JAMB Use of English 1989

Question 1

As the stranger approached, Shola noticed that he was handsome and her excitement increased. It was of such a man she had dreamt. He had a fine, arrogant carriage, like a soldier or someone in authority. When he reached the end of the pier, he addressed them in a rich, deep voice that disturbed her as the voluptuous rising of the tide had done. 'You're Tunde Onu, I'm told', he said to her father. 'That's right,' said her father. 'The bus conductor told me you take people to the islands', the man continued. 'I'd like to go there if you can take me,' Her father examined the man from head to foot, shrewdly measuring his capacity to pay. Then he said: 'When were you thinking of going?' 'Right away' 'That's a different story, for my boatman is gone to Badagry and he won't be back before nightfall. 'Oh!' said the stranger. 'That's too bad. You couldn't get someone else instead of him?' 'I would have to think hard', he said gloomily, 'for it's not everyone would do for the job of going with me beyond the bay to the islands at this time of the year' Shola understood her father's manoeuvre and felt ashamed.

How would you describe shola's father?

1. a greedy boatman
2. an energetic but good for nothing man
3. a loving father who wants to safeguard the interest of his daughter
4. a talkative fool

Question 2

As the stranger approached, Shola noticed that he was handsome and her excitement increased. It was of such a man she had dreamt. He had a fine, arrogant carriage, like a soldier or someone in authority. When he reached the end of the pier, he addressed them in a rich, deep voice that disturbed her as the voluptuous rising of the tide had done. 'You're Tunde Onu, I'm told', he said to her father. 'That's right,' said her father. 'The bus conductor told me you take people to the islands', the man continued. 'I'd like to go there if you can take me,' Her father examined the man from head to foot, shrewdly measuring his capacity to pay. Then he said: 'When were you thinking of going?' 'Right away' 'That's a different story, for my boatman is gone to Badagry and he won't be back before nightfall. 'Oh!' said the stranger. 'That's too bad. You couldn't get someone else instead of him?' 'I would have to think hard', he said gloomily, 'for it's not everyone would do for the job of going with me beyond the bay to the islands at this time of the year' Shola understood her father's manoeuvre and felt ashamed.

Which of the following is NOT true of the passage?

1. Shola did not approve of her father’s behaviour towards the stranger
2. Shola’s father could row the stranger to the islands alone had he so wished
3. Shola’s father exaggerated the difficulties in order to raise his fee
4. Shola had recently been disturbed by the tide.

Question 3

As the stranger approached, Shola noticed that he was handsome and her excitement increased. It was of such a man she had dreamt. He had a fine, arrogant carriage, like a soldier or someone in authority. When he reached the end of the pier, he addressed them in a rich, deep voice that disturbed her as the voluptuous rising of the tide had done. 'You're Tunde Onu, I'm told', he said to her father. 'That's right,' said her father. 'The bus conductor told me you take people to the islands', the man continued. 'I'd like to go there if you can take me,' Her father examined the man from head to foot, shrewdly measuring his capacity to pay. Then he said: 'When were you thinking of going?' 'Right away' 'That's a different story, for my boatman is gone to Badagry and he won't be back before nightfall. 'Oh!' said the stranger. 'That's too bad. You couldn't get someone else instead of him?' 'I would have to think hard', he said gloomily, 'for it's not everyone would do for the job of going with me beyond the bay to the islands at this time of the year' Shola understood her father's manoeuvre and felt ashamed.

Which of the following is true of the stranger in the passage?

1. He was a proud and good looking man with a deep voice that annoyed Shola
2. He was familiar with the people of the islands
3. He was a fine gentleman in need of help
4. He was too proud to reciprocate Shola’s love.

Question 4

As the stranger approached, Shola noticed that he was handsome and her excitement increased. It was of such a man she had dreamt. He had a fine, arrogant carriage, like a soldier or someone in authority. When he reached the end of the pier, he addressed them in a rich, deep voice that disturbed her as the voluptuous rising of the tide had done. 'You're Tunde Onu, I'm told', he said to her father. 'That's right,' said her father. 'The bus conductor told me you take people to the islands', the man continued. 'I'd like to go there if you can take me,' Her father examined the man from head to foot, shrewdly measuring his capacity to pay. Then he said: 'When were you thinking of going?' 'Right away' 'That's a different story, for my boatman is gone to Badagry and he won't be back before nightfall. 'Oh!' said the stranger. 'That's too bad. You couldn't get someone else instead of him?' 'I would have to think hard', he said gloomily, 'for it's not everyone would do for the job of going with me beyond the bay to the islands at this time of the year' Shola understood her father's manoeuvre and felt ashamed.

‘Manoeuvre’ in the passage means

1. shrewdness
2. cleverness
3. stupidity
4. strategy

Question 6

I am always amazed when I hear people saying that sport creates goodwill among nations, and that if only the common peoples of the world could meet one another at football or squash, they would have no inclination to meet on the battle field. even if one didn't know from concrete examples (the 1936 Olympic Games, for instance) that international sporting contests lead to orgies of hatred, one could deduce it from general principles. Nearly all the sports practiced nowadays are competitive. You play to win, and the game has little meaning unless you do your utmost to win. On the village green, where you pick up sides and no feeling of local patriotism is involved, it is possible to play simply for the fun of it and exercise; but as soon as the question of prestige arises, as soon as you feel that you and some larger unit will be disgraced if you lose, the most savage combative instincts are aroused. Anyone who has played even in a school football match knows this. At the international level, sport is frankly a mimic warfare. But the significant thing is not the behaviour of the players but the attitude of the spectators; and, behind the spectators, of the nations who work themselves into furies over these absurd contests and seriously believe-at any rate for short period-that running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue. Even a leisurely game demanding grace rather than strength can cause much ill-will. Football, a game in which everyone gets hurt and every nation has its own style of play is far worse. Worst of all is boxing. One of the most horrible sights in the world is a fight between white and coloured boxers before a mixed audience.

The 1936 Olympic Games was cited in the passage as an example to show that sports can

1. lead to excessive hatred
2. create goodwill among nations
3. generate feelings of national prestige
4. make people meet on the battle field.

Question 7

I am always amazed when I hear people saying that sport creates goodwill among nations, and that if only the common peoples of the world could meet one another at football or squash, they would have no inclination to meet on the battle field. even if one didn't know from concrete examples (the 1936 Olympic Games, for instance) that international sporting contests lead to orgies of hatred, one could deduce it from general principles. Nearly all the sports practiced nowadays are competitive. You play to win, and the game has little meaning unless you do your utmost to win. On the village green, where you pick up sides and no feeling of local patriotism is involved, it is possible to play simply for the fun of it and exercise; but as soon as the question of prestige arises, as soon as you feel that you and some larger unit will be disgraced if you lose, the most savage combative instincts are aroused. Anyone who has played even in a school football match knows this. At the international level, sport is frankly a mimic warfare. But the significant thing is not the behaviour of the players but the attitude of the spectators; and, behind the spectators, of the nations who work themselves into furies over these absurd contests and seriously believe-at any rate for short period-that running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue. Even a leisurely game demanding grace rather than strength can cause much ill-will. Football, a game in which everyone gets hurt and every nation has its own style of play is far worse. Worst of all is boxing. One of the most horrible sights in the world is a fight between white and coloured boxers before a mixed audience.

According to the passage,

1. all the sports practiced nowadays are competitive
2. games have meaning only when the participants play to win
3. it is possible to play a game simply for the fun of it
4. on the local green, you play not to win but for the fun of it.

Question 8

I am always amazed when I hear people saying that sport creates goodwill among nations, and that if only the common peoples of the world could meet one another at football or squash, they would have no inclination to meet on the battle field. even if one didn't know from concrete examples (the 1936 Olympic Games, for instance) that international sporting contests lead to orgies of hatred, one could deduce it from general principles. Nearly all the sports practiced nowadays are competitive. You play to win, and the game has little meaning unless you do your utmost to win. On the village green, where you pick up sides and no feeling of local patriotism is involved, it is possible to play simply for the fun of it and exercise; but as soon as the question of prestige arises, as soon as you feel that you and some larger unit will be disgraced if you lose, the most savage combative instincts are aroused. Anyone who has played even in a school football match knows this. At the international level, sport is frankly a mimic warfare. But the significant thing is not the behaviour of the players but the attitude of the spectators; and, behind the spectators, of the nations who work themselves into furies over these absurd contests and seriously believe-at any rate for short period-that running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue. Even a leisurely game demanding grace rather than strength can cause much ill-will. Football, a game in which everyone gets hurt and every nation has its own style of play is far worse. Worst of all is boxing. One of the most horrible sights in the world is a fight between white and coloured boxers before a mixed audience.

Boxing is regarded as the worst game in the passage because

1. of the behaviour of the boxers themselves
2. of the amount of ill-will that can be generated among spectators of different races
3. of the ill-will that can be generated by a game that demands strength from the competitors
4. it is a game in which both players get hurt rather badly.

Question 9

I am always amazed when I hear people saying that sport creates goodwill among nations, and that if only the common peoples of the world could meet one another at football or squash, they would have no inclination to meet on the battle field. even if one didn't know from concrete examples (the 1936 Olympic Games, for instance) that international sporting contests lead to orgies of hatred, one could deduce it from general principles. Nearly all the sports practiced nowadays are competitive. You play to win, and the game has little meaning unless you do your utmost to win. On the village green, where you pick up sides and no feeling of local patriotism is involved, it is possible to play simply for the fun of it and exercise; but as soon as the question of prestige arises, as soon as you feel that you and some larger unit will be disgraced if you lose, the most savage combative instincts are aroused. Anyone who has played even in a school football match knows this. At the international level, sport is frankly a mimic warfare. But the significant thing is not the behaviour of the players but the attitude of the spectators; and, behind the spectators, of the nations who work themselves into furies over these absurd contests and seriously believe-at any rate for short period-that running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue. Even a leisurely game demanding grace rather than strength can cause much ill-will. Football, a game in which everyone gets hurt and every nation has its own style of play is far worse. Worst of all is boxing. One of the most horrible sights in the world is a fight between white and coloured boxers before a mixed audience.

Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?

1. Running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue
2. At the national level, sport is frankly a mimic warfare
3. The most savage combative instincts are aroused by anyone who has played in a school football match
4. Nations work themselves up because they tend to believe that sports are tests of national virtue.

Question 11

His eyes widened as they fell upon something strange. Something was moving slowly and cautiously along the gutter. The pale yellow and brown of the snake's body glistened like a stream of flowing metal. By what mistake had the creature strayed into this unlikely place? Impossible to say. Yet there it was; and its slow movements betrayed uneasiness and confusion. As he watched it, his instinctive antipathy melted away. He could understand so well what the snake was feeling. He entered into its cold, narrow intelligence and shared its angry perplexity. Its movements were cramped, its advance difficult, and it was in constant danger of slipping over the edge. Now and then it lay still in dull reflection, nursing a cold anger that could find no vent. Meanwhile, the little plant bent downwards by every puff of wind, was beating its thin twigs against the gutter like a birch. The snake seemed not to see the plant. It moved forward until a light touch from the twigs fell upon its head. At this, it stopped and lifted its neck. The little plant was now doing no more than lightly sway and dip. The snake, its head still reared, waited, flickering tongue. One could feel the angry heaving and straining in the sluggish brain-the dull red anger waiting to explode. Then came a strong gust sweeping along the wall, and at once the twigs thrashed down upon the furious head-thrashed down and beat it with a movement that seemed to Osun both comic and dreadful: in a flash, the head reared itself higher, the neck drew back, and there was a lunge at the twigs and the empty air. O fatal act! To strike, the snake had been obliged to coil, and its coiled body could not support itself upon the narrow ledge. No recovery was possible; it overbalanced and fell with a thud upon a small flat roof fifty feet below. There, Osun saw the creature begin to writhe in agony. It could do no more than twist and turn upon the same spot. Osun was trembling, but beneath his agitation there was a deep, troubled wonder. Here was the little plant now waving with a kind of jaunty cynicism. And there was the snake writhing in agony. The world, unquestionably, was a place of mystery and horror. This was revealed in the writhing of the crippled snake and in the jaunty waving of the innocent plant in the wind.

The snake was referred to as ‘something strange’ because the

1. movement of the snake along the gutter was slow and cautious
2. movement of the snake betrayed strange uneasiness and confusion
3. colour of the snake’s body was an unusual stream of flowing metal
4. environment in which the snake was found was unusual

Question 12

His eyes widened as they fell upon something strange. Something was moving slowly and cautiously along the gutter. The pale yellow and brown of the snake's body glistened like a stream of flowing metal. By what mistake had the creature strayed into this unlikely place? Impossible to say. Yet there it was; and its slow movements betrayed uneasiness and confusion. As he watched it, his instinctive antipathy melted away. He could understand so well what the snake was feeling. He entered into its cold, narrow intelligence and shared its angry perplexity. Its movements were cramped, its advance difficult, and it was in constant danger of slipping over the edge. Now and then it lay still in dull reflection, nursing a cold anger that could find no vent. Meanwhile, the little plant bent downwards by every puff of wind, was beating its thin twigs against the gutter like a birch. The snake seemed not to see the plant. It moved forward until a light touch from the twigs fell upon its head. At this, it stopped and lifted its neck. The little plant was now doing no more than lightly sway and dip. The snake, its head still reared, waited, flickering tongue. One could feel the angry heaving and straining in the sluggish brain-the dull red anger waiting to explode. Then came a strong gust sweeping along the wall, and at once the twigs thrashed down upon the furious head-thrashed down and beat it with a movement that seemed to Osun both comic and dreadful: in a flash, the head reared itself higher, the neck drew back, and there was a lunge at the twigs and the empty air. O fatal act! To strike, the snake had been obliged to coil, and its coiled body could not support itself upon the narrow ledge. No recovery was possible; it overbalanced and fell with a thud upon a small flat roof fifty feet below. There, Osun saw the creature begin to writhe in agony. It could do no more than twist and turn upon the same spot. Osun was trembling, but beneath his agitation there was a deep, troubled wonder. Here was the little plant now waving with a kind of jaunty cynicism. And there was the snake writhing in agony. The world, unquestionably, was a place of mystery and horror. This was revealed in the writhing of the crippled snake and in the jaunty waving of the innocent plant in the wind.

As the narrator watched the snake, his feeling changed to those of

1. anger and apathy
2. antipathy and perplexity
3. perplexity
4. angry bewilderment.

Question 15

His eyes widened as they fell upon something strange. Something was moving slowly and cautiously along the gutter. The pale yellow and brown of the snake's body glistened like a stream of flowing metal. By what mistake had the creature strayed into this unlikely place? Impossible to say. Yet there it was; and its slow movements betrayed uneasiness and confusion. As he watched it, his instinctive antipathy melted away. He could understand so well what the snake was feeling. He entered into its cold, narrow intelligence and shared its angry perplexity. Its movements were cramped, its advance difficult, and it was in constant danger of slipping over the edge. Now and then it lay still in dull reflection, nursing a cold anger that could find no vent. Meanwhile, the little plant bent downwards by every puff of wind, was beating its thin twigs against the gutter like a birch. The snake seemed not to see the plant. It moved forward until a light touch from the twigs fell upon its head. At this, it stopped and lifted its neck. The little plant was now doing no more than lightly sway and dip. The snake, its head still reared, waited, flickering tongue. One could feel the angry heaving and straining in the sluggish brain-the dull red anger waiting to explode. Then came a strong gust sweeping along the wall, and at once the twigs thrashed down upon the furious head-thrashed down and beat it with a movement that seemed to Osun both comic and dreadful: in a flash, the head reared itself higher, the neck drew back, and there was a lunge at the twigs and the empty air. O fatal act! To strike, the snake had been obliged to coil, and its coiled body could not support itself upon the narrow ledge. No recovery was possible; it overbalanced and fell with a thud upon a small flat roof fifty feet below. There, Osun saw the creature begin to writhe in agony. It could do no more than twist and turn upon the same spot. Osun was trembling, but beneath his agitation there was a deep, troubled wonder. Here was the little plant now waving with a kind of jaunty cynicism. And there was the snake writhing in agony. The world, unquestionably, was a place of mystery and horror. This was revealed in the writhing of the crippled snake and in the jaunty waving of the innocent plant in the wind.

The “fight” between the plant and the snake was prompted by

1. the plant
2. osun
3. the wind
4. the snake

Question 16

In the past, famine, various types of diseases, and natural disasters checked population growth in many countries. At that time, man had not learnt to till the soil sufficiently to improve and increase her yield. Man was unable to do much to conquer these diseases; and natural disasters were regarded as a curse of the gods for which man had no answer. Thus, famine, diseases, and natural disasters remained a nightmare to mankind. With the present developments in technology and modern agriculture, one would have thought that the problem of starvation should have been solved. But starvation still stares man in the face. The increase in population now accounts for the consequent scarcity of food experienced in many parts of the world. However, in some countries, man's advancement in technology and medicine has rapidly increased the population while improved methods of agriculture and food preservation have caused a steady rise in food production. Also, man can now effectively prevent and cure most diseases in the world. Unfortunately, the working population engaged in agriculture is so small that it cannot produce enough to satisfy the gaping mouths to be fed. In various parts of the world, man has engaged himself in various jobs in order to adjust the food production to match the growing population of his zone, but population growth continues to outstrip food production measures. Incidentally, the source of food and food preservation measures can be limited unlike population growth which may not be effectively checked. Perhaps the only effective checks to population explosion may be the drastic birth control measures. But many religious sects the world over are opposed to many of these birth control measures.

In this passage ‘nightmare’ means

1. a terrifying or deeply distressing dream
2. natural disasters
3. all those hazards which made life hideous
4. a curse

Question 17

In the past, famine, various types of diseases, and natural disasters checked population growth in many countries. At that time, man had not learnt to till the soil sufficiently to improve and increase her yield. Man was unable to do much to conquer these diseases; and natural disasters were regarded as a curse of the gods for which man had no answer. Thus, famine, diseases, and natural disasters remained a nightmare to mankind. With the present developments in technology and modern agriculture, one would have thought that the problem of starvation should have been solved. But starvation still stares man in the face. The increase in population now accounts for the consequent scarcity of food experienced in many parts of the world. However, in some countries, man's advancement in technology and medicine has rapidly increased the population while improved methods of agriculture and food preservation have caused a steady rise in food production. Also, man can now effectively prevent and cure most diseases in the world. Unfortunately, the working population engaged in agriculture is so small that it cannot produce enough to satisfy the gaping mouths to be fed. In various parts of the world, man has engaged himself in various jobs in order to adjust the food production to match the growing population of his zone, but population growth continues to outstrip food production measures. Incidentally, the source of food and food preservation measures can be limited unlike population growth which may not be effectively checked. Perhaps the only effective checks to population explosion may be the drastic birth control measures. But many religious sects the world over are opposed to many of these birth control measures.

Natural disasters were regarded as a curse of the gods on mankind because man

1. had no satisfactory solution to natural disasters
2. had not learnt to till the soil sufficiently
3. was suffering from the woes pronounced on mankind by the gods
4. could not send a reply to the gods.

Question 18

In the past, famine, various types of diseases, and natural disasters checked population growth in many countries. At that time, man had not learnt to till the soil sufficiently to improve and increase her yield. Man was unable to do much to conquer these diseases; and natural disasters were regarded as a curse of the gods for which man had no answer. Thus, famine, diseases, and natural disasters remained a nightmare to mankind. With the present developments in technology and modern agriculture, one would have thought that the problem of starvation should have been solved. But starvation still stares man in the face. The increase in population now accounts for the consequent scarcity of food experienced in many parts of the world. However, in some countries, man's advancement in technology and medicine has rapidly increased the population while improved methods of agriculture and food preservation have caused a steady rise in food production. Also, man can now effectively prevent and cure most diseases in the world. Unfortunately, the working population engaged in agriculture is so small that it cannot produce enough to satisfy the gaping mouths to be fed. In various parts of the world, man has engaged himself in various jobs in order to adjust the food production to match the growing population of his zone, but population growth continues to outstrip food production measures. Incidentally, the source of food and food preservation measures can be limited unlike population growth which may not be effectively checked. Perhaps the only effective checks to population explosion may be the drastic birth control measures. But many religious sects the world over are opposed to many of these birth control measures.

‘But starvation still stares man in the face’ means starvation

1. looks at the face of man
2. is inevitable to man
3. flies in the face of man
4. still afflicts man.

Question 19

In the past, famine, various types of diseases, and natural disasters checked population growth in many countries. At that time, man had not learnt to till the soil sufficiently to improve and increase her yield. Man was unable to do much to conquer these diseases; and natural disasters were regarded as a curse of the gods for which man had no answer. Thus, famine, diseases, and natural disasters remained a nightmare to mankind. With the present developments in technology and modern agriculture, one would have thought that the problem of starvation should have been solved. But starvation still stares man in the face. The increase in population now accounts for the consequent scarcity of food experienced in many parts of the world. However, in some countries, man's advancement in technology and medicine has rapidly increased the population while improved methods of agriculture and food preservation have caused a steady rise in food production. Also, man can now effectively prevent and cure most diseases in the world. Unfortunately, the working population engaged in agriculture is so small that it cannot produce enough to satisfy the gaping mouths to be fed. In various parts of the world, man has engaged himself in various jobs in order to adjust the food production to match the growing population of his zone, but population growth continues to outstrip food production measures. Incidentally, the source of food and food preservation measures can be limited unlike population growth which may not be effectively checked. Perhaps the only effective checks to population explosion may be the drastic birth control measures. But many religious sects the world over are opposed to many of these birth control measures.

The working population engaged in agriculture cannot feed the teeming population sufficiently because

1. there are gaping mouths to be fed
2. they do not produce what they like to eat
3. there are not enough people engaged in tilling the soil
4. improved methods of agriculture have not brought about a significant increase in food production.

Question 22

The evidence given so far demonstrates that a nuclear exchange in the Northern Hemisphere would have an unavoidable global aftermath making the continued existence of mankind impossible anywhere. It is also very improbable that a nuclear exchange would be confined exclusively to the vicinity of the industrialized states. Current developments indicate that a nuclear disaster would be carried into the territories of the developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. These developments include the preparations being made by aggressive forces for the armed seizure of the Middle East oilfields, the nuclear missile deployment in the south of Western Europe, the establishment of military bases for the rapid deployment of forces in North Africa and the Indian Ocean, and the tensions in the South Atlantic and the Caribbean.

'Aggressive' in the passage means

1. militant
2. dissident
3. reactionary
4. revolutionary

Question 23

The evidence given so far demonstrates that a nuclear exchange in the Northern Hemisphere would have an unavoidable global aftermath making the continued existence of mankind impossible anywhere. It is also very improbable that a nuclear exchange would be confined exclusively to the vicinity of the industrialized states. Current developments indicate that a nuclear disaster would be carried into the territories of the developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. These developments include the preparations being made by aggressive forces for the armed seizure of the Middle East oilfields, the nuclear missile deployment in the south of Western Europe, the establishment of military bases for the rapid deployment of forces in North Africa and the Indian Ocean, and the tensions in the South Atlantic and the Caribbean.

The central point being stressed in the passage is that

1. nuclear war is inevitable in the Third Worldcountries
2. nuclear war is imminent in the Third World countries
3. a country does not have to be industrialized before being concerned with nuclear matters
4. the aggressive forces of the world are ready to carry the nuclear battle into the developing nations.

Question 24

The evidence given so far demonstrates that a nuclear exchange in the Northern Hemisphere would have an unavoidable global aftermath making the continued existence of mankind impossible anywhere. It is also very improbable that a nuclear exchange would be confined exclusively to the vicinity of the industrialized states. Current developments indicate that a nuclear disaster would be carried into the territories of the developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. These developments include the preparations being made by aggressive forces for the armed seizure of the Middle East oilfields, the nuclear missile deployment in the south of Western Europe, the establishment of military bases for the rapid deployment of forces in North Africa and the Indian Ocean, and the tensions in the South Atlantic and the Caribbean.

According to the author, current world developments point to

1. an exclusive destruction of the developing countries
2. a likely spread of nuclear calamity to the Third World
3. nuclear exchange taking place in Africa, Asia and Latin America
4. a confrontation between the industrialized and the developing countries.

Question 25

The evidence given so far demonstrates that a nuclear exchange in the Northern Hemisphere would have an unavoidable global aftermath making the continued existence of mankind impossible anywhere. It is also very improbable that a nuclear exchange would be confined exclusively to the vicinity of the industrialized states. Current developments indicate that a nuclear disaster would be carried into the territories of the developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. These developments include the preparations being made by aggressive forces for the armed seizure of the Middle East oilfields, the nuclear missile deployment in the south of Western Europe, the establishment of military bases for the rapid deployment of forces in North Africa and the Indian Ocean, and the tensions in the South Atlantic and the Caribbean.

From this passage, we learn that nuclear exchange in the Northern Hemisphere would be

1. inconceivable
2. inevitable
3. fatal to mankind
4. partially destructive

Question 26

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “concerted”: The government is making concerted efforts at providing essential social facilities in the rural areas.

1. dissipated
2. unconcerned
3. unsuccessful
4. uncontrolled.

Question 27

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “indiscriminate”: The western allies frowned at their enemies’ indiscriminate bombing of their territory.

1. impartial
2. selective
3. unprovoked
4. divided.

Question 28

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “outrageous”: The girl is very intelligent, but her jokes are rather outrageous.

1. offensive
2. courageous
3. pleasant
4. unwholesome.

Question 29

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “invaluable”: We cannot but talk about his invaluable contributions to the affairs of the society.

1. worthless
2. costly
3. unrecognized
4. incalculable.

Question 30

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “conceals”: This average fertility figure, of course, conceals wide individual variations among the people

1. attracts
2. covers
3. exposes
4. concludes

Question 31

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “extended”: Men living in an extended family know that they have to be responsible for the welfare of some other person’s children.

1. extensive
2. nuclear
3. neutral
4. contracted.

Question 32

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “fascinating”: The appearance of the pall-bearers was extremely fascinating

1. magnetic
2. unorganized
3. interesting
4. repulsive.

Question 33

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “march”: Many miners protested against the order to march into the coal pits.

1. strut
2. amble
3. trudge
4. ramble

Question 34

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “discredit”: The hasty action will bring nothing but discredit to them

1. honour
2. shame
3. reward
4. disgrace

Question 35

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “deteriorated”: The man’s health has deteriorated in the hospital

1. collapsed
2. improved
3. worsened
4. revived

Question 36

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “made a clean sweep”: The boss made a clean sweep of all the old hands in the office

1. completely got rid
2. cleanly swept the office
3. made a quick change
4. made an adjustment.

Question 38

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “nothing to write home about”: Our experience on board the aircraft is nothing to write home about.

1. not remarkable
2. not unpleasant
3. nobody’s business
4. not a home affair.

Question 39

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “militant”: The rampage was organized and directed by the militant ones among the students.

1. soldiers
2. rebellious ones
3. belligerent ones
4. commandoes.

Question 40

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “get off the beaten tracks”: The governor advised his people to get off the beaten tracks in their approach to community matters.

1. use the old roads
2. make the tracks better
3. find new ways
4. avoid beating about the bush.

Question 41

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “keep an open house”: It was their custom to keep an open house on Sundays.

1. welcome all visitors
2. keep the shutters open
3. leave the house open
4. expose the whole house.

Question 42

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “passionate”: The president made a passionate appeal for calm.

1. inflamed
2. disturbing
3. intense
4. lively

Question 44

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “stutter”: You do not need to stutter in order to show your excitement

1. jump about
2. shout
3. sob
4. stammer

Question 45

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “stealthy”: What embarrasses me is the stealthy way in which the new servant goes about his duties in this house

1. indolent
2. furtive
3. boisterous
4. agile

Question 46

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “pensive”: I have never been accustomed to seeing my brother in such a pensive mood

1. merry
2. infuriated
3. thoughtful
4. hostile

Question 47

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “apathy”: The administrator’s apathy was soon noticed by all his subordinates

1. indifference
2. kindness
3. concern
4. inefficiency

Question 48

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “despicable”: The way he handled the whole issue was rather despicable

1. disturbing
2. likeable
3. contemptible
4. frustrating

Question 49

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “authenticity”: The authenticity of the reporter’s claims should be established before taking further actions on the matter

1. facts
2. source
3. evidence
4. genuineness

Question 50

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “iota”: After careful investigation, the police found no iota of truth in Ibrahim’s allegations.

1. quota
2. grain
3. evidence
4. statement

Question 51

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “jurisdiction”: The case was thrown out because the court lacked jurisdiction

1. jurors to help the judge
2. authority
3. prosecutors
4. appellate powers.

Question 52

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “launch”: The chief will launch the fund-raising appeal.

1. make a speech at
2. eat his afternoon meal during
3. travel by boat to
4. start off.

Question 53

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “run of the mill”: Sade has been employed. But she is unhappy because it is a run of the mill job.

1. a boring
2. an exciting
3. a tiring
4. an ordinary

Question 55

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “develop cold feet”: As the wedding day approached, the bride began to develop cold feet.

1. fall sick
2. feel cold
3. be reluctant
4. become aggressive

Question 56

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “get the matter off his chest”: I told my brother to get the matter off his chest as soon as possible.

1. give serious thought to the matter
2. say what he has been anxious to say
3. make a brief comment
4. state his points clearly.

Question 57

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “big heart”: He has a big heart, but he is inept at following a witty conversation.

1. large
2. huge
3. warm
4. fragile

Question 58

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “answer for”: The clerk refused to answer for the mistakes made by the manager and his assistants.

1. reply to
2. give an answer
3. accept responsibility for
4. account for

Question 59

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “wide of the mark”: Most of his observations were wide of the mark.

1. comprehensible
2. irrelevant
3. pertinent
4. unacceptable.

Question 60

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “taken in”: I didn’t think she could be so easily taken in by his pretences.

1. flattered
2. deceived
3. overcome
4. blackmailed.

Question 61

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “aversion”: Do you have the same aversion as I do for war films?

1. bitterness
2. dislike
3. criticism
4. preference

Question 63

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “hit on”: The minister hit on a plan to retain his post after many months of lobbying.

1. drew up a plan
2. discovered a plan
3. selected a plan
4. designed a plan

Question 64

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “left him in the lurch”: My friend will hate his uncle forever because he left him in the lurch in his hour of need

1. abandoned him
2. punished him
3. disinherited him
4. despised him

Question 65

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “officious”: Our school prefect is too officious and we all hate him because of his behaviour.

1. efficient
2. efficacious
3. over-zealous
4. active

Question 66

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: When I met Amadi yesterday it was the first time I _____ him for six months.

1. had seen
2. saw
3. have seen
4. have been seeing.

Question 68

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Many unrelated issues were touched upon in the _____ of the discussion

1. cause
2. course
3. coarse
4. curse.

Question 69

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The traveller had to run _____ in order to _____ the train.

1. first/catch
2. fast/cash
3. fast/catch
4. first/cash.

Question 72

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The new singlet factory is built on the _____ of Aba township

1. outstretch
2. outskates
3. outskirts
4. outskirt

Question 73

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: If Kaka hadn’t tried to stand up in the boat, he _____ into the lake.

1. wouldn’t have fallen
2. will not have fell
3. will not have fallen
4. wouldn’t have fell.

Question 74

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The soldiers were sufficiently equipped with _____

1. arms and ammunition
2. arms and ammunitions
3. arm and ammunitions
4. arm and ammunition

Question 75

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: My younger brother is going to the stream with _____ boys.

1. two other little
2. other little two
3. two little other
4. other two little.

Question 76

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Okoro intends to wear his _____ dress to the zoo this afternoon.

1. white cotton new
2. white new cotton
3. new white cotton
4. cotton white new

Question 78

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The contractors were short _____ cash even before the project was completed.

1. in
2. for
3. with
4. of

Question 80

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: If we go hunting this week-end, we’ll have to _____ with scratch meals and sleep in a hut in the forest.

1. make up
2. make do
3. make out
4. make good.

Question 83

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Many a man _____ done without milk in _____ tea these days.

1. had/their
2. has/his
3. have/their
4. had/his.

Question 84

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The _____ car is the center of attraction.

1. small racing light-green
2. racing small light-green
3. small light-green racing
4. light-green small racing.

Question 87

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: _____ with him for two years, I cannot guarantee his good behaviour.

1. To work
2. Having worked
3. To have worked
4. By working.

Question 88

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: This is the kind of stew _____

1. which its taste I do not like
2. which I do not like the taste of it
3. of which taste I do not like
4. the taste of which I do not like.

Question 89

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: _____ is always superior to any other in town.

1. There’s
2. Theirs
3. Their’s
4. There.

Question 92

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The government has provided new _____ for the local government polls.

1. guard lines
2. guide lines
3. guardlines
4. guidelines.

Question 93

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Tsado and his wife are always fighting. The _____ to be drawn from this is that they are not happy together.

1. reference
2. inference
3. difference
4. deference

Question 94

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The teacher invited Akpan and _____ to his office

1. myself
2. me
3. I
4. himself.

Question 96

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Although I am watching television, I _____ what you are saying

1. am hearing
2. can hear
3. have heard
4. was hearing

Question 97

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Because of the _____he did to my car, I am going to sue him for _____

1. damage/damages
2. damages/damage
3. damages/damages
4. damage/damage

Question 98

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: He was not a very _____ student when I first met him but the years _____ his character ultimately

1. mature/mature
2. matured/mature
3. mature/matured
4. matured/matured

Question 99

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Our manager has instructed that _____ of customers must be barred from our bank.

1. those type
2. that type
3. that types
4. this types.

Question 100

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: He regarded the betrayal of his friend as a stab_____the back

1. on
2. at
3. in
4. from