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JAMB Use of English 2002 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 2002 Passage I: The case for deregulation
Those who have been following the arguments for and against the deregulation of the oil industry in Nigeria may have got the impression that deregulation connotes lack of control or indifference on the part of the government. But there is nothing so far from official quarters to suggest that deregulation will cause the government to relinquish its control of the oil industry because the absence of direct control does not mean that it will surrender all its rights to the entrepreneurs who may want to participate in the industry. Yet the opposition expressed so far against deregulation stems from the fear that the government would leave Nigerians at the mercy of a heartless cartel who would command the heights of the oil industry and cause the pump price of fuel to rise above the means of most Nigerians.

As a result of such fears, many Nigerians have become resentful of deregulation and, in fact, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to 'deregulate' the government if it should go ahead with the deregulation plan. But Nigerians have not fared any better with the economy totally in government control. Until recently, the most important sectors of the economy were in the hands of the government. Today, the deregulation of some of these sectors has broken its monopoly and introduced healthy competition to make things a little easier for Nigerians. A good example is the breaking of the stifling monopoly of Nigeria Airways. Today, the traveller is king at the domestic airports as opposed to the struggle that air travels used to be under Nigeria Airways monopoly. Before, it was almost easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for travellers to board a plane.

Following from this, the apostles of deregulation rightly heap all the blame for the problems associated with petroleum products distribution in this country squarely on the government, which owns all the refineries and which sells fuel to local consumers through its agency, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). In the same way, the government argues that if the current NNPC monopoly were broken with the introduction of entrepreneurs to the refining and sale of petroleum products in the country, the Nigerian people would be all the better for it. It stands to reason that once the government continues to fix maximum prices for petroleum products in this country, the deregulation of the oil sector should bring some relief to the people by ensuring that wastage, corruption and inefficiency are reduced to the minimum. Consumers will also have the last laugh because competition will result in the availability of the products at reasonable prices. This appears to be the sense in deregulation.

Which of these correctly summarises the arguments adduced by the advocates of deregulation?

  1. A.Deregulating the economy will make the NNPC more efficient and less wasteful
  2. B.The government should deregulate every aspect of the Nigerian economy
  3. C.Competition in the oil industry will be beneficial to several Nigerians
  4. D.Competition should be allowed in the production and distribution of petroleum products
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Competition in the oil industry will be beneficial to several Nigerians)

Explanation

The advocates say breaking the NNPC monopoly brings competition, less waste and products at reasonable prices, so ordinary Nigerians will benefit.

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Question 2

Comprehension

Which of the following conclusions can be reached from the passage?

  1. A.The deregulation of the economy will solve all the problems of petroleum products distribution
  2. B.The government is hell-bent on leaving Nigerians at the mercy of a heartless cartel
  3. C.Nigerians cannot buy fuel at exorbitant prices
  4. D.The deregulation of the oil industry does not preclude the government from exerting its influence
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (The deregulation of the oil industry does not preclude the government from exerting its influence)

Explanation

The passage says deregulation does not mean the government will give up control, and it will still fix maximum prices, so it keeps its influence.

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Question 3

Comprehension

An appropriate title for this passage is

  1. A.The Advantage of a Deregulated Economy
  2. B.Making a Case for Deregulation
  3. C.Highlighting the Dangers of Deregulation
  4. D.The Problems of the NNPC.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Making a Case for Deregulation)

Explanation

The writer answers the fears about deregulation and argues for its benefits, which is making a case for it.

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Question 4

Comprehension

Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?

  1. A.The Nigeria Labour Congress has been able to prevent the government from deregulating the economy
  2. B.The introduction of entrepreneurs to the oil industry will make life easy only for a few Nigerians
  3. C.The opposition to the deregulation of the oil industry is not unanimous.
  4. D.A better life for all Nigerians is conditional upon the deregulation of the economy.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (The opposition to the deregulation of the oil industry is not unanimous.)

Explanation

The NLC and many Nigerians oppose deregulation, but its 'apostles' support it, so not everyone is against it.

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Question 5

Comprehension

The writer seems to suggest that

  1. A.Nigerians do not understand the sense in deregulation
  2. B.the anxiety caused by the deregulation question is groundless
  3. C.a deregulated economy will cause the government to be indifferent to the plight of ordinary Nigerians
  4. D.only a heartless cartel will benefit by the deregulation of the oil industry
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (the anxiety caused by the deregulation question is groundless)

Explanation

The writer says the fears are not supported by anything from official quarters and that deregulation will bring relief, so the anxiety is groundless.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 2002 Passage II: Personal and impersonal report writing
Recognizing the need for objectivity in their work, the early report writers worked to develop a writing style which would convey this attitude. They reasoned that the source of the subjective quality in a report is the human being. And they reasoned that objectivity is best attained by emphasizing the factual material of a report rather than the personalities involved. So they worked to remove the human being from their writing. Impersonal writing style was the result. By impersonal writing is meant writing in the third person — without I's, we's or you's.

In recent years, impersonal writing has been strenuously questioned by many writers. These writers point out that personal writing is more forceful and direct than is impersonal writing. They contend that writing which brings both reader and writer into the picture is more like conversation and therefore more interesting. And they answer to the point on objectivity with a reply that objectivity is an attitude of mind and not a matter of person. A report, they say, can be just as objective when written in personal style as when in impersonal style. Frequently, they counter with the argument that impersonal writing leads to an overuse of passive voice and a [one line unreadable in the book] styles used by the writers for newspapers, news magazines and journals. Most of this writing is impersonal — and usually it is not dull.

As in most cases of controversy, there is some merit to the arguments on both sides. There are situations in which personal writing is best. There are situations in which impersonal writing is best. And there are situations in which either style is appropriate. The writer must decide at the outset of his work which style is best for his own situation.

Her decision should be based on the circumstances of each report situation. First, he should consider the expectations or desires of those for whom he is preparing the report. More than likely he will find a preference for impersonal style, for like most human beings, businessmen have been slow to break tradition. Next, the writer should consider the formality of the report situation. If the situation is informal, as when the report is really a personal communication of information between business associates, personal writing is appropriate. But if the situation is formal, as is the case with most reports, the conventional impersonal style is best.

Lesikar, R. V: Report Writing for Business

Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?

  1. A.Most report writing is characterized by the sparing use of the impersonal style
  2. B.The impersonal style helps to achieve a measure of objectivity in report writing
  3. C.The impersonal style has been widely acclaimed
  4. D.Most writers use the impersonal style to achieve objectivity in their reports.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (The impersonal style helps to achieve a measure of objectivity in report writing)

Explanation

Early report writers developed the impersonal style because removing the person helps make a report objective.

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Question 7

Comprehension

One argument given in support of personal writing is that it

  1. A.makes writers more focused and less boring
  2. B.can be more objective than impersonal writing
  3. C.is the style to use in all situations involving businessmen
  4. D.has informal features which make it more diverting than impersonal writing.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (has informal features which make it more diverting than impersonal writing.)

Explanation

Supporters say personal writing brings writer and reader into the picture, so it reads like a conversation and is therefore more interesting (more 'diverting') than impersonal writing.

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Question 8

Comprehension

From the passage, what determines the appropriateness of a style is the

  1. A.situation
  2. B.reader
  3. C.writer
  4. D.theme.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (situation)

Explanation

The writer says the choice 'should be based on the circumstances of each report situation'.

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Question 9

Comprehension

According to the passage, most of the writing in newspapers, news magazines and journals is

  1. A.impersonal and interesting
  2. B.impersonal and uninteresting
  3. C.personal and interesting
  4. D.personal and uninteresting
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (impersonal and interesting)

Explanation

The passage says 'Most of this writing is impersonal — and usually it is not dull'.

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Question 10

Comprehension

Which of the following best describes the writer of the passage?

  1. A.He cannot be said to be objective
  2. B.He is completely non-committal
  3. C.He recognizes the need to be critical of report writing
  4. D.He is being unnecessarily analytic
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (He recognizes the need to be critical of report writing)

Explanation

The writer weighs both styles critically and then gives guidance on when each suits a report.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 2002 Passage III: The scientific method (cloze, gaps 11–20)
It is the business of the scientist to accumulate knowledge about the universe and all that is in it, and to find, if he is able, common ...11... [A. experiments B. instruments C. approaches D. factors] which underlie and account for the facts that he knows. He chooses, when he can, the method of the controlled ...12... [A. respondent B. experiment C. system D. data]. If he wants to find out the effect of light on growing plants, he takes many plants, as alike as possible. some he stands in the sun, some in the shade, some in the dark; all the time keeping all other ...13... [A. studies B. procedures C. objects D. conditions] (temperature, moisture, nourishment) the same. In this way, by keeping other variables ...14... [A. constant B. good C. dark D. natural], and by varying the light only, the effect of light on plants can be clearly seen. This ...15... [A. research B. method C. tool D. rationale] of using 'controls' can be applied to a variety of situations, and can be used to find the answers to questions as widely different as 'must moisture be present if ...16... [A. an alloy B. gold C. bar D. iron] is to rust?' and 'which variety of beans gives the greatest yield in one ...17... [A. climate B. period C. season D. weather]?'

In the course of his ...18... [A. findings B. queries C. experiment D. inquiries], the scientist may find what he thinks is one common explanation for an increasing number of facts. The explanation, if it seems consistently to fit the various facts, is called ...19... [A. an antithesis B. a principle C. a thesis D. a hypothesis]. If this continues to stand the test of numerous experiments and remains unshaken, it becomes a ...20... [A. deduction B. law C. notion D. thesis].

Passage III, gap 11: It is the business of the scientist to accumulate knowledge about the universe and all that is in it, and to find, if he is able, common ________ (11) which underlie and account for the facts that he knows.

  1. A.experiments
  2. B.instruments
  3. C.approaches
  4. D.factors
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (factors)

Explanation

Things that 'underlie and account for' facts are causes or factors.

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Question 12

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 12: He chooses, when he can, the method of the controlled ________ (12).

  1. A.respondent
  2. B.experiment
  3. C.system
  4. D.data
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (experiment)

Explanation

A 'controlled experiment' is the scientific method described next, where only one thing is varied.

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Question 13

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 13: …some he stands in the sun, some in the shade, some in the dark; all the time keeping all other ________ (13) (temperature, moisture, nourishment) the same.

  1. A.studies
  2. B.procedures
  3. C.objects
  4. D.conditions
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (conditions)

Explanation

Temperature, moisture and nourishment are growing conditions.

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Question 14

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 14: In this way, by keeping other variables ________ (14), and by varying the light only, the effect of light on plants can be clearly seen.

  1. A.constant
  2. B.good
  3. C.dark
  4. D.natural
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (constant)

Explanation

Variables that are not being tested are kept constant (unchanged) so that only light varies.

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Question 15

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 15: This ________ (15) of using 'controls' can be applied to a variety of situations…

  1. A.research
  2. B.method
  3. C.tool
  4. D.rationale
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (method)

Explanation

The passage has been describing a way of working, 'the method of the controlled experiment', so 'this method' fits.

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Question 16

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 16: …questions as widely different as 'must moisture be present if ________ (16) is to rust?'

  1. A.an alloy
  2. B.gold
  3. C.bar
  4. D.iron
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (iron)

Explanation

Rusting is the corrosion of iron; gold does not rust.

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Question 17

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 17: …and 'which variety of beans gives the greatest yield in one ________ (17)?'

  1. A.climate
  2. B.period
  3. C.season
  4. D.weather
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (season)

Explanation

Crop yield is measured per growing season.

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Question 19

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 19: The explanation, if it seems consistently to fit the various facts, is called ________ (19).

  1. A.an antithesis
  2. B.a principle
  3. C.a thesis
  4. D.a hypothesis
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (a hypothesis)

Explanation

A proposed explanation that fits the facts but still needs testing is a hypothesis.

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Question 20

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 20: If this continues to stand the test of numerous experiments and remains unshaken, it becomes a ________ (20).

  1. A.deduction
  2. B.law
  3. C.notion
  4. D.thesis
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (law)

Explanation

A hypothesis that survives many tests becomes a scientific law.

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Question 21

Comprehension
JAMB 2002 Passage IV: Defining words
If our thought is to be clear and we are to succeed in communicating it to other people, we must have some method of fixing the meaning of the words we use. When we use a word whose meaning is not certain, we may well be asked to define it. There is a useful traditional device for doing this by indicating the class to which whatever is indicated by the term belongs, and also other particular property which distinguishes it from all other members of the same class. Thus we may define a whale as a 'marine animal that spouts.' 'Marine animal' in this definition indicates the general class to which the whale belongs, and 'spouts' indicates the particular property that distinguishes whales from other such marine animals as fishes, seals, jellyfish and lobsters. In the same way, we can define an even number as a finite integer divisible by two, or a democracy as a system [about two lines unreadable in the book] … find it hard to make a suitable definition of the word 'animal', so we say that an animal is such a thing as a rabbit, dog, fish or goat. Similarly we may say that religion is such a system as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism. This way of indicating the meaning of a term by enumerating examples of what it includes is obviously of limited usefulness. If we indicated our use of the word 'animal' as above, our hearers might, for example, be doubtful whether a sea-anemone or a slug was to be included in the class of animals. It is, however, a useful way of supplementing a definition if the definition itself is definite without being easily understandable. Failure of an attempt at definition to serve its purpose may result from giving as distinguishing mark one which either does not belong to all the things the definition is intended to include, or does belong to some members of the same general class which the definition is intended to exclude.

Adapted from Straight and Crooked Thinking, by R. H. Thouless

The writer uses the expression fixing the meaning of the words we use to mean

  1. A.using definitions to help people communicate their thoughts and argue logically
  2. B.getting even with the people who always ask for definitions
  3. C.repairing the damage done by inadequate definition during communication
  4. D.using definitions to help people build up their vocabulary
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (using definitions to help people communicate their thoughts and argue logically)

Explanation

The writer links fixing word meanings to clear thought and communicating it to others, which is done by defining words.

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Question 22

Comprehension

One of these summarizes the approaches to definition discussed in the passage

  1. A.Mentioning the class of a word or object with its specific property
  2. B.Indicating the class of a word and mentioning its general property with examples
  3. C.Specifying clearly what distinguishes a particular word or object from its traditional groups
  4. D.Giving general and specific features followed by examples of what the object or word includes
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Giving general and specific features followed by examples of what the object or word includes)

Explanation

The passage describes defining by general class plus a distinguishing property, and then defining by listing examples, which D combines.

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Question 23

Comprehension

The expression we may well be asked as used in the passage means

  1. A.we cannot escape being asked
  2. B.the listener is always justified to ask questions
  3. C.it is inconceivable that we will be asked
  4. D.it is quite likely that we will be asked.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (it is quite likely that we will be asked.)

Explanation

'May well' means something is quite likely to happen.

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Question 24

Comprehension

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

  1. A.Definitions aid communication when enumeration is accurately handled
  2. B.Accurate definition is invaluable to communication but difficult to achieve
  3. C.Every speaker or writer has a method of defining words
  4. D.There are both traditional and modern methods of defining words.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Accurate definition is invaluable to communication but difficult to achieve)

Explanation

The writer says clear communication needs definitions, but also shows how definitions can fail, so good definition is valuable yet hard.

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Question 25

Comprehension

From the passage, which of these is a disadvantage of defining by enumerating?

  1. A.Enumeration always leaves doubts in the mind of the speaker
  2. B.The words or objects listed may not all share similar characteristics
  3. C.The property and examples enumerated may not be all-inclusive
  4. D.Many important members of the group may be left out of the enumeration.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (The property and examples enumerated may not be all-inclusive)

Explanation

A list of examples cannot cover everything, so hearers may not know whether a sea-anemone or a slug counts as an animal.

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Question 26

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The witness averred that she had seen Dosun at the scene of the crime

  1. A.argued
  2. B.confirmed
  3. C.denied
  4. D.affirmed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (denied)

Explanation

To aver is to state firmly that something is true; the opposite is to deny.

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Question 27

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The high cost of living these days calls for a lot of frugality

  1. A.extravagance
  2. B.economy
  3. C.recklessness
  4. D.prudence
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (extravagance)

Explanation

Frugality is careful, sparing use of money; extravagance is wasteful spending.

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Question 28

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: Tunde's reaction underscores the point I was making

  1. A.justifies
  2. B.emphasizes
  3. C.summarizes
  4. D.contradicts
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (contradicts)

Explanation

To underscore a point is to support and emphasise it; to contradict it is the opposite.

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Question 29

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: Everyone admired the manager's adroit handling of the crises in the company

  1. A.clever
  2. B.tactless
  3. C.skilful
  4. D.clumsy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (clumsy)

Explanation

Adroit means skilful and quick; clumsy means awkward and unskilful, its opposite.

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Question 31

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: He is notorious for his drunkenness

  1. A.popular
  2. B.known
  3. C.well known
  4. D.renowned
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (renowned)

Explanation

Notorious means well known for bad reasons; renowned means well known for good reasons.

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Question 32

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The chairman's conduct redounds to the image of the company

  1. A.assists in
  2. B.reflects on
  3. C.contributes
  4. D.detracts from
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (detracts from)

Explanation

To redound to something is to add to it or benefit it; to detract from is to take away from it.

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Question 33

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: Her phlegmatic temperament endears her to her friends

  1. A.stoic
  2. B.irritable
  3. C.lively
  4. D.cold
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (lively)

Explanation

A phlegmatic person is calm and unexcitable; the opposite is lively.

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Question 34

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The workers suddenly became restive

  1. A.fidgety
  2. B.disorderly
  3. C.submissive
  4. D.calm
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (calm)

Explanation

Restive means restless and hard to control; the opposite is calm.

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Question 35

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the phrase in italics: The governor's visit is an unprecedented event in the history of the social club

  1. A.a perfect
  2. B.a momentous
  3. C.an insignificant
  4. D.an unnecessary
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (an insignificant)

Explanation

An unprecedented event has never happened before and is therefore remarkable; an insignificant event is ordinary and unimportant.

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Question 36

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The athlete has unexpectedly become indomitable

  1. A.weak
  2. B.disoriented
  3. C.unruly
  4. D.unconquerable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (weak)

Explanation

Indomitable means impossible to defeat; the opposite is weak.

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Question 37

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The evidence the leader gave was incontrovertible

  1. A.indubitable
  2. B.contestable
  3. C.practicable
  4. D.logical
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (contestable)

Explanation

Incontrovertible means impossible to dispute; contestable means open to dispute.

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Question 38

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the phrase in italics: He gave an unsatisfactory excuse but the boss swallowed it hook, line and sinker

  1. A.with a pinch of salt
  2. B.completely
  3. C.entirely
  4. D.without mincing words
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (with a pinch of salt)

Explanation

To swallow something hook, line and sinker is to believe it completely; taking it with a pinch of salt means doubting it.

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Question 39

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The hardline posture of the labour leader has not helped matters

  1. A.compromising
  2. B.imposing
  3. C.uncompromising
  4. D.difficult
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (compromising)

Explanation

A hardline posture refuses to give way; a compromising one is willing to meet others halfway.

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Question 40

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics: The President gave another extemporaneous speech last Friday

  1. A.unprepared
  2. B.fascinating
  3. C.planned
  4. D.unfavourable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (planned)

Explanation

An extemporaneous speech is given without preparation; the opposite is planned.

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Question 41

Word Stress

Choose the word that has a different stress pattern from the others.

  1. A.convenient
  2. B.madam
  3. C.embarrass
  4. D.contribute
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (madam)

Explanation

MAdam is stressed on the first syllable; conVEnient, emBARrass and conTRIbute are stressed on the second.

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Question 42

Word Stress

Choose the word that has a different stress pattern from the others.

  1. A.success
  2. B.suffer
  3. C.blackboard
  4. D.calendar
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (success)

Explanation

SUFfer, BLACKboard and CAlendar are stressed on the first syllable, but sucCESS is stressed on the second.

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Question 43

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in italics: Practising medicine is not as lucrative as many people think

  1. A.know
  2. B.understand
  3. C.consider
  4. D.assume
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (assume)

Explanation

Here 'think' means to believe without proof, which is what 'assume' means.

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Question 44

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the phrase in italics: He is a stringer for a newspaper

  1. A.a financier of
  2. B.an editor of
  3. C.a freelancer for
  4. D.a reporter for
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (a freelancer for)

Explanation

A stringer is a journalist who is not on the staff but is paid for each story, i.e. a freelancer.

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Question 45

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the words in italics: I wish the commander were less adamant about his proposed reprisal attack on the enemy

  1. A.sentimental about/rehearsed
  2. B.unyielding about/retaliatory
  3. C.supportive of/retributive
  4. D.tolerant of/surprise
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (unyielding about/retaliatory)

Explanation

Adamant means refusing to change one's mind (unyielding), and a reprisal attack is one made in revenge (retaliatory).

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Question 46

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in italics: Tortoises need cool climates and must have places where they can hibernate;

  1. A.reproduce
  2. B.hide at night
  3. C.sleep deeply
  4. D.relax
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (sleep deeply)

Explanation

Animals that hibernate pass the winter in a deep sleep, so 'sleep deeply' is closest.

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Question 47

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in italics: The manager made disparaging remarks about the retiring officer

  1. A.rude
  2. B.derogatory
  3. C.parochial
  4. D.cynical
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (derogatory)

Explanation

Disparaging remarks belittle someone, which is what derogatory means.

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Question 48

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in italics: The man outran his wife when they heard the eerie sound

  1. A.scary
  2. B.hissing
  3. C.harsh
  4. D.loud
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (scary)

Explanation

An eerie sound is strange and frightening, i.e. scary.

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Question 49

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in italics: Teachers of music believes in its therapeutic effect

  1. A.healing
  2. B.sound
  3. C.lyrical
  4. D.rhythmic
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (healing)

Explanation

Therapeutic means helping to cure or heal.

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Question 50

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in italics: Adigun's jokes are always puerile

  1. A.amusing
  2. B.childish
  3. C.empty
  4. D.entertaining
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Answer: B (childish)

Explanation

Puerile means silly and childish.

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Question 51

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in italics: I wonder what will be left of his essay when the extraneous material is deleted

  1. A.superfluous
  2. B.erroneous
  3. C.relevant
  4. D.main
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Answer: A (superfluous)

Explanation

Extraneous material is unnecessary or irrelevant, i.e. superfluous.

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Question 52

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the phrase in italics: His success may be described as a pyrrhic victory

  1. A.costly
  2. B.a deserving victory
  3. C.an easy victory
  4. D.indecisive
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Answer: A (costly)

Explanation

A pyrrhic victory is won at such great cost that it is hardly worth winning.

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Question 53

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in italics: The teacher's apparent nonchalant attitude was misconstrued by his students

  1. A.condoned
  2. B.misrepresented
  3. C.misquoted
  4. D.misinterpreted
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (misinterpreted)

Explanation

To misconstrue is to understand something wrongly, i.e. to misinterpret it.

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Question 54

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in italics: They are considered to be legal luminaries

  1. A.directors
  2. B.power
  3. C.experts
  4. D.practitioners
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Answer: C (experts)

Explanation

Luminaries are people who are famous and respected in their field, i.e. experts.

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Question 55

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the phrase in italics: The Executive Secretary has just assumed office.

  1. A.resumed work
  2. B.started work
  3. C.returned
  4. D.been sworn in
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Answer: B (started work)

Explanation

To assume office is to take up a post, i.e. to start work in it.

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Question 56

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in italics: The warring tribes have been told to parley with each other

  1. A.observe a truce
  2. B.hold talks
  3. C.sign a treaty
  4. D.suspend hostilities
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (hold talks)

Explanation

To parley is to hold talks, especially between enemies.

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Question 57

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in italics: Let us not indulge in recrimination

  1. A.indictment
  2. B.accusation
  3. C.counter-accusation
  4. D.unfounded allegation.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (counter-accusation)

Explanation

Recrimination is accusing someone in return for their accusation, i.e. counter-accusation.

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Question 58

Word Stress

Identify the word that has the stress on the first syllable.

  1. A.export (noun)
  2. B.commute
  3. C.intend
  4. D.import (verb)
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (export (noun))

Explanation

As a noun, EXport is stressed on the first syllable; comMUTE, inTEND and imPORT (verb) are stressed on the second.

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Question 59

Word Stress

Identify the word that has the stress on the first syllable.

  1. A.dismiss
  2. B.comment
  3. C.intact
  4. D.confuse
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (comment)

Explanation

COMment is stressed on the first syllable; disMISS, inTACT and conFUSE on the second.

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Question 60

Consonants

Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the underlined letter: business

  1. A.grace
  2. B.rice
  3. C.eyes
  4. D.sink
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Answer: C (eyes)

Explanation

The 's' in business is /z/, as in eyes; grace, rice and sink have /s/.

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Question 61

Consonants

Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the underlined letters: cough

  1. A.though
  2. B.thoroughly
  3. C.trophy
  4. D.of
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (trophy)

Explanation

The 'gh' in cough is /f/, like the 'ph' in trophy; it is silent in though and thoroughly, and 'of' ends in /v/.

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Question 62

Consonants

Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the underlined letters: preached

  1. A.question
  2. B.castle
  3. C.past
  4. D.lotion
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (past)

Explanation

The '-ed' in preached is /t/, as in past; the t in question is /tʃ/, it is silent in castle, and lotion has /ʃ/.

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Question 63

Vowels

Choose the option that has a different vowel sound from the others.

  1. A.rough
  2. B.dog
  3. C.cough
  4. D.rot
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (rough)

Explanation

Dog, cough and rot share the short vowel /ɒ/, but rough is pronounced /rʌf/.

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Question 64

Vowels

Choose the option that has a different vowel sound from the others.

  1. A.tear (verb)
  2. B.hear
  3. C.weird
  4. D.mere
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (tear (verb))

Explanation

Tear (to rip) is pronounced /teə/, while hear, weird and mere have /ɪə/.

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Question 65

Vowels

Choose the option that has a different vowel sound from the others.

  1. A.does
  2. B.flood
  3. C.world
  4. D.son
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (world)

Explanation

Does, flood and son have /ʌ/; world has /ɜː/.

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Question 66

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option that best fits the expression in the sentence: He travelled ONLY 20 kilometres before his car stopped

  1. A.Did he travel only 20 kilometres after his car stopped?
  2. B.Did he travel exactly 20 kilometres before his car stopped?
  3. C.Did you walk only 20 kilometres before the vehicle stopped?
  4. D.Did he travel more than 20 kilometres before his car stopped?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Did he travel more than 20 kilometres before his car stopped?)

Explanation

Stressing ONLY says the distance was no more than 20 km, so it answers someone who thought he travelled more than 20 km.

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Question 67

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option that best fits the expression in the sentence: The king RAN to the palace

  1. A.Where did the king run to?
  2. B.Did the king walk to the palace?
  3. C.Did the queen run to the palace?
  4. D.Who ran to the palace?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Did the king walk to the palace?)

Explanation

Stressing RAN corrects how the king moved, answering 'Did he walk?'.

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Question 68

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option that best fits the expression in the sentence: The university has been TEMPORARILY closed

  1. A.Has the campus been permanently closed?
  2. B.Has the university been permanently open?
  3. C.Has the university been permanently closed?
  4. D.Has the college been temporarily closed?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Has the university been permanently closed?)

Explanation

Stressing TEMPORARILY corrects 'permanently' in a question about the university being closed.

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Question 69

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option that best fits the expression in the sentence: The man BOUGHT the newspaper

  1. A.Is this the newspaper which the man bought?
  2. B.Did the man read the newspaper?
  3. C.Who bought the newspaper?
  4. D.What did the man buy?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Did the man read the newspaper?)

Explanation

Stressing BOUGHT corrects the action, answering 'Did he read it?'.

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Question 70

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option that best fits the expression in the sentence: My UNCLE retired from the police

  1. A.Did your brother resign from the police?
  2. B.Did your sister resign from the police?
  3. C.Did your uncle retire from the army?
  4. D.Did your brother retire from the police?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Did your brother retire from the police?)

Explanation

Stressing UNCLE corrects who retired; D asks about the brother retiring from the police, with everything else the same.

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Question 71

Spelling

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The army officer said that more ________ would be needed to prosecute the war

  1. A.guerrilas
  2. B.guerrillas
  3. C.geurrilas
  4. D.gourillas
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (guerrillas)

Explanation

The correct spelling is 'guerrillas': g-u-e-r-r-i-l-l-a-s, with double r and double l.

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Question 72

Pronouns

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: If one perseveres ________ will surely succeed

  1. A.she
  2. B.one
  3. C.he
  4. D.they.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (one)

Explanation

When 'one' is used for people in general, formal English repeats 'one' later in the sentence.

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Question 73

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Musa has lived here for five years but he does not seem able to get over the enormously ________ and elaborate rules that govern the society

  1. A.absurd
  2. B.bizarre
  3. C.fantastic
  4. D.intricate
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (intricate)

Explanation

'Intricate and elaborate' go together: both describe something complicated with many detailed parts.

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Question 74

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gaps with the most appropriate option: As election day draws near, the party looks ________ because many of its members have ________ other parties

  1. A.successful/declared for
  2. B.vulnerable/defected to
  3. C.cheerful/moved to
  4. D.cheerless/cross-carpeted from
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (vulnerable/defected to)

Explanation

A party that loses members to other parties is weakened (vulnerable), and members 'defect to' another party.

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Question 75

Verb Forms

Fill the gaps with the most appropriate option: ________ a motor cycle can be harmful ________ your health.

  1. A.riding/for
  2. B.riding /to
  3. C.to ride/for
  4. D.to ride/with
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (riding /to)

Explanation

A gerund (riding) works as the subject, and the fixed expression is 'harmful to'.

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Question 76

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gaps with the most appropriate option: The future of the company is ________ though many seem ________ about it.

  1. A.okay/optimistic
  2. B.promising /nostalgic
  3. C.rosy/pessimistic
  4. D.dicy/unsatisfied
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (rosy/pessimistic)

Explanation

'Though' signals contrast: the future is rosy (bright) even though many feel pessimistic.

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Question 77

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Ali has been cured of his amnesia, he no longer suffers suffers from ________

  1. A.rounds of anxiety
  2. B.loss of memory
  3. C.pains in his arms
  4. D.bouts of malaria
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (loss of memory)

Explanation

Amnesia is loss of memory.

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Question 78

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: By this time next year, I ________ twenty years old.

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

Answer: D (will have been)

Explanation

'By this time next year' looks back from a future point, which needs the future perfect: will have been.

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Question 79

Concord

Fill the gaps with the most appropriate option: The operations of the bank ________ not ________ cottage and small-scale industries

  1. A.does/covered
  2. B.does/cover
  3. C.did/covered
  4. D.do/cover
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (do/cover)

Explanation

The subject 'operations' is plural, so it takes 'do', followed by the base form 'cover'.

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Question 80

Prepositions

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The members of the other team agree ________ all the terms of the contract

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

Answer: B (to)

Explanation

We 'agree to' terms or proposals; we 'agree with' people.

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Question 81

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Whenever we have ________, we feel better.

  1. A.a long good talk together
  2. B.a good long talk together
  3. C.together a long good talk
  4. D.together a good long talk
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a good long talk together)

Explanation

Opinion adjectives (good) come before size adjectives (long), and 'together' goes after the object: a good long talk together.

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Question 82

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The match gave the team a chance to show their ________

  1. A.worth
  2. B.position
  3. C.prowess
  4. D.mettle
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (mettle)

Explanation

To 'show one's mettle' is a fixed expression meaning to prove one's courage and ability.

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Question 83

Concord

Fill the gaps with the most appropriate option: These ________ must have ________ the World Bank officials.

  1. A.analyses/attract
  2. B.analyses/attracted
  3. C.analysis/attract
  4. D.analysis/attracted
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (analyses/attracted)

Explanation

'These' needs the plural 'analyses', and 'must have' is followed by a past participle, 'attracted'.

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Question 84

Sentence Structure

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The members elected Baba ________ of the committee

  1. A.chairman
  2. B.their chairman
  3. C.to become chairman
  4. D.to be a chairman
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (chairman)

Explanation

After 'elect someone', the title of a unique post takes no article: elected Baba chairman.

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Question 85

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gaps with the most appropriate option: One advantage of the English language in Nigeria is that it puts everyone ________ a common ________

  1. A.at/equality
  2. B.on/footing
  3. C.in/standing
  4. D.in/advantage
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (on/footing)

Explanation

The idiom is 'on a common (equal) footing', meaning on the same level.

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Question 86

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The officer described the comment as ________ because it was very amusing.

  1. A.ludicrous
  2. B.dangerous
  3. C.sad
  4. D.libellous
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (ludicrous)

Explanation

Ludicrous means so silly that it is laughable, which matches 'very amusing'.

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Question 87

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: You are free to solicit ________ support from the Board.

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

Answer: C (financial)

Explanation

'Solicit' takes a direct object without a preposition, and 'support' here is uncountable, so no article: solicit financial support.

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Question 88

Pronouns

Fill the gaps with the most appropriate option: The highly appreciative audience clapped ________ hands and showered ________ on the lecturer

  1. A.their/encomiums
  2. B.its/encomiums
  3. C.their/invectives
  4. D.its/invectives
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (their/encomiums)

Explanation

An appreciative audience praises the speaker (encomiums means high praise), and since the members each clap, the plural 'their' is used.

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Question 89

Prepositions

Fill the gaps with the most appropriate option: He is ________ Kaduna ________ an official assignment

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

Answer: A (in/on)

Explanation

We are 'in' a city and 'on' an assignment.

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Question 90

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Despite all preparations, the wedding did not ________

  1. A.come along
  2. B.come off
  3. C.come on
  4. D.come up
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (come off)

Explanation

'Come off' means to happen as planned; despite the preparations, the wedding did not take place.

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Question 91

Concord

Fill the gaps with the most appropriate option: The quality of your questions which ________ always attracted attention ________ never been in doubt

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

Answer: C (has/has)

Explanation

The main subject is 'the quality' (singular), so it takes 'has'; taking 'which' to refer to that quality, it also takes 'has'.

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Question 92

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: We did not understand what the magistrate said about ________ and battery

  1. A.acid
  2. B.insult
  3. C.assault
  4. D.touching
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (assault)

Explanation

'Assault and battery' is the legal phrase for threatening and then physically attacking someone.

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Question 93

Pronouns

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Didn't ________ draw your attention to the entry requirements?

  1. A.anyone
  2. B.somebody
  3. C.someone
  4. D.everyone
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (anyone)

Explanation

Negative questions normally use 'anyone': 'Didn't anyone tell you…?'

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Question 94

Prepositions

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: ________ any problems, I shall travel to London tomorrow on a business trip

  1. A.in spite of
  2. B.given
  3. C.in case of
  4. D.barring
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (barring)

Explanation

'Barring' means 'unless there are': barring any problems, I shall travel.

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Question 95

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The new manager was responsible for the ________ of the organisation.

  1. A.uplift
  2. B.upliftment
  3. C.lifting
  4. D.uplifting
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (uplift)

Explanation

The noun is 'uplift' (improvement); 'upliftment' is not standard English.

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Question 96

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The organization is constantly in a state of flux

  1. A.There are periodic changes in the organization
  2. B.The organization is facing a difficult period
  3. C.The organization is experiencing good times
  4. D.The organization is moribund
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (There are periodic changes in the organization)

Explanation

Being in a state of flux means things keep changing.

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Question 97

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: His meteoric rise to fame surprised everyone.

  1. A.His rise to fame was only temporary
  2. B.People were amazed at his rapid success
  3. C.He became successful very suddenly
  4. D.He rose to the top quite unexpectedly.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (People were amazed at his rapid success)

Explanation

A meteoric rise is a very fast one, and 'surprised everyone' means people were amazed, so B captures both parts.

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Question 98

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The politician was pilloried by the press for his inflammatory remarks

  1. A.The politician was snubbed by the press for his remarks
  2. B.The politician was criticized by the press for his remarks
  3. C.The politician was closely questioned by the press for his remarks
  4. D.The politician was ridiculed by the press for his remarks.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (The politician was criticized by the press for his remarks)

Explanation

To pillory someone is to attack or criticise them strongly in public.

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Question 99

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: After the successful operation, he recovered by leaps and bounds

  1. A.He got well very rapidly
  2. B.His well-bound wounds aided his recovery
  3. C.He did a lot of keep-fit exercises
  4. D.He used to jog regularly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (He got well very rapidly)

Explanation

'By leaps and bounds' means very quickly.

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Question 100

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Audu was taken bad in the middle of the night

  1. A.He was caught
  2. B.He was robbed
  3. C.He was ill
  4. D.He was drunk.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (He was ill)

Explanation

'Taken bad' (or taken ill) means suddenly became sick.

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