1985

JAMB Use of English 1985 past questions

97 questions from the 1985 JAMB UTME Use of English paper. Free, with answers where available.

Practice with CBT mock -> All Use of English years
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q1
Which of the following is NOT implied in the expression: ‘One naira per meal is a privilege in this country?
A
Nowhere in this country is food sold for one naira.
B
The price per meal at the Sports Club Cafeteria is one naira.
C
It is rare for anybody to feed satisfactorily with one naira in any hotel in the country
D
Obi cannot afford more than one naira for one meal
E
Ordinarily, one naira cannot buy much in the country.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q2
The conversation about identity cards suggests that
A
without an identity card, no one can be allowed to eat in the Sports Club Cafeteria
B
without an identity card, no one can be allowedinto the Sports Club
C
there is thorough checking of identity cards at the Sports Club gate
D
bona fide members of the Club do not have to carry identity cards
E
a club member can afford to forget his membership card
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q2
In this passage the expression "parents have had to swallow their own phlegm' means parents,
A
had to swallow the sputum in their mouths
B
have been phlegmatic all along
C
have had to overcome their own pride or prejudice
D
no longer had to swallow their own phlegm.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q3
The conversation about queues in the passage reveals that
A
everybody at the Club Cafeteria queues
B
club members can always break a queue at the Cafeteria [PAGE 14]
C
people always break queues in the Cafeteria on the pretext that they are V.IPs
D
only people who are capable of posing can break queues
E
there is nothing wrong in breaking queues.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q3
The youth acquire clothes for
A
burials, great occasions or for matriculation ceremonies
B
occasions that are not recurrent
C
boosting their ego
D
the purpose of praising their parents.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q4
The conversation about privileges shows that
A
an impostor is one who claims privileges
B
to get along must always imply making claims to privileges
C
it is always easy to recognize V.I.Ps in Nigeria, because they are always laying claim to privileges
D
there are many impostors laying claim to privileges in Nigeria
E
‘semantics' means calling to get along' ‘privileges'.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q4
In this passage we learn that parents
A
admire their children's craze for new clothes Use of English 1986
B
do not provide the money for the fashion craze
C
endure a lot of hardship to provide for their children
D
gladly provide the money for the fashion craze.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q6
Bolus in the passage means
A
Adam's apple
B
throat pill
C
liquid
D
piece of meat
E
large morsel.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q7
Ntanya and Teresa could hardly notice the land getting brown because
A
they were on their honeymoon
B
they had just got married
C
they hardly notice the sun
D
the sun did not come up
E
Ntanya worked very hard in the field.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q8
Teresa gave only bits of meat to the children because
A
they would get more from Ntanya
B
she cooked it with extra care
C
they were young
D
she kept most of it for her husband
E
she could not afford meat.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q9
Ntanya said ‘Thank you mother' to
A
his mother
B
his wife
C
his aunt
D
Teresa's mother
E
his grand-mother
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q11
The views expressed in this passage belong to
A
JAMB
B
artists
C
mathematicians
D
the poet
E
the author of the passage.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q12
The expression ‘Mathematics is the queen of the Sciences' contians
A
a contradiction
B
an analogy
C
an irony
D
a lie
E
nonsense
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q13
‘Mathematics' is written with a capital M in this passage because
A
the writer is a mathematician
B
the writer does not know how to use punctuation correctly
C
the writer wants to distinguish between a concept and a subject
D
it is the normal way of writing about the sciences
E
the writer is confused.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q14
The last sentence of the passage , ‘So if Mathematics is not an art what is art?' is a
A
questions posed for the reader to answer
B
statement put in the form of a question
C
question combined with a statement
D
mathematical equation stated in words
E
pattern which illustrates beauty, harmony and order in language.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q16
The author is
A
exonerating himself from allegations of embezzlement
B
ignoring the allegations of embezzlement
C
taking part in a political campaign
D
demonstrating that he is a Senator
E
trying to implicate Abu O. Abu, a fellow politician.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q17
Constituent in the passage means
A
a section of his constituency
B
his entire constituency
C
his campaigner
D
a person having voting rights where he is living
E
a supporter
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q18
Accosted in the passage means
A
grossly insulted
B
greeted
C
fought with
D
forced
E
went and spoke to
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q19
It appears that the N50,000
A
has been spent
B
has been paid into the government treasury
C
will soon be paid into the government treasury
D
has been saved by Abu O. Abu
E
will be used for future campaigns.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q21
The evidence that the family hopes had run high is that the
A
land was ready for planting
B
earth was alive with insects singing
C
goats had started producing milk
D
family ate porridge
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q22
‘The adults paid no attention to this' refers to
A
the children scolding the rag-dolls
B
the plain porridge
C
the burnt porridge
D
their breaking nerves
E
the land.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q23
The family sat down in despair because
A
the land was ready and ploughed
B
they ate plain porridge with no milk
C
the sun danced dizzily in the sky
D
the land was covered in a haze of mist
E
it was impossible to plant seeds.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q24
All their animals had been sold in order to
A
avoid despair
B
buy food
C
induce rain
E
make the children happy.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q25
‘Game of making house' means
A
building a house with sand
B
being happy in the house
C
playing in the house
D
imitating running a home like adults
E
playing hide-and-seek in the house LEXIS AND STRUCTURE In Questions 26 to 37 choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q26
To most people last Christmas was an austere period. [PAGE 16]
A
prosperous
B
harsh
C
severe
D
sour
E
stern.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q27
The chief was generous in his award of university scholarships
A
noble
B
considerate
C
liberal
D
mean
E
honest.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q28
Chidi is naturally taciturn.
A
friendly
B
cheerful
C
dumb
D
lively
E
garrulous.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q29
He is loved for his altruism.
A
benevolence
B
sincerity
C
selfishness
D
selflessness
E
kindness.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q30
The Military Governor upheld the decision of his cabinet.
A
held up
B
undercut
C
maintained
D
abolished
E
reversed.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q31
Many untrustworthy students give evasive answers to questions which they fully understand.
A
direct
B
outspoken
C
simple
D
truthful
E
clever.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q32
The deafening noise of the two jet planes which flew across our compound yesterday made people fear that an assault on the country might be imminent.
A
impending
B
ahead
C
remote
D
eminent
E
threatening
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q33
Disgruntled people are indifferent to any plans to rid the society of evil.
A
different from
B
diffident about
C
in agreement with
D
interested in
E
opposed to.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q34
The severity of the harmattan helped me to complete my writing assignment in record time because I had no choice but to lock myself indoors.
A
warmth
B
mildness
C
moderation
D
leniency
E
gentility.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q35
The increase in transport fares deterred our club from planning an excursion this year.
A
deferred
B
irritated
C
impelled
D
restricted
E
encouraged
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q36
This card entitles you to attend the film show.
A
disqualifies
B
discourages
C
disenchants
D
proclaims
E
satisfies
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q37
This is an abridged edition of Oliver Twist
A
reprinted
B
enlarged
C
outdated
D
extinct
E
banned In Questions 38 to 71 choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q38
Victor will not attend the dinner party tonight: he is afraid of his own shadow.
A
not in the mood
B
attending another party
C
scared of imaginary things
D
unhappy with his assigned role
E
unable to forget his fears.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q40
The manager often quarrels with his staff because he goes around with a chip on his shoulder.
A
deformed shoulder
B
readiness to be angered
C
look of contempt
D
an air of superiority
E
search for gossip.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q41
The new employee is so humble and friendly that he will soon make himself popular.
A
welcomed and accepted
B
hated
C
estranged
D
rejected
E
a personal friend.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q42
He took exception to Ezenwa's remark.
A
was delighted at
B
was excited by
C
got demoralized by
D
objected to
E
was perplexed by.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q43
Kelechi hardly ever falls sick.
A
most often
B
very seldom
C
sometimes
D
frequently
E
occasionally
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q44
The gallant soldiers met their Waterloo at Philippi
A
victory
B
trouble
C
defeat
D
happiest period
E
enemy
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q45
It is futile trying to make bricks without straw.
A
fertile
B
important
C
fragile
D
vain
E
bad
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q46
The ceiling of my bed-room fell in and knocked me out.
A
made me unconscious
B
removed me
C
flattened me
D
killed me
E
frightened me.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q47
In May 1978 the rain fell incessantly and made life drab.
A
at intervals
B
recurrently
C
repeatedly
D
concurrently
E
continuously
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q48
Little Ugochi has a bicycle which is in marvelous condition.
A
need of a tune up
B
excellent
C
questionable
D
unstable
E
working
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q49
The lecturer maintained his usual good humour in spite of the cat-calls and the rude behaviour of his students
A
provoked
B
obtained
C
kept
D
lost
E
improved.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q50
The class as a whole will have a lecture on scarce commodities tomorrow
A
argument
B
deliberation
C
dispute
D
conference
E
talk
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q51
Many states practise the ideals of democracy.
A
government by elections
B
government by representatives
C
government by civilians
D
government by all the people
E
oligarchy [PAGE 17]
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q52
He lost his voice momentarily.
A
in a moment
B
in a split second
C
for a brief period of time
D
without delay
E
instantly.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q53
The corrupt official had to leave the public service willy nilly.
A
unprepared
B
reluctantly
C
willingly
D
compulsorily
E
by retirement
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q54
I am yet to write the penultimate paragraph of my essay.
A
last but one
B
third to the last
C
second
D
concluding
E
introductory
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q55
One hindrance to an orderly economic development of the country is large-scale fraud and corruption.
A
difficulty
B
element
C
reason
D
obstacle
E
ritual
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q56
Stephen was blamed for leaving his door ajar during the heavy rainfall.
A
unlocked
B
unbolted
C
open
D
keyless
E
locked
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q57
If people don't want to play the game according to the rule, that is their business.
A
their business will suffer
B
it is not their fault
C
they should blame others for it
D
other people will take over their business
E
they will have themselves to blame.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q58
Nigeria, like most other African countries is predominantly agricultural.
A
mainly
B
certainly
C
entirely
D
undoubtedly
E
superficially
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q59
Despite increasingly punitive laws against hemp smoking, it is still rising at an alarming rate.
A
devastating
B
exemplary
C
barbaric
D
severe
E
satisfactory
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q60
The Senate postponed the meeting indefinitely.
A
for a short time
B
for six months
C
definitely
D
without fixing a date
E
for several months
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q61
You have been asked to change your laissez-faire attitude to work.
A
stupid
B
carefree
C
careful
D
serious
E
responsible
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q62
Since his father's death, Osita has not been able to cope with the tasks of a family head.
A
perform adequately
B
tolerate
C
accept
D
assess properly
E
manage
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q63
My spell in the university was an unmitigated disaster
A
an unavoidable
B
a painful
C
a regrettable
D
an unqualified
E
an unfortunate
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q64
To be above board is to be
A
afloat
B
on top of a plank
C
above suspicion
D
raised above a board
E
the chairman of a board
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q65
It is sheer foolhardiness for unarmed policemen to pursue armed robbers.
A
nonsense
B
bravery
C
foolishness
D
stupidity
E
foolish risk taking
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q66
Bankole was a man given to much wine.
A
pushed to
B
taken over by
C
addicted to
D
forced to
E
afflicted by
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q67
The officer refused to be taken in by the private.
A
won over
B
drawn in
C
overtaken
D
deceive
E
Involved
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q68
The principal advised the boy to come to grips with himself if he wanted to do well at the end of his course.
A
criticize himself
B
master his difficulties
C
learn to be obedient
D
behave himself
E
fight with himself
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q69
The judge came down heavily on the accused person in his judgement.
A
crashed heavily
B
fell down heading
C
descended upon heavily
D
imposed a stiff penalty
E
crash landed on.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q70
Employees have been urged to desist from witch-hunting and character assassination.
A
commanded to stop hunting witches
B
ordered to stop assassinating witches
C
entreated not to accuse individuals unjustly and maliciously
D
informed to resist witch hunters and character assassins
E
urged to desist from barbaric acts.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q71
The government should stop white elephant projects.
A
projects in which white men kill elephants
B
projects in which white elephants are used
C
projects for painting some elephants white
D
high cost projects with low utility values
E
low cost projects with high utility values.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q72
Mary goes to school.. bus.
A
in
B
on
C
with
D
through
E
by
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q73
The loud noise in the neighbourhood attracted people who stared… the thief.
A
at
B
about
C
with
D
on
E
over
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q74
The students unrest resulted… the expulsion of the ringleaders
A
to
B
in
C
from
D
with
E
by
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q75
The lawyer insisted.. the full payment of his charge.
A
with
B
in
C
for
D
at
E
on
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q76
Little children are usually afraid ... thunder.
A
about
B
for
C
of
D
with
E
at [PAGE 18]
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q77
On the orders of the steward, the cook rushed… the market
A
to
B
at
C
for
D
in
E
against
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q78
The principal advised that we pursue this case cautiously, otherwise we are bound to be taken… by Ada's lies.
A
away
B
out
C
in
D
off
E
on
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q79
I am very sorry… to attend the meeting yesterday.
A
for failure
B
in failing
C
to having failed
D
to fail
E
for failing
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q80
When you are faced with an examination of this nature endeavour to keep your mind... the job and not be distracted for one moment.
A
at
B
in
C
for
D
on
E
to
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q81
It all depended on what…
A
does he want
B
he wants
C
he does want
D
he wanted
E
did he want
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q82
Samuel: Would you please come here, John? John: No. I'm busy… in my farm.
A
I am working
B
I'm working
C
I am to work
D
I shall have worked
E
I go to work
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q83
My colleagues… before I arrived.
A
started writing
B
wrote
C
had started writing
D
have written
E
have been writing
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q84
After the team had conceded two goals, their enthusiasm…
A
was beginning to wane
B
was waning
C
began to wane
D
had begun to wane
E
had been waning
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q85
The Government… the initial value of the hotel complex at ten million Naira.
A
costed
B
had cost
C
had valued
D
had constructed
E
has costed
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q86
James... reminding that not all that glitters is gold.
A
needs
B
need
C
needing
D
needs to
E
need to
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q87
The dull student took a correspondence course as a means… his standard in the class.
A
to improve
B
for improving
C
of improving
D
by improving
E
to improving
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q88
The boy thought that driving a car was not… dangerous than riding a bicyle.
A
so very
B
particularly
C
very
D
any more
E
any
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q89
I do not want… from such a friend as Jimoh.
A
any more advices
B
no more advice
C
any advices
D
no advice
E
any advice
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q90
Very few students have satisfactory... these days becausethe student population has increased tremendously.
A
acommondation
B
accomodation
C
accommodation
D
acommoddation
E
acommodation.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q91
The old politicians were discredited because they tried to… the people's ignorance.
A
cash in on
B
catch in with
C
catch in on
D
cash in with
E
cash in by
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q92
The plane overshot the… in a minor accident.
A
railway
B
hangar
C
tarmac
D
runway
E
road
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q93
That single… was enough to spoil a whole life time of good living.
A
occurence
B
ocurence
C
occurrence
D
occurrense
E
ocurrence.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q94
The thief ran… luck when the policeman running after him caught up with him and knocked him down.
A
into
B
with
C
of
D
out of
E
off
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q95
Whilst the thief was... the passengers, he kept apologizing for the inconvenience he was causing them
A
robbing
B
rubbing
C
robing
D
rubing
E
robbed.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q96
Your brigade would be the better for it, if you desisted ... rumor-mongering, observed the Chief of Staff
A
from
B
away
C
into
D
away from
E
on
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q97
The court ordered the lorry driver to pay for the ... to my car.
A
damages
B
heavy damages
C
destruction
D
many damages
E
damage
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q98
Journalists always collect and publish ...
A
informations
B
an information
C
some informations
D
information
E
much informations.
Use of English JAMB 1985 Q99
I have received the answer scripts of Peter and John. What about ...?
A
Ngozi
B
Ngozi's own
C
Ngozis
D
Ngozis'
E
Ngozi's