JAMB Use of English 2013 past questions and answers

The expression... stage and hall, as used in the passage, means the

1. A.artist and the audience
2. B.producer and the director.
3. C.director and audience.
4. D.artiste and his music.

From the passage, it can be deduced that music is

1. A.better appreciated in a crowd.
2. B.better appreciated when we are happy.
3. C.better appreciated by professional critics.
4. D.appreciated as the environment dictates.

According to the writer, live performances provide a special excitement because they are

1. A.interactive.
2. B.error-free and original.
3. C.educative.
4. D.stage-managed.

According to the passage, music plays a vital role in human society because

1. A.it is easy to appreciate music.
2. B.stage performance is the most popular music opportunity.
3. C.everybody can listen to music through the CD, MP3 and DVD.
4. D.music provides enjoyment and relief.

Which of the following was a reason for choosing Abuja as pottery centre?

1. A.It was the only place for pot makers.
2. B.Its proximity to raw materials.
3. C.It was the only place for glazed project.
4. D.Its medium-sized pot project.

Which of the following is true according to the passage?

1. A.Pots can be made quickly and correctly.
2. B.A pot thrown on a wheel is less likely to break.
3. C.The potter does not have to work hard if he uses the wheel.
4. D.Anyone, with almost no training, can run pots on a wheel.

From the passage, how does a potter make several pots of almost identical size?

1. A.By weighing the lumps of clay.
2. B.By having the right tools.
3. C.By knowing what to do from experience.
4. D.By having the knowledge of different pots.

The phrase trims off any waste clay, as used in the passage, means to

1. A.force the clay to centre.
2. B.divide the clay into two.
3. C.wash away different colours.
4. D.cut away unnecessary parts.

The word congenial, as used in the passage, means

1. A.precise.
2. B.similar.
3. C.nice.
4. D.congested.

Passage III, gap 11: It should therefore be classed with certain rare natural ________ (11), such as volcanic ...12... .

1. A.occurrences
2. B.resources
3. C.laws
4. D.programmes

Passage III, gap 12: It should therefore be classed with certain rare natural ...11..., such as volcanic ________ (12).

1. A.exhaustion
2. B.eruption
3. C.expulsion
4. D.insurrection

Passage III, gap 13: As with all events on this ________ (13), it is impossible to describe what happens in details.

1. A.skate
2. B.snow
3. C.scale
4. D.scanner

Passage III, gap 14: However we can be reasonably sure of the main effects, and the most impressive of these arises from ________ (14).

1. A.pressure volume
2. B.pressure air
3. C.pressure guage
4. D.pressure waves

Passage III, gap 15: The immediate result of the ________ (15) is that the air surrounding the bomb is raised very rapidly to an enormously high ...16... .

1. A.commotion
2. B.detonation
3. C.distortion
4. D.reduction

Passage III, gap 16: The immediate result of the ...15... is that the air surrounding the bomb is raised very rapidly to an enormously high ________ (16).

1. A.temperature
2. B.class
3. C.profile
4. D.way

Passage III, gap 17: The hot gases expand violently as great ________ (17), compressing the air around them into what is called ...18..., or blast wave...

1. A.fireballs
2. B.fireworks
3. C.firesmokes
4. D.firearms

Passage III, gap 18: The hot gases expand violently as great ...17..., compressing the air around them into what is called ________ (18), or blast wave that is responsible for much of terrible destructive power of the weapon.

1. A.shocktherapy
2. B.shockwaves
3. C.shocktroops
4. D.hockjocks

Passage III, gap 19: Another kind of wave arises because of the weight of the air. The force of the explosion lifts the ________ (19) around the bomb.

1. A.atmosphere
2. B.space
3. C.height
4. D.form

Passage III, gap 20: The gravity waves can also resemble ordinary ________ (20) waves.

1. A.lake
2. B.ocean
3. C.river
4. D.stream

Based on Chukwuemeka Ike's The Potter's Wheel: In their preparation for the masquerade, David and others agreed to exercise extra caution in their dealings with Samuel because he would

1. A.try his tricks on them to know their secrets.
2. B.prepare well ahead of them.
3. C.put them to shame.
4. D.force them to dance with the masquerade.

Based on Chukwuemeka Ike's The Potter's Wheel: In the novel, Nwomiko was famous for her

1. A.spiritual powers.
2. B.political struggles.
3. C.lack of spiritual values.
4. D.lack of fighting spirit.

Based on Chukwuemeka Ike's The Potter's Wheel: With remarkable agility, he mounted The Fallen Goliath and went on to stuff his mouth with earth. Who was the fallen Goliath in the excerpt above?

1. A.David.
2. B.Polycarp.
3. C.Samuel.
4. D.Cromwell.

Based on Chukwuemeka Ike's The Potter's Wheel: If you have not beheld your chi in his stark nakedness, be prepared to do so as soon as you set foot in that man's house. From the excerpt above, whose house was being referred to?

1. A.Teacher Zaccheus.
2. B.Mazi Okeke.
3. C.Mazi Laza.
4. D.Mazi Nwokike.

Based on Chukwuemeka Ike's The Potter's Wheel: In the novel, the people of Umuchukwu likened Samuel to

1. A.an ancestral spirit.
2. B.a chief priest.
3. C.a fisherman.
4. D.a swimmer.

Based on Chukwuemeka Ike's The Potter's Wheel: Obu dashed out of the school building because

1. A.his teacher wanted to flog him.
2. B.he came top of standard 1.
3. C.his teacher sent him on an errand.
4. D.he was given a prize by the headmaster.

Based on Chukwuemeka Ike's The Potter's Wheel: In the novel, Bright lived with Teacher because

1. A.he was Teacher's nephew.
2. B.his father was indebted to Teacher.
3. C.he wanted to become a teacher.
4. D.his father had gone on a long journey.

Based on Chukwuemeka Ike's The Potter's Wheel: According to the novel, Obu was good at

1. A.proverbs.
2. B.cricket.
3. C.games.
4. D.jokes.

Based on Chukwuemeka Ike's The Potter's Wheel: Uke was conscripted into the military because

1. A.he was a social nuisance.
2. B.he loved the British soldiers.
3. C.his grandfather was a military man.
4. D.he wanted to travel to Burma.

Based on Chukwuemeka Ike's The Potter's Wheel: In the novel, the 'pad' was a symbol of

1. A.success.
2. B.unity.
3. C.failure.
4. D.love.

Based on Jerry Agada's The Successors: It can be inferred from the novel that Mr. Eze was Terkura Atsen's

1. A.uncle.
2. B.role model.
3. C.boss.
4. D.business partner.

Based on Jerry Agada's The Successors: From the novel. David thought Ifenne should be involved in politics because he wanted him to

1. A.rig the election for someone.
2. B.take part in the election process.
3. C.extort money from the people.
4. D.make a 'name' for posterity.

Based on Jerry Agada's The Successors: The civil war created business opportunities for people like Owoicho because

1. A.the Ibos were conscripted into the army.
2. B.the exit of the Ibos created a vacuum.
3. C.the Ibos had ventured into other businesses.
4. D.he became the supplier of all essential commodities.

Based on Jerry Agada's The Successors: My boy, your future is bright, you can be anything you want to be... The statement above was made because Ifenne had

1. A.been working for others to make profit.
2. B.been planning to excel.
3. C.proven himself faithful and committed.
4. D.purchased his first bus.

Based on Jerry Agada's The Successors: The departure of Ibo competitors to the East had favoured

1. A.Mama Okoh's business.
2. B.Torkwase at Otukpo.
3. C.Sgt. Onyilo in the war front.
4. D.Okoh's marriage.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: The team's poor performance at the tournament plumb the depths of horror.

1. A.The team's performance was enjoyed by all.
2. B.The team's performance was full of disappointment.
3. C.The team's performance was rewarded.
4. D.The team's performance took them to the next round.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Tolu and Chinedu live in each other's pockets.

1. A.They steal from each other.
2. B.They blackmail each other.
3. C.They are very close to each other.
4. D.They are long-term business partners.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: As the drama unfolded, Olatinuke was advised to keep her shirt on.

1. A.She was advised to commit herself.
2. B.She was advised to stay calm.
3. C.She was advised to join the club.
4. D.She was advised to wear her shirt.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: He is a clinging child.

1. A.He is possessive.
2. B.He likes to cling with his sister.
3. C.He is a bully.
4. D.He is a handsome young man.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Zinana's examination result was not unfavourable.

1. A.Her examination did not meet her expectation.
2. B.She was successful in the examination.
3. C.Her result could not earn her admission.
4. D.She failed her examination.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: You need to brush up on your Spanish.

1. A.You need to improve your skills.
2. B.You need a brush from Spain.
3. C.You need to learn to play with a Spaniard.
4. D.You need to study the history of Spain.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Amaka would pass for a beauty queen.

1. A.She would be accepted by all as a beauty queen.
2. B.She walked past the beauty queen.
3. C.She was acting as a beauty queen.
4. D.She would pass the drink to the queen who is sitting next to her.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: 'I can't wait to become a mother,' the new bride declared.

1. A.She is excited about motherhood.
2. B.She is not keen on becoming a mother.
3. C.She will be patient as a mother.
4. D.She sees motherhood as a burden.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Usman needs to get his act together if he wants to pass the examination.

1. A.He needs to organize himself.
2. B.He needs to be fast when writing the examination.
3. C.He needs to put on his stage costume.
4. D.He needs to pull all points down in the examination.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence: Ramatu expressed her feelings in no uncertain terms.

1. A.She expressed it secretly and courageously.
2. B.She expressed it quietly and cautiously.
3. C.She expressed it feebly and sickly.
4. D.She expressed it clearly and strongly.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Chibuzor gave a curt nod and walked away.

1. A.rude
2. B.polite
3. C.shocking
4. D.gentle

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The girl took a cursory glance at the letter and hid it.

1. A.concise
2. B.brief
3. C.lasting
4. D.sententious

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The relationship between the couple has been frosty.

1. A.cordial
2. B.frugal
3. C.amenable
4. D.fraudulent

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The Nobel laureate's activity in the field of science is heinous.

1. A.laudable
2. B.deplorable
3. C.forgettable
4. D.indelible

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The accused was eventually convicted.

1. A.consequently
2. B.subsequently
3. C.finally
4. D.initially

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The plebs can be found in every society of the world.

1. A.elite
2. B.middle class
3. C.politicians
4. D.masses

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Everyone's condition was appalling.

1. A.cloudy
2. B.pleasant
3. C.complex
4. D.simple

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The man's mordant wit is apparent to the entire village.

1. A.scathing
2. B.caustic
3. C.withering
4. D.kind

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The war against malaria keeps waxing.

1. A.decreasing
2. B.increasing
3. C.wavering
4. D.happening

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The soldiers tried in their dogged defence of the city.

1. A.strong
2. B.indestructible
3. C.classical
4. D.indifferent

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Ayodeji is an ardent supporter of education for the girl child.

1. A.a cogent
2. B.a passionate
3. C.an ignorant
4. D.an optimistic

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The scholar's epitaph was demolished.

1. A.embodiment
2. B.farmland
3. C.book
4. D.monument

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Mohammed does his work with so much ardour.

1. A.discouragement
2. B.knowledge
3. C.indifference
4. D.enthusiasm

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The athlete is proud to be in the vanguard of sports development.

1. A.leading position
2. B.destructive position
3. C.emerging position
4. D.unforgettable position

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: Nwankwo was on the verge of signing a two-year contract with the club.

1. A.brink
2. B.summit
3. C.height
4. D.shore

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: I am tired of your eternal argument.

1. A.constant
2. B.useless
3. C.open
4. D.strong

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The lamb is a feeble little animal.

1. A.loving
2. B.weak
3. C.fat
4. D.quiet

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The actress screamed when she noticed an object behind her.

1. A.waded in
2. B.stormed out
3. C.wailed
4. D.protested.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: The exhibition was an eye opener to all.

1. A.style
2. B.examination
3. C.dispatch
4. D.display.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics: As a journalist, Bala has always had a nose for stories.

1. A.an instinct
2. B.a command
3. C.soft comment
4. D.cynical statement.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The girl says she is averse ...what others admire.

1. A.to
2. B.with
3. C.for
4. D.from.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Our teacher defined ... in his introductory lesson.

1. A.onomatopoeia
2. B.onomatopeia
3. C.onomatopiea
4. D.onomatopacia.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The philanthropist devoted himself ... the poor

1. A.by helping
2. B.to be helping
3. C.to helping
4. D.in helping.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Tinu likes apples ...she does not like oranges.

1. A.so
2. B.but
3. C.or
4. D.for.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The students had a ...on Independence Day.

1. A.march pass
2. B.match past
3. C.march past
4. D.match pass.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Do you mind ...another hour or two?

1. A.wait
2. B.waiting
3. C.to wait
4. D.to have waited.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The continuous rain has really ... the soil.

1. A.satiated
2. B.saturated
3. C.melted up
4. D.mopped up.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): The police described the boy as being ... hand.

1. A.over at
2. B.out of
3. C.on by
4. D.up to.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): It was very easy for the two political parties to form a ... government.

1. A.collusion
2. B.coalition
3. C.co-operative
4. D.colonial.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): All farmers were encouraged ...carry out fumigation on their farms.

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

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): There are lots of ... in a park.

1. A.moving fast luxury buses
2. B.fast-moving luxury buses
3. C.luxury buses moving fast
4. D.luxury buses fast moving.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Yours is to command, ... is to obey.

1. A.theirs'
2. B.their's
3. C.their
4. D.theirs

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Local governments are authorized to pass ...

1. A.bye-laws
2. B.byes'-laws
3. C.bye's-law
4. D.bye-law.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Umar: I have never visited the dentist. Aliyu: ...

1. A.neither myself.
2. B.I myself haven't.
3. C.neither have I.
4. D.I also never.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Usman would have won the race ....

1. A.only if he could run fast.
2. B.if he had run faster.
3. C.if he can run faster.
4. D.although he ran faster.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): My father told me to take the money from ... it.

1. A.whomever offers
2. B.whomsoever offer
3. C.ever who offers
4. D.whoever offers.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): Our teacher defined ... as the killing of one's mother.

1. A.matriarch
2. B.patricide
3. C.patriarch
4. D.matricide.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): If you are confused ... anything, phone my office.

1. A.of
2. B.with
3. C.about
4. D.for.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): We have a family mutiny ... our hands.

1. A.on
2. B.for
3. C.from
4. D.of.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s): We should try to help....

1. A.the less fortunates
2. B.less fortunates
3. C.the less fortunate
4. D.this less fortunate.

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

1. A.feign
2. B.glass
3. C.gleam
4. D.flat

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

1. A.lathe
2. B.core
3. C.lavatory
4. D.loud

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

1. A.come
2. B.comma
3. C.colonel
4. D.cogent

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

1. A.judge
2. B.rogue
3. C.jam
4. D.strange

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

1. A.close
2. B.rouse
3. C.sell
4. D.fuse

Choose the option that rhymes with the given word. rite

1. A.wright
2. B.rim
3. C.list
4. D.wit

Choose the option that rhymes with the given word. joys

1. A.boys
2. B.stays
3. C.elbow
4. D.pots

Choose the option that rhymes with the given word. call

1. A.dull
2. B.slate
3. C.wall
4. D.quail

Choose the most appropriate stress pattern from the options. The stressed syllables are written in capital letters. dedication

1. A.dediCAtion
2. B.DEdicaion
3. C.dedicaTION
4. D.deDIcation

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates: Adamu is leaving a CAR behind

1. A.Who is leaving a car behind?
2. B.Where is Adamu leaving a car?
3. C.What is Adamu leaving behind?
4. D.Is Adamu driving the car in front?

The word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates: Lambusa TOOK OFF the wig.

1. A.Did Lambusa take off a wig?
2. B.Did Lambusa take off the ring?
3. C.Who took off the wig?
4. D.What did Lambusa do?