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JAMB Use of English 1994 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 1994 Passage I: Gossip
Gossip! Yes, gossip is universal. In some languages, it may have an outright negative connotation but in English, it basically means 'idle talk', chat about trivial things or matters. When moderate and kind, 'casual talk' may serve to exchange useful information as a means of updating one's knowledge. The whole neighbourhood may grow gossipy with who got married, pregnant, died, or it may just be a humorous chi-chat devoid of malicious intent.

However, idle talk more often than not, degenerates beyond the bounds of propriety and good taste. Facts get embellished, exaggerated or deliberately distorted. Humiliation is made the source of humour, privacy is violated, confidences betrayed and reputations injured or ruined. Condemnation takes the place of commendation, murmuring and fault finding are extolled. The end result is like the mud thrown on a clean piece of white cloth. It does not stick but it leaves a dirty and sometimes permanent stain behind.

Gossip has been blamed for sleepless nights, heartache and indigestion. Certainly, it must have caused you some personal anguish at one time or the other, that is someone must at some time have tried getting a knife between your shoulder blades. Negative gossip is almost universally frowned upon. Among the Indians in the United States, gossiping about someone is classified with lying and stealing. Among the Yoruba of Nigeria, the tale bearer is detested and often avoided. Indeed, throughout history, measures have been taken to curb this 'deadly' disease. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the ducking stool was popularly used in England and Germany and later in the United States.

The gossip was tied to a chair and repeatedly ducked in water. In modern times, the war against gossiping has also been fought. Rumour control centres have been established to respond to rumours that were potentially harmful to government activities. Laws have even been passed to curb gossip. Nicknames have been given to those who peddle the trade. Ever heard of 'Amebo'!

Such efforts notwithstanding, gossip survives. It is alive and flourishing. Gossip is everywhere. There is neighbourhood gossip, office gossip, shop gossip, party gossip, family gossip and funnily enough, religious gossip. Gossip transcends all cultures, races and civilizations, and it has flourished and is still flourishing at every level of society. Gossip is deeply a part of human nature. Yet gossip is not inherently evil. There is a positive side to casual talk. Knowing where to draw the line between harmless and harmful gossip is the key to avoiding victimizing others and being a victim yourself.

Gossip appeals to people because

  1. A.it is entertaining but could be deadly
  2. B.human beings take delight in passing and acquiring information
  3. C.it provides avenues for idle talk
  4. D.it is not destructive in the type of information passed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (human beings take delight in passing and acquiring information)

Explanation

The writer says gossip is part of human nature and is found everywhere: people enjoy sharing and hearing news of who got married, pregnant or died. That delight in passing on and getting information is why gossip appeals.

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Question 2

Comprehension

'Grow gossipy' as used in the passage, means the area

  1. A.cultivates and controls gossip
  2. B.is a rumour mill
  3. C.is ruined by gossip
  4. D.engages in fruitful talk
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (is a rumour mill)

Explanation

When a neighbourhood 'grows gossipy', it becomes full of talk and rumours about people, like a mill that keeps producing rumours.

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Question 3

Comprehension

When gossip 'degenerates beyond the bounds of propriety and good taste' it becomes

  1. A.harmful
  2. B.ruthless
  3. C.irritating
  4. D.astonishing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (harmful)

Explanation

The passage explains that such gossip distorts facts, violates privacy and ruins reputations, so it becomes harmful.

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Question 4

Comprehension

In the passage, 'such efforts notwithstanding' refers to

  1. A.attempts at curbing gossip
  2. B.the establishment of the ducking stool
  3. C.rumour-control centres
  4. D.laws enacted against gossip
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (attempts at curbing gossip)

Explanation

'Such efforts' sums up all the measures just listed (ducking stool, rumour control centres, laws, nicknames), that is, attempts at curbing gossip.

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Question 5

Comprehension

Which title best sums up this passage?

  1. A.Gossip: A thing of the past
  2. B.Gossip: A societal evil
  3. C.Gossip and be damned
  4. D.Gossip: the good and the bad
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Gossip: the good and the bad)

Explanation

The passage shows both the harmful side of gossip and its positive side as casual talk, so 'the good and the bad' sums it up.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 1994 Passage II: The poor in developing countries
In many places in the world today, the poor are getting poorer while the rich are getting richer, and the programmes of development planning and foreign aid appear to be unable to reverse this trend. Nearly all the developing countries have a modern sector, where the patterns of living and working are similar to those in developed countries. But they also have a non-modern sector, where the patterns of living and working are not only unsatisfactory, but in many cases are even getting worse.

What is the typical condition of the poor in developing countries? Their work opportunities are so limited that they cannot work their way out of their situation. They are under-employed, or totally unemployed. When they do find occasional work, their productivity is extremely low. Some of them have land, but often too little land. Many have no land, and no prospect of ever getting any. There is no hope for them in the rural areas, and so they drift into the big cities. But there is no work for them in the big cities either — and of course no housing. All the same, they flock into the cities becasue their chances of finding some work appear to be greater there than in the villages — where such chances are nil. Rural unemployment, then, produces mass migration into the cities. Rural unemployment becomes urban unemployment.

The problem can be stated quite simply: what can be done to promote economic growth in the small towns and villages which still contain about eighty to ninety per cent of the population? The primary need is work places, literally millions of work places. No one, of course, would suggest that output per worker is unimportant. But the primary aim cannot be to maximize output per worker; it must be to maximize work opportunities for the unemployed and the under-employed. The poor man's greatest need is the chance to work. Even poorly paid and relatively unproductive work is better than no work at all. It is therefore more important that everybody should produce something, than that a few people should each produce a great deal. And in most developing countries, this can only be achieved by using an appropriate intermediate technology.

According to the passage, the difference between the developing countries and the developed ones is that while the former have

  1. A.a modern sector, the latter do not
  2. B.two conflicting sectors, the latter have one
  3. C.higher rural unemployment, the latter have higher urban unemployment
  4. D.appropriate intermediate technology, the latter adopt inappropriate one
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (two conflicting sectors, the latter have one)

Explanation

Developing countries have both a modern sector and a non-modern sector, while developed countries live and work in the modern pattern only, so the former have two sectors and the latter one.

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Question 7

Comprehension

Which of the following statements best explains the meaning of the phrase 'reverse this trend' as used in the text?

  1. A.return to the former state of affairs
  2. B.reappraise the programmes
  3. C.improve the situation
  4. D.make the rich become poor
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (return to the former state of affairs)

Explanation

To reverse a trend is to turn it back the other way, i.e. stop the poor getting poorer and go back to the former state of affairs.

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Question 8

Comprehension

From the way the winter describes the typical condition of the poor in developing countries, one could conclude that

  1. A.rural poverty is a disease
  2. B.the poor have no hope
  3. C.rural poverty is caused by the rich
  4. D.the problems of the poor are temporary
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (the poor have no hope)

Explanation

The writer says there is no hope for the poor in the rural areas and no work for them in the cities either, so they have no hope.

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Question 9

Comprehension

When the writer says '......... literally millions of work places', he wants the reader to

  1. A.take the million figure literally
  2. B.appreciate the need for numerous workplaces
  3. C.realize that the million figure is a mere exaggeration
  4. D.appreciate the size of the work force
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (appreciate the need for numerous workplaces)

Explanation

The writer stresses 'literally millions' to show how very many work places are needed, so the reader should appreciate the need for numerous workplaces.

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Question 10

Comprehension

What is the point made by the writer about solving the problem of unemployment in developing countries?

  1. A.use appropriate intermediate technology
  2. B.a few people should produce a great deal
  3. C.stop migration to cities
  4. D.create more work places
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (use appropriate intermediate technology)

Explanation

The last sentence says that giving everybody work can only be achieved by using an appropriate intermediate technology.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 1994 Passage III: Women in pre-colonial politics
Politics in pre-colonial times did not involve the partisan type of electioneering campaign that we now have. The society was ruled by a king or an emir and his traditional chiefs or by the council of elders or clan heads. Where there existed the hierarchical system as in the Yoruba and Hausa kingdoms, succession to throne was mainly patriarchal. A recorded exception was the case of Queen Amina of the Zazzau Empire who ruled in the 15th century A.D.

A host of unsung and unrecorded women regents and at times women village rulers abound, especially in the present Ondo State where some influential traditional female chiefs and regents still exist. In Ibadan, the famous Efunsetan Aniwura held political as well as economic sway and it took a lot of drive, brain work and political engineering for the then king and his council of chiefs to subdue her. The history of the various towns and villages of the period could boast of such women who were actively engaged in the running of government.

In the Igbo society, a rise to leadership position was through demonstrated ability in fostering societal survival rather than heritage. Women's voice in the politics of each clan is given focus either through the guild of wives, the guild of daughters, or the market women's guild. Women, through these organs, could make their feelings known on any issue affecting their community as a whole or females in particular. Thus, unpopular edict or 'decrees' could be revoked or revised as a result of mounted pressure from any of these female associations. No decision was usually taken by the men without prior consultation with the leaders of the women's groups.

It must however be emphasized that the degree of women participation in politics was yet much limited when compared to that of men.

According to the author, electioneering campaign is the approach

  1. A.best used in politics
  2. B.used in pre-colonial politics
  3. C.for choosing kings or emirs
  4. D.currently in use
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (currently in use)

Explanation

The passage opens by saying pre-colonial politics did not involve the electioneering campaign 'that we now have', so it is the approach in use today.

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Question 12

Comprehension

From the passage, it is obvious that women participated in politics

  1. A.on equal basis with men
  2. B.as leaders of men
  3. C.to a limited extent
  4. D.as chiefs and regents
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (to a limited extent)

Explanation

The last paragraph says women's participation in politics was much limited when compared to that of men, so they took part only to a limited extent.

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Question 13

Comprehension

'Political engineering' in the passage means

  1. A.playing of politics
  2. B.manoeuvering in politics
  3. C.studying of politics
  4. D.steering political events
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (manoeuvering in politics)

Explanation

It took clever political moves and scheming (manoeuvring) for the king and chiefs to subdue Efunsetan Aniwura.

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Question 14

Comprehension

Which of the following is implied in the passage?

  1. A.Women are not politicians
  2. B.Women should be confined to the home
  3. C.Women are capable of political leadership
  4. D.Post-colonial politics should not involve women
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Women are capable of political leadership)

Explanation

Examples like Queen Amina, women regents and Efunsetan Aniwura show that women are capable of political leadership.

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Question 15

Comprehension

A suitable title for the passage is

  1. A.women in politics
  2. B.champions of women liberation
  3. C.great women of yesteryears
  4. D.electioneering campaigns
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (women in politics)

Explanation

The whole passage is about the part women played in politics, including their guilds and their limits, so 'women in politics' is the best title.

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Question 16

Comprehension
JAMB 1994 Passage IV: Children and their mothers (cloze)
Two thirds of children in ________ (16) societies no longer have family life. They are virtually abandoned to child-minders from a very tender age. The ________ (17) from their mothers brings suffering and makes it impossible for them to achieve a healthy social life. The ________ (18) in the number of suicides, the rates of drug addiction and ________ (19) among young people may be to a large extent, due to these premature separations which take place before sufficient time has ________ (20) for attachment to develop. 'This is one of the causes of psychosis in children today' says a psychiatrist who believes that breast-feeding is one of the basic cares which many children of this age are ________ (21). This psychiatrist argues that breast-feeding extends into the world outside the womb, a liquid bond with the inside of the mother's body; a bond ________ (22) that which the baby had with the placenta inside the uterus. Rhythmic rocking to and fro is ________ (23) of the movement that the child experienced before it was born. As for the baby's ________ (24) its mother's body, it reminds the child of the ________ (25) pressure of the uterus, and enables it to ________ (26) the rhythms of its mother's breathing and heartbeat.

Passage IV, gap 16: Two thirds of children in ________ (16) societies no longer have family life.

  1. A.industrialized
  2. B.socialized
  3. C.technological
  4. D.modernized
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (industrialized)

Explanation

Children left to child-minders because parents work away from home is typical of industrialized societies.

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Question 17

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 17: The ________ (17) from their mothers brings suffering and makes it impossible for them to achieve a healthy social life.

  1. A.disregard
  2. B.indifference
  3. C.alienation
  4. D.inattention
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (alienation)

Explanation

'Alienation from' means being cut off or separated from someone, which fits children abandoned to child-minders.

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Question 18

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 18: The ________ (18) in the number of suicides, the rates of drug addiction and ...... among young people may be to a large extent, due to these premature separations

  1. A.development
  2. B.increase
  3. C.appreciation
  4. D.inflation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (increase)

Explanation

The writer is blaming separation for a rise in suicides, so 'increase in the number' is the natural phrase.

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Question 19

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 19: ...the rates of drug addiction and ________ (19) among young people may be to a large extent, due to these premature separations

  1. A.delinquency
  2. B.irresponsibility
  3. C.satanism
  4. D.truancy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (delinquency)

Explanation

'Delinquency' (bad or criminal behaviour by young people) goes naturally with drug addiction and suicide as social problems of youth.

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Question 20

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 20: ...these premature separations which take place before sufficient time has ________ (20) for attachment to develop.

  1. A.materialized
  2. B.occurred
  3. C.surfaced
  4. D.elapsed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (elapsed)

Explanation

Time 'elapses' (passes); the other verbs are not used of time passing.

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Question 21

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 21: ...a psychiatrist who believes that breast-feeding is one of the basic cares which many children of this age are ________ (21).

  1. A.tantalized with
  2. B.denied of
  3. C.left with
  4. D.spared of
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (denied of)

Explanation

The children are deprived of breast-feeding, so 'denied (of)' is the only option with that meaning.

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Question 22

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 22: ...a liquid bond with the inside of the mother's body; a bond ________ (22) that which the baby had with the placenta inside the uterus.

  1. A.close to
  2. B.the same as
  3. C.unrelated to
  4. D.irrelevant to
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (close to)

Explanation

The writer is saying breast-feeding is similar to the bond the baby had in the womb; 'close to' means very like it.

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Question 23

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 23: Rhythmic rocking to and fro is ________ (23) of the movement that the child experienced before it was born.

  1. A.an elongation
  2. B.a demonstration
  3. C.a continuation
  4. D.a stretching
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (a continuation)

Explanation

Rocking carries on the movement the baby felt in the womb, so it is a continuation of it.

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Question 24

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 24: As for the baby's ________ (24) its mother's body, it reminds the child of the ...... pressure of the uterus

  1. A.squeezing against
  2. B.separation from
  3. C.likeness for
  4. D.pressure against
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (pressure against)

Explanation

The sentence compares this to the 'pressure of the uterus', so the baby's pressure against its mother's body fits.

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Question 25

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 25: ...it reminds the child of the ________ (25) pressure of the uterus

  1. A.reassuring
  2. B.uncomfortable
  3. C.amusing
  4. D.unpleasant
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (reassuring)

Explanation

The passage presents these sensations as comforting for the baby, so the pressure of the uterus is reassuring.

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Question 26

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 26: ...and enables it to ________ (26) the rhythms of its mother's breathing and heartbeat.

  1. A.unearth
  2. B.rediscover
  3. C.learn
  4. D.explore
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (rediscover)

Explanation

The baby already knew its mother's breathing and heartbeat in the womb, so being held lets it rediscover them.

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Question 27

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Had he come that day, the problem would still not have been solved

  1. A.He came that day, but the problem was not solved
  2. B.He did not come that day, but the problem was solved
  3. C.He did not come that day, and the problem was not solved
  4. D.He did not come that day, but his presence would not have solved the problem
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (He did not come that day, but his presence would not have solved the problem)

Explanation

'Had he come' means he did not come; 'would still not have been solved' means even his presence would not have solved it.

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Question 28

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: He is now the megaphone of the people's oppressors

  1. A.He now speaks on behalf of the oppressors
  2. B.He now carries the megaphone when the oppressors speak
  3. C.He is now the oppressor with the loudest voice
  4. D.He is the oppressor who now speaks with a megaphone
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (He now speaks on behalf of the oppressors)

Explanation

Being someone's 'megaphone' is a metaphor for being their mouthpiece, i.e. speaking on their behalf.

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Question 29

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Here is Mr Pam the tailor

  1. A.He is the only person known as Mr Pam, and he is a tailor
  2. B.He is one of those known as Mr Pam, and he is a tailor
  3. C.He is the only tailor, and he is Mr Pam
  4. D.He is one of many tailors, and he is Mr Pam
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (He is one of those known as Mr Pam, and he is a tailor)

Explanation

With no comma, 'the tailor' tells us which Mr Pam is meant, so there are other people called Mr Pam and this one is the tailor. With a comma ('Mr Pam, the tailor') it would just add information about the only Mr Pam.

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Question 30

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: One of the guarantors shall sign here

  1. A.It is desirable that one of the guarantors signs here
  2. B.It is reasonable that one of the guarantors signs here
  3. C.It is obligatory that one of the guarantors signs here
  4. D.It is advisable that one of the guarantors signs here
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (It is obligatory that one of the guarantors signs here)

Explanation

In formal instructions 'shall' expresses a duty or requirement, so the signing is obligatory.

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Question 31

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: The paper carries many humorous cartoons on Saturdays

  1. A.amorous
  2. B.grievous
  3. C.hilarious
  4. D.grave
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (grave)

Explanation

Humorous means funny; grave means serious, its opposite.

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Question 32

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: All through his years in public office, he found his father's advice invaluable

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

Answer: C (worthless)

Explanation

Invaluable means extremely useful; worthless means of no use at all.

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Question 33

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: The lecturer was merely obfuscating the issue with his endless examples

  1. A.complicating
  2. B.clarifying
  3. C.confusing
  4. D.summarizing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (clarifying)

Explanation

To obfuscate is to make something unclear; the opposite is to clarify.

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Question 34

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: Such measures end up exacerbating the pain,

  1. A.aggravating
  2. B.increasing
  3. C.eliminating
  4. D.alleviating
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (alleviating)

Explanation

Exacerbating means making worse; alleviating means making less severe.

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Question 35

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: In a sentence, there must always be concord between a subject and its verb

  1. A.breach
  2. B.departure
  3. C.disagreement
  4. D.dispute
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (disagreement)

Explanation

Concord means agreement, so its opposite is disagreement.

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Question 36

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: As soon as the headmaster appeared, the chanting resumed

  1. A.immediately
  2. B.much later
  3. C.soon after
  4. D.almost as
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (much later)

Explanation

'As soon as' means immediately after; the opposite is 'much later'.

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Question 37

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: In the course of the debate, the speakers were advised to summarize their points

  1. A.argue
  2. B.develop
  3. C.round off
  4. D.round up
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (develop)

Explanation

To summarize is to cut points down to their essentials; to develop is to expand them.

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Question 38

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: The elderly often fulminate against the apparent indolence of the young generation

  1. A.protest bitterly about
  2. B.complain seriously about
  3. C.promote vigorously
  4. D.commend warmly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (commend warmly)

Explanation

To fulminate is to protest angrily; the opposite is to commend (praise) warmly.

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Question 39

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: We should discourage further investment in existing factories

  1. A.productive
  2. B.prosperous
  3. C.prospective
  4. D.precious
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (prospective)

Explanation

Existing factories are already there; prospective ones are expected in the future.

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Question 40

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics: Nigeria is gradually experiencing economic recession

  1. A.birth
  2. B.discovery
  3. C.recovery
  4. D.destruction
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (recovery)

Explanation

A recession is a decline in economic activity; recovery is the economy getting better again.

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Question 41

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: We could not put up with his terrible disposition

  1. A.exterminate
  2. B.tolerate
  3. C.control
  4. D.deal with
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (tolerate)

Explanation

To put up with something is to tolerate it.

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Question 42

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: She was taken aback by his attitude

  1. A.delayed
  2. B.dragged back
  3. C.surprised
  4. D.overwhelmed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (surprised)

Explanation

To be taken aback is to be surprised or shocked.

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Question 43

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Many would argue that the achievement is commensurate with the effort

  1. A.unexpected in the light of
  2. B.funny compared with
  3. C.proportional to
  4. D.the wrong excuse for
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (proportional to)

Explanation

Commensurate with means in proportion to or matching.

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Question 44

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: They show no finesse in dealing with strangers

  1. A.boldness
  2. B.kindness
  3. C.tact
  4. D.love
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (tact)

Explanation

Finesse is skill and delicacy in handling people, i.e. tact.

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Question 45

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: As a matter of fact, we have been trying to step up production

  1. A.maximize
  2. B.decrease
  3. C.suspend
  4. D.increase
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (increase)

Explanation

To step up production is to increase it.

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Question 46

Sentence Interpretation

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Ojo used to play tennis everyday

  1. A.is familiar with playing
  2. B.has to play
  3. C.was in the habit of playing
  4. D.was made to play
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (was in the habit of playing)

Explanation

'Used to' describes a past habit.

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Question 47

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: In his own story, he confirmed that they had been on his tail for quite sometime

  1. A.closely following and watching him
  2. B.searching for him
  3. C.giving him a tail
  4. D.tagging him a talebearer
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (closely following and watching him)

Explanation

To be on someone's tail is to follow them closely.

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Question 48

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: I am surprised to learn that Badmus is an agnostic

  1. A.someone that believes in God
  2. B.someone who antagonizes God
  3. C.some one who is nonchalant about the existence of God
  4. D.someone who does not believe in the existence of God
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (some one who is nonchalant about the existence of God)

Explanation

An agnostic neither believes nor disbelieves in God, holding that it cannot be known; D describes an atheist.

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Question 49

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Although the manager is busy right now, he will be with you presently

  1. A.immediately
  2. B.soon
  3. C.without delay
  4. D.right away
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (soon)

Explanation

'Presently' here means soon, in a short while.

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Question 50

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The governor's wife, in characteristically simple attire, walked into the hall unnoticed

  1. A.eccentrically
  2. B.typically
  3. C.consistently
  4. D.intrinsically
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (typically)

Explanation

Characteristically means in her usual, typical way.

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Question 51

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: After my husband's popular election, we had to keep open house throughout the weekend

  1. A.entertain every caller
  2. B.keep all doors open
  3. C.relax security
  4. D.give a party
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (entertain every caller)

Explanation

To keep open house is to welcome and entertain any visitor who comes.

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Question 52

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Our new Vice-Chancellor has stepped off on the wrong foot

  1. A.injured his foot while entering his office
  2. B.started off badly
  3. C.made a costly mistake
  4. D.stepped on the wrong toes.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (started off badly)

Explanation

Getting off on the wrong foot means making a bad start.

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Question 53

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The corporate existence of any nation is in jeopardy if her leaders pay lip service to her unity.

  1. A.do not promptly pay their taxes
  2. B.want to break up the country
  3. C.do not dialogue - regularly over her unity
  4. D.are insincere about the problems of her unity
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (are insincere about the problems of her unity)

Explanation

To pay lip service is to express support only in words, without sincerity.

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Question 54

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Much to her chagrin, the bridegroom did not turn up for the wedding

  1. A.wonder
  2. B.surprise
  3. C.disappointment
  4. D.depression
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (disappointment)

Explanation

Chagrin is annoyance or disappointment at a let-down.

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Question 55

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Ngozi's countenance is less gloomy; it would appear as if she is relatively out of the woods

  1. A.free from difficulties
  2. B.just from the forest
  3. C.in good condition of health
  4. D.out of wants
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (free from difficulties)

Explanation

To be out of the woods is to be out of danger or difficulty.

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Question 56

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: When I was in the secondary school, my parents were active members of the ________

  1. A.Parents-Teachers Association
  2. B.Parents-Teachers' Association
  3. C.Parent-Teacher Association
  4. D.Parent's Teacher's Association
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Parent-Teacher Association)

Explanation

The standard name uses the nouns as modifiers, which stay singular: Parent-Teacher Association.

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Question 57

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The pen which you have just picked up is ________

  1. A.Charle's
  2. B.Charles'
  3. C.Charless'
  4. D.Charles's
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Charles')

Explanation

For a name ending in -s, the possessive can be written by adding just an apostrophe: Charles'.

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Question 58

Question Tags

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: It is clear to me that you won't visit Okoro this holiday, will you? ________

  1. A.Yes, I won't
  2. B.Yes, I will visit
  3. C.No, I won't
  4. D.No, I will not visit
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (No, I won't)

Explanation

Agreeing with a negative statement uses 'No' plus the short negative form: 'No, I won't'.

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Question 59

Concord

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Sa'adatu as well as the maids ________

  1. A.like platain chips
  2. B.are liking plantain chips
  3. C.is liking plantain chips
  4. D.likes plantain chips
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (likes plantain chips)

Explanation

The subject is Sa'adatu (singular); 'as well as the maids' does not make it plural, and 'like' is not used in the continuous, so 'likes'.

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Question 60

Concord

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Measles ________ no longer impossible to manage these days.

  1. A.is
  2. B.are
  3. C.were
  4. D.was
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (is)

Explanation

Measles is a singular disease name despite the -s, and 'these days' needs the present tense: 'is'.

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Question 61

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: People dislike Jobe because he is a ________ young man

  1. A.trickery
  2. B.tricking
  3. C.trickful
  4. D.tricky
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (tricky)

Explanation

An adjective is needed before 'young man'; the correct adjective is 'tricky'.

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Question 62

Tenses

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: If the boys arrived early enough, the match ________

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

Answer: D (would be played)

Explanation

'If' + past tense ('arrived') goes with 'would' + base verb: 'would be played'.

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Question 63

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: There are ________ on spelling and pronunciation at the end of the book

  1. A.appendexes
  2. B.appendix
  3. C.appendices
  4. D.appendixes
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (appendices)

Explanation

The plural of appendix (a section of a book) is appendices; 'appendexes' is misspelt.

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Question 64

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: She usually works hard, but ________ she could be very lazy

  1. A.at times
  2. B.atimes
  3. C.attimes
  4. D.at time
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (at times)

Explanation

The correct phrase is two words: 'at times', meaning sometimes.

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Question 65

Concord

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The Police ________ happy about the dwindling crime rate

  1. A.says they are
  2. B.say it is
  3. C.say they are
  4. D.says it is
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (say they are)

Explanation

'The police' takes a plural verb and plural pronoun: 'say they are'.

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Question 66

Verb Forms

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The keepers themselves are sometimes ________ by the bees

  1. A.stinged
  2. B.stang
  3. C.stung
  4. D.sting
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (stung)

Explanation

Sting – stung – stung; the passive needs the past participle 'stung'.

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Question 67

Tenses

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: I now realize I ________ you before

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

Answer: B (have met)

Explanation

With present 'realize', an experience at an unstated past time uses the present perfect: 'have met'.

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Question 68

Verb Forms

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The patient was ________ by a group of surgeons last week

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

Answer: A (operated on)

Explanation

The verb is 'operate on' a patient, so the passive is 'was operated on'.

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Question 69

Verb Forms

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The old man couldn't help ________ at his grandson's babbling

  1. A.to laugh
  2. B.that he laughed
  3. C.laughing
  4. D.in laughing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (laughing)

Explanation

'Can't help' is followed by the -ing form: 'couldn't help laughing'.

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Question 70

Concord

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: A range of options ________ available to the political parties during the recently concluded elections

  1. A.were made
  2. B.is made
  3. C.are made
  4. D.was made
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (was made)

Explanation

The head noun is 'range' (singular) and the time is past, so 'was made'.

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Question 71

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: He claimed that Mr. Okoli's utterance was tantamount to defamation of character, so he sued for ________

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

Answer: D (damages)

Explanation

Money claimed in court as compensation is 'damages' (always plural in this sense).

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Question 72

Question Tags

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: I don't think he can ________?

  1. A.can't he
  2. B.isn't it
  3. C.can he
  4. D.don't I
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (can he)

Explanation

With 'I don't think' the tag follows the subordinate clause and is positive because the sentence is negative in meaning: 'can he?'

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Question 73

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The handset was faulty and so it was impossible to ________ them by phone

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

Answer: C (get through to)

Explanation

To 'get through to' someone is to reach them by phone.

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Question 74

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: To be extravagant is to be ________

  1. A.rich
  2. B.luxurious
  3. C.careless
  4. D.wasteful
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (wasteful)

Explanation

Extravagant means spending too much, i.e. wasteful.

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Question 75

Tenses

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The president of the union ________ the airport by the time the riot started

  1. A.would have left
  2. B.is about leaving
  3. C.was leaving
  4. D.has left
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (would have left)

Explanation

'By the time' points to an action already completed before the riot; 'would have left' expresses this (supposition about a completed past action).

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Question 76

Prepositions

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Until his recent experience, Onimisi used to pride himself ________ his fearlessness

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

Answer: A (on)

Explanation

The verb is 'pride oneself on' something.

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Question 77

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The trader ________ his wares at the trade fair

  1. A.exhibited
  2. B.displayed
  3. C.spread
  4. D.demonstrated
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (exhibited)

Explanation

Goods shown at a trade fair are exhibited (put on show for the public).

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Question 78

Conjunctions

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Based on the facts before me, I have no alternative ________ to terminate your appointment

  1. A.but
  2. B.than
  3. C.as
  4. D.only
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (but)

Explanation

The fixed expression is 'have no alternative but to'.

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Question 79

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Despite the pressure of work during the week I shall endeavour to ________ at your wedding

  1. A.put up an appearance
  2. B.put up appearance
  3. C.put in an appearance
  4. D.put on an appearance
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (put in an appearance)

Explanation

The idiom is 'put in an appearance', meaning attend briefly.

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Question 80

Prepositions

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The expected guest eventually arrived ________ his wife

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

Answer: A (in company with)

Explanation

The idiom is 'in company with' (or 'in the company of'); 'in company of' without 'the' is not standard.

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Question 81

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: When we visited him, he offered us a variety of ________ drinks such as whisky and brandy

  1. A.hot
  2. B.local
  3. C.hard
  4. D.soft
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (hard)

Explanation

Strong alcoholic drinks like whisky and brandy are called hard drinks.

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Question 82

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The exercise will be easily accomplished by the team if members ________ their ________

  1. A.pull/resources together
  2. B.pool/resources together
  3. C.pull/resources
  4. D.pool/ resources
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (pool/resources together)

Explanation

To combine resources is to 'pool' them; 'pool their resources together' is the expression offered.

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Question 83

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: I have decided to ________ drinking alcohol for health reasons

  1. A.abandon
  2. B.give up
  3. C.discard
  4. D.jettison
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (give up)

Explanation

To stop a habit is to 'give it up'.

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Question 84

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: I would like to ________ my father to Kaduna

  1. A.accompany
  2. B.follow
  3. C.escort
  4. D.join
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (accompany)

Explanation

To accompany someone is to go somewhere with them.

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Question 85

Verb Forms

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: One ________ be too careful these days; times are uncertain and walls have ears

  1. A.can't
  2. B.shouldn't
  3. C.need not
  4. D.dares not
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (can't)

Explanation

'One can't be too careful' means one should be as careful as possible, which fits uncertain times.

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Question 86

Sentence Structure

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: I shall never be so tired ________ to write to you

  1. A.as not to be able
  2. B.that I shan't be able
  3. C.and so be unable
  4. D.such that I will be unable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (as not to be able)

Explanation

The structure is 'so + adjective + as (not) to + verb': 'so tired as not to be able'.

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Question 87

Verb Forms

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: As you have been here before, ________ lead the way

  1. A.it were better you
  2. B.it is you who will
  3. C.you'd better
  4. D.you would better
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (you'd better)

Explanation

'You'd better' (you had better) + base verb gives advice: 'you'd better lead the way'.

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Question 88

Tenses

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: My friend ________ me for many years when I met him last week

  1. A.never saw
  2. B.did not see
  3. C.had not seen
  4. D.had never seen
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (had not seen)

Explanation

An action continuing up to an earlier past point ('when I met him') takes the past perfect: 'had not seen ... for many years'.

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Question 89

Concord

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: School buildings that ________ in 1950 ________ now uninhabitable

  1. A.were build/are
  2. B.were built/are
  3. C.were built/is
  4. D.are built/are
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (were built/are)

Explanation

'In 1950' needs past passive 'were built', and 'now' with plural 'buildings' needs 'are'.

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Question 90

Concord

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Sixty per cent of the unskilled workers ________ yearly by the company

  1. A.are retain
  2. B.is retained
  3. C.were retained
  4. D.are retained
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (are retained)

Explanation

'Sixty per cent of the workers' refers to plural people, and 'yearly' needs the present: 'are retained'.

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Question 91

Concord

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Defects like ________ in government's development plans ________ for extra vigilance

  1. A.this/calls
  2. B.these/calls
  3. C.this/call
  4. D.these/call
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (these/call)

Explanation

'Defects' is plural, so 'these', and the plural subject takes 'call'.

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Question 92

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Most of his personal ________ stolen

  1. A.affects was
  2. B.affects were
  3. C.effect was
  4. D.effects were
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (effects were)

Explanation

Personal belongings are 'personal effects' (plural noun), so 'effects were'.

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Question 93

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Tokyo is one of the most developed ________ of the world

  1. A.electronics centre
  2. B.electronic centre
  3. C.electronics centres
  4. D.eletronic centres
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (electronics centres)

Explanation

'One of the' needs a plural noun, and the industry is 'electronics': 'electronics centres'.

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Question 94

Prepositions

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The director is to liaise ________ the management ________ corporate matters

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

Answer: C (with/on)

Explanation

One liaises with someone on a matter.

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Question 95

Prepositions

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Some motorists ________ Sokoto and Kano

  1. A.shuttle along
  2. B.shuttle from
  3. C.shuttle to
  4. D.shuttle between
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (shuttle between)

Explanation

To shuttle is to travel back and forth between two places.

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Question 96

Sentence Structure

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: ________, we can now start meaningful development

  1. A.Since the cold war is over
  2. B.With the cold war over
  3. C.The cold war over
  4. D.That the cold war is over
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (With the cold war over)

Explanation

'With the cold war over' is a correct phrase giving the circumstance for the main clause.

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Question 97

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: My ________ is for you to refuse the ________ of the wicked

  1. A.advise/advice
  2. B.advice/advice
  3. C.advice/advise
  4. D.advise/advise
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (advice/advice)

Explanation

Both gaps need the noun 'advice'; 'advise' is the verb.

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Question 98

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Go straight down the hill and take the third ________ the left. You can't miss it

  1. A.bend
  2. B.branch
  3. C.junction
  4. D.turning
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (turning)

Explanation

When giving directions we say 'take the third turning on the left'.

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Question 99

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: I hereby declare and ________ that, to the best of my knowledge, this statement is true in all respects

  1. A.inform
  2. B.confirm
  3. C.affirm
  4. D.conform
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (affirm)

Explanation

In formal declarations the pair is 'declare and affirm' (state solemnly).

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Question 100

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: A citizen in a democracy can ________ the law if he or she wants to correct an injustice.

  1. A.turn up
  2. B.bring out
  3. C.bring up
  4. D.turn to
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (turn to)

Explanation

To turn to the law is to seek help from it.

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