1983

JAMB Use of English 1983 past questions

85 questions from the 1983 JAMB UTME Use of English paper. Free, with answers where available.

Practice with CBT mock -> All Use of English years
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q1
From the passage we can gather that
A
there is not muchconsideration for the health of the inhabitants.
B
there is deliberate effort to inconvenience the people
C
buildings are put up anyhow
D
projects are carried out without approval
E
the inconveniences suffered by the inhabitants will be for a while.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q2
Unless it can be shown that the money voted for projects can be spent on them in good time.
A
the development activity will not be intense.
B
it will not be easy to convince the Government of our executive ability
C
it will not be difficult to ask Government for funds
D
our final results will be unreliable.
E
the road diversions and other inconveniences will continue.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q3
An eye to aesthetics in this passage means
A
regard for space.
B
beneficial psychological effects
C
regard for health
D
consideration for beauty
E
a cluster of buildings.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q4
In this passage the author tries to explain why
A
it is necessary to establish the Works and Services Complex in the University.
B
beauty should not be taken into consideration when building on such a small space as we have
C
the gateway to the university is being rebuilt
D
major part of the project should be completed in the next few weeks.
E
visitors should be debarred from using the gates in the meantime.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q6
According to the author, some magistrates sentence prisoners to hard labour because.
A
some prisoners are unwilling to work.
B
work is a privilege
C
prisoners need to learn a trade
D
it is an additional punishment
E
it is a means of rehabilitation.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q7
Which of these is NOT the purpose of work in a programme of rehabilitation?
A
training the prisoners to have satisfaction in work.
B
developing in them a pride in a sense of achievement.
C
developing in them more satisfaction in work than in crime. [PAGE 3]
D
helping them to accelerate their reform and discharge.
E
training them for work and by work.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q8
The author thinks that strenuous work in prison.
A
is a privilege for the prisoners
B
may do more harm than good
C
is part of their punishment
D
is a right and proper thing
E
should be an additional punishment.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q9
What the author is trying to put across in this passage is that
A
crime does not pay
B
prisoners should be made to work hard
C
work is more desirable than crime
D
life in prison is one of misery.
E
work in prison without a purpose is bad.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q12
The ‘Save the Children Fund' in Malawi helps needy children by
A
finding families which are willing to adopt the children
B
finding sponsors for the children's education and by opening nutrition centers
C
giving loans and scholarships to students who cannot afford to continue their education
D
running institutions which give free food
E
clothing and lodging poor children without parents.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q13
Samuel Mpetechula was able to graduate from Chancellor because
A
of the financial assistance given to him by his sponsors
B
his uncle paid his education fees.
C
he was able to win a scholarship to the university
D
the SCF subsidized his educational expenses
E
of the assistance given to him by the Australian Government. In questions 14 and 15 choose the meaning which best fits the underlined phrases taken from the passage.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q14
Combat malnutrition means
A
struggle against the easing of the wrong type of food
B
fight ill health caused by over-feeding
C
wipe out ignorance
D
fight to wipe out ill health caused by lack of food
E
fight against hunger.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q16
The priest meant that
A
man is both beast and human
B
man could be sores than a beast if he wants to [PAGE 4]
C
he liked beasts more than man
D
he liked both man and beast
E
really, a man cannot be a beast.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q17
The modern world has lost its way because
A
it no longer believes in God
B
ambition has made people greedy
C
people are no longer interested in one another
D
the technique of influencing people is no more
E
people are just too selfish.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q18
What most people do in the free world today is to
A
leave other people alone
B
assume that human nature is bad
C
accept human nature as it is since it is immutable.
D
attempt to change the world
E
leave the world as it is.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q19
Faith today is by and large irrelevant because
A
nobody thinks it can alter human nature
B
most people do not believe in God
C
being in a position of responsibility nullifies the importance of faith
D
responsible people need not bother about faith
E
the faithful are very few in the world anyway.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q22
Which of the following was NOT a quality of Zacharia's character?
A
Vanity
B
Lack of respect for others
C
Humility
D
Arrogance
E
Insubordination
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q23
The girls were apparently attracted to Zacharia by
A
wealth
B
the life of the towns
C
the appearance of the young men
D
the fact that the young men spoke strange dialects
E
food.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q24
From the passage we can conclude that the young girls were
A
attractive
B
religious
C
modern
D
easily led
E
indifferent
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q25
The speaker's mother considered that
A
things were not as good as they used to be
B
women were foolish
C
the world was corrupt
D
the love of money was the root of all evil
E
it was necessary for attitudes to change. LEXIS AND STRUCTURE In Questions 26 to 34 choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q26
The story has to be taken with a grain of salt. This means that
A
you need some salt to listen to the story.
B
there is no salt in the story.
C
the story is questionable
D
the story is true
E
you have too much salt in the story.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q27
It is usually hard to change the course of action when one crosses the Rubicon. The underlined expression, as used in this sentence, means to
A
pass through a place called Rubicon
B
cross a river called Rubicon
C
cross a bridge called Rubicon
D
pass a special test
E
be irrevocably committed.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q28
The saleman tried to pull the wool over my eyes. This implies that the salesman tried to
A
force me to buy his goods
B
offer me cotton wool
C
make me buy his wool
D
dupe me
E
cover my eyes with wool.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q29
Ijeoma counted her chickens before they were hatched. This means that Ijeoma
A
regarded each egg as a chicken
B
hatched the eggs prematurely [PAGE 5]
C
assumed that her expectations had already been realized
D
protected her eggs from breaking
E
insured the eggs.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q30
Solo has resigned his job with the Textile Mills. He doesn't seem to worry about getting another job. His plans are still quite in the air. This means that his plans are
A
airmailed
B
air tight
C
uncertain
D
certain
E
airborne.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q31
Ike is head over heels in love with Ngozi. This means that
A
Ike is friendly with Ngozi.
B
Ike is trying to fall in love with Ngozi.
C
Ngozi fell on Ike's heel and both of them fell in love
D
Ike is madly in love with Ngozi.
E
none of the above.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q32
The legislator has decided to play second fiddle after he had been walked out of the Assembly for violating basic procedure of the House. This means that the legislator has decided to
A
oppose every motion in the House
B
support every motion in the House
C
condemn every motion
D
support the lead given by others
E
become active in the house.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q33
Old customs die hard. This implies that old customs
A
cause a lot of hardship and death
B
must be stopped
C
never die out
D
cause hardship for younger people
E
tend to last for a long time.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q34
The convict said he was tire of leading a dog's life. To lead a dog's life means to live
A
carelessly
B
in disgrace
C
in solitude
D
in misery
E
in poverty. In Questions 35 to 70 choose the expression or word which best completes each sentence.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q35
After the initial confusion, the Manager's suggestion brought.... to the depressed investors.
A
a glitter of hope.
B
a glimmer of hope.
C
a sparkle of hope
D
a raise of hope
E
a shower of hope.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q36
The farmer has brought the insecticide because he was bent on … the insects in his farm.
A
exterminating
B
estimating
C
extenuating
D
extinguishing
E
exemplifying.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q37
The young lady decided to…
A
do away with the many advices given by her relatives
B
reject all the advices given by her relatives
C
reject all the advice given by her relations
D
take to all the advices given by her relations
E
eject all the advices given by her relatives
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q38
Two ministers found it very difficult to get…in the Cabinet
A
through with each other
B
by with one another
C
through with one another
D
off from each other
E
on with each other.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q39
The school Board has placed an order for…
A
all the furnitures and equipments required in the new schools
B
all the furniture and equipment required in the new schools
C
all of the furniture and equipments required in the new schools.
E
many of the furnitures and equipments required in the new schools.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q40
On his way back the boy ran into a long procession of men, women and children in…
A
white beautiful exceedingly flowing gowns.
B
exceedingly flowing white beautiful gowns.
C
exceedingly beautiful white flowing gowns
D
white flowing exceedingly beautiful gowns
E
flowing exceedingly white beautiful gowns.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q41
The proprietors should be blamed for such a deplorable condition in the nursery schools,…
A
isn't it?
B
shouldn't they?
C
should they?
D
is it?
E
shouldn't it?
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q42
I could not believe that our team… the match after being in the lead for most of the match.
A
to lose
B
lost
C
will be losing
D
losing
E
loosen.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q43
The Head of Department is away to Murtala Mohammed Airport and has asked Dr. Haruna to stand ... for him
A
out
B
in
C
on
D
across
E
about.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q44
The Commission was set up to enquire …. the general conditions of child abuse in such institutions.
A
at
B
from
C
after
D
before
E
into.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q45
We hold that the nation, both in its public and private sectors… the best consultancy service and advice in all its endeavours.
A
deserve
B
is deserving
C
deservers
D
are deserving
E
richly deserve.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q46
The situation has deteriorated sharply, and relations between the two countries may soon be…
A
removed
B
broken
C
withdrawn
D
eliminated
E
deferred.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q47
One of the old men… round the lawn three times every evening.
A
use to run
B
are use to run
C
is used to running
D
are used to run
E
are used to running.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q49
This conference is designed to enable delegates… their personal interests with specialists in various fields.
A
to discuss about
B
discussing
C
to discuss
D
for discussing
E
by discussing.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q50
The car owner does not think about the… of his vehicle and the other payments involved in owning it.
A
transportation.
B
depreciation
C
calculation
D
appreciation
E
association.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q51
The very moment she … her folly, she will come back to apologize.
A
realized
B
is realizing
C
will realize
D
has realized
E
realizes.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q52
The lazy candidates suggested that it…
A
is time we do away with JAMB
B
was time we do away with JAMB
C
is time we did away with JAMB
D
was time we did away with JAMB
E
is time we are done away with JAMB.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q53
I do not want the light in my room… when I am asleep.
A
turned off
B
turn off
C
to run out
D
turned out.
E
turned in.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q54
I have applied for… on the campus and I am almost certain I shall get it.
A
acommodation
B
accommondation
C
accommodation
D
accomoddation.
E
accommodation.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q55
The dead body of the armed robber has … in the street for three days.
A
laid
B
lain
C
layed
D
lied
E
lay.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q56
Candidates who are not accustomed to… fast will find it difficult to finish this paper.
A
write
B
have written
C
be writing
D
writing
E
having written.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q57
Do you mind… another minute or two?
A
to wait
B
wait
C
waiting
D
having awaited.
E
being awaited.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q58
We shall offer a good job to a … to register guests in the Central Hotel.
A
waiter
B
watchman
C
cashier
D
receptionist
E
cleaner.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q59
I've lived… this street… ten years.
A
at, since
B
for, during
C
on, for
D
on, from
E
in, for.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q60
North Africa is … than Northern Europe.
A
hotter
B
more hot
C
more hotter
D
the hottest
E
hot.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q61
I… a lot when I was a student
A
used traveling
B
was used to travel.
C
used to travel
D
used travel
E
was used to traveling.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q62
I wish I … your age.
A
to be
B
were
C
to have been
D
would be
E
could be.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q63
I am looking forward to… you
A
seeing
B
see
C
have seen
D
will see
E
be see.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q64
I can't offer you another loan. I have… money left in my account.
A
a few
B
a little
C
little
D
few
E
some
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q65
I told you you would miss the bus. You … left home earlier.
A
can't have
B
must have
C
will have
D
should have
E
had to have.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q66
I always prefer the theatre… the cinema.
A
than
B
then
C
on top of
D
before
E
to.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q67
He acts... he were a manager.
A
like
B
such as
C
such
D
as
E
as if.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q68
Don't … the teacher that he… that!
A
tell, said
B
say, tells
C
talk, spoke.
D
speak, talked
E
tell, told.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q69
He is very tired. He really is.. staying up late.
A
getting used to
B
not used to
C
got used to
D
used to
E
being used to.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q70
He has only ordered some lettuce and tea. He ... on a diet. He is a bit too fat.
A
can't be
B
needn't be
C
must be
D
mustn't be
E
shouldn't be. In Questions 71 to 74 choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q71
Had she known he was a high-way robber she would not have married him. This means
A
she married him before she knew he was a robber.
B
she knew he was a robber when she married him
C
she did not marry him because she was a robber.
D
she refused to marry the man when she knew he was a robber.
E
she was a robber marrying a highway robber.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q72
Jide is being forced to go to Lagos tomorrow. This means that Jide …
A
will go to Lagos
B
must go to Lagos
C
wishes to go to Lagos
D
is going to Lagos
E
goes to Lagos.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q73
It is sheer fantasy to believe that there could never be a miscalculation by any nation that has atomic weapons. Fantasy here means
A
dream
B
hope
C
nonsense
D
joke
E
stupidity.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q74
The ingenious scheme of the robber broke down because of the efficiency of the police officer. Ingenious here means
A
suspicious.
B
ambitious.
C
deceitful
D
clever
E
stupid. In Questions 75 to 77 select the wrongly spelt word. [PAGE 7]
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q78
There is not… sense in what that politician has just said.
A
many
B
plenty
C
lot of
D
much
E
big.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q80
The candidate made… at the village square a day before the elections.
A
a sermon
B
an address
C
a eulogy
D
a lecture
E
a speech.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q81
The policeman was sent to.. the allegation made by the man.
A
investigate
B
examine
C
probe
D
enquire
E
observe. In Questions 82 to 86 which of the options expresses the same idea as the one in quotes?
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q82
‘To be in the red' is to be
A
in debt
B
rich
C
a socialist
D
red
E
dressed in red.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q83
‘To beat down the price' is to
A
flog the price
B
reduce the price
C
beat the salesman
D
attack the seller
E
control the price.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q84
To ask after a friend' is to
A
ask questions about the friend
B
inquire about the friend's welfare
C
go after the friend
D
like the friend
E
take after the friend.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q85
‘An open secret' means
A
a fact that is very secret
B
an open matter
C
a secret known to everybody
D
a confidential matter
E
a secret told in the open air.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q86
‘To put something aside' is to
A
put it by one's side
B
put it in a side pocket for future use
C
keep something for some special purpose
D
keep in safety
E
protect it. In Questions 87 to 94 choose the phrase or word which best completes the meaning of each sentence.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q87
One of the… during the football match led to fight between the teams.
A
incidence
B
incidences
C
incidents
D
occasions
E
linesmen.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q88
He used to play tennis, but he doesn't…
A
as of now
B
any longer
C
again
D
presently
E
since.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q89
He was… he had no time to eat.
A
so busy that
B
very busy
C
very busy that
D
too busy that
E
busy that.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q90
It had been raining before the match started, …?
A
isn't it
B
hasn't it.
C
hadn't it
D
wasn't it
E
is it.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q91
The mechanic said that he… mend my car before Saturday.
A
can't
B
couldn't
C
can't be able to
D
couldn't be able to
E
won't be able to.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q92
There was a fire in the market last week which resulted… a terrible destruction of property.
A
in
B
to
C
from
D
into
E
with.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q93
At the end of the month we… each other for five years.
A
would know
B
should have known
C
should be knowing
D
would have been knowing
E
used to know.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q94
The body is sensitive to changes in velocity which, if too sudden, …
A
consciousness may be lost
B
it may lose consciousness
C
one may become unconscious
D
may cause loss of consciousness
E
may lose consciousness. Each of Questions 95 to 100 consists of a sentence with a phrase or word underlined. Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the phrase or word underlined.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q97
The President stood his ground because the Committee members would not be persuaded to arrive at a compromise on the issue being debated.
A
yielded his position
B
shifted his position
C
maintained his position
D
defended his position
E
resisted his position.
Use of English JAMB 1983 Q98
The take home pay of many workers is such that they can hardly make both ends meet
A
live an honest life
B
finish their schedule of work
C
keep two jobs at a time
D
live within their income
E
live on both ends. [PAGE 8]