1984

JAMB Use of English 1984 past questions

90 questions from the 1984 JAMB UTME Use of English paper. Free, with answers where available.

Practice with CBT mock -> All Use of English years
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q1
On the train Jim was
A
reading a book
B
staring at the girl
C
pretending to read
D
looking through a magazine
E
reading a newspaper.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q2
He wanted to see the girl again because
A
it was summer
B
she was attractive
C
he wanted to read her magazine
D
she smiled at him
E
they had agreed to meet.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q3
He hoped to arrange a date with her by
A
writing a letter to her
B
ringing her up
C
waiting at the station
D
handing in a short note in a hurry
E
sending a telegram.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q6
The manufactured crystals have to be pure
A
because natural quartz is pure
B
to maintain hygiene in factory work
C
to satisfy the precise needs of importers.
D
to satisfy the exact requirements of science.
E
otherwise they would take 3 million years to grow.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q7
According to the passage, quartz is used
A
only in a few devices
B
in a lot of devices
C
in wrist watches
D
for jewellery
E
for steel cylinders.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q8
Artificial quartz as compared with natural is
A
superior.
B
inferior
C
just the same
D
varied
E
limited in use.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q9
Transistors have
A
helped to produce quartz
B
made radio and television inaccessible to the working populace
C
made transmitters and receivers smaller and lighter.
D
retarded progress in electronics.
E
made transmitters and receivers bigger and heavier. [PAGE 9]
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q11
Most artists are strongly influenced by the
A
desire for self-expression.
B
need to sell their works
C
tastes and wishes of the society
D
creative imagination
E
opinions of critics.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q13
It would be useful to study the social conditioning of artist because
A
we know that African art is entirely influenced by tradition.
B
traditional art arises from the customs of the people
C
an artist's predecessors solely determine the nature of his work
D
we do not know the extent to which an artist is influenced by his society
E
we do not know very much about how an artist's creative imagination works.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q14
‘The work of art is the outcome of a dialectic between the informing tradition and the individual genius of the artist' means that
A
the artist is influenced both by the society and by his own creative imagination
B
there is an irreconcilable conflict between an artist's creativity and the demands that society makes on him.
C
the artist subordinates his individual talent to the demands of the society
D
few works of art are entirely original
E
the individual artist needs to be informed about the traditions of the society.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q17
The picnickers were
A
farmers
B
from the nearby village
C
tourists
D
people from the city
E
anglers like him.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q18
Where was Alan looking for his fish? He was looking for the fish
A
in the grass,
B
down in the river
C
in front of the gate
D
in his basket
E
among the picnickers.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q19
Alan made the picnickers believe that fish jump out of the river to look for flies by
A
telling a story.
B
finding his trout and showing it to them
C
taking them down to the river
D
watching how trout catch flies [PAGE 10]
E
picking up a fish and looking for more.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q21
Sericulture is
A
carried out only in China
B
the breeding of silkworms for the production for silk
C
the research done on silkworms
D
the making of cloth from the cocoons of silkworms
E
the breeding of silkworms in Malawi.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q22
It is implied in this passage that silk was discovered
A
after years of hard work and research by the Empress
B
by accident
C
in the search for a more durable fibre for making cloth.
D
after some experiments carried out by the Japanese sericulturist
E
by design.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q23
According to sericulturists, silkworms
A
cannot survive in a warm climate
B
may be reared on any tree
C
do well in areas with a warm climate
D
produce the longest threads when they are fed leaves from the top of the mulberry tree
E
are destroyed by heat.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q24
The work carried out at the Agricultural Research Station in Malawi on the silkworm eggs was to
A
try to breed cocoons which would produce more silk
B
determine the survival rate of silkworms
C
find out the most suitable areas and conditions for rearing silkworms
D
search for better method of rearing silk worms
E
find out how cocoons become silkworms.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q25
Choose the meaning which best fits the underlined phrase from the passage. Closely guarded secret
A
Carefully hidden from the knowledge of others
B
Secretly processed business with armed guards
C
Carefully hidden from the view of strangers
D
Scarcely known
E
Unknown. LEXIS AND STRUCTURE In Questions 26 to 38 choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q26
The meeting was cancelled because of the convocation.
A
brought up
B
called off
C
broken off
D
dropped out
E
phased out.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q28
Can you give a good explanation for your behaviour?
A
account for
B
call for
C
clear up
D
make up
E
give up.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q29
Be careful! We are approaching the crossroads.
A
look up
B
watch out
C
look up
D
hold up
E
look in.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q30
Thousands of students are candidates for the examination but only very few pass.
A
come into
B
call for
C
go into
D
enter for
E
turn up for.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q31
He went through fire before he qualified as a doctor.
A
had a fire accident
B
made a lot of fire
C
suffered a lot
D
underwent some purification
E
required a lot of fire.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q32
Osyaku started playing football because he thought it would develop him physically.
A
took up football
B
picked up football
C
returned to football
D
took up with football
E
put in for football.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q33
Once I have finished all my homework I am permitted to watch television.
A
I can watch television at anytime.
B
I can only watch television after doing my homework.
C
Television comes first, then homework second.
D
I can only finish my homework after permission to watch television
E
after watching television I finished my homework.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q34
For all he cared, the game was as good as lost.
A
He did not care if the game was lost
B
He could not care less if the game was lost.
C
He was almost certain that the game would be lost.
D
He was afraid the game would be lost.
E
The game was very good, and he cared very much about losing it. [PAGE 11]
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q36
In their desire to impress their friends and relatives, many young workers bite off more than they can chew in terms of financial obligations.
A
have more money than sense
B
eat more than they can digest property
C
spend too much money on food
D
care too much for their relatives
E
take on more responsibility than they can afford.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q37
All the efforts made to settle the quarrel were futile.
A
successful
B
wicked
C
reasonable
D
remarkable
E
fruitless.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q38
The new inspector decided that the culprits should be brought to book.
A
should have their names recorded in a book
B
should be brought before him to show whether they could read or not
C
should be booked
D
should be jailed
E
should be made to answer for their conduct. In questions 39 and 40 select the word oppoisite in meaning to that underlined.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q39
The long straight trunk of the tree is ideal for round wood uses like railway sleepers, rafters and fence posts.
A
best
B
perfect
C
most unsuitable
D
satisfactory
E
poor.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q41
My uncle told me, ‘I have a large house and you are welcome to the protection it offers'. My uncle told me that…
A
he had a large house, and you are welcome to the protection it offers
B
he have a large house, and I was welcome to the protection it offered.
C
He had a large house and he was welcomed to the protection it offers
D
he had a large house, and I was welcome to the protection it offered.
E
he has a large house, and I am welcome to the protection it offers.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q42
The manager said that unless the employees worked harder the factory would have to be closed. The manager said that…
A
the employees were not working hard, and so the factory would be closed
B
the employees should not close early so that they could produce more.
C
the factory was not productive because the employees were lazy
D
the factory would be shut if the employees did not increase their output
E
the factory was closed because the employees did not work hard enough. In questions 43 to 60 choose the expression or word which best completes each sentence.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q43
The student who went home without an exeat has apologized… his misconduct
A
on
B
at
C
to
D
for
E
about.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q44
The man has atoned... his sins.
A
upon
B
on
C
for
D
at
E
against.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q45
The Headmaster was interviewed in connection.. the expansion project.
A
to
B
with
C
for
D
about
E
at.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q46
What do you want me to do now? I'm…. withdrawing and keeping quiet.
A
for
B
with
C
up
D
off
E
on.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q47
I am looking …. seeing your family.
A
ahead at
B
forward to
C
forward on
D
for to
E
ahead to.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q48
These folktales have been handed… from generation to generation.
A
into
B
over
C
down
D
up
E
across.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q49
John arrived at the airport on time but he could not get… the plane.
A
into
B
over
C
in
D
to enter
E
to.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q50
The young lovers first met… the University of Ibadan Havana Night dance.
A
in
B
at
C
in course of
D
on
E
inside.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q51
I have not seen my housemaster… the beginning of this session.
A
from
B
in
C
for
D
at
E
since.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q52
The Chairman of the State School Board has advised students to desist… blackmailing college authorities.
A
from
B
in
C
on
D
against
E
by.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q53
The most stupid boy in the class passed the examination contrary.. the expectation of many people.
A
upon
B
from
C
on
D
to
E
with.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q54
The Principal remarked that it was the high standard of discipline that was instrumental…. the high percentage of passes in the school.
A
upon
B
to
C
with
D
on
E
in.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q55
She wounded the man… the back with her knitting needle.
A
on
B
in
C
at
D
by
E
upon.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q56
It took the father many days to get… the untimely death of his son
A
off
B
over
C
by
D
through
E
across
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q57
While the worshippers closed their eyes in prayer, a thief made… with the collection.
A
out
B
away
C
up
D
by
E
through
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q58
There is no doubt that every lady takes great pride… her appearance.
A
with
B
in
C
at
D
on
E
about. [PAGE 12]
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q59
If you keep playing with this door handle, it will get…
A
loose
B
lose
C
lost
D
loosing
E
loosed.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q60
‘Have you given the patient his medicine?' The doctor asked the nurse.
A
if you have given the patient his medicine.
B
had you given the patient his medicines?
C
have you given the patient his medicine?
D
if she had given the patient his medicine.
E
if the patient is given his medicine. From the alternatives provided in questions 61 to 100 select the one which most appropriately completes the sentence.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q61
I was seriously disappointed when the… between the two teams ended in a goaless draw.
A
march
B
marsh
C
match
D
mash
E
martch.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q62
Children's clothes have to be strong to stand … rough use.
A
with
B
in through
C
in for
D
up to
E
up for.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q63
Shall I make the cheque… you or to your firm?
A
in for
B
up with
C
in with
D
up for
E
out to
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q64
The hotel... is at Wurno Road.
A
which I am staying.
B
in where I am staying C that I am staying
D
at which I am staying
E
I stay.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q65
…the main points of the lecture given by the Director of the Institute.
A
Those were
B
That was
C
There were
D
This was
E
That is.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q66
I am sure that my mother will not find out. She is so… that she will accept anything I tell her.
A
credible
B
credulous
C
creditable
D
incredible
E
incredulous.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q67
The boys are very naughty. They have started fighting again, ...
A
haven't they?
B
isn't it?
C
not so?
D
have they?
E
is it?
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q68
If only I ... insured! But I wasn't. Now, I have to pay a lot of money.
A
am
B
have been
C
had been
D
would be
E
was to be.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q69
Do you mind if I wait for the reply? I'd rather you… again tomorrow.
A
called
B
will call
C
can call
D
call
E
were calling.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q70
Olu: How do you want the money in cash or in traveller's cheques? Ali: Beg your pardon? Olu: I was asking you how ... the money?
A
do you want
B
you want
C
you wanted
D
you are wanting
E
did you want.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q71
The young man looked carefully at the long document, but he couldn't make ... what it meant.
A
up
B
out
C
off
D
through
E
do.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q72
The students haven't come back from the library, …
A
isn't it?
B
have they?
C
is it?
D
had they?
E
haven't they?
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q73
Give me a minute to think. I can't remember the answer…
A
out of hand
B
ahead
C
offhand
D
to hand
E
off head
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q74
The government suffered a.. .. when they lost two by - elections.
A
check
B
set-back
C
hindrance
D
disturbance
E
recession.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q75
Our Literature Master said that he would show us a film on Macbeth. The film will …
A
worth seeing
B
worth seeing it
C
be worth to see
D
be worth seeing
E
be worthy seeing.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q76
The driver of that lorry… lost his life during the collision.
A
barely
B
hardly
C
nearly
D
closely
E
narrowly.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q77
The principal went to buy some… for the physics laboratory.
A
equipment
B
pieces of equipments
C
equipments
D
items of equipments
E
list of equipment.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q78
Wherever the leader went people struggled to catch a… of him.
A
look
B
view
C
glimpse
D
portrait
E
picture.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q79
The…. in an attempt to please the workers promised to provide ... for them as soon as possible.
A
committee/accommodation
B
committee/acommodation
C
committee/accomodation
D
committee/acommoddation
E
committee/accomondation.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q80
I meant… a pencil but there was no one…. them.
A
buying/selling
B
to buy/to sell
C
buying/to sell
D
buy/to sell
E
to buy/selling.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q81
Mrs. Okoro ... in this school since 1975.
A
taught
B
is teaching
C
was teaching
D
teaches
E
has been teaching
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q82
The Governor has... to the people on many occasions.
A
broadcast
B
been broadcast
C
broadcasted
D
being broadcast
E
been broadcasted.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q83
Paulina arrived late, she… the right route.
A
cannot have taken
B
could not have taking
C
cannot take.
D
could not had taken
E
could not have taken.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q84
…the medicine, he asked his daughter to take it according to the doctor's prescription.
A
Having to buy
B
Having bought
C
Having been bought
D
Having being bought
E
Having buy.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q85
It was a funny episode, so I ...
A
can't help to laugh.
B
couldn't help laugh
C
couldn't help laughing
D
couldn't help to laugh
E
can't help laughing.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q86
By the end of this year I… twenty books
A
read
B
would have read
C
will read
D
have read
E
am reading.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q87
Leonard: We went to a hotel and had a very good dinner for N1.00 Geoffrey: You… a very good dinner if you only paid N1.00.
A
must have had
B
needn't have had
C
couldn't have had
D
had to have
E
have had.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q88
Evelyn: I've submitted eight copies. Joseph: You…eight. Three would have been enough. [PAGE 13]
A
can't have submitted
B
couldn't have submited
C
didn't need to submitted
D
needn't have submitted
E
must have submitted.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q89
The present wanton display of riches… morals in our society.
A
will be affecting
B
are affecting
C
is affecting
D
was affecting
E
had been affecting.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q90
The market women… profit ranges from thirty to fifty percent are making… difficult for the ordinary people
A
for who/to live
B
for whom/lives
C
by whose/living
D
whose/life
E
whose/leaving.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q91
Town authorities have put up a railing in front of the exits… people… out of the stadium and ... straight across the road.
A
prevent/rush/dashing
B
preventing/rushing/to dash
C
to prevent/rushing/dashing
D
to prevent/rush/dash
E
to prevent/to rush/dash.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q92
Someone… the radio cassette since 6p.m I wish he … turn it off.
A
has been playing/would
B
is playing/would
C
played/will
D
has played/should
E
plays/will.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q94
Had he known that it would rain, he... his umbrella with him.
A
would have taking
B
was going to take
C
would be taking
D
would have taken
E
would take.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q95
Omeime was taking his dog for a walk when the dog suddenly… from its chain and escaped
A
broke through
B
broke lose
C
broke even.
D
broke loose
E
broke away.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q96
After we have taken our share, we shall give… to them.
A
their
B
their's
C
theirs
D
there
E
there's.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q97
I was still sleeping when the national news … this morning.
A
were broadcast
B
were broadcasted
C
was broadcast
D
was broadcasted
E
were being broadcasted.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q98
Each of the contestants… a chance to win.
A
has
B
have
C
get
D
gets
E
take
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q99
I gave the book to the library attendant… I think works in the evenings.
A
whom
B
whose
C
which
D
who
E
of whom.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q100
It was interesting to observe the likenessbetween the pupil and his teacher.
A
similarity
B
relationship
C
fondness
D
affection
E
affinity.
Use of English JAMB 1984 Q100
The politicians are responsible for the… events have taken in this country.
A
course
B
curse
C
coarse
D
cause
E
corse. Use of English 1985 means getting what you want. If you choose to term it ‘privileges', it suits me. It is all a question of semantics.