JAMB Use of English 2008 past questions and answers

Which type of this paper are you answering?

1. A.Type A
2. B.Type B
3. C.Type E
4. D.Type K.

The popularity of the leaves of fluted pumpkin is due to the fact that they are

1. A.locally grown vegetables
2. B.believed to increase the blood level
3. C.inexpensive and readily available
4. D.known in many parts of the country.

The chief quality of the seed of fluted pumpkin is that it

1. A.brings income to vegetable growers
2. B.is cream-coloured
3. C.is a source of many minerals the body needs
4. D.has a chewy structure.

The sentence That is the much that many consumers know of this vegetable means that the consumers

1. A.know too much
2. B.do not know too much
3. C.do not know much
4. D.know everything.

The expression the addition of pumpkin seeds to diet compares favourably with conventional drugs in reducing inflammatory symptoms implies that they

1. A.are as good as conventional drugs
2. B.are better than conventional drugs
3. C.are more favoured than conventional drugs
4. D.taste better than conventional drugs.

By comparing the country's judicial system to eternity, the writer means that the system is

1. A.eternal
2. B.continuous
3. C.slow
4. D.strange.

Judicial reforms need to be effected because the country

1. A.has become a democracy
2. B.wants foreign investors
3. C.has a new Prime Minister
4. D.has a new Chief Justice.

One effect of complicated laws is that they delay the

1. A.execution of contract
2. B.construction of roads
3. C.payment of contractors
4. D.growth of the construction industry.

One major reason for the delays in the country's legal system is that

1. A.there are not enough judges
2. B.judges continue to resist change
3. C.foreigners are unwilling to invest
4. D.the country does not have a competitive economy.

We can infer that the neighbouring country has more foreign investments because it

1. A.is a bigger country
2. B.is more conveniently located
3. C.has a better balance of payments
4. D.has a more efficient judiciary.

The statement I had been present myself in such meetings a number of times implies the writer's

1. A.position
2. B.identification
3. C.generalization
4. D.presentation.

Which of the following explains the writer's conception of life as being open-ended?

1. A.Life is the work of the Creator
2. B.The human life is the beginning of all creation
3. C.No one witnessed when his life began on earth
4. D.Life is full of stories that man has to tell to others.

The expression 'The rich also cry,' as used in the passage, may be described as

1. A.figurative
2. B.proverbial
3. C.provocative
4. D.illustrative.

According to the passage, dietician's prayer is one that

1. A.brings succour to the poor man
2. B.the poor will not believe in
3. C.says any poor person can be lazy
4. D.appeals to the poor.

It can be inferred from the passage that the writer

1. A.needs to express himself more in idioms
2. B.eagerly discusses terminally ill and insane people
3. C.does not have any regard for terminally ill people
4. D.would rather not discuss a group of people.

Passage IV, gap 16: But if she is afraid when the child has a serious illness, we call her reaction ________ (16).

1. A.hysteria
2. B.xenophobia
3. C.fear
4. D.foolish

Passage IV, gap 17: If someone is afraid whenever he stands on a height or when he has to discuss ________ (17) he knows well, we call his reaction ...

1. A.a workshop
2. B.a seminar
3. C.a topic
4. D.an exercise

Passage IV, gap 18: If someone is afraid whenever he stands on a height or when he has to discuss a topic he knows well, we call his reaction ________ (18).

1. A.incompetence
2. B.anxiety
3. C.anger
4. D.immaturity

Passage IV, gap 19: If someone is afraid when he loses his way high up in the mountain during a heavy thunderstorm we would speak of ________ (19).

1. A.trepidation
2. B.ignorance
3. C.depression
4. D.apprehension

Passage IV, gap 20: ...one is a reaction that is proportionate to the danger one has to face whereas the other is ________ (20) reaction to danger...

1. A.an unrelated
2. B.a dissimilar
3. C.an unequal
4. D.an unparalleled

Passage IV, gap 21: ...or even a reaction to ________ (21) danger.

1. A.imaginary
2. B.unrealistic
3. C.ominous
4. D.unusual

Passage IV, gap 22: This distinction has one ________ (22), however, which is that the decision ...

1. A.direction
2. B.flavour
3. C.flaw
4. D.meaning

Passage IV, gap 23: ...the decision ________ (23) whether the reaction is proportionate depends on the average knowledge...

1. A.as to
2. B.as from
3. C.as in
4. D.as of

Passage IV, gap 24: ...depends on the average knowledge existing in the particular ________ (24).

1. A.medium
2. B.culture
3. C.feature
4. D.institution

Passage IV, gap 25: But, even if that knowledge proclaims a certain attitude to be unfounded, a neurotic will find no difficulty in giving his action a ________ (25) foundation.

1. A.rational
2. B.reactional
3. C.proactive
4. D.radical

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: He needn't have bought that new table.

1. A.It isn't possible that he bought the table
2. B.He bought the table, but it wasn't necessary
3. C.He didn't buy the table because it wasn't necessary.
4. D.He doesn't need to buy the table.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Thanks to that phone call, I was able to obtain the visa.

1. A.In spite of that phone call, I obtained the visa
2. B.It was because of that phone call that I obtained the visa
3. C.I am grateful to whoever phoned me, and I obtained the visa
4. D.If I had not received that phone call, I would not have obtained the visa.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: It is likely that the governor will exact his pound of flesh.

1. A.He will probably demand a hefty bribe
2. B.He will probably engineer the assassination of his opponents
3. C.He will probably impose crushing new taxes.
4. D.He will probably demand for and get all that is due to him.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: It was too cold for him to go out.

1. A.He had a bad cold, and did not go out.
2. B.Although it was very cold, he still went out
3. C.As it was very cold, he did not go out
4. D.He was afraid to go out that day.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Ado and Abu are always together these days. They must be up to something.

1. A.They must have reconciled after their quarrel
2. B.They are probably planning something bad
3. C.They are capable of a praiseworthy achievement
4. D.They bear some responsibility for what has happened.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: He wants the meeting to be adjourned.

1. A.He wants the meeting closed
2. B.He wants the meeting cancelled
3. C.He wants the meeting to continue till another day
4. D.He wants the meeting to commence another day without delay.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: My father is one of the vociferous few challenging the company's appointment of the manager.

1. A.My father is the one who shouts with a loud voice against the appointment of the manager
2. B.My father and others speak on behalf of the company against the appointment of the manager
3. C.My father is one of those objecting to the appointment of the manager
4. D.My father is agitated by the appointment of the manager.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: In those days in this school, everyone who spoke in a language other than English paid a fine of ten naira

1. A.Everyone of us paid a fine of ten naira because we did not always speak in English
2. B.Everyone would pay a fine of ten naira for wanting to use a language other than English
3. C.Those who spoke a language other than English on the premises paid a fine of ten naira
4. D.Those who intended to speak other languages on the school premises were required to pay ten naira.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The officer has discussed the vexed issue of incessant power failure

1. A.In anger, the officer explained the problem of constant power failure
2. B.The officer added his voice to the much discussed problem of power cut
3. C.The officer's explanations angered those who have suffered the effects of frequent power failure
4. D.The officer told the people not to be angered by the frequent power cut.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The weather condition now prevailing in the town is unbearable

1. A.widespread
2. B.dominant
3. C.uncommon
4. D.uncontrollable.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The lady was completely nonplussed when her suitor rejected her gifts

1. A.unpuzzled
2. B.surprised
3. C.unconscious
4. D.disappointed.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: As a public officer, he should act with scrupulous honesty at all times

1. A.impeccable
2. B.careless
3. C.transparent
4. D.uncompromising.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Men from the agency went into the market in search of unwholesome food items

1. A.imported
2. B.healthy
3. C.banned
4. D.uncooked.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The condition of the hostels has become deplorable

1. A.admirable
2. B.regrettable
3. C.bearable
4. D.malignant.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The plan to merge the two local government areas has met with much apathy.

1. A.hospitality
2. B.criticism
3. C.consideration
4. D.enthusiasm.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: 'There is now a dearth of talent in the industry,' she said.

1. A.a lack
2. B.an abundance
3. C.a rebirth
4. D.a shortage

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The students vandalized their hostel during the riot.

1. A.deserted
2. B.repaired
3. C.protected
4. D.decorated.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: His kind-hearted master bought him a motorcycle

1. A.stingy
2. B.generous
3. C.shrewd
4. D.angry.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Mutual love is what Kabi and Musa have in common and nothing else.

1. A.insincere
2. B.unhappy
3. C.one-sided
4. D.disrespectful.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Always strive to get what is legitimate.

1. A.illicit
2. B.legal
3. C.good
4. D.impure.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Some aspects of their culture are out of date.

1. A.genuine
2. B.pragmatic
3. C.fashionable
4. D.fake.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: On the first day of her examination, Amina felt very confident.

1. A.excited
2. B.dull
3. C.beefed up
4. D.strung up.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The speaker was rather bold in his presentation of the case

1. A.unfair
2. B.reserved
3. C.ashamed
4. D.formal.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The doctor tried to soothe the patient before the operation

1. A.examine
2. B.treat
3. C.calm
4. D.induce.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The charge brought against my brother was hardly tenable

1. A.sensible
2. B.defensible
3. C.meaningful
4. D.flimsy.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The man described his son as a wilful character

1. A.wicked
2. B.obstinate
3. C.wild
4. D.tricky.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Our teacher described Agbo's story as a phantom

1. A.scary
2. B.realistic
3. C.fanciful
4. D.interesting.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: I find the way she approaches her customers quite repugnant.

1. A.unpleasant
2. B.attractive
3. C.ungodly
4. D.encouraging.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Participation in the programme is optional.

1. A.unnecessary
2. B.recommended
3. C.hard to justify
4. D.a matter of choice.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Scientists have invented ways of preserving fruits much longer

1. A.coined
2. B.devised
3. C.arranged
4. D.organized.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The attempt to count the population was largely successful.

1. A.mostly
2. B.completely
3. C.hardly
4. D.totally.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The governor has approved the award of the contract

1. A.appreciated
2. B.acknowledged
3. C.vetoed
4. D.endorsed.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: I cannot stand Simon. I find his attitude offensive

1. A.unapproachable
2. B.obnoxious
3. C.wicked
4. D.unpardonable.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The man would not withdraw what he had said

1. A.take back
2. B.take out
3. C.take away
4. D.take from.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The disagreement between the two men became obvious during the meeting.

1. A.insult
2. B.confrontation
3. C.passion
4. D.insinuation.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The principal detested his recalcitrant attitude

1. A.disobedient
2. B.arrogant
3. C.voracious
4. D.vengeful.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The union officials suddenly became restive.

1. A.unruly
2. B.impatient
3. C.calm
4. D.submissive.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The popularity of the military dictator waned after the war

1. A.increased
2. B.changed
3. C.declined
4. D.skyrocketed.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The chairman addressed the ________.

1. A.one hundred university French teachers
2. B.university one hundred French teachers
3. C.French one hundred university teachers
4. D.university French one hundred teachers

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Kanuri is a language ________.

1. A.I can't speak it well
2. B.that I can't speak it well
3. C.of which I can't speak it well
4. D.I can't speak well

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Last Tuesday, Ochonu asked me ________.

1. A.had I come yesterday
2. B.did you come yesterday
3. C.whether I had come the day before
4. D.If I had come yesterday

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The young man has ________ to sober ________ after being drunk.

1. A.began/up
2. B.begun/in
3. C.begun/up
4. D.began/down

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): My mother had ________ the fire wood before it began to rain.

1. A.split
2. B.splited
3. C.splitted
4. D.splitting

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The police officer warned the ________ communities against taking the law ________ hands.

1. A.feuding/into their own
2. B.feudal/to their own
3. C.feuding/in their own
4. D.feudal/in their own

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Agbo could not travel as he had come ________ influenza.

1. A.over with
2. B.down with
3. C.in from
4. D.on to

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): When he ________ from his journey, tell him I want to see him.

1. A.returns
2. B.might have returned
3. C.returned
4. D.must have returned

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): I knocked at his door, but he ________.

1. A.has already left
2. B.left already
3. C.would already leave
4. D.had already left

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): ________ of the students turned up, so the lecture was cancelled.

1. A.Few
2. B.Little
3. C.A few
4. D.A little

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): He brought a ________ against his neighbour.

1. A.complaint
2. B.complains
3. C.complain
4. D.complaining

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The hotel lacks the ________ for accommodating so many guests.

1. A.ability
2. B.capability
3. C.capacity
4. D.competence

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): If you are not careful, you would ________ your money.

1. A.loss
2. B.lose
3. C.loose
4. D.lost

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): You must practise in order to ________ perfection.

1. A.obtain
2. B.have
3. C.get
4. D.achieve

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The condition of the room was so ________, so I went outside.

1. A.intolerant
2. B.intolerable
3. C.inconstant
4. D.invariable

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): You don't like Mathematics, ________ you?

1. A.do
2. B.don't
3. C.can't
4. D.can

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): They have had their debt written ________ by their creditors.

1. A.down
2. B.on
3. C.up
4. D.off

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): By the end of this month, ________ for three years in this school.

1. A.I will study
2. B.I will have been studying
3. C.I am studying
4. D.I had been studying

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): He ________ the picture on the table.

1. A.laid
2. B.lay
3. C.lied
4. D.lain

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

1. A.cold
2. B.could
3. C.court
4. D.you.

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

1. A.shut
2. B.shade
3. C.surf
4. D.shed.

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

1. A.fete
2. B.says
3. C.plait
4. D.breakfast.

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

1. A.clothing
2. B.mother
3. C.then
4. D.method.

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

1. A.chart
2. B.church
3. C.champagne
4. D.chemical.

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

1. A.measure
2. B.general
3. C.pressure
4. D.grace.

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

1. A.distress
2. B.control
3. C.bottom
4. D.report.

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

1. A.release
2. B.exit
3. C.exchange
4. D.explode.

Choose the option that has the stress on the first syllable.

1. A.bachelor
2. B.forget
3. C.cement
4. D.ago.

Choose the option that has the stress on the first syllable.

1. A.librarian
2. B.immunize
3. C.militia
4. D.continuous.

Choose the option that has the stress on the first syllable.

1. A.July
2. B.literature
3. C.august
4. D.oesophagus.

Choose the appropriate stress pattern from the options. The syllables are written in capital letters: melodramatic

1. A.MElodramatic
2. B.meLOdramatic
3. C.meloDRAmatic
4. D.melodraMAtic.