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JAMB Use of English 1992 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 1992 Passage I: Our planet at risk
Our planet is at risk. Our environment is under threat. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the seas we fish in, the soil we farm, the forests, animals and plants which surround us are in danger. New terms and words describe these problems — acid rain, the greenhouse effect, global warming, holes in the ozone layer, desertification and industrial pollution. We are changing our environment. More and more gases and wastes escape from our factories. Rubbish, oil spillage and detergents damage our rivers and seas. Forests give us timber and paper, but their loss results in soil erosion and also endangers wildlife.

The richer countries of the world are mainly responsible for industrial pollution. This is where most of all the commercial energy is produced. In developing countries, poverty causes people to change their environment —to overgraze grasslands, to cut down trees for new land and firewood to farm poor soil for food.

The United Nations Environmental Protection Agency says that an area of forest the size of Sierra Leone disappears every year. Trees are cut down for timber which is used for building, furniture, paper and fuel. They are also destroyed to provide land on which to graze animals and build new villages and towns. But trees have many other important uses. Trees protect the land from heavy downpour of rain and their roots help to hold the soil together. Forests are also the home of many living things. The Amazon forest contains one fifth of all the species of birds in the world. In our forests, there may be plants and animals which could help in the discovery of new medicines or crops.

To rescue and conserve our beautiful world, we must act cooperatively. Individuals, communities, nations and international associations, all have a responsibility. By learning to protect the natural environment, we can manage the earth's resources for generations to come.

The risk referred to in the passage is

  1. A.environmentally induced
  2. B.industrially produced
  3. C.man-made
  4. D.sociologically produced
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (man-made)

Explanation

The writer says 'We are changing our environment': gases from factories, oil spills, detergents and tree felling are all things people do. So the risk to the planet is man-made.

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Question 2

Comprehension

From the passage, it can be deduced that the inhabitants of developing countries

  1. A.take more care of their environment than those in developed countries
  2. B.generate more harmful industrial by-products
  3. C.degrade the environment to eke out a livelihood
  4. D.cut down trees only for farmlands and fuel
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (degrade the environment to eke out a livelihood)

Explanation

The passage says poverty makes people in developing countries overgraze, cut down trees and farm poor soil just to survive, so they damage the environment to make a living.

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Question 3

Comprehension

According to the passage, the size of forest depleted annually is

  1. A.minimal
  2. B.colossal
  3. C.infinitesimal
  4. D.infinite
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (colossal)

Explanation

An area of forest as big as Sierra Leone disappears every year, which is a huge (colossal) amount.

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Question 4

Comprehension

The writer holds the richer countries responsible for industrial pollution because of their

  1. A.technological innovations
  2. B.energy requirements
  3. C.industrial revolution
  4. D.lack of interest in environmental protection
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (energy requirements)

Explanation

The passage says the rich countries are where most commercial energy is produced, so their energy needs cause the pollution.

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Question 5

Comprehension

The message of the writer is the

  1. A.need for the developed countries to assist the poorer ones
  2. B.grave dangers of global warming
  3. C.urgent need to protect the natural environment
  4. D.need to research into other uses of the trees in our forests
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (urgent need to protect the natural environment)

Explanation

The passage ends by calling on everyone to act together to rescue and protect the environment.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 1992 Passage II: How many Nigerians?
If economists were a bit more modest, they would admit that no one knows exactly how many Nigerians there are. The National Population Bureau estimated that there would be 116 million in 1986, but this figure was derived from projections based on the much disputed figures of the 1963 census, using an annual population growth rate that was at best guess work. Notwithstanding that the margin of error could be as large as plus or minus 20 million, economists have still felt confident to speak of Nigeria's per capita income, birth and mortality rates, literacy rate and so on, as if they were quoting precise figures.

So much in Nigeria is determined on the basis of population that the lack of accurate figures has a significantly adverse effect on policies. One obviously affected area is development planning, which, for the lack of reliable data, frequently looks like an exercise in futility. An example of what happens is the country's Universal Primary Education (UPE) scheme launched in 1976. Policy makers had expected, on the basis of the 1975/76 primary school enrolment of just under 5 million, that they would not have to cope with much more than 6 million school children in the first year. But the enrolment in 1976/77 turned out to be 8.4 million rising to 10.1 million the following year. The unanticipated cost of catering for the large number was the main cause of the collapse of that worthy scheme after only four years.

Population also plays an important role in revenue allocation, specifically in the sharing of the states' portion of the Federation Account, some percentage of which is based on population or population-related factors. Because of the contentious nature of the subject, the compromise has been to use estimates based on the 1963 census figures, even when such a move produces ridiculous situations. It is for all these reasons that the Babangida Administration's effort to ascertain the nation's population is such a worthwhile venture.

It would be more realistic of economists to

  1. A.accept the unreliability of Nigeria's census figures
  2. B.ascertain how many Nigerians there are
  3. C.discard the disputed 1963 census figures
  4. D.accept marginal errors in the census figures
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (accept the unreliability of Nigeria's census figures)

Explanation

The writer says that if economists were more modest they would admit no one knows exactly how many Nigerians there are, so being realistic means accepting that the figures are unreliable.

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Question 7

Comprehension

Precise national population figures are required in order to

  1. A.know the number of people to cater for in the Universal Primary Education programme
  2. B.be able to undertake proper implementation of governmental policies
  3. C.avert unanticipated expenditures
  4. D.be able to speak of population statistics with confidence
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (be able to undertake proper implementation of governmental policies)

Explanation

The passage says so much in Nigeria depends on population that wrong figures harm policies, such as planning and revenue sharing; UPE is only one example.

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Question 8

Comprehension

'The contentious nature of the subject' refers to

  1. A.the population
  2. B.the disputed 1963 census figures
  3. C.development planning
  4. D.revenue allocation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (revenue allocation)

Explanation

The phrase comes in the paragraph about sharing the Federation Account among states, so the 'subject' that causes argument is revenue allocation.

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Question 9

Comprehension

The reference to 'Universal Primary Education' in this passage is significant because it shows

  1. A.why the census figures were disputed
  2. B.the failure and collapse of the programme
  3. C.the misleading effect of unreliable information
  4. D.how a worthy scheme could be made worthless by poor planning strategies
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (the misleading effect of unreliable information)

Explanation

UPE collapsed because planners expected about 6 million pupils but got 8.4 million; the example shows how wrong figures mislead planners.

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Question 10

Comprehension

As far as the solution to the population problem of Nigeria is concerned, the writer of this passage is

  1. A.optimistic
  2. B.pessimistic
  3. C.indifferent
  4. D.disturbed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (optimistic)

Explanation

The writer calls the government's effort to find the true population 'a worthwhile venture', which shows hope that the problem will be solved.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 1992 Passage III: Beggars
Let's begin with a picture.

He must not have been more than thirty years old. The oval face, devoid of those wrinkles of age, the well-turfed and black hair, and his still complete though brown set of teeth supported this assessment. All he had for clothing was a piece of cloth with some words written on it. It must have been one of those cloth-posters used but now abandoned by 'show-biz' promoters. Across his neck was yet another cloth which bore our national colours of green and white. His feet were naked — just as they came from their creator. In one hand he had an empty tin. He talked ceaselessly and in a disordered fashion. The other free hand emphasized his spoken words and gestures. As he talked, he gazed at you as if you were responsible for his pathetic condition. He looked redeemable, though. There are many of his type in various urban centres.

Beggars! They are in every conceivable place. At the bank, the supermarket, the church, the mosque, the post office — there you will meet them. Before you know it, the more healthy ones besiege you for alms almost to the point of assault. Surely, there is no rationale in giving alms to someone who is physically stronger than you are and who, from all indications, can and should work and fend for himself. Some others are feeble and unfortunately handicapped. Women and young girls constitute a sizeable number of these healthy beggars. Some are nursing mothers and one wonders who their husbands are. Conception by Mr Nobody, perhaps. The young girls in this category are the mother-beggars of tomorrow. But tell me, can't the society be spared this human waste?

The writer is describing a

  1. A.picture
  2. B.man
  3. C.picture of a man
  4. D.man and a picture
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (man)

Explanation

Although the passage opens with 'Let's begin with a picture', what is actually described is a man: his face, hair, teeth, clothes and behaviour.

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Question 12

Comprehension

'... this assessment' refers to the man's

  1. A.face
  2. B.hair
  3. C.age
  4. D.naked feet
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (age)

Explanation

The assessment is that he was not more than thirty years old; his face, hair and teeth supported this estimate of his age.

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Question 13

Comprehension

'Beggars' in the context of the first line of the third paragraph is a

  1. A.phrase
  2. B.sentence
  3. C.noun
  4. D.modifier
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (noun)

Explanation

'Beggars!' is a single word naming people, so it is a noun (used as an exclamation).

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Question 15

Comprehension

An appropriate title for the passage is

  1. A.a picture, the young man and female beggars
  2. B.mad men and mendicants
  3. C.the problem of mad people in the society
  4. D.young men and female beggars
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (mad men and mendicants)

Explanation

The passage describes a man who talks in a disordered way (a mad man) and then beggars (mendicants) in general, so 'mad men and mendicants' covers both parts.

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Question 16

Cloze Passage
JAMB 1992 Passage IV (cloze): Using the dictionary
In addition to further reading as a vital arm of referencing, the use of the dictionary in language learning should be emphasized. It cannot be denied that dictionaries do supply facts about a language which may be difficult to find anywhere else. ________ (16) about grammar, usage, status, derivation and so on necessary for comprehension are contained in the dictionary while context, word analysis and synonym search contribute immensely to the ________ (17) of meaning, an efficient use of the dictionary to enrich the experimental conceptual background to create a meaning context cannot be denied. The ________ (18) of both the specialist and general dictionaries should be encouraged as the case may be. Not that students should jeopardise reading fluency by ________ (19) every word that they do not understand, rather in their bid to read chunks or groups of words in a text, lexical items that ________ (20) obstruct meaning may be quickly checked up in the dictionary. Glossing over a word or lexical guessing through context may not be sufficient. ________ (21) to encourage the use of the dictionary as an aid to reading and a tool for checking words used in writing must be built ________ (22) the reading text. This skill can be easily trasferred to the student's content areas as well.

A barrage of criticism, like students' excessive reliance on the dictionary instead of contextual ________ (23), reduction in the speed of reading, time wastage and so on abound against students' use of the dictionary when reading. It may however be argued that ________ (24) students to guess the meaning of words, from context and then compare this with the dictionary entry for such words is a discovery ________ (25) for enlarging the conceptual environment and vision of students on the various interpretations that may be given to a word.

Passage IV, gap 16: It cannot be denied that dictionaries do supply facts about a language which may be difficult to find anywhere else. ________ (16) about grammar, usage, status, derivation and so on necessary for comprehension are contained in the dictionary

  1. A.Information
  2. B.Words
  3. C.Details
  4. D.Knowledge
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Information)

Explanation

'Information about grammar, usage…' names the facts a dictionary contains; it is the usual word for facts about a subject.

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Question 17

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 17: …while context, word analysis and synonym search contribute immensely to the ________ (17) of meaning, an efficient use of the dictionary to enrich the experimental conceptual background to create a meaning context cannot be denied.

  1. A.forming
  2. B.getting
  3. C.knowing
  4. D.creation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (knowing)

Explanation

Context, word analysis and synonym search help a reader to come to know what a word means, so 'the knowing of meaning' fits the sense.

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Question 18

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 18: The ________ (18) of both the specialist and general dictionaries should be encouraged as the case may be.

  1. A.possession
  2. B.fact
  3. C.use
  4. D.employment
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (possession)

Explanation

Students should be encouraged to own (possess) both kinds of dictionary so that they can consult them.

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Question 19

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 19: Not that students should jeopardise reading fluency by ________ (19) every word that they do not understand…

  1. A.considering
  2. B.pondering
  3. C.meditating
  4. D.looking up
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (looking up)

Explanation

You 'look up' a word in a dictionary; doing this for every word would slow reading down.

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Question 20

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 20: …rather in their bid to read chunks or groups of words in a text, lexical items that ________ (20) obstruct meaning may be quickly checked up in the dictionary.

  1. A.may
  2. B.will
  3. C.can
  4. D.shall
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (may)

Explanation

'May' expresses possibility: words that might block understanding can be checked.

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Question 21

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 21: Glossing over a word or lexical guessing through context may not be sufficient. ________ (21) to encourage the use of the dictionary as an aid to reading and a tool for checking words used in writing must be built ________ (22) the reading text.

  1. A.Practice
  2. B.Exercises
  3. C.Notes
  4. D.Passages
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Practice)

Explanation

'Practice' (uncountable) to encourage dictionary use is what should be built into reading lessons.

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Question 22

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 22: ________ (21) to encourage the use of the dictionary as an aid to reading and a tool for checking words used in writing must be built ________ (22) the reading text.

  1. A.on to
  2. B.in
  3. C.into
  4. D.unto
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (into)

Explanation

Practice must be made part of the reading text itself, that is, built into it. 'Built into' is the phrase used when something is included as part of something else.

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Question 23

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 23: A barrage of criticism, like students' excessive reliance on the dictionary instead of contextual ________ (23), reduction in the speed of reading, time wastage and so on abound against students' use of the dictionary when reading.

  1. A.reading
  2. B.meaning
  3. C.decoding
  4. D.guessing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (guessing)

Explanation

Critics say students lean on the dictionary instead of working out meanings from context. The passage itself calls this 'guessing through context', so the phrase is 'contextual guessing'.

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Question 24

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 24: It may however be argued that ________ (24) students to guess the meaning of words, from context and then compare this with the dictionary entry for such words is a discovery ________ (25) for enlarging the conceptual environment…

  1. A.asking
  2. B.teaching
  3. C.making
  4. D.allowing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (allowing)

Explanation

'Allowing students to guess… and then compare' means letting them try first; the other verbs don't fit as well with 'to guess'.

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Question 25

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 25: …allowing students to guess the meaning of words, from context and then compare this with the dictionary entry for such words is a discovery ________ (25) for enlarging the conceptual environment and vision of students on the various interpretations that may be given to a word.

  1. A.procedure
  2. B.method
  3. C.means
  4. D.strategy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (method)

Explanation

A 'discovery method' is a recognised way of teaching where learners find things out for themselves.

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Question 26

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: Ojo's response infuriated his wife

  1. A.annoyed
  2. B.pleased
  3. C.surprised
  4. D.confused
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (pleased)

Explanation

To infuriate is to make very angry; the opposite is to please.

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Question 27

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: He accepted a mundane task without hesitation

  1. A.great
  2. B.lowly
  3. C.menial
  4. D.moderate
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (great)

Explanation

Mundane means ordinary and dull; the opposite is great (important, impressive).

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Question 28

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: It is a unique opportunity for her to demonstrate the reality of her faith

  1. A.strange
  2. B.usual
  3. C.golden
  4. D.unusual
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (usual)

Explanation

Unique means one of a kind; the opposite is usual (common).

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Question 29

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: Her identification with the king is publicly known

  1. A.hatred
  2. B.disassociation
  3. C.relationship
  4. D.intimacy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (disassociation)

Explanation

Identification with someone means closely linking yourself to them; the opposite is disassociation (separating yourself).

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Question 30

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The economic situation in the country is obviously gloomy

  1. A.encouraging
  2. B.moody
  3. C.unknown
  4. D.regrettable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (encouraging)

Explanation

Gloomy means dark and without hope; the opposite is encouraging.

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Question 31

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: One wonders if the situation will improve

  1. A.brighten
  2. B.diminish
  3. C.disintegrate
  4. D.worsen
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (worsen)

Explanation

To improve is to get better; the opposite is to worsen.

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Question 32

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: Language teachers believe that grammar exercises stretch the mind

  1. A.expand
  2. B.ruin
  3. C.enrich
  4. D.restrict
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (restrict)

Explanation

To stretch the mind is to expand it; the opposite is to restrict (limit) it.

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Question 33

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: These two books are identical

  1. A.alike
  2. B.similar
  3. C.different
  4. D.equal
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (different)

Explanation

Identical means exactly the same; the opposite is different.

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Question 34

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The doctor tried to alleviate his patient's pain

  1. A.relieve
  2. B.worsen
  3. C.kill
  4. D.cure
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (worsen)

Explanation

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

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Question 35

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The instructions on the examination paper are explicit

  1. A.simple
  2. B.ambiguous
  3. C.detailed
  4. D.definite
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (ambiguous)

Explanation

Explicit means clearly stated; the opposite is ambiguous (open to more than one meaning).

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Question 36

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: Okoro is an amateur wrestler

  1. A.skilful
  2. B.good
  3. C.professional
  4. D.strong
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (professional)

Explanation

An amateur does something without being paid for it; the opposite is a professional.

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Question 37

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: If your life is in turmoil, always take courage.

  1. A.devastation
  2. B.crisis
  3. C.trial
  4. D.tragedy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (crisis)

Explanation

Turmoil is a state of great confusion and trouble, which is closest to crisis.

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Question 38

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Do you know one of the most astounding events of my life?

  1. A.special
  2. B.amazing
  3. C.serious
  4. D.outstanding
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (amazing)

Explanation

Astounding means very surprising, i.e. amazing.

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Question 39

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Adeniji is suffering from the consequences of alienation

  1. A.confinement
  2. B.isolation
  3. C.enclosure
  4. D.imprisonment
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (isolation)

Explanation

Alienation is being cut off or estranged from others, which is isolation.

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Question 40

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: The terms of the contract stuck in my throat

  1. A.were beyond me
  2. B.were not clear
  3. C.were ambiguous
  4. D.became obsolete
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (were ambiguous)

Explanation

The book takes 'stuck in my throat' to mean the terms could not be easily swallowed or understood because they could be read in different ways (ambiguous).

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Question 41

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: He was asked to give copious examples to appear convincing

  1. A.concrete
  2. B.rigid
  3. C.cogent
  4. D.many
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (many)

Explanation

Copious means plentiful, i.e. many.

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Question 42

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Some children mimic their teachers

  1. A.imitate
  2. B.mime
  3. C.ridicule
  4. D.tease
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (imitate)

Explanation

To mimic is to copy someone's speech or actions, i.e. to imitate.

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Question 43

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: He works long hours collecting trash to eke out a livelihood

  1. A.try a living
  2. B.struggle for a living
  3. C.make a living
  4. D.carve out a living
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (make a living)

Explanation

To eke out a livelihood means to manage to make a living with difficulty; 'make a living' is the closest standard expression.

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Question 44

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Everybody complained of a lean harvest last year

  1. A.surplus
  2. B.abundant
  3. C.poor
  4. D.thin
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (poor)

Explanation

A lean harvest is a poor, small one.

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Question 45

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: He is very modest in his demands

  1. A.honest
  2. B.bogus
  3. C.extravagant
  4. D.humble
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (humble)

Explanation

Modest demands are moderate and humble, not excessive.

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Question 46

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: The patient disregarded the advice of the doctor

  1. A.ignored
  2. B.disobeyed
  3. C.questioned
  4. D.respected
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (ignored)

Explanation

To disregard advice is to pay no attention to it, i.e. ignore it.

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Question 47

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: The newly elected leader has pledged to ensure better life for the citizens

  1. A.vowed
  2. B.agreed
  3. C.undertaken
  4. D.undertaking
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (undertaken)

Explanation

To pledge is to promise formally; 'has undertaken to ensure' means has formally promised and committed himself to do it.

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Question 48

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Statesmen are revered for their objectivity

  1. A.referred
  2. B.respected
  3. C.remembered
  4. D.rejected
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (respected)

Explanation

To revere someone is to respect them deeply.

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Question 49

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: He has been advised to keep his head, the confusion notwithstanding

  1. A.avoid being beaten or insulted
  2. B.keep calm
  3. C.save his head
  4. D.prevent being beheaded
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (keep calm)

Explanation

To keep one's head is an idiom meaning to stay calm in a difficult situation.

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Question 50

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: The police ran the criminal to earth

  1. A.jailed him
  2. B.knocked him down
  3. C.discovered him
  4. D.buried him
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (discovered him)

Explanation

To run someone to earth is an idiom meaning to find them after a long search.

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Question 51

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: Garba always puts his shoulder to the wheel

  1. A.sits with his shoulders straight when he is driving
  2. B.works energetically at the task in hand
  3. C.performs tasks assigned him grudgingly
  4. D.holds the steering wheel firmly when he is driving
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (works energetically at the task in hand)

Explanation

To put one's shoulder to the wheel is an idiom meaning to work hard at a task.

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Question 52

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: He reneged on the agreement between him and his employees

  1. A.kept
  2. B.failed to keep
  3. C.failed to approve
  4. D.failed to sign
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (failed to keep)

Explanation

To renege on an agreement is to go back on it, i.e. fail to keep it.

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Question 53

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: He is credulous

  1. A.credible
  2. B.creditable
  3. C.gullible
  4. D.fallible
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Answer: C (gullible)

Explanation

Credulous means too ready to believe things, i.e. gullible.

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Question 54

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics: The company has gone under

  1. A.suffered some loss
  2. B.broken up
  3. C.become broke
  4. D.become bankrupt
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (become bankrupt)

Explanation

When a company goes under, it fails completely and becomes bankrupt.

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Question 55

Conjunctions

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Many people believe that nuclear power will solve our energy problems.... ________, this has not been proved to be true

  1. A.Indeed
  2. B.But
  3. C.However
  4. D.On the contrary
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (However)

Explanation

The second sentence contrasts with the first. 'However,' (with its comma) is the linking word that starts such a contrasting sentence.

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Question 56

Conjunctions

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: ________, sign post words are useful to readers

  1. A.Conclusively
  2. B.To conclude
  3. C.In conclusion
  4. D.The conclusion
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (In conclusion)

Explanation

'In conclusion' is the standard phrase used to introduce a final point.

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Question 57

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Every programming language and software package ________ limitations

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

Answer: C (has its)

Explanation

Subjects joined by 'and' after 'every' take a singular verb and pronoun: 'Every… package has its limitations'.

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Question 58

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: A programme of good exercise may help a person fight ________ cold

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

Answer: D (off)

Explanation

To 'fight off' an illness is to resist it.

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Question 59

Pronouns

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Baba and ________ participated in the tournament.

  1. A.him
  2. B.his
  3. C.he
  4. D.he's
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (he)

Explanation

The gap is part of the subject of 'participated', so the subject pronoun 'he' is needed.

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Question 60

Pronouns

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: It was ________ who fought the civil war

  1. A.they
  2. B.them
  3. C.those
  4. D.theirs
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (they)

Explanation

In formal English the pronoun after 'It was' takes the subject form, as in 'It was they who fought'.

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Question 61

Pronouns

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The physicians have more people in ________ waiting rooms than ________ have ever had

  1. A.his/he
  2. B.there/they
  3. C.their/they
  4. D.them/they
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (their/they)

Explanation

'Their' (possessive) goes before 'waiting rooms' and 'they' is the subject of 'have ever had'; both refer to the physicians.

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Question 62

Verb Forms

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Before mechanizatoin, workers ________ water out of fabrics with their hands

  1. A.wring
  2. B.wrung
  3. C.wrang
  4. D.wringed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (wrung)

Explanation

The past tense of 'wring' is 'wrung'; 'wrang' and 'wringed' are not English words.

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Question 63

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Four engineers ________ on this system since March

  1. A.worked
  2. B.are working
  3. C.had worked
  4. D.have been working
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (have been working)

Explanation

'Since March' shows an action that started in the past and continues now, so the present perfect continuous 'have been working' is needed.

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Question 64

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Having worked all night, the security man ________ a sense of accomplishment

  1. A.had felt
  2. B.felt
  3. C.is feeling
  4. D.has felt
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (felt)

Explanation

The participle phrase describes a completed past event, so the simple past 'felt' fits.

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Question 65

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Three quarters of the Physics class ________ dramatically

  1. A.improve
  2. B.improves
  3. C.are improving
  4. D.is improving
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (is improving)

Explanation

'Three quarters of' takes its number from the noun after it; 'class' is singular here, so 'is improving' is used.

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Question 66

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: A number of students ________ missed the opportunity to re-register

  1. A.is
  2. B.has
  3. C.have
  4. D.do
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (have)

Explanation

'A number of' means 'many' and takes a plural verb, and 'missed' needs the helper 'have'.

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Question 67

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: It seems to be a well thought ________ scheme

  1. A.over
  2. B.out
  3. C.off
  4. D.into
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (out)

Explanation

The fixed expression is 'well thought-out', meaning carefully planned.

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Question 68

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Adekunle is prepared for a ________ with his opponent following his defeat last season

  1. A.show-off
  2. B.show-down
  3. C.show-out
  4. D.show up
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (show-down)

Explanation

A 'showdown' is a final contest to settle a dispute.

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Question 69

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Tosin refused to be ________ though he has written the same examination three times

  1. A.sad
  2. B.placated
  3. C.frustrated
  4. D.indifferent
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (frustrated)

Explanation

'Though' signals contrast: in spite of failing three times, Tosin would not let himself be frustrated.

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Question 70

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: On his ________ of office, the new president announced some drastic measures

  1. A.assumption
  2. B.ascension
  3. C.acceptance
  4. D.appointment
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (assumption)

Explanation

The correct collocation is 'assumption of office', meaning taking up a position.

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Question 71

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The ________ was filled ________ the Ilorin Magistrate Court

  1. A.suit/in
  2. B.case/in
  3. C.suit/at
  4. D.case/at
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (suit/at)

Explanation

A lawsuit is 'filed at' a court, so 'suit/at' is the right pair.

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Question 72

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The plaintiff ________ the court to restrain the defendants from further action

  1. A.asked
  2. B.begged
  3. C.demanded of
  4. D.prayed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (prayed)

Explanation

In legal language a party 'prays the court' to grant an order.

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Question 73

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: My experience in Lagos last week was ________ about

  1. A.something to excite
  2. B.nothing to explain at home
  3. C.nothing to write home
  4. D.something to celebrate
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (nothing to write home)

Explanation

The idiom 'nothing to write home about' means not special or impressive.

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Question 74

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: ________ him around, I would have informed you.

  1. A.Had I seen
  2. B.Have I seen
  3. C.Should I see
  4. D.If I saw
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Had I seen)

Explanation

This is a third conditional with inversion: 'Had I seen him… I would have informed you'.

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Question 75

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Ahmed is one of the boys who always ________ good work

  1. A.does
  2. B.would do
  3. C.do
  4. D.done
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (do)

Explanation

In 'one of the boys who…', 'who' refers to the plural 'boys', so the verb is plural: 'who always do good work'.

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Question 76

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: I sent ________ news to the press yesterday

  1. A.a parcel of
  2. B.a flash of
  3. C.an item of
  4. D.a number of
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (an item of)

Explanation

'News' is uncountable, so we say 'an item of news'.

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Question 77

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The university has a large collection of sporting ________

  1. A.equipment
  2. B.equipments
  3. C.constumes
  4. D.aids
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (equipment)

Explanation

'Equipment' is uncountable and has no plural form, so 'sporting equipment' is correct.

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Question 78

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: He keeps his ________ clean always

  1. A.surroudings
  2. B.surrounding
  3. C.premise
  4. D.environments
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (surroudings)

Explanation

The noun meaning the area around someone is always plural: 'surroundings'. Option A is the book's misprint of that word.

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Question 79

Spelling

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: She has a set of gold ________

  1. A.earing
  2. B.earings
  3. C.earrings
  4. D.ear-ring
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (earrings)

Explanation

The correct spelling is 'earrings', and 'a set of' needs the plural.

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Question 80

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: I have stopped writing letters of application because I ________ that all the vacancies are filled

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

Answer: C (heard)

Explanation

The simple past 'heard' reports the news that led to the decision.

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Question 81

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: A survey of opinions on how pupils feel about their teachers ________ carried out

  1. A.has been
  2. B.have been
  3. C.are being
  4. D.is been
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (has been)

Explanation

The subject is 'A survey' (singular), so 'has been carried out' is correct.

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Question 82

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The police are looking for ________

  1. A.two big cars black
  2. B.two cars big black
  3. C.two big black cars
  4. D.two black big cars
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (two big black cars)

Explanation

Adjectives go in the order number, size, colour before the noun: 'two big black cars'.

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Question 83

Prepositions

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Adaobi is contemptuous ________ dishonest people

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

Answer: D (of)

Explanation

The adjective 'contemptuous' is followed by 'of'.

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Question 84

Prepositions

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: My goats are grazing ________ the field

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

Answer: B (in)

Explanation

Animals graze 'in' a field.

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Question 85

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: It ________ easier if he told us himself

  1. A.would be
  2. B.would have been
  3. C.would had been
  4. D.will be
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (would be)

Explanation

'If he told' is a second conditional (past simple), so the main clause takes 'would be'.

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Question 86

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Our principal and chairman of the occasion ________ just arrived

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

Answer: A (has)

Explanation

One person is both the principal and the chairman (only one 'Our'), so the singular 'has' is used.

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Question 87

Verb Forms

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: From 7 a.m to 9 a.m, he ________ hot chocolate, often not having time for his own breakfast

  1. A.is kept busy serving
  2. B.keeps busy to serve
  3. C.is busied serving
  4. D.kept busy to serve
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (is kept busy serving)

Explanation

The pattern is 'busy + -ing', and the present tense fits a daily routine: 'is kept busy serving'.

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Question 88

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: One of the ________ selective marking of errors

  1. A.school of thought suggests
  2. B.schools of thought suggest
  3. C.school of thoughts suggested
  4. D.schools of thought suggests
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (schools of thought suggests)

Explanation

'One of the' is followed by a plural noun ('schools of thought') and the verb agrees with 'One' (singular): 'suggests'.

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Question 89

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: You avoid facing ________ the reality of life

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

Answer: C (up to)

Explanation

The phrasal verb is 'face up to', meaning to accept something difficult.

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Question 90

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: In ________ we, as politicians, are identified with the masses

  1. A.a more deeper sense
  2. B.a much deeper sense
  3. C.a most deeper sense
  4. D.much more deeper sense
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a much deeper sense)

Explanation

'Deeper' is already comparative, so it can't take 'more' or 'most'; 'much' is used to strengthen it.

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Question 91

Sentence Structure

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: In addition, their comments are vague and abstract, ________ difficult to interpret

  1. A.which students find it
  2. B.and students find it
  3. C.so students find them
  4. D.but students find them
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (so students find them)

Explanation

The second clause is a result of the first, so 'so' is the right link, and 'them' refers to the plural 'comments'.

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Question 92

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: We are ________ to receive your letter and to know that you are ________

  1. A.happy/in good health
  2. B.grateful/sound
  3. C.pleased/all well
  4. D.appreciative/swimming in good health
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (happy/in good health)

Explanation

'Happy to receive' and 'in good health' are both correct, natural phrases.

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Question 93

Pronouns

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: People who live by ________ what loneliness is like

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

Answer: D (themselves know)

Explanation

People who live by themselves (alone) know loneliness; 'themselves' agrees with 'people'.

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Question 94

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: It has been confirmed that the election ________ held in July

  1. A.will be
  2. B.is being
  3. C.has been
  4. D.have being
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (will be)

Explanation

The election is still to come, so the future 'will be held' is used.

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Question 95

Pronouns

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The choice to go to the university or not is ________

  1. A.yours'
  2. B.your
  3. C.yours
  4. D.your's
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (yours)

Explanation

The possessive pronoun 'yours' never takes an apostrophe.

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Question 96

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: People may not pick flowers in this park

  1. A.People can pick flowers in this park
  2. B.People may not wish to pick flowers in this park
  3. C.People are prohibited from picking flowers in this park
  4. D.People cannot pick flowers from this park
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (People are prohibited from picking flowers in this park)

Explanation

Here 'may not' means 'are not permitted to', so picking flowers is prohibited.

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Question 97

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Tom ought not to have told me

  1. A.Tom did not tell me but he should
  2. B.Perhaps Tom was wrong to have told me
  3. C.Tom told me but it was wrong of him
  4. D.It was necessary for Tom not to tell me
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Tom told me but it was wrong of him)

Explanation

'Ought not to have told' means he did tell, but it was the wrong thing to do.

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Question 99

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Bolade would make a mess of cooking the rice

  1. A.It was typical of Bolade to make a mess of things
  2. B.Bolade cannot cook
  3. C.Bolade will not cook the rice well
  4. D.Bolade does not like cooking rice
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Bolade will not cook the rice well)

Explanation

'Would' here predicts what is likely to happen: Bolade will not cook the rice well.

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Question 100

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: If I were the captain, I would have led the team to victory

  1. A.I was not the captain but I led the team to victory
  2. B.I was the captain but I did not lead the team to victory
  3. C.I was not the captain and I did not lead the team to victory
  4. D.I was the captain and I led the team to victory
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (I was not the captain and I did not lead the team to victory)

Explanation

'If I were' shows he was not the captain, and 'would have led' shows the victory did not happen.

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