1999

JAMB Use of English 1999 past questions

79 questions from the 1999 JAMB UTME Use of English paper. Free, with answers where available.

Practice with CBT mock -> All Use of English years
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q1
From the writer's description of the world energy situation, we may conclude that
A
developing nations will soon experience poverty
B
demand for recoverable fuel will plummet
C
consumption has not affected production
D
decline has not affected demand.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q2
The writer seems to suggest that developed nations should
A
always calculate a fossil fuel's remaining life
B
reduce industrial and agricultural production [PAGE 76]
C
reduce dependence on fossil fuels
D
review industrial dependence on energy.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q3
The writer warns that the world could
A
lose all its oil reserves in a mater of years
B
face energy crisis soon if production is not stepped up
C
experience scarcity and low energy price soon
D
face low energy supply and poor agricultural output.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q4
The expression, standard of living in developed countries will plummet, means
A
the economy of rich nations will stagnate
B
economic life will improve in rich nations
C
purchasing power will decline sharply in rich nations
D
people in developed nations will experience boom.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q6
It could be deduced from the passage that
A
citizens have equal political and legal treatment in America
B
the nations of the democratic world have no political and legal hierarchy
C
democratic nations are expanding the provision of social welfare.
D
equality obliterates differences and variations among races and nations.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q7
According to the passage, a democratic nation is one which
A
arranges welfare packages for every citizen
B
absorbs the negro into its political structure
C
grants equality to all citizens
D
ensures socio-political and legal equality for every citizen.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q8
One of the social services provided by democratic nations is
A
catering for beggars and outcasts
B
social welfare schemes
C
protection from human rights abuses
D
security against national disasters.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q9
From the passage, it is obvious that
A
there is a hierarchy of rights
B
all men possess the right to equal political affiliations
C
there is deprivation in the society
D
the negro in America are champions of equality.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q11
The expression ‘work their way out of their situation' means.
A
walk from one village to another
B
migrate from village to city
C
work their way out of their village
D
change their circumstances.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q12
Where are the rich getting richer and the poor poorer?
A
In nearly all developing countries.
B
In a majority of countries in the world. [PAGE 77]
C
In developing countries with modern sectors.
D
In countries with non-modern sectors.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q13
Underemployment among the villagers refers to
A
lack of sufficient land for everyone
B
low productivity when working
C
fewer people for many jobs
D
more people for fewer jobs.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q14
The gap between the rich and the poor widens because there
A
are no jobs in the rural areas
B
are no employment opportunities in the city
C
is no work in the village and the city
D
is low growth rate in productivity.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q26
The horizon may not be clear now, but the troubled spots have certainly been noted.
A
The horizon is dependent on the troubled spots.
B
Clarity of the horizon is dependent on the perception of the troubled spots.
C
The troubled spots are more perceptible than the horizon.
D
Horizon, clarity of the troubled spots and certainty are remarkably noted.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q27
The crowd in the hall is intimidating.
A
The crowd is frightening.
B
The crowd is angry
C
The crowd is overwhelming.
D
The crowd is riotous.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q28
The manager said that the new loaf was the last word in bakery.
A
The loaf was the best ever baked.
B
The loaf was the last to be baked.
C
The loaf was the worst to have been baked.
D
The loaf was the last in the baker's directory.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q29
Hundreds of used items will go under the hammer during the weekend.
A
Unserviceable goods will be publicly destroyed at the weekend.
B
Impounded household items will be sold to the public before the weekend.
C
Damaged items will be sold next weekend.
D
Many old items will be auctioned this weekend.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q30
The reformists say elections cannot be free and fair unless a number of constitutional changes are effected.
A
Reformation depends on constitutional changes.
B
Free and fair elections depend on law reforms.
C
Free and fair elections are the primary concern of the reformists.
D
Effecting constitutional changes is dependent on electoral reforms. In each of questions 31 to 49, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q31
After the surgical operation, the doctor gave the indication that Mr. Idogo will pull through.
A
be maimed
B
survive
C
die
D
be revived.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q32
His cruelty to his mother defies logical explanation.
A
demands
B
offers
C
projects
D
precludes.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q33
The tennis player surreptitiously swapped rackets after the first set.
A
openly retained
B
overtly exchanged.
C
quietly surrendered
D
violently swung
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q34
They attacked all regulations designed to emasculate student militancy.
A
condone
B
isolate
C
punish
D
strengthen
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q35
There is no point dissipating energy on a useless argument.
A
destroying
B
conserving
C
marshalling
D
storing
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q36
The secretary runs down anybody that does not sing his praises.
A
hates
B
pleases
C
honours
D
discredits
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q37
Everyone, including the Principal, believed that he was a very assiduous student.
A
assertive
B
industrious
C
aggressive
D
casual
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q38
The dancing troupe put up a flawless performance. [PAGE 78]
A
an interesting
B
an imperfect
C
a satisfactory
D
a careless
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q39
My brother married a loquacious woman.
A
quiet
B
noisy
C
talkative
D
beautiful
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q40
My eldest brother is now faced with the vicissitudes of married life.
A
amazement
B
sweetness
C
amiability
D
stability
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q41
My father's advice to me was quite invaluable.
A
useless
B
useful
C
helpful
D
unsolicited
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q42
The Minister has finally been dropped from the present cabinet because of his ignoble act.
A
criminal
B
ignorant
C
honourable
D
selfish
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q43
There is much indifference in his behaviour
A
concern
B
nonchalance
C
willingness
D
inconsistency
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q44
Most warring countries end up in a state of satiation.
A
hunger
B
thirst
C
danger
D
famine
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q45
The officer asked for a more temperate assessment of the matter.
A
extreme
B
moderate
C
radical
D
human
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q46
The lecturers were advised to carry out a cursory survey of Nigerian languages.
A
detailed study
B
careful teaching
C
careful description
D
partial consideration
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q47
Musa hates Hadiza for her constant bellicose behaviour.
A
violent
B
gentle
C
meek
D
troublesome
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q48
Abdul is fond of his teacher though he sometimes makes derogatory remarks about him.
A
unpleasant
B
complimentary
C
expressive
D
inconsiderate
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q49
Orinya balances the pail on her head with accustomed ease.
A
convincing
B
surprising
C
unwary
D
unusual In each of questions 50 to 64, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q50
They have tried to circumvent the restriction on the importation of the commodities.
A
bypass
B
confront
C
oppose
D
challenge
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q51
It was surprising how we took to the stranger at once.
A
talked so long with
B
introduced ourselves to
C
formed a liking for
D
started fighting
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q52
The government is not opening up to the unions in the negotiations; it must have something up its sleeve.
A
be nursing a hidden agenda
B
be hoping to trap them
C
be hiding a last minute package
D
be intending to dissolve the unions
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q53
The College Officer insisted that I show him my credentials before I could be registered.
A
papers
B
qualifications
C
testimonials
D
identities
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q54
Even though there is no obvious riot on the campus, the atmosphere is restive.
A
quiet
B
chaotic
C
restless
D
tense
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q55
When he found himself in a difficult situation, he tried to double-talk his way through.
A
talk to two people to help him.
B
mix up issues to sound nervous
C
mix up facts to confuse people
D
talk twice to gain sympathy
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q56
Mr. Dzokoto plays the piano with great dexterity.
A
wisdom
B
power
C
force
D
skill
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q57
Amina said she married a doting husband.
A
a loving
B
a fun-loving
C
an uncaring
D
a nagging
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q58
Adamu woke up with a start and took to his heels, claiming that something was on his trail.
A
in his food
B
giving him the chase
C
hiding near the bed
D
staring at him
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q59
The man preaches egalitarianism without matching it up with action.
A
salvation
B
dedication
C
kindness
D
equality
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q60
The prosecutor was accused of obstructing justice.
A
hindering
B
retarding
C
impending
D
interrupting
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q61
The Federal Government approved a new salary structure as an incentive for the Nigerian workers.
A
a reward
B
an encouragement
C
a package
D
an advance
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q62
Before embarking on his current research, the professor carried out a feasibility study of the area.
A
thorough
B
perfectibility
C
complete
D
practicability
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q63
It was a spending spree for all of us when daddy hit the jackpot.
A
cashed his cheque
B
received his salary
C
found money in a pot
D
won a lot of money
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q64
All the accident victims are bleeding profusely.
A
slowly
B
excessively
C
diffusely
D
clearly In questions 65 to 89, fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q65
It was late when we decided to get…. the train
A
off
B
down
C
out of
D
out from
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q66
The accident was due to … driving by the defendant.
A
negligence
B
negligible
C
negligent
D
neglectable
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q67
My friend and I have been quarrelling since yesterday and we haven't… yet.
A
made it out
B
made out
C
made it
D
made it up
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q68
He is so credulous… my story about the ghost.
A
to believe
B
that he believes
C
in order to believe
D
since he believes
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q69
The group never felt strong enough to act in the open; hostility was the hallmark of their resistance.
A
covert
B
overt
C
vicious
D
erratic
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q70
The freed robber expressed his gratitude in a… prayer of thanksgiving. [PAGE 79]
A
spurious
B
spasmodic
C
spontaneous
D
sporadic
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q71
He boasts so much about his high scores and he... at the efforts of others.
A
scorns
B
sneers
C
grins
D
smiles
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q72
The visitor was very uncomfortable because of his… nose.
A
runny
B
running
C
watery
D
flowing
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q73
Although the Officer wanted a… report on the matter, he got… account.
A
truthful/an uninteresting
B
factual/an unpleasant
C
genuine/a ridiculous
D
painstaking/a half-hearted
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q74
Immediately I entered the house, I could …. the smell of gas from the kitchen.
A
feel
B
hear
C
detect
D
smell
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q75
I am… admission to the university this year.
A
seeking on
B
seeking for
C
seeking at
D
seeking
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q76
Some robbers are on the prowl, we must be …
A
alert
B
at alert
C
on the alert
D
for alert
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q77
Mrs. Ojo was one of … in my village.
A
the first two enlightened young ladies
B
the two first enlightened young ladies
C
the two first young enlightened ladies
D
the first two young enlightened ladies.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q78
My friend's car has… to a halt.
A
grinded
B
grounded
C
ground
D
grind
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q79
By twelve midnight, we will be… en route for Britain.
A
airbourned
B
airborne
C
air borned
D
airbourne
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q80
The old man's speech has become completely…
A
uncomprehensible
B
uncomprehensive
C
incomprehensive
D
incomprehensible
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q81
His chances in the games… seriously jeopardized.
A
have been
B
has been
C
have being
D
has being
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q82
We found it difficult to identify him as the crowd was… around him.
A
head to head
B
head above head
C
shoulder from shoulder
D
shoulder to shoulder
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q83
The Principal expressed his… when the students broke the rules… and he didn't know how to stop them.
A
anger/everyday
B
frustration/time and again
C
disappointment/understandably
D
powerlessness/occasionally
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q84
They were all behaving like a bunch of… children.
A
querulous
B
querulous
C
querrullous
D
quarrelous
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q85
Our economic programme is… commitment to Nigeria's economic growth.
A
deeply root in
B
root in deep
C
rooted in a deep
D
deeply rooted in deep
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q86
You would be well… to listen to what the teachers says.
A
informed
B
advised
C
reminded
D
warned
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q87
Ndem was suspended from work because he showed no…in dealing with the customers.
A
love
B
interest
C
character
D
finesse
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q88
Aggrieved persons are free to seek… in the court of law.
A
reparation
B
redress
C
consolation
D
acquittal
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q89
After two years of courtship, Jide is finally… Ngozi next Sunday.
A
being married to
B
marrying
C
married to
D
being married by In questions 90 and 91, identify the word that has a different stress pattern from the others.
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q92
The fire destroyed MANY lives.
A
Did the fire destroy the village?
B
Did the fire destroy some houses?
C
Did the fire destroy any lives?
D
Did the fire spare any lives?
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q93
The accused hasn't even been TRIED yet.
A
Was the accused sentenced to life imprisonment?
B
Has the suspect been apprehended?
C
Why hasn't the accused been tried yet?
D
Was the accused handed over to the police?
Use of English JAMB 1999 Q94
The electricity in OUR premises comes from a generator.
A
Is the electricity in your compound supplied by a generator?
B
Is the electricity in your neighbour's premises supplied by a generator?
C
Does the electricity in your premises come from NEPA?
D
Does everybody in your street receive electricity from generators? In each of questions 95 to 97, choose from the options the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined.