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JAMB Use of English 1995 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 1995 Passage I: Why I have not left the country
Whenever I have had to ask myself the question why I have not left this country for good, many answers rush to my mind, each striving to be recognized as being the most cogent. I am reminded of the popular slogan that 'this country belongs to us all', for which reason every Nigerian must join hands in trying to salvage it. I try to dismiss the argument by reasoning that it is foolhardy attempting to lend a helping hand where one's services are apparently not required. Then I am reminded that if I left the country in a hurry just because of our political instability and economic hardships, my commitments to my family and extended family at home would suffer. I reply by saying that as soon as I got settled abroad, I would arrange for my family to join me. Other financial problems at home would be taken care of by my regular remittances. Would I then never think of going back home in future? Not until the situation in the country improved considerably, I would answer. And who did I expect to carry on with the task of national rehabilitation when the likes of me are all out of the country? Those who messed up the country in the first place, I would argue. And so on. This dialogue of self has been going on for the last ten years or so, meanwhile, I am yet to leave the country.

When I wonder how many people share my kind of mental experience, I realize that we must be very few. For not many have the slightest opportunity of absconding from the country; they do not have the place to run to, nor do they have the means of escape. Even among the elite who consider this possibility, the uncertainty of a future outside their fatherland intimidates. And so we all end up staying and mumbling

To leave the country 'for good' means leaving the country

  1. A.unexpectedly
  2. B.for better opportunities
  3. C.permanently
  4. D.now that things are not very good
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (permanently)

Explanation

'For good' is an idiom meaning for ever, so leaving for good means leaving permanently.

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Question 2

Comprehension

The expression 'each striving to be recognized as being the most cogent' means each

  1. A.trying to prove its superiority
  2. B.determined to prove that is the most acceptable
  3. C.resolved not to be dislodged
  4. D.attempting to show that it is the brightest
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (trying to prove its superiority)

Explanation

Each answer is competing to be seen as the best and most convincing, i.e. trying to prove it is superior to the others.

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Question 3

Comprehension

The writer's argument that it is foolhardy to offer one's services where such are apparently not required implies that in Nigeria

  1. A.the authorities do not solicit for the services of the citizens
  2. B.mediocrity is the order of the day
  3. C.the authorities are indifferent to offers of help from the citizens
  4. D.to offer to serve the country is dangerous
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (the authorities do not solicit for the services of the citizens)

Explanation

Services that are 'not required' are services nobody asks for, which suggests the authorities do not ask citizens for their help.

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Question 4

Comprehension

The writer's posture as to who caused the problems in his country can be described as

  1. A.indifferent
  2. B.unpatriotic
  3. C.self-righteous
  4. D.logical
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (self-righteous)

Explanation

He blames 'those who messed up the country' and excuses himself, which is a self-righteous attitude.

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Question 7

Comprehension
JAMB 1995 Passage II: Science, technology and man
The development of science and technology in this century had led men into many inventions and discoveries. For nearly a century, men were content with the use of railways, carriages and cars. Another chapter opened when steamships and airplanes were invented. Thus, through technology, man conquered the land, the water and the airspace. But there was one area left unconquered by man: outer space. In fact outer space — planets, stars and the galaxies – was known only through magnifying lenses. Thus, man operated on mere conjectures as far as knowledge of these things was concerned. Consequently, there was no scientific certainty, only hypotheses. But today, man has penetrated outer space.

It is true that science and technology have developed tremendously in this century. In the field of engineering, for example, the automobile has been invented as a means of easier, more comfortable and faster movement from one place to another. Apart from that, methods and instruments for diagnosing diseases and promoting hygiene and sanitation have helped to reduce mortality rate and improve living conditions. In the field of electronics, the invention of the computer is a remarkable achievement. The use of computers in economic activities, education, administration and business has helped to reduce the exertion of human energy as more activities can be carried out faster and more effectively.

However, in spite of the laudable contributions and lofty accomplishments of technology, it has, nevertheless, succeeded in introducing several anomalies and, in some cases, reduced the value attached to human life. In our age, social life has been greatly altered by technological changes such as the invention of nuclear energy. Those who support the invention of nuclear energy claim that the only way to maintain peace is to be battle-ready. Humanity is greatly threatened and terrorized by the invention of the nuclear warhead. People now live in dread of the hour, as no one knows when a conflict may arise between nations, which may lead to the use of the nuclear bomb assumed to possess the capacity of wiping out humanity within the twinkling of an eye.

The words 'conjectures' and 'hypotheses' mean

  1. A.guess-work
  2. B.prediction
  3. C.understanding
  4. D.conclusion
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (guess-work)

Explanation

Conjectures and hypotheses are ideas not yet proved, so man was working on guess-work, not certainty.

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Question 8

Comprehension

The inventors of nuclear energy justify the need for it by saying that it will

  1. A.make people fear war and thus create peace
  2. B.enable wars to be fought more effectively
  3. C.provide a balance of power between war and peace
  4. D.bring about a balanced society in the world
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (make people fear war and thus create peace)

Explanation

Supporters say 'the only way to maintain peace is to be battle-ready': fear of a terrible war keeps nations at peace.

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Question 9

Comprehension

The conclusion one can draw from the passage is that the direction of the development of science and technology

  1. A.has continued to be of benefit to humanity
  2. B.leaves nothing more to be invented or discovered
  3. C.may lead man back to the earlier periods
  4. D.has assumed some negative dimensions
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (has assumed some negative dimensions)

Explanation

The last paragraph says technology has introduced 'anomalies' and threatens humanity with nuclear weapons, so its development has taken a negative turn.

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Question 10

Comprehension

The title that best reflects the contents of the passage is

  1. A.man, science and the environment
  2. B.technology in the service of man
  3. C.science and technology through the centuries
  4. D.science, technology and human existence.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (science, technology and human existence.)

Explanation

The passage covers both the benefits of science and technology to human life and the threat they now pose to it, so 'science, technology and human existence' fits best.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 1995 Passage III: Standard English and dialects
Standard English refers to the authoritative and correct usage of the language, the medium of expression for government and education. Its opposite is a dialectal variant of the language, that is, accepted and recognized words, expressions and structures peculiar to a smaller group of language users who are generally set apart from standard usage by cultural group or geographical region. For example, Nigerian, American, Irish and British English differ from one another in many respects and each is identifiable, yet in every case the standard variety approaches a single and hypothetical classification known as international English. As one moves towards informality and away from the observance of strict rules, emphasis falls on the differences between dialects. In addition to American English being distinguishable from British English, it is also true that British English is not uniform within the United Kingdom. The level of formality is determined by education and aspiration, while dialects vary from region to region

(The Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife: The Use of English Text [1980])

The author refers to standard English as

  1. A.a dialectal variant of language
  2. B.an authoritative style of usage
  3. C.the orthodox and accurate usage of the language
  4. D.the accepted and recognized words, expressions and structures, peculiar to a smaller group of language users
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (an authoritative style of usage)

Explanation

The passage defines standard English as 'the authoritative and correct usage of the language', i.e. an authoritative style of usage.

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Question 12

Comprehension

One characteristic of a dialect as mentioned in the passage is

  1. A.informality
  2. B.possession of various forms
  3. C.distinction from British English
  4. D.restricted area of usage
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (restricted area of usage)

Explanation

A dialect is used only by 'a smaller group' set apart by culture or region, so its area of use is restricted.

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Question 13

Comprehension

According to the author, Nigerian, American, Irish and British English can be regarded as

  1. A.registers
  2. B.standards
  3. C.styles
  4. D.languages
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (standards)

Explanation

Each of these varieties has its own standard form, which the passage calls 'the standard variety'; so they can be regarded as standards.

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Question 14

Comprehension

According to the passage, international English is

  1. A.a kind of arbitrary classification
  2. B.an imaginary classification
  3. C.an informal standard
  4. D.a recognized formal standard.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (an imaginary classification)

Explanation

The passage calls international English a 'hypothetical classification', i.e. an imaginary one that the standard varieties only approach.

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Question 15

Comprehension

The observance of strict rules is a feature of

  1. A.formality
  2. B.dialects
  3. C.languages
  4. D.unconventionality
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (formality)

Explanation

The passage contrasts informality with 'the observance of strict rules', so keeping strict rules is a mark of formality.

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Question 16

Comprehension
JAMB 1995 Passage IV: Spending on food and clothes (cloze)
Many Nigerians are yet to appreciate the importance of ________ (16) good food. The major reason for this lack of ________ (17) is to be ________ (18) in the pattern of spending ________ (19) among the people of this country. This pattern is characterized by lack of ________ (20), which is evident in the wasteful spending habit of Nigerians, a good number of whom are quite ________ (21) when it comes to buying clothes. This ________ (22) for expensive clothes has been brought about by the belief that it is appearance that ________ (23) the type of person one is. But it is important to realize that good food ________ (24) one ________ (25) from diseases.

Passage IV, gap 16 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): Many Nigerians are yet to appreciate the importance of ________ (16) good food.

  1. A.consuming
  2. B.eating
  3. C.swallowing
  4. D.taking
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (eating)

Explanation

We normally speak of 'eating good food'; 'swallowing' and 'taking' do not collocate naturally with food here.

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Question 17

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 17 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The major reason for this lack of ________ (17) is to be ________ (18) in the pattern of spending ________ (19) among the people of this country.

  1. A.awareness
  2. B.seriousness
  3. C.sense of responsibility
  4. D.determination
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (awareness)

Explanation

People do not appreciate the importance of good food because they are not aware of it, so 'lack of awareness' fits.

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Question 19

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 19 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The major reason for this lack of ________ (17) is to be ________ (18) in the pattern of spending ________ (19) among the people of this country.

  1. A.recurring
  2. B.usual
  3. C.frequent
  4. D.common
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (common)

Explanation

A pattern shared by many people is 'common among the people'.

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Question 20

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 20 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): This pattern is characterized by lack of ________ (20), which is evident in the wasteful spending habit of Nigerians, a good number of whom are quite ________ (21) when it comes to buying clothes.

  1. A.thinking
  2. B.saving
  3. C.planning
  4. D.controlling
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (planning)

Explanation

Wasteful spending shows a lack of planning.

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Question 21

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 21 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): This pattern is characterized by lack of ________ (20), which is evident in the wasteful spending habit of Nigerians, a good number of whom are quite ________ (21) when it comes to buying clothes.

  1. A.arrogant
  2. B.stingy
  3. C.crazy
  4. D.extravagant
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (extravagant)

Explanation

People who spend wastefully on clothes are extravagant.

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Question 22

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 22 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): This ________ (22) for expensive clothes has been brought about by the belief that it is appearance that ________ (23) the type of person one is.

  1. A.desire
  2. B.anticipation
  3. C.aversion
  4. D.regret
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (desire)

Explanation

The people want expensive clothes, so it is a 'desire for' them; 'aversion' is the opposite.

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Question 23

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 23 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): This ________ (22) for expensive clothes has been brought about by the belief that it is appearance that ________ (23) the type of person one is.

  1. A.produces
  2. B.records
  3. C.determines
  4. D.decides
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (determines)

Explanation

The belief is that appearance determines (fixes) what kind of person one is.

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Question 24

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 24 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): But it is important to realize that good food ________ (24) one ________ (25) from diseases.

  1. A.lends
  2. B.gives
  3. C.makes
  4. D.rewards
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (gives)

Explanation

Good food 'gives one immunity from diseases'.

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Question 25

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 25 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): But it is important to realize that good food ________ (24) one ________ (25) from diseases.

  1. A.immunization
  2. B.immunity
  3. C.release
  4. D.retreat
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (immunity)

Explanation

'Immunity from disease' is the protection the body has; immunization is the act of vaccinating.

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Question 26

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Most of the time, their presence is a menace.

  1. A.Their presence is always meaningful
  2. B.Their presence is seldom a bother
  3. C.Their presence is usually of great concern
  4. D.Their presence is frequently a threat
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Their presence is frequently a threat)

Explanation

'Most of the time' means frequently and 'a menace' means a threat.

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Question 27

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: My son, who is in the U.S. A. is studying Engineering

  1. A.my only son is in the U.S.A studying Engineering
  2. B.one of my sons is in the U.S.A. studying Engineering
  3. C.my sons are in the U.S.A but only one is studying Engineering
  4. D.only my son is in U.S.A studying Engineering
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (my only son is in the U.S.A studying Engineering)

Explanation

The commas around 'who is in the U.S.A.' make it extra information, which means the speaker has only one son.

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Question 28

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: I was one of those who actively believed in his development programmes

  1. A.I was part of those who renounced the programmes
  2. B.I was the originator of the programmes
  3. C.I was one of the people who embraced the programmes
  4. D.I was one of the great number who developed his programmes actively
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (I was one of the people who embraced the programmes)

Explanation

Believing actively in the programmes means supporting or embracing them, not creating or rejecting them.

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Question 29

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small

  1. A.God has a mill where every material in life is thoroughly ground
  2. B.God may seem slow in action, but he adequately rewards every bit of injustice
  3. C.The world is like a food factory where God takes His time in grinding all raw materials properly
  4. D.Even though God is never in a hurry, He achieves all things.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Even though God is never in a hurry, He achieves all things.)

Explanation

The proverb says God's justice may come slowly, but it is thorough and certain: though never in a hurry, God achieves everything.

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Question 30

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: People are not interested in who rules

  1. A.People who rule are not interested in the ruled
  2. B.The rulers are not indifferent about the people
  3. C.People are indifferent about the rulers
  4. D.People are not ruled by the people they are interested in
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (People are indifferent about the rulers)

Explanation

Not being interested in who rules means being indifferent about the rulers.

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Question 31

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Good students can easily identify spurious arguments

  1. A.genuine
  2. B.interesting
  3. C.false
  4. D.illogical
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (genuine)

Explanation

'Spurious' means false or fake; its opposite is genuine.

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Question 32

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Eze's skin now looks flabby as a result of his changed circumstances

  1. A.neat
  2. B.firm
  3. C.weak
  4. D.oily
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (firm)

Explanation

'Flabby' means soft and loose; the opposite is firm.

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Question 33

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: He and his lieutenants have been accused of remaining intransigent

  1. A.rigid
  2. B.stubborn
  3. C.compromising
  4. D.popular
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (compromising)

Explanation

'Intransigent' means refusing to change one's position; the opposite is compromising.

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Question 34

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: In the opinion of most observers, it was a disinterested decision

  1. A.neutral
  2. B.impartial
  3. C.biased
  4. D.candid
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (biased)

Explanation

'Disinterested' means impartial, not favouring any side; the opposite is biased.

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Question 35

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: We watched in wonder as she rattled away in that esoteric language

  1. A.inscrutable
  2. B.familiar
  3. C.secret
  4. D.obscure
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (familiar)

Explanation

'Esoteric' means understood only by a few; the opposite is familiar.

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Question 36

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: She was asked to swallow her pride and get busy

  1. A.be more realistic
  2. B.eat up her own pride
  3. C.be more insistent
  4. D.be less proud
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (be more insistent)

Explanation

To 'swallow one's pride' is to stop being proud and accept something humbly; the opposite is to stand one's ground and be more insistent.

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Question 37

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Many species in creation have mutated over the years into new forms of life..

  1. A.stabilized
  2. B.manifested
  3. C.transformed
  4. D.standardized
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (stabilized)

Explanation

To 'mutate' is to change form; the opposite is to stay the same, i.e. to stabilize.

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Question 38

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: His textile business deals are in gross

  1. A.wholesale
  2. B.imported
  3. C.retailed
  4. D.exported
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (retailed)

Explanation

Selling 'in gross' means selling in large quantities (wholesale); the opposite is selling retail.

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Question 39

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The government is initiating new effective programmes to boost production

  1. A.ending/enhance
  2. B.reviewing /renew
  3. C.rearranging/increase
  4. D.terminating/reduce
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (terminating/reduce)

Explanation

'Initiating' (starting) programmes to 'boost' production is the opposite of terminating programmes and reducing production.

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Question 40

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The culprit unwittingly subjected himself to great humiliation

  1. A.cunningly
  2. B.curiously
  3. C.foolishly
  4. D.subtly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (cunningly)

Explanation

To do something unwittingly is to do it without knowing or meaning to. Doing it cunningly means doing it on purpose, with clever planning, which is the opposite.

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Question 41

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The masses are controlled by the whims and caprices of their rulers

  1. A.wish
  2. B.parochialism
  3. C.will power
  4. D.level-headedness
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (level-headedness)

Explanation

'Whims and caprices' are sudden, unreasonable changes of mind; the opposite is level-headedness (calm good sense).

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Question 42

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: In his quest for solidarity, the party leader undertook a nation - wide tour

  1. A.unity
  2. B.resistance
  3. C.mobilization
  4. D.re-organization
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (resistance)

Explanation

'Solidarity' means unity and support; 'resistance' (opposition) is the opposite.

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Question 43

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Our party is wielding potent political power

  1. A.assuming
  2. B.renouncing
  3. C.restoring
  4. D.reappraising
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (renouncing)

Explanation

To 'wield' power is to hold and use it; the opposite is to renounce (give it up).

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Question 44

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The ruler expects full allegiance from his subjects at all times

  1. A.obedience
  2. B.homage
  3. C.disloyalty
  4. D.disapproval
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (disloyalty)

Explanation

'Allegiance' means loyalty; its opposite is disloyalty.

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Question 45

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: In spite of many days of fasting, Musa is still fastidious about his food

  1. A.particular
  2. B.undecided
  3. C.indifferent
  4. D.unmindful
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (indifferent)

Explanation

'Fastidious' means very particular or fussy; the opposite is indifferent (not caring).

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Question 46

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The leader called for concerted efforts in order to get over the problems

  1. A.combined
  2. B.definite
  3. C.disparate
  4. D.isolated
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (disparate)

Explanation

'Concerted' means planned and done together; 'disparate' means separate and unlike, the opposite.

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Question 47

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The video tape recorder was made obsolete by the introduction of the satellite dish

  1. A.antiquated
  2. B.useless
  3. C.fashionable
  4. D.functional
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (fashionable)

Explanation

'Obsolete' means out of date; the opposite is fashionable (in current use and style).

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Question 48

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Segun is somebody who always follows his own inclinations

  1. A.impulses
  2. B.aversions
  3. C.dispositions
  4. D.deviations
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (aversions)

Explanation

Inclinations are things one likes or tends towards; aversions are things one dislikes.

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Question 49

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The poor man is compelled to languish in his poverty-stricken situation

  1. A.luxuriate in
  2. B.deteriorate in
  3. C.suffer in
  4. D.laugh at
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (luxuriate in)

Explanation

To 'languish' is to suffer and waste away; the opposite is to luxuriate, to enjoy comfort.

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Question 50

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The engineers have been urged to make a prototype of the long-awaited Nigerian car

  1. A.specimen
  2. B.original
  3. C.copy
  4. D.drawing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (copy)

Explanation

A prototype is the first, original model; the opposite is a copy made from it.

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Question 51

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The young man's behaviour showed that he was at the top of the tree

  1. A.at the highest position in his profession
  2. B.confused
  3. C.at a point of preparedness to show good example
  4. D.arrogant
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (at the highest position in his profession)

Explanation

To be 'at the top of the tree' is to have reached the highest level in your job or profession.

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Question 52

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The chairman's reaction was a storm in a tea cup

  1. A.suitable for the occasion
  2. B.less serious than it appeared to be
  3. C.more serious than necessary
  4. D.greatly diminished in scope
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (less serious than it appeared to be)

Explanation

A 'storm in a tea cup' is a big fuss about something small, so the matter was less serious than it seemed.

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Question 53

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Do this job while I am away, but take your time

  1. A.be careful
  2. B.be thorough
  3. C.be fast
  4. D.don't be in a hurry
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (don't be in a hurry)

Explanation

'Take your time' means do not rush.

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Question 54

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The judge took issue with the counsel who complained of double standards

  1. A.agreed with
  2. B.argued with
  3. C.criticized
  4. D.supported
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (argued with)

Explanation

To take issue with someone is to disagree with what they said and argue against it, so the judge argued with the counsel.

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Question 55

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: I shuddered in revulsion as I watched the snake slowly swallow the struggling rat

  1. A.was fascinated
  2. B.was repelled
  3. C.ws interested
  4. D.was distressed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (was repelled)

Explanation

Revulsion is a feeling of disgust, so shuddering in revulsion means being repelled.

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Question 56

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: At that point, the speaker went off at a tangent

  1. A.started to run away like a mad person
  2. B.took to lashing out at the audience
  3. C.began to discuss unrelated matters
  4. D.chose to recall previous decision
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (began to discuss unrelated matters)

Explanation

To 'go off at a tangent' is to suddenly start talking about something unrelated.

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Question 57

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The enemy interestingly proved a real bulwark on that memorable day

  1. A.protecting force
  2. B.source of trouble
  3. C.troubleshooter
  4. D.tribulation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (protecting force)

Explanation

A bulwark is a defensive wall, so a protecting force.

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Question 58

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: It was evident to whoever listened to his speech that he also had an axe to grind

  1. A.an account to settle with someone
  2. B.a tool or something to sharpen
  3. C.a bone to pick with someone
  4. D.a personal objective to achieve
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (a personal objective to achieve)

Explanation

Someone with an axe to grind has a private aim of their own behind what they say or do, so he had a personal objective to achieve.

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Question 59

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: He might be compelled to take a momentous decision

  1. A.a voluntary
  2. B.a spontaneous
  3. C.an important
  4. D.an involuntary
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (an important)

Explanation

'Momentous' means of great importance.

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Question 60

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The Principal advised the students to bear with him in their present situation since every cloud has a silver lining

  1. A.every school has its problem
  2. B.every bad situation has something good
  3. C.good things always bring problems
  4. D.difficulties often bring good things
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (every bad situation has something good)

Explanation

The proverb means that there is something good in every bad situation.

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Question 61

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Oche's mother advised him to talk very little because still waters run deep

  1. A.his enemies may be listening
  2. B.there is no pride in talking too much
  3. C.there is wisdom in silence
  4. D.talking too much could lead him into trouble
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (there is wisdom in silence)

Explanation

'Still waters run deep' means quiet people often have deep wisdom.

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Question 62

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Akin made such a dog's breakfast of his home work

  1. A.an excellent job
  2. B.a brilliant attempt
  3. C.a mess
  4. D.a poor performance
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (a mess)

Explanation

To make 'a dog's breakfast' of something is to make a complete mess of it.

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Question 63

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The confused student found himself in a spot

  1. A.in a particular place
  2. B.in a normal situation
  3. C.in a pleasant situation
  4. D.in a difficult situation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (in a difficult situation)

Explanation

Being 'in a spot' means being in trouble or a difficult situation.

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Question 64

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The man who gave the closing remarks at the party spoke tongue in cheek

  1. A.ironically
  2. B.wisely
  3. C.profusely
  4. D.eloquently
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (ironically)

Explanation

Speaking 'tongue in cheek' means saying something ironically, not meaning it seriously.

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Question 65

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: New companies in the country always put up classified advertisements in the dailies

  1. A.secret
  2. B.small
  3. C.outrageous
  4. D.expensive
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (small)

Explanation

Classified advertisements are the small adverts grouped by category in newspapers.

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Question 66

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The doctor insisted on giving all of us prophylactic drugs

  1. A.curative
  2. B.preventive
  3. C.routine
  4. D.special
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (preventive)

Explanation

Prophylactic drugs are given to prevent disease.

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Question 67

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The delegates to the Constitutional Conference have mooted that funding of universities be transferred to states where they are located

  1. A.said
  2. B.agreed
  3. C.proposed
  4. D.legislated
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (proposed)

Explanation

To 'moot' an idea is to put it forward for discussion, i.e. propose it.

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Question 68

Prepositions

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The workers suffered a lot, toiling ________ the sun

  1. A.in
  2. B.under
  3. C.underneath
  4. D.inside
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (under)

Explanation

The usual expression is 'under the sun'.

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Question 69

Concord

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Either Ekaette or you ________ to go

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

Answer: B (are)

Explanation

With 'either…or', the verb agrees with the nearer subject, 'you', so 'are'.

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Question 70

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: She has the ________ of being intelligent when in fact she is not

  1. A.elision
  2. B.illusion
  3. C.delusion
  4. D.allusion
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (delusion)

Explanation

A delusion is a false belief about oneself, like believing one is intelligent when one is not.

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Question 71

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: ________ woman was attacked by a group of bandits

  1. A.a 90- years old
  2. B.a 90 - year-old
  3. C.a 90 year-old
  4. D.a 90-year old
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a 90 - year-old)

Explanation

A compound adjective before a noun is hyphenated throughout and uses the singular 'year': 'a 90-year-old woman'.

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Question 72

Prepositions

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: He was angry with me ________ being treated nonchalantly

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

Answer: B (for)

Explanation

We are angry with someone 'for' something: 'angry with me for being treated nonchalantly'.

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Question 73

Concord

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The teacher with his wife ________ here

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

Answer: D (was)

Explanation

The subject is 'The teacher'; 'with his wife' does not make it plural, so 'was'.

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Question 74

Tenses

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: ________ he would have been convicted

  1. A.if he did this
  2. B.if he could do this
  3. C.if he were doing this
  4. D.if he had done this
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (if he had done this)

Explanation

'Would have been' (third conditional) needs the past perfect in the if-clause: 'if he had done this'.

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Question 75

Verb Forms

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: What saved her was that she ________ to the side of the boat

  1. A.had clinged
  2. B.clung
  3. C.clinged
  4. D.clang
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (clung)

Explanation

The past tense of 'cling' is 'clung'.

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Question 76

Prepositions

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: She has been here ________ the past three years

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

Answer: B (for)

Explanation

'For' is used with a period of time ('for the past three years'); 'since' needs a starting point.

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Question 77

Conjunctions

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: He was ________ weak ________ he could not climb the stairs

  1. A.so/that
  2. B.too/that
  3. C.very/that
  4. D.so/when
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (so/that)

Explanation

The pattern for result is 'so + adjective + that'.

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Question 78

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The hospital can now boast of more ________

  1. A.women doctor
  2. B.woman doctors
  3. C.women doctors
  4. D.woman's doctors
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (women doctors)

Explanation

With a gender noun like 'woman', both parts go plural: 'women doctors'.

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Question 79

Concord

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: He is one of those who ________ in my school

  1. A.teaches
  2. B.is teaching
  3. C.are teaching
  4. D.teach
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (teach)

Explanation

'Who' refers to 'those' (plural), so the verb is plural: 'teach'.

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Question 80

Concord

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The director, no less than his workers ________ to blame

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

Answer: A (is)

Explanation

The subject is 'The director'; 'no less than his workers' is an added phrase, so the singular 'is'.

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Question 81

Direct and Indirect Speech

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The principal asked me ________

  1. A.what is my name
  2. B.what was my name
  3. C.what my name was
  4. D.what my name should be
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (what my name was)

Explanation

In reported questions the word order is that of a statement and the tense moves back: 'what my name was'.

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Question 82

Conjunctions

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: He did not explain what happened ________ did she

  1. A.either
  2. B.never
  3. C.neither
  4. D.rather
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (neither)

Explanation

After a negative statement, 'neither did she' adds another negative.

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Question 83

Pronouns

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Did the boys enjoy ________ when they went on vacation?

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

Answer: C (themselves)

Explanation

'Enjoy' needs a reflexive object here: 'enjoy themselves'. 'Theirselves' is not a word.

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Question 84

Tenses

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: It's time the room ________ It looks awful

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

Answer: B (was redecorated)

Explanation

After 'It's time', English uses the past tense: 'It's time the room was redecorated'.

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Question 85

Tenses

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: Her mother said to her ' I ________ the dinner now

  1. A.would rather you cooked
  2. B.would rather you cook
  3. C.would rather you not cook
  4. D.would rather you have cooked
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (would rather you cooked)

Explanation

'Would rather' + another person takes the past tense for present or future: 'I would rather you cooked'.

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Question 86

Verb Forms

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The driver of the car admitted ________ a licence

  1. A.to not have
  2. B.not having
  3. C.to not having
  4. D.not to have
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (not having)

Explanation

'Admit' is followed by the -ing form: 'admitted not having a licence'.

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Question 87

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The panel's ________ was stretched to the limit by what they heard

  1. A.credit
  2. B.credence
  3. C.credibility
  4. D.credulity
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (credulity)

Explanation

Credulity is the willingness to believe; when something is hard to believe, it 'stretches one's credulity'.

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Question 88

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The poor man was pleased to find ________ tyre

  1. A.a rubber old discarded
  2. B.an old discarded rubber
  3. C.a discarded rubber old
  4. D.an old rubber discarded
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (an old discarded rubber)

Explanation

Adjective order puts opinion/age ('old') before others, and the material ('rubber') next to the noun: 'an old discarded rubber tyre'.

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Question 89

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The minister can't come today because he has ________ engagement

  1. A.a former
  2. B.a preceding
  3. C.a prior
  4. D.an advance
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (a prior)

Explanation

The fixed expression is 'a prior engagement'.

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Question 90

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The policeman pointed out a ________ between Mr. Ogene's two accounts of the incident

  1. A.discrepancy
  2. B.discord
  3. C.distinction
  4. D.disagreement
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (discrepancy)

Explanation

A difference between two accounts that should match is a discrepancy.

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Question 91

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The ________ engineer was unhappy with the shoddy work done by the contractors

  1. A.cite
  2. B.sight
  3. C.site
  4. D.side
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (site)

Explanation

A 'site engineer' works at the building site.

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Question 92

Verb Forms

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: During the examination, a student ________ more answer sheets

  1. A.requested
  2. B.requested for
  3. C.requests for
  4. D.request
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (requested)

Explanation

'Request' takes a direct object without 'for' when it is a verb, and the past tense fits the narrative.

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Question 93

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: It was an ________ moment for us to be ________ to welcome the new Vice – Chancellor

  1. A.opportune/privileged
  2. B.opportuned/privileged
  3. C.opportune/opportuned
  4. D.opportuned/opportune
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (opportune/privileged)

Explanation

'Opportune' (well-timed) is an adjective with no -d form, and 'privileged' means honoured; 'opportuned' is not a word.

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Question 94

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: You must study hard this semester in order to avoid being made ________ ridicule

  1. A.a subject of
  2. B.an object for
  3. C.a subject for
  4. D.an object with
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (an object for)

Explanation

The person laughed at is the object of ridicule, so 'object' is the right noun; of these options 'an object for ridicule' is the acceptable one.

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Question 95

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: One of the three candidates contesting the union election was obliged to ________ in favour of his friend.

  1. A.step down
  2. B.stand down
  3. C.step out
  4. D.stand out
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (step down)

Explanation

To 'step down' in favour of someone is to withdraw so that they can take the position.

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Question 96

Tenses

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The fact that Olu was able to guess correctly some of the questions that were asked, made him ________ the other candidates

  1. A.have the edge on
  2. B.obtain a edge over
  3. C.have an edge over
  4. D.obtain the edge with
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (have an edge over)

Explanation

The idiom is 'to have an edge over' someone, meaning to have an advantage over them.

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Question 97

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: This is to congratulate you on your success in the last examination and to wish you ________

  1. A.more grease to your elbow
  2. B.more power to your elbow
  3. C.some grease on your elbow
  4. D.some power to your elbow
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (more power to your elbow)

Explanation

The standard expression of good wishes is 'more power to your elbow'.

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Question 98

Concord

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: One of the vice ________ in an interim capacity

  1. A.president acts
  2. B.presidents act
  3. C.president's acts
  4. D.presidents acts
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (presidents acts)

Explanation

After 'one of the', the noun is plural ('vice presidents') but the verb agrees with 'one', so it is singular: 'acts'.

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Question 99

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: The development is to be carried to the ________ level.

  1. A.grass root
  2. B.grassroot
  3. C.grassroots
  4. D.grass-root
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (grassroots)

Explanation

The accepted form is 'grassroots', as in 'grassroots level'.

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Question 100

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option: A very popular ruler is at the ________

  1. A.helms of affair
  2. B.helm of affair
  3. C.realm of affair
  4. D.helm of affairs
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (helm of affairs)

Explanation

The idiom is 'at the helm of affairs', with plural 'affairs', meaning in charge.

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