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JAMB Use of English 2000 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 2000 Passage I: Violence on screen and real guns
Time was when boys used to point toy guns and say 'Bang!'. Now, they aim real guns and shoot one another. Nearly 4,200 teenagers were killed by firearms in 1990. Only motor vehicle accidents kill more teenagers than firearms and the firearms figures are rising. The chance that a black male between the ages of 15 and 19 will be killed by a gun has almost tripled since 1985 and almost doubled for white males, according to the National Centre for Health Statistics.

Who could disagree with Health and Human Services Secretary, Donna Shalala, when she pronounced these statistics 'frightening and intolerable?' .In the shameful light of this 'waste of young lives' in Ms.Shalals's words, an often-asked question seems urgently due to be raised again: Would less violence on television -- the surrounding environment for most children and young adults -- make violence in actual life less normal, less accepted, less horrifying?

It may be difficult to prove an exact correlation between the viewer of fantasized violence and the criminal who acts out violence after turning off the set. But if the premise of education is granted -- that good models can influence the young -- then it follows that bad models can have an equivalent harmful effect. This is the reasonable hypothesis held, by 80 per cent of the respondents to a recent Time Mirror poll who think that violent entertainment is 'harmful' to society.

Witness enough mimed shootouts, see enough 'corpses' fall across the screen, and the taking of a human life seems no big deal. Even if a simple casual relationship cannot be established between watching violence and acting it out, is not this numbed sensitivity reason enough for cutting back on the overkill in films and TV?

From: The Christian Science Monitor, April 16-22, 1993, p.20, CSPS, Boston MA, USA

The writer uses 'numbed sensitivity' to refer to

  1. A.deadening of the capacity to feel
  2. B.objectionable behaviour
  3. C.heartlessness on the part of actors
  4. D.unreasonable violence
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (deadening of the capacity to feel)

Explanation

To be 'numbed' is to lose feeling, so 'numbed sensitivity' is a deadened ability to feel shock at violence.

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Question 2

Comprehension

What will actually be proved 'if the premise of education is granted'?

  1. A.Entertainment on television is harmful to society
  2. B.Violence on television encourages violence in real life
  3. C.Good models can influence the young
  4. D.The viewer of fantasized violence is the criminal who acts out violence.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Violence on television encourages violence in real life)

Explanation

If good models influence the young, then bad models, such as violence on television, can also lead the young to real violence.

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Question 3

Comprehension

From the passage, it can be inferred that since 1985

  1. A.more black males between the ages of 15 and 19 have been killing one another with guns
  2. B.more black males between the ages of 15 and 19 have been getting killed by guns
  3. C.more white than black males have been getting killed by guns
  4. D.more black than white males have been killing one another with guns.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (more black males between the ages of 15 and 19 have been getting killed by guns)

Explanation

The passage says the chance that a black male aged 15–19 will be killed by a gun has almost tripled since 1985.

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Question 4

Comprehension

The writer says ' the firearms figures are rising' because

  1. A.more teenagers are now getting killed by firearms than by motor vehicle accidents
  2. B.firearms now have figures that are terribly high
  3. C.more teenagers now carry firearms than used to be the case.
  4. D.more teenagers are now getting killed by firearms than used to be the case.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (more teenagers are now getting killed by firearms than used to be the case.)

Explanation

'Rising' figures mean the number of teenagers killed by guns is higher than before; the passage says only car accidents still kill more.

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Question 5

Comprehension

In Secretary Donna Shalala's view, the situation depicted by the statistics is

  1. A.tense and reassuring
  2. B.topical and intimidating
  3. C.alarming and unbearable
  4. D.disturbing and conducive.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (alarming and unbearable)

Explanation

She called the statistics 'frightening and intolerable', which means alarming and unbearable.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 2000 Passage II: The common cold
You would think that the common cold should be easy enough to study, but it is not so easy as it looks. Colds often seem to spread from one person to another, so it is often assumed that the cold must be infectious, but there are some puzzling observations which do not fit in with this theory. An investigator in Holland examined some eight thousand volunteers from different areas and came to the conclusion that in each group the colds all appeared at the same time -- transfer of infection from case to case could not account for that. Yet at the Common Cold Research Unit in Salisbury the infection theory has been tested out, two series of about two hundred people each were inoculated, one with salt water and the other with secretions from known cold victims. Only one of the salt-water group got a cold, compared with seventy-three in the other group.

In the British Medical Journal the other day, there was a report of a meeting, 'The Common Cold — Fact and Fancy', at which one of the speakers reported a study of colds made in Cirencester over the last five years. Three hundred and fifty volunteers had kept diary records of their colds and on an average each had seven every year, with an annual morbidity of seventy days. So nearly one-fifth of our lives is spent in more or less misery, coughing and sneezing. Some widely held beliefs about the common cold have turned out not to be true. It seems that old people are just as liable to colds as the young. Sailors in isolated weather ships have just as many colds while on board and not in contact with the outside world as when on shore. It is a truism that common illnesses pose more problems than the rare. The rare disease is by comparison much easier to handle. There are not so many cases and all of them have been intensively studied. Someone has read up all the literature about the disease and published a digest of it. There will be more facts and fewer fancies

Miles Howard: 'The Spectator'

Which of the following statements can be implied from the passage?

  1. A.People catch more colds in winter
  2. B.The origin of colds is inconclusive
  3. C.People catch more colds in warm weather.
  4. D.People catch colds equally in warm and cold weather.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (The origin of colds is inconclusive)

Explanation

The Holland study suggests colds are not passed from person to person, but the Salisbury experiment suggests they are. Because the evidence conflicts, the cause of colds is still not settled.

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Question 7

Comprehension

A rare disease can be more easily dealt with than the common cold because

  1. A.medical experts are fed up with the rampant cases of common colds
  2. B.people easily develop resistance to the common colds
  3. C.adequate research exists to uncover facts about such rare diseases
  4. D.common colds are easily not the province of the orthodox medical experts
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (adequate research exists to uncover facts about such rare diseases)

Explanation

The passage says rare diseases have few cases, all intensively studied, with the literature digested, so the facts about them are known.

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Question 8

Comprehension

According to the writer, some widely held beliefs about the common colds are

  1. A.inevitable
  2. B.irreconcilable
  3. C.fallacious
  4. D.societal
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (fallacious)

Explanation

The writer says some widely held beliefs 'have turned out not to be true', i.e. they are fallacious (false).

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Question 9

Comprehension

From the information in the passage, there is evidence

  1. A.against the theory that the common cold is infectious
  2. B.for the theory that the common cold is indeed infectious
  3. C.that old people are immune against the common cold
  4. D.that medical reports are silent on facts about common colds.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (for the theory that the common cold is indeed infectious)

Explanation

The Salisbury test (73 colds among those given secretions from cold victims, only one among the salt-water group) supports the idea that colds are infectious.

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Question 10

Comprehension

The Cirencester volunteers kept a record of their colds through

  1. A.the British Medical Journal
  2. B.morbidity rates
  3. C.temperature recordings
  4. D.personal diaries.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (personal diaries.)

Explanation

The passage says the volunteers 'had kept diary records of their colds'.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 2000 Passage III: The character of young men
Young men have strong passions, and tend to gratify them indiscriminately. Of the bodily desires, it is the sexual by which they are most swayed and in which they show absence of self-control. They are changeable and fickle in their desires, which are violent while they last, but quickly over: their impulses are keen but not deep-rooted, and are like sick people's attacks of hunger and thirst. They are hot -tempered and quick-tempered, and apt to give way to their anger; bad temper often gets the better of them, for owing to their love of honour they cannot bear being slighted, and are indignant if they imagine themselves unfairly treated. While they love honour, they love victory still more, for youth is eager for superiority over others, and victory is one form of this. They love both more than they love money which indeed they love very little, not having yet learnt what it means to be without it. They look at the good side rather than the bad, not having yet witnessed many instances of wickedness. They trust others readily, because they have not yet been cheated. They are sanguine; nature warms their blood as though with excess of wine, and besides that, they have as yet met with few disappointments. Their lives are mainly spent not in memory but in expectation for youth has a long future before it and a short past behind it: on the first day of one's life one has nothing at all to remember, and can only look forward. They are easily cheated owing to the sanguine disposition just mentioned. Their hot tempers and hopeful dispositions make them more courageous than older men are; the hot temper prevents fear, and the hopeful disposition creates confidence; we cannot feel fear so long as we are feeling angry, and any expectation of good makes us confident.

Aristotle's Youth and Old-Age, p. 197

The expression, 'not in memory but in expectation', as used in the passage, implies

  1. A.innocence, not experience
  2. B.future, not present
  3. C.past not present
  4. D.hopelessness, not hopefulness
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (future, not present)

Explanation

Living 'in expectation' rather than 'in memory' means young men look to the future; they have little past to remember.

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Question 12

Comprehension

The statement, 'nature warms their blood as though with excess of wine', as used in the text means

  1. A.act with considerable confidence and trust
  2. B.respond with suspicion and alertness
  3. C.behave shamelessly like a drunkard
  4. D.move with care and self-control
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (act with considerable confidence and trust)

Explanation

The sentence explains why the young are 'sanguine' (cheerful and hopeful): their natural warmth makes them confident and trusting, like someone cheered by wine.

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Question 13

Comprehension

The analogy between young men and sick people is that

  1. A.they are easily swayed by emotions
  2. B.they are easily controlled by hunger and thirst
  3. C.their emotions are active but short -lived
  4. D.they are apt to give way to anger
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (their emotions are active but short -lived)

Explanation

The young men's impulses are 'keen but not deep-rooted', like a sick person's sudden hunger and thirst that soon passes: strong but short-lived.

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Question 14

Comprehension

According to the passage, young men are

  1. A.violent when they have sexual desires
  2. B.active and restive until they satisfy their desires
  3. C.indignant and fickle in satisfying their sexual desires
  4. D.hot-tempered when they are hungry or thirsty.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (active and restive until they satisfy their desires)

Explanation

The passage says young men have strong passions and 'tend to gratify them indiscriminately', so they are restless until their desires are satisfied.

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Question 15

Comprehension

The writer says that young people are optimistic in their dealings with people because they are

  1. A.steadfast
  2. B.courageous
  3. C.discreet
  4. D.reckless.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (courageous)

Explanation

The passage says their hopeful dispositions and hot tempers make them more courageous than older men, so they face people without fear.

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Question 16

Comprehension
JAMB 2000 Passage IV: The Senate and the President (cloze)
With the most profound respect to the members of the Senate, I do not think that it is within the competence of that ________ (16) body to pass a motion to ________ (17) the executive action of the President. The Senate is ________ (18) of the National Assembly. But it is not by itself alone the National Assembly. One can imagine the confusion which would be created if the ________ (19) were to take a veiw diametrically opposed to that reflected in the Senate resolution. The strongest objection to the action of the Senate in passing the resolution is the fact that it constituted itself the ________ (20) as well as the judge of the constitutionality of the action of the President. The function of the Senate is to ________ (21) laws. But the Senate has no authority or ________ (22) to control the President in the exercise of his ________ (23) powers. It cannot by a mere resolution or motion give any directive to the President regarding the exercise of his powers or can it undo what the President has done in the exercise of those powers. The only way in which the exercise of the powers of the President can be ________ (24) is by ________ (25) of the National Assembly.

Adapted from The Guardian of July 8, 1999, p.8

Passage IV, gap 16 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): With the most profound respect to the members of the Senate, I do not think that it is within the competence of that ________ (16) body to pass a motion to ________ (17) the executive action of the President.

  1. A.executive
  2. B.judicial
  3. C.administrative
  4. D.legislative
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (legislative)

Explanation

The Senate is a law-making body, i.e. a legislative body.

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Question 17

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 17 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): With the most profound respect to the members of the Senate, I do not think that it is within the competence of that ________ (16) body to pass a motion to ________ (17) the executive action of the President.

  1. A.enforce
  2. B.nullify
  3. C.modify
  4. D.order
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (nullify)

Explanation

The writer later says the Senate cannot 'undo what the President has done', so the motion was meant to nullify (cancel) the President's action.

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Question 18

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 18 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The Senate is ________ (18) of the National Assembly. But it is not by itself alone the National Assembly.

  1. A.a wing
  2. B.a portion
  3. C.an anchor
  4. D.an arm
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (an arm)

Explanation

The Senate is one arm (one part or chamber) of the National Assembly; the other is the House of Representatives.

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Question 19

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 19 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): One can imagine the confusion which would be created if the ________ (19) were to take a veiw diametrically opposed to that reflected in the Senate resolution.

  1. A.House of Representatives
  2. B.Judiciary
  3. C.National Assembly
  4. D.Executive Council
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (House of Representatives)

Explanation

The other part of the National Assembly, which could take an opposite view to the Senate, is the House of Representatives.

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Question 20

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 20 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The strongest objection to the action of the Senate in passing the resolution is the fact that it constituted itself the ________ (20) as well as the judge of the constitutionality of the action of the President.

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

Answer: C (plaintiff)

Explanation

The Senate brought the complaint and also judged it; the one who brings a case is the plaintiff, so it acted as both plaintiff and judge.

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Question 21

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 21 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The function of the Senate is to ________ (21) laws.

  1. A.enact
  2. B.create
  3. C.compose
  4. D.annul
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (enact)

Explanation

The verb used for making laws is 'enact'.

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Question 22

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 22 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): But the Senate has no authority or ________ (22) to control the President in the exercise of his ________ (23) powers.

  1. A.might
  2. B.power
  3. C.dynamism
  4. D.strenght
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (power)

Explanation

'Authority or power' to control someone is the natural pairing.

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Question 23

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 23 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): But the Senate has no authority or ________ (22) to control the President in the exercise of his ________ (23) powers.

  1. A.official
  2. B.authoritative
  3. C.judicial
  4. D.executive
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (executive)

Explanation

The President heads the executive arm, so his powers are executive powers.

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Question 24

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 24 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The only way in which the exercise of the powers of the President can be ________ (24) is by ________ (25) of the National Assembly.

  1. A.modified
  2. B.standardized
  3. C.regulated
  4. D.ordered
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (regulated)

Explanation

The legislature can regulate (control by rules) how the President uses his powers.

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Question 25

Comprehension

Passage IV, gap 25 (choose the most appropriate option for the gap): The only way in which the exercise of the powers of the President can be ________ (24) is by ________ (25) of the National Assembly.

  1. A.an Act
  2. B.a Decree
  3. C.a motion
  4. D.a bill
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (an Act)

Explanation

The National Assembly makes binding law through an Act; a motion is not binding, a bill is not yet law, and decrees are made by military governments.

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Question 26

Vowels

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letters underlined: boat

  1. A.board
  2. B.bought
  3. C.go
  4. D.glory
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (go)

Explanation

'Boat' has the /əʊ/ sound, as in 'go'; the others have /ɔː/.

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Question 27

Vowels

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letters underlined: air

  1. A.heir
  2. B.her
  3. C.hear
  4. D.fire
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (heir)

Explanation

'Air' and 'heir' are pronounced the same, with /eə/.

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Question 28

Vowels

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letters underlined: Pleasure

  1. A.pliable
  2. B.pleat
  3. C.plenary
  4. D.jeopardy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (jeopardy)

Explanation

The 'ea' in 'pleasure' is the short /e/, as the 'eo' in 'jeopardy'.

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Question 29

Vowels

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letters underlined: thunder

  1. A.prefer
  2. B.differ
  3. C.confer
  4. D.defer
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (differ)

Explanation

The unstressed '-er' of 'thunder' is the weak /ə/, as in 'differ'; in prefer, confer and defer the '-er' is stressed /ɜː/.

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Question 30

Vowels

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letters underlined: tear (noun)

  1. A.dare
  2. B.care
  3. C.here
  4. D.wear
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (here)

Explanation

The noun 'tear' (a drop from the eye) has /ɪə/, as in 'here'; dare, care and wear have /eə/.

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Question 31

Consonants

Choose the word that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letters underlined: thought

  1. A.theatre
  2. B.taught
  3. C.weather
  4. D.fate
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (theatre)

Explanation

'Th' in 'thought' is the voiceless /θ/, as in 'theatre'; 'weather' has the voiced /ð/.

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Question 32

Consonants

Choose the word that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letters underlined: caliph

  1. A.presently
  2. B.perhaps
  3. C.powerful
  4. D.opponent
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (powerful)

Explanation

The 'ph' in 'caliph' is the sound /f/, which is heard in 'powerful'.

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Question 33

Word Stress

Select the word that has the same pattern of stress as the given word: ENORMOUS

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

Answer: B (solution)

Explanation

ENORMOUS is stressed on the second syllable (e-NOR-mous), like so-LU-tion.

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Question 34

Word Stress

Select the word that has the same pattern of stress as the given word: HONOUR

  1. A.hotel
  2. B.hyena
  3. C.human
  4. D.humane
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (human)

Explanation

HONOUR is stressed on the first syllable (HON-our), like HU-man; the others are stressed on the second.

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Question 35

Word Stress

Select the word that has the same pattern of stress as the given word: QUALITY

  1. A.guarantee
  2. B.accepted
  3. C.bachelor
  4. D.relation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (bachelor)

Explanation

QUALITY is stressed on the first syllable (QUAL-i-ty), like BACH-e-lor.

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Question 36

Word Stress

Select the word that has the same pattern of stress as the given word: EDUCATION

  1. A.duplicity
  2. B.economics
  3. C.elaborate
  4. D.conjectural
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (economics)

Explanation

EDUCATION is stressed on the third syllable (ed-u-CA-tion), like e-co-NOM-ics.

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Question 37

Word Stress

Identify the word that has the stress on the second syllable:

  1. A.reproduce
  2. B.always
  3. C.result
  4. D.understand
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (result)

Explanation

re-SULT is stressed on the second syllable; RE-pro-DUCE and un-der-STAND are stressed on the third, AL-ways on the first.

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Question 38

Word Stress

Identify the word that has the stress on the second syllable:

  1. A.tomato
  2. B.photograph
  3. C.yesterday
  4. D.tranquil
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (tomato)

Explanation

to-MA-to is stressed on the second syllable; the others are stressed on the first.

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Question 39

Word Stress

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

  1. A.integral
  2. B.intimate
  3. C.discourse
  4. D.accelerate
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (accelerate)

Explanation

ac-CEL-er-ate is stressed on the second syllable; IN-te-gral, IN-ti-mate and DIS-course are stressed on the first.

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Question 40

Word Stress

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

  1. A.navigate
  2. B.envelop
  3. C.legislate
  4. D.liberate
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (envelop)

Explanation

en-VEL-op (the verb) is stressed on the second syllable; the others are stressed on the first.

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Question 41

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Without our relentless campaigns we might ________ sure of victory in the race for the National Assembly

  1. A.never have been
  2. B.have never be
  3. C.never had been
  4. D.be never
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (never have been)

Explanation

After 'might', the past form is 'have + past participle': 'might never have been'.

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Question 42

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: We are all hungry, we ________ anything to eat since morning

  1. A.didn't have
  2. B.hadn't had
  3. C.haven't had
  4. D.never had
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (haven't had)

Explanation

'Since morning' up to now needs the present perfect: 'haven't had'.

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Question 43

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: To check desertification in the arid zones ________ tress should be planted.

  1. A.drought-proof
  2. B.drought-resisting
  3. C.drought-effective
  4. D.drought-resistant
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (drought-resistant)

Explanation

Plants that can survive dry conditions are called 'drought-resistant'.

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Question 44

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The loquacious young lad reeled off all the names of the players ________

  1. A.off head
  2. B.off hand
  3. C.at heart
  4. D.at hand
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (off hand)

Explanation

'Offhand' means without preparation or checking; he recited the names straight from memory.

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Question 45

Spelling

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: I like the character that played the role of a political ________ at the last convention of our party

  1. A.thorncoat
  2. B.torncoat
  3. C.turncoat
  4. D.turnedcoat
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (turncoat)

Explanation

A 'turncoat' is a person who deserts his party for another; the other spellings are not words.

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Question 46

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: All the traders in the market saw the woman buy ________ the imported suits

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

Answer: A (up)

Explanation

To 'buy up' is to buy all of something available.

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Question 47

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The man declared his intention from the ________

  1. A.outset
  2. B.inset
  3. C.onset
  4. D.offset
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (outset)

Explanation

'From the outset' means from the very beginning.

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Question 48

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The Team Manager told us that the race could only be won by the ________

  1. A.flat-footed
  2. B.bare-footed
  3. C.swift-footed
  4. D.fore-footed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (swift-footed)

Explanation

A race is won by the fast runner, the swift-footed one.

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Question 49

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The Governor rejected the bill and withheld his ________

  1. A.accent
  2. B.assent
  3. C.access
  4. D.ascent
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (assent)

Explanation

A governor gives or withholds his assent (approval) to a bill.

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Question 50

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The new school is not provided with ________ for science practicals

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

Answer: A (enough equipment)

Explanation

'Equipment' is uncountable, so it has no plural and takes no 'an'.

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Question 51

Verb Forms

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Much as I would love to visit him, I'm afraid ________

  1. A.I won't
  2. B.I can't
  3. C.I can't be able
  4. D.of visiting him
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (I can't)

Explanation

'I'm afraid I can't' politely says one is unable; 'can't be able' repeats the same idea.

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Question 52

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Ilesa witnessed the largest ________ of writers at any convention in recent times

  1. A.turnaround
  2. B.turnover
  3. C.turn-out
  4. D.turn-on
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (turn-out)

Explanation

The number of people who attend an event is the turn-out.

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Question 53

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The warring factions need words of ________

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

Answer: D (advice)

Explanation

The noun is 'advice'; 'advise' is the verb.

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Question 54

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The politicians were ________ by the press.

  1. A.marooned
  2. B.ridiculed
  3. C.eclipsed
  4. D.ostracized
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (ridiculed)

Explanation

The press makes fun of people, i.e. ridicules them.

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Question 55

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: There are many ________ to her personality

  1. A.moods
  2. B.styles
  3. C.facets
  4. D.faces
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (facets)

Explanation

The different sides of someone's personality are its facets.

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Question 56

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: There are several ________ in the farmyard

  1. A.sheep
  2. B.ewe
  3. C.lamb
  4. D.goat
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (sheep)

Explanation

After 'several' we need a plural; 'sheep' is the same in singular and plural.

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Question 57

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Audu fought with his ________ brother.

  1. A.senior
  2. B.older
  3. C.bigger
  4. D.elder
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (elder)

Explanation

'Elder' is used before a family noun such as 'brother' or 'sister'.

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Question 58

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The Dark Continent was an ________ for Africa

  1. A.abuse
  2. B.enigma
  3. C.eclectic
  4. D.epithet
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (epithet)

Explanation

'The Dark Continent' is a descriptive name for Africa, which is an epithet.

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Question 59

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: He arrived ________ to see his family leave for the countryside

  1. A.in time
  2. B.timely
  3. C.late
  4. D.with time
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (in time)

Explanation

'In time' means early enough to do something, here to see his family leave.

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Question 60

Question Tags

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: You can travel on your own, ________?

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

Answer: C (can't you)

Explanation

A positive statement with 'can' takes the negative tag 'can't you?'.

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Question 61

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Our culture does not allow one to ________ when an elderly person is speaking.

  1. A.cut out
  2. B.cut off
  3. C.cut in
  4. D.cut on
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (cut in)

Explanation

To 'cut in' is to interrupt someone who is speaking.

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Question 62

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Raffle draws like gambling often end in a ________ for me.

  1. A.lost
  2. B.loss
  3. C.loose
  4. D.lose
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (loss)

Explanation

After 'a' we need the noun 'loss'.

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Question 63

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: If he were here it could be more fun

  1. A.He did not show up and so the occasion lacked much fun
  2. B.He was being expected to supply more fun
  3. C.There was not fun because he was not present
  4. D.He was expected but did not show up to liven up the occasion.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (He did not show up and so the occasion lacked much fun)

Explanation

'If he were here' means he is absent; the key reads this as saying he did not come, so the occasion lacked fun.

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Question 64

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Though he is our elected representative he often takes a rather jaundiced view of our problems

  1. A.He takes a rather hazy view of our problems
  2. B.He takes an unfavourable position concerning our problems
  3. C.He takes a rather forceful view of our problems
  4. D.He takes a sickly view of our problems
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (He takes an unfavourable position concerning our problems)

Explanation

A 'jaundiced view' is a negative, unfavourable attitude.

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Question 65

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: When I visited James I only gave him a congratulatory card on account of his promotion

  1. A.The only person I visited was James and nobody else
  2. B.It was only James that I gave a congratulatory card to
  3. C.All I gave James when I visited him was a congratutory card
  4. D.All I did when I visited James was give him a congratulatory card
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (All I gave James when I visited him was a congratutory card)

Explanation

'Only' before 'gave him a card' limits what was given: the card was the only thing given.

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Question 66

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The events of last Friday show that there is no love lost between the Principal and the Vice-Principal

  1. A.They like each other
  2. B.They work independently
  3. C.They cannot part company
  4. D.They dislike each other
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (They dislike each other)

Explanation

'No love lost between' two people means they dislike each other.

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Question 67

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The politician's inflammatory remarks were heavily criticized

  1. A.The politician's rude remarks were heavily criticized
  2. B.The politician's provocative remarks were heavily criticized
  3. C.The politician's bombastic remarks were heavily criticized
  4. D.The politician's tribalistic remarks were heavily criticized.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (The politician's provocative remarks were heavily criticized)

Explanation

'Inflammatory' remarks stir up anger, so they are provocative.

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Question 68

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The Governor told the chief that he was only on a routine tour

  1. A.normal and regular visit
  2. B.unplanned encounter
  3. C.surprise and impromptu check
  4. D.working visit and homage
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (normal and regular visit)

Explanation

A routine tour is a normal, regular visit.

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Question 70

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The Principal told the teacher to stop browbeating the children

  1. A.pampering
  2. B.bullying
  3. C.deceiving
  4. D.caning
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (bullying)

Explanation

To browbeat is to frighten someone with threats, i.e. bully them.

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Question 71

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Some actions of the Nigerian youth have alienated them from those who were sympathetic to their cause

  1. A.endeared/kindly
  2. B.confronted/ill disposed
  3. C.separated/opposed
  4. D.estranged/ well disposed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (estranged/ well disposed)

Explanation

'Alienated' means made unfriendly (estranged), and 'sympathetic' means well disposed.

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Question 72

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The essay topic is nebulous

  1. A.vague
  2. B.incorrect
  3. C.distinct
  4. D.clear
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (vague)

Explanation

'Nebulous' means unclear, vague.

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Question 73

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The man was able to persuade his wilful and obstinate daughter to follow the career he chose for her

  1. A.intelligent but arrogant
  2. B.unyielding and obdurate
  3. C.obscure and odious
  4. D.hardworking and intelligent
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (unyielding and obdurate)

Explanation

Wilful and obstinate means stubborn, i.e. unyielding and obdurate.

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Question 74

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Mr Okon has been described as an eagle-eyed editor

  1. A.a short -sighted
  2. B.a clear-sighted
  3. C.a long - sighted
  4. D.a quick-sighted
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a clear-sighted)

Explanation

An eagle-eyed editor sees every small detail clearly, i.e. is clear-sighted.

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Question 75

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Inspite of her grim situation, the young widow smiled dutifully at the visitor's pleasantries

  1. A.unkind comments
  2. B.sad stories
  3. C.condolence messages
  4. D.jocular remarks
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (jocular remarks)

Explanation

Pleasantries are light, friendly or joking remarks.

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Question 76

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: I have always believed that my mother is a very impassioned woman

  1. A.emotive
  2. B.impartial
  3. C.impassive
  4. D.emotional
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (emotional)

Explanation

An impassioned person shows strong feeling, i.e. is emotional; 'emotive' describes things that arouse feeling.

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Question 77

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The party gathering was thrown into a state of euphoria after the election result was announced

  1. A.pleasure
  2. B.sadness
  3. C.excitement
  4. D.confusion
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (excitement)

Explanation

Euphoria is a state of intense excitement and happiness.

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Question 78

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The family discussed the crime committed and resolved to nail the lie to the counter

  1. A.expose it publicly
  2. B.bury it in a coffin
  3. C.defer action on it
  4. D.seek more advice
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (expose it publicly)

Explanation

To 'nail a lie to the counter' is to expose it publicly as false.

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Question 79

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: My father was at the apogee of his career when he was retired.

  1. A.terminal point
  2. B.highest point
  3. C.least productive stage
  4. D.redundant stage
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (highest point)

Explanation

The apogee is the highest point.

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Question 80

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Though David's condition is serious, his life is not in immediate danger

  1. A.nasty
  2. B.hypertensive
  3. C.dangerous
  4. D.grave
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (grave)

Explanation

A serious condition is a grave one.

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Question 81

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: That punch by the young boxer proved to be fatal

  1. A.effective
  2. B.hard
  3. C.deadly
  4. D.belated
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (deadly)

Explanation

'Fatal' means causing death, i.e. deadly.

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Question 82

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The presence of the security men in the area will provide a moment of respite for the residents

  1. A.soothing relaxation
  2. B.enduring reprieve
  3. C.lasting security
  4. D.temporary relief
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (temporary relief)

Explanation

A respite is a short break from something unpleasant, so a 'moment of respite' is temporary relief.

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Question 83

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: It is time for all concerned to first pick to pieces the strike action before proffering solutions

  1. A.embrace joyfully
  2. B.critically analyse
  3. C.stop abruptly
  4. D.commend highly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (critically analyse)

Explanation

To 'pick something to pieces' is to examine and criticise it in detail.

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Question 84

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The new ruler is big-hearted in his dealing with the people

  1. A.generous
  2. B.cruel
  3. C.soft
  4. D.proud
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (generous)

Explanation

Big-hearted means kind and generous.

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Question 85

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The teacher announced that the class would be making a fleeting visit to the zoo.

  1. A.routine
  2. B.brief
  3. C.long
  4. D.guided
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (long)

Explanation

'Fleeting' means very short; the opposite is long.

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Question 86

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The project is designed to alleviate poverty in the country

  1. A.tackle
  2. B.exacerbate
  3. C.eradicate
  4. D.assuage
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (exacerbate)

Explanation

To alleviate is to make less severe; to exacerbate is to make worse.

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Question 87

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Civil engineering is predominantly a male profession

  1. A.absolutely
  2. B.essentially
  3. C.generally
  4. D.seldom
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (seldom)

Explanation

'Predominantly' means mainly or mostly; 'seldom' (rarely) is the opposite.

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Question 88

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The officer said that he knew nothing to the detriment of the applicant

  1. A.damage
  2. B.disfavour
  3. C.advantage
  4. D.background
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (advantage)

Explanation

Detriment means harm or disadvantage; its opposite is advantage.

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Question 89

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: When the driver applied the brakes, they acted up

  1. A.failed
  2. B.responded well
  3. C.were sluggish
  4. D.jammed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (responded well)

Explanation

Brakes that 'act up' malfunction; the opposite is that they responded well.

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Question 90

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The striking workers have vowed not to return to work until the decision is rescinded

  1. A.changed
  2. B.dismissed
  3. C.implemented
  4. D.incorporated
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (implemented)

Explanation

To rescind a decision is to cancel it; the opposite is to implement (carry it out).

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Question 91

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: It is rare for a leader and his deputy to see eye to eye

  1. A.disagree
  2. B.respect each other
  3. C.be of one mind
  4. D.reproach each other
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (disagree)

Explanation

To 'see eye to eye' is to agree; the opposite is to disagree.

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Question 92

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Common sense requires that one should be decorous at formal gatherings

  1. A.courteous
  2. B.impolite
  3. C.incurious
  4. D.careful
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (impolite)

Explanation

'Decorous' means polite and proper; the opposite is impolite.

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Question 93

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The diminutive figure bounces over the track with unfathomable lightness

  1. A.invigorating
  2. B.irresistible
  3. C.predictable
  4. D.impressive.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (predictable)

Explanation

'Unfathomable' means impossible to understand or explain; the opposite is predictable.

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Question 94

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: I'm not interested in buying that shirt. I think it is overpriced

  1. A.too expensive
  2. B.overrated
  3. C.priceless
  4. D.cheap
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (cheap)

Explanation

Overpriced means costing too much; the opposite is cheap.

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Question 95

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Despite his laxity in other matters, Ojo's father drew the line at truancy

  1. A.favoured
  2. B.rejected
  3. C.emphasized
  4. D.ignored
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (favoured)

Explanation

To 'draw the line at' something is to refuse to accept it; the opposite is to favour it.

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Question 96

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The string was taut

  1. A.loose
  2. B.firm
  3. C.stretched
  4. D.tight
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (loose)

Explanation

Taut means stretched tight; the opposite is loose.

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Question 97

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Hypertension is a debilitating disease that everyone should prevent

  1. A.a mortal
  2. B.an enervating
  3. C.an energizing
  4. D.a horrible
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (an energizing)

Explanation

A debilitating disease makes one weak; the opposite is energizing.

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Question 98

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The Permanent Secretary left his job under a cloud

  1. A.on a cloudy day
  2. B.with a clear record
  3. C.in disgrace
  4. D.on a sunny day
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (with a clear record)

Explanation

To leave 'under a cloud' is to leave in disgrace or suspicion; the opposite is with a clear record.

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Question 99

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: We intend to make the reception a diurnal event

  1. A.a nightly
  2. B.a weekly
  3. C.a short
  4. D.an annual
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (a nightly)

Explanation

'Diurnal' means happening in the daytime (or daily); the opposite is nightly.

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Question 100

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: It is surprising that this politician has now turned renegade

  1. A.militant
  2. B.corrupt
  3. C.loyal
  4. D.quiet
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (loyal)

Explanation

A renegade deserts his party or cause; the opposite is loyal.

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