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JAMB Use of English 1989 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 1989 Passage I: The stranger at the pier
As the stranger approached, Shola noticed that he was handsome and her excitement increased. It was of such a man she had dreamt. He had a fine, arrogant carriage, like a soldier or someone in authority. When he reached the end of the pier, he addressed them in a rich, deep voice that disturbed her as the voluptuous rising of the tide had done.
'You're Tunde Onu, I'm told', he said to her father.
'That's right,' said her father.
'The bus conductor told me you take people to the islands', the man continued. 'I'd like to go there if you can take me.'
Her father examined the man from head to foot, shrewdly measuring his capacity to pay. Then he said: 'When were you thinking of going?'
'Right away'.
'That's a different story, for my boatman is gone to Badagry and he won't be back before nightfall.'
'Oh!' said the stranger. 'That's too bad. You couldn't get someone else instead of him?'
'I would have to think hard', he said gloomily, 'for it's not everyone would do for the job of going with me beyond the bay to the islands at this time of the year'.
Shola understood her father's manoeuvre and felt ashamed.

How would you describe Shola's father?

  1. A.A greedy boatman
  2. B.An energetic but good-for-nothing man
  3. C.A loving father who wants to safeguard the interest of his daughter
  4. D.A talkative fool
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (A greedy boatman)

Explanation

He pretends it is hard to find a boatman so he can charge the stranger more. That trick shows he is greedy for money.

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Question 2

Comprehension

Which of the following is NOT true of the passage?

  1. A.Shola did not approve of her father's behaviour towards the stranger
  2. B.Shola's father could row the stranger to the islands alone had he who wished
  3. C.Shola's father exaggerated the difficulties in order to raise his fee
  4. D.Shola had recently been disturbed by the tide
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Shola had recently been disturbed by the tide)

Explanation

The tide is only used in a comparison: the man's voice disturbed her the way the rising tide does. Nothing says the tide had just disturbed her, so D is not true.

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Question 3

Comprehension

Which of the following is true of the stranger in the passage?

  1. A.He was a proud and good looking man with a deep voice that annoyed Shola
  2. B.He was familiar with the people of the islands
  3. C.He was a fine gentleman in need of help
  4. D.He was too proud to reciprocate Shola's love
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (He was a fine gentleman in need of help)

Explanation

He is handsome and well-mannered, and he needs someone to take him to the islands. Her excitement shows his voice did not annoy her.

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Question 4

Comprehension

'Manoeuvre' in the passage means

  1. A.shrewdness
  2. B.cleverness
  3. C.stupidity
  4. D.strategy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (strategy)

Explanation

A manoeuvre is a planned move or trick to get what you want; here, the father's strategy to raise his price.

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Question 5

Comprehension

Which of the following is true of the passage?

  1. A.The stranger was in a bad mood
  2. B.The stranger came by bus
  3. C.Shola and her father were idle when the stranger came
  4. D.Shola's father measured the stranger from head to foot
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (The stranger came by bus)

Explanation

The stranger says the bus conductor told him about Tunde Onu, so he came by bus. The father examined him from head to foot, but what he 'measured' was his ability to pay.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 1989 Passage II: Sport and ill-will among nations
I am always amazed when I hear people saying that sport creates goodwill among nations, and that if only the common peoples of the world could meet one another at football or squash, they would have no inclination to meet on the battle field. Even if one didn't know from concrete examples (the 1936 Olympic Games, for instance) that international sporting contests lead to orgies of hatred, one could deduce it from general principles.

Nearly all the sports practised nowadays are competitive. You play to win, and the game has little meaning unless you do your utmost to win. On the village green, where you pick up sides and not feeling of local patriotism is involved, it is possible to play simple for the fun of it and exercise; but as soon as the question of prestige arises, a soon as you feel that you and some larger unit will be disgraced if you lose, the most savage combative instincts are aroused. Anyone who has played even in a school football match knows this. At the international level, sport is frankly a mimic warfare. But the significant thing is not the behaviour of the players but the attitude of the spectators; and, behind the spectators, of the nations who work themselves into furies over these absurd contests and seriously believe — at any rate for short period — that running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue.

Even a leisurely game demanding grace rather than strength can cause much ill-will. Football, a game in […]yone gets hurt and every nation has its own style of play […] […]orrible sights in the world is a fight between white and coloured boxers before a mixed audience.

The 1936 Olympic Games was cited in the passage as an example to show that sports can

  1. A.lead to excessive hatred
  2. B.create goodwill among nations
  3. C.generate feelings of national prestige
  4. D.make people meet on the battle field
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (lead to excessive hatred)

Explanation

The writer mentions the 1936 Olympics as proof that international contests 'lead to orgies of hatred'.

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Question 7

Comprehension

According to the passage,

  1. A.all the sports practised nowadays are competitive
  2. B.games have meaning only when the participants play to win
  3. C.it is impossible to play a game simply for the fun of it
  4. D.on the local green, you play not to win but for the fun of it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (games have meaning only when the participants play to win)

Explanation

The passage says a game 'has little meaning unless you do your utmost to win'. A says 'all' where the passage says 'nearly all', and C contradicts the passage, which says you can play for fun on the village green.

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Question 8

Comprehension

Boxing is regarded as the worst game in the passage because

  1. A.of the behaviour of the boxers themselves
  2. B.of the amount of ill-will that can be generated among spectators of different races
  3. C.of the ill-will that can be generated by a game that demands strength from the competitors
  4. D.is a game in which both players get hurt rather badly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (is a game in which both players get hurt rather badly)

Explanation

The writer calls a fight between white and coloured boxers before a mixed audience one of the most horrible sights, because of the hatred it stirs among spectators of different races.

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Question 9

Comprehension

Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?

  1. A.Running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue
  2. B.At the national level, sport is frankly a mimic warfare
  3. C.The most savage combative instincts are aroused by anyone who has played in a school football match
  4. D.Nations work themselves up because they tend to believe that sports are tests of national virtue
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Nations work themselves up because they tend to believe that sports are tests of national virtue)

Explanation

The writer says nations work themselves into furies because they believe running and kicking a ball test national virtue. A is only what those nations believe (the writer calls it absurd), and B says 'national' where the passage says 'international'.

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Question 10

Comprehension

'Mimic' as used in the passage, means.....

  1. A.comic
  2. B.silent
  3. C.imitated
  4. D.practised
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (imitated)

Explanation

'Mimic warfare' is an imitation of war: sport copies the hostility of real fighting.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 1989 Passage III: Osun, the snake and the plant
His eyes widened as they fell upon something strange. Something was moving slowly and cautiously along the gutter. The pale yellow and brown of the snake's body glistened like a stream of flowing metal. By what mistake had the creature strayed into this unlikely place? Impossible to say. Yet there it was; and its slow movements betrayed uneasiness and confusion.

As he watched it, his instinctive antipathy melted away. He could understand so well what the snake was feeling. He entered into its cold, narrow intelligence and shared its angry perplexity. Its movements were cramped, its advance difficult, and it was in constant danger of slipping over the edge. Now and then it lay still in dull reflection, nursing a cold anger that could find no vent.

Meanwhile, the little plant bent downwards by every puff of wind, was beating its thin twigs against the gutter like a birch. The snake seemed not to see the plant. It moved forward until a light touch from the twigs fell upon its head. At this, it stopped and lifted its neck. The little plant was now doing no more than lightly sway and dip. The snake, its head still reared, waited, flickering tongue. One could feel the angry heaving and straining in the sluggish brain — the dull red anger waiting to explode. Then came a strong gust sweeping along the wall, and at once the twigs thrashed down upon the furious head — thrashed down and beat it with a movement that seemed to Osun both comic and dreadful: In a flash, the head reared itself higher, the neck drew back, and there was a lunge at the twigs and the empty air. O fatal act! To strike, the snake had been obliged to coil, and its coiled body could not support itself upon the narrow ledge. No recovery was possible; it overbalanced and fell with a thud upon a small flat roof fifty feet below. There, Osun saw the creature begin to writhe in agony. It could do no more than twist and turn upon the same spot.

Osun was trembling, but beneath his agitation there was a deep, trouble wonder. Here was the little plants now waving with kind of jaunty cynicism. And there was the snake writhing in agony. The world, unquestionably, was a place of mystery and horror. This was revealed in the writhing of the crippled snake and in the jaunty waving of the innocent plant in the wind.

The snake was referred to as 'something strange' because the

  1. A.movement of the snake along the gutter was slow and cautious
  2. B.movement of the snake betrayed strange uneasiness and confusion
  3. C.colour of the snake's body was an unusual stream of flowing metal
  4. D.environment in which the snake was found was unusual
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (environment in which the snake was found was unusual)

Explanation

The writer asks how the creature 'strayed into this unlikely place', so it was strange because a gutter is an unusual place for a snake.

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Question 12

Comprehension

As the narrator watched the snake, his feelings changed to those of

  1. A.anger and apathy
  2. B.antipathy and perplexity
  3. C.perplexity
  4. D.angry bewilderment
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (perplexity)

Explanation

His 'instinctive antipathy melted away' and he 'shared its angry perplexity', so his dislike turned into perplexity.

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Question 13

Comprehension

The act of the snake was described as 'fatal' because the snake's attack was going to

  1. A.be fatal to the plant
  2. B.make the coiled body not to support itself upon the narrow ledge
  3. C.result in the crippling of the snake
  4. D.result in no possible recovery
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (result in no possible recovery)

Explanation

Once the snake coiled to strike, it lost its balance and fell; 'No recovery was possible', which is why the act was fatal.

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Question 14

Comprehension

Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?

  1. A.Osun was not an active observer in the combat between the snake and the little plant
  2. B.the moves of the little plant during the encounter with the snake were not voluntary
  3. C.The attack of the plant during the combat was entirely to blame for the fall of the snake
  4. D.During the combat, the behaviour of the plant could be likened to that of a human being
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (The attack of the plant during the combat was entirely to blame for the fall of the snake)

Explanation

The snake fell because, to strike at the twigs, it had to coil, and its coiled body could not balance on the narrow ledge. So it is not true that the plant's attack was entirely to blame for the fall.

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Question 15

Comprehension

The 'fight' between the plant and the snake was prompted by

  1. A.the plant
  2. B.Osun
  3. C.the wind
  4. D.the snake
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (the wind)

Explanation

The plant only moved because the wind bent it, and a strong gust made its twigs thrash down on the snake's head.

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Question 16

Comprehension
JAMB 1989 Passage IV: Population and food
In the past, famine, various types of diseases, and natural disasters checked population growth in many countries. At that time, man had not learnt to till the soil sufficiently to improve and increase her yield. Man was unable to do much to conquer these diseases; and natural disasters were regarded as a curse of the gods for which man had no answer. Thus, famine, diseases, and natural disasters remained a nightmare to mankind.

With the present developments in technology and modern agriculture, one would have thought that the […] still stares man in the face. The increa[…] now accounts for the consequent scarcity of food experienced in many parts of the world. […] in the some countries, man's advancement in technology and medicine has rapidly increased the popu[lation] while improved methods of agriculture and food preservation have caused a steady rise in food production. Also, man can now effectively prevent and cure most diseases in the world.

Unfortunately, the working population engaged in agriculture is so small that it cannot produce enough to satisfy the gaping mouths to be fed. In various parts of the world, man has engaged himself in various jobs in order to adjust the food production to match the growing population so his zone, but population growth continues to outstrip food production measures. Incidentally, the source of food and food preservation measures can be limited unlike population growth which may not be effectively checked. Perhaps the only effective checks to population explosion may be the drastic birth control measures. But many religious sects the world over are opposed to many to these birth control measures.

In this passage 'nightmare' means

  1. A.a terrifying or deeply distressing dream
  2. B.natural disasters
  3. C.all those hazards which made life hideous
  4. D.a curse
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (all those hazards which made life hideous)

Explanation

In the passage the 'nightmare' is not a dream but the famine, disease and disasters that made life terrible.

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Question 17

Comprehension

Natural disasters were regarded as a curse of the gods on mankind because man

  1. A.had no satisfactory solution to natural disasters
  2. B.had not learnt to till the soil sufficiently
  3. C.was suffering from the woes pronounced on mankind by the gods
  4. D.could not send a reply to the gods
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (had no satisfactory solution to natural disasters)

Explanation

The passage says disasters were seen as a curse 'for which man had no answer', meaning he had no solution to them.

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Question 18

Comprehension

'But starvation still stares man in the face' means starvation

  1. A.looks at the face of man
  2. B.is inevitable to man
  3. C.flies in the face of man
  4. D.still afflicts man
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (still afflicts man)

Explanation

If something stares you in the face, it is still with you; starvation still troubles man.

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Question 19

Comprehension

The working population engaged in agriculture cannot feed the teeming population sufficiently because

  1. A.there are gaping mouths to be fed
  2. B.they do not produce what they like to eat
  3. C.there are not enough people engaged in tilling the soil
  4. D.improved methods of agriculture have not brought about a significant increase in food production
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (there are not enough people engaged in tilling the soil)

Explanation

The passage says the working population in agriculture 'is so small that it cannot produce enough'.

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Question 20

Comprehension

Drastic birth control measures may not be effective checks to population explosion since many religious sects

  1. A.are disinclined to oppose their use
  2. B.object to the use of many of them
  3. C.are disinclined to accept them for use
  4. D.want the control measures applied
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (object to the use of many of them)

Explanation

The last sentence says many religious sects are opposed to many of these birth control measures.

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Question 21

Comprehension
JAMB 1989 Passage V: Nuclear war and the developing countries
The evidence given so far demonstrates that a nuclear exchange in the Northern Hemisphere would have an unavoidable global aftermath making the continued existence of mankind impossible any where. It is also very improbable that a nuclear exchange would be confined exclusively to the vicinity of the industrialized states. Current developments indicate that a nuclear disaster would be carried into the territories of the developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. These developments include the preparations being made by aggressive forces for the armed seizure of the Middle East oil fields, the nuclear missile deployment in the south of Western Europe, the establishment of military bases for the Rapid Deployment of Forces in North Africa and the Indian Ocean, and the tensions in the South Atlantic and the Caribbean.

A suitable title for the passage is

  1. A.Preparation for Nuclear War on the Third World Countries
  2. B.Possible Effects of Nuclear War on Third World Countries
  3. C.Strategies for a Nuclear Confrontation
  4. D.The Merits and Demerits of Nuclear Exchange
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Possible Effects of Nuclear War on Third World Countries)

Explanation

The passage explains how a nuclear war in the North would spread its effects to developing countries, so B covers it best.

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Question 22

Comprehension

'Aggressive' in the passage means

  1. A.militant
  2. B.dissident
  3. C.reactionary
  4. D.revolutionary
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (militant)

Explanation

Aggressive forces are ready to attack and use force; 'militant' means the same.

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Question 23

Comprehension

The central point being stressed in the passage is that

  1. A.nuclear war is inevitable in the Third World countries
  2. B.nuclear war is imminent in the Third World countries
  3. C.a country does not have to be industrialized before being concerned with nuclear matters
  4. D.the aggressive forces of the world are ready to carry the nuclear battle into the developing nations
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (the aggressive forces of the world are ready to carry the nuclear battle into the developing nations)

Explanation

The writer lists moves by aggressive forces in Asia, Africa and Latin America to show that a nuclear battle would be carried into developing countries.

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Question 24

Comprehension

According to the author, current world developments point to

  1. A.an exclusive destruction of the developing countries
  2. B.a likely spread of nuclear calamity to the Third World
  3. C.nuclear exchange taking place in Africa, Asia and Latin America
  4. D.a confrontation between the industrialized and the developing countries
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a likely spread of nuclear calamity to the Third World)

Explanation

The passage says 'Current developments indicate that a nuclear disaster would be carried into the territories of the developing countries', which is a likely spread to the Third World.

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Question 25

Comprehension

From this passage, we learn that nuclear exchange in the Northern Hemisphere would be

  1. A.inconceivable
  2. B.inevitable
  3. C.fatal to mankind
  4. D.partially destructive
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (fatal to mankind)

Explanation

It would make 'the continued existence of mankind impossible', so it would be fatal to mankind.

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Question 26

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: The government is making concerted efforts at providing essential social facilities in the rural areas.

  1. A.dissipated
  2. B.unconcerned
  3. C.unsuccessful
  4. D.uncontrolled
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (dissipated)

Explanation

Concerted efforts are planned and made together with full force. Dissipated efforts are the opposite: scattered and wasted.

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Question 27

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: The western allies frowned at their enemies indiscriminate bombing of their territory.

  1. A.impartial
  2. B.selective
  3. C.unprovoked
  4. D.divided
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (selective)

Explanation

Indiscriminate means done without choosing carefully; the opposite is selective.

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Question 28

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: The girl is very intelligent, but her jokes are rather outrageous.

  1. A.offensive
  2. B.courageous
  3. C.pleasant
  4. D.unwholesome
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (pleasant)

Explanation

Outrageous jokes shock and offend people; the opposite is pleasant.

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Question 29

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: We cannot but talk about his invaluable contributions to the affairs of the society.

  1. A.worthless
  2. B.costly
  3. C.unrecognized
  4. D.incalculable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (worthless)

Explanation

Invaluable means extremely valuable, so the opposite is worthless.

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Question 30

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: This average fertility figure, of course, conceals wide individual variations among the people.

  1. A.attracts
  2. B.covers
  3. C.exposes
  4. D.concludes
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (exposes)

Explanation

To conceal is to hide; the opposite is to expose.

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Question 32

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: The appearance of the pall-bearers was extremely fascinating.

  1. A.magnetic
  2. B.unorganized
  3. C.interesting
  4. D.repulsive
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (repulsive)

Explanation

Fascinating means very attractive or interesting; repulsive means causing dislike, the opposite.

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Question 33

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: Many mines protested against the order to march into the coal pits.

  1. A.strut
  2. B.amble
  3. C.trudge
  4. D.ramble
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (trudge)

Explanation

To march is to walk with firm, quick, regular steps; to trudge is to walk slowly and heavily, the opposite manner.

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Question 34

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: The hasty action will bring nothing but discredit to them.

  1. A.honour
  2. B.shame
  3. C.reward
  4. D.disgrace
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (honour)

Explanation

Discredit means loss of respect, the same as shame or disgrace; the opposite is honour.

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Question 35

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: The man's health has deteriorated in the hospital.

  1. A.collapsed
  2. B.improved
  3. C.worsened
  4. D.revived
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (improved)

Explanation

Deteriorated means became worse, so the opposite is improved.

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Question 36

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: The boss made a clean sweep of all the old hands in the office

  1. A.completely got rid
  2. B.cleanly swept the office
  3. C.made a quick change
  4. D.made an adjustment
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (completely got rid)

Explanation

To make a clean sweep of people is to remove all of them completely.

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Question 37

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Her anxiety was apparent to everyone present at the ceremony.

  1. A.real
  2. B.visible
  3. C.transparent
  4. D.unknown
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (visible)

Explanation

Apparent here means easy to see, so visible.

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Question 38

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Our experience on board the aircraft is nothing to write home about.

  1. A.not remarkable
  2. B.unpleasant
  3. C.nobody's business
  4. D.not a home affair
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (not remarkable)

Explanation

Something that is nothing to write home about is ordinary, not remarkable.

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Question 40

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: The governor advised his people to get off the beaten tracks in their approach to community matters

  1. A.use the old roads
  2. B.make the tracks better
  3. C.find new ways
  4. D.avoid beating about the bush
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (find new ways)

Explanation

Leaving the beaten track means not doing things the usual way, so finding new ways.

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Question 41

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: It was their custom to keep an open house on Sundays

  1. A.welcome all visitors
  2. B.keep the shutters open
  3. C.leave the house open
  4. D.expose the whole house
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (welcome all visitors)

Explanation

To keep open house is to welcome any visitors who come.

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Question 42

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: The president made a passionate appeal for calm.

  1. A.inflamed
  2. B.disturbing
  3. C.intense
  4. D.lively
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (intense)

Explanation

A passionate appeal is one made with strong feeling, so intense.

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Question 43

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Mali stole the day's takings from the bakery.

  1. A.receipts
  2. B.collections
  3. C.contributions
  4. D.offerings
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (receipts)

Explanation

Takings are the money received from sales, i.e. the receipts.

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Question 44

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: You do not need to stutter in order to show your excitement.

  1. A.jump about
  2. B.shout
  3. C.sob
  4. D.stammer
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (stammer)

Explanation

To stutter is to repeat sounds when speaking; stammer means the same.

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Question 45

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: What embarrasses me is the stealthy way in which the new servant goes about his duties in this house.

  1. A.indolent
  2. B.furtive
  3. C.boisterous
  4. D.agile
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (furtive)

Explanation

Stealthy means quiet and secretive, the same as furtive.

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Question 46

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: I have never been accustomed to seeing my brother in such a pensive mood.

  1. A.merry
  2. B.infuriated
  3. C.thoughtful
  4. D.hostile
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (thoughtful)

Explanation

Pensive means deep in thought, so thoughtful.

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Question 47

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: The administrator's apathy was soon noticed by all his subordinates.

  1. A.indifference
  2. B.kindness
  3. C.concern
  4. D.inefficiency
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (indifference)

Explanation

Apathy is a lack of interest or feeling, which is indifference.

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Question 48

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: The way he handled the whole issue was rather despicable

  1. A.disturbing
  2. B.likeable
  3. C.contemptible
  4. D.frustrating
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (contemptible)

Explanation

Despicable means deserving hatred or contempt, the same as contemptible.

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Question 49

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: The authenticity of the reporter's claims should be established before taking further actions on the matter.

  1. A.facts
  2. B.source
  3. C.evidence
  4. D.genuineness
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (genuineness)

Explanation

Authenticity is the quality of being real or true, i.e. genuineness.

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Question 50

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: After careful investigation, the police found no iota of truth in Ibrahim's allegations.

  1. A.quota
  2. B.grain
  3. C.evidence
  4. D.statement
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Answer: B (grain)

Explanation

An iota is a very small amount; 'no grain of truth' means the same as 'no iota of truth'.

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Question 52

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: The chief will launch the fund-raising appeal.

  1. A.make a speech at
  2. B.eat his afternoon meal during
  3. C.travel by boat to
  4. D.start off
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Answer: D (start off)

Explanation

To launch something is to start it off.

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Question 53

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Sade has been employed. But she is unhappy because it is a run of the mill job.

  1. A.a boring
  2. B.an exciting
  3. C.a tiring
  4. D.an ordinary
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Answer: D (an ordinary)

Explanation

Run-of-the-mill means ordinary, nothing special.

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Question 54

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: I would like to believe that this brilliant performance of yours is not just a flash in the pan.

  1. A.repeated occurrence
  2. B.normal happening
  3. C.flashy happening
  4. D.chance occurrence
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Answer: D (chance occurrence)

Explanation

A flash in the pan is a success that happens once by chance and is not repeated.

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Question 55

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: As the wedding day approached, the bride began to develop cold feet.

  1. A.fall sick
  2. B.feel cold
  3. C.be reluctant
  4. D.become aggressive
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Answer: C (be reluctant)

Explanation

To get cold feet is to become nervous and reluctant to go ahead.

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Question 56

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: I told my brother to get the matter off his chest as soon as possible.

  1. A.give serious thought to the matter
  2. B.say what he has been anxious to say
  3. C.make a brief comment
  4. D.state his point clearly
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Answer: B (say what he has been anxious to say)

Explanation

Getting something off your chest means saying what has been worrying you.

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Question 57

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: He has a big heart, but he is inept at following a witty conversation.

  1. A.large
  2. B.huge
  3. C.warm
  4. D.fragile
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Answer: C (warm)

Explanation

Someone with a big heart is kind and generous, i.e. warm.

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Question 59

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Most of his observations were wide of the mark.

  1. A.comprehensible
  2. B.irrelevant
  3. C.pertinent
  4. D.unacceptable
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Answer: B (irrelevant)

Explanation

Wide of the mark means off the point, so irrelevant.

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Question 60

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: I didn't think she could be so easily taken in by his pretences.

  1. A.flattered
  2. B.deceived
  3. C.overcome
  4. D.blackmailed
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Answer: B (deceived)

Explanation

To be taken in is to be fooled, i.e. deceived.

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Question 61

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Do you have the same aversion as I do for war films?

  1. A.bitterness
  2. B.dislike
  3. C.criticism
  4. D.preference
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Answer: B (dislike)

Explanation

An aversion is a strong dislike.

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Question 62

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: His summary of the meeting was brief and to the point.

  1. A.precise
  2. B.accurate
  3. C.exact
  4. D.crucial
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Answer: A (precise)

Explanation

Brief and to the point means short and exact, i.e. precise.

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Question 65

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Our school prefect is too officious and we all hate him because of his behaviour.

  1. A.efficient
  2. B.efficacious
  3. C.over-zealous
  4. D.active
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Answer: C (over-zealous)

Explanation

Officious means too eager to give orders or interfere, i.e. over-zealous.

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Question 66

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): When I met Amadi yesterday it was the first time I...... him for six months.

  1. A.had seen
  2. B.saw
  3. C.have seen
  4. D.have been seeing
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Answer: A (had seen)

Explanation

After 'it was the first time' about the past, we use the past perfect: 'it was the first time I had seen him'.

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Question 67

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): A student's natural ability should be a.... factor in his choosing a course of study at the university.

  1. A.determined
  2. B.determining
  3. C.determinant
  4. D.determinate
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Answer: B (determining)

Explanation

'Determining' is the adjective that describes a factor that decides something: a determining factor.

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Question 68

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Many unrelated issues were touched upon in the .......... of the discussion.

  1. A.cause
  2. B.course
  3. C.coarse
  4. D.curse
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Answer: B (course)

Explanation

'In the course of' means during.

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Question 69

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The traveller had to run...... in order to...... the train.

  1. A.first/catch
  2. B.fast/cash
  3. C.fast/catch
  4. D.first/cash
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Answer: C (fast/catch)

Explanation

You run fast (quickly) to catch a train; 'first' and 'cash' are wrong words that sound similar.

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Question 71

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): My uncle is one of the ...... of the society.

  1. A.elitists
  2. B.elites
  3. C.elite
  4. D.elitist
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Answer: B (elites)

Explanation

After 'one of the' we need a plural noun; 'elites' means the most powerful or privileged people.

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Question 72

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The new singlet factory is built on the ...... of Aba township.

  1. A.outstretch
  2. B.outskates
  3. C.outskirts
  4. D.outskirt.
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Answer: C (outskirts)

Explanation

The outskirts are the outer parts of a town; the word is always plural in this sense.

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Question 73

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): If Kaka hadn't tried to stand up in the boat, he........ into the lake.

  1. A.wouldn't have fallen
  2. B.will not have fell
  3. C.will not have fallen
  4. D.wouldn't have fell
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (wouldn't have fallen)

Explanation

A third conditional (if + had not + past participle) takes 'would not have' + past participle: wouldn't have fallen.

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Question 74

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The soldiers were sufficiently equipped with.....

  1. A.arms and ammunition
  2. B.arms and ammunitions
  3. C.arm and ammunitions
  4. D.arm and ammunition
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Answer: A (arms and ammunition)

Explanation

'Arms' (weapons) is plural, while 'ammunition' is uncountable and has no plural.

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Question 75

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): My younger brother is going to the stream with .... boys.

  1. A.two other little
  2. B.other little two
  3. C.two little other
  4. D.other two little
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Answer: A (two other little)

Explanation

Numbers come before 'other', and 'other' comes before describing adjectives: two other little boys.

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Question 76

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Okoro intends to wear his..... dress to the zoo this afternoon.

  1. A.white cotton new
  2. B.white new cotton
  3. C.new white cotton
  4. D.cotton white new
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Answer: C (new white cotton)

Explanation

Adjectives go in the order age, colour, material: new white cotton.

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Question 77

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Sociologists are concerned with the problem of man in.....

  1. A.a society
  2. B.the society
  3. C.society
  4. D.some society
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (society)

Explanation

When we mean society in general, we use 'society' with no article: man in society.

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Question 78

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The contractors were short........ cash even before the project was completed.

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

Answer: D (of)

Explanation

The expression is 'short of' something, meaning not having enough of it.

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Question 79

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The judge acquitted the accused........ all the eight counts.

  1. A.of
  2. B.on
  3. C.from
  4. D.upon
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Answer: B (on)

Explanation

A person is acquitted on a charge or count: 'on all the eight counts'.

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Question 80

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): If we go hunting this weekend we'll have to...... with scratch meals and sleep in a hut in the forest.

  1. A.make up
  2. B.make do
  3. C.make out
  4. D.make good
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (make do)

Explanation

To make do with something is to manage with what is available.

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Question 81

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): 'Leave me alone' blurted the angry customer. 'I can't ... with your price hikes'.

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

Explanation

'Put up with' means tolerate: I can't put up with your price hikes.

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Question 82

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The committee was disgusted.... the way the office was being run.

  1. A.at
  2. B.by
  3. C.with
  4. D.over
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Answer: C (with)

Explanation

We say 'disgusted with' something we disapprove of strongly.

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Question 83

Concord

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Many a man..... done without milk in.... tea these days.

  1. A.had/their
  2. B.has/his
  3. C.have/their
  4. D.had/his
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (has/his)

Explanation

'Many a man' is singular, so it takes 'has' and 'his'.

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Question 84

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The...... car is the centre of attraction.

  1. A.small racing light-green
  2. B.racing small light-green
  3. C.small light-green racing
  4. D.light-green small racing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (small light-green racing)

Explanation

Adjectives go in the order size, colour, purpose: small light-green racing car.

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Question 85

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): If I had not finished my assignment, I would not .... the opportunity to go with the group

  1. A.have been given
  2. B.be given
  3. C.be giving
  4. D.have been giving
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (have been given)

Explanation

A third conditional needs 'would not have' + past participle; here the passive 'have been given'.

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Question 86

Verb Forms

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): You had better........what the doctor recommended this morning.

  1. A.done
  2. B.do
  3. C.did
  4. D.be doing
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Answer: B (do)

Explanation

'Had better' is followed by the base form of the verb: you had better do.

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Question 87

Verb Forms

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): ...... with him for two years, I cannot guarantee his good behaviour.

  1. A.To work
  2. B.Having worked
  3. C.To have worked
  4. D.By working
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Answer: B (Having worked)

Explanation

The perfect participle 'Having worked' shows an action completed before the main clause.

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Question 89

Pronouns

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): ......... is always superior to any other in town.

  1. A.There's
  2. B.Theirs
  3. C.Their's
  4. D.There
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Theirs)

Explanation

'Theirs' is the possessive pronoun (their thing); it never takes an apostrophe.

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Question 90

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): I looked for you all over the campus but could not....... you.

  1. A.find
  2. B.see
  3. C.meet
  4. D.catch
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (find)

Explanation

'Look for' is followed naturally by 'find': you look for someone and then find (or fail to find) them.

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Question 91

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The manager was angry with Dauda for........ seeds of discord among the workers.

  1. A.planting
  2. B.sewing
  3. C.cultivating
  4. D.sowing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (sowing)

Explanation

The idiom is 'sowing seeds of discord'; 'sewing' is with needle and thread.

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Question 92

Spelling

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The government has provided new..... for the local government polls.

  1. A.guard lines
  2. B.guide lines
  3. C.guardlines
  4. D.guidelines
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Answer: D (guidelines)

Explanation

Guidelines (one word) are rules or advice on how to do something.

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Question 93

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Tsado and his wife are always fighting. The ....... to be drawn from this is that they are not happy together.

  1. A.reference
  2. B.inference
  3. C.difference
  4. D.deference
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (inference)

Explanation

An inference is a conclusion you draw from evidence.

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Question 94

Pronouns

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The teacher invited Akpan and ...... to his office.

  1. A.myself
  2. B.me
  3. C.I
  4. D.himself
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Answer: B (me)

Explanation

After the verb 'invited' we need the object pronoun: Akpan and me.

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Question 95

Concord

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): One of the rioters who........ arrested yesterday ...... released

  1. A.was/had been
  2. B.were/have been
  3. C.was/have been
  4. D.were/ has been
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (were/ has been)

Explanation

'Who' refers to 'the rioters' (plural), so 'were arrested'; the subject of the main verb is 'One', so 'has been released'.

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Question 96

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Although I am watching television, I ..... what you are saying.

  1. A.am hearing
  2. B.can hear
  3. C.have heard
  4. D.was hearing
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Answer: B (can hear)

Explanation

'Hear' is not normally used in the continuous form; 'can hear' expresses that you are able to hear.

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Question 97

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Because of the ...... he did to my car, I am going to sue him for ......

  1. A.damage/damages
  2. B.damages/damage
  3. C.damages/damages
  4. D.damage/damage
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (damage/damages)

Explanation

Harm to a thing is 'damage' (uncountable); money claimed in court is 'damages'.

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Question 98

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): He was not a very.......... student when I first met him but the years........ his character ultimately.

  1. A.mature/mature
  2. B.matured./ mature
  3. C.mature/matured
  4. D.matured/matured
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (mature/matured)

Explanation

The first gap needs the adjective 'mature'; the second needs the past-tense verb 'matured'.

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Question 99

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Our manager has instructed that .......... of customers must be barred from our bank.

  1. A.those type
  2. B.that type
  3. C.that types
  4. D.this types
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Answer: B (that type)

Explanation

A singular 'type' needs a singular determiner: 'that type of customers'.

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Question 100

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): He regarded the betrayal of his friend as a stab... the back.

  1. A.on
  2. B.at
  3. C.in
  4. D.from
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (in)

Explanation

The idiom is 'a stab in the back', meaning a betrayal.

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