1987

JAMB Use of English 1987 past questions

93 questions from the 1987 JAMB UTME Use of English paper. Free, with answers where available.

Practice with CBT mock -> All Use of English years
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q1
The tone of this passage is
A
angry
B
satirical
C
non-commital
D
pleasant.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q2
Mortuary ‘stylistics' as used in the passage refers to the
A
art of writing obituaries
B
text of obituaries
C
study of obituaries
D
art of eulogizing the dead. [PAGE 24]
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q3
‘One suspects that the reason why some of our newspapers still manage to break even …' Suggests that some Nigerian newspapers
A
would be running at a loss but for obituaries
B
are patronized only because they specialize in obituaries
C
derive all their revenue from obituaries
D
invest huge revenue in obituaries.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q6
The dominant subject of this passage is the
A
white man's road
B
new religion
C
white man's influence
D
white man's weapons.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q7
According to the passage, the people of Umuaro and Okperi
A
are friends
B
are only acquaintances
C
are no friends
D
can never be enemies.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q8
‘There is no escape from the white man' in the passage means that the
A
white man will send the people to prison
B
white man can kill all the people with his gun
C
people are only trying to run away from the white man
D
people must accept the white man.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q9
‘Passes by your ears' in the passage means
A
piercing through your ears.
B
listening eagerly
C
making no impression
D
accepting as the truth.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q11
The relationship between the manager and his secretary, as revealed in the passage, could be said to be
A
strained
B
charged
C
personal
D
cordial.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q12
‘I would not describe you as an inefficient worker…' Suggests that the manager
A
is quite pleased with the level of diligence of his secretary.
B
has had cause in the past to complain against his secretary
C
is dissatisfied with the level of performance of his secretary
D
is non-commital over the efficiency of his secretary.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q13
It would appear that the manager feels that the secretary
A
should have, if possible, personally cleaned the Conference Room.
B
should have ensured that someone else cleaned the Conference Room
C
should have ensured that the cleaner did his job
D
is a coward
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q14
The secretary's attitude seems to be
A
Manager Sir, you employed this huge and recalcitrant cleaner and I am not going to do his job for him.
B
‘It is not the duty o f a secretary to enforce the instructions he gives to his junior workers'
C
‘I am a secretary by profession, not a cleaner
D
‘It is not terribly important how tidy the Conference Room is for the meeting.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q16
Primitive man carried a firebrand during his journeys mainly for
A
illumination
B
cooking of food
C
flame preservation
D
warmth.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q17
According to the passage, the torch probably developed from a
A
firebrand
B
twig
C
lamp
D
fibre.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q18
Primitive man was least concerned with fire as a
A
means of cooking
B
source of warmth
C
source of light
D
means of travelling
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q19
One way early man made a lamp was by putting a lighted reed in a
A
hollowed stone
B
sea shell
C
vessel
D
molten fat.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q21
The author believes that electronic recording is
A
superior only to mental recording
B
inferior to both mental recording and writing
C
superior to both mental recording and writing
D
inferior to only writing.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q22
The writer believes that the art of record keeping has
A
improved over the years
B
endangered the art of writing
C
changed human memory
D
overcome all the problems facing it.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q23
How many stages of development did the writer mention while discussing the art of record keeping?
A
Two
B
Three
C
Four
D
Five
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q24
According to the author, human memory is unreliable because people.
A
die and we forget what they said.
B
forget events or tell lies
C
do not always know when events happened
D
do not always know who did what and when.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q25
From the passage, we gather that writing is almost
A
as unreliable as human memory
B
as reliable as electronic memory
C
more reliable than electronic recording
D
not to be compared to any other recording system. LEXIS AND STRUCTURE In questions 26 to 32 choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q26
The house-wife was hard up before the end of each month.
A
upset
B
penniless
C
borrowing
D
in no need.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q27
The retired General became a hard-nosed officer after fighting the war.
A
tough
B
weak
C
indifferent
D
bed-ridden.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q28
The Lions lost the match because their goalkeeper was in a haze most of the time.
A
indisposed
B
confused
C
alert
D
sleeping.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q29
Unless we see the evils clearly, contending against them is like fighting the air.
A
avoiding
B
struggling with
C
combating
D
repelling.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q30
The explosive growth of world population has not been caused by a sudden increase in human fertility.
A
fantastic
B
gradual
C
combustible
D
dangerous.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q31
It is generally believed that misers are not loved by many.
A
spendthrifts
B
spenders
C
hoarders
D
savers
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q32
My brother's primary school foundation was solid and this influenced his secondary education.
A
sound
B
sordid
C
shaky
D
weak. In questions 33 to 55 choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q33
‘It is very difficult to know who is entitled to essential commodities these days', observed the mobbed NNSC official.
A
qualified for
B
disqualified from
C
eligible
D
worthy of
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q34
‘This is a miniaturized version of your house' remarked the Architect.
A
compressed
B
abridged
C
decreased
D
smaller.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q35
It is claimed that there is an extinct volcano near Pankshin
A
extinguished
B
inactive
C
dead
D
disused.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q36
Bola has sonorous voice.
A
high-pitched
B
beautiful
C
strong
D
throaty.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q37
Some workers went on rampage at a trade-fair.
A
turned violent
B
robber
C
were angry
D
demonstrated.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q38
We have to identify the protagonists of the new movement.
A
enemies
B
leading figures
C
opponents
D
Believers
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q39
My nephew came in stealthily through the back gate.
A
briskly
B
boldly
C
wearily
D
quietly.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q40
The distance is not more than twenty kilometres as the crow flies.
A
by the longest route
B
by the shortest route
C
by air
D
by the fastest means.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q41
Your extreme patience sometimes infuriates me.
A
impresses
B
annoys
C
frustrates
D
amuses.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q42
I cannot understand how he suddenly became audacious contrary to his nature.
A
proud
B
bold
C
rude
D
hostile.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q43
His has been a life of make-belief
A
faith
B
fantasy
C
grandeur
D
religion [PAGE 26]
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q44
Our teacher seldom comes late to school.
A
very often
B
always
C
frequently
D
hardly ever.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q45
At the age of 80, Musa wished he could put the clock back.
A
stop the clock
B
put down the clock
C
go back in time
D
have more time.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q46
The Director left his secret file to the Secretary in good faith
A
with proof
B
in anxiety
C
in anticipation
D
in trust.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q47
The Chief approached the issue with convincing d isinterestedness
A
lack of interest
B
lack of personal interest
C
inability to be interested
D
unwillingness.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q48
Nothing irritates the clerk more, than being assigned miscellaneous duties.
A
classified
B
confidential
C
unscheduled
D
assorted
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q49
It is of fundamental importance that one sleeps properly.
A
undisputed
B
basic
C
special
D
least.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q50
I know you've been eaves-dropping all along
A
dropping gently
B
paying attention
C
listening secretly
D
dropping all the leaves.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q51
She showed an affected interest in the game.
A
real
B
pretended
C
concerned
D
slight.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q52
I would not like you to do the work piecemeal
A
at meal time
B
bit by bit
C
badly
D
as a masterpiece.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q53
I think I'll like to reiterate the points earlier made.
A
withdraw
B
change
C
challenge
D
repeat.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q54
The sudden death of the King put paid to the ambition of the Minister.
A
encouraged
B
rewarded
C
benefited
D
terminated.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q55
The man insisted on having no strings attached to the agreement
A
financial obligations
B
documents
C
conditions
D
moral obligations. In questions 56 to 100 choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills the gap(s).
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q56
I was….hearing distance of the speaker.
A
on
B
at
C
within
D
in
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q57
Peter was such a skilfull boxer that he was not afraid to take…anybody
A
to
B
upon
C
on
D
in.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q58
Owing to the constant harassment of the populace by armed robbers, all night guards have been instructed to shoot…every moving things
A
at sight
B
by sight
C
in sight
D
off sight.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q59
My wife and I were to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary last Sunday. Unfortunately on that ….day, my father-in-law died mysteriously.
A
fruitless
B
faithful
C
futile
D
fateful
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q60
The first graduation ceremony of the university was attended by men from all….of life.
A
works
B
areas
C
walks
D
parts.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q61
…guests enjoyed Joy's birthday party
A
The whole
B
All the
C
Every
D
Those very
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q62
One would wish …missed that opportunity to be present at the graduation hall.
A
to have not
B
for having not
C
to having
D
not to have.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q63
The ceremony was rounded…very late.
A
up
B
off
C
of
D
out.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q64
My…brother intends to get married in December.
A
senior
B
elder
C
older
D
oldest.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q65
The…Affairs Officer is expecting all of us in the dining room.
A
Student
B
Student's
C
Students
D
Students'
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q66
Many a candidate… to realise the difference between written and spoken English.
A
fails
B
fail
C
have failed
D
is failing.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q67
Chinyere has not really described the Cabinet as irresponsible; she only… it in her speech
A
alluded to
B
implied
C
applied
D
suggested.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q68
…at 9.30 for more news, said the announcer
A
Switch on
B
Tune in
C
Hook on
D
Channel in .
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q69
The way that big boy bullied his sister with relish makes me think he could be a …
A
bully
B
sadist
C
pugilist
D
tyrant.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q70
All… well with Peter.
A
are not
B
have not been
C
were not
D
is not.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q71
One... so if she had thought it necessary.
A
would have said
B
would say
C
may have said
D
could say.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q72
We have done three quarters of the journey already, we … as well see the end of it.
A
can
B
might
C
could
D
may
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q73
My little daughter has … sight, hence, she now wears glasses.
A
dimunitive B blurred
C
painful
D
defective.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q74
Bassey's evidence led… Okon being imprisoned for life.
A
at
B
into
C
in
D
to
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q75
My boss is usually a charming man but… he can be very irritable.
A
atimes
B
at times
C
those times
D
with times.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q76
We surely ought to have an…arrangement in case somebody discovers the present strategy.
A
alternate
B
alternating
C
alternative
D
alternant.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q77
The nurse kept apologizing to mothers as she stuck her needle… every baby at the clinic
A
in
B
onto
C
on to
D
into .
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q78
One of the ladies who … in the premises … been asked to withdraw
A
sells/have
B
sell/have
C
sells/has
D
sell/has
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q79
A Tale of Two Cities…the…we are studying for the examination.
A
are/novels
B
was/novel
C
were/novels
D
is/novel. [PAGE 27]
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q80
We must not take with us the feelings of inadequacy …experienced during our preparations for the debate.
A
that were
B
those were
C
that was
D
that is.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q81
Omogbai reported that the examinations…before he arrived in the hall.
A
started
B
have started
C
had started
D
are started.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q82
In my opinion, neither the players nor the coach … praise for the result of the match.
A
deserves
B
deserve
C
are deserving
D
is deserving.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q83
No one has said anything yet, but I think I … be getting a salary increase next month.
A
must
B
can
C
would
D
may
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q84
Student: Excuse me sir, must we complete the assignment before lunch? Teacher: No you…
A
needn't
B
mustn't
C
can't
D
shouldn't
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q85
During the demonstration, the mobile police were instructed to break… the students' defense line.
A
off
B
open
C
through
D
down.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q86
Roli failed because the examination was …difficult for her
A
so
B
very
C
highly
D
too.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q87
My brother does not have a flair… Mathematics.
A
for
B
in
C
at
D
of
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q88
The poor little kid has been down…fever these few days.
A
with
B
from
C
in
D
for
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q90
The quarrel has got to a stage where someone has to…
A
interrupt
B
interfere
C
intrude
D
intervene.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q91
The villages looked…their leader for good examples.
A
up to
B
on to
C
up at
D
forward to
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q92
The hunter brought home…antelope
A
alive
B
a life
C
alive
D
a living.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q93
Do not take my books out of this office unless you… my permission to do so.
A
get
B
have
C
had got
D
are having.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q94
The man insisted on giving unsolicited…
A
advice
B
advices
D
advise
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q95
Cultural patterns are modified as they are … from one generation to the next.
A
transported
B
transposed
C
translated
D
transmitted.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q96
We discovered at the end of last term that we had to read … books before we could confidently sit for our final examination.
A
more of many
B
very many more
C
very much more
D
more very many.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q97
Chinedu took his umbrella with him in case it…
A
rain
B
rained
C
would rain
D
is raining.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q98
The train was too slow so I decided to… at the next stop.
A
get by
B
get bye
C
get off
D
get of.
Use of English JAMB 1987 Q99
Dapo has made good use of some useful … on the chemical composition of chalk.
A
information
B
piece of information
C
informations
D
pieces of information.