1989

JAMB Use of English 1989 past questions

85 questions from the 1989 JAMB UTME Use of English paper. Free, with answers where available.

Practice with CBT mock -> All Use of English years
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q6
The 1936 Olympic Games was cited in the passage as an example to show that sports can
A
lead to excessive hatred
B
create goodwill among nations
C
generate feelings of national prestige
D
make people meet on the battle field.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q7
According to the passage,
A
all the sports practiced nowadays are competitive
B
games have meaning only when the participants play to win
C
it is possible to play a game simply for the fun of it
D
on the local green, you play not to win but for the fun of it.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q8
Boxing is regarded as the worst game in the passage because
A
of the behaviour of the boxers themselves
B
of the amount of ill-will that can be generated among spectators of different races
C
of the ill-will that can be generated by a game that demands strength from the competitors
D
it is a game in which both players get hurt rather badly. [PAGE 34]
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q9
Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?
A
Running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue
B
At the national level, sport is frankly a mimic warfare
C
The most savage combative instincts are aroused by anyone who has played in a school football match
D
Nations work themselves up because they tend to believe that sports are tests of national virtue.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q11
The snake was referred to as ‘something strange' because the
A
movement of the snake along the gutter was slow and cautious
B
movement of the snake betrayed strange uneasiness and confusion
C
colour of the snake's body was an unusual stream of flowing metal
D
environment in which the snake was found was unusual
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q12
As the narrator watched the snake, his feeling changed to those of
A
anger and apathy
B
antipathy and perplexity
C
perplexity
D
angry bewilderment.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q13
The act of the snake was described as ‘fatal' because the snake's attack was going to
A
be fatal to the plant
B
make the coiled body not to support itself upon the narrow ledge
C
result in the crippling of the snake
D
result in no possible recovery.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q14
Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?
A
Osun was not an active observer in the combat between the snake and the little plant.
B
The moves of the little plant during the encounter with the snake were not voluntary.
C
The attack of the plant during the combat was entirely to blame for the fall of the snake.
D
During the combat, the behaviour of the plant could be likened to that of a human being.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q16
In this passage ‘nightmare' means
A
a terrifying or deeply distressing dream
B
natural disasters
C
all those hazards which made life hideous
D
a curse
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q17
Natural disasters were regarded as a curse of the goods on mankind because man
A
had no satisfactory solution to natural disasters
B
had not learnt to till the soil sufficiently
C
was suffering from the woes pronounced on mankind by the gods
D
could not send a reply to the gods.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q18
‘But starvation still stares man in the face' means starvation
A
looks at the face of man
B
is inevitable to man
C
flies in the face of man
D
still afflicts man.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q19
The working population engaged in agriculture cannot feed the teeming population sufficiently because
A
there are gaping mouths to be fed
B
they do not produce what they like to eat
C
there are not enough people engaged in tilling the soil
D
improved methods of agriculture have not brought about a significant increase in food production.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q23
The central point being stressed in the passage is that
A
nuclear war is inevitable in the Third Worldcountries
B
nuclear war is imminent in the Third World countries
C
a country does not have to be industrialized before being concerned with nuclear matters
D
the aggressive forces of the world are ready to carry the nuclear battle into the developing nations.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q24
According to the author, current world developments point to
A
an exclusive destruction of the developing countries
B
a likely spread of nuclear calamity to the Third World
C
nuclear exchange taking place in Africa, Asia and Latin America
D
a confrontation between the industrialized and the developing countries.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q25
From this passage, we learn that nuclear exchange in the Northern Hemisphere would be
A
inconceivable
B
inevitable
C
fatal to mankind
D
partially destrutive. LEXIS AND STRUCTURE In questions 26 to 35, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q26
The government is making concerted efforts at providing essential social facilities in the rural areas.
A
dissipated
B
unconcerned
C
unsuccessful
D
uncontrolled.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q27
The western allies frowned at their enemies' indiscriminate bombing of their territory.
A
impartial
B
selective
C
unprovoked
D
divided.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q28
The girl is very intelligent, but her jokes are rather outrageous.
A
offensive
B
courageous
C
pleasant
D
unwholesome.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q29
We cannot but talk about his invaluable contributions to the affairs of the society.
A
worthless
B
costly
C
unrecognized
D
incalculable.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q30
This average fertility figure, of course, conceals wide individual variations among the people
A
attracts
B
covers
C
exposes
D
concludes
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q31
Men living in an extended family know that they have to be responsible for the welfare of some other person's children.
A
extensive
B
nuclear
C
neutral
D
contracted.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q32
The appearance of the pall-bearers was extremely fascinating
A
magnetic
B
unorganized
C
interesting
D
repulsive.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q33
Many miners protested against the order to march into the coal pits.
A
strut
B
amble
C
trudge
D
ramble
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q34
The hasty action will bring nothing but discredit to them
A
honour
B
shame
C
reward
D
disgrace
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q35
The man's health has deteriorated in the hospital
A
collapsed
B
improved
C
worsened
D
revived. [PAGE 36] In question 36 to 65, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q36
The boss made a clean sweep of all the old hands in the office
A
completely got rid
B
cleanly swept the office
C
made a quick change
D
made an adjustment.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q37
Her anxiety was apparent to everyone present at the ceremony
A
real
B
visible
C
transparent
D
unknown
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q38
Our experience on board the aircraft is nothing to write home about.
A
not remarkable
B
not unpleasant
C
nobody's business
D
not a home affair.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q39
The rampage was organized and directed by the militant ones among the students.
A
soldiers
B
rebellious ones
C
belligerent ones
D
commandoes.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q40
The governor advised his people to get off the beaten tracks in their approach to community matters.
A
use the old roads
B
make the tracks better
C
find new ways
D
avoid beating about the bush.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q41
It was their custom to keep an open house on Sundays.
A
welcome all visitors
B
keep the shutters open
C
leave the house open
D
expose the whole house.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q42
The president made a passionate appeal for calm.
A
inflamed
B
disturbing
C
intense
D
lively
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q43
Mali stole the day's takings from the bakery
A
receipts
B
collections
C
contributions
D
offerings.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q44
You do not need to stutter in order to show your excitement
A
jump about
B
shout
C
sob
D
stammer
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q45
What embarrasses me is the stealthy way in which the new servant goes about his duties in this house
A
indolent
B
furtive
C
boisterous
D
agile
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q46
I have never been accustomed to seeing my brother in such a pensive mood
A
merry
B
infuriated
C
thoughtful
D
hostile
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q47
The administrator's apathy was soon noticed by all his subordinates
A
indifference
B
kindness
C
concern
D
inefficiency
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q48
The way he handled the whole issue was rather despicable
A
disturbing
B
likeable
C
contemptible
D
frustrating
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q49
The authenticity of the reporter's claims should be established before taking further actions on the matter
A
facts
B
source
C
evidence
D
genuineness
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q50
After careful investigation, the police found no iota of truth in Ibrahim's allegations.
A
quota
B
grain
C
evidence
D
statement
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q51
The case was thrown out because the court lacked jurisdiction
A
jurors to help the judge
B
authority
C
prosecutors
D
appellate powers.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q52
The chief will launch the fund-raising appeal.
A
make a speech at
B
eat his afternoon meal during
C
travel by boat to
D
start off.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q53
Sade has been employed. But she is unhappy because it is a run of the mill job.
A
a boring
B
an exciting
C
a tiring
D
an ordinary
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q54
I would like to believe that this brilliant performance of yours is not just a flash in the pan.
A
repeated occurrence
B
normal happening
C
flashy happening
D
chance occurrence
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q55
As the wedding day approached, the bride began to develop cold feet.
A
fall sick
B
feel cold
C
be reluctant
D
become aggressive
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q56
I told my brother to get the matter off his chest as soon as possible.
A
give serious thought to the matter
B
say what he has been anxious to say
C
make a brief comment
D
state his points clearly.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q57
He has a big heart, but he is inept at following a witty conversation.
A
large
B
huge
C
warm
D
fragile
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q58
The clerk refused to answer for the mistakes made by the manager and his assistants.
A
reply to
B
give an answer
C
accept responsibility for
D
account for
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q59
Most of his observations were wide off the mark
A
comprehensible
B
irrelevant
C
pertinent
D
unacceptable.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q60
I didn't think she could be so easily taken in by his pretences.
A
flattered
B
deceived
C
overcome
D
blackmailed.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q61
Do you have the same aversion as I do for war films?
A
bitterness
B
dislike
C
criticism
D
preference
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q62
His summary of the meeting was brief and to the point.
A
precise
B
accurate
C
exact
D
crucial
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q63
The minister hit on a plan to retain his post after many months of lobbying.
A
drew up a plan
B
discovered a plan
C
selected a plan
D
designed a plan
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q65
Our school prefect is too officious and we all hate him because of his behaviour.
A
efficient
B
efficacious
C
over-zealous
D
active In question 66 to 100, choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s).
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q66
When I met Amadi yesterday it was the first time I … him for six months.
A
had seen
B
saw
C
have seen
D
have been seeing.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q68
Many unrelated issues were touched upon in the … of the discussion
A
cause
B
course
C
coarse
D
curse.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q69
The traveller had to run … in order to … the train.
A
first/catch
B
fast/cash
C
fast/catch
D
first/cash.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q70
When the driver lost control of his vehicle, the pedestrians began to run for …
A
their dear lives
B
their dear life
C
dear lives
D
dear life.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q71
My uncle is one of the … of the society.
A
elitists
B
elites
C
elite
D
elitist
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q72
The new singlet factory is built on the … of Aba township
A
outstretch
B
outskates
C
outskirts
D
outskirt
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q73
If Kaka hadn't tried to stand up in the boat, he … into the lake.
A
wouldn't have fallen
B
will not have fell
C
will not have fallen
D
wouldn't have fell.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q74
The soldiers were sufficiently equipped with …
A
arms and ammunition
B
arms and ammunitions
C
arm and ammunitions
D
arm and ammunitions.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q75
My younger brother is going to the stream with … boys.
A
two other little
B
other little two
C
two little other
D
other two little.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q76
Okoro intends to wear his … dress to the zoo this afternoon.
A
white cotton new
B
white new cotton
C
new white cotton
D
cotton white new
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q77
Sociologists are concerned with the problem of man in …
A
a society
B
the society
C
society
D
some society.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q78
The contractors were short … cash even before the project was completed.
A
in
B
for
C
with
D
of
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q79
The judge acquitted the accused … all the eight counts.
A
of
B
on
C
from
D
upon
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q80
If we go hunting this week-end, we'll have to … with scratch meals and sleep in a hut in the forest.
A
make up
B
make do
C
make out
D
make good.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q81
‘Leave me alone' blurted the angry customer. ‘I cant … with your price hikes'.
A
make do
B
put up
C
deal
D
make up.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q82
The committee was disgusted … the way the office was being run.
A
at
B
by
C
with
D
over.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q83
Many a man … done without milk in … tea these days.
A
had/their
B
has/his
C
have/their
D
had/his.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q84
The … car is the center of attraction.
A
small racing light-green
B
racing small light-green
C
small light-green racing
D
light-green small racing.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q85
If I had not finished my assignment, I would not … the opportunity to go with the group
A
have been given
B
be given
C
be giving
D
have been giving.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q86
You had better … what the doctor recommended this morning
A
done
B
do
C
did
D
be doing.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q87
… with him for two years, I cannot guarantee his good behaviour.
A
To work
B
Having worked
C
To have worked
D
By working.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q88
This is the kind of stew …
A
which its taste I do not like
B
which I do not like the taste of it
C
of which taste I do not like
D
the taste of which I do not like.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q89
… is always superior to any other in town.
A
There's
B
Theirs
C
Their's
D
There.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q90
I looked for you all over the campus but I could not … you
A
find
B
see
C
meet
D
catch.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q91
The manager was angry with Dauda for … seeds of discord among the workers.
A
planting
B
sewing
C
cultivating
D
sowing
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q92
The government has provided new … for the local government polls.
A
guard lines
B
guide lines
C
guardlines
D
guidelines.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q93
Tsado and his wife are always fighting. The … to be drawn from this is that they are not happy together.
A
reference
B
inference
C
difference
D
deference
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q94
The teacher invited Akpan and … to his office
A
myself
B
me
C
I
D
himself.
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q95
One of the rioters who … arrested yesterday … released.
A
was/had been
B
were/have been
C
was/have been
D
were/has been. [PAGE 38]
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q96
Although I am watching television, I … what you are saying
A
am hearing
B
can hear
C
have heard
D
was hearing
Use of English JAMB 1989 Q97
Because of the …he did to my car, I am going to sue him for …
A
damage/damages
B
damages/damage
C
damages/damages
D
damage/damage