1979

JAMB Use of English 1979 past questions

91 questions from the 1979 JAMB UTME Use of English paper. Free, with answers where available.

Practice with CBT mock -> All Use of English years
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q1
An appropriate title for the article from which this passage is taken could be: PASSAGE A The learning of a foreign language should be an integral part of every university student's education. As a discipline, it affords the mind excellent training. It utilizes skills needed in so many other subjects: the concentration required for memorizing music (not to mention developing the ear for tone and pitch). The logical thinking for resolving mathematical problems, even the deductive reasoning capabilities needed to comprehend philosophical concepts. The mind is stretched through the simple act of learning the grammatical patterns, vocabulary and phonological system of a language. At the same time, the student of a foreign language is acquiring a useful tool. This tool has a double advantage, for while most people (especially teachers) expound on the rewards of being able to communicate in a second, third or fourth language, perhaps the more promising of the two, is being able to understand and hopefully appreciate another cultural group through their literature, their music and customs all of which are best assimilated through the medium of their language. [PAGE 20]
A
The need for foreign language learning in Universities
B
An apology for the study of foreign languages in Nigerian Universities
C
The need for studying French and Kiswahili in our colleges and Universities
D
Why a foreign language should be studied by all who study music, mathematics or philosophy
E
the pros and cons of foreign language learning in Nigerian Universities
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q2
According to the passage, the main reward for a foreign language learner is
A
the ability to speak another language
B
being able to teach the language
C
being able to learn mathematics or music in a foreign language
D
expanding the mind to acquire new knowledge and skills
E
none of the above
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q5
St. Alban's College was founded because
A
the war was over
B
there were no other colleges in the country
C
founding a college required quick money
D
the need for education was seriously felt
E
boys from the interior were eager to learn
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q7
We know that the St. Alban's College was in the pioneering state because
A
only pupils of poor homes were admitted into
B
all the students were day boys
C
the emphasis was on science
D
Mr. Anokye owned it
E
it did not even have a playing field
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q8
Which of the following statements about Mr. Anokye is false?
A
He supported the teaching of science
B
He abstained from drinking alcohol
C
he never condoned cheating during examinations
D
His parents were educated Christians
E
He had studied science in school
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q9
Mr. Anokye would shout 'Eureka!'
A
after he had drunk methylated spirit
B
to show that he knew Archimedes'
C
whenever he caught a boy cheating during an examination
D
whenever he wanted to go into battle
E
in order to frighten the boys. PASSAGE C
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q10 OK Answer: C
It is said in the passage that Noel Barber has
A
visited all the earthly paradises
B
visited only the Nicobar Islands
C
Visited Hunza in the Himalayas
D
visited Hunza in the Himalayas on 5, 6 and 8 June 1962
E
not done on any of the above
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q11 OK Answer: B
The civilizations of Burma and Nicobar Islands are
A
alike because both are romanticized
B
alike because both operate at low cultural level
C
alike because one is gentle and non-acquisitive and the other operates at a low cultural level
D
not alike because Burma has been described but the Nicobar Islands have not
E
not alike because the Nicobar Islands have a small population, and Burma has a large population.
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q12 OK Answer: B
The Kingdom of Hunza had no war in 2,000 year. This
A
proves that pacifism is hereditary
B
suggest that pacifism may be hereditary
C
shows that Alexander the Great was their ancestor, and he hated wars
D
is because they deserted the army of Alexander the Great
E
is because they could not fight
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q13 OK Answer: E
Why is toothache a joke in Hunza?
A
it provides so much fun for the people
B
They joke to relieve its pain
C
Because they have no cure for it, it is better to joke about it
D
Civilized people must joke when they have toothache
E
Toothache is unknown [PAGE 23]
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q14 OK Answer: B
To say that the Hunza people have, serenity means they are
A
Cultured
B
Contented
C
artistic
D
friendly
E
romantic
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q17 OK Answer: D
Different materials are chosen because
A
they are considered suitable
B
some are difficult to obtain
C
they are used by different worshippers of the same god
D
they are thought to have particular physical powers
E
they are associated with different deities
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q18 OK Answer: E
Basically' as used in the above passage means
A
entirely
B
completely
C
necessarily
D
simply
E
essentially
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q19 OK Answer: A
The durability of a carving
A
is not considered important
B
is less than five years
C
should not be interfered with
D
is natural
E
is related to its mystic properties
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q21 OK Answer: B
The journey up the Nile is very soothing because
A
it is very slow
B
the scenery doesn't change much
C
the general pattern changes from day to day
D
There is not much activity on the bank
E
there are few people to be seen
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q22 OK Answer: E
Which of the following statements is true of the buffaloes?
A
they are all exactly the same
B
They are to be seen on the bends of the river
C
They sometimes get drowned in the river
D
They are allowed to rest during the heat of the day
E
They drive the waterwheels in the day time
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q23 OK Answer: D
The presence of people on the shore
A
is often apparent
B
becomes apparent when they come out of their huts
C
reminds the traveler of their humanity
D
is indicated by the smells from the villages
E
prevents the traveler from feeling lovely
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q24 OK Answer: E
Which of the following suggests that the country is a land of ancient civilization?
A
Egyptian faces swathed in white
B
The palms and eucalyptus
C
The mud-hut villages
D
The patchwork of rice fields
E
the brown pillars
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q25 OK Answer: B
Which of the following statements is true of the traveler in this passage
A
He likes being idle
B
He would not like to live in the villages С. He would like to see temples in ruins
D
He finds the smell of the villages unbearable
E
he felt a deceptive glow Choose the expression or word which best complete each sentence:
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q26 OK Answer: C
.... for the team for six years, he decided to join another
A
When he played
B
Playing [PAGE 26]
C
Having played
D
In playing
E
when he was playing
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q27 OK Answer: A
The bridge connecting the two cities was .... by the enemy
A
blown up
B
blown down
C
blown off
D
blown over
E
blown away
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q28 OK Answer: A
My little boy is suffering .... jaundice
A
from
B
of
C
for
D
with
E
by
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q29 OK Answer: C
They went to the market and bought a suitcase and .... bag
A
a big leather brown
B
a leather brown big
C
a big brown leather
D
a brown big leather
E
a leather big brown
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q30 OK Answer: D
By the end of this year, .... in this town for eleven years
A
I'm living
B
I'd be living
C
I'll live
D
I'll have lived
E
I have lived
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q31 OK Answer: E
If he had left home earlier, he .... late
A
would not be
B
would have not be
C
would not been
D
would have been not
E
would not have been
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q32 OK Answer: B
I saw you walking in that direction but I did not know exactly ....
A
where are you going
B
where you were going
C
where were you going to
D
to where were you going [PAGE 27]
E
where you are going
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q33 OK Answer: D
The hill behind the town was so steep ....
A
that no man could find a foot-hold on
B
that any man could find a foot-hold on it
C
for no man to find a foot-hold on
D
that no man could find a foot-hold on it
E
for any man to find a foot-hold on
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q34 OK Answer: A
Walking down the street ....
A
the boy was knocked down by a car
B
a car knocked the boy down
C
the boy was knocked down by car
D
a car collided with the boy
E
a serious accident happened
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q35 OK Answer: B
The project which seemed very near realization .... because of lack of funds
A
fell over
B
fell through
C
fell off
D
fell in
E
fell down
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q36 OK Answer: A
The chairman of the company was very sympathetic .... his staff
A
to
B
at
C
for
D
from
E
on
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q37 OK Answer: C
Jane asked James ....
A
whether could she meet him later
B
could she meet him later
C
if she could meet him later
D
she could meet him later
E
that she could meet him later
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q38 OK Answer: D
She doesn't have to attend the lecture …...?
A
doesn't she
B
is she
C
has she
D
does she
E
isn't it [PAGE 28]
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q39 OK Answer: C
After our series of quarrels, it would be ....to pretend that I have any more regard for him
A
hypothetical
B
essential
C
hypocritical
D
necessary
E
inevitable
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q40 OK Answer: B
If the company had any delay at the customs office, it was .... their own making
A
at
B
of
C
from
D
with
E
through
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q41 OK Answer: E
There is an obvious need to ward .... enemy attacks
A
away
B
against
C
out
D
apart
E
off
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q42 OK Answer: B
David can only become more mature through .... to life outside his home
A
posting
B
exposure
C
exposition
D
exposing
E
positioning
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q43
Many of those who .... the country's educational policy have taught for many years
A
developed
B
fabricate
C
organize
D
scheme
E
formulate
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q44
Mr. Thomas talked .... about the successes of his institute in the past year
A
at a great length
B
for great length
C
at great length
D
for a great length
E
at great lengths
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q45 OK Answer: A
The governor commended the society's .... services to the nation
A
humanitarian [PAGE 29]
B
humanist
C
humanity
D
humanistic
E
human
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q46 OK Answer: D
The member of the panel were ....
A
discussing about it
B
discussing on it
C
discussing upon it
D
discussing it
E
discussing around it
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q47 OK Answer: C
This writer analyses the evil society ....
A
so masterly
B
very masterly
C
in such a masterly way
D
in a masterly way
E
in so masterly a way
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q48 OK Answer: E
The Nigerian society of Engineers has set up .... to study the nation's problems
A
a brain trust
B
a tribunal
C
an inquiring
D
an inquest
E
a task force
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q49
It was a long poem but he learnt it ....
A
off head
B
in memory
C
by heart
D
at heart
E
from memory Choose the correct option that completes the following sentence: Complete the following with the appropriate answer to the question:
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q50 OK Answer: D
The young teacher was surprised that his promotion was approved by the old inspector who is generally known to ....
A
be generous
B
be friendly to young people
C
like young people
D
be hard to please
E
be very careful [PAGE 30]
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q51 OK Answer: B
John would you mind lifting this box?
A
yes, I mind
B
no, I don't
C
no, I do
D
yes, I don't mind
E
no I mind Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined statement or words:
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q52 OK Answer: B
Had she asked me earlier, I might have been able to employ him
A
I employed her
B
I did not employ him
C
I did not employ her
D
I employed him
E
I employ neither of the two
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q53 OK Answer: D
If he were to apologize, I would probably forgive him
A
I shall not forgive him even if he apologize
B
he is likely to apologize and be forgiven
C
I shall definitely forgive him if he apologizes
D
if he apologize, I shall decide whether or not to forgive him
E
he will not apologize and I will not forgive him
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q54 OK Answer: C
As he was a gullible leader his followers took advantage of him
A
He was weak and unable to enforce his authority
B
He was partial and unfair in dispensing justice
C
He was simple minded to a fault
D
He was slow to act
E
He was lacking in education and experience in everyday affair
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q55
His summary of the meeting was brief and to the point
A
careful
B
precise
C
accurate
D
exact
E
crucial
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q56 OK Answer: B
Do you have the same aversion as I do for way film?
A
bitterness
B
dislike
C
criticism
D
indignation
E
preference [PAGE 31]
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q57
I didn't think she could be so easily taken in by his pretenses
A
flattered
B
deceived
C
enamored
D
overcome
E
blackmailed
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q58 OK Answer: C
The crux of the matter is that the president has just become aware of the mismanagement
A
The part of the problem that has just surfaced
B
The result of the matter
C
The most important aspect of the problem
D
The ways to solved the problem
E
The moment of crisis [PAGE 32]
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q59 OK Answer: B
The witness was guilty of swearing to a statement he knew to be false
A
forgery
B
perjury
C
libel
D
slander
E
affidavit
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q60 OK Answer: B
The story told by the suspect was difficult to believe
A
incredulous
B
credible
C
incredible
D
credulous
E
ridiculous
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q61 OK Answer: B
Publishers say that newsprint has become more expensive
A
newspaper
B
paper for printing
C
printers' salaries and wages
D
fines for publishing libels
E
publishing news
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q62 OK Answer: D
After completing half of the journey, all the travelers could do was trudge along
A
walk lazily
B
run briskly
C
walk and stop intermittently
D
walk wearily
E
walk with determination
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q64 OK Answer: B
Most of his observations were wide of the mark
A
comprehensive
B
irrelevant
C
pertinent
D
came rather late
E
unacceptable
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q65 OK Answer: D
The clerk refused to answer for the mistake made by the manager and his assistants
A
to reply to
B
to give an answer
C
to explain
D
to accept responsibility
E
to account for
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q66 OK Answer: A
Good citizens should take the part of a good government when it is being attacked by the foreign press
A
speak in support
B
explained the part played
C
act like a representative of
D
emphasize the progress made by
E
outline the virtues of
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q67 OK Answer: C
The politicians have a number of peculiarities. The most conspicuous is the way he gesticulates when making a serious point
A
shows anxiety when making a serious point
B
breaks down when talking seriously
C
uses is hands and arms as a sign
D
bows his head in humility to the crowd
E
shakes his head from one side to the other
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q68 OK Answer: D
In spite of the loud music, John soon managed to fall asleep
A
the loud music soon helped John to fall asleep
B
John soon fell asleep as a result of the loud music
C
the loud music made John despise sleep
D
the loud music made John unable to fall asleep
E
John soon fell asleep even though the music was loud
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q69 OK Answer: E
My headmaster is getting old. His mates have been retired. But because of his zeal for work, he has been retained [PAGE 33]
A
My headmaster is strong
B
My headmaster is cheerful
C
My headmaster is friendly
D
My headmaster is enthusiastic about his job
E
My headmaster's activity at work is unparalleled
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q70 OK Answer: E
He heard the loud noise of the huge air-raid siren
A
buzz
B
crack
C
rumble
D
whistle
E
wail
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q71 OK Answer: C
He has a big heart but he inept at following a witty conversion
A
Large
B
huge
C
warm
D
placid
E
fragile
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q72 OK Answer: A
He took a quick look at the poor man, shook his head and took to his heels
A
glanced at
B
viewed
C
observed
D
gazed at
E
spied Choose the word/expression which best completes each sentence:
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q73 OK Answer: C
One of the stages of the creative process is the incubation period. This refer to the period when
A
the idea is firmly fixed through repetition
B
the person suddenly comes upon the idea
C
the person thinks over the idea
D
the idea yields concrete result
E
the idea is given up
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q74 OK Answer: C
The giant hydro-electric project is among the .... colonial rule in Southern Africa.
A
inheritance
B
remnants
C
legacies
D
evidence
E
trappings
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q75 OK Answer: E
During the inaugural address, the president .... the activities of his government for the past four years [PAGE 34]
A
reiterated
B
reviewed
C
restated
D
recited
E
resumed
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q76 OK Answer: A
the world bank team which visited the land-lock country .... a bleak economic future for it
A
forecast
B
thought of
C
discovered
D
prophesied
E
projected
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q77 OK Answer: B
We travelled all night and arrived .... the Oyo motor park at six o'clock in the morning
A
by
B
inside
C
on
D
in
E
at
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q78 OK Answer: D
We ought to stay away .... the robbers come back
A
provided
B
should in case
C
although
D
in case
E
since
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q79 OK Answer: D
The principal will be going away on leave. In his absence, the Vice-Principal will …... the school
A
take over
B
carry one
C
look after
E
overlook
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q80 OK Answer: B
The new leader has a good intention, but he is unable to ....
A
carry them with him
B
carry them out
C
carry them on
D
carry them all
E
carry them well
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q81 OK Answer: B
Ikorodu is not far from here, it is only an ....
A
hour of driving
B
hour's drive
C
hour by driving [PAGE 35]
D
hour in driving
E
hours' drive
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q82 OK Answer: C
Do you know if the new teacher .... yet?
A
is arrived
B
will be arriving
C
has arrived
D
had arrived
E
has been arriving
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q83 OK Answer: C
Had he known he .... away
A
will go
B
will be going
C
would have gone
D
may be going
E
is going
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q84 OK Answer: D
It is time we ....
A
should be going
B
ought to go
C
are going
D
went
E
go
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q85 OK Answer: B
He sent the children out to play .... he might be alone
A
because
B
so that
C
yet
D
since
E
while
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q86 OK Answer: E
He played the piano .... an hour or two
A
around
B
in about
C
during
D
while
E
for
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q87
The solution to the problem has so far .... the scientist
A
defied
B
allured
C
eluded
D
denied
E
avoided [PAGE 36]
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q88 OK Answer: D
The teacher asked if she .... seen her boyfriend recently
A
has
B
have
C
was
D
had
E
will have
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q89 OK Answer: B
You .... to know better than an illiterate farmer
A
are suppose
B
are supposed
C
suppose
D
have supposed
E
are supposing
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q90 OK Answer: A
How will the committee's decision .... you?
A
influence
B
treat
C
bore
D
harass
E
afflict
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q91 OK Answer: A
The benefit one gets from watching plays .... comparable to that found in taking a university course in drama
A
is
B
was
C
were
D
are
E
being
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q92 OK Answer: E
The candidate looked .... after finishing the examination
A
unhappily
B
lazily
C
wonderfully
D
angrily
E
unhappy
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q93 OK Answer: B
The boycott of classes last year by under-graduates resulted .... the temporary closure of Nigerian Universities
A
to
B
in
C
from
D
at
E
into [PAGE 37]
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q94 OK Answer: B
The head of state in his new year broadcast to the nation emphasized the need for Nigerians to regard .... as member of the same family
A
themselves
B
one another
C
each other
D
yourselves
E
their selves
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q95 OK Answer: E
The executive President honored the messenger with the Grand Commander of the Niger award .... his industries and meritorious services to the nation
A
on recognition of
B
in gratitude for
C
in recognition to
D
by recognition of
E
in recognition of
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q96 OK Answer: E
The neighbor's children always make ... when she is not at home
A
noises
B
lots of noise
C
plenty of noise
D
lots of noise
E
a lot of noise
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q97 OK Answer: D
In 1966, the Military .... because of the tragic failure of the civilian politicians
A
took to power
B
undertook power
C
marched into power
D
came to power
E
arrived to power
Use of English JAMB 1979 Q99 OK Answer: A
Biliaminu sent the expensive present to one Miss Sanda of the United African Organization and not to .... of the Central Bank of Nigeria
A
the Miss Sanda
B
Miss Sanda
C
a Miss Sanda
D
one Miss Sanda [PAGE 38]
E
some Miss Sanda