2012

JAMB Use of English 2012 past questions

72 questions from the 2012 JAMB UTME Use of English paper. Free, with answers where available.

Practice with CBT mock -> All Use of English years
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q1
which question paper type of use of English as in dictated above is given to you?
A
type green
B
type purple
C
type red
D
type yellow
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q2
According to the first paragraph, Nigerians believe that the
A
supernatural and natural work co-exist
B
natural and supernatural worlds antagonistic
C
supernatural world control natural world
D
supernatural world exploits the natural world
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q3
Traditional religion has waned in Nigerian to the
A
influence of lslam over border
B
influence of Christianity over location
C
influence of non- traditional religious
D
decline of interest in traditional religions
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q4
Which factor is common to religions as mentioned in the passage
A
prayer only
B
divination
C
sac
D
ritual
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q6
It can be inferred from the passage that
A
Nigerians have access to foreign books only
B
Nigerian undergraduates do not read text books
C
Nigerians read foreign and indigenous books alike
D
Nigerians read mostly foreign books
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q7
The reason for lack of indigenous books in most renowned bookshop, according to the passage, is
A
Nigerians prefer reading foreign books
B
foreign books attract more buyers
C
indigenous books are sometimes not available
D
the low quality of indigenous books
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q8
The expression.....''that earned her the award is profoundly gripping'', as used in the passage, means that the book is
A
highly interesting and captures attention
B
is of high quality to the writer [PAGE 558]
C
attracts many indigenous and foreign readers
D
is widely acknowledged by many authors
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q9
The university science lecturer gives his reason for issuing handout as
A
lack of teaching aids among students
B
low purchasing power
C
low quality of books
D
lack of sufficient time
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q11 OK Answer: B
The attitude of the writer of the passage can best be described as
A
objective
B
critical
C
non-committal
D
emotional
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q12 OK Answer: D
It can be deduced from the passage that
A
all experiences are best teachers
B
learning through pains is better
C
experience is superior to wisdom
D
wise thoughts are more desirable than experience
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q13 OK Answer: B
Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
A
man must make mistakes in order to survive.
B
the totality of our actions should be decided by our judgement.
C
if we do not make mistakes, experience must be our teacher
D
our future would be judged by our past mistakes
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q14 OK Answer: D
According to the passage, we must be disciplined to
A
make experience our best teacher in reality
B
learn from our experiences in future
C
choose the learning opportunity that comes our way
D
decide against making experience our teacher
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q26 OK Answer: C
Hardworking students must not have a finger in every pie at school.
A
Hardworking students must not have a role to play in most activities in the school
B
Only hardworking students must participate in all activities in the school
C
Hardworking students do not participate in all activities in the school
D
Hardworking students must ask others to participate in school activities
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q27 OK Answer: C
The vice chancellor is riding the crest of the last quarter of his administration.
A
The vice chancellor enjoys the acknowledgment of the success of his administration
B
the vice chancellor does not enjoy the people's criticism of his administration
C
the vice chancellor hopes to overcome soon the poor comments on the administration
D
the vice chancellor does not talk of his success in office [PAGE 561]
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q28 OK Answer: D
She was absolved by the court from the charge.
A
she was convicted for the charge
B
she was blamed and charged to court
C
her case was resolved by the court
D
she was declared free from the charge
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q29 OK Answer: C
The landlord is fond of throwing his weight about
A
the landlord likes healthy exercise
B
the landlord is overweight
C
the landlord gives orders to people
D
the landlord is respected by his tenants
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q30 OK Answer: D
The company ought to have issued warrants for one billion shares
A
the company has issued one billion share
B
the management expected the company to issue more than one billion shares
C
members of the company bought less than one billion shares
D
the company did not issue one billion shares
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q32 OK Answer: C
I wouldn't have responded to his rude talk, if l were you
A
the advice was taken by the respondent so he did not respond to the talk
B
the adviser put himself in the respondent's position, so he did not respond to the talk
C
the respondent replied to the speaker's talk, although he ought not have done so
D
what was advisable was that the respondent gave it back to the speaker
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q33 OK Answer: B
He could not speak out because he had a feet of clay.
A
His feet was muddy
B
He was weak and cowardly
C
He was clumsy and lazy
D
He was shy and timid
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q34 OK Answer: B
The player wasted a golden opportunity during the penalty shoot-out
A
The player first hit the bar
B
The player did not score the shot
C
The player scored the shot that made them win the gold cup
D
instead of a silver cup, they received the golden one
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q35 OK Answer: C
As far as Abu is concerned , Mero should be given fifty naira at the most
A
All Abu is concerned with is that Mero should be given nothing more than fifty naira
B
All Abu is saying is that Mero probably deserves more than fifty naira and not less
C
In Abu's estimation, Mero merits not more than fifty naira
D
In Abu's opinion, Mero deserves fifty naira or probably more
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q36 OK Answer: D
As an idiot, the boy is weak in class
A
a deviant
B
an expert
C
a dunce
D
a genius
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q37 OK Answer: C
We were shocked by the news that he had lost the money.
A
astonished
B
unconcerned
C
disconcerted
D
surprised Answer the following question below and choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase in. [PAGE 562]
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q38 OK Answer: C
The principal was advised to be flexible on critical issues.
A
livid
B
cautious
C
evasive
D
rigid
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q39 OK Answer: A
Bola always looks sober
A
excited
B
serious
C
worried
D
hapless
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q40 OK Answer: B
Dupe was promoted for her efficiency
A
ability
B
inconsistency
C
incompetence
D
rudness
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q41 OK Answer: D
The management wants to consider her reticent behaviour in due course.
A
disapproving
B
disciplinarian
C
contemplative
D
loquacious
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q42
Election processes often become volatile
A
calm
B
strange
C
sudden
D
latent
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q43 OK Answer: A
Oche entered the principal's office in a rather abrasive manner.
A
gentle
B
rude
C
lackadaisical
D
indifferent
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q44 OK Answer: B
Otokpa is a member of the ad hoc committee on stock acquisition.
A
improvised
B
formal
C
temporary
D
fact-finding
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q45 OK Answer: A
His gift to the poor was always infinitesimal [PAGE 563]
A
large
B
small
C
supportive
D
shameful
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q46 OK Answer: D
The economist concluded that several factors have been adduced to explain the fall in the birth rate.
A
affirmed
B
diffused
C
mentioned
D
refuted Answer the following question below and choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase in.
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q47 OK Answer: D
The presidential system is an antidote to some political ailments.
A
an answer
B
an inquiry
C
a reply
D
an obstacle
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q48 OK Answer: B
Ola thought that her father was very callous
A
parlous
B
wicked
C
compassionate
D
cheerful
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q49 OK Answer: C
He was very much respected, though he had no temporal power
A
spiritual
B
mundane
C
permanent
D
ephemeral
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q50 OK Answer: A
The way the workshop was organized was rather hit-and-miss
A
systematic
B
hasty
C
slow
D
funny
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q51 OK Answer: B
Some men will continue to cause offences until they are given a taste of their own medicine
A
placated
B
revenged on
C
recompense for
D
cured [PAGE 564]
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q52
Okibe was rusticated for his derogatory remark about the principal
A
complimentary
B
unsavoury
C
unwarranted
D
lack lustre
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q53 OK Answer: A
Justice is difficult to enforce because people are unwilling to accept any loss sovereignty
A
autonomy
B
position
C
leadership
D
kingdom [PAGE 565]
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q54 OK Answer: B
There are still virtuous women in our society today
A
clever
B
upright
C
devilsh
D
intelligent
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q55 OK Answer: B
That type of response is typical of a lazy teacher
A
symptomatic
B
characteristic
C
universal
D
incontestable
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q56 OK Answer: D
Akin is an inveterate gambler
A
a selfish and self-centred
B
an extremely unlucky but popular
C
an incurable but fearful
D
a long time incorrigible
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q57 OK Answer: A
He was too petrified to give the closing remarks at the conference.
A
frightened
B
agitated
C
delighted
D
happy
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q58 OK Answer: C
During a particular time of the day, the road shimmers in the heat
A
darkens
B
lightens
C
shines
D
beams
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q60 OK Answer: D
Mariam looks rather furtive to Shehu
A
intoxicated
B
unfriendly
C
sad
D
sly
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q61 OK Answer: B
The student's union leader delivered his speech extempore
A
out-of -hand
B
off the cuff
C
accurately
D
courageously
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q62 OK Answer: A
His story gave us an inkling of what he passed through during the strike
A
a possible idea
B
a taste
C
a summary
D
the right view
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q63 OK Answer: D
These policies have been espoused by the ruling party.
A
condemned
B
rejected
C
supported
D
outlined
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q64 OK Answer: A
We must not foreclose reconciliation as the purpose of his trip
A
exclude
B
consider
C
underestimate
D
forgo
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q65 OK Answer: C
Her findings exploded widely held beliefs about learning.
A
challenged
B
debunked
C
projected
D
confirmed Answer the following question below and choose the option that best completes the gap(s) [PAGE 566]
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q66 OK Answer: C
He was both a writer and a politician, but he was better...... a singer
A
as if
B
like
C
as
D
to be
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q67 OK Answer: C
Vacancies in the company will be notified by...........
A
bulletin
B
publication
C
publicity
D
advertisement
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q68 OK Answer: A
He started his career as an..........teacher
A
auxilliary
B
auxiluryy
C
auxillary
D
auxiliary
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q69 OK Answer: C
The driver was short of petrol, so he..........down the hills with the engine switched off
A
glided
B
coasted
C
wheeled
D
taxied [PAGE 567]
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q70 OK Answer: D
His many years of success in legal practice,....didn't come without challenges
A
indeed
B
but
C
in spite of it all
D
however
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q71 OK Answer: A
One should be careful how......behaves in public, shouldn't.......
A
one/one
B
he/lie
C
she/one
D
one/he
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q72
...........a good leader must have two characteristics
A
first and formost
B
first and formust
C
first and farmost
D
first and foremost
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q74 OK Answer: B
She was............the verge of tears
A
at
B
on
C
by
D
with
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q75 OK Answer: C
Everyone makes mistakes occasionally, nobody is.........
A
incorrigible
B
imperfect
C
infallible
D
indestructible
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q76 OK Answer: B
The woman would not part with her..........pot
A
dicarded earthen black
B
discarded black earthen
C
earthen discarded black
D
black earthen discarded
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q77 OK Answer: B
We stood up when the principal came in..........?
A
isn't it
B
didn't we
C
not so
D
did us
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q78
This professor of...........medicine has......... the mystery of bird flu.
A
vetinary/unraveled
B
vertrinary/unravelled
C
veterinaty/unravelved
D
veterinary/unraveled
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q79 OK Answer: A
Her mother brought her some.......
A
clothes
B
yards
C
cloth
D
clothing
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q80 OK Answer: B
Many workers were............ as a result of the textile closure
A
laid down
B
laid off [PAGE 568]
C
laid out
D
laid up
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q81 OK Answer: A
The driver died in the .......... road accident
A
fatal
B
brutal
C
serious
D
pathetic
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q82 OK Answer: B
…… your parents frown ….. our friendship, we shouldn't see each other anymore
A
because/over
B
since/at
C
although/at
D
as/upon
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q83 OK Answer: B
For more productivity, the company is focusing attention on the possible...........of available resources.
A
synergy
B
tapping
C
alignment
D
arrangement Answer the following question below and choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter (s) underlined. [PAGE 569]
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q84 OK Answer: D
...........she didn't trust him, she married him.
A
after
B
much as
C
since
D
though
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q85 OK Answer: D
I wanted to know his political beliefs, so l asked him what........
A
this was
B
these are
C
this is
D
they were
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q93 OK Answer: A
impossible Answer the following question below and choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter (s) underlined. Answer the following question below and choose the appropriate stress pattern from the options. The syllables are underlined in capital letters. [PAGE 570]
A
imPOSsible
B
IMpossible
C
imposSIBLE
D
impossiBLE
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q98 OK Answer: D
The traditional chief NARRATED the story to the children
A
the children heard the story from the traditional chief
B
who narrated the story to the children?
C
the children could not listen to the story by the traditional chief
D
did the chief hide the story from the children?
Use of English JAMB 2012 Q99 OK Answer: B
The ACCOUNTANT paid the workers' July salary in September.
A
when were the workers paid?
B
did the cashier pay the workers' salary in September
C
workers received their July salary in September Answer the following question below and choose the option that has the stress on the first syllable