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JAMB Use of English 2006 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 2006 Passage I: The ideal daily newspaper
The obvious function of a daily paper is to give news to the people, but this, at the moment, may be done in three ways, which are not all equally laudable. First, there is the paper which sets out to give a brief resume of the news, and backs this up by well-written articles on current affairs by leading writers and experts. Secondly, there is the 'daily' which caters for popular taste, and contains only the most sensational and exciting bits of news, supporting them with comic-strips, pictures, children's corners, women's sections and readers' letters on anything but weighty topics. Thirdly, there is the propaganda type of paper, which presents only those versions of the news which agree with its own particular political outlook. All this gives news in different ways; but what deeper function can the ideal daily paper have?

In the case of the Nigerian daily newspapers, the first type gives the thinking reader an unbiased view of the world situation, so that he can judge the importance of recent events for himself, but it does not indicate to him what he ought to think. The drawback to this is that the semi-literate or uneducated find it dull or difficult, and so are discouraged from reading such a paper regularly, because it demands too much thought and effort from them. The main advantage of this type of paper, however, is its soundness, excellent English expression and general effect of widening the readers' knowledge on a variety of subjects.

The second type interests the majority and gives them the more striking items of news in an easily comprehensible way, accompanied by lavish photographs and usually with some slight political bias towards the left and the interests of the working class, from which most of its readers come. The drawback of this type is that there is not enough solid thinking matter and the English is often faulty in style – tending towards 'journalese'. The advantage is that it is quickly and easily read, on the bus or train or over the breakfast table, and gives a superficial knowledge of current affairs to people who would not have the time or inclination to read 'heavier' literature. Also, it is a 'family' paper, which every member of the household can enjoy, since there is something to please all their tastes.

The third type, to some extent, appeals to emotion, not reason. It instructs the reader in exactly what the particular editor believes he ought to think, and does not give him a chance to have a mind of his own by letting him hear the other person's point of view. The drawback is that it prevents people from thinking for themselves, and causes political hysteria rather than logical thinking. The only advantage is that it does represent the 'freedom of the press' to publish whatever it likes, and allows discontented people to air their grievances instead of letting them smoulder underground.

From these examples, it should be clear that the ideal function of a daily paper would be to present the news clearly and simply, and to support it with articles in good English which show the points of view of various competent people of different outlooks on current problems. The reader could then choose which line of thought appealed to him most. Women's and children's sections would be good so long as they did not grow so out of proportion that the paper depended solely upon them for its popularity. Good pictures would add to the paper's instructive value as well as to its interest; and advertisements, kept in bounds, might be helpful both as shopping guides and as a financial help to the paper itself. All these points seem to be desirable in a daily paper now that the radio helps in giving news headlines.

The phrase political hysteria, as used in the passage, means

  1. A.hatred and rivalries
  2. B.anxiety and misunderstanding
  3. C.crisis and confusion
  4. D.tension and ill feeling
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (anxiety and misunderstanding)

Explanation

Hysteria is wild, uncontrolled emotion. The propaganda paper stirs up anxious, emotional reactions and stops people understanding the issues logically.

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Question 2

Comprehension

According to the passage, the desirable newspaper is that which

  1. A.does not create political hysteria
  2. B.is eclectic and modest
  3. C.is intellectual and unbiased
  4. D.is popular and sensational and has a slight political flavour
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (is intellectual and unbiased)

Explanation

The ideal paper presents the news clearly with well-argued articles from many points of view, letting readers think for themselves: intellectual and unbiased.

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Question 3

Comprehension

An approppriate title for this passage is

  1. A.The Ideal Daily Newspaper
  2. B.The Political Hysteria of a Daily Newspaper
  3. C.The Logic of Press Freedom
  4. D.Three Ideal Functions of a Daily Newspaper
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (The Ideal Daily Newspaper)

Explanation

The passage compares three types of daily paper in order to describe what the ideal daily paper should be.

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Question 4

Comprehension

Which of the following best summarizes the argument in the passage?

  1. A.There are three laudable though unequal ways of news presentation by a daily paper.
  2. B.A good newspaper is that which is simple, logical and balanced in its news coverage
  3. C.Press freedom is an important feature of a daily newspaper
  4. D.There are three obvious functions of a daily newspaper
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (A good newspaper is that which is simple, logical and balanced in its news coverage)

Explanation

The writer concludes that the ideal paper presents news clearly and simply and shows different points of view, that is, simple, logical and balanced.

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Question 5

Comprehension

The writer seems to suggest that

  1. A.objectivity, simplicity and clarity are the hallmarks of good journalism
  2. B.the important function of a daily is to further develop the news headlines which the radio usually produces
  3. C.sensational reporting is a feature of press freedom
  4. D.there can be no unbiased newspaper presentation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (objectivity, simplicity and clarity are the hallmarks of good journalism)

Explanation

The ideal paper, he says, presents the news clearly and simply with balanced views, so objectivity, simplicity and clarity mark good journalism.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 2006 Passage II: Women's liberation in Nigeria
In recent times women in Nigeria have been seeking independence and recognition. No longer content with their traditional roles as housewives and mothers, the women have joined together to create a kind of women liberation movement, first under the umbrella of WRAPA, an acronym for Women's Rights and Privileges Agency, and later under several other bodies including non-governmental agencies like Women in Nigeria (WIN), Association of Northern Women in Science and Technology (ANWIST) and Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). A whole federal ministry called Ministry for Women Affairs has been established since 1995 for the development and advancement of Nigerian women towards what they call 'gender equality'.

Through all these bodies, Nigerian women hope to acquire the freedom to pursue interests outside the home, like the opportunity to acquire education or pursue a career, instead of spending all the time doing housework.

The effects of the changes brought about by these bodies are already being felt in some families. For instance, the traditional husband-wife relationship appears to be undergoing a radical transformation. Because so many women are now working, men are learning to share the household tasks of cooking, cleaning and even caring for the children. In some families, there appears to be a complete reversal of the traditional roles: the husband stays home while the wife earns the family's income. It should be pointed out, however, that this is the exception, not the rule.

The effects of women's liberation are being felt not only in the home but also on the job. More and more women are working and they are demanding equal responsible positions. It is not uncommon these days for a woman to head major government ministries and parastatals. Many businesses now encourage women to advance to high management positions, and every year, the nation's higher institutions produce more women doctors, lawyers, and accountants.

Politics and government are other areas that are feeling the impact of the women's movement. Although Nigerians do not appear ready to accept a woman president, women are already being elected to public offices in increasing numbers as senators and members of the national and state assemblies. Although Nigeria is yet to have a woman governor, which is the highest office in a state, there have been a few women deputy governors and house speakers. A few years ago, this would have been unthinkable.

In conclusion, women in Nigeria are acquiring greater independence which is causing sweeping changes in the society – at home, at work and in politics. Some men may not be happy with these changes but the women are always quick to point out that it was they, the men, who created the conditions leading to the reaction of the women.

From the last paragraph, it can be concluded that

  1. A.the effects of women's liberation are felt only at home and at work
  2. B.the women liberation movement has brought untold hardship on many Nigerian men
  3. C.the liberation movement is women's reaction to men's actions
  4. D.Nigerian men are opposed to the women liberation movement
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (the liberation movement is women's reaction to men's actions)

Explanation

Women say the men created the conditions that led to their reaction, so the movement is a response to men's actions.

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Question 7

Comprehension

One argument in support of women's liberation is that it

  1. A.brings improvement at home, at work and in politics
  2. B.compels men to take over the tasks of cooking, cleaning and other household chores
  3. C.encourages Nigerian women to eke out a living independently of the men
  4. D.enables more women to attain higher positions
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (encourages Nigerian women to eke out a living independently of the men)

Explanation

The movement aims to give women freedom outside the home, education and careers, so they can earn their own living and be independent of men.

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Question 8

Comprehension

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

  1. A.The Nigerian society is now free of all forms of discrimination against women
  2. B.The quest for women's liberation appears to be making progress in Nigeria
  3. C.The majority of Nigerian women have now taken over men's traditional roles
  4. D.Women in Nigeria have now established a ministry called Ministry for Women Affairs.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (The quest for women's liberation appears to be making progress in Nigeria)

Explanation

Women now hold high offices and share household roles, so the movement is making progress, though not complete.

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Question 9

Comprehension

The expression causing sweeping changes, as used in the passage, means

  1. A.improving husband-wife relationship
  2. B.cleaning up the Nigerian society
  3. C.producing far-reaching effects
  4. D.resulting in unpalatable consequences
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (producing far-reaching effects)

Explanation

Sweeping changes are wide, far-reaching ones, here at home, at work and in politics.

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Question 10

Comprehension

Which of the following captures the vision of the writer on the future of Nigerian women?

  1. A.Nigerian higher institutions can produce more women doctors, lawyers and accountants than men
  2. B.It is possible for Nigerian women to attain equal status with men
  3. C.Nigerians will never accept a woman president for their country
  4. D.If the present trend is not checked, Nigerian women will take over the roles of the men
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (It is possible for Nigerian women to attain equal status with men)

Explanation

The passage shows women steadily gaining ground towards what they call gender equality. The writer notes that role reversal is the exception, so equal status, not a takeover, is the outlook.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 2006 Passage III: Rural unemployment and cottage industry
The root of the problems which bedevil rural dwellers in Nigeria can be traced to the sad fact that work opportunities are so restricted that they cannot work their way out of poverty and misery. Though a great number of Nigerians still live in the villages and small towns, work opportunities exist mainly in the big cities where development efforts are concentrated. The reason usually given for this obvious lapse is that it is easier to establish industries and to find finance and markets to keep them going in the big cities and towns than in the rural areas where productivity is low because of mass illiteracy and poverty.

As capital is the product of human work, rural dwellers who are desperate enough to overcome poverty often leave the villages in search of some kind of existence in the big cities and towns. Therefore, rural unemployment in Nigeria produces mass migration into the cities, leading to a rate of urban growth which seriously taxes the resources of even the biggest cities like Ibadan, Lagos, Abuja and Kano. From the sad experiences of these cities, it is easy to see how rural unemployment can become urban unemployment with the attendant social problems like robbery, overcrowding and the growth of shanties or slums.

Such problems cannot be wished away but will remain with us until deliberate efforts are made to bring health to economic life outside the big cities in order to check the migration of destitute rural dwellers into towns and cities that cannot absorb them.

It is necessary, therefore, that at least an important part of the development effort should bypass the big cities and be concerned with the provision of viable infrastructure in the small towns and villages. In this connection, it is necessary to emphasize that the primary need is workplaces. The task should be to bring into existence thousands or millions of new workplaces in the rural areas and small towns in order to maximize work opportunities for rural dwellers.

For this proposition to make sense, first, the work opportunities should be created in the rural areas where the majority of the people live, not where they tend to migrate for lack of opportunities. Second, the production methods employed must be relatively simple, so that the demands for high skills are minimized, not only in the production process itself but also in matters of organization, raw material supply, financing, marketing and so forth. Third, production should be mainly from local materials and for local use. Lastly, rural workplaces should be cheap enough so that they can be created in large numbers. These four requirements together meet the description of what is usually called 'cottage industry'. Millions of them are neeed for rural transformation in Nigeria and to check the dangerous process of mutual poisoning between urban and rural areas in the country.

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

  1. A.Rural work opportunities could reduce urban unemployment
  2. B.Providing work opportunities in the rural areas will lead to low productivity, illiteracy and poverty
  3. C.Urban workplaces are responsible for rural poverty and misery
  4. D.Urban workplaces absorb rural/urban migrants
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Rural work opportunities could reduce urban unemployment)

Explanation

Rural unemployment drives people to the cities and becomes urban unemployment. Creating rural jobs would check this flow.

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Question 12

Comprehension

In the first sentence of the passage, the word work, used differently, can be explained as

  1. A.employment and insure
  2. B.industrial and earn
  3. C.career and prepare
  4. D.job and struggle
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (job and struggle)

Explanation

In 'work opportunities', work means jobs; in 'work their way out of poverty', it means struggle or strive.

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Question 13

Comprehension

The writer describes the features of a 'cottage industry' as

  1. A.affordable energy sources, availability of manpower, cheap products and easy marketing of products
  2. B.availability of capital, high productivity, low capital demand and simplicity of operations
  3. C.remedying urban migration, available employment, simplicity of operations and affordable products
  4. D.rural location, simplicity, local sourcing of raw materials and affordability of products.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (rural location, simplicity, local sourcing of raw materials and affordability of products.)

Explanation

The four requirements are: located in rural areas, simple methods, local materials, and cheap enough to create in large numbers.

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Question 14

Comprehension

The expression mutual poisoning, as used in the passage, suggests that

  1. A.rural and urban areas complement each other
  2. B.migration can make urban and rural people sick
  3. C.rural people violate urban hygiene
  4. D.migration negates effective urban and rural life
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (migration negates effective urban and rural life)

Explanation

Migration drains the villages and overloads the cities, so both areas harm each other.

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Question 15

Comprehension

The expression As capital is the product of human work seems to support the argument that

  1. A.rural dwellers who move to capital cities often overcome poverty
  2. B.urban areas will continue to experience overcrowding as long as workplaces are concentrated there
  3. C.urban productivity is affected by mass migration from the rural areas
  4. D.rural people are poor because they lack work opportunities to fight back poverty.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (rural people are poor because they lack work opportunities to fight back poverty.)

Explanation

'Capital' here means wealth, and wealth comes from work. Rural people lack work opportunities, so they cannot build wealth and stay poor, which is why they leave for the cities.

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Question 16

Cloze Passage
JAMB 2006 Passage IV: English spelling (cloze, gaps 16–25)
One of the most difficult and confusing aspects of the English language is its spelling system. There is often .....16..... between the pronunciation of a word and its spelling. One cannot always tell how to spell a word .....17..... its pronunciation.

In order to understand the peculiarity of the English spelling.....18...., it is good to know something about the history of the language. First, it is helpful to realize that English was originally spoken by people who could neither read nor write. While the .....19.... people spoke English, the literate upper classes spoke French and wrote in Latin. Later, when English became a .....20.... language, there was no system for spelling its words. Moreover, the first writers of English were French speaking .....21... who knew English only slightly: therefore, they carried many French spelling ....22.... into English. In addition, these first writers of English, who were used to writing in Latin, often .....23.... letters into words even when they were not pronounced because the ....24... word in Latin was spelled that way. Finally, the confusion increased when the ....25... of certain words changed while the spelling remained the same.

Passage IV, gap 16: There is often ________ (16) between the pronunciation of a word and its spelling.

  1. A.a discrepancy
  2. B.discord
  3. C.a similarity
  4. D.concord
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (a discrepancy)

Explanation

A discrepancy is a difference or mismatch, which is the point the passage makes about English spelling.

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Question 17

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 17: One cannot always tell how to spell a word ________ (17) its pronunciation.

  1. A.throughout
  2. B.by
  3. C.as to
  4. D.as from
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (by)

Explanation

We judge spelling 'by' (from) the pronunciation.

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Question 18

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 18: In order to understand the peculiarity of the English spelling ________ (18), it is good to know something about the history of the language.

  1. A.difficulty
  2. B.confusion
  3. C.system
  4. D.code
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (system)

Explanation

The passage is about the English spelling system.

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Question 19

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 19: While the ________ (19) people spoke English, the literate upper classes spoke French and wrote in Latin.

  1. A.middle-class
  2. B.educated
  3. C.less enlightened
  4. D.uneducated
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (uneducated)

Explanation

It contrasts the people who could not read or write with the literate upper classes, so 'uneducated' fits.

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Question 20

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 20: Later, when English became a ________ (20) language, there was no system for spelling its words.

  1. A.literary
  2. B.romantic
  3. C.written
  4. D.coded
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (written)

Explanation

English had only been spoken; when it began to be written, a spelling system was needed.

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Question 21

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 21: Moreover, the first writers of English were French speaking ________ (21) who knew English only slightly…

  1. A.newscasters
  2. B.scribes
  3. C.orators
  4. D.interpreters
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (scribes)

Explanation

Scribes were the people who wrote documents by hand, and the sentence is about the first writers of English.

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Question 22

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 22: …therefore, they carried many French spelling ________ (22) into English.

  1. A.habits
  2. B.attitudes
  3. C.idiosyncrasies
  4. D.mannerisms
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (habits)

Explanation

They brought their French ways of spelling into English; 'spelling habits' is the natural phrase.

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Question 23

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 23: In addition, these first writers of English, who were used to writing in Latin, often ________ (23) letters into words even when they were not pronounced…

  1. A.inserted
  2. B.interjected
  3. C.interpolated
  4. D.juxtaposed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (inserted)

Explanation

They put extra letters into words, that is, inserted them.

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Question 24

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 24: …even when they were not pronounced because the ________ (24) word in Latin was spelled that way.

  1. A.antecedent
  2. B.opposing
  3. C.corresponding
  4. D.synonymous
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (corresponding)

Explanation

The matching (corresponding) Latin word had those letters.

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Question 25

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 25: Finally, the confusion increased when the ________ (25) of certain words changed while the spelling remained the same.

  1. A.diction
  2. B.morphology
  3. C.orthography
  4. D.pronunciation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (pronunciation)

Explanation

The sounds of the words changed while the spelling stayed fixed, so it was the pronunciation that changed.

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Question 27

Tenses

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): ....been there to look for her several times without success.

  1. A.He'll
  2. B.He's
  3. C.Is he
  4. D.He is
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (He's)

Explanation

'He's been' is the short form of 'He has been', the present perfect.

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Question 28

Tenses

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Until he lost the election, Agbo..... to be the Student Union president.

  1. A.had been hoping
  2. B.has been hoping
  3. C.would have hoped
  4. D.has hoped
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (had been hoping)

Explanation

The hoping went on up to a past event (losing), so the past perfect continuous is needed.

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Question 29

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The old man was rushed to hospital when his blood pressure dropped to a..... level.

  1. A.dangerously lowly
  2. B.dangerous lowly
  3. C.dangerously low
  4. D.dangerous low
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (dangerously low)

Explanation

'Low' is the adjective describing level, and 'dangerously' is the adverb describing 'low'.

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Question 30

Tenses

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): If he.... for admission, I am sure he would succeed

  1. A.will apply
  2. B.applied
  3. C.had applied
  4. D.has applied
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (applied)

Explanation

A second conditional pairs the past simple in the if-clause with 'would' in the main clause.

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Question 31

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The.... robber showed no mercy during the attack.

  1. A.loquacious
  2. B.senseless
  3. C.ruthless
  4. D.benevolent
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (ruthless)

Explanation

Ruthless means without pity or mercy, which matches 'showed no mercy'.

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Question 32

Spelling

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Did you have.... when you went to visit the medical doctor?.

  1. A.diarrhoea
  2. B.diarrhae
  3. C.diarhoea
  4. D.diarhea
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (diarrhoea)

Explanation

The British spelling is diarrhoea, with double r and -hoea.

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Question 33

Tenses

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Your performance will improve if you.... hard..

  1. A.are practising
  2. B.practical
  3. C.would practice
  4. D.practise
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (practise)

Explanation

In a first conditional the if-clause takes the simple present; 'practise' is the British verb spelling.

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Question 34

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The brave hunter killed the..... in the forest.

  1. A.big spitting cobra black
  2. B.black big spitting cobra
  3. C.big black spitting cobra
  4. D.big spitting black cobra
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (big black spitting cobra)

Explanation

Adjective order is size, then colour, then purpose/type: big black spitting cobra.

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Question 35

Question Tags

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): He wrote to you,..... ?

  1. A.hadn't he
  2. B.wouldn't he
  3. C.didn't he
  4. D.hasn't he
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (didn't he)

Explanation

'Wrote' is simple past, so the negative tag uses 'didn't'.

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Question 36

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The clubs were not .... on a solid ethical base

  1. A.funded
  2. B.found
  3. C.created
  4. D.founded
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (founded)

Explanation

To found something is to establish it; the past participle is 'founded'.

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Question 37

Verb Forms

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): I watched him as he... the hole.

  1. A.dug
  2. B.digs
  3. C.is digging
  4. D.dugged
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (dug)

Explanation

The main verb 'watched' is past, so the past tense 'dug' is needed; 'dugged' is not a word.

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Question 38

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): His father hardly misses the news because he goes about with his ...radio.

  1. A.pointable
  2. B.pottable
  3. C.potable
  4. D.portable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (portable)

Explanation

A portable radio is one that can be carried about; 'potable' means safe to drink.

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Question 39

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The Investigation Commission has treated all the.... submitted to it by the warring factions.

  1. A.protests
  2. B.petitions
  3. C.applications
  4. D.enquiries
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (petitions)

Explanation

Formal written complaints submitted to a commission are petitions.

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Question 40

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Olu brought his clothes and those of his ....

  1. A.senior brother's
  2. B.elder brothers
  3. C.elder brother's
  4. D.senior brother
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (elder brothers)

Explanation

In English we say 'elder brother', not 'senior brother', and 'those of' already shows possession, so no apostrophe is needed; 'elder brothers' is the acceptable form.

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Question 41

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Our neighbour was attracted by the..... from my mother's cooking

  1. A.flavour
  2. B.stench
  3. C.scent
  4. D.aroma
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (aroma)

Explanation

Aroma is the pleasant smell of food; flavour is taste and stench is a bad smell.

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Question 42

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Everybody is allowed to... his views on state matters.

  1. A.air
  2. B.hear
  3. C.show
  4. D.share
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (air)

Explanation

To air one's views means to express them publicly.

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Question 43

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Despite all preparations, the wedding did not ....

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

Answer: D (come off)

Explanation

To 'come off' means to happen as planned. Despite the preparations, the wedding did not take place.

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Question 44

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): For beating.... his coursemate, Agbaji was.... from the university.

  1. A.up/rusticated
  2. B.on/expelled
  3. C.at/removed
  4. D.away/sent out
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (up/rusticated)

Explanation

'Beat up' means to attack someone, and 'rusticated' means suspended from a university.

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Question 45

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): We have been living peacefully here but.... hear rumours of war.

  1. A.again
  2. B.slowly
  3. C.occasionally
  4. D.eventually
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (occasionally)

Explanation

Peace is the normal state, with rumours heard now and then: occasionally.

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Question 48

Word Stress

Choose the option that has a different stress pattern from the others

  1. A.ability
  2. B.registration
  3. C.quadruplicate
  4. D.revivalist
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (registration)

Explanation

a-BI-li-ty, quad-RU-pli-cate and re-VI-val-ist are stressed on the second syllable; re-gis-TRA-tion is stressed on the third.

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Question 49

Word Stress

Choose the option that has a different stress pattern from the others

  1. A.competent
  2. B.represent
  3. C.syllabus
  4. D.quality
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (represent)

Explanation

COM-pe-tent, SYL-la-bus and QUA-li-ty are stressed on the first syllable; re-pre-SENT is stressed on the last.

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Question 50

Word Stress

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

  1. A.arrested
  2. B.telephone
  3. C.paragraph
  4. D.appetite
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (arrested)

Explanation

ap-PA-rent and ar-RES-ted are both stressed on the second syllable; the others on the first.

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Question 51

Word Stress

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

  1. A.insight
  2. B.towards
  3. C.first-class
  4. D.instant
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (towards)

Explanation

un-FAIR is stressed on the second syllable, like to-WARDS. IN-sight and IN-stant are stressed on the first.

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Question 52

Word Stress

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

  1. A.proviso
  2. B.simplicity
  3. C.jargon
  4. D.psychiatry
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (jargon)

Explanation

DOVE-tail and JAR-gon are both stressed on the first syllable.

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Question 53

Word Stress

Choose the option that has the stress on the first syllable

  1. A.insult (noun)
  2. B.prepare
  3. C.provoke
  4. D.pronounce
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (insult (noun))

Explanation

The noun IN-sult is stressed on the first syllable; pre-PARE, pro-VOKE and pro-NOUNCE on the second.

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Question 54

Word Stress

Choose the option that has the stress on the first syllable

  1. A.frequent (verb)
  2. B.mature
  3. C.madam
  4. D.convict (verb)
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (madam)

Explanation

MA-dam is stressed on the first syllable; the verbs fre-QUENT and con-VICT and ma-TURE are stressed on the second.

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Question 55

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: In our college, the regulations concerning results are a grey area

  1. A.The regulations have just been revised
  2. B.The regulations have often been ignored
  3. C.The regulations are perfectly clear
  4. D.The regulations are not very clear.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (The regulations are not very clear.)

Explanation

A grey area is something unclear, not clearly defined.

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Question 56

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Ogiri takes after his father, he fawns upon anyone with influence.

  1. A.Like his father, Ogiri likes to flatter people with influence in society
  2. B.Like his father, Ogiri hates influential people
  3. C.Ogiri, who always follows his father, tries to act like an influential man
  4. D.Ogiri, who looks like his father, follows rich and influential people about
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Like his father, Ogiri likes to flatter people with influence in society)

Explanation

To take after someone is to behave like them, and to fawn upon someone is to flatter them.

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Question 57

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: You are to write a report and give it to the security office

  1. A.After writing your report, give it to the security office
  2. B.You are writing a report, as the security office directed
  3. C.The report you are writing should be given to the security office
  4. D.You have been ordered to write a report, which you will give to the security office
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (You have been ordered to write a report, which you will give to the security office)

Explanation

'You are to' expresses an instruction or order, so you have been told to write the report and hand it in.

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Question 58

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: After the war, the victors became increasingly vindictive

  1. A.Vengeful attacks were incessantly carried out on those who lost the war
  2. B.Friendly measures were taken to heal the wounds
  3. C.Repressive measures were taken against those who lost the war
  4. D.Those who won the war became treacherous
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Vengeful attacks were incessantly carried out on those who lost the war)

Explanation

Vindictive means wanting revenge, so the winners kept attacking the losers in revenge.

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Question 59

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The prefect reeled off the names of all the students who broke the library law.

  1. A.The prefect gave a disjointed list of the students in the law library.
  2. B.The prefect omitted the names of the students who broke into the law library
  3. C.The prefect submitted a complete list of the students who stole library books
  4. D.The prefect gave an accurate list of the students who disobeyed library regulations.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (The prefect gave an accurate list of the students who disobeyed library regulations.)

Explanation

To reel off names is to list them quickly and without mistakes. The students had broken the library rules, which D states; nothing says they stole books.

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Question 60

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: I owe you far less than you owe me

  1. A.My debt to you is greater than yours to me
  2. B.Your debt is not much greater than mine
  3. C.What we owe each other is approximately the same
  4. D.I owe you something, but you owe me much more
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (I owe you something, but you owe me much more)

Explanation

My debt to you is small compared with yours to me.

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Question 61

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The dispute over land acquisition has now come to a head

  1. A.The problem has reached crisis proportions
  2. B.The problem has now been referred to the headquarters
  3. C.Because of the dispute, land acquisition has now been halted
  4. D.The problem has now been solved
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (The problem has reached crisis proportions)

Explanation

When a problem comes to a head it reaches a critical point where something must be done.

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Question 62

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: He had hardly spoken when the bell rang

  1. A.He found it difficult to speak, and then the bell rang
  2. B.When the bell rang, he was still speaking
  3. C.The bell rang very soon after he spoke
  4. D.He spoke in a harsh manner and the bell rang
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (The bell rang very soon after he spoke)

Explanation

'Hardly … when' shows that one thing happened immediately after another. He had only just spoken when the bell rang, so the bell rang very soon after he spoke.

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Question 63

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: I think she takes her guardian's support for granted

  1. A.Her guardian has been helping her for a long time, and she is very grateful to him.
  2. B.She wants her guardian to grant her more support.
  3. C.She thinks her guardian will no longer support her as he has been doing.
  4. D.Her guardian has been helping her for a long time, but she does not show enough gratitude.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Her guardian has been helping her for a long time, but she does not show enough gratitude.)

Explanation

To take something for granted is to stop appreciating it because it is always there.

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Question 64

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The class has fallen in with the teacher's plans

  1. A.The class has ignored the plans
  2. B.The class has rejected the plans
  3. C.The class has accepted the plans
  4. D.The class has modified the plans
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (The class has accepted the plans)

Explanation

To fall in with a plan is to agree to it.

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Question 65

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The move to expel the chairman was sanctioned by members of the party

  1. A.unleashed
  2. B.opposed
  3. C.supported
  4. D.initiated
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (supported)

Explanation

To sanction a move is to approve or support it.

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Question 66

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Because Jamiu is so easily offended, he was not considered for the post of headboy

  1. A.irritable
  2. B.stubborn
  3. C.troublesome
  4. D.docile
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (irritable)

Explanation

A person who is easily offended gets annoyed quickly, which is what irritable means.

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Question 67

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The witness provided a monstrous account of the event

  1. A.supportive
  2. B.tragic
  3. C.shocking
  4. D.verbatim
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (shocking)

Explanation

A monstrous account is outrageous and shocking.

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Question 69

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The commander said that the battle would be sustained, total and relentless

  1. A.continuous
  2. B.brutal
  3. C.fierce
  4. D.innocuous
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (fierce)

Explanation

A relentless battle is fought fiercely and without letting up.

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Question 70

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The government has announced its preparedness for the scheme

  1. A.determination
  2. B.regret
  3. C.pleasure
  4. D.readiness
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (readiness)

Explanation

Preparedness means being ready.

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Question 71

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The chairman advised the participants to follow convention in stating their points.

  1. A.eloquence
  2. B.advice
  3. C.prudence
  4. D.tradition
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (tradition)

Explanation

Convention is the accepted, traditional way of doing things.

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Question 72

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: His discovery of the vaccine became a quantum leap in the search for a scientific cure for the illness

  1. A.victorious battle
  2. B.slow but steady step
  3. C.great improvement
  4. D.fast but sure step
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (great improvement)

Explanation

A quantum leap is a sudden, very large advance.

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Question 73

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: After the meeting, I read a leer on his face as he looked at the woman.

  1. A.satisfying meaning
  2. B.bad look
  3. C.pleasant disposition
  4. D.poor smile
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (bad look)

Explanation

A leer is an unpleasant, sly look, often showing bad intentions.

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Question 74

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: His loss suddenly became redeemable

  1. A.incurable
  2. B.exclusive
  3. C.recoverable
  4. D.repulsive
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (recoverable)

Explanation

Redeemable means able to be won back or recovered.

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Question 75

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The plan has gone awry

  1. A.wide
  2. B.wrong
  3. C.well
  4. D.wild
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (wrong)

Explanation

When a plan goes awry, it goes wrong.

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Question 76

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The judge emphasized his morbid desires in his judgement.

  1. A.inordinate
  2. B.uncritical
  3. C.ravenous
  4. D.unpleasant
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (unpleasant)

Explanation

Morbid means having an unhealthy interest in unpleasant things such as death.

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Question 77

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The recommended novel has a convoluted theme

  1. A.a simple
  2. B.an attractive
  3. C.a disgusting
  4. D.a complicated
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (a complicated)

Explanation

Convoluted means very complicated and hard to follow.

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Question 78

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The party men revelled all night when the election results were announced

  1. A.celebrated
  2. B.mourned
  3. C.fought
  4. D.discussed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (celebrated)

Explanation

To revel is to celebrate noisily.

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Question 79

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: He is a prolific writer

  1. A.a very productive
  2. B.a well-known
  3. C.a clever
  4. D.an influential
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (a very productive)

Explanation

A prolific writer produces a lot of work.

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Question 80

Vowels

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

  1. A.hut
  2. B.girl
  3. C.hate
  4. D.hot
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (girl)

Explanation

'Hurt' has the long vowel /ɜː/, as in 'girl'.

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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: cock

  1. A.cop
  2. B.cope
  3. C.cork
  4. D.cup
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (cop)

Explanation

'Cock' has the short vowel /ɒ/, as in 'cop'.

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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: says

  1. A.fierce
  2. B.dam
  3. C.wet
  4. D.rain
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (wet)

Explanation

'Says' is pronounced /sez/, with the short /e/ of 'wet', not the /eɪ/ of 'rain'.

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Question 83

Consonants

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

  1. A.unique
  2. B.charade
  3. C.arch
  4. D.church
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (unique)

Explanation

The 'ch' in 'character' is /k/, like the 'que' in 'unique'.

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Question 84

Consonants

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

  1. A.shapes
  2. B.shoes
  3. C.rapes
  4. D.rakes
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (shoes)

Explanation

The final 's' in 'bushes' is /z/, as in 'shoes'; the others end in /s/.

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Question 85

Consonants

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

  1. A.gear
  2. B.sure
  3. C.pressure
  4. D.measure
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (measure)

Explanation

The 'ge' in 'garage' is /ʒ/, the sound of 's' in 'measure'.

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Question 86

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The usually hostile crowd was captivated by the player's winsome attitude

  1. A.obnoxious
  2. B.friendly
  3. C.colourful
  4. D.drunken
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (obnoxious)

Explanation

Winsome means charming and attractive; obnoxious means very unpleasant.

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Question 87

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The reporter made a masterly analysis of the situation

  1. A.an unskilful
  2. B.a mistaken
  3. C.an indepth
  4. D.a proper
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (an unskilful)

Explanation

Masterly means showing great skill, so the opposite is unskilful.

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Question 88

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: He has no reason to have his heart in his mouth

  1. A.think negatively
  2. B.feel guilty
  3. C.be afraid
  4. D.be confident
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (be confident)

Explanation

Having your heart in your mouth means being very frightened; the opposite is being confident.

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Question 89

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: That little boy has become quite chubby

  1. A.thin
  2. B.intelligent
  3. C.huge
  4. D.tall
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (thin)

Explanation

Chubby means plump, so the opposite is thin.

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Question 90

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Akpan was able to douse the flames with the new piece of equipment

  1. A.reduce
  2. B.extinguish
  3. C.ignite
  4. D.reinforce
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (ignite)

Explanation

To douse flames is to put them out; to ignite is to set them alight.

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Question 91

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: He gave himself up by his plebeian tastes

  1. A.robust
  2. B.voracious
  3. C.patrician
  4. D.laughable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (patrician)

Explanation

Plebeian means belonging to the common people; patrician means aristocratic, the opposite.

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Question 92

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: No sooner had he arrived than it started to rain

  1. A.Long before
  2. B.Seldom
  3. C.Simultaneously
  4. D.Just before
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Long before)

Explanation

'No sooner had … than' means immediately after; the contrasting idea is 'long before'.

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Question 93

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The action was premeditated

  1. A.unnecessary
  2. B.catastrophic
  3. C.unplanned
  4. D.uncoordinated
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (unplanned)

Explanation

Premeditated means planned in advance, so the opposite is unplanned.

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Question 94

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: A tentative solution was provided

  1. A.A convincing
  2. B.A provisional
  3. C.An amicable
  4. D.A definite
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (A definite)

Explanation

Tentative means not yet final; the opposite is definite.

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Question 95

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The chief said he would use the power inherent in his office to stop the celebration

  1. A.unrelated to
  2. B.common to
  3. C.allotted to
  4. D.impervious to
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (unrelated to)

Explanation

Power inherent in an office is part of it by nature; the opposite is unrelated to it.

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Question 96

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: In our last play, Segun acted the hero

  1. A.villain
  2. B.devil
  3. C.criminal
  4. D.assassin
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (villain)

Explanation

In a play, the opposite of the hero is the villain.

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Question 97

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The police found a conclusive proof of the boy's guilt

  1. A.a corroborative
  2. B.a doubtful
  3. C.a consolatory
  4. D.an incriminating
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (a doubtful)

Explanation

Conclusive proof removes all doubt; the opposite is doubtful proof.

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Question 98

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The point you have made is quite apt

  1. A.illogical
  2. B.helpful
  3. C.irrelevant
  4. D.insensitive
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (irrelevant)

Explanation

An apt point is relevant and suitable; the opposite is irrelevant.

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Question 99

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The man drew a sword as people congregated round him

  1. A.praised
  2. B.gathered round
  3. C.mobbed
  4. D.fled from
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (fled from)

Explanation

To congregate round someone is to gather near them; the opposite is to flee from them.

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Question 100

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The notice reads, 'No cash transactions in this hall'

  1. A.money
  2. B.gainful
  3. C.business
  4. D.cheque
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (cheque)

Explanation

Payment by cheque is the alternative to payment in cash.

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