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JAMB Use of English 1999 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 1999 Passage I: The poor in developing countries
In many places in the world today, the poor are getting poorer while the rich are getting richer, and the programmes of development planning and foreign aid appear to be unable to reverse this trend. Nearly all the developing countries have a modern sector, where the patterns of living and working are similar to those in developed countries. But they also have a non-modern sector, where the patterns of living and working are not only unsatisfactory, but in many cases are even getting worse.

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

The problem can be stated quite simply: what can be done to promote economic growth outside the big cities, in the small towns and villages, which still contain 80 to 90% of the total population? The primary need is workplaces, literally millions of workplaces.

[Ray Williams: Panorama]

The gap between and the poor widens because there

  1. A.are no jobs in the rural areas
  2. B.are no employment opportunities in the city
  3. C.is not work in the village and the city
  4. D.is low growth rate inproductivity
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (is not work in the village and the city)

Explanation

The writer says there is no hope of work in the rural areas and no work in the big cities either, so the poor cannot work their way out of poverty. That is why the gap keeps growing, and why 'the primary need is workplaces'.

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Question 2

Comprehension

The expression 'work their way out of their situation' means

  1. A.walk from one village to another
  2. B.migrate from village to city
  3. C.work their way out of their village
  4. D.change their circumstances
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (change their circumstances)

Explanation

To work one's way out of a situation is to improve one's condition through work, i.e. to change one's circumstances.

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Question 3

Comprehension

Migration to the city among villagers is caused by

  1. A.attractions of the city
  2. B.low productivity in the village
  3. C.inadequate job opportunities in the village
  4. D.shortage of land for cultivation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (inadequate job opportunities in the village)

Explanation

The passage says rural unemployment produces mass migration into the cities: villagers leave because there is no work at home.

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Question 4

Comprehension

Underemployment among the villagers refers to

  1. A.lack of sufficient land for everyone
  2. B.low productivity when working
  3. C.fewer people for many jobs
  4. D.more people for fewer jobs
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (more people for fewer jobs)

Explanation

Being underemployed means not having enough work, which happens when there are more people than jobs.

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Question 5

Comprehension

Where are the rich getting richer and the poor poorer?

  1. A.in nearly all developing countries
  2. B.a majority of countries in the world
  3. C.in developing countries with modern sectors
  4. D.in countries with non-modern sectors.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a majority of countries in the world)

Explanation

The passage opens: 'In many places in the world today, the poor are getting poorer while the rich are getting richer'.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 1999 Passage II: The coming energy crisis
If present trends continue, the world would face a major crisis by the end of this century: insufficient cheap convenient energy. For without such energy, industrial production will fall, agricultural output will drop, transport will be restricted; and standard of living in developed countries will plummet. At present, almost all our energy comes from fossil fuels. The earth's reserves of fossil fuels have been formed from organic matter subjected to enormous heat and pressure for millions of years. But such reserves are finite. Because power demand is increasing very rapidly, fossil fuels will be exhausted within a relatively short time. We can estimate the amount of recoverable fuel under the surface of the earth and we know the rate at which it is being extracted. Fairly simple calculations can therefore determine its remaining life .If present trends continue, gas and oil reserves will be exhausted by the middle of the 21st century ------ about 70 years from now. Similar estimates for coal and wood reserves suggest a projected supply of 250 -300 years. Of course, long before fossil fuels are exhausted, demand will greatly exceed supply.

For too many years, the world has consumed fossil fuels with little thought for the future. In fact, world energy consumption increased almost 600% between 1900 and 1965 and it is projected to increase by another 450% between 1965 and the year 2000. Crude oil has been pumped out of the ground for about 100 years, but over half of it has been consumed in the past 18 years. Coal has been mined for over 800 years, but over a half of it has been extracted in the past 37 years. In sum, most of the world's consumption of energy from fossil fuels throughout history, has taken place within living memory.

(Ray Williams: Panorama)

The expression, standard of living in developed countries will plummet, means

  1. A.the economy of rich nations will stagnate
  2. B.economic life will improve in rich nations
  3. C.purchasing power will decline sharply in rich nations
  4. D.people in developed nations will experience boom
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (purchasing power will decline sharply in rich nations)

Explanation

To 'plummet' is to fall steeply, so the living standard (what people can afford) in rich nations will drop sharply.

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Question 7

Comprehension

The writer warns that the world could

  1. A.lose all its oil reserves in a matter of years
  2. B.face energy crisis soon if production is not stepped up
  3. C.experience scarcity and low energy price soon
  4. D.face low energy supply and poor agricultural output.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (face low energy supply and poor agricultural output.)

Explanation

The writer says the world faces 'insufficient cheap convenient energy' and that without it 'agricultural output will drop'.

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Question 8

Comprehension

Fossil fuels as used in the passage include

  1. A.wood kerosine and natural gas
  2. B.oil, coal and natural gas
  3. C.lignite, butane and charcoal
  4. D.wood, coal and oil.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (oil, coal and natural gas)

Explanation

Fossil fuels are fuels formed underground from ancient organic matter; the passage names oil, gas and coal among them.

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Question 9

Comprehension

The writer seems to suggest that developed nations should

  1. A.always calculate a fossil fuel's remaining life
  2. B.reduce industrial and agricultural production
  3. C.reduce dependence on fossil fuels
  4. D.review industrial dependence on energy.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (reduce dependence on fossil fuels)

Explanation

The writer shows that fossil fuel reserves are limited and that the world has burnt them carelessly, so they will soon run out. The lesson is that developed nations should depend less on fossil fuels.

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Question 10

Comprehension

From the writer's description of the world energy situation, we may conclude that

  1. A.developing nations will soon experience poverty
  2. B.demand for recoverable fuel will plummet
  3. C.consumption has not affected production
  4. D.decline has not affected demand
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (decline has not affected demand)

Explanation

Although reserves are falling and will run out, consumption keeps rising: the decline in reserves has not reduced demand.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 1999 Passage III: Equality and the democratic state
When Thomas Jefferson wrote in the American Declaration of Independence that 'all men are created equal', he was not seeking to describe men's endowments, but their political and legal rights. He was not saying that men do not differ from one another in the powers and dimensions of their bodies, minds and characters. He was asserting that, despite variations and differences, they all possessed the right to equal political and legal treatment. We must, however, ask of what real value are political and legal equality to a man who has no bread to eat, no clothes to wear, no roof to shelter him, no chance to earn a livelihood? What we understand as a democratic society must provide for its citizen's minimum status as a member of that society, that keeps him from becoming a beggar, outcast or outlaw and that offers him some protection in his deprivation, losses and fears.

In our time, the nations of the democratic world have installed elaborate systems of social security and welfare, ranging from compensation for industrial accidents to subsidized housing, unemployment insurance, old age pensions, psychiatric care and national health services. It is encouraging that the democratic nations are making a serious effort to provide against the characteristic losses and disasters of human life.

The evolving status of the negro in America is attracting the attention of the champions of equality . Much has been written on the wrongs, injustices and inequalities of the coloured citizen of the USA and much remains to be said, because the history of this struggle for human rights is still unfolding.

A suitable title for the passage is

  1. A.Democracy
  2. B.Discrimination
  3. C.Equality
  4. D.Freedom
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Equality)

Explanation

The whole passage is about equality: equal rights, social equality through welfare, and the struggle of black Americans for equality.

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Question 12

Comprehension

One of the social services provided by democratic nations is

  1. A.catering for beggars and outcasts
  2. B.social welfare schemes
  3. C.protection from human rights abuses
  4. D.security against national disasters
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (social welfare schemes)

Explanation

The passage says democratic nations have installed 'elaborate systems of social security and welfare'.

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Question 13

Comprehension

According to the passage, a democratic nation is one which

  1. A.arranges welfare packages for every citizen
  2. B.absorbs the negro into its political structure
  3. C.grants equality to all citizens
  4. D.ensures socio– political and legal equality for every citizen
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (ensures socio– political and legal equality for every citizen)

Explanation

The passage says a democratic society must give equal political and legal rights and also provide a minimum social status for every citizen.

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Question 14

Comprehension

It could be deduced from the passage that

  1. A.citizens have equal political and legal treatment in America
  2. B.the nations of the democratic world have no political and legal hierarchy
  3. C.democratic nations are expanding the provision of social welfare
  4. D.equality obliterates differences and variations among races and nations.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (democratic nations are expanding the provision of social welfare)

Explanation

The passage describes democratic nations installing 'elaborate systems of social security and welfare' and making 'a serious effort' to provide against life's losses.

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Question 15

Comprehension

From the passage, it is obvious that

  1. A.there is a hierarchy of rights
  2. B.all men possess the right to equal political affiliations
  3. C.there is deprivation in the society
  4. D.the negro in America are champions of equality.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (there is deprivation in the society)

Explanation

The writer speaks of men with no bread, clothes or shelter and of the 'deprivation, losses and fears' that society must protect people from, so deprivation exists.

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Question 16

Comprehension
JAMB 1999 Passage IV: How a book is published (cloze)
Publishing is a fast growing business in Nigeria and there are therefore, many publishing houses all over the country. When ________ (16) is submitted by an author, the publisher sends it to ________ (17) to know if it is actually publishable. This step is important because the publisher wants to make sure that the book catches the ________ (18) when it is eventually published. In a good publishing house, there is ________ (19) section which is concerned with ________ (20) the manuscript and correcting both the spelling and typing errors. After this, the manuscript is ________ (21) in readiness for ________ (22).

The printed ________ (23) are then stored in the warehouse and a few of them may be sent to the author as ________ (24) copies. Since it is not just the aim of the publisher to offset the cost of production but also to make some gains, there is a strong marketing division which promotes sales. A certain percentage of the cover price of the book is paid to the author as ________ (25).

Passage IV, gap 16 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): When ________ (16) is submitted by an author, the publisher sends it to ________ (17) to know if it is actually publishable.

  1. A.an article
  2. B.an essay
  3. C.a book
  4. D.a manuscript
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (a manuscript)

Explanation

An author submits a manuscript (the unpublished text) to a publisher; it is not yet a book.

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Question 17

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 17 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): When ________ (16) is submitted by an author, the publisher sends it to ________ (17) to know if it is actually publishable.

  1. A.an assessor
  2. B.an evaluator
  3. C.a checker
  4. D.an examiner
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (an assessor)

Explanation

A publisher sends a manuscript to an assessor (an expert reader) who judges whether it is worth publishing.

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Question 19

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 19 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): In a good publishing house, there is ________ (19) section which is concerned with ________ (20) the manuscript and correcting both the spelling and typing errors.

  1. A.an error-proof
  2. B.an editorial
  3. C.a lithographic
  4. D.an evaluation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (an editorial)

Explanation

Correcting a manuscript's errors is the job of the editorial section.

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Question 20

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 20 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): In a good publishing house, there is ________ (19) section which is concerned with ________ (20) the manuscript and correcting both the spelling and typing errors.

  1. A.proof-reading
  2. B.reading over
  3. C.scanning over
  4. D.skimming over
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (proof-reading)

Explanation

Proof-reading is reading a text carefully to find and correct errors.

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Question 21

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 21 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): After this, the manuscript is ________ (21) in readiness for ________ (22).

  1. A.typewritten
  2. B.typeset
  3. C.double-spaced
  4. D.single-spaced
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (typeset)

Explanation

Before printing, the corrected manuscript is typeset (set out in the type used for printing).

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Question 22

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 22 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): After this, the manuscript is ________ (21) in readiness for ________ (22).

  1. A.photocopying
  2. B.xeroxing
  3. C.filming
  4. D.printing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (printing)

Explanation

A book is typeset in readiness for printing; the next sentence mentions 'the printed copies'.

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Question 23

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 23 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The printed ________ (23) are then stored in the warehouse and a few of them may be sent to the author as ________ (24) copies.

  1. A.items
  2. B.bulletin
  3. C.copies
  4. D.specimen
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (copies)

Explanation

The printed copies of the book are stored in the warehouse.

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Question 24

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 24 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The printed ________ (23) are then stored in the warehouse and a few of them may be sent to the author as ________ (24) copies.

  1. A.complementary
  2. B.complimentary
  3. C.acknowledgement
  4. D.sample
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (complimentary)

Explanation

Free copies are 'complimentary' copies (given as a gift); 'complementary' means completing something.

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Question 25

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 25 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): A certain percentage of the cover price of the book is paid to the author as ________ (25).

  1. A.royalty
  2. B.honorarium
  3. C.dividend
  4. D.interest
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (royalty)

Explanation

A royalty is the share of each sale's price paid to an author.

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Question 26

Vowels

Choose the word that does not have the same vowel sound as the others:

  1. A.loot
  2. B.boot
  3. C.rout
  4. D.route
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (rout)

Explanation

Loot, boot and route have the /uː/ sound; rout has the /aʊ/ sound.

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Question 27

Vowels

Choose the word that does not have the same vowel sound as the others:

  1. A.sun
  2. B.shun
  3. C.son
  4. D.short
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (short)

Explanation

Sun, shun and son have the /ʌ/ sound; short has /ɔː/.

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Question 28

Vowels

Choose the word that does not have the same vowel sound as the others:

  1. A.deep
  2. B.lease
  3. C.meet
  4. D.lace
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (lace)

Explanation

Deep, lease and meet have /iː/; lace has /eɪ/.

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Question 29

Vowels

Choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letter(s): Plateau

  1. A.wanted
  2. B.below
  3. C.holiday
  4. D.haunted
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (below)

Explanation

The 'eau' in plateau is /əʊ/, the same vowel as the 'ow' in below.

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Question 30

Vowels

Choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letter(s): Research

  1. A.disturb
  2. B.comfort
  3. C.affair
  4. D.carry
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (disturb)

Explanation

The 'ear' in research is /ɜː/, the same as the 'ur' in disturb.

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Question 31

Vowels

Choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letter(s): Rust

  1. A.loud
  2. B.touch
  3. C.bought
  4. D.march
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (touch)

Explanation

The 'u' in rust is /ʌ/, the same as the 'ou' in touch.

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Question 32

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: All the accident victims are bleeding profusely

  1. A.slowly
  2. B.excessively
  3. C.diffusely
  4. D.clearly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (excessively)

Explanation

'Profusely' means in large amounts, i.e. excessively.

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Question 33

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The prosecutor was accused of obstructing justice

  1. A.hindering
  2. B.retarding
  3. C.impeding
  4. D.interrupting
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (hindering)

Explanation

To obstruct justice is to hinder it (get in the way of it).

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Question 34

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The man preaches egalitarianism without matching it up with action

  1. A.salvation
  2. B.dedication
  3. C.kindness
  4. D.equality
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (equality)

Explanation

Egalitarianism is the belief that all people are equal.

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Question 35

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The Federal Government approved a new salary structure as an incentive for the Nigerian workers

  1. A.a reward
  2. B.an encouragement
  3. C.a package
  4. D.an advance
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (an encouragement)

Explanation

An incentive is something that encourages people to work harder: an encouragement.

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Question 36

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Amina said she married a doting husband

  1. A.a loving
  2. B.a fun-loving
  3. C.an uncaring
  4. D.a nagging
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (a loving)

Explanation

A doting husband shows great love and fondness.

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Question 37

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: It was a spending spree for all of us when daddy hit the jackpot

  1. A.cashed his cheque
  2. B.received his salary
  3. C.found money in a pot
  4. D.won a lot of money
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (won a lot of money)

Explanation

To 'hit the jackpot' is to win a large sum of money.

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Question 38

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: It was surprising how we took to the stranger at once

  1. A.talked so long with
  2. B.introduced ourselves to
  3. C.formed a liking for
  4. D.started fighting
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (formed a liking for)

Explanation

To 'take to' someone is to start liking them.

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Question 39

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Before embarking on his current research, the professor carried out a feasibility study of the area

  1. A.thorough
  2. B.perfectibility
  3. C.complete
  4. D.practicability
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (practicability)

Explanation

A feasibility study checks whether a plan is possible or practicable.

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Question 40

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The College Officer insisted that I show him my credentials before I could be registered

  1. A.papers
  2. B.qualifications
  3. C.testiomonials
  4. D.identities
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (qualifications)

Explanation

Credentials are documents that prove one's qualifications.

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Question 41

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Even though there is no obvious riot on the campus, the atmosphere is restive

  1. A.quiet
  2. B.chaotic
  3. C.restless
  4. D.tense
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (restless)

Explanation

'Restive' means restless and hard to control.

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Question 42

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Mr Dzokoto plays the piano with great dexterity

  1. A.wisdom
  2. B.power
  3. C.force
  4. D.skill
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (skill)

Explanation

Dexterity is skill, especially with the hands.

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Question 43

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The government is not opening up to the unions in the negotiations; it must have something up its sleeve

  1. A.be nursing a hidden agenda
  2. B.be hoping to trap them
  3. C.be hiding a last minute package
  4. D.be intending to dissolve the unions
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (be nursing a hidden agenda)

Explanation

Having something up one's sleeve means having a secret plan.

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Question 44

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Adamu woke up with a start and took to his heels, claiming that something was on his trail

  1. A.in his food
  2. B.giving him the chase
  3. C.hiding near the bed
  4. D.staring at him
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (giving him the chase)

Explanation

Something 'on his trail' is following or chasing him.

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Question 45

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: When he found himself in a difficult situation, he tried to double-talk his way through

  1. A.talk to two people to help him
  2. B.mix up issues to sound nervous
  3. C.mix up facts to confuse people
  4. D.talk twice to gain sympathy.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (mix up facts to confuse people)

Explanation

Double-talk is deliberately confusing or misleading speech.

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Question 46

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: They have tried to circumvent the restriction on the importation of the commodities

  1. A.bypass
  2. B.confront
  3. C.oppose
  4. D.challenge
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (bypass)

Explanation

To circumvent a rule is to find a way round it, i.e. bypass it.

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Question 47

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has an emphatic stress. Choose the option that best fits the expression in the sentence: The accused hasn't even been TRIED yet

  1. A.Was the accused sentenced to life imprisonment?
  2. B.Has the suspect been apprehended?
  3. C.Why hasn't the accused been tried yet?
  4. D.Was the accused handed over to the police?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Was the accused sentenced to life imprisonment?)

Explanation

Stressing TRIED corrects someone who assumed a later stage, like sentencing: he cannot be sentenced when he has not even been tried.

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Question 48

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has an emphatic stress. Choose the option that best fits the expression in the sentence: The fire destroyed MANY lives

  1. A.Did the fire destroy the village?
  2. B.Did the fire destroy some houses?
  3. C.Did the fire destroy any lives?
  4. D.Did the fire spare any lives?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Did the fire destroy any lives?)

Explanation

Stressing MANY answers a question about whether any lives were lost: not just some, but many.

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Question 49

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has an emphatic stress. Choose the option that best fits the expression in the sentence: The electricity in OUR premises comes from a generator

  1. A.Is the electricity in your compound supplied by a generator?
  2. B.Is the electricity in your neighbour's premises supplied by a generator?
  3. C.Does the electricity in your premises come from NEPA?
  4. D.Does everybody in your street receive electricity from generators?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Is the electricity in your neighbour's premises supplied by a generator?)

Explanation

Stressing OUR contrasts our premises with someone else's, so it answers a question about the neighbour's premises.

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Question 51

Word Stress

Identify the word that has a different stress pattern from the others:

  1. A.Interlocutor
  2. B.Opportunity
  3. C.Ambiguity
  4. D.Actualization
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Actualization)

Explanation

Interlocutor, opportunity and ambiguity are stressed on the third syllable; actualization is stressed on the fifth (-za-).

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Question 52

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: After two years of courtship, Jide is finally ________ Ngozi next Sunday.

  1. A.being married to
  2. B.marrying
  3. C.married to
  4. D.being married by
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (marrying)

Explanation

For a planned future event we use the present continuous with an active verb: 'Jide is marrying Ngozi next Sunday'.

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Question 53

Verb Forms

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: I am ________ admission to the university this year.

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

Answer: D (seeking)

Explanation

'Seek' takes a direct object without a preposition: 'seeking admission'.

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Question 54

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The old man's speech has become completely ________

  1. A.uncomprehensible
  2. B.uncomprehensive
  3. C.incomprehensive
  4. D.incomprehensible
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (incomprehensible)

Explanation

The word meaning 'impossible to understand' is 'incomprehensible'.

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Question 55

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The freed robber expressed his gratitude in a ________ prayer of thanksgiving.

  1. A.spurious
  2. B.spasmodic
  3. C.spontaneous
  4. D.sporadic
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (spontaneous)

Explanation

A spontaneous prayer comes naturally and immediately from the heart, which suits a freed man's gratitude.

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Question 56

Spelling

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: By twelve midnight, we will be ________ en route for Britain

  1. A.airbourned
  2. B.airborne
  3. C.air borned
  4. D.airburne
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Answer: B (airborne)

Explanation

The correct spelling is 'airborne', meaning in the air (flying).

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Question 57

Spelling

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: They were all behaving like a bunch of ________ children

  1. A.querulous
  2. B.querrulous
  3. C.querrullous
  4. D.quarrelous
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (querulous)

Explanation

The correct spelling is 'querulous' (complaining, peevish).

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Question 58

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Mrs Ojo was one of ________ in my village

  1. A.the first two enlightened young ladies
  2. B.the two first enlightened young ladies
  3. C.the two first young enlightened ladies
  4. D.the first two young enlightened ladies
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (the first two enlightened young ladies)

Explanation

The order is: article, ordinal ('first'), number ('two'), then opinion ('enlightened') before age ('young'): 'the first two enlightened young ladies'.

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Question 59

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Ndem was suspended from work because he showed no ________ in dealing with the customers.

  1. A.love
  2. B.interest
  3. C.character
  4. D.finesse
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (finesse)

Explanation

Finesse is skill and tact in handling people, which a person dealing with customers should show.

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Question 60

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The visitor was very uncomfortable because of his ________ nose

  1. A.runny
  2. B.running
  3. C.watery
  4. D.flowing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (runny)

Explanation

A nose that produces mucus is a 'runny nose'.

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Question 61

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The Principal expressed his ________ when the students broke the rules ________ and he didn't know how to stop them.

  1. A.anger/everyday
  2. B.frustration/time and again
  3. C.disappointment/understandably
  4. D.powerlessness/occasionally
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (frustration/time and again)

Explanation

He could not stop students who broke the rules repeatedly ('time and again'), which made him frustrated.

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Question 62

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Immediately I entered the house, I could ________ the smell of gas from the kitchen.

  1. A.feel
  2. B.hear
  3. C.detect
  4. D.smell
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (detect)

Explanation

To 'detect the smell' is to notice it; 'smell the smell' repeats the word, and we do not feel or hear a smell.

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Question 63

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The accident was due to ________ driving by the defendant.

  1. A.negligence
  2. B.negligible
  3. C.negligent
  4. D.neglectable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (negligent)

Explanation

An adjective is needed to describe 'driving': 'negligent driving'.

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Question 64

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Aggrieved persons are free to seek ________ in the court of law

  1. A.reparation
  2. B.redress
  3. C.consolation
  4. D.acquittal
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (redress)

Explanation

People who have been wronged 'seek redress' (a remedy) in court.

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Question 65

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: His chances in the games ________ seriously jeopardized.

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

Answer: A (have been)

Explanation

The subject 'chances' is plural, so the verb is 'have been'.

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Question 66

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: You would be well ________ to listen to what the teacher says.

  1. A.informed
  2. B.advised
  3. C.reminded
  4. D.warned
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (advised)

Explanation

The expression 'you would be well advised to' means it would be wise for you to.

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Question 67

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: We found it difficult to identify him as the crowd was ________ around him

  1. A.head to head
  2. B.head above head
  3. C.shoulder from shoulder
  4. D.shoulder to shoulder
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (shoulder to shoulder)

Explanation

A tightly packed crowd stands 'shoulder to shoulder'.

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Question 68

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Our economic programme is ________ commitment to Nigeria's economic growth

  1. A.deeply root in
  2. B.root in deep
  3. C.rooted in a deep
  4. D.deeply rooted in deep
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (rooted in a deep)

Explanation

Only 'rooted in a deep commitment' is grammatical; the others misuse 'root' or repeat 'deep'.

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Question 69

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The group never felt strong enough to act in the open ________ hostility was the hallmark of their resistance.

  1. A.covert
  2. B.overt
  3. C.vicious
  4. D.erratic
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (covert)

Explanation

Since they never acted openly, their hostility was covert (hidden).

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Question 70

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Some robbers are on the prowl, we must be ________

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

Answer: C (on the alert)

Explanation

The idiom is 'on the alert', meaning watchful and ready for danger.

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Question 72

Verb Forms

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: My friend's car has ________ to a halt

  1. A.grinded
  2. B.grounded
  3. C.ground
  4. D.grind
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (ground)

Explanation

The idiom is 'grind to a halt'; the past participle of 'grind' is 'ground'.

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Question 73

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: He boasts so much about his high scores and he ________ at the efforts of others.

  1. A.scorns
  2. B.sneers
  3. C.grins
  4. D.smiles
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (sneers)

Explanation

A boastful person 'sneers at' others' efforts; 'scorn' takes no 'at'.

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Question 74

Sentence Structure

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: He is so credulous ________ my story about the ghost.

  1. A.to believe
  2. B.that he believes
  3. C.in order to believe
  4. D.since he believes
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (that he believes)

Explanation

The pattern 'so + adjective + that' shows result: 'so credulous that he believes'.

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Question 75

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: My friend and I have been quarrelling since yesterday and we haven't ________ yet.

  1. A.made it out
  2. B.made out
  3. C.made it
  4. D.made it up
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (made it up)

Explanation

To 'make it up' is to become friends again after a quarrel.

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Question 76

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: It was late when we decided to get ________ the train

  1. A.off
  2. B.down
  3. C.out of
  4. D.out from
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (off)

Explanation

We 'get off' a train (or bus) when we leave it.

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Question 77

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The officer asked for a more temperate assessment of the matter

  1. A.extreme
  2. B.moderate
  3. C.radical
  4. D.humane
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (extreme)

Explanation

'Temperate' means moderate or restrained; the opposite is extreme.

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Question 78

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: My father's advice to me was quite invaluable

  1. A.useless
  2. B.useful
  3. C.helpful
  4. D.unsolicited
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (useless)

Explanation

'Invaluable' means extremely useful; the opposite is useless.

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Question 79

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Musa hates Hadiza for her constant bellicose behaviour

  1. A.violent
  2. B.gentle
  3. C.meek
  4. D.troublesome
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (gentle)

Explanation

'Bellicose' means aggressive and eager to fight; the opposite is gentle.

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Question 80

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: There is much indifference in his behaviour

  1. A.concern
  2. B.nonchalance
  3. C.willingness
  4. D.inconsistency
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (concern)

Explanation

Indifference is lack of interest or care; the opposite is concern.

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Question 81

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: My brother married a loquacious woman

  1. A.quiet
  2. B.noisy
  3. C.talkative
  4. D.beautiful
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (quiet)

Explanation

'Loquacious' means talkative; the opposite is quiet.

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Question 82

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Most warring countries end up in a state of satiation

  1. A.hunger
  2. B.thirst
  3. C.danger
  4. D.famine.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (hunger)

Explanation

Satiation is the state of being completely full; the opposite is hunger.

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Question 83

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Abdul is fond of his teacher though he sometimes makes derogatory remarks about him

  1. A.unpleasant
  2. B.complimentary
  3. C.expressive
  4. D.inconsiderate
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (complimentary)

Explanation

'Derogatory' remarks are insulting; the opposite is complimentary (praising).

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Question 84

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The Minister has finally been dropped from the present cabinet because of his ignoble act

  1. A.criminal
  2. B.ignorant
  3. C.honourable
  4. D.selfish
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (honourable)

Explanation

'Ignoble' means dishonourable; the opposite is honourable.

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Question 85

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: His cruelty to his mother defies logical explanation

  1. A.demands
  2. B.offers
  3. C.projects
  4. D.precludes
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (offers)

Explanation

If something defies explanation, it cannot be explained; the opposite is that it offers (readily gives) an explanation.

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Question 86

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Orinya balances the pail on her head with accustomed ease

  1. A.convincing
  2. B.surprising
  3. C.unwary
  4. D.unusual
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (unusual)

Explanation

'Accustomed' means usual or habitual; the opposite is unusual.

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Question 87

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The lecturers were advised to carry out a cursory survey of Nigerian languages

  1. A.detailed study
  2. B.careful teaching
  3. C.careful description
  4. D.partial consideration
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (detailed study)

Explanation

A cursory survey is a quick, superficial look; the opposite is a detailed study.

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Question 88

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: They attacked all regulations designed to emasculate student militancy

  1. A.condone
  2. B.isolate
  3. C.punish
  4. D.strenghten
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (strenghten)

Explanation

To 'emasculate' something is to weaken it; the opposite is to strengthen it.

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Question 89

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The secretary runs down anybody that does not sing his praises

  1. A.hates
  2. B.pleases
  3. C.honours
  4. D.discredits
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (honours)

Explanation

To 'run down' someone is to criticise them unfairly; the opposite is to honour them.

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Question 90

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The tennis player surreptitiously swapped rackets after the first set

  1. A.openly retained
  2. B.overtly exchanged
  3. C.quietly surrendered
  4. D.violently swung
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (openly retained)

Explanation

'Surreptitiously swapped' means secretly exchanged; the opposite of both parts is 'openly retained'.

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Question 91

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: There is no point dissipating energy on a unseless argument

  1. A.destroying
  2. B.conserving
  3. C.marshalling
  4. D.storing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (conserving)

Explanation

To 'dissipate' energy is to waste it; the opposite is to conserve it.

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Question 92

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: After the surgical operation, the doctor gave the indication that Mr. Idogo will pull through

  1. A.be maimed
  2. B.survive
  3. C.die
  4. D.be revived
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (die)

Explanation

To 'pull through' is to survive a serious illness; the opposite is to die.

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Question 93

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Everyone, including the Principal, believed that he was a very assiduous student

  1. A.assertive
  2. B.industrious
  3. C.aggressive
  4. D.casual
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (casual)

Explanation

'Assiduous' means hard-working and careful; the opposite is casual.

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Question 94

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: My eldest brother is now faced with the vicissitudes of married life

  1. A.amazement
  2. B.sweetness
  3. C.amiability
  4. D.stability
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (stability)

Explanation

Vicissitudes are ups and downs (changes of fortune); the opposite is stability.

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Question 95

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The dancing troupe put up a flawless performance

  1. A.an interesting
  2. B.an imperfect
  3. C.a satisfactory
  4. D.a careless
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (an imperfect)

Explanation

'Flawless' means perfect; the opposite is imperfect.

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Question 96

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The manager said that the new loaf was the last word in bakery

  1. A.The loaf was the best ever baked
  2. B.The loaf was the last to be baked
  3. C.The loaf was the worst to have been baked
  4. D.The loaf was the last in the baker's directory
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (The loaf was the best ever baked)

Explanation

'The last word in' something means the best or most up-to-date example of it.

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Question 97

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The reformists say elections cannot be free and fair unless a number of constitutional changes are effected

  1. A.Reformation depends on constitutional changes
  2. B.Free and fair elections depend on law reforms
  3. C.Free and fair and elections are the primary concern of the reformists
  4. D.Effecting constitutional changes is dependent on electoral reforms.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Free and fair elections depend on law reforms)

Explanation

The reformists say free and fair elections need constitutional changes first, i.e. they depend on reforming the law.

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Question 98

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Hundreds of used items will go under the hammer during the weekend

  1. A.Unserviceable goods will be publicly destroyed at the weekend
  2. B.Impounded household items will be sold to the public before the weekend
  3. C.Damaged items will be sold next weekend
  4. D.Many old items will be auctioned this weekend
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Many old items will be auctioned this weekend)

Explanation

To 'go under the hammer' is to be sold at an auction.

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Question 99

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The crowd in the hall is intimidating

  1. A.The crowd is frightening
  2. B.The crowd is angry
  3. C.The crowd is overwhelming
  4. D.The crowd is riotous
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (The crowd is frightening)

Explanation

Something intimidating makes you feel frightened or nervous, so the crowd is frightening.

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Question 100

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The horizon may not be clear now, but the troubled spots have certainly been noted

  1. A.The horizon is dependent on the troubled spots
  2. B.Clarity of the horizon is dependent on the perception of the troubled spots
  3. C.The troubled spots are more perceptible than the horizon
  4. D.Horizon, clarity of the troubled spots and certainty are remarkably noted.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (The troubled spots are more perceptible than the horizon)

Explanation

The overall picture (the horizon) is unclear, but the trouble spots are clearly seen, so they are easier to perceive than the whole.

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