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JAMB Use of English 2003 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 2003 Passage I: Smoking, drinking, morality and the economy
Attitudes towards the smoking of cigarettes and the consumption of alcohol may be used to illustrate typical African ethics. Apart from the fact that smoking has now been linked with the lung cancer disease, the African moralist has always regarded smoking as an indication of moral degradation. A number of people have accepted the moralist idea on smoking. Some have refrained from smoking, and those who could influence others, such as parents and religious leaders, have also exerted their influence to prevent others from smoking. On the other hand, a good many people have remained indifferent to the moralist view and have continued to smoke. The same argument has been applied to the consumption of alcohol. The African moralist, basing his judgement on the behaviour of a few alcoholics, tends to regard the habit of taking alcohol as a sign of wretchedness. The moralist holds the view that anybody who forms the habit of consuming alcohol will never do well in life. While this may be true in respect of a few people in the society, the fear of the moralist has not been justified. However, the economist is primarily interested in the habit of smoking and the consumption of alcohol in so far as they give satisfaction to smokers and drinkers and so generate supply of and demand for tobacco and alcohol. The economist is interested in knowing how many packets of cigarettes are consumed and to what extent an increase or fall in consumption could affect production, that is, supply. Similarly, he is interested in how much beer is consumed and how the supply of beer will adjust to the demand for it. He examines the habits and the pressures which can lead to the readjustment of wants and the reallocation of resources to cover the wants.

Some moral principles associated with religion tend to lead on to economic problems. Followers of certain religions are expected not to consume pork, take alcohol or smoke tobacco. Devotees of some religious groups, on the other hand, can eat pork while others are expected to abstain from alcohol and smoking. Strict observance of these moral rules could cripple the breweries, the cigarette factories and some businesses. However, there seems to be a growing number of alcohol consumers and cigarette smokers — a development which should be of interest to the economist.

According to the passage, the moralist idea is that

  1. A.people should accept a point of view only when they are convinced
  2. B.smoking is not good but a little alcohol may be permitted
  3. C.the smoking of cigarettes is bad and unacceptable
  4. D.it is typically African not to smoke cigarettes
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (the smoking of cigarettes is bad and unacceptable)

Explanation

The passage says the African moralist sees smoking as a sign of moral degradation, and 'the moralist idea on smoking' is that view: smoking is bad and should not be accepted.

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Question 2

Comprehension

It can be concluded from the passage that morality, religion and economy are

  1. A.somewhat interconnected
  2. B.clearly interconnected
  3. C.certainly unrelated
  4. D.certainly different
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (clearly interconnected)

Explanation

The last paragraph shows religious moral rules (no alcohol, no tobacco) could cripple breweries and cigarette factories, so morality, religion and the economy are clearly linked.

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Question 3

Comprehension

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

  1. A.Everyone ignores the moralist view on drinking and smoking
  2. B.Total abstinence from drinking and smoking is a religious obligation
  3. C.People who drink or smoke surely die of cancer
  4. D.Smoking and drinking may have positive effects on the economy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Smoking and drinking may have positive effects on the economy)

Explanation

The economist is interested in smoking and drinking because they create supply of and demand for tobacco and alcohol, which supports breweries and factories. The other options exaggerate the passage.

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Question 4

Comprehension

The view expressed by the writer in the last paragraph is that

  1. A.more people appear to take to drinking and smoking
  2. B.the number of alcoholics and smokers is certainly increasing
  3. C.sales of alcohol and tobacco products have improved tremendously
  4. D.more people now abstain from drinking and smoking
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (more people appear to take to drinking and smoking)

Explanation

The writer says there 'seems to be a growing number' of drinkers and smokers. 'Seems' matches 'appear' in A; the passage says nothing about sales, and it is not 'certain'.

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Question 5

Comprehension

The positions maintained by the moralist and the economist can be described as being

  1. A.very passionate
  2. B.quite indifferent
  3. C.at variance
  4. D.very agreeable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (at variance)

Explanation

The moralist condemns smoking and drinking, while the economist sees them as sources of supply and demand. Their views differ, so they are at variance.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 2003 Passage II: Man and the survival of wild animals
When man evolved a conscience, his basic relationship with the other animals began to change. Until then, they were broadly divided into those which ate him when they got the chance, those which he ate when he got the chance, and a third group which competed with him for food, or was otherwise a nuisance to him in the business of keeping alive.

In the primitive situation, man was, therefore, basically against Nature but, as the battle was progressively won, conscience crept in; the awareness of responsibility, and a failure to meet it, produced feelings of guilt. Those who live in cities and need no longer do battle against Nature are nowadays most actively for Nature.

At this time, something like a thousand kinds of animals (vertebrate animals) can be said to be in danger of extinction. A few of them have been reduced to this precarious position by extensive killing but the majority are disappearing only as fast as the particular kind of country they need for existence is itself disappearing; and all this at the hands of man, as often as not by mistake.

There are three species of turtles whose future survival is menaced by the demand for turtle soup, which would hardly justify the extermination of a giant reptile whose family has existed for 200 million years. Leopards are in jeopardy because of the fashion for their skins. As they get rarer, the prices rise and, as leopard skin coats become more expensive, the demand increases. No species can long survive the price of N60,000 which a half-grown baby leopard now carries on its skin. And crocodiles, the longest surviving reptiles, are now dwindling alarmingly as a result of the fashion in crocodile skin for ladies' handbags and men's shoes.

The human population explosion spreads mankind across the land surfaces of the earth at an alarming rate. There will be twice as many of us before most of us are dead. Does this mean no room for wild animals? Of course not. With ingenuity and forethought, a place can be kept for them. To destroy their habitat is as unnecessary as it would be to pull down a great cathedral in order to grow potatoes on the site. A campaign to save what remains is the concern of a new kind of Noah's Ark – the World Wildlife Fund. It does not believe that all is lost.

Adapted from Peter Scott's article in Sunday Times

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

  1. A.Man poses the greatest threat to Nature
  2. B.Man kills animals only when he can afford to do so
  3. C.Man cannot spare those animals that eat his kind
  4. D.Man eats all categories of animals
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Man poses the greatest threat to Nature)

Explanation

The passage says animals are disappearing 'all this at the hands of man', through killing and destroying their habitats, so man is the greatest threat to Nature.

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Question 7

Comprehension

The sentence There will be twice as many of us before most of us are dead means

  1. A.the population growth rate will double before our death
  2. B.mankind is fast spreading across the earth
  3. C.some increase in human and animal population growth rates
  4. D.many of us will die as a result of population explosion
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (the population growth rate will double before our death)

Explanation

The sentence comes right after the mention of the 'population explosion': within our lifetime the number of people will double. Option A expresses this doubling before we die.

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Question 8

Comprehension

The expression when man evolved a conscience means when

  1. A.man acquired new habits
  2. B.man developed an awareness of right and wrong
  3. C.man became a critical creature
  4. D.man's intellect improved tremendously
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (man developed an awareness of right and wrong)

Explanation

A conscience is the inner sense of what is right and wrong, so 'evolved a conscience' means man developed that awareness.

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Question 9

Comprehension

From the passage, the attitude of the writer can be described as

  1. A.optimistic
  2. B.indifferent
  3. C.pessimistic
  4. D.partial
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (optimistic)

Explanation

The writer says there is still room for wild animals 'with ingenuity and forethought' and that the World Wildlife Fund 'does not believe that all is lost'. That is a hopeful, optimistic attitude.

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Question 10

Comprehension

The basic causes of the elimination of certain animals from the earth include

  1. A.man's penchant for meat and the sale of animals for meat and hides
  2. B.man's decision to live in cities and the development of large farmlands
  3. C.a deliberate battle against Nature and the quest for leopard skin
  4. D.extensive killing of animals and the fast disappearance of their favourable habitats
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (extensive killing of animals and the fast disappearance of their favourable habitats)

Explanation

The third paragraph names two causes: extensive killing, and the disappearance of the kind of country the animals need to live in.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 2003 Passage III: Delivering a prepared speech (cloze)
A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. A –11– [A. quantum B. document C. free D. manuscript] delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to –12– [A. an audience B. a congregation C. a conference D. a gathering]. This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very –13– [A. genuine B. impromptu C. guaranteed D. formal] occasions when exact wording is –14– [A. reportive B. conclusive C. speculative D. critical], such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General –15– [A. Assembly B. Audience C. Organisation D. Negotiation]. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly –16– [A. advanced B. analogous C. discreet D. polished] in terms of word choice, turns of phrase, and development of ideas. The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful –17– [A. vocal B. bifocal C. anticipatory D. profuse] inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any –18– [A. decisive B. positive C. interactive D. restrictive] effects created by the carefully chosen –19– [A. dialect B. rhetoric C. slang D. language]. Lack of familiarity with the –20– [A. text B. context C. exchange D. note] could also prevent the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.

Adapted from Philips, G.M. et al (1985), Speaking in Public and Private, Indianapolis: Bobbs–Merrill

Passage III, gap 11: A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. A ________ (11) delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to (12) …

  1. A.quantum
  2. B.document
  3. C.free
  4. D.manuscript
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (manuscript)

Explanation

A speech written out word for word and read aloud is called a manuscript delivery. A 'free' delivery would be the opposite.

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Question 12

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 12: … the speech has been written out word for word and is read to ________ (12).

  1. A.an audience
  2. B.a congregation
  3. C.a conference
  4. D.a gathering
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (an audience)

Explanation

People listening to a speech are an audience; a congregation is a church gathering.

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Question 13

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 13: This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very ________ (13) occasions when exact wording is (14) …

  1. A.genuine
  2. B.impromptu
  3. C.guaranteed
  4. D.formal
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (formal)

Explanation

Reading a speech word for word suits formal occasions such as a State of the Union Address; 'impromptu' means unprepared.

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Question 14

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 14: … occasions when exact wording is ________ (14), such as the State of the Union Address …

  1. A.reportive
  2. B.conclusive
  3. C.speculative
  4. D.critical
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (critical)

Explanation

On such occasions every word matters, so exact wording is critical (very important).

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Question 15

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 15: … such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General ________ (15).

  1. A.Assembly
  2. B.Audience
  3. C.Organisation
  4. D.Negotiation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Assembly)

Explanation

The body is called the United Nations General Assembly.

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Question 16

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 16: The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly ________ (16) in terms of word choice, turns of phrase, and development of ideas.

  1. A.advanced
  2. B.analogous
  3. C.discreet
  4. D.polished
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (polished)

Explanation

Because it is written in advance, the speech can be carefully refined, that is, polished, in its wording and ideas.

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Question 17

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 17: Reading aloud with meaningful ________ (17) inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text.

  1. A.vocal
  2. B.bifocal
  3. C.anticipatory
  4. D.profuse
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (vocal)

Explanation

Inflection is the rise and fall of the voice, so 'vocal inflection' is the fitting phrase.

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Question 18

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 18: Such poor delivery could destroy any ________ (18) effects created by the carefully chosen (19).

  1. A.decisive
  2. B.positive
  3. C.interactive
  4. D.restrictive
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (positive)

Explanation

Poor delivery destroys the good effects of careful wording, so 'positive effects' fits.

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Question 19

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 19: Such poor delivery could destroy any (18) effects created by the carefully chosen ________ (19).

  1. A.dialect
  2. B.rhetoric
  3. C.slang
  4. D.language
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (language)

Explanation

The passage has been talking about word choice and turns of phrase, so the effects come from the carefully chosen language.

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Question 20

Comprehension

Passage III, gap 20: Lack of familiarity with the ________ (20) could also prevent the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.

  1. A.text
  2. B.context
  3. C.exchange
  4. D.note
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (text)

Explanation

A speaker who does not know the written text well must keep looking down at it, so cannot keep eye contact.

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Question 21

Comprehension
JAMB 2003 Passage IV: The Super Eagles at the 2002 World Cup
The 2002 World Cup Competition, also called Korea/Japan 2002, kicked off with a match between the defending champions, France, and the Senegalese national team from Africa. Nobody had given the Senegalese any chance against the star-studded defending champions but the 1-0 scoreline in favour of Senegal showed that African football can no longer be taken for granted.

This shocking defeat of France had raised Africa's hopes of going beyond the first round of the tournament. So when the Super Eagles of Nigeria filed out against Argentina on the morning of Sunday, June the second, 2002, many Nigerian football enthusiasts delayed attending church service to watch the match live on television. As expected, the Super Eagles put up strong resistance to the Argentinian challenge and the day would not have ended on a sombre note for Nigerians if the momentum had been sustained throughout the match. The hope of going beyond the first round, though precarious, was very much alive as the Eagles were expected to defeat their next opponents, Sweden and England. But some shortcomings in the Nigerian national team needed to be rectified to brighten their chances against their next opponents.

First, the defence needed to be strengthened to prevent the opponents from incessantly terrorizing the goalkeeper. Then the strikers also needed to improve on their lacklustre performance against Argentina, since every Nigerian expected them to overwhelm their next opponents in the opening rounds. Lastly, rather than gamble with unfit players, a more creative use of the reserves would be necessary to smooth the way to the next round.

If World Cup debutants, Senegal, could nurse the hope of playing in the knock-out stages of the tournament, then the Eagles should soar instead of being intimidated by big names, for no team is invincible.

Which of the following captures the writer's suggestion on how the Eagles could improve their performance in subsequent matches?

  1. A.Good coaching, more strikers and more defenders
  2. B.Better goalkeeping, a better attack and a stronger midfield
  3. C.Fair officiating, good goalkeeping and fast players
  4. D.Replacement of injured players, stronger attackers and a rugged defence
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Replacement of injured players, stronger attackers and a rugged defence)

Explanation

The writer asks for a stronger defence, better strikers and creative use of reserves instead of unfit players. Option D covers all three.

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Question 22

Comprehension

A suitable title for this passage is

  1. A.The Eagles in World Cup 2002
  2. B.The Nigerian and the Senegalese Teams
  3. C.The FIFA Korea/Japan 2002
  4. D.African Teams in the 2002 World Cup
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (The Eagles in World Cup 2002)

Explanation

Most of the passage is about the Super Eagles' match, their weaknesses and their chances at the 2002 World Cup.

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Question 23

Comprehension

From the passage, it can be concluded that the writer

  1. A.did not fancy the Eagles' chances
  2. B.was non-committal about the chances of the Eagles
  3. C.was certain about the Eagles' chances
  4. D.was optimistic about the chances of the Eagles
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (was optimistic about the chances of the Eagles)

Explanation

The writer says the hope was 'very much alive' and that the Eagles 'should soar', which is hopeful but not certain.

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Question 24

Comprehension

From the argument in the last paragraph, it can be concluded that the Eagles were

  1. A.more timid and goal-shy than their opponents
  2. B.not sure of getting to the next round of the tournament
  3. C.not as strong as the Senegalese team
  4. D.more experienced than the Senegalese team
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (more experienced than the Senegalese team)

Explanation

The writer argues that if Senegal, a first-time team, could hope for the knock-out stages, the Eagles should do even better, implying the Eagles were more experienced.

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Question 25

Comprehension

The word debutants, as used in the passage, means

  1. A.first-timers
  2. B.giant killers
  3. C.hard-fighters
  4. D.under-dogs
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (first-timers)

Explanation

A debutant is someone appearing for the first time; Senegal was playing at the World Cup for the first time.

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Question 26

Adjectives and Adverbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: He put ________ in a basket.

  1. A.white dozen eggs
  2. B.a dozen white eggs
  3. C.a white dozen eggs
  4. D.dozen white eggs
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a dozen white eggs)

Explanation

Number words come before describing adjectives: 'a dozen white eggs'.

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Question 27

Conjunctions

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The reason why he was not offered admission was ________ his results could not be found.

  1. A.that
  2. B.when
  3. C.owing to
  4. D.because
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (that)

Explanation

After 'The reason … was' we use 'that', not 'because', since 'reason' already expresses cause.

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Question 28

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Course ________ writers are to reflect local colour.

  1. A.material's
  2. B.materials'
  3. C.materials
  4. D.material
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (material)

Explanation

A noun used to describe another noun is normally singular and has no apostrophe: 'course material writers'.

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Question 29

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: If you saw the photograph of the man ________ you be able to identify him?

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

Answer: B (would)

Explanation

With 'If + past tense' (second conditional) the main clause takes 'would': 'would you be able …?'

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Question 30

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: As Obande does not know anyone in this city, he hopes that some kind ________ will put him up for the night.

  1. A.man
  2. B.men
  3. C.inhabitants
  4. D.individuals
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (man)

Explanation

'Some' with a singular noun means an unknown person: 'some kind man will put him up'. The singular 'will put him up for the night' fits one helper.

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Question 31

Direct and Indirect Speech

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The doctor asked the patient what ________

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

Answer: C (the problem was)

Explanation

In reported speech after 'asked' (past), the question becomes a statement in the past: 'what the problem was'.

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Question 32

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The woman is one of the ________ of the society.

  1. A.elitist
  2. B.elite
  3. C.elites
  4. D.elitists
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (elites)

Explanation

After 'one of the' we need a plural noun; 'elites' means the most powerful or privileged people.

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Question 33

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Three quarters of the people in the village ________ killed but only half of their huts ________ affected.

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

Answer: A (were/were)

Explanation

With 'three quarters of' and 'half of', the verb agrees with the noun after 'of'. 'People' and 'huts' are both plural, so both take 'were'.

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Question 34

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The armed robbers went into the house and robbed the three ________

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

Answer: D (women occupants)

Explanation

When 'woman' describes a plural noun, it becomes plural too: 'three women occupants' (like 'women drivers').

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Question 35

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: It was a free-for-all and the students were blamed for taking the law ________

  1. A.in their own hands
  2. B.into their own hands
  3. C.into their hands
  4. D.in their hands
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (into their own hands)

Explanation

The idiom is 'take the law into one's own hands'.

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Question 36

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The candidate's charisma should be a ________ factor in winning the election.

  1. A.determinant
  2. B.determinate
  3. C.determining
  4. D.determinable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (determining)

Explanation

The usual phrase is 'a determining factor', meaning one that decides the result.

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Question 37

Sentence Structure

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: 'I can't stand people prying into my private life.' Ladi said '________' agreed Agbenu.

  1. A.Me too
  2. B.Likewise myself
  3. C.Me neither
  4. D.I also
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Me neither)

Explanation

To agree with a negative statement ('I can't stand …'), we say 'Me neither'.

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Question 38

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Four weeks ________ enough for the police to conclude their investigation.

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

Answer: B (is)

Explanation

An amount of time treated as one period takes a singular verb: 'Four weeks is enough'.

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Question 39

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: It is bad to take ________ property without permission.

  1. A.someone else'
  2. B.someone else's
  3. C.someone's else
  4. D.someone's else's
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (someone else's)

Explanation

The possessive goes at the end of the whole phrase: 'someone else's'.

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Question 40

Pronouns

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: My classmate ________ I haven't seen for years, wrote to me last week.

  1. A.whose
  2. B.which
  3. C.that
  4. D.whom
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (whom)

Explanation

The relative pronoun is the object of 'seen' (I haven't seen him), so 'whom' is correct.

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Question 41

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: If you would do me this favour, I ________ be very grateful.

  1. A.should
  2. B.would
  3. C.shall
  4. D.will
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (would)

Explanation

A polite conditional with 'If you would …' is matched by 'I would be very grateful'.

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Question 42

Nouns and Determiners

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Ali plays ________ violin with remarkable skill.

  1. A.a
  2. B.the
  3. C.their
  4. D.some
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (the)

Explanation

We use 'the' before musical instruments when talking about playing them: 'plays the violin'.

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Question 43

Spelling

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: I have the ________ of meeting the President.

  1. A.priviledge
  2. B.privelege
  3. C.previlege
  4. D.privilege
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (privilege)

Explanation

The correct spelling is 'privilege'.

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Question 44

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The sergeant spoke to me in a ________ manner.

  1. A.coarse
  2. B.causal
  3. C.coerce
  4. D.course
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (coarse)

Explanation

'Coarse' means rough or rude, which describes a manner of speaking. 'Course' is a route or programme.

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Question 45

Conjunctions

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Idakwo ran ________ miss the train.

  1. A.lest he may
  2. B.lest he should
  3. C.lest he almost
  4. D.lest he will
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (lest he should)

Explanation

'Lest' (meaning 'in case') is followed by 'should' or the base verb: 'lest he should miss the train'.

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Question 46

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: How is the new editor ________ on with his work?

  1. A.moving
  2. B.getting
  3. C.pushing
  4. D.going
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (getting)

Explanation

The phrasal verb 'get on with' means to make progress with something.

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Question 47

Vocabulary in Context

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Be careful not to ________ this money.

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

Answer: B (lose)

Explanation

'Lose' is the verb meaning to misplace. 'Loose' means not tight, and 'loss' is a noun.

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Question 48

Question Tags

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Nowadays, many graduates are not well disposed to teaching ________

  1. A.are they?
  2. B.aren't they?
  3. C.do they?
  4. D.they are?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (are they?)

Explanation

A negative statement takes a positive question tag with the same verb: 'are not … are they?'

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Question 49

Tenses

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: Adika ________ a message from the club regularly.

  1. A.receives
  2. B.had received
  3. C.receive
  4. D.has received
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (receives)

Explanation

'Regularly' shows a habit, so the simple present 'receives' (singular subject) is correct.

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Question 50

Concord

Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: It is often ________ that inflation ________ from too much money chasing very few goods.

  1. A.said/results
  2. B.say/result
  3. C.said/result
  4. D.say/resulted
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (said/results)

Explanation

'It is often said' needs the past participle 'said', and the singular 'inflation' takes 'results'.

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Question 51

Vowels

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

  1. A.spot
  2. B.law
  3. C.north
  4. D.naught
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (spot)

Explanation

'Law', 'north' and 'naught' have the long /ɔː/ sound; 'spot' has the short /ɒ/.

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Question 52

Vowels

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

  1. A.cost
  2. B.won't
  3. C.hope
  4. D.coast
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (cost)

Explanation

'Won't', 'hope' and 'coast' have the /əʊ/ sound; 'cost' has the short /ɒ/.

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Question 53

Vowels

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

  1. A.there
  2. B.dear
  3. C.fair
  4. D.bear
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (dear)

Explanation

'There', 'fair' and 'bear' have the /eə/ sound; 'dear' has /ɪə/.

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Question 54

Consonants

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

  1. A.wife
  2. B.of
  3. C.off
  4. D.laugh
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (of)

Explanation

'Wife', 'off' and 'laugh' end in /f/; the 'f' in 'of' is pronounced /v/.

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Question 55

Consonants

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

  1. A.chef
  2. B.chief
  3. C.shoe
  4. D.ocean
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (chief)

Explanation

'Chef', 'shoe' and 'ocean' all have the /ʃ/ sound; 'chief' begins with /tʃ/.

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Question 56

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: If he went to London, he would see the Queen.

  1. A.He did not go to London and did not see the Queen
  2. B.He would like to see the Queen when he goes to London
  3. C.When he goes to London, he will see the Queen
  4. D.He did not see the Queen when he went to London
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (When he goes to London, he will see the Queen)

Explanation

The sentence talks about a possible future visit: going to London would lead to seeing the Queen. Option C states this; A and D describe the past.

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Question 57

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Ngozi has always considered her father to be an impassioned man.

  1. A.Her father is a very strict man
  2. B.Her father is a very lively man
  3. C.Her father is an emotional man
  4. D.Her father is a disciplined man
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Her father is an emotional man)

Explanation

'Impassioned' means full of strong feeling, so her father is an emotional man.

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Question 58

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The manager paid us in hard currency.

  1. A.We were paid in a strong and stable currency
  2. B.We were paid in dollars and pound sterling
  3. C.We were paid in new notes
  4. D.We were paid in foreign currency
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (We were paid in a strong and stable currency)

Explanation

'Hard currency' means money whose value is strong and stable; it is not necessarily dollars or pounds.

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Question 59

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The elders rebuked Olu for taking issue with his principal.

  1. A.Olu was scolded for acting in collusion with his principal
  2. B.Olu was reprimanded for arguing with his principal
  3. C.Olu was blamed for issuing a statement denying his principal
  4. D.Olu was cautioned for shouting at his principal
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Olu was reprimanded for arguing with his principal)

Explanation

'Rebuked' means reprimanded, and 'taking issue with' someone means arguing or disagreeing with them.

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Question 60

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: In spite of his humble beginning, Audu now throws his weight around.

  1. A.His noble birth notwithstanding, Audu is a corrupt man
  2. B.From his poor background, Audu is now a rich man
  3. C.Despite his obvious poverty, Audu is a proud man
  4. D.Audu is arrogant despite his simple upbringing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Audu is arrogant despite his simple upbringing)

Explanation

To 'throw your weight around' is to behave arrogantly, and a 'humble beginning' is a simple upbringing.

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Question 61

Consonants

Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined: chalet

  1. A.chairman
  2. B.college
  3. C.champagne
  4. D.chemical
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (champagne)

Explanation

The 'ch' in 'chalet' is /ʃ/, as in 'champagne'. 'Chairman' has /tʃ/ and 'chemical' has /k/.

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Question 62

Consonants

Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined: tenth

  1. A.taught
  2. B.tank
  3. C.though
  4. D.thought
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (thought)

Explanation

The 'th' in 'tenth' is the voiceless /θ/, as in 'thought'. 'Though' has the voiced /ð/.

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Question 63

Consonants

Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined: concrete

  1. A.anxious
  2. B.concern
  3. C.consider
  4. D.attend
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (anxious)

Explanation

In 'concrete' the 'n' before /k/ is pronounced /ŋ/, as in 'anxious' (/ˈæŋkʃəs/).

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Question 64

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: He is well known for his inordinate ambition.

  1. A.passionate
  2. B.sound
  3. C.excessive
  4. D.moderate
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (moderate)

Explanation

'Inordinate' means excessive, so the opposite is 'moderate'.

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Question 65

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: A conservative estimate put the number of missing persons at forty.

  1. A.An accurate
  2. B.An incorrect
  3. C.A rough
  4. D.A primitive
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (An accurate)

Explanation

A conservative estimate is a cautious, deliberately low guess. Among the options, the contrast is an accurate (exact) figure.

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Question 66

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Agbenu was ecstatic about her result.

  1. A.sad
  2. B.dispassionate
  3. C.mad
  4. D.pessimistic
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (sad)

Explanation

'Ecstatic' means extremely happy, so the opposite is 'sad'.

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Question 67

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Students could be timid

  1. A.pugnacious
  2. B.friendly
  3. C.bold
  4. D.covetous
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (bold)

Explanation

'Timid' means shy and easily frightened; the opposite is 'bold'.

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Question 68

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The labour leader's recalcitrant stance was applauded

  1. A.flexible
  2. B.uncompromising
  3. C.well-informed
  4. D.stubborn
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (flexible)

Explanation

'Recalcitrant' means stubborn and uncooperative, so the opposite is 'flexible'.

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Question 69

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The company has continued to monopolize the distribution of the products.

  1. A.regularize
  2. B.liberalize
  3. C.centralize
  4. D.specialize
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (liberalize)

Explanation

To monopolize is to keep total control for oneself; to liberalize is to open it up to others.

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Question 70

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The doctor examined the patient painstakingly.

  1. A.carefully
  2. B.perfunctorily
  3. C.professionally
  4. D.painfully
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (perfunctorily)

Explanation

'Painstakingly' means with great care; 'perfunctorily' means carelessly, just to get it done.

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Question 71

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Toyin is married to an impatient, self-centred man

  1. A.a tolerant
  2. B.a tolerable
  3. C.a fretful
  4. D.an edgy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (a tolerant)

Explanation

An impatient person cannot bear delay or others' faults; a tolerant person can.

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Question 72

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The agency has sworn to deal with all the apostles of confederation

  1. A.opponents
  2. B.apostates
  3. C.proponents
  4. D.protagonists
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (opponents)

Explanation

'Apostles' here means supporters or advocates, so the opposite is 'opponents'.

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Question 73

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The members of the congregation were inspired by the sermon

  1. A.enthralled
  2. B.disenchanted
  3. C.disorientated
  4. D.bewitched
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (disenchanted)

Explanation

To be inspired is to be uplifted and encouraged; to be disenchanted is to be disappointed and lose interest.

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Question 74

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Gregarious animals can be found in the zoo.

  1. A.lonely
  2. B.tame
  3. C.wild
  4. D.various
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (lonely)

Explanation

Gregarious animals like to live in groups, so the opposite is 'lonely' (living alone).

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Question 75

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: I am loath to do the assignment

  1. A.unwilling
  2. B.waiting
  3. C.dying
  4. D.willing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (willing)

Explanation

'Loath' means unwilling, so the opposite is 'willing'.

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Question 76

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Only those who are gullible fall victim to his trickery

  1. A.astute
  2. B.courteous
  3. C.saucy
  4. D.devastated
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (astute)

Explanation

A gullible person is easily deceived; an astute person is sharp and hard to fool.

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Question 77

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: A cool bath in a hot weather can be truly invigorating

  1. A.debilitating
  2. B.devastating
  3. C.disgusting
  4. D.unpalatable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (debilitating)

Explanation

'Invigorating' means giving energy; 'debilitating' means making weak.

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Question 78

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The witness decided to conceal the evidence

  1. A.waive
  2. B.divulge
  3. C.hide
  4. D.destroy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (divulge)

Explanation

To conceal is to hide; to divulge is to reveal.

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Question 79

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the sentence relates: The President SPOKE to the press

  1. A.Did the President write to the press?
  2. B.Did the President speak to the press?
  3. C.Who spoke to the press?
  4. D.Are these the pressmen that the President spoke to?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Did the President write to the press?)

Explanation

Stressing SPOKE corrects the idea of another action, so it answers 'Did the President write to the press?'

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Question 80

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the sentence relates: My MOTHER served rice and fresh fish stew for dinner.

  1. A.Did your mother serve rice and fresh fish stew for lunch?
  2. B.Who served rice and fresh fish stew for dinner?
  3. C.What kind of meal did your mother serve for dinner?
  4. D.What kind of stew did your mother serve for dinner?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Who served rice and fresh fish stew for dinner?)

Explanation

Stressing MOTHER answers a question about the person: 'Who served …?'

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Question 81

Vowels

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

  1. A.mortgage
  2. B.bachelor
  3. C.get
  4. D.enter
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (mortgage)

Explanation

The unstressed 'e' in 'market' is /ɪ/, like the 'a' in the second syllable of 'mortgage' (/ˈmɔːɡɪdʒ/).

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Question 82

Vowels

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

  1. A.golden
  2. B.girl
  3. C.colony
  4. D.gaol
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (girl)

Explanation

'Colonel' is pronounced /ˈkɜːnl/; its vowel /ɜː/ is the one in 'girl'.

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Question 83

Vowels

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

  1. A.caned
  2. B.jeopardy
  3. C.turned
  4. D.earned
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (jeopardy)

Explanation

'Tend' has /e/, the same sound as the 'eo' in 'jeopardy' (/ˈdʒepədi/).

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Question 84

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The boys knew that a storm was imminent

  1. A.impending
  2. B.encroaching
  3. C.possible
  4. D.threatening
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (impending)

Explanation

'Imminent' means about to happen, which is what 'impending' means.

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Question 85

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The leader has the unstinting support of his party

  1. A.cautious
  2. B.uninspiring
  3. C.unsparing
  4. D.laudable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (unsparing)

Explanation

'Unstinting' means given freely and generously, the same as 'unsparing'.

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Question 86

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The essence of governance is to seek the good and well-being of the majority of the people

  1. A.characteristic
  2. B.importance
  3. C.secret
  4. D.goal
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (importance)

Explanation

'Essence' means the most important part of something, so 'importance' is the closest option.

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Question 87

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The carpenter built a commodious wardrobe

  1. A.wide
  2. B.gigantic
  3. C.small
  4. D.spacious
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (spacious)

Explanation

'Commodious' means roomy, that is, spacious.

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Question 88

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The company is to shed three thousand staff this year

  1. A.throw up
  2. B.placate
  3. C.lay off
  4. D.demote
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (lay off)

Explanation

To shed staff is to get rid of workers, which is to lay them off.

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Question 89

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: A few years ago, nobody would have believed that the economy would turn around

  1. A.change
  2. B.deteriorate
  3. C.improve
  4. D.stagnate
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (improve)

Explanation

When an economy 'turns around' it stops getting worse and starts to recover. Nobody believed it would improve.

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Question 90

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The man's story sounded plausible to his audience

  1. A.credible
  2. B.entertaining
  3. C.fantastic
  4. D.credulous
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (credible)

Explanation

'Plausible' means believable, that is, credible. 'Credulous' describes a person who believes too easily.

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Question 92

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: He shared his room with a person whose behaviour was quite nauseating

  1. A.disgusting
  2. B.disrespectful
  3. C.disgraceful
  4. D.discouraging
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (disgusting)

Explanation

'Nauseating' means so unpleasant it makes you feel sick, that is, disgusting.

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Question 93

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: From what she said, one may infer that she does not like the course

  1. A.agree
  2. B.deduce
  3. C.suppose
  4. D.realize
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (deduce)

Explanation

To infer is to work something out from evidence, which is to deduce.

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Question 94

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The party supporters vilified the Chairman for the role he played in the crisis that rocked the party

  1. A.impeached
  2. B.condemned
  3. C.challenged
  4. D.elected
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (condemned)

Explanation

To vilify is to speak or write about someone very critically, that is, to condemn them.

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Question 95

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: Publishing as a business venture has become a hot potato in Nigeria.

  1. A.unacceptable
  2. B.unpleasant
  3. C.expensive
  4. D.profitable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (unpleasant)

Explanation

A 'hot potato' is a difficult, awkward matter that people would rather avoid, so 'unpleasant' is closest.

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Question 96

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The cynics feared that the nation's nascent democracy would fail

  1. A.illusionists
  2. B.pessimists
  3. C.delinquents
  4. D.critics
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (pessimists)

Explanation

Cynics expect the worst and doubt that things will succeed, like pessimists.

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Question 97

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: The nurse was in favour of voluntary euthanasia

  1. A.a sleeping pill
  2. B.a major operation
  3. C.a painless death
  4. D.a simple operation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (a painless death)

Explanation

Euthanasia is the deliberate, painless ending of a life to stop suffering.

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Question 98

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics: There was a glut of oil on the market

  1. A.an abundance of
  2. B.an increase in
  3. C.a variety of
  4. D.an accumulation of
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (an abundance of)

Explanation

A glut is an oversupply, that is, an abundance of something.

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Question 99

Word Stress

Choose the option that has the same stress pattern as the given word: typist

  1. A.refuse (noun)
  2. B.superb
  3. C.propose
  4. D.rebel (verb)
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (refuse (noun))

Explanation

'TYpist' is stressed on the first syllable, like the noun 'REfuse'. The others are stressed on the second syllable.

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Question 100

Word Stress

Choose the option that has the same stress pattern as the given word: cement

  1. A.perfect (adjective)
  2. B.include
  3. C.interest
  4. D.employ (noun)
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (include)

Explanation

'ceMENT' is stressed on the second syllable, like 'inCLUDE'. 'PERfect' (adjective) and 'INterest' are stressed on the first syllable.

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