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JAMB Use of English 1998 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 1998 Passage I: The city of Jos
Those who have visited the city of Jos in Nigeria attest to its uniqueness. The first striking thing to notice, perhaps, is the benevolence of the climate. It will be no exaggeration to say that in no other Nigerian city does one feel so much at peace, so relaxed, with the climate as in Jos. When people say that Jos is cold, the remark is always a compliment, referring to the cool, serene feeling of being at peace with nature, which one experiences in the city. This feeling is topographically symbolized by the surrounding rocky hills, which adorn the horizon from every angle of the city. These hills remind you of castles, except that whereas castles are man-made, the hills of Jos are natural edifices in which the master mason who had delicately laid those stones one upon another is no other than God Himself. The sun of Jos shines without malice, and even in February and March, when it is scorchingly hot in most parts of Nigeria, the heat of Jos dances caressingly on the surface of the skin, as if afraid of hurting the organs beneath. It is as if from above, a soft protective layer of blanket intercedes between the heat of the sun and the inhabitants of the city.

Compared to what obtains in most other Nigerian cities, the inhabitants of Jos are openly warm. They are relaxed, and there is the absence of that suffocating feeling, with which a place like Lagos is associated, of a people madly rushing to their graves. The groceries operating at all nooks and crannies of the city give the impression of a great abundance of a variety of food items. It is almost as if some unseen hands are responsible for the presence of these varieties of edible items. The truth of course is that, in Jos, people ----civil servants, farmers and traders---- are socially well-disposed to the influx of new settlers and novel ideas, and this ensures an apparent high degree of self-sufficiency. You may be hungry in Jos, but you need not be angry

If other parts of Nigeria had been like Jos, surely, the colonialists would never have left the country without a good fight. Many monuments abound in the city which tell tales of the whiteman's love for this city of solid minerals.

The presence of a wide variety of edible items in Jos suggests that

  1. A.the inhabitants are great farmers and innovators
  2. B.the soil is extremely fertile and receptive
  3. C.there is a high influx of traders and farmers from other places
  4. D.it rains all the year round in the city and its environs.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (the inhabitants are great farmers and innovators)

Explanation

The passage says the people are welcoming to 'new settlers and novel ideas', which makes them self-sufficient in food; this points to hard-working, innovative farmers.

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Question 2

Comprehension

The benevolence of Jos climate is reflected in the

  1. A.feeling of peace and harmony with nature which the city evokes
  2. B.cold climate of the city which makes people always dress warmly
  3. C.fact that the inhabitants of Jos do not need to work hard
  4. D.average life-span of the inhabitants of Jos, which is high.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (feeling of peace and harmony with nature which the city evokes)

Explanation

The writer links the kind climate to 'the cool, serene feeling of being at peace with nature' that one experiences in Jos.

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Question 3

Comprehension

One distinctive ecological feature symbolizing the close intimacy between Jos and nature, is the

  1. A.bright horizon adorning the city from every angle
  2. B.rocky hills standing at various points of the city like castles
  3. C.sun which shines over Jos with benevolence
  4. D.clouds which spread a blanket of protection between the sun and the earth.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (rocky hills standing at various points of the city like castles)

Explanation

The passage says the feeling of peace with nature is 'topographically symbolized by the surrounding rocky hills', which look like castles.

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Question 4

Comprehension

The last paragraph of the passage suggests that

  1. A.the colonialists left Jos only after a fight
  2. B.the colonialists left Jos reluctantly
  3. C.Jos could not contain the many colonialists
  4. D.Nigeria's independence forced many colonialists out of Jos.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (the colonialists left Jos reluctantly)

Explanation

The colonialists loved Jos so much that, had all Nigeria been like it, they would not have left without a fight; so they were unwilling to leave.

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Question 5

Comprehension

'The heat of Jos dances caressingly on the surface of the skin, as if afraid to hurt the organ beneath'. This means in Jos it is

  1. A.never hot
  2. B.always cold
  3. C.never uncomfortable
  4. D.always warm.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (never uncomfortable)

Explanation

Even when the sun is hot, it only touches the skin gently, so the weather is never uncomfortable.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 1998 Passage II: Population and quality of life
Population has at last made the grade and emerged as a world problem. Unfortunately, most of those who […] thinking of it in terms of […] between human numbers and world resources, […] capacity of food — a kind of competition between production and reproduction.

Certainly, the statistics churned out are important, revealing that indeed, there is a population explosion. But the real explosion is a twentieth century phenomenon, due primarily to the spectacular development in medicine and hygiene. This has drastically cut down death rates without any corresponding reduction in birth rates; death control without birth control. World population, we are told, has more than doubled since 1900 and will certainly reach well over 5½ billion and possibly 7 billion by the magical year 2000.

The population has brought us up against a number of tough ecological facts. Man is at last pressing hard on his spatial environment —— there is little leeway left for his colonization of new areas of the world's surface........

What are people for? Surely people do not exist just to provide 'bomb - fodder' for an atomic bonfire, or 'religious-fodder' for rival religious sects, or 'cannon-fodder' for rival national armies, or rival political parties, or even 'consumer-fodder' for profit-making systems. It cannot be their aim just to eat, drink and be merry, and to hell with posterity, nor to live out their undernourished lives in some squalid Asian or African villages.

Man's dominant aim must be to increase in quality ----- quality of human personality, of achievement, of inner experience, quality of life and of living in general. 'Fulfilment' is probably the embracing word; more fulfilment, more satisfaction and less frustration for more homo sapiens. Man wants more varied and fuller achievement the society as opposed to drabness and shrinkages. We want more knowledge and more interest as against ignorance and apathy. Then, would we know that the spatial environment is not as small as we think.

The theme of the passage is

  1. A.population explosion and development in medicine
  2. B.man in a deprived world
  3. C.development in medicine and hygiene
  4. D.population and the need for qualitative development
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (population and the need for qualitative development)

Explanation

The passage moves from the population problem to the claim that man's main aim must be to increase in quality of life.

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Question 7

Comprehension

Population explosion is as a result of

  1. A.cut down in death rates and birth rates
  2. B.lack of birth control and child welfare
  3. C.development in environmental sanitation
  4. D.imbalance between death control and birth control
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (imbalance between death control and birth control)

Explanation

The passage says medicine cut death rates 'without any corresponding reduction in birth rates; death control without birth control'.

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Question 8

Comprehension

According to the passage, population explosion has brought man up against the ecological facts of

  1. A.man's inhumanity to man, hunger and deprivation
  2. B.pressing hard on the little available space
  3. C.little leeway of man's colonization of people
  4. D.squalid African villages
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (pressing hard on the little available space)

Explanation

The writer says the tough ecological fact is that 'man is at last pressing hard on his spatial environment'.

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Question 9

Comprehension

According to the passage, the main purpose of human existence is

  1. A.for procreation
  2. B.to provide cannon-fodder
  3. C.to live perpetually in penury
  4. D.to live a life of fulfilment
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (to live a life of fulfilment)

Explanation

The writer says 'Fulfilment' is the word that sums up man's main aim.

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Question 10

Comprehension

'Little leeway' can be replaced with

  1. A.not much extra space
  2. B.no extra space
  3. C.plenty of space
  4. D.scarcely any space.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (scarcely any space.)

Explanation

'Little' (without 'a') means hardly any, so 'little leeway' means scarcely any space left.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 1998 Passage III: Eye movement and reading speed
There is another interesting fact about eye movement. If you record the eye movements of someone who is reading, you will notice that, from time to time, the reader goes back and looks again at something he has read before; in other words, he regresses to an earlier part of the text, probably because he realises he does not understand the passage properly. Then he comes back to where he left off and continues reading. At one time, it was thought that regression was a fault, but it is in fact a very necessary activity in efficient reading.

There are several different kinds of faults in reading, which are usually more exaggerated with foreign learners. The most common one is that most people read more slowly than they should. There is no rate at which people ought to read, of course: it depends on your purpose in reading, how difficult the language is, how unfamiliar the material and so on. But most people read everything at the same slow speed, and do not seem to realise that they can read faster or slower as required. Other people say the words to themselves, or move their lips------ these habits slow the reader down to something near speaking speed, which is, of course, much slower than reading speed. Another habit which can slow you down is following the line with your finger, or with a pen.

If you want to be able to read faster, the secret is simply to practice under timed conditions. This means that you should give yourself a certain amount of time to read with understanding, then check your time when you have finished. Students who have practised fast reading even for only an hour a week, have shown average improvements of over 50% over a term of ten weeks' duration. Reading fast does not necessarily mean reading with less comprehension --------in fact, students usually show small increase in comprehension as well as a dramatic increase in speed.

(Wallace, M.C: Study Skills in English, C.U.P. 1980)

The expression 'There is no rate at which people ought to read, of course........' is used to

  1. A.justify regression in reading
  2. B.condemn slow reading habits
  3. C.justify a variety of reading speeds
  4. D.recommend regression in reading.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (justify a variety of reading speeds)

Explanation

The writer goes on to say the right speed depends on purpose, difficulty and familiarity, so different speeds suit different reading.

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Question 12

Comprehension

According to the passage, the reader regresses so that he can

  1. A.look again at what he has read before
  2. B.appreciate what he is reading
  3. C.make sense of what he is reading
  4. D.remember what he is reading.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (make sense of what he is reading)

Explanation

The reader goes back 'probably because he realises he does not understand the passage properly', i.e. to make sense of it.

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Question 13

Comprehension

For effective reading, the writer implies that speaking speed is

  1. A.normal
  2. B.inadequate
  3. C.necessary
  4. D.significant
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (inadequate)

Explanation

He says speaking speed is 'much slower than reading speed', so it is too slow for effective reading.

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Question 14

Comprehension

The word 'exaggerated', as used in the passage means

  1. A.pronounced
  2. B.problematic
  3. C.falsified
  4. D.compounded
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (pronounced)

Explanation

Faults that are 'more exaggerated' with foreign learners are more noticeable, i.e. more pronounced.

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Question 15

Comprehension

The writer implies that when you read unfamiliar material, your reading speed will be

  1. A.faster
  2. B.regular
  3. C.irregular
  4. D.slower
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (slower)

Explanation

Speed depends on 'how unfamiliar the material' is: the less familiar it is, the slower one reads.

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Question 16

Comprehension
JAMB 1998 Passage IV: The court case (cloze)
On the 21st of June 1994, the Director-General received in his office a visitor, the first of its kind in his life. Even though he really could not make any meaning out of his name, the visitor's second statement that he was a court ________ (16) readily gave the Director-General a clear picture of the man's purpose. He immediately gave to the Director-General two sets of papers. The first was a ________ (17) which was to notify the Director-General that he and the agency he represented were being sued for ________ (18) and that he should seek the services of a lawyer who would appear for him on the 6th of July when the case was for mention.

The second paper was on a motion of ________ (19) which, if granted by the court would restrain the Director- General or the ________ (20) from publishing further anything on the staff of the ministry or the ________ (21). The motion was also slated for 6th July.

On the day of the mention of the motion, the court became alive as early as 8.30 a.m as the ________ (22) was known for his punctuality. He would sit at exactly 9.a.m. The plaintiffs and their counsel were the first to come into the court room, then came the defence counsel. At the dot of the hour, three bangs were heard, immediately after which the court clerk announced the presence of the judge.

In no time the court clerk read out the case and both counsel annouced their ________ (23). The counsel to the plaintiffs moved his motion relying on a six-paragraph ________ (24) which contained the facts of the case. In response, the defence counsel argued on the premise of an eight-paragraph ________ (25). The motion was granted according to the merit of the argument of the first lawyer.

Passage IV, gap 16 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): Even though he really could not make any meaning out of his name, the visitor's second statement that he was a court ________ (16) readily gave the Director-General a clear picture of the man's purpose.

  1. A.bailiff
  2. B.messenger
  3. C.litigant
  4. D.clerk
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (bailiff)

Explanation

A court bailiff is the officer who delivers court papers such as summonses, which explains the visit.

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Question 17

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 17 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The first was a ________ (17) which was to notify the Director-General that he and the agency he represented were being sued for ________ (18) and that he should seek the services of a lawyer who would appear for him on the 6th of July when the case was for mention.

  1. A.writ of summons
  2. B.subpoena
  3. C.call notice
  4. D.letter
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (writ of summons)

Explanation

A writ of summons is the document that tells a person he is being sued and must appear in court.

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Question 18

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 18 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The first was a ________ (17) which was to notify the Director-General that he and the agency he represented were being sued for ________ (18) and that he should seek the services of a lawyer who would appear for him on the 6th of July when the case was for mention.

  1. A.battery
  2. B.slander
  3. C.libel
  4. D.contempt
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (libel)

Explanation

The case is about 'publishing' things about staff; a false written or published statement is libel (slander is spoken).

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Question 19

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 19 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The second paper was on a motion of ________ (19) which, if granted by the court would restrain the Director- General or the ________ (20) from publishing further anything on the staff of the ministry or the ________ (21).

  1. A.summons
  2. B.order
  3. C.decision
  4. D.interlocutory injunction
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (interlocutory injunction)

Explanation

A court order that restrains someone from doing something while a case goes on is an interlocutory injunction.

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Question 20

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 20 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The second paper was on a motion of ________ (19) which, if granted by the court would restrain the Director- General or the ________ (20) from publishing further anything on the staff of the ministry or the ________ (21).

  1. A.defender
  2. B.defendant
  3. C.litigant
  4. D.prosecution
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (defendant)

Explanation

The person being sued in a civil case is the defendant.

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Question 21

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 21 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The second paper was on a motion of ________ (19) which, if granted by the court would restrain the Director- General or the ________ (20) from publishing further anything on the staff of the ministry or the ________ (21).

  1. A.witness
  2. B.exhibits
  3. C.plaintiffs
  4. D.perjurer
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (plaintiffs)

Explanation

The people bringing the case (the staff who complained) are the plaintiffs, and the injunction protects them from further publication.

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Question 22

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 22 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): On the day of the mention of the motion, the court became alive as early as 8.30 a.m as the ________ (22) was known for his punctuality.

  1. A.presiding judge
  2. B.court clerk
  3. C.justice
  4. D.prosecutor
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (presiding judge)

Explanation

The one who 'would sit at exactly 9 a.m.' and whose arrival is announced is the presiding judge.

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Question 23

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 23 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): In no time the court clerk read out the case and both counsel annouced their ________ (23).

  1. A.presence
  2. B.appearances
  3. C.arrivals
  4. D.interests
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (appearances)

Explanation

In court, lawyers 'announce their appearances', i.e. state whom they represent.

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Question 24

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 24 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The counsel to the plaintiffs moved his motion relying on a six-paragraph ________ (24) which contained the facts of the case.

  1. A.oath
  2. B.affidavit
  3. C.presentation
  4. D.arguments
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (affidavit)

Explanation

An affidavit is a sworn written statement of facts, set out in numbered paragraphs, used to support a motion.

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Question 25

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 25 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): In response, the defence counsel argued on the premise of an eight-paragraph ________ (25).

  1. A.counter affidavit
  2. B.declaration
  3. C.submission
  4. D.summons
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (counter affidavit)

Explanation

The other side answers an affidavit with a counter affidavit.

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Question 26

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: If I left the country, I would arrange for my family to join me.

  1. A.He left the country and his family joined him
  2. B.In the event of his leaving the country, his family would join him
  3. C.He did not leave the country and his family did not join him
  4. D.He may not leave the country.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (In the event of his leaving the country, his family would join him)

Explanation

'If I left… I would…' describes an imagined future event: if he leaves, his family will join him.

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Question 27

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: A state of mutual hatred existed for years between the two villages of Umuna and Ogboma

  1. A.Umuna hated Ogboma
  2. B.Ogboma hated Umuna
  3. C.Ogboma and Umuna hated themselves
  4. D.Umuna and Ogboma hated each other
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Umuna and Ogboma hated each other)

Explanation

'Mutual' means felt by both sides, so each village hated the other.

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Question 28

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The painting in the museum was beautifully faked

  1. A.The painting was a good deceptive replica
  2. B.The painting was well-framed and displayed
  3. C.The painting was deceptively decorated in the museum
  4. D.The painting was carefully hung in the museum.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (The painting was a good deceptive replica)

Explanation

A beautifully faked painting is a skilful copy made to deceive.

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Question 29

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Ade: Do you mind if I sit down here? Bola: Well, yes I do actually

  1. A.Bola is reluctantly granting the request
  2. B.Bola is willingly accepting the request
  3. C.Bola is certainly rejecting the request
  4. D.Bola is objecting to the request
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Bola is objecting to the request)

Explanation

Answering 'yes, I do' to 'Do you mind…?' means Bola does mind, so she objects.

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Question 30

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The President held forth for several minutes on the need for patriotism

  1. A.The President was silent for some minutes when patriotism was being discussed
  2. B.The President whispered a few things about patriotism.
  3. C.The President spent time saying a few things about patriots
  4. D.The President gave a rather long speech on the importance of patriotism
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (The President gave a rather long speech on the importance of patriotism)

Explanation

To 'hold forth' is to speak at length on a subject.

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Question 31

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The slide in the price of gold in the world market has left the industry reeling

  1. A.The gradual fall in gold price is making the industry unstable
  2. B.The stability in gold price is making the industry stagnant
  3. C.The decline in gold price is making the industry redundant
  4. D.The increase in gold price is making the industry to boom.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (The gradual fall in gold price is making the industry unstable)

Explanation

A 'slide' is a fall in price, and 'reeling' means staggering or shaken, so the industry has become unstable.

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Question 32

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Fabricated statements published as truths amount to an abuse of press freedom

  1. A.To make known what is not true is aggressive to press freedom
  2. B.Publishing formulated untruths is misused press freedom
  3. C.Unplanned publicized untruths are a misuse of the freedom of the press
  4. D.Press freedom is based on published untruths.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Publishing formulated untruths is misused press freedom)

Explanation

'Fabricated statements' are made-up untruths, and publishing them is an abuse (misuse) of press freedom.

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Question 33

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The expected guests arrived at the eleventh hour

  1. A.The guests arrived at the last minute
  2. B.The guests arrived 11 o'clock
  3. C.The guests arrived at the expected time
  4. D.The guests arrived eleven hours behind schedule.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (The guests arrived at the last minute)

Explanation

'At the eleventh hour' means at the last possible moment.

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Question 35

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Benjamin exclaimed, 'If it is Napoleon who said it, it must be right'

  1. A.Benjamin never believes what Napoleon says
  2. B.Benjamin does not know what is right unless Napoleon says it
  3. C.Napoleon always says what Benjamin believes to be right
  4. D.Benjamin thinks that Napoleon always says the right thing.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Benjamin thinks that Napoleon always says the right thing.)

Explanation

Benjamin accepts anything as right simply because Napoleon said it, so he believes Napoleon is always right.

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Question 36

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The chairman's verdict redressed the injustice mete out by the secretary

  1. A.corrected
  2. B.restored
  3. C.aggravated
  4. D.addressed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (aggravated)

Explanation

To 'redress' an injustice is to put it right; the opposite is to aggravate (make it worse).

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Question 37

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Uche could not travel last December because of the severity of the harmattan

  1. A.cold
  2. B.mildness
  3. C.warmth
  4. D.moderation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (mildness)

Explanation

'Severity' means harshness; the opposite is mildness.

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Question 38

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Travelling in the night can be an ordeal

  1. A.a great exercise
  2. B.a great fear
  3. C.a great endurance
  4. D.a great pleasure
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (a great pleasure)

Explanation

An ordeal is a painful, unpleasant experience; the opposite is a great pleasure.

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Question 39

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Mrs. Kofi is very provocative in her style of dressing

  1. A.modest
  2. B.happy
  3. C.angry
  4. D.beautiful
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (modest)

Explanation

Provocative dressing is meant to attract attention, often indecently; the opposite is modest.

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Question 40

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Akoso thought that her father was very callous

  1. A.indifferent
  2. B.compassionate
  3. C.wicked
  4. D.careless
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (compassionate)

Explanation

'Callous' means unfeeling and cruel; the opposite is compassionate.

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Question 41

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The Lions' of Cameroun is really an indomitable team

  1. A.a powerful
  2. B.a prominent
  3. C.a weak
  4. D.a cowardly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (a weak)

Explanation

'Indomitable' means impossible to defeat; the opposite is weak.

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Question 42

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: To almost everyone in the little village, Ada's behaviour was most odious

  1. A.repulsive
  2. B.difficult
  3. C.attractive
  4. D.charming
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (attractive)

Explanation

'Odious' means hateful and repulsive; the opposite is attractive.

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Question 43

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Aduma was so vociferous during the meeting of the congregation that he succeeded in incurring the wrath of the chairman

  1. A.anger
  2. B.admiration
  3. C.displeasure
  4. D.sympathy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (admiration)

Explanation

'Wrath' is great anger; of the options, admiration is its opposite.

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Question 44

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: It was an inopportune moment for you to make that suggestion

  1. A.an ideal
  2. B.a wrong
  3. C.an exact
  4. D.a sad
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (an ideal)

Explanation

'Inopportune' means badly timed; the opposite is an ideal (well-timed) moment.

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Question 45

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: He devoted too much time to the peripheral aspects

  1. A.unimportant
  2. B.superficial
  3. C.minor
  4. D.main
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (main)

Explanation

'Peripheral' means on the edge, not central; the opposite is main.

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Question 46

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The climate of Nigeria is an enervating one

  1. A.a weakening
  2. B.an energy sapping
  3. C.an invigorating
  4. D.a sluggish
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (an invigorating)

Explanation

'Enervating' means draining one's energy; the opposite is invigorating.

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Question 47

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The girl's idiosyncrasy was a passion for bread and butter

  1. A.stupid outburst
  2. B.general tendency
  3. C.singular characteristic
  4. D.occupational calling
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (general tendency)

Explanation

An idiosyncrasy is a habit peculiar to one person; the opposite is a general tendency shared by many.

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Question 48

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Once he has decided that something needs doing, my brother is very unswerving of purpose

  1. A.erratic
  2. B.tenacious
  3. C.stubborn
  4. D.simple
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (erratic)

Explanation

'Unswerving' means steady and unchanging; the opposite is erratic.

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Question 49

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Those were the days of the fallacy that some languages are primitive while others are not

  1. A.argument
  2. B.excuse
  3. C.misconception
  4. D.truth
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (truth)

Explanation

A fallacy is a false belief; the opposite is truth.

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Question 50

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: She is immune to the flattery of young men

  1. A.resistant
  2. B.susceptible
  3. C.insensible
  4. D.unresponsive
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (susceptible)

Explanation

Being immune means not affected; the opposite is susceptible (easily affected).

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Question 51

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Events in South Africa indicate a kind of political renascence

  1. A.rejuvenation
  2. B.decline
  3. C.turbulence
  4. D.upheaval
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (decline)

Explanation

'Renascence' is a rebirth or revival; the opposite is decline.

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Question 52

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: If we must live together as one people, we must learn to tolerate disparate dispositions

  1. A.converging
  2. B.accommodating
  3. C.conflicting
  4. D.opposing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (converging)

Explanation

'Disparate' means very different or divergent; the opposite is converging (coming together).

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Question 53

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The presidential aspirant warned of the political catastrophe that would follow if the elections were rigged

  1. A.problem
  2. B.turmoil
  3. C.success
  4. D.conflagration
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (success)

Explanation

A catastrophe is a disaster; the opposite is success.

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Question 54

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The material in the book is presented within an eclectic framework

  1. A.simple
  2. B.a broad
  3. C.a restricted
  4. D.clumsy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a broad)

Explanation

'Eclectic' means drawing from many different sources, so the framework is broad.

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Question 55

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Ohiokhen had a brainwave as to how she could deal with the problem

  1. A.an imagination
  2. B.a desire
  3. C.a headache
  4. D.an idea
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (an idea)

Explanation

A brainwave is a sudden clever idea.

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Question 56

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Surely, Ahmed if a ball of fire

  1. A.quarrelsome person
  2. B.a hot-headed activist
  3. C.a fiery speaker or writer
  4. D.a very energetic person
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (a very energetic person)

Explanation

A 'ball of fire' is a very lively, energetic person.

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Question 57

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: This time, she will be competing with a dark horse

  1. A.a weak and low-spirited person
  2. B.a person about whom little is known
  3. C.an unpopular candidate
  4. D.a person as strong as a horse
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a person about whom little is known)

Explanation

A 'dark horse' is a competitor about whom little is known but who may do surprisingly well.

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Question 58

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: In answer to the question as to how life is treating him, the stranger said 'it never rains but it pours

  1. A.the blessings of life shower on him like heavy rain
  2. B.he is contented with his improved fortunes
  3. C.things are getting decidedly worse
  4. D.his financial status is deteriorating
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (things are getting decidedly worse)

Explanation

The proverb means misfortunes come together, so things are getting much worse.

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Question 59

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: After many years of struggle as a trader, he struck gold

  1. A.became quite rich
  2. B.won a big contract
  3. C.became a gold miner
  4. D.became a goldsmith
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (became quite rich)

Explanation

To 'strike gold' is to suddenly become very successful or rich.

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Question 60

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: One significant characteristic of the jet age is that it encourages people to cut corners

  1. A.not to face all problems
  2. B.to want to become rich quickly
  3. C.to want to avoid necessary hardships
  4. D.not to do the proper thing at the right time
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (to want to avoid necessary hardships)

Explanation

To 'cut corners' is to skip necessary steps or effort to get something done more easily.

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Question 61

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Any student found guilty of examination malpractice should be allowed to stew in his own juice

  1. A.taste a repeat of the examination
  2. B.suffer the consequences of his action
  3. C.bear the brunt of the disgrace
  4. D.forfeit the opportunity of further education
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (suffer the consequences of his action)

Explanation

To 'stew in one's own juice' is to be left to suffer the results of one's own actions.

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Question 62

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The lady who won the beauty contest had a good gait.

  1. A.stature
  2. B.figure
  3. C.elegance
  4. D.carriage
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (carriage)

Explanation

Gait is the way a person walks; 'carriage' means the way one holds and moves one's body.

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Question 63

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: It would need a high flyer to make a first class degree in the university

  1. A.a smart performer
  2. B.an outright genius
  3. C.an outstanding scholar
  4. D.an unmitigated swot
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (an outstanding scholar)

Explanation

A high flyer is a person who is very successful; in a university that means an outstanding scholar.

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Question 64

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: What you will find in the book is a bird's eye view of the subject

  1. A.a detailed account
  2. B.a balanced discussion
  3. C.a biased treatment
  4. D.a general survey
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (a general survey)

Explanation

A bird's eye view is a broad overall view, like a general survey, not a detailed account.

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Question 66

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: […] experience is anything to go by, this action will prove a political minefield

  1. A.a source of political benefits
  2. B.a way out of political trouble
  3. C.a cause for political joy
  4. D.an invitation to political problems
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (an invitation to political problems)

Explanation

A minefield is a situation full of hidden dangers, so a political minefield invites political problems.

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Question 67

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: In my view, the play didn't come off.

  1. A.succeed
  2. B.fail
  3. C.attract applause
  4. D.take place
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (succeed)

Explanation

When a plan or play 'comes off', it succeeds.

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Question 68

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: When the chips are down, we will know those who have the courage to stand

  1. A.When we get to a crisis point
  2. B.In the final analysis
  3. C.When the blocks are lowered
  4. D.When we get to the end of the road
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (When we get to a crisis point)

Explanation

'When the chips are down' means when a situation becomes critical.

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Question 69

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: She said boxing is in fact her pet aversion

  1. A.something she likes very much
  2. B.something she dislikes very much
  3. C.a hobby she loves to pursue
  4. D.one thing she can't miss
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (something she dislikes very much)

Explanation

A 'pet aversion' is the thing one dislikes most.

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Question 70

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The gateman does his work perfunctorily

  1. A.without commitment
  2. B.with speed
  3. C.grudgingly
  4. D.enthusiastically
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (without commitment)

Explanation

Doing something perfunctorily means doing it with little care or interest, as a mere routine.

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Question 71

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Members of the panel were working at cross purposes

  1. A.in harmony
  2. B.in disunity
  3. C.for selfish purposes
  4. D.for selfless purposes
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (in disunity)

Explanation

Working at cross purposes means working against each other without agreement, i.e. in disunity.

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Question 72

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The young man who distributed political pamphlets on campus was promptly repudiated

  1. A.disowned
  2. B.arrested
  3. C.warned
  4. D.killed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (disowned)

Explanation

To repudiate someone is to reject or disown them.

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Question 73

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Adayi is a die-hard criminal

  1. A.hard to kill
  2. B.hard to arrest
  3. C.remorseless
  4. D.resentless
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (remorseless)

Explanation

A die-hard criminal stubbornly refuses to change, so he is remorseless.

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Question 74

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: In moments of serious economic hardship, many people are ________ to turn to God

  1. A.concerned
  2. B.inclined
  3. C.disposed
  4. D.propensed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (inclined)

Explanation

'Inclined to' means likely or tending to do something.

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Question 75

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: We cannot all wear expensive shoes in situation of ________

  1. A.divergent demand and supply
  2. B.uneven wear and tear
  3. C.differing purchasing power
  4. D.unpredictable national income
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (differing purchasing power)

Explanation

People cannot all afford expensive shoes because their purchasing power differs.

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Question 76

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: That centre-forward was ________; consequently the goal was not disallowed.

  1. A.in an off-side position
  2. B.very well positioned
  3. C.a brilliant player
  4. D.the captain of the team
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (very well positioned)

Explanation

A goal is disallowed when the scorer is offside; since it was not disallowed, he must have been well (legally) positioned.

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Question 77

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: AIDS is ________ disease that it kills slowly but surely

  1. A.too much a deadly
  2. B.very deadly a
  3. C.so deadly a
  4. D.such deadly a
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (so deadly a)

Explanation

The pattern is 'so + adjective + a + noun + that': 'so deadly a disease that…'.

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Question 78

Sentence Structure

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: We had a dull evening because ________

  1. A.hardly the talk had begun when the lights went off
  2. B.hardly had the talk begun when the light went off
  3. C.the talk had hardly begun when the lights had gone out
  4. D.the lights had hardly gone out when the talk began
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (hardly had the talk begun when the light went off)

Explanation

After 'hardly' at the start of a clause, the subject and auxiliary are inverted: 'hardly had the talk begun when…'.

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Question 79

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Soyinka's masterful ________ of the atmosphere of his childhood helped to make his book, Ake, an outright success.

  1. A.evocation
  2. B.invocation
  3. C.convocation
  4. D.revocation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (evocation)

Explanation

To evoke is to bring a memory or feeling to mind; Soyinka recreated his childhood atmosphere through evocation.

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Question 80

Question Tags

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Students will always blame their teachers when examination results are unfavourable, ________?

  1. A.won't they
  2. B.wouldn't they
  3. C.isn't it
  4. D.can't they
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (won't they)

Explanation

The main verb is 'will' (positive), so the question tag is 'won't they'.

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Question 81

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Okonkwo is a stubborn man, he will never ________ his words

  1. A.chew
  2. B.spit
  3. C.eat
  4. D.bite
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (eat)

Explanation

To 'eat one's words' is to admit that what one said was wrong.

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Question 82

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Kindly ________ me your book because my friend has ________ mine

  1. A.borrow/borrowed
  2. B.borrow/lent
  3. C.lend/lent
  4. D.lend/borrowed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (lend/borrowed)

Explanation

You ask someone to lend you something; the friend has borrowed (taken) yours.

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Question 83

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Three-quarters of the church ________ painted by members the previous day

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

Answer: B (was)

Explanation

With a fraction, the verb agrees with the noun after 'of'; 'the church' is singular and the time is past, so 'was'.

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Question 84

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Two young boys have been caught with parts of the stolen machine but ________ admitted stealing it

  1. A.neither of them has
  2. B.neither of them have
  3. C.none of them has
  4. D.none of them have
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (neither of them has)

Explanation

'Neither' is used for two people and takes a singular verb: 'neither of them has'.

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Question 85

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Watching carefully, I could see the fish ________ along the botton

  1. A.dotting
  2. B.crawling
  3. C.diving
  4. D.darting
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (darting)

Explanation

To dart is to move suddenly and quickly. Fish dart along the bottom; diving means plunging downwards, which doesn't go with 'along the bottom'.

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Question 86

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Emeka is now a ________ student but it took him years to ________

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

Answer: B (mature/mature)

Explanation

The adjective is 'mature' (a mature student) and after 'to' the base verb 'mature' is needed.

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Question 87

Prepositions

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The rebels will soon fight back. We have been informed ________ their ________

  1. A.of/predicament
  2. B.about/indulgence
  3. C.on/rearmament
  4. D.as for/advancement
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (on/rearmament)

Explanation

Rebels who will fight back are rearming; 'informed on' (about) their rearmament fits the sense.

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Question 88

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Ali ws honest and quiet as a schoolboy, but too much drinking has now changed his ________ and ________ his tongue

  1. A.temperature/injured
  2. B.character/tightened
  3. C.temperament/loosened
  4. D.innocence/worsened
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (temperament/loosened)

Explanation

Drinking changed his temperament (nature) and 'loosened his tongue', making him talk freely.

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Question 89

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The hospital was closed ________ because there were no beds to put patients ________

  1. A.again/upon
  2. B.off/on
  3. C.down/at
  4. D.up/in
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (up/in)

Explanation

'Closed up' means shut down, and patients are put 'in' beds.

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Question 90

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The judge with his son ________ travelling to Lagos now

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

Answer: C (is)

Explanation

The subject is 'The judge'; 'with his son' does not make it plural, so 'is'.

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Question 91

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: A university teacher is an ________

  1. A.academic
  2. B.academics
  3. C.academician
  4. D.academia
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (academic)

Explanation

A university teacher is called 'an academic' (singular noun).

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Question 92

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The adventurers ran into many ________ in the forest

  1. A.dear
  2. B.dears
  3. C.deers
  4. D.deer
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (deer)

Explanation

'Deer' has the same form in the plural: many deer.

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Question 93

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The argument between the two neighbours degenerated into ________

  1. A.a free for all
  2. B.a free fight
  3. C.a flee for all
  4. D.a free for all fight
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (a free for all)

Explanation

A 'free-for-all' is a disorderly fight or argument in which everyone joins.

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Question 94

Verb Forms

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The class ________ more girls than boys this session

  1. A.comprised of
  2. B.comprises of
  3. C.comprise
  4. D.comprises
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (comprises)

Explanation

'Comprise' is never followed by 'of', and 'the class' is singular, so 'comprises'.

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Question 95

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The tourist bought ________

  1. A.a brown small Nigerian earthen pot
  2. B.a small brown Nigerian earthen pot
  3. C.an earthen brown small Nigerian pot
  4. D.a Nigerian small brown earthen pot
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a small brown Nigerian earthen pot)

Explanation

Adjective order is size, colour, origin, material: 'a small brown Nigerian earthen pot'.

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Question 96

Verb Forms

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: I have already ________ the picture on the sitting -room wall

  1. A.hanged
  2. B.hunged
  3. C.hang
  4. D.hung
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (hung)

Explanation

For objects like pictures the past participle of 'hang' is 'hung'; 'hanged' is used only for executing people.

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Question 97

Verb Forms

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Most of us will attend the conference ________ at Ibadan later this year

  1. A.holding
  2. B.held
  3. C.being held
  4. D.to hold
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (being held)

Explanation

A conference does not hold itself; it is held, and for an event in progress or planned we say 'being held'.

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Question 98

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: I shall work hard so that I can ________ a distinction in English

  1. A.secure
  2. B.make
  3. C.receive
  4. D.grab
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (secure)

Explanation

To secure a distinction is to obtain one by effort. 'Make a distinction' means to see the difference between two things, which is not meant here.

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Question 99

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The baby was rather ________ than I could bear

  1. A.much more troublesome
  2. B.much too troublesome
  3. C.so much troublesome
  4. D.very much troublesome
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (much more troublesome)

Explanation

'Than' needs a comparative: 'much more troublesome than I could bear'.

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Question 100

Verb Forms

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Students were forbidden ________ any secret society

  1. A.form joining
  2. B.in joining
  3. C.to join
  4. D.on joining
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (form joining)

Explanation

'Forbidden from joining' is the form the key accepts; it means not allowed to join.

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