JAMB Use of English 2011 past questions and answers

Which Question Paper Type of Use of English is given to ?

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

According to the passage, balance must be enthroned because it is

1. A.a critical interdependent function
2. B.an amazing help for conscience
3. C.a critical part of fidelity
4. D.a serious way of ensuring success.

The word inclinations, as used in the passage, means

1. A.creeds
2. B.tendencies
3. C.inhibitions
4. D.power.

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

1. A.Greatness in life emerges when square pegs are put in round holes.
2. B.People do certain things in life because they know the repercussion.
3. C.People agree on all issues and behave the same way for the same reason.
4. D.Understanding life at different levels gives no account of visible acquisition.

From the passage, it can be inferred that

1. A.people insincerely discuss facts that govern their behaviour
2. B.all managerial decisions are based on assumptions
3. C.people make conscious efforts to acquire hidden knowledge
4. D.all things in life exist on some beliefs.

Which of the following represents the writer's view in the passage?

1. A.Evil thoughts may come but there is virtue in keeping them out.
2. B.Evil thoughts will continue to stings us likes vipers as long as there are enemies who cause offence.
3. C.Like the pendulum, evil thoughts will always come to our minds no matter what we do.
4. D.Like most birds, evil thoughts fly swiftly in our minds without perching.

Which of the following statements represents the view expressed by the writer in the first paragraph?

1. A.Evil thoughts will eventually ruin the evil man.
2. B.If we do not stop the pendulum of thoughts from swinging, our thoughts will soon become our enemies.
3. C.Too many evil thoughts leave fatal consequences.
4. D.It is possible to decide what controls our thoughts.

From the argument in the second paragraph, it can be concluded that evil thoughts control the lives of people who

1. A.are helpless because they fly out of their minds
2. B.cherist idle and slothful ways
3. C.are thieves with evil instincts
4. D.treasure and ruminate on them.

The expression Think of the devil and he will appear..., as used in the passage, suggest that

1. A.like the devil evil thoughts must not reign in our hearts
2. B.evil thoughts are fantasies which exist only in people's minds
3. C.uncontrolled evil thoughts may lead to evil deeds
4. D.the devil gives evil thoughts only to those who invite him in.

Which of the following statements summarizes the argument of the last paragraph?

1. A.Heavy traffic on a miry and dirty road may lead to evil thoughts.
2. B.The more evil we think, the more vile we are likely to become.
3. C.Evil people should not be welcomed as guests in our homes the same way as we welcome good people.
4. D.Evil thoughts control the key to the human heart and no one can keep them out.

The writer's posture, as conveyed in the statement Electricity from living cells is no new idea, can be described as

1. A.ineffectual
2. B.contentious
3. C.logical
4. D.unguarded

Which of the following is true according to the passage?

1. A.Scientists felt that biocells would produce very costly energy.
2. B.Bicells, at the beginning, derived their energy from sugar
3. C.Sugar and fuel were initially used as sources of energy for biocells.
4. D.Biocells were forms of power used by the scientists.

The inventors of biocell justified the need for it by saying that it would

1. A.develop ways for changing biocells into fuel for use
2. B.yield a source of energy without much spending
3. C.produce electricity for all types of machines
4. D.produce signals to guid all ships and other vessels

According to the passage, electricity was first discovered in

1. A.hearts and brains
2. B.muscles of animals
3. C.lighting
4. D.fish

Passage IV, gap 16: We live in an era of amazing ________ (16) change spawned by advancing teachnology and industrialization.

1. A.well-defined
2. B.fast-paced
3. C.favourable
4. D.social

Passage IV, gap 17: However, man's ________ (17) promoting and defending change in a deliberate effort to establish ...18... that stimulate advancement ...

1. A.knowledge of
2. B.attitude to
3. C.commitment to
4. D.opinion of

Passage IV, gap 18: However, man's commitment to promoting and defending change in a deliberate effort to establish ________ (18) that stimulate advancement for man's concern is proving unfavourable to the climate ...

1. A.customs
2. B.companies
3. C.trade-zones
4. D.variations

Passage IV, gap 19: ...is proving unfavourable to the climate with threatening ________ (19).

1. A.repercussions
2. B.clouds
3. C.pressure
4. D.implication

Passage IV, gap 20: As a matter of fact, climate change is now ________ (20) global issue.

1. A.an acceptable
2. B.a foremost
3. C.the only
4. D.the last

Passage IV, gap 21: It is a major test of Africa's ________ (21)!

1. A.popularity
2. B.energy
3. C.ingenuity
4. D.incapability

Passage IV, gap 22: ...human actions are changing the earth's climate and creating makor disturbances in human ________ (22) and ecosystems.

1. A.geography
2. B.societies
3. C.systems
4. D.life

Passage IV, gap 23: The rising global ________ (23) for energy and the adverse changes in the climate put the earth and its inhabitants in a catch-22 situation.

1. A.command
2. B.demand
3. C.warming
4. D.supply

Passage IV, gap 24: Again, If the effects of climate change on each were commensurate with the level of greenhouse ________ (24) in spews out, perhaps Africa would have been spared ...

1. A.structure
2. B.paints
3. C.emulsion
4. D.emissions

Passage IV, gap 25: ...appealing for the rest of the world to take responsibility for the problems of Africa, a strategy that cannot, thus far, termed ________ (25).

1. A.notable
2. B.liable
3. C.credible
4. D.flexible

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Since its inception in 1983, the newspaper has attracted thousands of readers.

1. A.renaissance
2. B.coming
3. C.commencement
4. D.publication

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Mrs. Asio wanted her sister to stop being so detached

1. A.friendly
2. B.careless
3. C.indifferent
4. D.passionate

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Lantana dwelt in a ruined cottage on the hillside.

1. A.sat
2. B.worked
3. C.slept
4. D.lived

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The mistake brought the show to an ignominious end.

1. A.a good
2. B.a palatable
3. C.a disgraceful
4. D.a satisfactory

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: He compliments me on my way of doing things

1. A.complements
2. B.imitates
3. C.disgusts
4. D.praises

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The girl is angry with her friend who had ensnared her into this relationship

1. A.tricked
2. B.encouraged
3. C.forced
4. D.enslaved

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Their new house was roofed with corrugated sheets.

1. A.folded
2. B.iron
3. C.aluminium
4. D.corrupted

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The stockbroker said it was an astute move to sell the shares then.

1. A.a bad
2. B.a shrewd
3. C.an unprofitable
4. D.an insincere

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The principal described Oche as the most tactful person he had ever worked with

1. A.passionate
2. B.discreet
3. C.hard-working
4. D.innovative

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The old woman is suffering from dementia

1. A.lucidity
2. B.senility
3. C.insanity
4. D.sagacity

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Some drugs have a deleterious effect on a child's development

1. A.debilitating
2. B.helpful
3. C.harmful
4. D.healing

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Fila has always been described as belligerent

1. A.beautiful
2. B.attractive
3. C.combative
4. D.innocent

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Laraba saw a forlorn little figure sitting outside the class

1. A.wise and intelligent
2. B.lonely and unhappy
3. C.smart and healthy
4. D.short and ugly

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The circular supersedes all previous correspondence on the matter

1. A.supports
2. B.displaces
3. C.elimitates
4. D.circumvents

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Her problem was exacerbated by the loss of her father

1. A.exaggerated
2. B.solved
3. C.aggavated
4. D.infuriated

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The secretary said that the postponement of the meeting was due to unforeseen circumstances.

1. A.The date of the meeting was shifted as a result of unexpected reasons.
2. B.The meeting's date was ut off for strange reasons.
3. C.The meeting was called as a result of obstacles hitherto unkown.
4. D.the meeting broke off as a result of unusual difficulties.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The hunter has a bird's eye view of the animals.

1. A.He vies animals from a high position.
2. B.He views the bird's eye.
3. C.He views the birds on tree with one eye.
4. D.He watches animals and birds closely.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Even though Susan was the last in the examination, her result wasn't too different from what had been expected.

1. A.Her result was poor.
2. B.Her result was a disappointment
3. C.Her result was as expected
4. D.She had not been serious with her studies

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Mrs. Adasu does all her work with more haste, less speed.

1. A.She accepts whatever she does with more haste and speed
2. B.She approaches whatever she does hurriedly.
3. C.She addresses everything she does very quickly to avoid mistakes.
4. D.She does everything carefully to avoid mistakes.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: She stopped her education as her uncle left her in the lurch.

1. A.Her uncle deceived her.
2. B.Her uncle disinherited her.
3. C.Her uncle refused to help her.
4. D.Her uncle disrespected her.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The plan to upgrade the dispensary to a general hospital did not materialize.

1. A.The plan did not meet the required specifications.
2. B.The arrangement did not work out as wished.
3. C.It was difficult to obtain the materials.
4. D.The materials purchased were not the right ones.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Okon's company took a hit last year.

1. A.His company improved last year.
2. B.His company made a huge success last year.
3. C.His company was badly damaged last year.
4. D.His company was established last year.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: My eldest son, who is in Lagos, studying English.

1. A.Only my son is in Lagos studying English
2. B.My only son is in Lagos studying English
3. C.One of my sons is in Lagos studying English
4. D.My sons are in Lagos but only one is studying English.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: If I went to the village I would visit the king.

1. A.If I go to the village, I will visit the king.
2. B.I did not go to the village and I did not visit the king.
3. C.All the times I went to the village I also visited the king
4. D.I will visit the king when I go to the village.

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The warring communities were coerced into negotiating a settlement.

1. A.driven
2. B.compelled
3. C.persuaded
4. D.pressured

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: His father served as a mercenary in the army.

1. A.preacher
2. B.regular
3. C.recruit
4. D.officer

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Jummai is cruel to her husband.

1. A.harsh
2. B.brutal
3. C.passionate
4. D.ferocious

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The teacher who beat the student was treated with mercy.

1. A.disrespect
2. B.contempt
3. C.vengeance
4. D.kindness

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: His wife hates his garrulous atitude.

1. A.outspoken
2. B.unfriendly
3. C.reticent
4. D.thoughtful

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: 'Agoshito is a callow youth', said the teacher

1. A.an ignorant
2. B.an experienced
3. C.an idel
4. D.an organized

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: What you are asking me to do is a herculean task

1. A.a strenuous
2. B.a demanding
3. C.a lovely
4. D.an easy

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Nkechi was a novice when she was first employed.

1. A.manager
2. B.clerk
3. C.supervisor
4. D.professional

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: 'I do not trust him', he said, in a rare moment of candour.

1. A.reproach
2. B.dishonesty
3. C.frankness
4. D.fairness

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Mrs. Akunilo looks anaemic today

1. A.strange
2. B.sick
3. C.weak
4. D.strong

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: It is inconceivable that the son shone in the night.

1. A.credible
2. B.unthinkable
3. C.impossible
4. D.contestable

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: She only gives a superficial impression of warmth and friendliness.

1. A.a strong
2. B.a fake
3. C.deep
4. D.an unrealistic

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: As a prudent businessman, Adayi does not leave anything to chance.

1. A.frugal
2. B.shrewd
3. C.careless
4. D.unsuccessful.

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: His antipathy affected the growth of is business

1. A.hatred
2. B.neceptiveness
3. C.loyalty
4. D.hostility

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Okonkwo's lethal right foot did the magic in the football match

1. A.weak
2. B.wicked
3. C.fat
4. D.harmless

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): When his car tyre ... on the way, he did not know what to do

1. A.has burst
2. B.had burst
3. C.bursted
4. D.burst

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Lami's father ... as a gardener when he was young, but not he is a driver.

1. A.had been working
2. B.use to work
3. C.has worked
4. D.used to work

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): ... he switches on the light, the shadow disappears

1. A.Whenever
2. B.Except
3. C.Since
4. D.Until

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): It is important that you clear the refuse in front of your house every...

1. A.fourtnight
2. B.fortnight
3. C.fourthninght
4. D.forthnight

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The policemen became suspicious as the hoodlums... in their office.

1. A.ferreted
2. B.ferretted
3. C.ferreted about
4. D.ferretted about

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Suara needn't come with us,...?

1. A.does she
2. B.will she
3. C.can she
4. D.need she

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Unoka... the whole house to find his missing wristwatch.

1. A.scourged
2. B.scoured
3. C.scored
4. D.scouted

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Ife asked me...

1. A.what time it was
2. B.what is it by my time
3. C.what time is it
4. D.what time it is

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): There are many ways to kill a rat, so we should be... in our approach to the task ahead of us

1. A.ecletic
2. B.eclectic
3. C.eclcktic
4. D.eclectik

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Audu took these actions purely... his own career

1. A.on furtherance of
2. B.in furtherance of
3. C.to furtherance in
4. D.furtherance with

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Here is Mr Odumusu who teaches English ... in our school

1. A.pronuntiation
2. B.pronounciation
3. C.pronunciation
4. D.pronouniiation

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Instead of ..., she lied.

1. A.pleading
2. B.her to plead
3. C.her pleading
4. D.plead

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Of the three girls, Uka is the ...

1. A.so much notorious
2. B.notorious
3. C.naughty
4. D.naughtiest

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): I wonder how he will... being absent from school for a long time.

1. A.make in
2. B.make up
3. C.make off
4. D.make out

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Please sit on the ...

1. A.carier
2. B.career
3. C.carrier
4. D.carrear

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): I want to ... this chance to acquaint you with the latest development

1. A.size
2. B.seize
3. C.sieze
4. D.cease

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Getting a well paid job nowadays is an... task.

1. A.utmost
2. B.upbeat
3. C.uphill
4. D.upfield

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The secretary has no right to ... my affairs

1. A.spy from
2. B.meddle in
3. C.toy at
4. D.complain into

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Bola studiously avoided... the questions.

1. A.parrying
2. B.answering
3. C.projecting
4. D.destroying

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The school authority dismissed him for... but I won't tell you about it yet

1. A.certain reason
2. B.a reason
3. C.more reason
4. D.a certain reason

Choose the option that rhymes with the given word: fuel

1. A.cruel
2. B.fool
3. C.rule
4. D.field

Choose the option that rhymes with the given word: match

1. A.harsh
2. B.batch
3. C.such
4. D.watch

Choose the option that rhymes with the given word: Sheer

1. A.sheila
2. B.care
3. C.ear
4. D.sherry

Choose the appropriate stress pattern for the word (the stressed syllable is written in capital letters): termination

1. A.terminaTION
2. B.TERmination
3. C.termiNAtion
4. D.terMInation

Choose the appropriate stress pattern for the word (the stressed syllable is written in capital letters): meditative

1. A.meIDItative
2. B.mediTAtive
3. C.MEditative
4. D.meditaTIVE

Choose the appropriate stress pattern for the word (the stressed syllable is written in capital letters): suggestible

1. A.suggeSTIble
2. B.SUggestible
3. C.suGGEstible
4. D.suggestiBLE

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

1. A.guy
2. B.bull
3. C.bumper
4. D.gurgle

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

1. A.whale
2. B.white
3. C.whet
4. D.wrythe

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

1. A.gear
2. B.cedar
3. C.cheer
4. D.death

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

1. A.that
2. B.machine
3. C.church
4. D.test

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

1. A.bag
2. B.badge
3. C.reggae
4. D.leisure

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

1. A.cot
2. B.keep
3. C.nom
4. D.king

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates: Uche LOVES Toyota cars

1. A.Who loves Toyota cars?
2. B.What brand of ear does Uche love?
3. C.Does Uche hate Toyota cars?
4. D.Does Uche love bycicle?

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates: The POLICE arrested the suspect

1. A.Did the police placate the suspect?
2. B.Who arested the suspect?
3. C.Who did the police arrest?
4. D.Did the police arrest the suspect?

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates: Maiduguri is the CAPITAL of Borno State

1. A.Is Maiduguri the capital of Plateau State?
2. B.Which State is Maiduguri the capital of?
3. C.Is Maiduguri a town in Borno State?
4. D.What is the capital of Borno State?