1997

JAMB Use of English 1997 past questions

58 questions from the 1997 JAMB UTME Use of English paper. Free, with answers where available.

Practice with CBT mock -> All Use of English years
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q2
Chike left the girl alone because he
A
discovered that she was a thief
B
was afraid of the fat woman
C
did not known her
D
did not like her.
Use of English JAMB 1997 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 1997 Q4
The expression, ‘justice-impelled' in the passage refers to the desire of the crowd to
A
see that the case was taken before a judge
B
take the thief to the police station
C
try the thief immediately
D
see that there was fair play.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q6
Theatre was popular in Africa because it
A
was traditional and simple in nature
B
dealt with the political, social and economic problem of the society
C
was a source of fun
D
was communal and reflected the common concerns of the people.
Use of English JAMB 1997 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 cultural and tradition
C
lacks scientific and academic bases
D
is always funny and looked down upon.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q8
In the passage the terms ‘theatre' and ‘drama' are used
A
differently
B
concurrently
C
interchangeable
D
sparingly.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q9
One of the arguments in the passage is that academic playwrights
A
express themselves only in foreign languages
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 1997 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 1997 Q12
The writer advocates for multiple sources of university funding in order to
A
enhance university autonomy
B
reduce dependence on government
C
ensure that the numerous needs of the universities are met
D
maintain acceptable levels of infrastructural development.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q13
The expression ‘intricate issues of 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 1997 Q14
The word ‘diversified' as used in the passage means
A
differentiated
B
varied
C
diffused
D
widened.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q15
The source of university funding emphasized in the passage is [PAGE 68]
A
government
B
industry
C
the general public
D
student PASSAGE IV The passage below has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, for option are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap. In today's society, few people at home need feel…16…[A. estranged
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q26
The stadium had a capacity crowd in spite of the weather.
A
The weather favoured 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 1997 Q27
Imona couldn't have attended lectures yesterday.
A
It was possible that Imona attended lectures yesterday.
B
It was possible that Imona didn't attend lecturer 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 1997 Q28
The conference is biennial.
A
The conference is held twice every year.
B
The conference is held twice every two years
C
The conference is held once every other year.
D
The conference lasts for two years.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q29
Only two ministers survived the recent cabinet reshuffle.
A
In the recent changes in government, only twoministers were sacked.
B
In the recent changes in government, all but two ministers remained alive.
C
In the recent changes in government, all but two ministers retained their posts.
D
In the recent changes in government, all but two ministers were sacked.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q30
Bassey is as hard as nail
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 1997 Q31
He gave a painstaking account of his account of his encounter with the ghost of his father
A
sordid
B
fearful
C
half- hearted
D
tender-hearted.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q32
Bala was put off by Lanre's conquettish behaviour towards him.
A
unfriendly advantage
B
inviting and friendly advances
C
quarrel some attitude
D
interesting attitude.
Use of English JAMB 1997 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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 Q37
His intention was not actually to punish the villagers, and in any case he is now making moves to pacify them
A
placate
B
ridicule
C
appease
D
annoy.
Use of English JAMB 1997 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 1997 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 1997 Q40
Measures were taken to authenticate the number of the booklets received.
A
reaffirm
B
discredit
C
discountenance
D
count
Use of English JAMB 1997 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 1997 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 1997 Q43
The undesirable elements who perpetuate these vices are never detected.
A
aggravate
B
overlook
C
discontinue
D
encourage.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q44
Some travellers unwittingly render themselves open prey to questionable character.
A
genuinely
B
wholesomely
C
knowingly
D
inadvertently.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q45
His father is a shrewd businessman
A
gullible
B
orderly
C
reliable
D
resourceful. [PAGE 69]
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q46
Many people have raised the issued about the need for an equitable distribution of our wealth
A
a fair
B
an even
C
an unjust
D
an undue.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q47
The pastor decided to exorcise the evil spirit as the afflicted member of his congregation cried for help.
A
expel
B
dive
C
invite
D
charm.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q48
He mumbled a few words at the trial and then cried
A
shouted
B
murmured
C
charm
D
invite.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q49
There are many areas of convergence between male and female behaviour.
A
concomitance
B
concordance
C
incompatibility
D
incomparability.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q50
The greenhouse effect is beginning to abate in Europe
A
intensify
B
extenuate
C
surface
D
ameliorate In each of questions 51 to 70 choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phase in italics.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q51
Adebayo's plans for the future are in the air.
A
suspended
B
uncertain
C
empty
D
floating
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q52
The group of performers thrilled the audience with its peculiar choreography.
A
form of dancing
B
art of theatrics
C
type of costuming
D
mode of singing
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q53
Our local paper is noted for its incisive editorials on local politics.
A
sarcastic
B
penetrating
C
decisive
D
destructive.
Use of English JAMB 1997 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 1997 Q55
The rally was attended only by people who were apolitical.
A
full of political fervour
B
antagonistic to politicians
C
new-breed politicians
D
not interested in politics.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q56
Smilling broadly, she explained why she always took exception to being referred to as his wife
A
objected to
B
preferred very much
C
felt specially honoured by
D
liked nothing excepts.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q57
In those days an ordinary school drop-out would come around putting on airs.
A
trying to impress people
B
trying to oppress people
C
wearing flashy clother
D
dresses in light materials.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q58
Many Nigerian have inured themselves to hardship
A
subjected
B
submitted
C
accustomed
D
endeared.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q59
There are many venal judges in our law courts today
A
Qualified
B
professional
C
corrupt
D
honest.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q60
He is bound to exposes himself by his nefarious activities
A
kind
B
disreputable
C
despicable
D
nocturnal.
Use of English JAMB 1997 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 1997 Q62
You don't have to agree with our producers.
A
shouldn't disagree
B
must not agree
C
may disagree if you don't wish
D
may not disagree if you don't wish.
Use of English JAMB 1997 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.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q64
The minister's anger was aggravated by the news of the disaster.
A
abated
B
magnified
C
intensifies
D
impeded.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q65
The lawyer gave evasive answers to all the questions.
A
Unintelligent
B
ineffective
C
unreliable
D
equivocal.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q66
Their strength is their staggering capacity to reproduce.
A
unstable mutiplying power
B
unreliable attacking power
C
qualitative multiplying power
D
overwhelming multiplying power.
Use of English JAMB 1997 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 1997 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 1997 Q69
The island becomes more enchanting at night
A
attractive
B
delightful
C
accommodating
D
livery
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q70
For a long time, the robber defied police warnings as if he was inculnerable.
A
perfectly justifiable
B
difficult to catch
C
impossible to harm
D
indifferent to danger. In each of questions 71 to 100 fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.
Use of English JAMB 1997 Q86
My shoes are worn out; I must see my… [
A
grocer
B
tanner
C
cobbler
D
hosier].