JAMB Use of English 1995

Question 1

Whenever I have had to ask myself the question why I have not left this country for good, many answers rush to my mind, each striving to be recognized as being the most cogent. I am reminded of the popular slogan that this country belongs to us all’, for which reason every Nigerian must join hands in trying to salvage it. I try to dismiss the argument by reasoning that it is foolhardy attempting to lend a helping hand where one's services are apparently not required. Then I am reminded that if I left the country in a hurry just because of our political instability and economic hardships, my commitments to my family and extended family at home would suffer. I reply by saying that as soon as I got settled abroad, I would arrange for my family to join me. Other financial problems at home would be taken care of by regular remittances. Would I then never think of going back home in future? Not until the situation in the country improved considerably, I would answer. And who did I expect to carry on with the task of national rehabilitation when the likes of me are all out of the country? Those who messed up the country in the first place, I would argue. And so on. This dialogue of self has been going on for the last ten years or so; meanwhile, I am yet to leave the country. When I wonder how many people share my kind of mental experience, I realize that we must be very few. For not many have the slightest opportunity of absconding from the country; they do not have the place to run to, nor do they have the means of escape. Even among the elite who consider this possibility, the uncertainty of a future outside their fatherland intimidates. And so, we all end up staying and mumbling.

To leave the country ‘for good’ means leaving the country

1. unexpectedly
2. for better opportunities
3. permanently
4. now that things are not very good

Question 2

Whenever I have had to ask myself the question why I have not left this country for good, many answers rush to my mind, each striving to be recognized as being the most cogent. I am reminded of the popular slogan that this country belongs to us all’, for which reason every Nigerian must join hands in trying to salvage it. I try to dismiss the argument by reasoning that it is foolhardy attempting to lend a helping hand where one's services are apparently not required. Then I am reminded that if I left the country in a hurry just because of our political instability and economic hardships, my commitments to my family and extended family at home would suffer. I reply by saying that as soon as I got settled abroad, I would arrange for my family to join me. Other financial problems at home would be taken care of by regular remittances. Would I then never think of going back home in future? Not until the situation in the country improved considerably, I would answer. And who did I expect to carry on with the task of national rehabilitation when the likes of me are all out of the country? Those who messed up the country in the first place, I would argue. And so on. This dialogue of self has been going on for the last ten years or so; meanwhile, I am yet to leave the country. When I wonder how many people share my kind of mental experience, I realize that we must be very few. For not many have the slightest opportunity of absconding from the country; they do not have the place to run to, nor do they have the means of escape. Even among the elite who consider this possibility, the uncertainty of a future outside their fatherland intimidates. And so, we all end up staying and mumbling.

The expression ‘each striving to be recognized as being the most cogent’ means each

1. trying to prove its superiority
2. determined to prove that it is the most acceptable
3. resolved not to be dislodged
4. attempting to show that it is the brightest.

Question 3

Whenever I have had to ask myself the question why I have not left this country for good, many answers rush to my mind, each striving to be recognized as being the most cogent. I am reminded of the popular slogan that this country belongs to us all’, for which reason every Nigerian must join hands in trying to salvage it. I try to dismiss the argument by reasoning that it is foolhardy attempting to lend a helping hand where one's services are apparently not required. Then I am reminded that if I left the country in a hurry just because of our political instability and economic hardships, my commitments to my family and extended family at home would suffer. I reply by saying that as soon as I got settled abroad, I would arrange for my family to join me. Other financial problems at home would be taken care of by regular remittances. Would I then never think of going back home in future? Not until the situation in the country improved considerably, I would answer. And who did I expect to carry on with the task of national rehabilitation when the likes of me are all out of the country? Those who messed up the country in the first place, I would argue. And so on. This dialogue of self has been going on for the last ten years or so; meanwhile, I am yet to leave the country. When I wonder how many people share my kind of mental experience, I realize that we must be very few. For not many have the slightest opportunity of absconding from the country; they do not have the place to run to, nor do they have the means of escape. Even among the elite who consider this possibility, the uncertainty of a future outside their fatherland intimidates. And so, we all end up staying and mumbling.

The writer’s argument that it is foolhardy to offer one’s services where such are apparently not required implies that in Nigeria

1. the authorities do not solicit for the services of the citizens
2. mediocrity is the order of the day
3. the authorities are indifferent to offers of help from the citizens
4. to offer to serve the country is dangerous.

Question 4

Whenever I have had to ask myself the question why I have not left this country for good, many answers rush to my mind, each striving to be recognized as being the most cogent. I am reminded of the popular slogan that this country belongs to us all’, for which reason every Nigerian must join hands in trying to salvage it. I try to dismiss the argument by reasoning that it is foolhardy attempting to lend a helping hand where one's services are apparently not required. Then I am reminded that if I left the country in a hurry just because of our political instability and economic hardships, my commitments to my family and extended family at home would suffer. I reply by saying that as soon as I got settled abroad, I would arrange for my family to join me. Other financial problems at home would be taken care of by regular remittances. Would I then never think of going back home in future? Not until the situation in the country improved considerably, I would answer. And who did I expect to carry on with the task of national rehabilitation when the likes of me are all out of the country? Those who messed up the country in the first place, I would argue. And so on. This dialogue of self has been going on for the last ten years or so; meanwhile, I am yet to leave the country. When I wonder how many people share my kind of mental experience, I realize that we must be very few. For not many have the slightest opportunity of absconding from the country; they do not have the place to run to, nor do they have the means of escape. Even among the elite who consider this possibility, the uncertainty of a future outside their fatherland intimidates. And so, we all end up staying and mumbling.

The writer’s posture as to who caused the problems in his country can be described as

1. indifferent
2. unpatriotic
3. self-righteousness
4. logical.

Question 6

The development of science and technology in this century had led men into many inventions and discoveries. For nearly a century, men were content with the use of railways, carriages and cars. Another chapter opened when steamships and airplanes were invented. Thus, through technology, man conquered the land, the water and the airspace. But there was one area left unconquered by man: outer space. In fact, outer space --- planets, stars and the galaxies --- was known only through magnifying lenses. Thus, man operated on mere conjectures as far as knowledge of these things was concerned. Consequently, there was no scientific certainty, only hypotheses. But today, man has penetrated outer space. It is true that science and technology have developed tremendously in this century. In the field of engineering, for example, the automobile has been invented as a means of easier, more comfortable and faster movement from one place to another. Apart from that, methods and instruments for diagnosing diseases and promoting hygiene and sanitation have helped to reduce mortality rate and improve living conditions. In the field of electronics, the invention of the computer is a remarkable achievement. The use of computers in economic activities, education, administration and business has helped to reduce the exertion of human energy as more activities can be carried out faster and more effectively. However, in spite of the laudable contributions and lofty accomplishments of technology, it has, nevertheless, succeeded in introducing several anomalies and, in some cases, reduced the value attached to human life. In our age, social life has been greatly altered by technological changes such as the invention of nuclear energy. Those who support the invention of nuclear energy claim that the only way to maintain peace is to be battle-ready. Humanity is greatly threatened and terrorized by the invention of the nuclear warhead. People now live in dread of the hour, as no one knows when a conflict may arise between nations, which may lead to the use of the nuclear bomb assumed to possess the capacity of wiping out humanity within the twinkling of an eye.

The phrase ‘For nearly a century’ implies that the events described happened

1. after the present century
2. before the present century
3. at a time that includes the present century
4. before the development of science and technology.

Question 7

The development of science and technology in this century had led men into many inventions and discoveries. For nearly a century, men were content with the use of railways, carriages and cars. Another chapter opened when steamships and airplanes were invented. Thus, through technology, man conquered the land, the water and the airspace. But there was one area left unconquered by man: outer space. In fact, outer space --- planets, stars and the galaxies --- was known only through magnifying lenses. Thus, man operated on mere conjectures as far as knowledge of these things was concerned. Consequently, there was no scientific certainty, only hypotheses. But today, man has penetrated outer space. It is true that science and technology have developed tremendously in this century. In the field of engineering, for example, the automobile has been invented as a means of easier, more comfortable and faster movement from one place to another. Apart from that, methods and instruments for diagnosing diseases and promoting hygiene and sanitation have helped to reduce mortality rate and improve living conditions. In the field of electronics, the invention of the computer is a remarkable achievement. The use of computers in economic activities, education, administration and business has helped to reduce the exertion of human energy as more activities can be carried out faster and more effectively. However, in spite of the laudable contributions and lofty accomplishments of technology, it has, nevertheless, succeeded in introducing several anomalies and, in some cases, reduced the value attached to human life. In our age, social life has been greatly altered by technological changes such as the invention of nuclear energy. Those who support the invention of nuclear energy claim that the only way to maintain peace is to be battle-ready. Humanity is greatly threatened and terrorized by the invention of the nuclear warhead. People now live in dread of the hour, as no one knows when a conflict may arise between nations, which may lead to the use of the nuclear bomb assumed to possess the capacity of wiping out humanity within the twinkling of an eye.

The words ‘conjectures’ and ‘hypotheses’ mean

1. guess-work
2. prediction
3. understanding
4. conclusion

Question 8

The development of science and technology in this century had led men into many inventions and discoveries. For nearly a century, men were content with the use of railways, carriages and cars. Another chapter opened when steamships and airplanes were invented. Thus, through technology, man conquered the land, the water and the airspace. But there was one area left unconquered by man: outer space. In fact, outer space --- planets, stars and the galaxies --- was known only through magnifying lenses. Thus, man operated on mere conjectures as far as knowledge of these things was concerned. Consequently, there was no scientific certainty, only hypotheses. But today, man has penetrated outer space. It is true that science and technology have developed tremendously in this century. In the field of engineering, for example, the automobile has been invented as a means of easier, more comfortable and faster movement from one place to another. Apart from that, methods and instruments for diagnosing diseases and promoting hygiene and sanitation have helped to reduce mortality rate and improve living conditions. In the field of electronics, the invention of the computer is a remarkable achievement. The use of computers in economic activities, education, administration and business has helped to reduce the exertion of human energy as more activities can be carried out faster and more effectively. However, in spite of the laudable contributions and lofty accomplishments of technology, it has, nevertheless, succeeded in introducing several anomalies and, in some cases, reduced the value attached to human life. In our age, social life has been greatly altered by technological changes such as the invention of nuclear energy. Those who support the invention of nuclear energy claim that the only way to maintain peace is to be battle-ready. Humanity is greatly threatened and terrorized by the invention of the nuclear warhead. People now live in dread of the hour, as no one knows when a conflict may arise between nations, which may lead to the use of the nuclear bomb assumed to possess the capacity of wiping out humanity within the twinkling of an eye.

The inventors of nuclear energy justify the need for it by saying that it will

1. make people fear war and thus create peace
2. enable wars to be fought more effectively
3. provide a balance of power between war and peace
4. balanced society in the world.

Question 9

The development of science and technology in this century had led men into many inventions and discoveries. For nearly a century, men were content with the use of railways, carriages and cars. Another chapter opened when steamships and airplanes were invented. Thus, through technology, man conquered the land, the water and the airspace. But there was one area left unconquered by man: outer space. In fact, outer space --- planets, stars and the galaxies --- was known only through magnifying lenses. Thus, man operated on mere conjectures as far as knowledge of these things was concerned. Consequently, there was no scientific certainty, only hypotheses. But today, man has penetrated outer space. It is true that science and technology have developed tremendously in this century. In the field of engineering, for example, the automobile has been invented as a means of easier, more comfortable and faster movement from one place to another. Apart from that, methods and instruments for diagnosing diseases and promoting hygiene and sanitation have helped to reduce mortality rate and improve living conditions. In the field of electronics, the invention of the computer is a remarkable achievement. The use of computers in economic activities, education, administration and business has helped to reduce the exertion of human energy as more activities can be carried out faster and more effectively. However, in spite of the laudable contributions and lofty accomplishments of technology, it has, nevertheless, succeeded in introducing several anomalies and, in some cases, reduced the value attached to human life. In our age, social life has been greatly altered by technological changes such as the invention of nuclear energy. Those who support the invention of nuclear energy claim that the only way to maintain peace is to be battle-ready. Humanity is greatly threatened and terrorized by the invention of the nuclear warhead. People now live in dread of the hour, as no one knows when a conflict may arise between nations, which may lead to the use of the nuclear bomb assumed to possess the capacity of wiping out humanity within the twinkling of an eye.

The conclusion one can draw from the passage is that the direction of the development of science and technology

1. has continued to be of benefit to humanity
2. leaves nothing more to be invented or discovered
3. may lead man back to the early periods
4. has assumed some negative dimensions.

Question 11

Standard English refers to the authoritative and correct usage of the language, the medium of expression for government and education. Its opposite is a dialectal variant of the language, that is, accepted and recognized words, expressions and structures peculiar to a smaller group of language users who are generally set apart from standard usage by cultural group or geographical region. For example, Nigerian, American, Irish and British English differ from one another in many respects and each is identifiable, yet in every case the standard variety approaches a single and hypothetical classification known as international English. As one moves towards informality and away from the observance of strict rules, emphasis falls on the differences between dialects. In addition to American English being distinguishable from British English, it is also true that British English is not uniform within the United Kingdom. The level of formality is determined by education and aspiration, while dialects vary from region to region. [The Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife: The Use of English Text (1980)]

The author refers to standard English as

1. a dialectal variant of language
2. an authoritative style of usage
3. the orthodox and accurate usage of the language
4. the accepted and recognized words, expressions and structures, peculiar to a smaller group of language users.

Question 12

Standard English refers to the authoritative and correct usage of the language, the medium of expression for government and education. Its opposite is a dialectal variant of the language, that is, accepted and recognized words, expressions and structures peculiar to a smaller group of language users who are generally set apart from standard usage by cultural group or geographical region. For example, Nigerian, American, Irish and British English differ from one another in many respects and each is identifiable, yet in every case the standard variety approaches a single and hypothetical classification known as international English. As one moves towards informality and away from the observance of strict rules, emphasis falls on the differences between dialects. In addition to American English being distinguishable from British English, it is also true that British English is not uniform within the United Kingdom. The level of formality is determined by education and aspiration, while dialects vary from region to region. [The Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife: The Use of English Text (1980)]

One characteristic of a dialect as mentioned in the passage is

1. informality
2. possession of various forms
3. distinction from British English
4. restricted area of usage.

Question 13

Standard English refers to the authoritative and correct usage of the language, the medium of expression for government and education. Its opposite is a dialectal variant of the language, that is, accepted and recognized words, expressions and structures peculiar to a smaller group of language users who are generally set apart from standard usage by cultural group or geographical region. For example, Nigerian, American, Irish and British English differ from one another in many respects and each is identifiable, yet in every case the standard variety approaches a single and hypothetical classification known as international English. As one moves towards informality and away from the observance of strict rules, emphasis falls on the differences between dialects. In addition to American English being distinguishable from British English, it is also true that British English is not uniform within the United Kingdom. The level of formality is determined by education and aspiration, while dialects vary from region to region. [The Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife: The Use of English Text (1980)]

According to the author, Nigerian, American, Irish and British English can be regarded as

1. registers
2. standards
3. styles
4. languages.

Question 14

Standard English refers to the authoritative and correct usage of the language, the medium of expression for government and education. Its opposite is a dialectal variant of the language, that is, accepted and recognized words, expressions and structures peculiar to a smaller group of language users who are generally set apart from standard usage by cultural group or geographical region. For example, Nigerian, American, Irish and British English differ from one another in many respects and each is identifiable, yet in every case the standard variety approaches a single and hypothetical classification known as international English. As one moves towards informality and away from the observance of strict rules, emphasis falls on the differences between dialects. In addition to American English being distinguishable from British English, it is also true that British English is not uniform within the United Kingdom. The level of formality is determined by education and aspiration, while dialects vary from region to region. [The Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife: The Use of English Text (1980)]

According to the passage, international English is

1. a kind of arbitrary classification
2. an imaginary classification
3. an informal standard
4. a recognized formal standard.

Question 15

Standard English refers to the authoritative and correct usage of the language, the medium of expression for government and education. Its opposite is a dialectal variant of the language, that is, accepted and recognized words, expressions and structures peculiar to a smaller group of language users who are generally set apart from standard usage by cultural group or geographical region. For example, Nigerian, American, Irish and British English differ from one another in many respects and each is identifiable, yet in every case the standard variety approaches a single and hypothetical classification known as international English. As one moves towards informality and away from the observance of strict rules, emphasis falls on the differences between dialects. In addition to American English being distinguishable from British English, it is also true that British English is not uniform within the United Kingdom. The level of formality is determined by education and aspiration, while dialects vary from region to region. [The Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife: The Use of English Text (1980)]

The observance of strict rules is a feature of

1. formality
2. dialects
3. languages
4. unconventionality

Question 26

Choose the most appropriate interpretation: Most of the time, their presence is a menace.

1. Their presence is always meaningful
2. Their presence is seldom a bother
3. Their presence is usually of great concern
4. Their presence is frequently a threat.

Question 30

Choose the most appropriate interpretation: People are not interested in who rules

1. People who rule are not interested in the ruled
2. The rulers are not indifferent about the people
3. People are indifferent about the rulers
4. People are not ruled by the people they are interested in.

Question 31

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “spurious”: Good students can easily identify spurious arguments.

1. genuine
2. interesting
3. false
4. illogical.

Question 32

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “flabby”: Eze’s skin now looks flabby as a result of his changed circumstances.

1. neat
2. firm
3. weak
4. oily.

Question 35

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “esoteric”: We watched in wonder as she rattled away in the esoteric language.

1. inscrutable
2. familiar
3. secret
4. obscure.

Question 38

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “in gross”: His textile business deals are in gross.

1. wholesale
2. imported
3. retailed
4. exported.

Question 39

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “initiating / boost”: The government is initiating new effective programmes to boost production.

1. ending/enhance
2. reviewing/renew
3. rearranging/increase
4. terminating/reduce.

Question 43

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “wielding”: Our party is wielding potent political power.

1. assuming
2. renouncing
3. restoring
4. reappraising.

Question 44

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “allegiance”: The ruler expects full allegiance from his subjects at all times.

1. obedience
2. homage
3. disloyalty
4. disapproval.

Question 47

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “obsolete”: The video tape recorder was made obsolete by the introduction of the satellite dish.

1. antiquated
2. useless
3. fashionable
4. functional.

Question 48

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “inclinations”: Segun is somebody who always follows his own inclinations.

1. impulses
2. aversions
3. dispositions
4. deviations

Question 49

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “languish in”: The poor man is compelled to languish in his poverty-stricken situation.

1. luxuriate in
2. deteriorate in
3. suffer in
4. laugh at

Question 50

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “prototype”: The engineers have been urged to make a prototype of the long-awaited Nigerian car.

1. specimen
2. original
3. copy
4. 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.

Question 51

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “at the top of the tree”: The young man’s behaviour showed that he was at the top of the tree.

1. at the highest position in his profession
2. confused
3. at a point of preparedness to show good example
4. arrogant.

Question 52

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “a storm in a tea cup”: The chairman’s reaction was a storm in a tea cup.

1. suitable for the occasion
2. less serious than it appeared to be
3. more serious than necessary
4. greatly diminished in scope.

Question 53

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “take your time”: Do this job while I am away, but take your time.

1. be careful
2. be thorough
3. be fast
4. don’t be in a hurry.

Question 54

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “took issue with”: The judge took issue with the counsel who complained of double standards.

1. agreed with
2. argued with
3. criticized
4. supported.

Question 55

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “shuddered in revulsion”: I shuddered in revulsion as I watched the snake slowly swallow the struggling rat.

1. was fascinated
2. was repelled
3. was interested
4. was distressed.

Question 56

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “went off at a tangent”: At that point, the speaker went off at a tangent.

1. started to run away like a mad person
2. took to lashing out at the audience
3. began to discuss unrelated matters
4. chose to recall previous decisions

Question 57

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “bulwark”: The enemy interestingly proved a real bulwark on that memorable day.

1. protecting force
2. source of trouble
3. troubleshooter
4. tribulation.

Question 59

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “momentous”: He might be compelled to take a momentous decision.

1. a voluntary
2. a spontaneous
3. an important
4. an involuntary.

Question 60

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “every cloud has a silver lining”: The Principal advised the students to bear with him in their present situation since every cloud has a silver lining.

1. every school has its problem
2. every bad situation has something good
3. good things always bring problems
4. difficulties often bring good things.

Question 61

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “still waters run deep”: Oche’s mother advised him to talk very little because still waters run deep.

1. his enemies may be listening
2. there is no pride in talking too much
3. there is wisdom in silence
4. talking too much could lead him into trouble.

Question 62

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “a dog’s breakfast”: Akin made such a dog’s breakfast of his homework.

1. an excellent job
2. a brilliant attempt
3. a mess
4. a poor performance.

Question 63

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “in a spot”: The confused student found himself in a spot

1. in a particular place
2. in a normal situation
3. in a pleasant situation
4. in a difficult situation.

Question 64

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “tongue in cheek”: The man who gave the closing remarks at the party spoke tongue in cheek.

1. ironically
2. wisely
3. profusely
4. eloquently.

Question 65

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “classified”: New companies in the country always put up classified advertisements in the dailies

1. secret
2. small
3. outrageous
4. expensive

Question 66

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “prophylactic”: The Doctor insisted on giving all of us prophylactic drugs.

1. curative
2. preventive
3. routine
4. special.

Question 67

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “mooted”: The delegates to the Constitutional Conference have mooted that funding of universities be transferred to states where they are located.

1. said
2. agreed
3. proposed
4. legislated

Question 81

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The principal asked me _____.

1. what is my name
2. what was my name
3. what my name was
4. what my name should be