Question 23
Cloze PassageJAMB 2007 Passage IV: The Ofala festival (cloze)
Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king's own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ...16... eyes on him for a long time.
The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ...17... in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ...18... repeatedly. Rich ...19... from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun, ...20... in white-bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the ...21... dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ...22... and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his people begin to ...23.... 'Igweee! You will live long ...24...,' they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe ...25... their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk. Exhausted, the Igwe rises. 'Igweeee,' the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.
The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ...17... in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ...18... repeatedly. Rich ...19... from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun, ...20... in white-bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the ...21... dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ...22... and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his people begin to ...23.... 'Igweee! You will live long ...24...,' they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe ...25... their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk. Exhausted, the Igwe rises. 'Igweeee,' the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.
Passage IV, gap 23: Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his people begin to ________ (23).
- A.pay their respects
- B.spray him with gifts
- C.observe his steps
- D.pay their tolls
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A (pay their respects)
Explanation
The people then bow and greet him, which is paying their respects.