2003

JAMB Use of English 2003 past questions

50 questions from the 2003 JAMB UTME Use of English paper. Free, with answers where available.

Practice with CBT mock -> All Use of English years
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q1
The basic causes of the elimination of certain animals from the earth include
A
man's decision to live in cities and the development of large farmlands
B
extensive killing of animals and the fast disappearance of their favourable habitats
C
man's penchant for meat and the sale of animals for meat and hides
D
a deliberate battle against Nature and the quest for leopard skin.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q2
From the passage, the attitude of the writer can be described as. [PAGE 95]
A
partial
B
optimistic
C
indifferent
D
pessimistic
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q3
The expression when man evolved a conscience means when
A
man developed an awareness of right and wrong
B
man's intellect improved tremendously
C
man acquired new habits
D
man became a critical creature.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q4
Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
A
Man kills animals only when he can afford to do so.
B
Man cannot spare those animals that eat his kind.
C
Man eats all categories of animals.
D
Man poses the greatest threat to Nature.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q6
Which of the following captures the writer's suggestion on how the Eagles could improve their performance in subsequent matches?
A
Better goalkeeping, a better attack and a stronger midfield.
B
Replacement of injured players, stronger attackers and a rugged defence.
C
Good coaching, more strikers and more defenders.
D
Fair officiating, good goalkeeping and fast players.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q8
From the argument in the last paragraph, it can be concluded that the Eagles were
A
more experienced than the Senegalese team
B
not as strong as the Senegalese team.
C
more timid and goal-shy than their opponents
D
not sure of getting to the next round of the tournament.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q9
The word debutants, as used in the passage, means
A
hard-fighters
B
under-dogs
C
first-timers
D
giant killers.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q11
The positions maintained by the moralist and the economist can be described as being
A
at variance
B
very agreeable
C
quite indifferent
D
very passionate
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q12
Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
A
People who drink or smoke surely die of cancer.
B
Everyone ignores the moralist view on drinking and smoking.
C
Smoking and drinking may have positive effects on the economy.
D
Total abstinence from drinking and smoking is a religious obligation.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q13
It can be concluded from the passage that morality, religion and economy are
A
clearly interconnectedB. certainly different
C
somewhat interconnected
D
certainly unrelated.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q14
The view expressed by the writer in the last paragraph is that
A
the number of alcoholics and smokers is certainly increasing
B
more people now abstain from drinking and smoking
C
more people appear to take to drinking and smoking
D
sales of alcohol and tobacco products have improved tremendously.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q26
In spite of his humble beginning, Audu now throws his weight around.
A
Audu is arrogant despite his simple upbringing.
B
Despite his obvious poverty, Audu is a proud man.
C
His noble birth notwithstanding, Audu is a corrupt man.
D
From his poor background, Audu is now a rich man.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q27
Ngozi has always considered her father to be an impassioned man.
A
Her father is a very lively man.
B
Her father is an emotional man.
C
Her father is a disciplined man.
D
Her father is a very strict man.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q28
The elders rebuked Olu for taking issue with his principal.
A
Olu was cautioned for shouting at his principal.
B
Olu was scolded for acting in collusion with his principal.
C
Olu was reprimanded for arguing with his principal.
D
Olu was blamed for issuing a statement denying his principal.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q29
The manager paid us in hard currency.
A
We were paid in new notes.
B
We were paid in foreign currency.
C
We were paid in dollars and pound sterling.
D
We were paid in a strong and stable currency.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q30
If he went to London, he would see the Queen.
A
When he goes to London, he will see the Queen. [PAGE 97]
B
He did not go to London and did not see the Queen.
C
He did not see the Queen when he went to London.
D
He would like to see the Queen when he goes to London. (Questions 31 to 100 carry 1 mark each.) In each of questions 31 to 45, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q31
Only those who are gullible fall victim to his trickery.
A
saucy
B
devastated
C
courteous
D
astute
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q32
He is well known for his inordinate ambition.
A
excessive
B
passionate
C
moderate
D
sound
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q33
Students could be timid.
A
friendly
B
bold
C
covetous
D
pugnacious
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q34
The witness decided to conceal the evidence.
A
divulge
B
hide
C
destroy
D
pugnacious
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q35
The members of the congregation were inspired by the sermon.
A
bewitched
B
enthralled
C
disenchanted
D
disorientated
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q36
Agbenu was ecstatic about her result.
A
dispassionate
B
sad
C
pessimistic
D
mad
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q37
The labour leader's recalcitrant stance was applauded.
A
stubborn
B
flexible
C
uncompromising
D
well- informed
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q39
I am loath to do the assignment.
A
willing
B
unwilling
C
waiting
D
dying
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q40
Toyin is married to an impatient, self-centered man.
A
a fretful
B
a tolerant
C
an edgy
D
a tolerable
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q41
Gregarious animals can be found in the zoo.
A
Various
B
Wild
C
Lonely
D
Tame
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q42
The doctor examined the patient painstakingly.
A
perfunctorily
B
professionally
C
painfully
D
carefully
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q43
The company has continued to monopolize the distribution of the products.
A
centralize
B
specialize
C
liberalize
D
regularize
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q45
The agency has sworn to deal with all the apostles of confederation.
A
proponents
B
protagonists
C
apostates
D
opponents. In each of questions 46 to 60, choose the option nearest in meaning to word(s) or phrase in italics.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q46
The leader has the unstinting support of his party.
A
unsparing
B
laudable
C
uninspiring
D
cautious.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q47
The party supporters vilified the Chairman for the role he played in the crisis that rocked the party.
A
elected.
B
challenged
C
condemned
D
impeached
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q48
The company is to shed three thousand staff this year.
A
demote
B
lay off
C
throw up
D
placate
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q49
There was a glut of oil on the market.
A
a variety of
B
an accumulation of
C
an abundance of
D
an increase in
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q51
Before announcing his retirement, Ochima resolved to settle on account with the bank.
A
pay back all he owes
B
close his account with
C
retire his loans from
D
get back at
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q52
The boys knew that a storm was imminent.
A
possible
B
impending
C
threatening
D
encroaching
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q53
The nurse was in favour of voluntary euthanasia.
A
a painless death
B
a simple operation
C
a sleeping pill
D
a major operation
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q54
The cynics feared that the nation's nascent democracy would fail.
A
pessimists
B
delinquents
C
critics
D
illusionists
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q55
The essence of governance is to seek the good and well-being of the majority of the people.
A
importance
B
goal
C
characteristic
D
secret
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q56
From what she said, one may infer that she does not like the course.
A
suppose
B
realize
C
deduce
D
agree
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q57
He shared his room with a person whose behaviour was quite nauseating.
A
disrespectful
B
disgraceful
C
discouraging
D
disgusting
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q58
The carpenter built a commodious wardrobe.
A
gigantic
B
small
C
spacious
D
wide
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q59
Publishing as a business venture has become a hot potato in Nigeria.
A
unpleasant
B
profitable
C
unacceptable
D
expensive
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q60
The man's story sounded plausible to his audience.
A
fantastic
B
credulous
C
credible
D
entertaining In each of questions 61 to 85, fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q65
Three quarters of the people in the village … killed but only half of their huts … (
A
were/was
B
were/were
C
was/was) affected.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q96
The President gave another extemporaneous speech last Friday.
A
fascinating
B
unfavourable
C
unprepared
D
planned.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q97
The witness averred that she had seen Dosun at the scene of the crime.
A
confirmed
B
argued
C
affirmed
D
denied
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q97
cement. [PAGE 99]
A
employ (noun)
B
interest
C
perfect (adjective)
D
include
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q98
The workers suddenly became restive.
A
fidgety
B
calm
C
disorderly
D
submissive
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q99
The athlete has unexpectedly become indomitable.
A
unruly
B
unconquerable
C
weak
D
disoriented.
Use of English JAMB 2003 Q99
My MOTHER served rice and fresh fish stew for dinner.
A
What of kind of meal did your mother serve for dinner?
B
Did your mother serve rice and fresh fish stew for lunch?
C
What kind of stew did your mother serve for dinner?
D
Who served rice and fresh fish stew for dinner?