game entirely of luck
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (more a game of luck than of skill)

Explanation

The writer admits skill matters, but says luck 'plays a dominant role': a skilful player who keeps throwing low numbers will hardly win, while steady sixes and fives win with little skill.

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Question 12

Comprehension

It is implied in the passage that two players may fare equally if they

  1. A.have equal luck
  2. B.apply similar skill to figures
  3. C.apply similar skill to similar figures
  4. D.have equal skill
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (apply similar skill to similar figures)

Explanation

Players with equal luck can still fare differently because of skill, and skill cannot overcome bad throws; so they fare equally only when both the figures and the skill are similar.

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Question 13

Comprehension

It is implied in the passage, that in Ludo threes and fours are

  1. A.very high throws
  2. B.medium throws
  3. C.low throws
  4. D.very low throws
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (medium throws)

Explanation

The passage calls ones and twos low figures and fives and sixes high ones, so threes and fours lie in the middle.

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Question 14

Comprehension

According to the passage, a player with consistently high throws will

  1. A.almost certainly win a game
  2. B.certainly win a game
  3. C.almost certainly not win a game
  4. D.deliberately not win a game
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (almost certainly win a game)

Explanation

Consistent sixes and fives will help him home first 'unless, of course, he has no idea of the game at all', so the win is almost certain, not certain.

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Question 15

Comprehension

In the passage, the possession of skill specifically enables a player to

  1. A.win
  2. B.throw good figures
  3. C.use his figures efficiently
  4. D.check his opponents effectively
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (use his figures efficiently)

Explanation

Skill, the passage says, lies 'in deciding how to make the most advantageous use of the figures', i.e. using them efficiently.

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Question 16

Comprehension
JAMB 1986 Passage IV: Farming
Farming is the most important aspect of agriculture that has attracted attention within the last few years. Agriculture has several other aspects like fishery, livestock and poultry. All these are also important in that they have to do with the production of food items which human beings consume for survival.

In many parts of the world today, farming has been regarded as the mainstay of the economy. Crops such as cocoa, rubber and cotton have been produced in such commercial quantity that they are sold to other countries. Some countries have better comparative advantage in producing certain farm crops than other countries. In these other countries, there is the need to spend a lot of money on agriculture, particularly farming. Most farmers use outmoded tools. A lot of them have no place to store their crops, most of which are always destroyed by insects and pests before harvest time. All these have adverse effects on their productivity.

The government can do a lot to help farmers. Farmers' co-operative societies can be encouraged and loans can be made available to farmers through government institutions, like banks and finance corporations. Farmers can be taught how to build good storage structures for their produce. All these and a lot more can help to improve the condition of farming in these countries.

The most important aspect of agriculture mentioned in the passage is

  1. A.poultry
  2. B.fishery
  3. C.livestock
  4. D.farming
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (farming)

Explanation

The first sentence says 'Farming is the most important aspect of agriculture'.

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Question 17

Comprehension

Farming in many countries today is

  1. A.an alternative to poultry
  2. B.of great assistance to the economy
  3. C.for those who are out of jobs
  4. D.for the illiterates
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (of great assistance to the economy)

Explanation

The passage says farming 'has been regarded as the mainstay of the economy' in many parts of the world.

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Question 18

Comprehension

Some countries produce more and better crops than others because the farmers in the former

  1. A.are more educated
  2. B.have greater manpower
  3. C.have more modern equipment
  4. D.have more fertile land
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (have more modern equipment)

Explanation

The passage contrasts the better-placed countries with those where 'most farmers use outmoded tools', implying the former have modern equipment.

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Question 21

Comprehension
JAMB 1986 Passage V: Museums
It may be argued that museums as an institution and an agency for transmitting cultural heritage are an artificial creation, so far as objects are removed from their natural or proper environments and put into museums which are a different environment altogether. However, it seems that museums themselves have come to be accepted and recognized as the best equipped institutions devised by man for the assemblage of cultural objects and their presentation and preservation for the present and future generations.

The artificial character of museums is however being gradually transformed into a cultural reality. Thus, just as one goes to the theatre for plays and other performing arts; the mosque, the church or the shrine for worship; the library for the printed word; today, it is to the museum one goes to see evidence of man's material outfit. For, no other institution or place so readily comes to mind as museums do when evidence of material culture is sought. Herein lies the importance of museums as cultural institutions and an agency for transmitting culture.

Museums are an artificial creation because

  1. A.they are an agency for transmitting cultural heritage
  2. B.natural or proper environments are removed and put into museums
  3. C.objects are removed form museums to natural or proper environments
  4. D.objects are removed form their natural or proper environments and put into museums
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (objects are removed form their natural or proper environments and put into museums)

Explanation

The first sentence says museums are artificial 'so far as objects are removed from their natural or proper environments and put into museums'.

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Question 22

Comprehension

According to the passage which of the following is NOT part of the main functions of museums?

  1. A.Preservation
  2. B.Generation
  3. C.Presentation
  4. D.Assemblage
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Generation)

Explanation

The passage lists assemblage, presentation and preservation of cultural objects as museums' work; generation is not mentioned.

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Question 23

Comprehension

The evidence of material culture can best be sought in the

  1. A.theatre and other performing arts
  2. B.library and the museum
  3. C.museum only
  4. D.museum more than any other institution
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (museum more than any other institution)

Explanation

'No other institution or place so readily comes to mind as museums do' when material culture is sought, so the museum is the best place, more than any other.

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Question 24

Comprehension

Which of the following phrases in the passage does NOT express the artificial character of museums?

  1. A.Removed from
  2. B.For transmitting
  3. C.Put into
  4. D.Devised by
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (For transmitting)

Explanation

Objects being 'removed from' their setting, 'put into' museums and museums being 'devised by' man all show they are man-made; 'for transmitting' only states their purpose.

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Question 25

Comprehension

'.......no other institution of place so readily comes to mind as museums' means that museums are

  1. A.always ready to enter the mind
  2. B.a ready example
  3. C.recalled with great difficulty
  4. D.remembered with hesitancy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a ready example)

Explanation

When people think of where to see material culture, museums are the first, readiest example that comes to mind.

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Question 26

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined: Mr Jack was most flexible in his instructions.

  1. A.rigid
  2. B.correct
  3. C.stiff
  4. D.upright
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (rigid)

Explanation

'Flexible' means willing to change or bend; its opposite for instructions is 'rigid', unwilling to change.

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Question 27

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined: The University has offered temporary accommodation to its staff.

  1. A.popular
  2. B.permanent
  3. C.recognized
  4. D.regular
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (permanent)

Explanation

Temporary means lasting only a short time; permanent means lasting for ever.

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Question 28

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined: Mary complained that she slept on the coarse floor

  1. A.smooth
  2. B.rough
  3. C.bad
  4. D.harsh
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (smooth)

Explanation

Coarse means rough to the touch, so the opposite is smooth.

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Question 29

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined: Jim was one of the spectators as the concert.

  1. A.ushers
  2. B.judges
  3. C.guests
  4. D.performers
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (performers)

Explanation

Spectators watch a show; performers are the ones being watched.

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Question 30

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined: The Governor declined to give audience to the journalist.

  1. A.ignored
  2. B.accepted
  3. C.forgot
  4. D.rejected
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (accepted)

Explanation

To decline is to refuse; the opposite is to accept.

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Question 31

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined: The debtor's husband is liable for his wife's debts

  1. A.unanswerable
  2. B.responsible
  3. C.unquestionable
  4. D.accountable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (unanswerable)

Explanation

Liable means legally answerable for something. Not answerable, i.e. 'unanswerable', is the opposite; 'responsible' and 'accountable' are synonyms.

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Question 32

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined: The lotion recommended by the doctor soothed Okon's aching tooth.

  1. A.calmed
  2. B.extracted
  3. C.excited
  4. D.worsened
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (worsened)

Explanation

To soothe pain is to reduce it; to worsen it is the opposite.

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Question 33

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined: The sun cast its shadow on the wall.

  1. A.reflection
  2. B.rays
  3. C.resemblance
  4. D.substance
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (substance)

Explanation

A shadow is the mere outline or image of a thing; the real, solid thing itself is its substance ('shadow and substance').

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Question 34

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined: He was locked up for a fortnight

  1. A.released
  2. B.punished
  3. C.remanded
  4. D.locked out
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (released)

Explanation

To be locked up is to be imprisoned; to be released is to be set free.

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Question 35

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined: The lady acted courageously when thieves attacked her.

  1. A.shyly
  2. B.fearlessly
  3. C.indiscreetly
  4. D.timidly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (timidly)

Explanation

Courageously means bravely; timidly means fearfully, the opposite.

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Question 36

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: You are free to leave the hall.

  1. A.at an advantage
  2. B.opportuned
  3. C.at liberty
  4. D.right
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (at liberty)

Explanation

To be free to do something is to be at liberty to do it.

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Question 37

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The culprits will surrender their loot to the Customs officals

  1. A.give away
  2. B.give out
  3. C.give in
  4. D.give up
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (give up)

Explanation

To surrender something is to give it up to someone in authority. 'Give in' means to yield in a contest and takes no object.

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Question 38

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The discussion became animated.

  1. A.specialized
  2. B.lively
  3. C.intellectual
  4. D.unruly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (lively)

Explanation

An animated discussion is full of life and energy, i.e. lively.

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Question 39

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: Rich citizens are often niggardly in their ways.

  1. A.beggarly
  2. B.sordid
  3. C.miserly
  4. D.pompous
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (miserly)

Explanation

Niggardly means unwilling to spend or give, the same as miserly.

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Question 40

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The musician's popularity is beginning to decline

  1. A.change
  2. B.wane
  3. C.slide
  4. D.disappear
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (wane)

Explanation

Popularity that declines is slowly decreasing; 'wane' means to grow gradually smaller or weaker.

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Question 41

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: Olu promised to look out for her next time he is in town

  1. A.watch for
  2. B.visit
  3. C.greet
  4. D.take care of
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (watch for)

Explanation

To look out for someone is to watch for them, to try to see them.

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Question 42

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: Thompson was a prosecution witness at the court hearing.

  1. A.false
  2. B.reliable
  3. C.government
  4. D.trial
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (government)

Explanation

In a criminal case the prosecution is the side of the state, so a prosecution witness is a government witness.

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Question 43

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The beggar's takings snow-belled every hour

  1. A.grew
  2. B.turned white
  3. C.grew into a ball
  4. D.turned into snow
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (grew)

Explanation

'Snowball' means to grow rapidly in size, like a rolling snowball, so the takings grew.

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Question 44

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: His attempts were nipped in the bud

  1. A.unsuccessful
  2. B.cut short
  3. C.frustrated
  4. D.disqualified
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (cut short)

Explanation

A bud is a flower before it opens; nipping it in the bud means stopping something at its very beginning, so his attempts were cut short.

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Question 45

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The preacher has made good his promise to visit some of his converts today.

  1. A.fulfilled
  2. B.abided by
  3. C.seen to
  4. D.accepted
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (fulfilled)

Explanation

To make good a promise is to fulfil it, to do what was promised.

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Question 46

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: 'Watch it! You could be followed said the robber

  1. A.Look around
  2. B.Be sober
  3. C.Be vigilant
  4. D.Look out
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Look out)

Explanation

'Watch it!' is a warning to be careful, the same as 'Look out!'.

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Question 47

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: Look at the tell-tale signs of battering on her

  1. A.confirming looks
  2. B.suspicious marks
  3. C.revealing marks
  4. D.signifying marks
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (revealing marks)

Explanation

Tell-tale signs are marks that reveal or give away what has happened, i.e. revealing marks.

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Question 48

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The armed robbers who raided passengers on the Expressway came to grief when the had a shoot out with the police today.

  1. A.came to a bad end
  2. B.became grieved
  3. C.encountered grief
  4. D.came to dead end
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (came to a bad end)

Explanation

To come to grief means to meet with disaster or failure, i.e. to come to a bad end.

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Question 49

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: Many of the workers hired for firing the furnace had themselves fired as a result of the unfortunate accident.

  1. A.got themselves burned accidentally
  2. B.jumped into the fire themselves
  3. C.got themselves sacked from their jobs
  4. D.were sacked from their jobs
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (got themselves sacked from their jobs)

Explanation

'Fired' here plays on two meanings; to get fired is to be dismissed from a job, so they got themselves sacked.

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Question 50

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The new educational system took off this school year.

  1. A.went off
  2. B.continued
  3. C.began
  4. D.resumed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (began)

Explanation

When a plan or system takes off it starts operating, i.e. begins.

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Question 51

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: We will surely buy this idea of introducing an entirely new product.

  1. A.pay for
  2. B.accept
  3. C.trade in
  4. D.barter
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (accept)

Explanation

To buy an idea, informally, means to accept or believe it.

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Question 52

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: This year's harvest is surplus.

  1. A.enough for our need
  2. B.limitless
  3. C.more than enough
  4. D.plenty
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (more than enough)

Explanation

A surplus is an amount beyond what is needed, i.e. more than enough.

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Question 53

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: Many candidates now apply to read Law because it is a lucrative profession.

  1. A.brings plenty of profit
  2. B.brings high prestige
  3. C.brings quick money
  4. D.brings plenty of knowledge
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (brings plenty of profit)

Explanation

Lucrative means producing a lot of money or profit.

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Question 54

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The pressman said that his interview with the President was off the record.

  1. A.not written on government record books
  2. B.not intended for publication
  3. C.not taped
  4. D.written elsewhere other than in government records
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (not intended for publication)

Explanation

An 'off the record' remark is given privately and is not meant to be published or reported.

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Question 55

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: She realised that she was up against stiff competition when a new large departmental store was opened next to her small provision shop.

  1. A.next to
  2. B.standing next to
  3. C.opposed to
  4. D.faced with
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Answer: D (faced with)

Explanation

To be up against a difficulty is to be faced with it.

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Question 56

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: Finally, I assured him that I would not go back on my word.

  1. A.return to a place
  2. B.return to a certain word when reading
  3. C.re-use my word
  4. D.fail to keep my promise
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Answer: D (fail to keep my promise)

Explanation

To go back on your word is to break a promise, i.e. fail to keep it.

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Question 57

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: Everybody respects the team leader.

  1. A.locks up for
  2. B.looks up on
  3. C.looks up to
  4. D.looks up at
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Answer: C (looks up to)

Explanation

To look up to someone means to respect and admire them.

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Question 58

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The driver, on seeing the traffic warden, was hesitant to start the engine.

  1. A.slow
  2. B.unable
  3. C.anxious
  4. D.reluctant
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Answer: D (reluctant)

Explanation

Someone hesitant to act is unwilling or unsure about doing it, i.e. reluctant.

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Question 59

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: He likes to call attention to unimportant matters

  1. A.dubious
  2. B.incidental
  3. C.trivial
  4. D.simple
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Answer: C (trivial)

Explanation

Trivial means of little importance.

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Question 60

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The speaker took his audience down memory lane before he went to the topic of his lecture.

  1. A.took his audience on a journey through a street called Memory Lane
  2. B.recalled events from the past
  3. C.told a tale about a place called Memory Lane
  4. D.gave an outline of his lecture.
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Answer: B (recalled events from the past)

Explanation

To take someone down memory lane is to recall past events with them.

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Question 61

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The new religious leader hands out an olives branch.

  1. A.sues for peace
  2. B.gives out branches of the olive tree
  3. C.challenges his opponents to a fight
  4. D.blesses his congregation.
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Answer: A (sues for peace)

Explanation

An olive branch is a symbol of peace, so offering one means seeking peace.

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Question 62

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: Though a brilliant student, Binta lost her tongue when she was asked to give the vote of thanks at the end of the Governor's visit to her school.

  1. A.became dumb
  2. B.became deaf and dumb
  3. C.said nothing because she was shy
  4. D.forgot her native language
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Answer: C (said nothing because she was shy)

Explanation

To lose your tongue is to be unable to speak for a moment, usually from shyness or nervousness, not to become permanently dumb.

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Question 63

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The accounts clerk was jailed because he cooked the books

  1. A.set fire to the account books
  2. B.sold the books in his office to get money for food
  3. C.falsified the accounts to his advantage
  4. D.destroyed the accounts books by cooking them
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Answer: C (falsified the accounts to his advantage)

Explanation

To cook the books is to falsify financial records dishonestly.

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Question 64

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The task was herculean.

  1. A.irregular
  2. B.related to Hercules
  3. C.stimulating
  4. D.demanding
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Answer: D (demanding)

Explanation

A herculean task needs great strength or effort, like the labours of Hercules, so it is very demanding.

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Question 65

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: The story is rather hard to believe

  1. A.incedulous
  2. B.incredible
  3. C.superstitious
  4. D.untenable
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Answer: B (incredible)

Explanation

Incredible means impossible or hard to believe. 'Incredulous' describes a person who does not believe.

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Question 66

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: It is advisable to administer the test in the morning when students are fresh.

  1. A.perform
  2. B.set
  3. C.undertake
  4. D.give
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Answer: D (give)

Explanation

To administer a test is to give it to the candidates.

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Question 67

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined: He broke his mallet ostensibly trying to maintain order although he was actually enjoying the commotion

  1. A.apparently
  2. B.carelessly
  3. C.angrily
  4. D.accidentally
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Answer: A (apparently)

Explanation

Ostensibly means apparently, as it seemed on the surface, though the real reason was different.

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Question 68

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): Jibril found that thieves had entered his house in his absence. He went to the police to report the .....

  1. A.break out
  2. B.break up
  3. C.break in
  4. D.break into
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (break in)

Explanation

A 'break-in' is the noun for an illegal entry into a building. 'Break into' is a verb and cannot follow 'the'.

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Question 69

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): After the accused was found guilty by the court, his counsel..... before sentence was passed.

  1. A.begged for mercy
  2. B.made a plea for mitigation
  3. C.made an ovation
  4. D.made a plea for litigation
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Answer: B (made a plea for mitigation)

Explanation

After a conviction, a lawyer makes a plea in mitigation, asking for a lighter sentence.

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Question 70

Spelling

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): Four persons accused of currency.... are being held by the security agents.

  1. A.traficking
  2. B.traviking
  3. C.trafficking
  4. D.traffiking
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Answer: C (trafficking)

Explanation

The correct spelling is 'trafficking', with double f and -ck-.

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Question 71

Question Tags

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): You had to stand in the corridor all the way? Poor you! I don't suppose you enjoyed the journey..... ?

  1. A.don't you
  2. B.did you
  3. C.didn't you
  4. D.don't I
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Answer: B (did you)

Explanation

The tag follows the reported clause 'you enjoyed the journey', and since 'I don't suppose' makes it negative in meaning, the tag is positive: 'did you?'

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Question 72

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): 'I'm sorry I can't give you any of the oranges' I have....... left'.

  1. A.few
  2. B.little
  3. C.only a little
  4. D.a few
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Answer: A (few)

Explanation

Oranges are countable, so we use few/a few; 'few' (hardly any) explains why the speaker can't give any.

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Question 73

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): No wonder those plants are dying. They... any water for ages!

  1. A.didn't have
  2. B.hadn't
  3. C.haven't had
  4. D.haven't
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Answer: C (haven't had)

Explanation

'For ages' up to now needs the present perfect: 'They haven't had any water for ages.'

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Question 74

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): 'Darling, do send the children to bed. I can't ....... their noise any longer' he said to his wife.

  1. A.make do with
  2. B.make up
  3. C.deal with
  4. D.put up with
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Answer: D (put up with)

Explanation

To put up with something is to tolerate it, which fits 'any longer'.

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Question 75

Pronouns

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): My wife and I met... on a ship going to Liberia.

  1. A.ourselves
  2. B.one another
  3. C.each other
  4. D.ourself
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Answer: C (each other)

Explanation

For two people acting on each other we use 'each other'.

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Question 76

Concord

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): ..... yet about the principal?

  1. A.Are there any news
  2. B.Are there some news
  3. C.Is there any news
  4. D.Is their any news
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Answer: C (Is there any news)

Explanation

'News' is uncountable and takes a singular verb; questions use 'any': 'Is there any news?'

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Question 77

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): I am... to another week's holiday this year after such a tedious job.

  1. A.due
  2. B.qualified
  3. C.looking
  4. D.entitled
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Answer: D (entitled)

Explanation

To be entitled to something is to have a right to it; 'looking' would need 'forward'.

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Question 79

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): The committee was frustrated because the Chief withheld his.........

  1. A.accent
  2. B.access
  3. C.assent
  4. D.ascent
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Answer: C (assent)

Explanation

Assent means approval or agreement; by refusing his approval the Chief blocked the committee.

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Question 80

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): Gone are the days when he...... enjoy patronage.

  1. A.would
  2. B.will
  3. C.used to
  4. D.could
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Answer: C (used to)

Explanation

'Used to' describes a past habit that no longer happens, which matches 'Gone are the days'.

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Question 81

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): He did not attend the final burial.......

  1. A.rite
  2. B.rights
  3. C.rites
  4. D.right
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Answer: C (rites)

Explanation

Ceremonies are 'rites' (burial rites); 'rights' are entitlements.

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Question 82

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): The officer was compelled to .... the suspect's car.

  1. A.seize
  2. B.cease
  3. C.sieze
  4. D.sease
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Answer: A (seize)

Explanation

'Seize' (take by force) is the correct word and spelling; 'cease' means stop.

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Question 83

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): He missed the point because he took the statement.....

  1. A.literally
  2. B.literarily
  3. C.literary
  4. D.uniliterally
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Answer: A (literally)

Explanation

Taking a statement literally means taking the exact words at face value and missing the intended meaning.

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Question 84

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): Their high..... was an advantage.

  1. A.moral
  2. B.morality
  3. C.morale
  4. D.morals
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Answer: C (morale)

Explanation

Morale is a group's confidence and spirit; 'high morale' is the usual phrase.

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Question 85

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): The brave officer..... the time bomb.

  1. A.diffused
  2. B.devused
  3. C.defused
  4. D.difused
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Answer: C (defused)

Explanation

To defuse a bomb is to remove its fuse so it can't explode; 'diffuse' means spread out.

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Question 86

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): A number of suspects were paraded.. the victim of the robbery.

  1. A.in front of
  2. B.before
  3. C.for
  4. D.to
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (in front of)

Explanation

Suspects are paraded in front of a victim so that the victim can identify the robber.

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Question 87

Verb Forms

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): If you want peace, you.... prepared for war.

  1. A.had better
  2. B.have better
  3. C.had better got
  4. D.had better get
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Answer: D (had better get)

Explanation

'Had better' is followed by the bare infinitive: 'you had better get prepared'.

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Question 88

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): If only we......... we could have overcome the difficulty.

  1. A.had persevered
  2. B.have persevered
  3. C.had persevere
  4. D.persevered
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (had persevered)

Explanation

'Could have overcome' refers to the past, so the 'if only' clause needs the past perfect: 'If only we had persevered'.

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Question 89

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): 'We are gradually...... to the end of the programme this afternoon', remarked the chairman of the wedding reception.

  1. A.arriving
  2. B.getting
  3. C.approaching
  4. D.going
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Answer: B (getting)

Explanation

'Getting to the end' is the natural phrase; 'approaching' takes no 'to' and 'arriving' takes 'at'.

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Question 90

Verb Forms

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): We saw him.... over a wall as the police approached.

  1. A.leaped
  2. B.leap
  3. C.leapt
  4. D.leaping
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Answer: B (leap)

Explanation

After 'see someone' we use the bare infinitive for a completed action: 'We saw him leap over a wall.'

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Question 91

Question Tags

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): A number of doctors are not so well disposed to ...... in government hospitals these days... they?

  1. A.working/do
  2. B.work/are
  3. C.working/are
  4. D.work/aren't
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Answer: C (working/are)

Explanation

'Disposed to' is followed by the -ing form, and a negative statement with 'are' takes the positive tag 'are they?'

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Question 92

Concord

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): The only set of loud speakers available..... to be connected according to the instruction.

  1. A.is
  2. B.are
  3. C.were
  4. D.have
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Answer: A (is)

Explanation

The subject is 'set', which is singular, so the verb is 'is'.

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Question 93

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): We later on discovered that some members......... another meeting before the one advertised.

  1. A.were holding
  2. B.have held
  3. C.have been holding
  4. D.had held
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Answer: D (had held)

Explanation

The members' meeting happened before the discovery in the past, so the past perfect 'had held' is needed.

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Question 94

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): He decided to wait for the bus because he had.

  1. A.too many luggage.
  2. B.many luggages.
  3. C.a lot of luggage.
  4. D.plenty luggages.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (a lot of luggage.)

Explanation

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

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Question 95

Pronouns

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): Thank you for the party, we really.......

  1. A.enjoyed ourselves.
  2. B.enjoyed.
  3. C.enjoyed very much.
  4. D.enjoyed too much..
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (enjoyed ourselves.)

Explanation

'Enjoy' needs an object; with no other object we use the reflexive: 'we really enjoyed ourselves'.

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Question 96

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): We were trying to study for the examinations last night when the lights....

  1. A.were taken away
  2. B.came off
  3. C.quenched
  4. D.went off
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Answer: D (went off)

Explanation

When electric lights stop working, they 'go off'.

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Question 97

Verb Forms

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): When he had arranged the furniture, he..... the picture on the wall.

  1. A.hanged
  2. B.hung
  3. C.hang
  4. D.hunged
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Answer: B (hung)

Explanation

For objects the past tense of 'hang' is 'hung'; 'hanged' is used only for executing people.

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Question 98

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): I forgot to bring a pen with me. Would you, please.........me yours?

  1. A.borrow
  2. B.loan
  3. C.provide
  4. D.lend
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Answer: D (lend)

Explanation

You lend something to someone; you borrow from someone. 'Lend me yours' is correct.

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Question 99

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): If you are going to the market, may I...... please?

  1. A.for follow you
  2. B.come with you
  3. C.come by you
  4. D.come as your second
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Answer: B (come with you)

Explanation

The polite request to accompany someone is 'May I come with you?'

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Question 100

Verb Forms

Choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s): Wada said that two of his chickens..... eggs yesterday morning.

  1. A.layed
  2. B.lied
  3. C.laid
  4. D.lain
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Answer: C (laid)

Explanation

The past tense of 'lay' (produce eggs) is 'laid'.

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