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JAMB Use of English 1990 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 1990 Passage I: The Emopa and the man-eating lions
As a rule the Emopa are very brave indeed, and are among the few Africans who still hunt lion with the spear. They also kill elephants, not for food but for spear blooding, or to prove their manhood. When elephants are located, there is great excitement and fierce competition among the young men. Each tries to be the first to blood his spear: the one who does so, claims the trophy. No young man is looked upon with favour by the girls until he has won his spurs by killing a dangerous animal.

But brave as the Emopa are, two fierce man-eaters completely overawed them. This was partly due to the cunning and boldness of the lions, partly to the fact that, when hunted, they would always retreat into dense riverine undergrowth, where it was impossible for a man to poise and throw a spear. Superstition had also added its quota to the fear with which they were regarded. It was said that before starting off on a raid the lions would retire to an open sandy place and there make two rows of depressions in the sand with their paws. Then, using twigs as counters, they would play the ancient game of 'baw' ( a game of unknown antiquity, which resembles draughts and is played all over Africa). If the omens were good they would raid a village and claim a victim; if not, they would wait. Another story had it that the lions were the spirits of two 'holy men' who had now come back in this shape to seek their revenge. So strongly was this view held that the local Emopa had petitioned a practising 'holy man' to come from a great distance to exorcise the spirits. He came with book, bell and candle and charged a fee of a hundred goats, but the lions continued their depredations. To add to the legend of the lions' invulnerability many famous hunters had tried on previous occasions to kill them and had failed owing to lack of time. This confirmed the Emopa's opinion that the lions were supernatural beings and that it was useless to hunt them.

The young men of Emopa would hunt for elephants because

  1. A.they are among the few Africans that hunt lions with a spear
  2. B.elephants are dangerous animals
  3. C.no young Emopa attracts a girl's admiration until he has killed a dangerous animal
  4. D.when elephants are sighted, there is great excitement and fierce competition among the young men
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (no young Emopa attracts a girl's admiration until he has killed a dangerous animal)

Explanation

The passage says no young man is looked upon with favour by the girls until he has killed a dangerous animal, so killing an elephant wins their admiration.

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Question 2

Comprehension

The legend that the lions were invulnerable was confirmed by the fact that

  1. A.the local Emopa petitioned a 'holy man' to come and exorcise the spirits
  2. B.many famous hunters had tried without success in the past to kill the lions
  3. C.the 'holy man' failed in his bid to exorcize the spirits
  4. D.brave as the Emopa are, the lions completely overawed them
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (many famous hunters had tried without success in the past to kill the lions)

Explanation

The passage says that to add to the legend of the lions' invulnerability, many famous hunters had tried to kill them and failed.

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Question 3

Comprehension

The lions played the game of 'baw' because

  1. A.they wanted to raid a village
  2. B.it was a popular game of unknown antiquity played all over Africa
  3. C.they want to decide whether to go on a raid or not
  4. D.if the omens were good they would raid a village and claim a victim
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (they want to decide whether to go on a raid or not)

Explanation

According to the superstition, the game told the lions whether the omens were good: if so they raided, if not they waited. So it was played to decide whether to raid.

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Question 4

Comprehension

The famous hunters failed to kill the lions because the

  1. A.lions were regarded as supernatural beings
  2. B.lions were cunning and bold
  3. C.Emopa used the spear to hut for the lions
  4. D.hunters did not have enough time
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (hunters did not have enough time)

Explanation

The last lines of the passage say the famous hunters tried to kill the lions and failed 'owing to lack of time'.

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Question 5

Comprehension

According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a superstitious reason for fearing the lions?

  1. A.Many famous hunters had tried and failed to kill the lions
  2. B.The lions were bold and when hunted, they would retreat to where a spear could not be thrown at them
  3. C.The lions were the spirits of two 'holy men' who came back to seek their revenge
  4. D.The lions played the ancient game of 'baw' before starting on a raid to determine whether to proceed or wait.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (The lions were bold and when hunted, they would retreat to where a spear could not be thrown at them)

Explanation

The writer first gives practical reasons for fearing the lions: their cunning, their boldness and their habit of retreating into thick bush where no spear could be thrown. Only after that come the superstitions ('baw', holy men's spirits, the legend fed by failed hunts). So B is the reason that is not superstitious.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 1990 Passage II: The self-conscious child
By the time a child has reached the age of two years, the psychologist says that he is 'self-conscious'. This is not the same as the lay use of the term, although there is a connection. The psychologist means that the child is aware that he is a self and not an extension of his mother. This awareness is shown in such behavioural acts as disobedience and the use of the word 'no' with emphasis, because the child is aware that he does not have to obey parental commands. Parental commands (moral imperatives) are given throughout these two years first for the child's own safety e.g 'Don't touch the fire and secondly, so that he begins to develop some sense of right and wrong. An adult is able to weigh the consequences of his actions, partly because he has developed a concept of idea of time. The young child lacks this concept and is governed by immediate desires which must be fulfilled. Thus, in some situations, he can be excused for not behaving morally, i.e making the choice which is 'good' for himself and others. In other situations, he knows what is right and chooses not to do it. Immature adults can also behave in this self-centred way.

The immature adult is like the child because

  1. A.he has just become self-conscious
  2. B.he has learnt to use the word 'no'
  3. C.he has no concept of time
  4. D.some of his actions are deliberately irrational
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (some of his actions are deliberately irrational)

Explanation

The passage says the child sometimes knows what is right and chooses not to do it, and immature adults behave in the same self-centred way, deliberately doing what they know is wrong.

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Question 7

Comprehension

What main difference is mentioned between the child and the adult?

  1. A.Age difference
  2. B.Weight difference
  3. C.Time difference
  4. D.Developmental difference
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Time difference)

Explanation

The passage says an adult can weigh consequences because he has a concept of time, while the young child lacks this concept.

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Question 8

Comprehension

What right has the mother to give orders to the child?

  1. A.She is the 'owner' of the child
  2. B.She is stronger than the child
  3. C.She understands the environment better than the child
  4. D.She is more self- conscious than the child
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (She understands the environment better than the child)

Explanation

Parental commands are given first for the child's safety, e.g. 'Don't touch the fire', because the mother knows the dangers around better than the child.

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Question 9

Comprehension

The two-year old child begins to refuse orders

  1. A.in order to annoy his parents
  2. B.because he does not understand them
  3. C.he assert his independence
  4. D.because he has just learnt the new word 'no'
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (he assert his independence)

Explanation

At two the child knows he is a separate self and that he does not have to obey, so disobedience is a way of showing his independence.

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Question 10

Comprehension

What kind of awareness does the child demonstrate at two?

  1. A.That he does not love his mother
  2. B.Consciousness of all things around him
  3. C.That he should think of himself alone
  4. D.That he is different and separate from others.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (That he is different and separate from others.)

Explanation

The psychologist means the child is aware that he is a self and not an extension of his mother, i.e. separate from others.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 1990 Passage III: Education of girls in less developed countries
If we examine the opportunities for education of girls or women in less developed countries, we usually find a dismal picture. In some countries, the ratio of boys to girls in secondary schools is more than seven to one. What happens to the girls? Often they are kept at home to look after younger siblings and to perform a variety of […]es. Their education is not perceived as in any way equal in importance to […]. […] illiterate or barely literate girl reaches adolescence, she has little or no qualification for […] community provides any opportunity for the employment of women. The solution is to get […] soon as possible, with the inevitable result that she produces children too soon, too often and too […]. formal education, she is hardly aware that there is any alternative. In a study made in Thailand […] that the literate woman marries later and ceases childbearing earlier than her non-literate counterpart […] latter is so chained to her household by the necessities of gathering fuel, preparing food and tending children that she is very difficult to reach, even if health services, nutrition, education, maternal and child health centres are available in her community. She does not understand what they are intended to do.

(Adopted from Margot Higgins: War on Hunger)

The phrase 'a dismal picture' means

  1. A.a dull show
  2. B.an interesting show
  3. C.a sad situation
  4. D.a dreadful appearance
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (a sad situation)

Explanation

'Dismal' means gloomy or depressing, so 'a dismal picture' here is a sad situation for girls' education.

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Question 12

Comprehension

According to the writer, mot girls in less developed countries are not in school because

  1. A.they refuse to be educated
  2. B.they prefer getting married and having children
  3. C.the education of boys is rated higher
  4. D.the girls have no employment opportunities after leaving school
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (the education of boys is rated higher)

Explanation

The passage says girls' education is not seen as equal in importance to that of boys, so they are kept at home while boys go to school.

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Question 13

Comprehension

The non-literate woman is very difficult to reach because she

  1. A.does not understand the value of education and health services
  2. B.is too far from the city and from school
  3. C.is not permitted to go out to attend clinics for health services
  4. D.can only gather fuel and prepare food
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (can only gather fuel and prepare food)

Explanation

The 'so ... that' sentence gives the reason: her household work of gathering fuel and preparing food ties her down so much that services cannot reach her.

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Question 14

Comprehension

The phrase 'too late' as used in the passage implies that the woman

  1. A.ought to have started producing children earlier
  2. B.goes on producing children when she ought to have stopped
  3. C.fails to marry early enough for her to produce children
  4. D.had all her children at an advanced age.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (goes on producing children when she ought to have stopped)

Explanation

'Too late' goes with 'too soon, too often': she keeps having children at an age when she should already have stopped.

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Question 15

Comprehension

The writer emphasizes that in less developed countries,

  1. A.the education of girls is not important
  2. B.the non-literate woman has some advantage because she has more children
  3. C.the literate female is a threat to the male in employment
  4. D.there is a need to give boys and girls equal opportunities in education.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (there is a need to give boys and girls equal opportunities in education.)

Explanation

The writer shows the harm done by neglecting girls' education and contrasts literate and non-literate women, arguing for equal educational opportunity.

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Question 16

Comprehension
JAMB 1990 Passage IV: The code theory in education
The importance of the code theory in education lies in the fact that the school system requires the use of an elaborated code but not all students have access to it. The importance of this theory to sociology lies in the fact that the differential access to the elaborated code does not occur randomly but rather is controlled by the class system. Lower working-class urban children tend to have a restricted code. Middle-class children possess both a restricted and an elaborated code. The two groups enter into different types of relationship and learn to express themselves in different ways through language. They do not use language for the same functions, some of which, it seems, are necessary for the school situation. When the lower working-class child is expected implicitly to explcit language for functions he normally does not express verbally, a discoutinuity is created between his home and his school environment. He has learned to verbalize certain range of meanings in his home and when he enters school, another range of meanings is required. There is, then a very subtle, but nonetheless very real, sense in which what is taught is personally irrelevant for this child. The school system does not talk to him. Middle class children, possessing both codes, experience no such discontinuity. They can use language for these functions required by the school.

An appropriate title for this passage is

  1. A.Language and Education
  2. B.Education and Sociology
  3. C.Codes and Sociology
  4. D.Codes and Education
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Codes and Education)

Explanation

The whole passage is about the restricted and elaborated codes and how access to them affects children at school.

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Question 17

Comprehension

The groups of children mentioned as examples in the passage are

  1. A.rural and urban working-class and middle -class
  2. B.urban working-class and rural middle-class
  3. C.urban working-class and rural and urban middle-class
  4. D.urban middle class and rural and urban working-class.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (urban working-class and rural and urban middle-class)

Explanation

The passage names 'lower working-class urban children' and simply 'middle-class children', who may be from town or country.

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Question 18

Comprehension

'Restricted code' and 'elaborate code' are

  1. A.synonyms
  2. B.homonyms
  3. C.contradictions
  4. D.antonyms
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (antonyms)

Explanation

'Restricted' and 'elaborated' are opposite in meaning, so the two terms are antonyms.

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Question 19

Comprehension

It can be assumed reasonably that language has

  1. A.only one code
  2. B.two codes
  3. C.three codes, two used for education
  4. D.more than three codes, but only two used for education
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (two codes)

Explanation

The passage speaks of two codes: the restricted code and the elaborated code. Middle-class children possess both.

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Question 20

Comprehension

'The school system does not talk to him' means that the

  1. A.teachers do not talk to him
  2. B.teachers talk to him differently from the way other pupils do
  3. C.headmaster and teachers do not talk to him
  4. D.teachers talk to him differently from the way he is talked to at home
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (teachers talk to him differently from the way he is talked to at home)

Explanation

The school uses a range of meanings and language different from what the working-class child knows at home, so it does not 'speak his language'.

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Question 21

Comprehension
JAMB 1990 Passage V: The bookseller's dilemma
This passage sums up the two problems peculiar to the book trade which make it different from any other trade — the problem of selection and the problem of stocking. How is the bookseller to tell what, in an enormous output, will prove saleable, before the full weight of unsold items affects the balance of his business, and how is he, at the same time, to hold a stock large enough to enable the public to choose freely? He may seek to escape from this dilemma by becoming the passive sales representative of large publishing houses or distribution networks, but he is then no longer a book seller. He may take refuge in the sale of safe items to a restricted circle of customers, but he thereby cuts himself off from all that is vital in his trade and dooms himself to mediocrity and stagnation. On the other hand, he may protect his business from the danger of idle stock by […] the public responsible for their success. […] to the fact that books are undefinable. The story is told of a […] when it was decided to present a rare and valuable edition of an old […]. The old soldier looked at the volume and remarked, 'A book? What's the point […]'

Books are different from other goods because

  1. A.customers for the book trade are much restricted
  2. B.books are not manufactured but printed
  3. C.one cannot tell so easily which books will prove saleable
  4. D.books can be kept in stock much longer than other goods
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (one cannot tell so easily which books will prove saleable)

Explanation

The passage says the bookseller's special problem is telling which books, out of an enormous output, will prove saleable.

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Question 22

Comprehension

The problem of selection in the book trade involves

  1. A.holding a stock large enough for the public to choose from
  2. B.determining which books will sell fast
  3. C.being a sales representative of large publishing houses
  4. D.being able to review the latest publications
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (determining which books will sell fast)

Explanation

Selection means deciding which books will prove saleable before unsold stock harms the business. Holding a large stock is the other problem, stocking.

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Question 26

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The policeman was asked to investigate the matter

  1. A.ask about
  2. B.forget about
  3. C.examine
  4. D.inquire about
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (forget about)

Explanation

To investigate is to look into something carefully; the opposite is to forget about it. The others all mean to look into it.

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Question 27

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: Lola was agitated when the sad news of her mother's accident was broken to her.

  1. A.excited
  2. B.calm
  3. C.uncontrollable
  4. D.unreasonable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (calm)

Explanation

'Agitated' means troubled and nervous; the opposite is 'calm'.

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Question 28

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: Though his parents' poverty placed many obstacles in his path as a young man, Olu succeeded at last.

  1. A.hurdles
  2. B.advantages
  3. C.temptations
  4. D.diversions
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (advantages)

Explanation

Obstacles hold you back; advantages help you forward. 'Hurdles' is a synonym.

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Question 29

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: Binta sobbed by the door because she had lost her mother's precious necklace.

  1. A.cried
  2. B.smiled
  3. C.wept
  4. D.laughed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (smiled)

Explanation

To sob is to cry quietly in distress; the opposite is to smile. 'Cried' and 'wept' are synonyms.

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Question 30

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The president took exception to the ignoble role the young man played in the matter.

  1. A.honourable
  2. B.embarrassing
  3. C.dishonourable
  4. D.extraordinary
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (honourable)

Explanation

'Ignoble' means shameful or dishonourable; its opposite is 'honourable'.

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Question 31

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The man who had been seriously ill was convalescing at a sea-side resort.

  1. A.regaining health
  2. B.deteriorating in health
  3. C.recuperating
  4. D.relaxing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (deteriorating in health)

Explanation

Convalescing means recovering after illness; the opposite is getting worse, 'deteriorating in health'.

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Question 32

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: For millions of years, the world's resources have remained boundless.

  1. A.unlimited
  2. B.scarce
  3. C.indomitable
  4. D.limited
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (limited)

Explanation

Boundless means having no limit, so the opposite is 'limited'. 'Unlimited' is a synonym.

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Question 33

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: It seems fashionable, in some quaters today, to decry examinations and the ability to pass them.

  1. A.extol
  2. B.abuse
  3. C.entreat
  4. D.discourage
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (extol)

Explanation

To decry is to criticise openly; to extol is to praise highly.

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Question 34

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: Ogedegbe was an intrepid fighter for human freedom and dignity.

  1. A.timid
  2. B.half-hearted
  3. C.fearless
  4. D.undaunted
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (timid)

Explanation

'Intrepid' means fearless; the opposite is 'timid'.

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Question 35

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The difference between the experimental procedures was imperceptible to me.

  1. A.negligible
  2. B.significant
  3. C.obvious
  4. D.obscure
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (obvious)

Explanation

Imperceptible means impossible to notice, so the opposite is 'obvious', easy to see.

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Question 36

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: His antipathy to religious ideas makes him unpopular.

  1. A.remedy
  2. B.consciousness
  3. C.hostility
  4. D.receptiveness
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (receptiveness)

Explanation

Antipathy is a strong dislike or hostility; the opposite is being open and welcoming, 'receptiveness'.

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Question 37

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The boss told the man to let sleeping dogs lie.

  1. A.not to look for trouble
  2. B.not to disturb other people
  3. C.let the dogs sleep well
  4. D.let the trouble begin
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (not to look for trouble)

Explanation

'Let sleeping dogs lie' means leave a settled problem alone and don't stir up trouble.

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Question 38

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The fact that Ruth has inherited her late husband's house is cold comfort to her.

  1. A.appropriate comfort
  2. B.inadequate comfort
  3. C.no comfort at all
  4. D.wet comfort
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (inadequate comfort)

Explanation

'Cold comfort' is a small consolation that does little to make up for a loss.

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Question 39

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The headmaster decided to make good his promise to the students.

  1. A.fulfil
  2. B.improve
  3. C.complete
  4. D.realize
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (fulfil)

Explanation

To make good a promise is to keep or fulfil it.

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Question 40

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The advertisement served as a smoke-screen for the activities of the company.

  1. A.a camouflage
  2. B.a protection
  3. C.an enhancement
  4. D.an exchange
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (a camouflage)

Explanation

A smoke-screen is something used to hide what is really going on, i.e. a camouflage.

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Question 41

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: My plans are still up in the air.

  1. A.being publicised
  2. B.uncertain
  3. C.uncovered
  4. D.unprotected.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (uncertain)

Explanation

If plans are 'up in the air', nothing has been decided; they are uncertain.

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Question 42

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The judge always takes a hardline on such issues

  1. A.complex stand
  2. B.simple stand
  3. C.uncompromising stand
  4. D.difficult stand
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (uncompromising stand)

Explanation

Taking a hard line means holding a firm position and refusing to compromise.

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Question 43

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The case was dismissed for want of evidence.

  1. A.for want of facts
  2. B.for want of opinions
  3. C.for insufficient discussions
  4. D.for lack of proof
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (for lack of proof)

Explanation

'For want of' means for lack of, and evidence is proof.

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Question 44

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The team has become indomitable quite recently.

  1. A.incorrigible
  2. B.disobedient
  3. C.unconquerable
  4. D.unruly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (unconquerable)

Explanation

'Indomitable' means impossible to defeat, i.e. unconquerable.

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Question 45

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The flock suddenly became restive after midday.

  1. A.quiet
  2. B.submissive
  3. C.disorderly
  4. D.fidgety
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (fidgety)

Explanation

'Restive' means restless and unable to keep still, which is 'fidgety'.

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Question 46

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Your reaction underscores the point I was making.

  1. A.reveals
  2. B.proves wrong
  3. C.emphasizes
  4. D.justifies
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (emphasizes)

Explanation

To underscore a point is to underline it, i.e. to emphasize it.

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Question 47

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: What he received from the visitor was invaluable.

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

Answer: A (priceless)

Explanation

'Invaluable' does not mean 'without value'; it means so valuable that it cannot be priced, i.e. priceless.

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Question 48

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The potential resources of the university should be fully exploited.

  1. A.important
  2. B.latent
  3. C.effective
  4. D.abundant
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (latent)

Explanation

Potential resources exist but are not yet used; 'latent' means present but hidden or undeveloped.

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Question 49

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Tom's aberrant behaviour attracted attention.

  1. A.rascally
  2. B.selfish
  3. C.heady
  4. D.abnormal
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (abnormal)

Explanation

'Aberrant' means departing from what is normal, i.e. abnormal.

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Question 50

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: A number of people impersonating tax-officials were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate this morning.

  1. A.arranged
  2. B.paraded
  3. C.moved
  4. D.brought
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (brought)

Explanation

To be arraigned is to be brought before a court to answer a charge.

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Question 51

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Ngozi spoke to her father quite candidly on her proposed marriage.

  1. A.rudely
  2. B.faithfully
  3. C.frankly
  4. D.respectfully
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (frankly)

Explanation

'Candidly' means openly and honestly, i.e. frankly.

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Question 52

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The secretary was advised to put on a cheerful disposition whenever the manager arrives

  1. A.a good dress
  2. B.a smiling face
  3. C.a happy look
  4. D.good make-up
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Answer: C (a happy look)

Explanation

A cheerful disposition is a happy mood or manner, best matched by 'a happy look'.

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Question 53

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The cereal is fortified with multi-vitamins.

  1. A.enriched
  2. B.prepared
  3. C.endowed
  4. D.mixed
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Answer: A (enriched)

Explanation

Food that is fortified has extra nutrients added, so it is enriched.

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Question 54

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The lawyer told the court some unsavoury details about the case.

  1. A.unworthy
  2. B.unintelligible
  3. C.unpleasant
  4. D.uninteresting
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Answer: C (unpleasant)

Explanation

'Unsavoury' means unpleasant or morally offensive.

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Question 55

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The professor's thesis was the precursor of nuclear studies

  1. A.preliminary
  2. B.climax
  3. C.developer
  4. D.forerunner
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Answer: D (forerunner)

Explanation

A precursor is something that comes before and leads to something else, a forerunner.

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Question 56

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Why do you worry about such.... matters?

  1. A.insignificant
  2. B.significant
  3. C.non-significant
  4. D.unsignificant
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (insignificant)

Explanation

'Insignificant' is the correct English word for 'unimportant'; 'non-significant' and 'unsignificant' are not standard, and the sense requires small matters.

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Question 57

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): It was difficult to......... a man walking on the moon two centuries.

  1. A.contrive
  2. B.perceive
  3. C.conceive
  4. D.imagine
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Answer: D (imagine)

Explanation

'Imagine' takes a direct object: it was hard to imagine a man walking on the moon. 'Conceive' would need 'of'.

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Question 58

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): This section of the test will.. questions on set passages.

  1. A.consist
  2. B.comprise of
  3. C.contain
  4. D.carry
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Answer: C (contain)

Explanation

'Contain' takes a direct object. 'Consist' would need 'of', and 'comprise of' is incorrect.

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Question 59

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Animals in..... behave differently from animals living in the natural habitat.

  1. A.prison
  2. B.bondage
  3. C.captivity
  4. D.slavery
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (captivity)

Explanation

The fixed expression for animals kept by people, away from their natural habitat, is 'in captivity'.

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Question 60

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): After months of tedious climbing, the team reached the..... of the mountain

  1. A.end
  2. B.summit
  3. C.height
  4. D.terminal
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Answer: B (summit)

Explanation

The top of a mountain is its summit.

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Question 61

Verb Forms

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): After Jerry had made the bed, he..... on it.

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

Explanation

'Lie' (to rest flat) has past tense 'lay'. 'Laid' is the past of 'lay' (to put down) and needs an object.

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Question 62

Concord

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Knowledge of figures of speech as well as of idioms and lexical items ......... in this section.

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

Explanation

The subject is 'Knowledge', which is singular; 'as well as' does not make it plural, so 'is tested'.

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Question 63

Concord

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The buildings damaged by the rainstorm....... schools, hospitals and private houses.

  1. A.included
  2. B.include
  3. C.were included
  4. D.was including
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Answer: A (included)

Explanation

The rainstorm is past, so the past active 'included' fits with a plural subject. 'Were included' would be the wrong voice.

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Question 64

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): I would have been off to see Biola at Festac Town by the time you.......tomorrow

  1. A.returned
  2. B.return
  3. C.are returning
  4. D.would return
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Answer: B (return)

Explanation

In a time clause about the future ('by the time ... tomorrow'), English uses the simple present: 'by the time you return'.

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Question 66

Verb Forms

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): If you want a successful marriage, you......... pray for it.

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

Explanation

The fixed expression for advice is 'had better' + verb: 'you had better pray for it'.

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Question 67

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): I could have agreed with you action If I...... not ......... you promised to increase the worker's salaries.

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

Answer: B (had/heard)

Explanation

In a third conditional ('could have agreed'), the if-clause takes the past perfect: 'if I had not heard'.

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Question 68

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The chemistry teacher seized the girl's comic........during the laboratory work.

  1. A.which she had been reading
  2. B.which she has been reading
  3. C.which she had read
  4. D.which she is reading
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Answer: A (which she had been reading)

Explanation

The reading was going on up to the moment it was seized in the past, so the past perfect continuous 'had been reading' is right.

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Question 69

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): He...... during the whole of last month

  1. A.was sick
  2. B.has been sick
  3. C.had been sick
  4. D.had sicken
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (was sick)

Explanation

A finished period in the past such as 'last month' takes the simple past: 'He was sick'.

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Question 70

Sentence Structure

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Ladies and gentlemen, our guest speaker, Dr. Oni... also a resident doctor at the teaching hospital.

  1. A.who is
  2. B.which is
  3. C.who was
  4. D.is
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Answer: D (is)

Explanation

The sentence needs a main verb after the subject 'our guest speaker, Dr. Oni', so 'is'. 'Who is' would leave the sentence without a main verb.

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Question 71

Concord

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): We are not surprised he was not elected; every one of his constituents..... that he is unreliable.

  1. A.know
  2. B.knows
  3. C.will know
  4. D.do know
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Answer: B (knows)

Explanation

'Every one' is singular, so the verb is 'knows'.

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Question 74

Verb Forms

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Now, I am used.......... bread without butter.

  1. A.to eat
  2. B.in eating
  3. C.of eating
  4. D.to eating
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Answer: D (to eating)

Explanation

'Be used to' (be accustomed to) is followed by a noun or -ing form: 'I am used to eating bread without butter'.

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Question 75

Pronouns

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Dan and Tina met on the ship and greeted.........

  1. A.one another
  2. B.themselves
  3. C.each other
  4. D.theirselves
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (each other)

Explanation

For two people the reciprocal pronoun is 'each other'.

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Question 76

Pronouns

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): One can no longer take for granted today what...... enjoyed in the University some years ago, can.......?

  1. A.you/you
  2. B.one/one
  3. C.he/he
  4. D.one/you
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (one/one)

Explanation

When a sentence begins with 'one', it keeps 'one' throughout, including the question tag: 'can one?'.

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Question 77

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Attention has shifted to the teaching of Science nowadays..... the usefulness of the Arts.

  1. A.in spite of
  2. B.not minding
  3. C.oblivious to
  4. D.forgetting
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (in spite of)

Explanation

'In spite of' shows contrast: the shift to Science has happened even though the Arts are useful.

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Question 78

Sentence Structure

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): ............ to help him, being the only person in the vicinity.

  1. A.it was not possible
  2. B.There was no one
  3. C.He had nobody
  4. D.No person was around
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (He had nobody)

Explanation

'Being the only person in the vicinity' describes the man, so he must be the subject: 'He had nobody to help him'.

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Question 79

Verb Forms

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): I heard that Kayode's car was stolen last night. It ......... be true because I saw him....... it, this morning.

  1. A.should not/driving
  2. B.should not/drive
  3. C.cannot/drive
  4. D.cannot/driving
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (cannot/driving)

Explanation

'Cannot be true' expresses certainty that something is impossible, and 'saw him driving it' describes an action in progress.

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Question 80

Verb Forms

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The competitor who.... earlier on has started ....... again

  1. A.fainted/to run
  2. B.had fainted/ to run
  3. C.fainted/running
  4. D.fainted/on running
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (fainted/running)

Explanation

'Fainted earlier on' is a simple past event, and 'started running' is the natural form here.

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Question 81

Question Tags

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): A number of teachers in secondary schools are not so well disposed to..... these days,........ they?

  1. A.teach/aren't
  2. B.teaching/are
  3. C.teach/do
  4. D.teach/are
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (teaching/are)

Explanation

'Disposed to' is followed by a noun or -ing form ('teaching'), and a negative statement takes a positive tag: 'are they?'.

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Question 82

Tenses

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): If it had rained, we would have had to postpone the concert. It didn't rain, so.......

  1. A.we won't have to
  2. B.we would have had to
  3. C.we wouldn't have to
  4. D.we didn't have to
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (we didn't have to)

Explanation

It is a past fact that it didn't rain, so the result is also past: 'we didn't have to' postpone it.

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Question 83

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): ....... all probability, the train will arrive today.

  1. A.In
  2. B.under
  3. C.For
  4. D.By
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (In)

Explanation

The fixed expression is 'in all probability', meaning very likely.

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Question 84

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): We cannot explain his objection..... the new law.

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

Answer: D (to)

Explanation

'Objection' takes the preposition 'to': an objection to something.

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Question 85

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Silk materials ought to be prohibited........ being brought into the country.

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

Answer: C (from)

Explanation

'Prohibit' takes 'from': prohibited from doing something.

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Question 86

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The answers to the questions were discussed ..... the students.

  1. A.between
  2. B.by
  3. C.for
  4. D.to
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (by)

Explanation

In this passive sentence the doers are introduced by 'by': discussed by the students.

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Question 87

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): I can always depend...... my father for my survival.

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

Answer: A (on)

Explanation

'Depend' takes 'on' (or 'upon'): depend on someone.

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Question 88

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The point......... the story is that he is the man's son

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

Answer: B (of)

Explanation

We speak of 'the point of' a story, meaning its main idea.

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Question 89

Prepositions

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The Director is...... pains to ensure the success of the programme.

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

Answer: B (at)

Explanation

The idiom is 'at pains to do something', meaning taking great care to do it.

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Question 90

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Bola broke..... when he heard the news of the arrest of his twin brother.

  1. A.up
  2. B.off
  3. C.away
  4. D.down
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Answer: D (down)

Explanation

To 'break down' is to lose control of one's feelings and cry.

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Question 91

Direct and Indirect Speech

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Yemi said ' I'm coming' to her friend Biola........... was waiting for her instead of saying......

  1. A.with for me in a moment
  2. B.I will come
  3. C.I 'll be with you in a moment
  4. D.I'll come now
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (I 'll be with you in a moment)

Explanation

The polite English way to tell someone waiting that you will soon join them is 'I'll be with you in a moment'.

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Question 92

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): 'Be that as... we are determined to get to the root of the matter!' shouted the officer.

  1. A.you like
  2. B.it may
  3. C.it would
  4. D.it might
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (it may)

Explanation

The fixed expression is 'Be that as it may', meaning 'even so'.

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Question 93

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): When the farmers were found guilty of unlawful assembly and procession, their lawyer...... before the sentence was passed

  1. A.begged for mercy
  2. B.made a plea for mitigation
  3. C.made an overture
  4. D.made a plea for litigation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (made a plea for mitigation)

Explanation

After a guilty verdict, a lawyer pleads for a lighter sentence; this is a 'plea in mitigation' or 'plea for mitigation'.

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Question 94

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): My price for the pair of shoes is fifty naira. I cannot......... anything less that that.

  1. A.bear with
  2. B.settle for
  3. C.agree with
  4. D.tolerate
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (settle for)

Explanation

To 'settle for' is to accept something less than you wanted, as in bargaining over a price.

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Question 95

Sentence Structure

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Aishatu: Could you please give this book to Aminu?
Chidi: Certainly, I...... him on something, so it won't be .........

  1. A.I'll see/anything
  2. B.I'll be seeing/any worry
  3. C.I'll be seeing /any bother
  4. D.I can see/any serious
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (I'll be seeing /any bother)

Explanation

'I'll be seeing him' describes a future arrangement, and 'it won't be any bother' is the idiom for 'it's no trouble'.

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Question 96

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The company representative in Nigeria is a .............

  1. A.smart little Japanese
  2. B.little smart Japanese
  3. C.smart Japanese little
  4. D.little Japanese smart
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (smart little Japanese)

Explanation

Adjectives go in the order opinion, size, then nationality: 'smart little Japanese'.

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Question 97

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): The shipping company advertised for............. accountants

  1. A.two young, but highly competent, Nigerian
  2. B.young, but highly competent two Nigerian
  3. C.two Nigerian, young, but highly competent
  4. D.highly competent, but young, two Nigerian.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (two young, but highly competent, Nigerian)

Explanation

Number comes first, then descriptive adjectives, and nationality comes last, next to the noun: 'two young, but highly competent, Nigerian accountants'.

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Question 98

Question Tags

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): Let's have a cup of coffee, .......

  1. A.shall we?
  2. B.will we?
  3. C.should we?
  4. D.could we?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (shall we?)

Explanation

The question tag after 'Let's' is always 'shall we?'.

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Question 99

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s): No matter to whom I ......., nobody in the crowd had a clue to what was going on.

  1. A.discussed
  2. B.asked
  3. C.turned
  4. D.contacted
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (turned)

Explanation

Only 'turn' combines with 'to whom': 'no matter to whom I turned'.

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