JAMB Use of English 2003

Question 1

When man evolved a conscience, his basic relationship with the other animals began to change. Until then, they were broadly divided into those which ate him when they got the chance, those which he ate when he got the chance, and a third group which competed with him for food, or was otherwise a nuisance to him in the business of keeping alive. In the primitive situation, man was, therefore, basically against Nature but, as the battle was progressively won, conscience crept in; the awareness of responsibility, and a failure to meet it, produced feelings of guilt. Those who live in cities and need no longer do battle against Nature are nowadays most actively for Nature. At this time, something like a thousand kinds of animals (vertebrate animals) can be said to be in danger of extinction. A few of them have been reduced to this precarious position by extensive killing but the majority are disappearing only as fast as the particular kind of country they need for existence is itself disappearing: and all this at the hands of man, as often as not by mistake. There are three species of turtles whose future survival is menaced by the demand for turtle soup, which would hardly justify the extermination of a giant reptile whose family has existed for 200 million years. Leopards are in jeopardy because of the fashion for their skins. As they get rarer, the prices rise and, as leopard skin coats become more expensive, the demand increases. No species can long survive the price of N60,000 which a half-grown baby leopard now carries on its skin. And crocodiles, the longest surviving reptiles, are now dwindling alarmingly as a result of the fashion in crocodile skin for ladies’ handbags and men’s shoes. The human population explosion spreads mankind across the land surfaces of the earth at an alarming rate. There will be twice as many of us before most of us are dead. Does this mean no room for wild animals? Of course not. With ingenuity and forethought, a place can be kept for them. To destroy their habitat is as unnecessary as it would be to pull down a great cathedral in order to grow potatoes on the site. A campaign to save what remains is the concern of a new kind of Noah’s Ark – the World Wildlife Fund. It does not believe that all is lost.

The basic causes of the elimination of certain animals from the earth include

1. man’s decision to live in cities and the development of large farmlands
2. extensive killing of animals and the fast disappearance of their favourable habitats
3. man’s penchant for meat and the sale of animals for meat and hides
4. a deliberate battle against Nature and the quest for leopard skin.

Question 2

When man evolved a conscience, his basic relationship with the other animals began to change. Until then, they were broadly divided into those which ate him when they got the chance, those which he ate when he got the chance, and a third group which competed with him for food, or was otherwise a nuisance to him in the business of keeping alive. In the primitive situation, man was, therefore, basically against Nature but, as the battle was progressively won, conscience crept in; the awareness of responsibility, and a failure to meet it, produced feelings of guilt. Those who live in cities and need no longer do battle against Nature are nowadays most actively for Nature. At this time, something like a thousand kinds of animals (vertebrate animals) can be said to be in danger of extinction. A few of them have been reduced to this precarious position by extensive killing but the majority are disappearing only as fast as the particular kind of country they need for existence is itself disappearing: and all this at the hands of man, as often as not by mistake. There are three species of turtles whose future survival is menaced by the demand for turtle soup, which would hardly justify the extermination of a giant reptile whose family has existed for 200 million years. Leopards are in jeopardy because of the fashion for their skins. As they get rarer, the prices rise and, as leopard skin coats become more expensive, the demand increases. No species can long survive the price of N60,000 which a half-grown baby leopard now carries on its skin. And crocodiles, the longest surviving reptiles, are now dwindling alarmingly as a result of the fashion in crocodile skin for ladies’ handbags and men’s shoes. The human population explosion spreads mankind across the land surfaces of the earth at an alarming rate. There will be twice as many of us before most of us are dead. Does this mean no room for wild animals? Of course not. With ingenuity and forethought, a place can be kept for them. To destroy their habitat is as unnecessary as it would be to pull down a great cathedral in order to grow potatoes on the site. A campaign to save what remains is the concern of a new kind of Noah’s Ark – the World Wildlife Fund. It does not believe that all is lost.

From the passage, the attitude of the writer can be described as:

1. partial
2. optimistic
3. indifferent
4. pessimistic

Question 3

When man evolved a conscience, his basic relationship with the other animals began to change. Until then, they were broadly divided into those which ate him when they got the chance, those which he ate when he got the chance, and a third group which competed with him for food, or was otherwise a nuisance to him in the business of keeping alive. In the primitive situation, man was, therefore, basically against Nature but, as the battle was progressively won, conscience crept in; the awareness of responsibility, and a failure to meet it, produced feelings of guilt. Those who live in cities and need no longer do battle against Nature are nowadays most actively for Nature. At this time, something like a thousand kinds of animals (vertebrate animals) can be said to be in danger of extinction. A few of them have been reduced to this precarious position by extensive killing but the majority are disappearing only as fast as the particular kind of country they need for existence is itself disappearing: and all this at the hands of man, as often as not by mistake. There are three species of turtles whose future survival is menaced by the demand for turtle soup, which would hardly justify the extermination of a giant reptile whose family has existed for 200 million years. Leopards are in jeopardy because of the fashion for their skins. As they get rarer, the prices rise and, as leopard skin coats become more expensive, the demand increases. No species can long survive the price of N60,000 which a half-grown baby leopard now carries on its skin. And crocodiles, the longest surviving reptiles, are now dwindling alarmingly as a result of the fashion in crocodile skin for ladies’ handbags and men’s shoes. The human population explosion spreads mankind across the land surfaces of the earth at an alarming rate. There will be twice as many of us before most of us are dead. Does this mean no room for wild animals? Of course not. With ingenuity and forethought, a place can be kept for them. To destroy their habitat is as unnecessary as it would be to pull down a great cathedral in order to grow potatoes on the site. A campaign to save what remains is the concern of a new kind of Noah’s Ark – the World Wildlife Fund. It does not believe that all is lost.

The expression when man evolved a conscience means when

1. man developed an awareness of right and wrong
2. man’s intellect improved tremendously
3. man acquired new habits
4. man became a critical creature.

Question 4

When man evolved a conscience, his basic relationship with the other animals began to change. Until then, they were broadly divided into those which ate him when they got the chance, those which he ate when he got the chance, and a third group which competed with him for food, or was otherwise a nuisance to him in the business of keeping alive. In the primitive situation, man was, therefore, basically against Nature but, as the battle was progressively won, conscience crept in; the awareness of responsibility, and a failure to meet it, produced feelings of guilt. Those who live in cities and need no longer do battle against Nature are nowadays most actively for Nature. At this time, something like a thousand kinds of animals (vertebrate animals) can be said to be in danger of extinction. A few of them have been reduced to this precarious position by extensive killing but the majority are disappearing only as fast as the particular kind of country they need for existence is itself disappearing: and all this at the hands of man, as often as not by mistake. There are three species of turtles whose future survival is menaced by the demand for turtle soup, which would hardly justify the extermination of a giant reptile whose family has existed for 200 million years. Leopards are in jeopardy because of the fashion for their skins. As they get rarer, the prices rise and, as leopard skin coats become more expensive, the demand increases. No species can long survive the price of N60,000 which a half-grown baby leopard now carries on its skin. And crocodiles, the longest surviving reptiles, are now dwindling alarmingly as a result of the fashion in crocodile skin for ladies’ handbags and men’s shoes. The human population explosion spreads mankind across the land surfaces of the earth at an alarming rate. There will be twice as many of us before most of us are dead. Does this mean no room for wild animals? Of course not. With ingenuity and forethought, a place can be kept for them. To destroy their habitat is as unnecessary as it would be to pull down a great cathedral in order to grow potatoes on the site. A campaign to save what remains is the concern of a new kind of Noah’s Ark – the World Wildlife Fund. It does not believe that all is lost.

Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?

1. Man kills animals only when he can afford to do so.
2. Man cannot spare those animals that eat his kind.
3. Man eats all categories of animals.
4. Man poses the greatest threat to Nature.

Question 6

The 2002 World Cup Competition, also called Korea/Japan 2002, kicked off with a match between the defending champions, France, and the Senegalese national team from Africa. Nobody had given the Senegalese any chance against the star-studded defending champions but the 1-0 scoreline in favour of Senegal showed that African football can no longer be taken for granted. This shocking defeat of France had raised Africa’s hopes of going beyond the first round of the tournament. So when the Super Eagles of Nigeria filed out against Argentina on the morning of Sunday, June the second, 2002, many Nigerian football enthusiasts delayed attending church service to watch the match live on television. As expected, the Super Eagles put up strong resistance to the Argentinian challenge and the day would not have ended on a somber note for Nigerians if the momentum had been sustained throughout the match. The hope of going beyond the first round, though precarious, was very much alive as the Eagles were expected to defeat their next opponents, Sweden and England. But some shortcomings in the Nigerian national team needed to be rectified to brighten their chances against their next opponents. First, the defence needed to be strengthened to prevent the opponents from incessantly terrorizing the goalkeeper. Then the strikers also needed to improve on their lackluster performance against Argentina, since every Nigerian expected them to overwhelm their next opponents in the opening rounds. Lastly, rather than gamble with unfit players, a more creative use of the reserves would be necessary to smooth the way to the next round. If World Cup debutants, Senegal, could nurse the hope of playing in the knock-out stages of the tournament, then the Eagles should soar instead of being intimidated by big names, for no team is invincible.

Which of the following captures the writer’s suggestion on how the Eagles could improve their performance in subsequent matches?

1. Better goalkeeping, a better attack and a stronger midfield.
2. Replacement of injured players, stronger attackers and a rugged defence.
3. Good coaching, more strikers and more defenders.
4. Fair officiating, good goalkeeping and fast players.

Question 9

The 2002 World Cup Competition, also called Korea/Japan 2002, kicked off with a match between the defending champions, France, and the Senegalese national team from Africa. Nobody had given the Senegalese any chance against the star-studded defending champions but the 1-0 scoreline in favour of Senegal showed that African football can no longer be taken for granted. This shocking defeat of France had raised Africa’s hopes of going beyond the first round of the tournament. So when the Super Eagles of Nigeria filed out against Argentina on the morning of Sunday, June the second, 2002, many Nigerian football enthusiasts delayed attending church service to watch the match live on television. As expected, the Super Eagles put up strong resistance to the Argentinian challenge and the day would not have ended on a somber note for Nigerians if the momentum had been sustained throughout the match. The hope of going beyond the first round, though precarious, was very much alive as the Eagles were expected to defeat their next opponents, Sweden and England. But some shortcomings in the Nigerian national team needed to be rectified to brighten their chances against their next opponents. First, the defence needed to be strengthened to prevent the opponents from incessantly terrorizing the goalkeeper. Then the strikers also needed to improve on their lackluster performance against Argentina, since every Nigerian expected them to overwhelm their next opponents in the opening rounds. Lastly, rather than gamble with unfit players, a more creative use of the reserves would be necessary to smooth the way to the next round. If World Cup debutants, Senegal, could nurse the hope of playing in the knock-out stages of the tournament, then the Eagles should soar instead of being intimidated by big names, for no team is invincible.

The word debutants, as used in the passage, means

1. hard-fighters
2. under-dogs
3. first-timers
4. giant killers.

Question 11

Attitudes towards the smoking of cigarettes and the consumption of alcohol may be used to illustrate typical African ethics. Apart from the fact that smoking has now been linked with lung cancer disease, the African moralist has always regarded smoking as an indication of moral degradation. A number of people have accepted the moralist idea on smoking. Some have refrained from smoking, and those who could influence others, such as parents and religious leaders, have also exerted their influence to prevent others from smoking. On the other hand, a good many people have remained indifferent to the moralist view and have continued to smoke. The same argument has been applied to the consumption of alcohol. The African moralist, basing his judgement on the behaviour of a few alcoholics, tends to regard the habit of taking alcohol as a sign of wretchedness. The moralist holds the view that anybody who forms the habit of consuming alcohol will never do well in life. While this may be true in respect of a few people in the society, the fear of the moralist has not been justified. However, the economist is primarily interested in the habit of smoking and the consumption of alcohol in so far as they give satisfaction to smokers and drinkers and so generate supply of and demand for tobacco and alcohol. The economist is interested in knowing how many packets of cigarettes are consumed and to what extent an increase or fall in consumption could affect production, that is, supply. Similarly, he is interested in how much beer is consumed and how the supply of beer will adjust to the demand for it. He examines the habits and the pressures which can lead to the readjustment of wants and the reallocation of resources to cover the wants. Some moral principles associated with religion tend to lead on to economic problems. Followers of certain religions are expected not to consume pork, take alcohol or smoke tobacco. Devotees of some religious groups, on the other hand, can eat pork while others are expected to abstain from alcohol and smoking. Strict observance of these moral rules could cripple the breweries, the cigarette factories and some businesses. However, there seems to be a growing number of alcohol consumers and cigarette smokers – a development which should be of interest to the economist.

The positions maintained by the moralist and the economist can be described as being

1. at variance
2. very agreeable
3. quite indifferent
4. very passionate

Question 12

Attitudes towards the smoking of cigarettes and the consumption of alcohol may be used to illustrate typical African ethics. Apart from the fact that smoking has now been linked with lung cancer disease, the African moralist has always regarded smoking as an indication of moral degradation. A number of people have accepted the moralist idea on smoking. Some have refrained from smoking, and those who could influence others, such as parents and religious leaders, have also exerted their influence to prevent others from smoking. On the other hand, a good many people have remained indifferent to the moralist view and have continued to smoke. The same argument has been applied to the consumption of alcohol. The African moralist, basing his judgement on the behaviour of a few alcoholics, tends to regard the habit of taking alcohol as a sign of wretchedness. The moralist holds the view that anybody who forms the habit of consuming alcohol will never do well in life. While this may be true in respect of a few people in the society, the fear of the moralist has not been justified. However, the economist is primarily interested in the habit of smoking and the consumption of alcohol in so far as they give satisfaction to smokers and drinkers and so generate supply of and demand for tobacco and alcohol. The economist is interested in knowing how many packets of cigarettes are consumed and to what extent an increase or fall in consumption could affect production, that is, supply. Similarly, he is interested in how much beer is consumed and how the supply of beer will adjust to the demand for it. He examines the habits and the pressures which can lead to the readjustment of wants and the reallocation of resources to cover the wants. Some moral principles associated with religion tend to lead on to economic problems. Followers of certain religions are expected not to consume pork, take alcohol or smoke tobacco. Devotees of some religious groups, on the other hand, can eat pork while others are expected to abstain from alcohol and smoking. Strict observance of these moral rules could cripple the breweries, the cigarette factories and some businesses. However, there seems to be a growing number of alcohol consumers and cigarette smokers – a development which should be of interest to the economist.

Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?

1. People who drink or smoke surely die of cancer.
2. Everyone ignores the moralist view on drinking and smoking.
3. Smoking and drinking may have positive effects on the economy.
4. Total abstinence from drinking and smoking is a religious obligation.

Question 14

Attitudes towards the smoking of cigarettes and the consumption of alcohol may be used to illustrate typical African ethics. Apart from the fact that smoking has now been linked with lung cancer disease, the African moralist has always regarded smoking as an indication of moral degradation. A number of people have accepted the moralist idea on smoking. Some have refrained from smoking, and those who could influence others, such as parents and religious leaders, have also exerted their influence to prevent others from smoking. On the other hand, a good many people have remained indifferent to the moralist view and have continued to smoke. The same argument has been applied to the consumption of alcohol. The African moralist, basing his judgement on the behaviour of a few alcoholics, tends to regard the habit of taking alcohol as a sign of wretchedness. The moralist holds the view that anybody who forms the habit of consuming alcohol will never do well in life. While this may be true in respect of a few people in the society, the fear of the moralist has not been justified. However, the economist is primarily interested in the habit of smoking and the consumption of alcohol in so far as they give satisfaction to smokers and drinkers and so generate supply of and demand for tobacco and alcohol. The economist is interested in knowing how many packets of cigarettes are consumed and to what extent an increase or fall in consumption could affect production, that is, supply. Similarly, he is interested in how much beer is consumed and how the supply of beer will adjust to the demand for it. He examines the habits and the pressures which can lead to the readjustment of wants and the reallocation of resources to cover the wants. Some moral principles associated with religion tend to lead on to economic problems. Followers of certain religions are expected not to consume pork, take alcohol or smoke tobacco. Devotees of some religious groups, on the other hand, can eat pork while others are expected to abstain from alcohol and smoking. Strict observance of these moral rules could cripple the breweries, the cigarette factories and some businesses. However, there seems to be a growing number of alcohol consumers and cigarette smokers – a development which should be of interest to the economist.

The view expressed by the writer in the last paragraph is that

1. the number of alcoholics and smokers is certainly increasing
2. more people now abstain from drinking and smoking
3. more people appear to take to drinking and smoking
4. sales of alcohol and tobacco products have improved tremendously.

Question 26

Choose the most appropriate interpretation: In spite of his humble beginning, Audu now throws his weight around.

1. Audu is arrogant despite his simple upbringing.
2. Despite his obvious poverty, Audu is a proud man.
3. His noble birth notwithstanding, Audu is a corrupt man.
4. From his poor background, Audu is now a rich man.

Question 27

Choose the most appropriate interpretation: Ngozi has always considered her father to be an impassioned man.

1. Her father is a very lively man.
2. Her father is an emotional man.
3. Her father is a disciplined man.
4. Her father is a very strict man.

Question 28

Choose the most appropriate interpretation: The elders rebuked Olu for taking issue with his principal.

1. Olu was cautioned for shouting at his principal.
2. Olu was scolded for acting in collusion with his principal.
3. Olu was reprimanded for arguing with his principal.
4. Olu was blamed for issuing a statement denying his principal.

Question 29

Choose the most appropriate interpretation: The manager paid us in hard currency.

1. We were paid in new notes.
2. We were paid in foreign currency.
3. We were paid in dollars and pound sterling.
4. We were paid in a strong and stable currency.

Question 31

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “gullible”: Only those who are gullible fall victim to his trickery.

1. saucy
2. devastated
3. courteous
4. astute

Question 32

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “inordinate”: He is well known for his inordinate ambition.

1. excessive
2. passionate
3. moderate
4. sound

Question 33

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “timid”: Students could be timid.

1. friendly
2. bold
3. covetous
4. pugnacious

Question 34

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “conceal”: The witness decided to conceal the evidence.

1. divulge
2. hide
3. destroy
4. waive

Question 35

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “inspired”: The members of the congregation were inspired by the sermon.

1. bewitched
2. enthralled
3. disenchanted
4. disorientated

Question 36

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “ecstatic”: Agbenu was ecstatic about her result.

1. dispassionate
2. sad
3. pessimistic
4. mad

Question 37

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “recalcitrant”: The labour leader’s recalcitrant stance was applauded.

1. stubborn
2. flexible
3. uncompromising
4. wellinformed

Question 39

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “loath”: I am loath to do the assignment.

1. willing
2. unwilling
3. waiting
4. dying

Question 40

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “impatient”: Toyin is married to an impatient, self-centered man.

1. a fretful
2. a tolerant
3. an edgy
4. a tolerable

Question 41

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “Gregarious”: Gregarious animals can be found in the zoo.

1. Various
2. Wild
3. Lonely
4. Tame

Question 42

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “painstakingly”: The doctor examined the patient painstakingly.

1. perfunctorily
2. professionally
3. painfully
4. carefully

Question 43

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “monopolize”: The company has continued to monopolize the distribution of the products.

1. centralize
2. specialize
3. liberalize
4. regularize

Question 45

Choose the option opposite in meaning to “apostles”: The agency has sworn to deal with all the apostles of confederation.

1. proponents
2. protagonists
3. apostates
4. opponents.

Question 46

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “unstinting”: The leader has the unstinting support of his party.

1. unsparing
2. laudable
3. uninspiring
4. cautious.

Question 47

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “vilified”: The party supporters vilified the Chairman for the role he played in the crisis that rocked the party.

1. elected.
2. challenged
3. condemned
4. impeached

Question 48

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “shed”: The company is to shed three thousand staff this year.

1. demote
2. lay off
3. throw up
4. placate

Question 49

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “a glut of”: There was a glut of oil on the market.

1. a variety of
2. an accumulation of
3. an abundance of
4. an increase in

Question 52

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “imminent”: The boys knew that a storm was imminent.

1. possible
2. impending
3. threatening
4. encroaching

Question 53

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “euthanasia”: The nurse was in favour of voluntary euthanasia.

1. a painless death
2. a simple operation
3. a sleeping pill
4. a major operation

Question 54

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “cynics”: The cynics feared that the nation’s nascent democracy would fail.

1. pessimists
2. delinquents
3. critics
4. illusionists

Question 55

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “essence”: The essence of governance is to seek the good and well-being of the majority of the people.

1. importance
2. goal
3. characteristic
4. secret

Question 56

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “infer”: From what she said, one may infer that she does not like the course.

1. suppose
2. realize
3. deduce
4. agree

Question 57

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “nauseating”: He shared his room with a person whose behaviour was quite nauseating.

1. disrespectful
2. disgraceful
3. discouraging
4. disgusting

Question 58

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “commodious”: The carpenter built a commodious wardrobe.

1. gigantic
2. small
3. spacious
4. wide

Question 59

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “a hot potato”: Publishing as a business venture has become a hot potato in Nigeria.

1. unpleasant
2. profitable
3. unacceptable
4. expensive

Question 60

Choose the option nearest in meaning to “plausible”: The man’s story sounded plausible to his audience.

1. fantastic
2. credulous
3. credible
4. entertaining

Question 99

The word in capitals has emphatic stress. Choose the question to which the sentence responds: My MOTHER served rice and fresh fish stew for dinner.

1. What kind of meal did your mother serve for dinner?
2. Did your mother serve rice and fresh fish stew for lunch?
3. What kind of stew did your mother serve for dinner?
4. Who served rice and fresh fish stew for dinner?