1995

JAMB Use of English 1995 past questions

118 questions from the 1995 JAMB UTME Use of English paper. Free, with answers where available.

Practice with CBT mock -> All Use of English years
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q1
To leave the country ‘for good' means leaving the country
A
unexpectedly
B
for better opportunities
C
permanently
D
now that things are not very good
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q1
To leave the country for good' means leaving the country
A
unexpectedly
B
for better opportunities
C
permanently
D
now that things are not very good
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q1
The expression, 'blurred his memory' means
A
confused him
B
erased his memory [PAGE 313] C damaged his brain
D
distorted his thoughts
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q2
The expression ‘each striving to be recognized as being the most cogent' means each
A
trying to prove its superiority
B
determined to prove that it is the most acceptable
C
resolved not to be dislodged
D
attempting to show that it is the brightest.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q3
The writer's argument that it is foolhardy to offer one's services where such are apparently not required implies that in Nigeria
A
the authorities do not solicit for the services of the citizens
B
mediocrity is the order of the day
C
the authorities are indifferent to offers of help from the citizens
D
to offer to serve the country is dangerous.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q3
The writer's argument that it is foolhardy to offer one's services where such are apparently not required implies that in Nigeria
A
the authorities do not solicit for the services of the citizens
B
mediocrity is the order of the day
C
the authorities are indifferent to offer of help from the citizens
D
to offer to serve the country is dangerous.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q3
Many people in the crowd groaned, sighed and hissed because they were
A
angry with the girl
B
sorry for the girl
C
sorry for the fat woman
D
angry that the woman had lied against the girl
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q4
The writer's posture as to who caused the problems in his country can be described as
A
indifferent
B
unpatriotic
C
self-righteousness
D
logical.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q4
The writer's posture as to who caused the problems in this country can be described as
A
indifferent
B
unpatriotic
C
self-righteousness
D
logical
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q6
The phrase ‘For nearly a century' implies that the events described happened
A
after the present century
B
before the present century
C
at a time that includes the present century
D
before the development of science and technology.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q6
Theatre was popular in Africa because it
A
was traditional and simple in nature
B
dealt with the political, social and economic problems of the society C was a source of fun
D
is always funny and looked down upon concerns of the people
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q7
The words ‘conjectures' and ‘hypotheses' mean
A
guess-work
B
prediction
D
understanding
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q7
One of the reasons why theatre is unpopular in modern Africa is that it
A
is regarded as not being of much use
B
only deals with culture and tradition
C
lacks scientific and academic bases
D
is always funny and looked down upon
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q8
The inventors of nuclear energy justify the need for it by saying that it will
A
make people fear war and thus create peace
B
enable wars to be fought more effectively
C
provide a balance of power between war and peace
D
balanced society in the world.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q8
The inventors of nuclear energy justify the need of it by saying that it will
A
make people fear war and thus create peace
B
enable wars to be fought more effectively
C
provide a balance of power between war and peace
D
balanced society in the world
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q8
In the passage, the terms 'theatre' and 'drama' are used
A
differently
B
concurrently
C
interchangeably
D
sparingly
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q9
The conclusion one can draw from the passage is that the direction of the development of science and technology
A
has continued to be of benefit to humanity
B
leaves nothing more to be invented or discovered
C
may lead man back to the early periods
D
has assumed some negative dimensions.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q9
One of the arguments in the passage is that academic playwrights
A
express themselves only in foreign languages [PAGE 315]
B
serve as a catalyst in the society's appreciation of theatre
C
work against the common man's appreciation of theatre
D
make theatre popular in traditional societies
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q11
The author refers to standard English as
A
a dialectal variant of language
B
an authoritative style of usage
C
the orthodox and accurate usage of the language
D
the accepted and recognized words, expressions and structures, peculiar to a smaller group of language users.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q11
It is important for universities to be independent so that they can
A
attract funds from industries B determine their goals
C
be left to expand without any hindrance
D
carry out effective research
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q12
One characteristic of a dialect as mentioned in the passage is
A
informality
B
possession of various forms
C
distinction from British English
D
restricted area of usage.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q12
The writer advocates for multiple sources of university funding in order to
A
enhance university autonomy
B
reduce dependence on the government
C
ensure that the numerous needs of the universities are met
D
maintain acceptable levels of infrastructural development
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q13
According to the author, Nigerian, American, Irish and British English can be regarded as
A
registers
B
standards
C
styles
D
languages.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q13
The expression 'intricate issues of a 'special concern' means
A
important policy statements
B
interwoven topics of significance
C
complex matters requiring careful thought
D
knotty problems that concern everybody
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q14
According to the passage, international English is
A
a kind of arbitrary classification
B
an imaginary classification
C
an informal standard
D
a recognized formal standard.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q14
The word 'diversified', as used in the passage, means
A
differentiated
B
varied
C
diffused
D
widened
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q15
The observance of strict rules is a feature of
A
formality
B
dialects
C
languages
D
unconventionality Use the passage below to answer question 16 to 25. The passage has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap. Many Nigerians are yet to appreciate the importance of …16…[A. consuming
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q26
Most of the time, their presence is a menace.
A
Their presence is always meaningful
B
Their presence is seldom a bother
C
Their presence is usually of great concern
D
Their presence is frequently a threat.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q26
The stadium had a capacity crowd in spite of the weather
A
The weather favored the crowd at the stadium B the crowd defied the weather to fill the stadium
C
The stadium was not filled because of the weather
D
The crowd loved the weather at the stadium
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q27
My son, who is in the U.S.A., is studying Engineering.
A
My only son is in the U.S.A. studying Engineering.
B
One of my sons is in the U.S.A. studying Engineering.
C
My sons are in the U.S.A. but only one is studying Engineering.
D
Only my son is in the U.S.A. studying Engineering.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q27
Imona couldn't have attended lectures yesterday [PAGE 318]
A
it was possible that Imona attended lectures yesterday B Ð’ It was possible that Imona didn't attend lectures yesterday
C
It was impossible that Imona attended lectures yesterday
D
It was impossible that Imona didn't attend lectures yesterday
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q29
The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small.
A
God has a mill where every material in life is thoroughly ground.
B
God may seem slow in action, but He adequately rewards every bit of injustice.
C
The world is like a food factory where God takes His time in grinding all raw materials properly.
D
Even though God is never in a hurry, He achievesall things.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q30
People are not interested in who rules
A
People who rule are not interested in the ruled
B
The rulers are not indifferent about the people
C
People are indifferent about the rulers
D
People are not ruled by the people they are interested in. In each of questions 31 to 50, choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q30
Bassey is as hard as nails
A
Bassey is very strong
B
Bassey is very brave
C
Bassey is determined
D
Bassey is unsympathetic In each of questions 31 to 50. choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q31
Good students can easily identify spurious arguments.
A
genuine
B
interesting
C
false
D
illogical. [PAGE 64]
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q31
Good students can easily identify spurious arguments
A
genuine
B
interesting
C
false
D
illogical [PAGE 304]
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q31
He gave a painstaking account of the encounter with the ghost of his father
A
sordid B fearful
C
half-hearted
D
tender-hearted [PAGE 319]
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q32
Eze's skin now looks flabby as a result of his changed circumstances.
A
neat
B
firm
C
weak
D
oily.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q32
Eze's skin now looks flabby as a result of his changed circumstances.
A
neat
B
firm
C
weak
D
oily
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q32
Bala was put off by Lanre's coquettish behavior towards him
A
unfriendly advances
B
inviting and friendly advances
C
quarrelsome attitude
D
interesting attitude
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q33
Since mortality is the lot of man, argued the preacher, we must all accept death with equanimity
A
concern
B
uncertainty
C
serenity
D
anxiety
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q34
We admire the minister's passionate and dynamic characteristics
A
cruel and passive
B
kind and forceful
C
passive and charmless
D
charmless and cruel
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q35
We watched in wonder as she rattled away in the esoteric language.
A
inscrutable
B
familiar
C
secret
D
obscure.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q35
I was advised to stay away from cities that are ravaged by crime
A
spoilt by
B
free from
C
suffering from
D
haven of
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q36
She was asked to swallow her pride and get busy.
A
be more realistic
B
eat up her own pride
C
be more insistent
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q36
You can use lethal means if necessary, to stop dangerous characters from molesting innocent citizens
A
fatal
B
cruel
C
harmless
D
soft
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q38
His textile business deals are in gross.
A
wholesale
B
imported
C
retailed
D
exported.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q38
If you are really keen on immediate results, you just have to adopt this pragmatic approach
A
practical
B
unrealistic
C
opportunistic
D
sensible
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q39
The government is initiating new effective programmes to boost production.
A
ending/enhance
B
reviewing/renew
C
rearranging/increase
D
terminating/reduce.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q39
My friend was reduced to beggary by various ill advised business deals
A
affluence
B
penury
C
influence
D
poverty
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q41
He urged other progressives in the country to join forces with his association
A
radicals
B
conservatives
C
pessimists
D
activists
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q42
In his quest for solidarity, the party leader undertook a nation-wide tour.
A
unity
B
resistance
C
mobilization
D
re-organization
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q42
Adama's father simply condoned her bad habits instead of punishing her appropriately
A
opposed
B
blamed C accepted
D
forbade
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q43
Our party is wielding potent political power.
A
assuming
B
renouncing
C
restoring
D
reappraising.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q43
Our party is wielding potent political power
A
assuming
B
renouncing
C
restoring
D
reappraising
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q43
The undesirable elements who perpetuate these vices are never detected
A
aggravate
B
overlook
C
discontinue
D
encourage [PAGE 321]
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q44
The ruler expects full allegiance from his subjects at all times.
A
obedience
B
homage
C
disloyalty
D
disapproval.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q45
In spite of many days of fasting, Musa is still fastidious about his food.
A
particular
B
undecided
C
indifferent
D
unmindful.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q46
The leader called for concerted efforts in order to get over the problems.
A
combined
B
definite
C
disparate
D
isolated.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q47
The video tape recorder was made obsolete by the introduction of the satellite dish.
A
antiquated
B
useless
C
fashionable
D
functional.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q47
The pastor decided to exorcise the evil spirit as the afflicted member of his congregation cried for help
A
expel
B
drive
C
invite
D
charm
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q48
Segun is somebody who always follows his own inclinations.
A
impulses
B
aversions
C
dispositions
D
deviations
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q48
Segun is somebody who always follows his own inclinations
A
impulses
B
aversions
C
dispositions
D
deviations
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q48
He mumbled a few words at the trial and then cried
A
shouted
B
murmured
C
whispered
D
announced
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q49
The poor man is compelled to languish in his poverty- stricken situation.
A
luxuriate in
B
deteriorate in
C
suffer in
D
laugh at
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q49
The poor man is compelled to languish in his poverty-stricken situation.
A
luxuriate in
B
deteriorate in
C
suffer in
D
laugh at
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q49
There are many areas of convergence between male and female behavior
A
concomitance
B
concordance
C
incompatibility
D
incomparability 50 The greenhouse effect is beginning to abate in
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q50
The engineers have been urged to make a prototype of the long-awaited Nigeria car.
A
specimen
B
original
C
copy
D
drawing. In each of the questions 51 to 67, choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q51
The young man's behaviour showed that he was at the top of the tree.
A
at the highest position in his profession
B
confused
C
at a point of preparedness to show good example
D
arrogant.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q51
Adebayo's plans for the future are in the air
A
suspend B uncertain
B
art of theatrics
C
empty
D
floating 52 The group of performers thrilled the audience with its peculiar choreography A form of dancing
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q52
The chairman's reaction was a storm in a tea cup.
A
suitable for the occasion
B
less serious than it appeared to be
C
more serious than necessary
D
greatly diminished in scope.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q52
The chairman's reaction was a storm in a tea cup.
A
suitable for the occasion
B
less serious than it appeared to be
C
more serious than necessary
D
greatly diminished in scope
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q53
Do this job while I am away, but take your time.
A
be careful
B
be thorough
C
be fast
D
don't be in a hurry.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q54
The judge took issue with the counsel who complained of double standards.
A
agreed with
B
argued with
C
criticized
D
supported.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q54
The criminal didn't bat an eyelid when the judge pronounced the sentence
A
displayed no understanding whatsoever
B
didn't shed a single tear
C
moved none of his eyelids
D
showed no emotion or surprise
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q55
I shuddered in revulsion as I watched the snake slowly swallow the struggling rat.
A
was fascinated
B
was repelled
C
was interested
D
was distressed.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q55
I shuddered in revulsion as I watched the snake
A
was fascinated
B
was repelled
C
was interested
D
was distressed
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q55
The rally was attended only by people who were apolitical
A
full of political lervour
B
antagonistic to politicians
C
new-bred politicians
D
not interested in politics
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q56
At that point, the speaker went off at a tangent.
A
started to run away like a mad person
B
took a lashing out at the audience
C
began to discuss unrelated matters
D
chose to recall previous decision.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q56
At that point, the speaker went off at a tangent
A
started to run away like a mad person
B
took to lashing out at the audience
C
began to discuss unrelated matters
D
chose to recall previous decisions
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q56
Smiling broadly, she explained why she always took exception to being referred to as his wife
A
objected to
B
preferred very much
C
left specially honored by
D
liked nothing except
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q57
The enemy interestingly proved a real bulwark on that memorable day.
A
protecting force
B
source of trouble
C
troubleshooter
D
tribulation.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q57
In those days, an ordinary school drop-out would come around putting on airs [PAGE 323]
A
trying to impress people Ð’. trying to oppress people
C
wearing flashy clothes
D
dressed in light materials
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q58
It was evident to whoever listened to his speech that he also had an axe to grind.
A
an account to settle with someone
B
a tool or something to sharpen
C
a bone to pick with someone
D
a personal objective to achieve. [PAGE 65]
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q58
Many Nigerians have inured themselves to hardship
A
subjected
B
submitted C accustomed
D
endeared
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q59
He might be compelled to make a momentous decision.
A
a voluntary
B
a spontaneous
C
an important
D
an involuntary.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q59
He might be compelled to take a momentous decision
A
a voluntary
B
a spontaneous
C
an important
D
an involuntary
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q60
The Principal advised the students to bear with him in their present situation since every cloud has a silver lining.
A
every school has its problem
B
every bad situation has something good
C
good things always bring problems
D
difficulties often bring good things.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q60
He is bound to expose himself by his nefarious activities
A
kind
B
disreputable
C
despicable
D
nocturnal
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q61
Uche's mother advised him to talk very little because still waters run deep.
A
his enemies may be listening
B
there is no pride in talking too much
C
there is wisdom in silence
D
talking too much could lead him into trouble.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q61
Oche's mother advised him to talk very little because still waters run deep
A
his enemies may be listening
B
there is no pride in talking too much
C
there is wisdom in silence
D
talking too much could lead him into trouble
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q61
In this house, children are supposed to be in bed by ten o'clock
A
just before
B
not before
C
about
D
not later than
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q62
Akin made such a dog's breakfast of his home work.
A
an excellent job
B
a brilliant attempt
C
a mess
D
a poor performance.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q62
Akin made such a dog's breakfast of his homework
A
an excellent job
B
a brilliant attempt
C
a mess
D
a poor performance
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q62
You don't have to agree with our procedure
A
shouldn't disagree
B
must not agree
C
may disagree if you wish
D
may not disagree if you don't wish
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q63
The confuses student found himself in a spot
A
in a particular place
B
in a normal situation
C
in a pleasant situation
D
in a difficult situation.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q63
The new Vice-Chancellor's immediate concern was to tide over the major difficulties of the moment
A
temporarily accommodate
B
permanently handle
C
decisively solve
D
pretend to solve [PAGE 324]
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q64
The man who gave the closing remarks at the party spoke tongue in cheek.
A
ironically
B
wisely
C
profusely
D
eloquently.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q65
New companies in the country always put up classified advertisements in the dailies
A
secret
B
small
C
outrageous
D
expensive
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q65
The lawyer gave evasive answers to all the questions
A
unintelligent
B
ineffective C unreliable
D
equivocal
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q66
The Doctor insisted on giving all of us prophylactic drugs.
A
curative
B
preventive
C
routine
D
special.
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q66
The doctor insisted on giving all of us prophylactic drugs
A
curative
B
preventive
C
routine
D
special In each of questions 68 to 100, fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s)
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q66
Their strength is their staggering capacity to reproduce
A
unstable multiplying power
B
unreliable attaching power
C
qualitative multiplying power
D
overwhelming multiplying power
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q67
The delegates to the Constitutional Conference have mooted that funding of universities be transferred to states where they are located.
A
said
B
agreed
C
proposed
D
legislated. In each of question 68 to 100, fill the gap (s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gaps (s)
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q67
The sales were lively: the upset price in each case was fair
A
price that was the highest in the sales
B
price that upset every other buyer
C
highest amount for a bidder to offer
D
lowest selling price of each item
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q68
The cleaner resigned from his job which he said had become a trivial round
A
unrewarding
B
too routine
C
rather degrading
D
unattractive
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q69
The island becomes more enchanting at night
A
attractive
B
delightful C accommodating
D
lively
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q70
For a long time, the robber defied police warnings as if he was invulnerable
A
perfectly justifiable
B
difficult to catch
C
impossible to harm [PAGE 325] In each of questions 71 to 100, fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap
D
indifferent to Danger
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q79
Ours based venture
A
are resource
B
is is a resource
C
are resources
D
is a resource
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q80
Wale Do you know where my chemistry book is? Tom
A
Toyin is with it
B
it is with Toyin
C
Toyin has it
D
Toyin lent
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q81
The principal asked me … [
A
what is my name
B
what was my name
C
what my name was
D
what my name should be].
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q81
The incident occurred when the driver of the car the lorry
A
reversed towards
B
reversed into
C
reversed to
D
reversed back into 82......I would have helped
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q84
The principal warned the students not to take the
A
law into their
B
laws into their
C
law into their own [PAGE 327]
D
laws into their own hands
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q85
I had hardly down to sleep when I heard the gunshot
A
lay
B
lied
C
lain
D
laid
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q87
Kunle was annoyed for arriving late put him out of temper
A
also kemi's rather insolent manner
B
also that Kemi's insolent manner
C
and Kemi's rather insolent manner also
D
and Kemi is also insolent which
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q94
'Don't ...... said the leader, I want a decision now
A
prevaricate
B
predicate
C
precipitate
D
be pejoratives
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q97
He saw the play and so
A
was she
B
had she
C
should she
D
did she [PAGE 329]
Use of English JAMB 1995 Q99
I hope I have not .......
A
invaded Bencroached
C
intruded
D
trespassed too much on your time