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JAMB Use of English 2012 past questions and answers

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

Question 1

Comprehension
JAMB 2012 Passage I: Traditional religion in Nigeria
Religion in its various forms is very strong in Nigeria. In other words, Nigerian people are very religious. Most of them believe that there is an unseen supernatural world, apart from the natural world we see around us. This other world is inhabited by beings who are the source of our knowledge of good and evil. They watch and judge us, and if we offend them they may have to be appeased with prayers and sacrifices. Certain individuals in the natural world -priests, prophets and diviners - are believed to be endowed with special powers to make contact with the other world. These individuals lay down ceremonies or rituals which must be observed if due honour is to be paid to the unseen beings. The religious beliefs and practices of Nigerians can be classified under three main headings: Traditional religion, Islam and Christianity. In this passage, our focus is on traditional religion.

Traditional or indigenous religion continues to exert a strong influence on many people's minds partly because of its association with their birth places and families. Each ethnic group has its own religious traditions, and these are often linked to some sacred spots in the ethnic homeland. Yet the various traditional religions have much in common: a remote but benevolent high god; under him, a number of lesser gods who interact with mankind; and below them various spirits who inhabit natural objects (trees, streams, rocks, etc.); below them again, and closest to living men and women, the spirits of the ancestors.

In the Yoruba tradition, for example, there are more than 400 lesser deities presided over by the high god, Olorun. Because he is remote from mankind, shrines are not built to him and worship is not offered to him directly. The lesser gods, on the other hand, are the subject of special cults, each with its own priests and devotees. Eshu, the messenger of the gods; Ifa, the god of divination; Shango, the god of thunder, and so on. Traditional religion was also strong in other parts of Nigeria. In Igbo Traditional religion, there were fewer gods. Although there was a remote high god, the most important figure was Ala or Ani, the goddess of the earth. In Hausaland, traditional religion has largely gone underground owing to the influence of Islam, but belief in the existence of 'Bori' spirits and their power to possess people, especially women, is strong in some areas. Each spirit is associated with certain type of behaviour, which is manifested by the possesed individual.

Divination - the discovery of what is unknown or is yet to happen by supernatural or magical means - is an important element of traditional religion. It is often one of the functions of 'medicine-men' or herbalists. In Igboland, there also used to be several oracles which people consulted in order to seek solutions to their problems. With the coming of Christianity, their influence has however waned, but in areas like Arochukwu and Okija, the influence of such oracles is still strongly felt.

Adapted from Grant, Nnamonu and Jowitt (1997), Senior English Project: For Senior Secondary Schools Students

Which Question Paper Type of Uses of English as indicated above is given to you?

  1. A.Type Green
  2. B.Type Purple
  3. C.Type Red
  4. D.Type Yellow
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Type Red)

Explanation

The heading of this paper says 'Paper Type: Red', so this candidate's paper is Type Red.

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Question 2

Comprehension

From the passage, one can say that all the ethnic groups have

  1. A.different traditional religions with some elements of similarities
  2. B.completely different religious practices
  3. C.the same traditional religion
  4. D.the same religious manifestation with common deities
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (different traditional religions with some elements of similarities)

Explanation

Each ethnic group has its own religious traditions, 'yet the various traditional religions have much in common', such as a high god and lesser gods.

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Question 3

Comprehension

According to the first paragraph, Nigerians believe that the

  1. A.supernatural and natural worlds co-exist
  2. B.natural and supernatural worlds are antagonistic
  3. C.supernatural world controls the natural world
  4. D.supernatural world exploits the natural world
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (supernatural world controls the natural world)

Explanation

The first paragraph says beings in the unseen world 'watch and judge us' and must be appeased when offended, so the supernatural world is seen as controlling the natural one.

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Question 4

Comprehension

Traditional religion has waned in Nigeria owing to the

  1. A.influence of Islam over Bori spirits
  2. B.influence of Christianity over local oracles
  3. C.decline of interest in traditional religions
  4. D.influence of non-traditional religions
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (influence of non-traditional religions)

Explanation

The passage blames Islam in Hausaland and Christianity in Igboland; both are non-traditional religions.

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Question 5

Comprehension

Which factor is common to all traditional religions as mentioned in the passage?

  1. A.Prayer only
  2. B.Divination
  3. C.Sacrifice only
  4. D.Ritual
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Divination)

Explanation

The last paragraph calls divination 'an important element of traditional religion' in general, not of one group only.

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Question 6

Comprehension
JAMB 2012 Passage II: Nigerian authors and the reading culture
Recent literary researches reveal that Nigerians hardly have time to read. In essence, the reading culture in Nigeria is now at a low ebb. It is disturbing, however, that the few Nigerians that read concentrate more on foreign books than indigenous productions. Most Nigerian authors of novels, storybooks, fictions and non-fiction series have decried, on different occasions, their woes. They were bitter at the way most owners of bookshops and publishers treat them. It was gathered that most renowned bookshops in Nigeria hardly sell books written by indigenous authors. They preferred to stock foreign books. When contacted by DAILY INDEPENDENT, the general manager of a popular bookstore on Lagos Island declared that most of the bookshops preferred to stock foreign books because of higher demands for them. The question that bothers most Nigerian authors is, while their overseas counterparts are being rewarded with great international honours, why are Nigerians not according them such recognition in their own country?

Recently, Nigerian novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, won the 2007 Orange Prize Award, the literary world's top award for fiction in English written by women. The award carries a prize tag of $30,000. It was reported in Publishers Weekly, Half of a Yellow Sun, the book that earned her the award, was profoundly gripping. According to the reviewer, the book is a 'transcendent novel of many descriptive triumphs, most notably its diction of the impact of war brutalities on peasants and intellectuals alike. It is a searing history in fictional form, intensely evocative and immensely absorbing'. Chinua Achebe, 'Father of Modern African Literature', also won the second ever Man Booker International 'Prize of 60,000 with his first novel Things Fall Apart, published in 1958.' When Professor Wole Soyinka won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, the fame confirmed the relevance of Nigerians in the world of classical excellence. Ben Okri won the 1991 Booker Prize with his work, The Famished Road, and the world celebrated Nigeria as the giant of Africa. It was also gathered that most of the publishers hurriedly produce books and in the process marred their good contents. Most of the books are not properly edited and eventually become substandard when compared with foreign products. The extent to which book publishing standard has fallen in Nigeria is alarming. Often Nigerian publishers have been blamed for this. It is instructive that none of the books mentioned had been published in Nigeria. It was discovered that most students in tertiary institutions depend on dictations from their lecturers and/or handouts. A science lecturer in one of the Nigerian universities, who had been a victim of handout sales scandal, told DAILY INDEPENDENT the reality of campus challenges in relation to books: 'I was forced to dictate notes slowly to students who hung on my every word in the absence of textbooks in a library that had, to all intent and purpose, stopped buying new books when the local currency was devalued. But what other alternative does one have?'

Adapted from DAILY INDEPENDENT, Monday, 20 August, 2007

It can be inferred from the passage that

  1. A.Nigerians have access to foreign books only
  2. B.Nigerian undergraduates do not read textbooks
  3. C.Nigerians read foreign and indigenous books alike
  4. D.Nigerians read mostly foreign books
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Nigerians read mostly foreign books)

Explanation

The few Nigerians who read 'concentrate more on foreign books', and bookshops stock foreign books because of higher demand.

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Question 7

Comprehension

The reason for lack of indigenous books in most renowned bookshops, according to the passage, is

  1. A.Nigerians prefer reading foreign books
  2. B.foreign books attract more buyers
  3. C.indigenous books are sometimes not available
  4. D.the low quality of indigenous books
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (foreign books attract more buyers)

Explanation

The bookstore manager said the shops 'preferred to stock foreign books because of higher demands for them', meaning foreign books attract more buyers.

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Question 8

Comprehension

The expression ... that earned her the award is profoundly gripping, as used in the passage, means that the book

  1. A.is highly interesting and captures attention
  2. B.is of high quality to the writer
  3. C.attracts many indigenous and foreign readers
  4. D.is widely acknowledged by many authors
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (is highly interesting and captures attention)

Explanation

A gripping book holds the reader's attention because it is so interesting.

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Question 9

Comprehension

The university science lecturer gives his reason for issuing handouts as

  1. A.lack of teaching aids among students
  2. B.low purchasing power
  3. C.low quality of books
  4. D.lack of sufficient time
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (low purchasing power)

Explanation

He says the library stopped buying new books when the currency was devalued, so money could no longer buy books: low purchasing power.

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Question 10

Comprehension

A suitable title for this passage is

  1. A.Nigerian Literary Writers
  2. B.Nigerian Publishers and International Awards
  3. C.Poor Reading Culture in Nigeria
  4. D.Why Nigerian Lecturers Sell Handout
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Poor Reading Culture in Nigeria)

Explanation

The passage opens with Nigerians' low reading culture and goes on to the neglect of indigenous books, poor publishing and dependence on handouts, all signs of a poor reading culture.

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Question 11

Comprehension
JAMB 2012 Passage III: Learning by wisdom, not experience
It is said that experience is the best teacher, but to learn consciously through wisdom may even be a better and more convenient way. To learn by experience is to learn from mistakes. It means you have burnt your fingers and now 'your eyes are open'. This is a tough, costly and inconvenient way to learn. Rather than leaving our learning to experience, why do we not learn consciously through wisdom? We can learn by consciously going out of our way to acquire knowledge and wisdom rather than leave our learning to chance. Surely, we can learn from mistakes but why wait till when we make mistakes before we learn? We should give more premium to learning by wisdom than by experience.

This will involve one making up ones mind to be decisive in learning. We must decide to learn consciously and not necessarily from negative experiences. The first step is to realize that life is simply the outcome and outplay of decisions. Our life now is the sum total of our decisions and our future will be determined by our decisions of today. If we decide to learn today we are not likely to make mistakes and when we do not make mistakes, experience need not be our best teacher.

To avoid making experience our best teacher will take more than a decision. We must couple our decision with a complete and wholehearted devotion. We must be resolved; resolute and resilient in our bid to learn by wisdom and not necessarily by experience. This is crucial because situations and circumstances will want us to make a detour and leave our learning and life to chance. We must therefore be disciplined to remain with our resolve to make a clean break with experience as our best teacher. Discipline in this regard means learning something new everyday by wisdom rather than experience. It means consciously getting better by the day in your chosen field. Discipline will demand taking advantage of every learning opportunity that comes our way. It will mean we must pay the price for learning by wisdom - invest in books, magazines, seminars and other means by which we may become wiser.

It is much easier and cheaper to learn consciously by wisdom than to learn by experience. When we learn by experience, the deed is done and we are just picking up the pieces - learning in regret how to avoid such predicament next time. Consider the child who graps a burning coal, he has learned the hardway through the painful experience, but his fingers will remain burnt. Thus, the saying, that experience is the best teacher, may not be justifiable after all.

Adapted from Sunday Tribune, July 2007

The attitude of the writer of the passage can best be described as

  1. A.objective
  2. B.critical
  3. C.non-committal
  4. D.emotional
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (critical)

Explanation

The writer questions the saying that experience is the best teacher and argues against relying on it, which is a critical attitude.

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Question 12

Comprehension

It can be deduced from the passage that

  1. A.all experiences are best teachers
  2. B.learning through pains is better
  3. C.experience is superior to wisdom
  4. D.wise thoughts are more desirable than experience
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (wise thoughts are more desirable than experience)

Explanation

The whole passage argues that learning by wisdom is better and cheaper than learning by experience.

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Question 13

Comprehension

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

  1. A.Man must make mistakes in order to survive.
  2. B.The totality of our actions should be decided by our judgement.
  3. C.If we do not make mistakes, experience must be our teacher.
  4. D.Our future would be judged by our past mistakes.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (The totality of our actions should be decided by our judgement.)

Explanation

The writer says our life is 'the sum total of our decisions', so our actions should come from our own judgement.

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Question 14

Comprehension

According to the passage, we must be disciplined to

  1. A.make experience our best teacher in reality
  2. B.learn from our experiences in future
  3. C.choose the learning opportunity that comes our way
  4. D.decide against making experience our teacher.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (decide against making experience our teacher.)

Explanation

We must be disciplined 'to remain with our resolve to make a clean break with experience as our best teacher'.

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Question 15

Comprehension

The phrase a complete and wholehearted devotion, as used in the passage, means

  1. A.acting without doubts
  2. B.learning with tension
  3. C.learning without pains
  4. D.teaching with ease
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (acting without doubts)

Explanation

Wholehearted devotion means total commitment, acting firmly without doubts or half-measures.

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Question 16

Cloze Passage
JAMB 2012 Passage IV: Miscarriage (cloze)
The medical definition of miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before twenty-four weeks. Miscarriage is very common, occurring in ten to twenty per cent, of confirmed pregnancies. Most of these feature ...16... twelve weeks of pregnancy. The most common ...17... is vaginal bleeding, which can range from light spotting to heavier than a period. You may see blood clots, brown discharge or other tissues that are not ...18... identifiable. Sometimes a sac-like structure is seen. Often, there is cramping with pelvic or back pain. You may find that the usual symptoms of pregnancy, such as breast tenderness, feeling sick and having to pass urine more ...19... than usual stop unexpectedly. Sometimes there are no signs or symptoms of miscarriage and pregnancy symptoms continue, and the miscarriage is only ...20... in a routine scan. About half of all early miscarriages happen because of a problem in the way the genetic material from the egg and sperm have combined during ...21... . It can be difficult to find out why this has ...22..., but it is more likely to be due to random chance than to any underlying problem with either parent. Imbalances in pregnancy hormones, problems in the immune ...23..., and some serious infections are also thought to make miscarriages more likely. The risk of miscarriage ...24... with age because the quality of eggs deteriorates. If a woman drinks too much alchohol or smokes heavily, the risk of miscarriage is higher. It is also increased with ...25... pregnancies such as twins.

Adapted from Saturday Punch, 13 October, 2007.

Passage IV, gap 16: Most of these feature ________ (16) twelve weeks of pregnancy.

  1. A.in the penultimate
  2. B.in the first
  3. C.around
  4. D.for
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (in the first)

Explanation

Most miscarriages happen early, 'in the first' twelve weeks of pregnancy.

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Question 17

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 17: The most common ________ (17) is vaginal bleeding, which can range from light spotting to heavier than a period.

  1. A.type
  2. B.cause
  3. C.period
  4. D.symptom
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (symptom)

Explanation

Bleeding is a sign of miscarriage, so it is a symptom, not a cause.

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Question 18

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 18: You may see blood clots, brown discharge or other tissues that are not ________ (18) identifiable.

  1. A.clearly
  2. B.naturally
  3. C.directly
  4. D.medically
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (clearly)

Explanation

Tissue that cannot easily be recognised is 'not clearly identifiable'.

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Question 19

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 19: You may find that the usual symptoms of pregnancy, such as breast tenderness, feeling sick and having to pass urine more ________ (19) than usual stop unexpectedly.

  1. A.painfully
  2. B.frequently
  3. C.gradually
  4. D.commonly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (frequently)

Explanation

Passing urine more often than usual is described as 'more frequently'.

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Question 20

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 20: Sometimes there are no signs or symptoms of miscarriage and pregnancy symptoms continue, and the miscarriage is only ________ (20) in a routine scan.

  1. A.prevented
  2. B.managed
  3. C.discovered
  4. D.stopped
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (discovered)

Explanation

With no symptoms, the miscarriage is only found out, i.e. discovered, during a scan.

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Question 21

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 21: About half of all early miscarriages happen because of a problem in the way the genetic material from the egg and sperm have combined during ________ (21).

  1. A.pregnancy
  2. B.incubation
  3. C.mating
  4. D.fertilization
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (fertilization)

Explanation

Egg and sperm combine their genetic material at fertilization.

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Question 22

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 22: It can be difficult to find out why this has ________ (22), but it is more likely to be due to random chance than to any underlying problem with either parent.

  1. A.occurred
  2. B.enlarged
  3. C.continued
  4. D.emerged
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (occurred)

Explanation

We try to find out why the miscarriage has happened, i.e. occurred.

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Question 23

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 23: Imbalances in pregnancy hormones, problems in the immune ________ (23), and some serious infections are also thought to make miscarriages more likely.

  1. A.syndrome
  2. B.process
  3. C.response
  4. D.system
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (system)

Explanation

The body's defences are called the immune system.

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Question 24

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 24: The risk of miscarriage ________ (24) with age because the quality of eggs deteriorates.

  1. A.increases
  2. B.starts
  3. C.reduces
  4. D.appears
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (increases)

Explanation

If egg quality gets worse with age, the risk goes up: it increases.

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Question 25

Cloze Passage

Passage IV, gap 25: It is also increased with ________ (25) pregnancies such as twins.

  1. A.complicated
  2. B.advanced
  3. C.multiple
  4. D.confirmed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (multiple)

Explanation

Twins are an example of a multiple pregnancy (more than one baby).

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Question 26

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Hardworking students must not have a finger in every pie at school.

  1. A.Hardworking students must have a role to play in most activities in the school.
  2. B.Only hardworking students must participate in all activities in the school.
  3. C.Hardworking students do not participate in all activities in the school.
  4. D.Hardworking students must ask others to participate in school activities.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Hardworking students do not participate in all activities in the school.)

Explanation

To have a finger in every pie is to be involved in everything; the sentence says hardworking students should not take part in all activities.

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Question 27

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The vice chancellor is riding the crest of the last quarter of his administration.

  1. A.The vice chancellor enjoys the acknowledgement of the success of his administration.
  2. B.The vice chancellor does not enjoy the people's criticism of his administration.
  3. C.The vice chancellor hopes to overcome soon, the poor comments on his administration.
  4. D.The vice chancellor does not talk of his success in office.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (The vice chancellor enjoys the acknowledgement of the success of his administration.)

Explanation

To ride the crest (of a wave) is to enjoy a period of great success and approval.

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Question 28

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: She was absolved by the court from the charge.

  1. A.She was convicted for the charge.
  2. B.She was blamed and charged to court.
  3. C.Her case was resolved by the court.
  4. D.She was declared free from the charge.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (She was declared free from the charge.)

Explanation

To be absolved is to be declared free from guilt or blame.

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Question 29

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The landlord is fond of throwing his weight about.

  1. A.The landlord likes healthy exercise.
  2. B.The landlord is overweight.
  3. C.The landlord gives orders to people.
  4. D.The landlord is respected by his tenants.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (The landlord gives orders to people.)

Explanation

Throwing your weight about means using your power to boss people around.

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Question 30

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The company ought to have issued warrants for one billion shares.

  1. A.The company has issued one billion shares.
  2. B.The management expected the company to issue more than one billion shares.
  3. C.Members of the company bought less than one billion shares.
  4. D.The company did not issue one billion shares.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (The company did not issue one billion shares.)

Explanation

'Ought to have issued' means it should have done so but did not.

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Question 31

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: He needed not to have played in the position of quarterback in volley ball.

  1. A.He participated in the game in his unusual position.
  2. B.Nobody expected him to have participated in the game.
  3. C.He wanted to play in a position other than the one he was offered.
  4. D.Someone did not want him to play in the position that he played.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (He participated in the game in his unusual position.)

Explanation

'Needed not to have played' means he did play in that position although it was not necessary.

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Question 32

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: I wouldn't have responded to his rude talk, if I were you.

  1. A.The advice was taken by the respondent, so he did not respond to the talk
  2. B.The adviser put himself in the respondent's position, so he did not respond to the talk.
  3. C.The respondent replied to the speaker's talk, although he ought not have done so.
  4. D.What was advisable was that the respondent gave it back to the speaker.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (The respondent replied to the speaker's talk, although he ought not have done so.)

Explanation

The speaker is saying the listener did reply to the rude talk but should not have.

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Question 33

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: He could not speak out because he had a feet of clay

  1. A.His feet was muddy.
  2. B.He was weak and cowardly.
  3. C.He was clumsy and lazy.
  4. D.He was shy and timid.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (He was weak and cowardly.)

Explanation

Someone with feet of clay has a hidden weakness in their character. Here that weakness kept him from speaking out, so he was weak and cowardly.

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Question 34

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The player wasted a golden opportunity during the penalty shoot-out.

  1. A.The player first hit the bar.
  2. B.The player did not score the shot.
  3. C.The player scored the shot that made them win the gold cup.
  4. D.Instead of a silver cup, they received the golden one.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (The player did not score the shot.)

Explanation

Wasting a golden opportunity in a shoot-out means missing the penalty.

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Question 35

Sentence Interpretation

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: As far as Abu is concerned, Mero should be given fifty naira at the most.

  1. A.All Abu is saying is that Mero probably deserves more than fifty naira and not less.
  2. B.All Abu is concerned with is that Mero should be given nothing more than fifty naira
  3. C.In Abu's estimation, Mero merits not more than fifty naira.
  4. D.In Abu's opinion, Mero deserves fifty naira or probably more.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (In Abu's estimation, Mero merits not more than fifty naira.)

Explanation

'At the most' sets an upper limit: in Abu's view Mero deserves no more than fifty naira.

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Question 36

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: As an idiot, the boy is weak in class.

  1. A.a deviant
  2. B.a dunce
  3. C.an expert
  4. D.a genius
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (a genius)

Explanation

An idiot is a very foolish person; the opposite is a genius.

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Question 37

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: We were shocked by the news that he had lost the money.

  1. A.astonished
  2. B.disconcerted
  3. C.unconcerned
  4. D.surprised
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (unconcerned)

Explanation

Shocked means greatly upset; the opposite is unconcerned (not bothered).

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Question 38

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The principal was advised to be flexible on critical issues.

  1. A.livid
  2. B.cautious
  3. C.evasive
  4. D.rigid
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (rigid)

Explanation

Flexible means willing to change; rigid means unwilling to bend.

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Question 39

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Bola always looks sober.

  1. A.excited
  2. B.serious
  3. C.worried
  4. D.hapless
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (excited)

Explanation

Sober means calm and serious; the opposite is excited.

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Question 40

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Dupe was promoted for her efficiency.

  1. A.ability
  2. B.incompetence
  3. C.inconsistency
  4. D.rudeness
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (incompetence)

Explanation

Efficiency is working well; incompetence is lacking the ability to do the job.

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Question 41

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The management wants to consider her reticent behaviour in due course.

  1. A.disapproving
  2. B.disciplinarian
  3. C.contemplative
  4. D.loquacious
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (loquacious)

Explanation

Reticent means saying little; loquacious means talking a lot.

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Question 42

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Election processes often become volatile

  1. A.calm
  2. B.strange
  3. C.sudden
  4. D.latent
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (calm)

Explanation

Volatile means likely to change suddenly or become violent; the opposite is calm.

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Question 43

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Oche entered the principal's office in a rather abrasive manner.

  1. A.gentle
  2. B.rude
  3. C.lackadaisical
  4. D.indifferent
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (gentle)

Explanation

Abrasive means harsh and rough in manner; the opposite is gentle.

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Question 44

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Otokpa is a member of the ad hoc committee on stock acquisition.

  1. A.improvised
  2. B.formal
  3. C.temporary
  4. D.fact-finding
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (formal)

Explanation

An ad hoc committee is set up for one purpose only; the opposite is a formal, standing one.

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Question 45

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: His gift to the poor was always infinitesimal.

  1. A.large
  2. B.small
  3. C.supportive
  4. D.shameful
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (large)

Explanation

Infinitesimal means extremely small; the opposite is large.

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Question 46

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The economist concluded that several factors have been adduced to explain the fall in the birth rate.

  1. A.affirmed
  2. B.diffused
  3. C.mentioned
  4. D.refuted
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (refuted)

Explanation

To adduce is to put forward as evidence; to refute is to reject or disprove.

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Question 47

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The presidential system is an antidote to some political ailments.

  1. A.an answer
  2. B.a reply
  3. C.an inquiry
  4. D.an obstacle
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (an obstacle)

Explanation

An antidote is a remedy that solves a problem; an obstacle stands in the way of a solution.

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Question 48

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Ola thought that her father was very callous.

  1. A.parlous
  2. B.compassionate
  3. C.wicked
  4. D.cheerful
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (compassionate)

Explanation

Callous means cruel and unfeeling; compassionate means caring.

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Question 49

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: He was very much respected, though he had no temporal power.

  1. A.spiritual
  2. B.mundane
  3. C.permanent
  4. D.ephemeral
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (spiritual)

Explanation

Temporal power is worldly (secular) power; its opposite is spiritual power.

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Question 50

Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The way the workshop was organized was rather hit-and-miss.

  1. A.systematic
  2. B.hasty
  3. C.slow
  4. D.funny
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (systematic)

Explanation

Hit-and-miss means careless and unplanned; systematic means well organised.

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Question 51

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Some men will continue to causes offences until they are given a taste of their own medicine.

  1. A.placated
  2. B.revenged on
  3. C.recompensed for
  4. D.cured
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (revenged on)

Explanation

Giving someone a taste of their own medicine means treating them as badly as they treated others, i.e. taking revenge on them.

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Question 52

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Okibe was rusticated for his derogatory remark about the principal.

  1. A.complimentary
  2. B.unsavoury
  3. C.unwarranted
  4. D.lacklustre
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (unsavoury)

Explanation

A derogatory remark is insulting and disrespectful, i.e. unsavoury.

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Question 53

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Justice is difficult to enforce because people are unwilling to accept any loss of sovereignty.

  1. A.autonomy
  2. B.position
  3. C.leadership
  4. D.kingdom
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (autonomy)

Explanation

Sovereignty is the power to govern oneself, which is autonomy.

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Question 54

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: There are still virtuous women in our society today.

  1. A.clever
  2. B.upright
  3. C.devilish
  4. D.intelligent
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (upright)

Explanation

Virtuous means morally good, i.e. upright.

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Question 55

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The type of response is typical of a lazy teacher.

  1. A.symptomatic
  2. B.characteristic
  3. C.universal
  4. D.incontestable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (characteristic)

Explanation

Typical of someone means characteristic of them.

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Question 56

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Akin is an inveterate gambler.

  1. A.a selfish and self-centred
  2. B.an extremely unlucky but popular
  3. C.an incurable but fearful
  4. D.a long time and incorrigible
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (a long time and incorrigible)

Explanation

An inveterate gambler has gambled for a long time and cannot stop.

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Question 57

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: He was too petrified to give the closing remarks at the conference

  1. A.frightened
  2. B.delighted
  3. C.agitated
  4. D.happy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (frightened)

Explanation

Petrified means so frightened that one cannot act.

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Question 58

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: During a particular time of the day, the road shimmers in the heat.

  1. A.darkens
  2. B.lightens
  3. C.shines
  4. D.beams
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (shines)

Explanation

To shimmer is to shine with a soft, wavering light.

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Question 59

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Every human being is vulnerable to communicable diseases.

  1. A.liable
  2. B.lifted
  3. C.immuned
  4. D.closed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (liable)

Explanation

Vulnerable to something means open or liable to it.

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Question 60

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Mariam looks rather furtive to Shehu.

  1. A.intoxicated
  2. B.unfriendly
  3. C.sad
  4. D.sly
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (sly)

Explanation

Furtive means secretive and sly, as if hiding something.

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Question 61

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The student's union leader delivered his speech extempore.

  1. A.out-of-hand
  2. B.off the cuff
  3. C.accurately
  4. D.courageously
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (off the cuff)

Explanation

A speech given extempore is given without preparation, i.e. off the cuff.

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Question 62

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: His story gave us an inkling of what he passed through during the strike.

  1. A.a possible idea
  2. B.a taste
  3. C.a summary
  4. D.the right view
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (a possible idea)

Explanation

An inkling is a slight idea or hint of something.

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Question 63

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: These policies have been espoused by the ruling party.

  1. A.condemned
  2. B.rejected
  3. C.supported
  4. D.outlined
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (supported)

Explanation

To espouse a policy is to adopt and support it.

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Question 64

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: We must not foreclose reconciliation as the purpose of his trip.

  1. A.exclude
  2. B.consider
  3. C.underestimate
  4. D.forgo
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (exclude)

Explanation

To foreclose a possibility is to rule it out, i.e. exclude it.

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Question 65

Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Her findings exploded widely held beliefs about learning.

  1. A.challenged
  2. B.debunked
  3. C.projected
  4. D.confirmed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (debunked)

Explanation

To explode a belief is to show it is false, i.e. debunk it.

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Question 66

Prepositions

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): He was both a writer and a politician, but he was better ... a singer

  1. A.as if
  2. B.like
  3. C.as
  4. D.to be
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (as)

Explanation

'Better as a singer' means in the role of a singer; 'as' introduces a role.

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Question 67

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Vacancies in the company will be notified by...

  1. A.bulletin
  2. B.publication
  3. C.publicity
  4. D.advertisement
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (advertisement)

Explanation

Job vacancies are made known by advertisement.

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Question 68

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The driver was short of petrol, so he... down the hills with the engine switched off

  1. A.glided
  2. B.coasted
  3. C.wheeled
  4. D.taxied
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (coasted)

Explanation

To coast is to move downhill without engine power.

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Question 69

Spelling

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): He started his career as an ... teacher.

  1. A.auxillary
  2. B.auxilliary
  3. C.auxilary
  4. D.auxiliary
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (auxiliary)

Explanation

The correct spelling is 'auxiliary'.

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Question 70

Conjunctions

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): His many years of success in legal practice,... didn't come without challenges

  1. A.indeed
  2. B.but
  3. C.in spite of it all
  4. D.however
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (however)

Explanation

'However' shows contrast between the success and the challenges and fits between commas.

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Question 71

Pronouns

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): One should be careful how ... behaves in public, shouldn't...?

  1. A.one/one
  2. B.he/he
  3. C.she/one
  4. D.one/he
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (one/one)

Explanation

Once a sentence starts with 'one', it keeps 'one' throughout: '...how one behaves..., shouldn't one?'

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Question 72

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): ..., a good leader must have two characteristics.

  1. A.First and formost
  2. B.First and formust
  3. C.First and farmost
  4. D.First and foremost
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (First and foremost)

Explanation

The correct spelling of the idiom is 'first and foremost'.

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Question 73

Prepositions

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): We visited his house ... three times.

  1. A.like
  2. B.for like
  3. C.about
  4. D.for about
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (about)

Explanation

'About three times' means roughly three times.

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Question 74

Prepositions

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): She was... the verge of tears.

  1. A.at
  2. B.on
  3. C.by
  4. D.with
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (on)

Explanation

The idiom is 'on the verge of', meaning very close to.

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Question 75

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Everyone makes mistakes occasionally, nobody is...

  1. A.incorrigible
  2. B.imperfect
  3. C.infallible
  4. D.indestructible
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (infallible)

Explanation

Infallible means never making mistakes, which nobody is.

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Question 76

Adjectives and Adverbs

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The woman would not part with her... pot.

  1. A.discarded earthen black
  2. B.discarded black earthen
  3. C.earthen discarded black
  4. D.black earthen discarded
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (discarded black earthen)

Explanation

Adjective order puts opinion/condition first, then colour, then material: 'discarded black earthen pot'.

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Question 77

Question Tags

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): We stood up when the principal came in,...?

  1. A.isn't it
  2. B.didn't we
  3. C.not so
  4. D.did us
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (didn't we)

Explanation

A positive past statement with 'we' takes the tag 'didn't we?'.

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Question 78

Spelling

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): This professor of ... medicine has ... the mystery of bird flu.

  1. A.vetinary/unraveled
  2. B.vertrinary/unravelled
  3. C.veterinary/unraveled
  4. D.veterinary/unravelled
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (veterinary/unravelled)

Explanation

The correct (British) spellings are 'veterinary' and 'unravelled'.

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Question 79

Nouns and Determiners

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Her mother brought her some...

  1. A.clothes
  2. B.yards
  3. C.cloth
  4. D.clothing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (clothes)

Explanation

'Some clothes' means garments to wear, which is what a mother brings her child.

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Question 80

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Many workers were... as a result of the textile closure.

  1. A.laid down
  2. B.laid off
  3. C.laid out
  4. D.laid up
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (laid off)

Explanation

Workers who lose their jobs when a factory closes are laid off.

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Question 81

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The driver died in the... road accident.

  1. A.fatal
  2. B.brutal
  3. C.serious
  4. D.pathetic
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (fatal)

Explanation

An accident in which someone dies is a fatal accident.

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Question 82

Conjunctions

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): ...your parents frown... our friendship, we shouldn't see each other anymore.

  1. A.Because/over
  2. B.Since/at
  3. C.Although/at
  4. D.As/upon
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Since/at)

Explanation

'Since' gives the reason and we 'frown at' something we disapprove of.

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Question 83

Vocabulary in Context

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): For more productivity, the company is focussing attention on the possible... of available resources.

  1. A.synergy
  2. B.tapping
  3. C.alignment
  4. D.arrangement
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (synergy)

Explanation

Synergy is combining resources so the result is greater than the parts, which raises productivity.

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Question 84

Conjunctions

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): ... she didn't trust him, she married him.

  1. A.After
  2. B.Much as
  3. C.Since
  4. D.Though
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Though)

Explanation

'Though' introduces a contrast: she married him even though she did not trust him.

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Question 85

Direct and Indirect Speech

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): I wanted to know his political beliefs, so I asked him what...

  1. A.this was
  2. B.these are
  3. C.this is
  4. D.these were
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (these were)

Explanation

'Beliefs' is plural and the reporting verb is past, so 'what these were'.

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Question 86

Vowels

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

  1. A.cool
  2. B.cook
  3. C.fool
  4. D.tool
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (cook)

Explanation

'Book' has the short vowel /ʊ/, as in 'cook'; the others have long /uː/.

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Question 87

Vowels

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

  1. A.page
  2. B.pig
  3. C.made
  4. D.mad
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (pig)

Explanation

The 'a' in 'village' is the short /ɪ/ sound, as in 'pig'.

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Question 88

Vowels

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

  1. A.starch
  2. B.fare
  3. C.mad
  4. D.brave
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (mad)

Explanation

'Patch' has /æ/, as in 'mad'.

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Question 89

Consonants

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

  1. A.gear
  2. B.danger
  3. C.girl
  4. D.ignore
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (danger)

Explanation

The 'g' in 'tangerine' is /dʒ/, as in 'danger'.

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Question 90

Consonants

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

  1. A.heir
  2. B.hour
  3. C.honest
  4. D.house
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (house)

Explanation

'Hair' begins with /h/; in heir, hour and honest the h is silent, but 'house' has /h/.

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Question 91

Consonants

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

  1. A.bash
  2. B.catch
  3. C.bastion
  4. D.rating
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (bash)

Explanation

The 't' in 'edition' is /ʃ/, as the 'sh' in 'bash'.

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Question 95

Word Stress

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

  1. A.madam
  2. B.eighteen
  3. C.invent
  4. D.command
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (madam)

Explanation

MA-dam is stressed on the first syllable; the others are stressed on the second.

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Question 96

Word Stress

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

  1. A.nineteen
  2. B.mother
  3. C.estate
  4. D.announce
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (mother)

Explanation

MO-ther is stressed on the first syllable; nine-TEEN, es-TATE and an-NOUNCE are not.

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Question 97

Word Stress

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

  1. A.commute
  2. B.import(verb)
  3. C.intend
  4. D.export(noun)
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (export(noun))

Explanation

The noun EX-port is stressed on the first syllable; the verbs are stressed on the second.

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Question 98

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates: The traditional chief NARRATED the story to the children.

  1. A.The children heard the story from the traditional chief.
  2. B.Who narrated the story to the children?
  3. C.The children could not listen to the story by the traditional chief.
  4. D.Did the chief hide the story from the children?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Did the chief hide the story from the children?)

Explanation

Stressing NARRATED answers a question about what the chief did with the story, e.g. whether he hid it.

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Question 99

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates: The ACCOUNTANT paid the workers' July salary in September.

  1. A.When were the workers paid?
  2. B.Did the cashier pay the workers' salary in September?
  3. C.Workers received their July salary in September?
  4. D.The September salary was paid in July?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Did the cashier pay the workers' salary in September?)

Explanation

Stressing ACCOUNTANT corrects who paid: it was the accountant, not the cashier.

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Question 100

Emphatic Stress and Intonation

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates: The cat DEVOURED the rat.

  1. A.Did the rat devour the cat?
  2. B.What devoured the rat?
  3. C.Did the cat pet the rat?
  4. D.Is this the rat that the cat devoured?
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Did the cat pet the rat?)

Explanation

Stressing DEVOURED corrects the action: the cat ate the rat, it did not pet it.

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