JAMB Use of English 1997

Question 1

Chike must have passed the house five times. And yet he was still not sure. Was this the house he had visited so often in the past? The house he used to visit was a bungalow. This house, too, was a bungalow. The old house was situated between two-storied buildings; this one too was so situated. But in spite of this feeling of certainty, Chike had a vague suspicion that the house he had passed so often that day might be the wrong house after all. Could an absence of two years have blurred his memory so badly? After a few moments’ hesitation, Chike began to move towards the house and then stopped, as if held back by an invisible hand. His attention had been attracted by a girl of about twenty-four, who was tripping along the pavement to his right. He turned and advanced towards her, and was about to call her by what he felt was her name when he discovered that he had made a mistake in respect of her identity. Just as Chike turned from the girl to continue his quest, he heard voices shouting, ‘thief! thief!’ and saw a crowd materialize in seconds. At the head of this justice-impelled rabble, was a ludicrously fat woman who, in spite of her size, bounced along with the agility of a prize athlete. This barrel bellowed loudest and clapped her hands vigorously to punctuate her outburst. And as she did so the surplus flesh on her pudgy arms quivered. ‘They are all the same’, this woman screamed, addressing nobody in particular. ‘They dress gorgeously, but underneath they are rogues.’ Again, she clapped her hands and again, there was a quivering of loose flesh. Chike was so busily occupied with watching the antics of this woman that he did not notice at first that the object of her venom was the girl he had seen earlier. It was this girl that was now surrounded by the crowd, with many people groaning, sighing and hissing in unison. Chike relaxed, and prepared to watch the drama unfolding before him.

The expression, 'blurred his memory' means

1. confused him
2. erased his memory
3. damaged his brain
4. distorted his thoughts

Question 2

Chike must have passed the house five times. And yet he was still not sure. Was this the house he had visited so often in the past? The house he used to visit was a bungalow. This house, too, was a bungalow. The old house was situated between two-storied buildings; this one too was so situated. But in spite of this feeling of certainty, Chike had a vague suspicion that the house he had passed so often that day might be the wrong house after all. Could an absence of two years have blurred his memory so badly? After a few moments’ hesitation, Chike began to move towards the house and then stopped, as if held back by an invisible hand. His attention had been attracted by a girl of about twenty-four, who was tripping along the pavement to his right. He turned and advanced towards her, and was about to call her by what he felt was her name when he discovered that he had made a mistake in respect of her identity. Just as Chike turned from the girl to continue his quest, he heard voices shouting, ‘thief! thief!’ and saw a crowd materialize in seconds. At the head of this justice-impelled rabble, was a ludicrously fat woman who, in spite of her size, bounced along with the agility of a prize athlete. This barrel bellowed loudest and clapped her hands vigorously to punctuate her outburst. And as she did so the surplus flesh on her pudgy arms quivered. ‘They are all the same’, this woman screamed, addressing nobody in particular. ‘They dress gorgeously, but underneath they are rogues.’ Again, she clapped her hands and again, there was a quivering of loose flesh. Chike was so busily occupied with watching the antics of this woman that he did not notice at first that the object of her venom was the girl he had seen earlier. It was this girl that was now surrounded by the crowd, with many people groaning, sighing and hissing in unison. Chike relaxed, and prepared to watch the drama unfolding before him.

Chike left the girl alone because he

1. discovered that she was a thief
2. was afraid of the fat woman
3. did not know her
4. did not like her.

Question 3

Chike must have passed the house five times. And yet he was still not sure. Was this the house he had visited so often in the past? The house he used to visit was a bungalow. This house, too, was a bungalow. The old house was situated between two-storied buildings; this one too was so situated. But in spite of this feeling of certainty, Chike had a vague suspicion that the house he had passed so often that day might be the wrong house after all. Could an absence of two years have blurred his memory so badly? After a few moments’ hesitation, Chike began to move towards the house and then stopped, as if held back by an invisible hand. His attention had been attracted by a girl of about twenty-four, who was tripping along the pavement to his right. He turned and advanced towards her, and was about to call her by what he felt was her name when he discovered that he had made a mistake in respect of her identity. Just as Chike turned from the girl to continue his quest, he heard voices shouting, ‘thief! thief!’ and saw a crowd materialize in seconds. At the head of this justice-impelled rabble, was a ludicrously fat woman who, in spite of her size, bounced along with the agility of a prize athlete. This barrel bellowed loudest and clapped her hands vigorously to punctuate her outburst. And as she did so the surplus flesh on her pudgy arms quivered. ‘They are all the same’, this woman screamed, addressing nobody in particular. ‘They dress gorgeously, but underneath they are rogues.’ Again, she clapped her hands and again, there was a quivering of loose flesh. Chike was so busily occupied with watching the antics of this woman that he did not notice at first that the object of her venom was the girl he had seen earlier. It was this girl that was now surrounded by the crowd, with many people groaning, sighing and hissing in unison. Chike relaxed, and prepared to watch the drama unfolding before him.

Many people in the crowd groaned, sighed and hissed because they were

1. angry with the girl
2. sorry for the girl
3. sorry for the fat woman
4. angry that the woman had lied against the girl.

Question 4

Chike must have passed the house five times. And yet he was still not sure. Was this the house he had visited so often in the past? The house he used to visit was a bungalow. This house, too, was a bungalow. The old house was situated between two-storied buildings; this one too was so situated. But in spite of this feeling of certainty, Chike had a vague suspicion that the house he had passed so often that day might be the wrong house after all. Could an absence of two years have blurred his memory so badly? After a few moments’ hesitation, Chike began to move towards the house and then stopped, as if held back by an invisible hand. His attention had been attracted by a girl of about twenty-four, who was tripping along the pavement to his right. He turned and advanced towards her, and was about to call her by what he felt was her name when he discovered that he had made a mistake in respect of her identity. Just as Chike turned from the girl to continue his quest, he heard voices shouting, ‘thief! thief!’ and saw a crowd materialize in seconds. At the head of this justice-impelled rabble, was a ludicrously fat woman who, in spite of her size, bounced along with the agility of a prize athlete. This barrel bellowed loudest and clapped her hands vigorously to punctuate her outburst. And as she did so the surplus flesh on her pudgy arms quivered. ‘They are all the same’, this woman screamed, addressing nobody in particular. ‘They dress gorgeously, but underneath they are rogues.’ Again, she clapped her hands and again, there was a quivering of loose flesh. Chike was so busily occupied with watching the antics of this woman that he did not notice at first that the object of her venom was the girl he had seen earlier. It was this girl that was now surrounded by the crowd, with many people groaning, sighing and hissing in unison. Chike relaxed, and prepared to watch the drama unfolding before him.

The expression, ‘justice-impelled’ in the passage refers to the desire of the crowd to

1. see that the case was taken before a judge
2. take the thief to the police station
3. try the thief immediately
4. see that there was fair play.

Question 6

Theatre in the recent past used to be a very popular art in traditional African society. It used to be a point of intersection where members of the community not only come to entertain themselves, but ‘join heads together’. In the traditional context of African drama therefore, Theatre was a popular and respectable institution, which preserved the people’s culture and tradition. Theatre was popular with the people because it emphasized community participation, peace and progress. The presentations focused on the people’s lives, their aspirations, fears and hopes. But today, the situation is different. Theatre is becoming very unpopular. Africa of the present age is pre-occupied with many problems yearning for immediate solutions. The continent is facing hydra-headed challenges --- challenges on the political, social and economic scenes. In a world where science and technology are seen as the solutions to these problems, little attention is paid to the arts. Literature generally, and drama in particular, is often rated very low on the utility scale. Many in Africa today look at drama and theatre as a mere thing of fun, a joke so to say. Elitism is another barrier that militates against the appreciation of theatre as a communal art. Folk theatre is appreciated by a negligible number of people. Contemporary focus is on literary theatre. Unfortunately, literary theatre only pretends to serve the interest of its society while in reality it has a foreign audience in mind. The use of European and American theatrical conventions by our academic playwrights can bear witness to this anomaly. The popularity of the literary African theatre is further marred by the medium of communication as most literary dramas in Africa are written in foreign languages, which are not understood by many Africans. The question often asked is whether the artist should climb down to the level of his community or stay at his exalted height and wait for the community to gradually move up to him.

Theatre was popular in Africa because it

1. was traditional and simple in nature
2. dealt with the political, social and economic problems of the society
3. was a source of fun
4. was communal and reflected the common concerns of the people.

Question 7

Theatre in the recent past used to be a very popular art in traditional African society. It used to be a point of intersection where members of the community not only come to entertain themselves, but ‘join heads together’. In the traditional context of African drama therefore, Theatre was a popular and respectable institution, which preserved the people’s culture and tradition. Theatre was popular with the people because it emphasized community participation, peace and progress. The presentations focused on the people’s lives, their aspirations, fears and hopes. But today, the situation is different. Theatre is becoming very unpopular. Africa of the present age is pre-occupied with many problems yearning for immediate solutions. The continent is facing hydra-headed challenges --- challenges on the political, social and economic scenes. In a world where science and technology are seen as the solutions to these problems, little attention is paid to the arts. Literature generally, and drama in particular, is often rated very low on the utility scale. Many in Africa today look at drama and theatre as a mere thing of fun, a joke so to say. Elitism is another barrier that militates against the appreciation of theatre as a communal art. Folk theatre is appreciated by a negligible number of people. Contemporary focus is on literary theatre. Unfortunately, literary theatre only pretends to serve the interest of its society while in reality it has a foreign audience in mind. The use of European and American theatrical conventions by our academic playwrights can bear witness to this anomaly. The popularity of the literary African theatre is further marred by the medium of communication as most literary dramas in Africa are written in foreign languages, which are not understood by many Africans. The question often asked is whether the artist should climb down to the level of his community or stay at his exalted height and wait for the community to gradually move up to him.

One of the reasons why theatre is unpopular in modern Africa is that it

1. is regarded as not being of much use
2. only deals with culture and tradition
3. lacks scientific and academic bases
4. is always funny and looked down upon.

Question 8

Theatre in the recent past used to be a very popular art in traditional African society. It used to be a point of intersection where members of the community not only come to entertain themselves, but ‘join heads together’. In the traditional context of African drama therefore, Theatre was a popular and respectable institution, which preserved the people’s culture and tradition. Theatre was popular with the people because it emphasized community participation, peace and progress. The presentations focused on the people’s lives, their aspirations, fears and hopes. But today, the situation is different. Theatre is becoming very unpopular. Africa of the present age is pre-occupied with many problems yearning for immediate solutions. The continent is facing hydra-headed challenges --- challenges on the political, social and economic scenes. In a world where science and technology are seen as the solutions to these problems, little attention is paid to the arts. Literature generally, and drama in particular, is often rated very low on the utility scale. Many in Africa today look at drama and theatre as a mere thing of fun, a joke so to say. Elitism is another barrier that militates against the appreciation of theatre as a communal art. Folk theatre is appreciated by a negligible number of people. Contemporary focus is on literary theatre. Unfortunately, literary theatre only pretends to serve the interest of its society while in reality it has a foreign audience in mind. The use of European and American theatrical conventions by our academic playwrights can bear witness to this anomaly. The popularity of the literary African theatre is further marred by the medium of communication as most literary dramas in Africa are written in foreign languages, which are not understood by many Africans. The question often asked is whether the artist should climb down to the level of his community or stay at his exalted height and wait for the community to gradually move up to him.

In the passage the terms ‘theatre’ and ‘drama’ are used

1. differently
2. concurrently
3. interchangeably
4. sparingly.

Question 9

Theatre in the recent past used to be a very popular art in traditional African society. It used to be a point of intersection where members of the community not only come to entertain themselves, but ‘join heads together’. In the traditional context of African drama therefore, Theatre was a popular and respectable institution, which preserved the people’s culture and tradition. Theatre was popular with the people because it emphasized community participation, peace and progress. The presentations focused on the people’s lives, their aspirations, fears and hopes. But today, the situation is different. Theatre is becoming very unpopular. Africa of the present age is pre-occupied with many problems yearning for immediate solutions. The continent is facing hydra-headed challenges --- challenges on the political, social and economic scenes. In a world where science and technology are seen as the solutions to these problems, little attention is paid to the arts. Literature generally, and drama in particular, is often rated very low on the utility scale. Many in Africa today look at drama and theatre as a mere thing of fun, a joke so to say. Elitism is another barrier that militates against the appreciation of theatre as a communal art. Folk theatre is appreciated by a negligible number of people. Contemporary focus is on literary theatre. Unfortunately, literary theatre only pretends to serve the interest of its society while in reality it has a foreign audience in mind. The use of European and American theatrical conventions by our academic playwrights can bear witness to this anomaly. The popularity of the literary African theatre is further marred by the medium of communication as most literary dramas in Africa are written in foreign languages, which are not understood by many Africans. The question often asked is whether the artist should climb down to the level of his community or stay at his exalted height and wait for the community to gradually move up to him.

One of the arguments in the passage is that academic playwrights

1. express themselves only in foreign languages
2. serve as a catalyst in the society’s appreciation of theatre
3. work against the common man’s appreciation of theatre
4. make theatre popular in traditional societies.

Question 11

The financing of the university will always be a vexatious problem not only because of the need for it to maintain a level of independence that allows for the thriving of intellectual pursuit but also for the size of funding that is required to maintain an acceptable level of infrastructure in a modern university. The experience of the Nigerian university in recent years has in this regard, been almost alarming. The funding levels required constitute sufficient reasons for diversifying the sources. Even if government was in a position on its own to meet all of the university’s financial requirements, I consider it desirable that every effort be made to reduce such contribution in the interest of university autonomy. I also hold the view that the university should seek to become dependent, in a substantial way, on funds generated from within. In other words the sources of funding the university should be diversified as much as possible. Based on this principle, we can identify four sources— government, industry, students and individual philanthropists. I must add quickly that each source has its own set of problems in its continuing interaction with the university, which ought to be addressed here. Of all the four major sources of financing university education mentioned above, contribution through fees from the students involves intricate issues of special concern. If government gives as an expression of its obligation to promote general welfare of society, if industry gives in order to enhance its chances of procurement of needed human, information and material resources, as well as enhance its social responsibility, if the general public gives as an indication of voluntary support for a worthy social cause, students (and by inference their parents) should give in order to purchase an economic good for meeting their own felt need in the expectation that they will be satisfied with the product purchased. [Adapted from Onosode, G. O. :‘ The Politics of Managing People Prospects and Poverty The Role of the University’, 1990 OAU Convocation]

It is important for Universities to be independent so that they can

1. attract funds from industries
2. determine their goals
3. be left to expand without any hindrance
4. carry out effective research.

Question 12

The financing of the university will always be a vexatious problem not only because of the need for it to maintain a level of independence that allows for the thriving of intellectual pursuit but also for the size of funding that is required to maintain an acceptable level of infrastructure in a modern university. The experience of the Nigerian university in recent years has in this regard, been almost alarming. The funding levels required constitute sufficient reasons for diversifying the sources. Even if government was in a position on its own to meet all of the university’s financial requirements, I consider it desirable that every effort be made to reduce such contribution in the interest of university autonomy. I also hold the view that the university should seek to become dependent, in a substantial way, on funds generated from within. In other words the sources of funding the university should be diversified as much as possible. Based on this principle, we can identify four sources— government, industry, students and individual philanthropists. I must add quickly that each source has its own set of problems in its continuing interaction with the university, which ought to be addressed here. Of all the four major sources of financing university education mentioned above, contribution through fees from the students involves intricate issues of special concern. If government gives as an expression of its obligation to promote general welfare of society, if industry gives in order to enhance its chances of procurement of needed human, information and material resources, as well as enhance its social responsibility, if the general public gives as an indication of voluntary support for a worthy social cause, students (and by inference their parents) should give in order to purchase an economic good for meeting their own felt need in the expectation that they will be satisfied with the product purchased. [Adapted from Onosode, G. O. :‘ The Politics of Managing People Prospects and Poverty The Role of the University’, 1990 OAU Convocation]

The writer advocates for multiple sources of university funding in order to

1. enhance university autonomy
2. reduce dependence on government
3. ensure that the numerous needs of the universities are met
4. maintain acceptable levels of infrastructural development.

Question 13

The financing of the university will always be a vexatious problem not only because of the need for it to maintain a level of independence that allows for the thriving of intellectual pursuit but also for the size of funding that is required to maintain an acceptable level of infrastructure in a modern university. The experience of the Nigerian university in recent years has in this regard, been almost alarming. The funding levels required constitute sufficient reasons for diversifying the sources. Even if government was in a position on its own to meet all of the university’s financial requirements, I consider it desirable that every effort be made to reduce such contribution in the interest of university autonomy. I also hold the view that the university should seek to become dependent, in a substantial way, on funds generated from within. In other words the sources of funding the university should be diversified as much as possible. Based on this principle, we can identify four sources— government, industry, students and individual philanthropists. I must add quickly that each source has its own set of problems in its continuing interaction with the university, which ought to be addressed here. Of all the four major sources of financing university education mentioned above, contribution through fees from the students involves intricate issues of special concern. If government gives as an expression of its obligation to promote general welfare of society, if industry gives in order to enhance its chances of procurement of needed human, information and material resources, as well as enhance its social responsibility, if the general public gives as an indication of voluntary support for a worthy social cause, students (and by inference their parents) should give in order to purchase an economic good for meeting their own felt need in the expectation that they will be satisfied with the product purchased. [Adapted from Onosode, G. O. :‘ The Politics of Managing People Prospects and Poverty The Role of the University’, 1990 OAU Convocation]

The expression ‘intricate issues of special concern’ means

1. important policy statements
2. interwoven topics of significance
3. complex matters requiring careful thought
4. knotty problems that concern everybody.

Question 14

The financing of the university will always be a vexatious problem not only because of the need for it to maintain a level of independence that allows for the thriving of intellectual pursuit but also for the size of funding that is required to maintain an acceptable level of infrastructure in a modern university. The experience of the Nigerian university in recent years has in this regard, been almost alarming. The funding levels required constitute sufficient reasons for diversifying the sources. Even if government was in a position on its own to meet all of the university’s financial requirements, I consider it desirable that every effort be made to reduce such contribution in the interest of university autonomy. I also hold the view that the university should seek to become dependent, in a substantial way, on funds generated from within. In other words the sources of funding the university should be diversified as much as possible. Based on this principle, we can identify four sources— government, industry, students and individual philanthropists. I must add quickly that each source has its own set of problems in its continuing interaction with the university, which ought to be addressed here. Of all the four major sources of financing university education mentioned above, contribution through fees from the students involves intricate issues of special concern. If government gives as an expression of its obligation to promote general welfare of society, if industry gives in order to enhance its chances of procurement of needed human, information and material resources, as well as enhance its social responsibility, if the general public gives as an indication of voluntary support for a worthy social cause, students (and by inference their parents) should give in order to purchase an economic good for meeting their own felt need in the expectation that they will be satisfied with the product purchased. [Adapted from Onosode, G. O. :‘ The Politics of Managing People Prospects and Poverty The Role of the University’, 1990 OAU Convocation]

The word ‘diversified’ as used in the passage means

1. differentiated
2. varied
3. diffused
4. widened.

Question 15

The financing of the university will always be a vexatious problem not only because of the need for it to maintain a level of independence that allows for the thriving of intellectual pursuit but also for the size of funding that is required to maintain an acceptable level of infrastructure in a modern university. The experience of the Nigerian university in recent years has in this regard, been almost alarming. The funding levels required constitute sufficient reasons for diversifying the sources. Even if government was in a position on its own to meet all of the university’s financial requirements, I consider it desirable that every effort be made to reduce such contribution in the interest of university autonomy. I also hold the view that the university should seek to become dependent, in a substantial way, on funds generated from within. In other words the sources of funding the university should be diversified as much as possible. Based on this principle, we can identify four sources— government, industry, students and individual philanthropists. I must add quickly that each source has its own set of problems in its continuing interaction with the university, which ought to be addressed here. Of all the four major sources of financing university education mentioned above, contribution through fees from the students involves intricate issues of special concern. If government gives as an expression of its obligation to promote general welfare of society, if industry gives in order to enhance its chances of procurement of needed human, information and material resources, as well as enhance its social responsibility, if the general public gives as an indication of voluntary support for a worthy social cause, students (and by inference their parents) should give in order to purchase an economic good for meeting their own felt need in the expectation that they will be satisfied with the product purchased. [Adapted from Onosode, G. O. :‘ The Politics of Managing People Prospects and Poverty The Role of the University’, 1990 OAU Convocation]

The source of university funding emphasized in the passage is

1. government
2. industry
3. the general public
4. students

Question 26

Choose the most appropriate interpretation: The stadium had a capacity crowd in spite of the weather.

1. The weather favoured the crowd at the stadium.
2. The crowd defied the weather to fill the stadium.
3. The stadium was not filled because of the weather.
4. The crowd loved the weather at the stadium.

Question 27

Choose the most appropriate interpretation: Imona couldn’t have attended lectures yesterday.

1. It was possible that Imona attended lectures yesterday.
2. It was possible that Imona didn’t attend lectures yesterday.
3. It was impossible that Imona attended lectures yesterday.
4. It was impossible that Imona didn’t attend lectures yesterday.

Question 28

Choose the most appropriate interpretation: The conference is biennial.

1. The conference is held twice every year.
2. The conference is held twice every two years
3. The conference is held once every other year.
4. The conference lasts for two years.

Question 29

Choose the most appropriate interpretation: Only two ministers survived the recent cabinet reshuffle.

1. In the recent changes in government, only two ministers were sacked.
2. In the recent changes in government, all but two ministers remained alive.
3. In the recent changes in government, all but two ministers retained their posts.
4. In the recent changes in government, all but two ministers were sacked.

Question 31

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “painstaking”: He gave a painstaking account of the encounter with the ghost of his father.

1. sordid
2. fearful
3. halfhearted
4. tender-hearted.

Question 33

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “equanimity”: Since mortality is the lot of man argued the preacher, we must all accept death with equanimity.

1. concern
2. uncertainty
3. serenity
4. anxiety.

Question 35

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “ravaged by”: I was advised to stay away from cities that are ravaged by crime.

1. spoilt by
2. free from
3. suffering from
4. haven of.

Question 36

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “lethal”: You can use lethal means if necessary to stop dangerous characters from molesting innocent citizens

1. fatal
2. cruel
3. harmless
4. soft

Question 37

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “pacify”: His intention was not actually to punish the villagers, and in any case he is now making moves to pacify them

1. placate
2. ridicule
3. appease
4. annoy.

Question 38

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “pragmatic”: If you are really keen on immediate results, you just have to adopt this pragmatic approach

1. practical
2. unrealistic
3. opportunistic
4. sensible.

Question 39

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “beggary”: My friend was reduced to beggary by various illadvised business deals.

1. affluence
2. penury
3. influence
4. poverty.

Question 40

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “authenticate”: Measures were taken to authenticate the number of the booklets received.

1. reaffirm
2. discredit
3. discountenance
4. count

Question 41

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “progressives”: He urged other progressives in the country to join forces with his association

1. radicals
2. conservatives
3. pessimists
4. activists

Question 43

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “perpetuate”: The undesirable elements who perpetuate these vices are never detected.

1. aggravate
2. overlook
3. discontinue
4. encourage.

Question 44

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “unwittingly”: Some travellers unwittingly render themselves open prey to questionable characters.

1. genuinely
2. wholesomely
3. knowingly
4. inadvertently.

Question 45

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “shrewd”: His father is a shrewd businessman

1. gullible
2. orderly
3. reliable
4. resourceful.

Question 46

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “equitable”: Many people have raised the issue about the need for an equitable distribution of our wealth

1. a fair
2. an even
3. an unjust
4. an undue.

Question 47

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “exorcise”: The pastor decided to exorcise the evil spirit as the afflicted member of his congregation cried for help.

1. expel
2. drive
3. invite
4. charm.

Question 48

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “mumbled”: He mumbled a few words at the trial and then cried

1. shouted
2. murmured
3. whispered
4. announced

Question 49

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “convergence”: There are many areas of convergence between male and female behaviour.

1. concomitance
2. concordance
3. incompatibility
4. incomparability.

Question 50

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “abate”: The greenhouse effect is beginning to abate in Europe

1. intensify
2. extenuate
3. surface
4. ameliorate

Question 51

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “in the air”: Adebayo’s plans for the future are in the air.

1. suspended
2. uncertain
3. empty
4. floating

Question 52

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “choreography”: The group of performers thrilled the audience with its peculiar choreography.

1. form of dancing
2. art of theatrics
3. type of costuming
4. mode of singing

Question 54

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “didn’t bat an eyelid”: The criminal didn’t bat an eyelid when the judge pronounced the sentence.

1. displayed no understanding whatsoever
2. didn’t shed a single tear
3. moved none of his eyelids
4. showed no emotion or surprise.

Question 55

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “apolitical”: The rally was attended only by people who were apolitical.

1. full of political fervour
2. antagonistic to politicians
3. new-breed politicians
4. not interested in politics.

Question 56

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “took exception to”: Smiling broadly, she explained why she always took exception to being referred to as his wife

1. objected to
2. preferred very much
3. felt specially honoured by
4. liked nothing except

Question 57

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “putting on airs”: In those days an ordinary school drop-out would come around putting on airs.

1. trying to impress people
2. trying to oppress people
3. wearing flashy clothes
4. dressed in light materials

Question 58

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “inured”: Many Nigerians have inured themselves to hardship

1. subjected
2. submitted
3. accustomed
4. endeared.

Question 59

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “venal”: There are many venal judges in our law courts today

1. Qualified
2. professional
3. corrupt
4. honest.

Question 61

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “by ten o’clock”: In this house, children are supposed to be in bed by ten o’clock.

1. just before
2. not before
3. about
4. not later than.

Question 62

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “don’t have to agree”: You don’t have to agree with our procedure.

1. shouldn’t disagree
2. must not agree
3. may disagree if you wish
4. may not disagree if you don’t wish.

Question 63

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “tide over”: The new Vice-Chancellor’s immediate concern was to tide over the major difficulties of the moment

1. temporarily accommodate
2. permanently handle
3. decisively solve
4. pretend to solve.

Question 65

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “evasive”: The lawyer gave evasive answers to all the questions.

1. Unintelligent
2. ineffective
3. unreliable
4. equivocal.

Question 66

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “staggering capacity to reproduce”: Their strength is their staggering capacity to reproduce.

1. unstable multiplying power
2. unreliable attacking power
3. qualitative multiplying power
4. overwhelming multiplying power.

Question 67

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “upset price”: The sales were lively; the upset price in each case was fair.

1. price that was the highest in the sales
2. price that upset every other buyer
3. highest amount for a bidder to offer
4. lowest selling price of each item.

Question 68

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “a trivial round”: The cleaner resigned from his job which he said had become a trivial round.

1. unrewarding
2. too routine
3. rather degrading
4. unattractive

Question 70

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “invulnerable”: For a long time, the robber defied police warnings as if he was invulnerable.

1. perfectly justifiable
2. difficult to catch
3. impossible to harm
4. indifferent to danger.

Question 79

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Ours _____ based venture.

1. are a resource
2. is a resource
3. are resources
4. is a resourced

Question 85

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: I had hardly _____ down to sleep when I heard the gunshot.

1. lay
2. lied
3. lain
4. laid

Question 86

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: My shoes are worn out; I must see my _____.

1. grocer
2. tanner
3. cobbler
4. hosier

Question 87

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Kunle was annoyed, for arriving late _____ put him out of temper.

1. also Kemi’s rather insolent manner
2. also that Kemi’s insolent manner
3. and Kemi’s rather insolent manner also
4. and Kemi is also insolent which

Question 94

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: “Don’t _____,” said the leader. “I want a decision now.”

1. prevaricate
2. predicate
3. precipitate
4. be pejorative

Question 97

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: He saw the play and so _____.

1. was she
2. had she
3. should she
4. did she