JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2024

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In the given statement, the word with the emphatic stress is "TOMORROW". This means that the emphasis is on the time when the mother is expected to be back.

To test the emphatic stress, we usually form a question that targets the emphasized word, expecting an answer that confirms or clarifies it. The question should be structured in such a way that the response can be a confirmation of the emphasis.

Let's analyze the options provided:

• : "Who is expected back by this time tomorrow?" - This question emphasizes "who" is expected back. It does not emphasize the time "tomorrow" and hence, doesn't confirm the emphasis.
• : "Is my mother expected back by this time next month?" - This question contrasts "tomorrow" with "next month", allowing the answer to emphasize "TOMORROW" as a confirmation. It directly addresses the time aspect, making it the correct choice to which the emphatic stress on "TOMORROW" relates.
• : "Is my mother assumed back by this time tomorrow?" - This question contrasts "expected" with "assumed", focusing on the nature of the expectation and not on the time. Hence, it doesn't relate to the emphatic stress.
• : "Is my mother expected gone by this time tomorrow?" - This question contrasts "expected to be back" with "expected gone", again not addressing the timing of the return. Therefore, it doesn't relate to the emphatic stress.

Thus, the answer is that the emphatic stress on "TOMORROW" is related to as it focuses on the timing of the event, which is the key aspect being emphasized in the original statement.

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The correct completion for the sentence is "Take your share and give them theirs."

Here is why:

• The word "theirs" is a possessive pronoun used to indicate ownership. It means something belongs to "them." In the sentence, "Take your share and give them theirs," it indicates that what you are giving them is their share or portion.
• "Their's" is not a standard form in English. The correct possessive form is "theirs."
• "There" is an adverb that indicates location or existence, such as in "over there" or "there are many flowers." It does not fit the context of ownership in the sentence.
• "There's" is a contraction of "there is" or "there has." It does not make sense in this context where we are talking about possession.

Therefore, the appropriate word to use for indicating possession in the sentence is "theirs."

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"The paper stated that the driver of the lorry was helping the police in their investigation" means that the driver is cooperating with the police and providing information to assist their investigation.

When a news report says someone is "helping police with their inquiries" or "helping in their investigation," it is a polite way of saying that the person is being questioned by the police in connection with an incident or crime. It doesn't necessarily mean the person is under arrest, but they are providing information that the police believe is relevant to their investigation.

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"Bare" describes the exposed or uncovered coal surface. Other options do not fit the description appropriately.

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In questions like this, the auxiliary verb used in the tag question should match the auxiliary verb or the verb used in the main sentence. All sentences have an auxiliary verb even though it is not visible. Sentences without visible auxiliary verbs carry the auxiliary verb "did" as in "She did used to be the best-behaved girl". Therefore, the correct tag question is "didn't she."

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To complete the sentence accurately, we need to choose the word that correctly aligns with the context of an increase in occurrences over time. Here are the meanings of the options provided:

• Incident: This refers to a single event or occurrence. Although it relates to an event, it does not emphasize frequency or rate. Therefore, it doesn't fit the sentence that implies an increasing trend.
• Accident: This refers to an unexpected event, often causing harm or injury. It is not specific to trends or rates, so it doesn't fit well with the sentence’s meaning that indicates continuous increase.
• Incidence: This refers to the frequency or rate of occurrence of something, especially when describing how common particular events or cases are over a certain period. Since the sentence is about the **increase** in occurrences of armed robbery, this option fits perfectly as it relates to the number of times an event happens.
• Accidence: This refers to the part of grammar that deals with inflections. It is not related in any way to describing an increase in events.

Therefore, "The incidence of armed robbery has been on the increase." is the most suitable completion for the sentence because it specifically denotes the rate or **occurrence of a phenomenon, highlighting that it is rising.**

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To determine which option best fills the gap labeled 13, we need to understand the context in which the word will be used. Here's a breakdown of each option:

• Acknowledgements: This term refers to an expression of gratitude for assistance in producing a work or a part of a work like a book, thesis, or research paper. It's typically found at the beginning of such documents.
• Commentaries: Commentaries are a series of explanations or interpretations about a text, event, or piece of work. They provide insight or opinion on the subject matter.
• Titles: This word refers to the name of a book, composition, or other artistic work. Titles are found at the top or front of the work and are often bold or italicized to denote importance.
• Spines: The spine of a book is the part where the pages are bound together and usually displays the title, author's name, and publisher. It's the side view of a book when it is placed on a shelf.

Given these definitions, if the context requires a term related to the primary name or designation displayed prominently, "Titles" is likely the appropriate choice. If the text pertains to explaining or interpreting a work, "Commentaries" might fit. If it refers to expressing gratitude in a document, "Acknowledgements" is suitable. If it involves the physical part of a book's binding, "Spines" is the best choice.

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The word conviviality refers to a quality of being friendly, lively, and enjoyable in social interactions, often associated with feasting, celebrating, and a pleasant atmosphere. In the context of Mr. Jebu displaying a high sense of conviviality during the Gala, it suggests that he was exhibiting friendly and lively behavior that contributed to an enjoyable social environment.

Examining the options:

• Spitefulness refers to acting with malice and a desire to harm or annoy others. This is not related to conviviality, as conviviality is positive and about enjoyment and friendliness.
• Conjugality pertains to marriage or the relationship between married partners. This is not aligned with the concept of conviviality, which is more about social enjoyment and friendliness rather than marital relationships.
• Friendliness means being kind, pleasant, and welcoming to others. This closely aligns with the notion of conviviality, as it captures the essence of being sociable and creating a pleasant atmosphere.
• Blissfulness refers to a state of perfect happiness or joy. While it connotes a positive feeling, it is more about individual happiness rather than the social aspect of friendliness conveyed by conviviality.

Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to the word conviviality is friendliness, as it accurately reflects the sociable and enjoyable spirit described by conviviality.

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The word or phrase underlined in the sentence is **"accumulated"**. The meaning of **"accumulated"** is to **"gather"**, **"collect"**, or **"amass"** something over time. It denotes the act of gradually acquiring more and more of something.

To find the opposite of this term, we need a word that signifies the act of **gradually losing** or **wasting something rather than gathering** it.

Now, let?s look at the options provided:

• Gather: This word is similar in meaning to "accumulated" because both involve bringing things together.
• Amass: Like "gather," this also means to collect or accumulate more items or wealth over time.
• Piled up: This is again a synonym, meaning to accumulate something into a pile or collection.
• Squandered: This means to **waste resources or wealth recklessly**. It is the act of spending or using something carelessly or extravagantly.

The option that is opposite in meaning to "accumulated" is squandered. This is because while "accumulated" involves collecting and saving, **"squandered" implies losing and wasting.**

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The word "guilty" refers to being responsible for a wrongdoing or a crime. In a legal context, when someone is declared guilty, it means they have been found to have committed the offense they were charged with.

The opposite of being guilty is being free from blame or responsibility for the crime. This means the person is not responsible for the wrongdoing or has not committed the crime they were accused of.

The word that is opposite in meaning to "guilty" is therefore "innocent." This means the person is not blamed for any crime and has no responsibility for wrongdoing.

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In this question, you are tasked with identifying which word rhymes with "boys". A rhyme occurs when two or more words have the same or similar ending sounds.

Let's analyze each of the options:

1. Moist: The word "moist" ends with the sound /oist/, which is different from the sound at the end of "boys". Therefore, it does not rhyme with "boys".

2. Elbows: The word "elbows" has the ending sound /bohz/, which doesn't match the ending sound of "boys". Hence, it does not rhyme with "boys".

3. Noise: The word "noise" ends with the sound /oiz/, which is *similar* to the ending sound of "boys". Therefore, it rhymes with "boys".

4. Stays: The word "stays" has the ending sound /eiz/, which is different from the ending sound of "boys". Therefore, it does not rhyme with "boys".

The correct option that rhymes with "boys" is noise because both share the same ending sound /oiz/.

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The phrase "travelling across several labyrinths" typically indicates that the journey was complex, confusing, and full of twists and turns, much like navigating a labyrinth or maze. This suggests that the journey was not straightforward or direct. Therefore, this expression best aligns with the idea that they had a complicated and tortuous journey through the bush. The use of the word "labyrinths" evokes the image of a winding and intricate path, emphasizing the challenging nature of the journey.

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The word **broad** refers to something that has a great extent from side to side or is very wide. In this context, **broad** is describing the roads in major cities as having a large width.

The option that is opposite in meaning to **broad** is **narrow**. While **broad** suggests something wide, **narrow** means something that has a small width or is much less wide. Therefore, if roads are described as **narrow**, they have a small extent from side to side, which is contrary to being **broad**.

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The correct word to fill the gap labeled '15' is 'honour.'

The word 'honour' is often used in formal contexts to express great respect, admiration, or distinction. When one feels honoured, they feel a deep sense of appreciation and recognition.
On the other hand, the other words have distinct meanings and contexts:

• 'Attention:' This refers to the act of focusing mental effort or noticing something.
• 'Privilege:' This describes a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.
• 'Care:' This refers to the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something.

Therefore, when considering the context of the term used, 'honour' is the appropriate word that fits to express a sense of recognition and regard beyond the other options.

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The word "extinguish" typically refers to the act of putting out something like a fire, or in this case, turning off lights. When we search for the opposite meaning, we are looking for a word or phrase that conveys the idea of activating or starting something.

Analyzing the options provided:

1. "Turn off" means to deactivate or stop something from functioning. This does not represent the opposite of extinguishing, as they both suggest a stopping action.

2. "Turn out" is more commonly used for lights meaning to extinguish or turn off, similar to "extinguish."

3. "Switch on" refers to activating or starting something, like turning on a light. This is the opposite of "extinguish."

4. "Switch off" is similar in meaning to "extinguish," as it suggests stopping or deactivating lights or electrical devices.

Thus, the option that is opposite in meaning to "extinguish" is "switch on", as it involves starting or turning on something instead of stopping it.

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To determine the best word to complete the sentence, we need to understand the meaning of each option and how it fits within the context of the sentence. The sentence is: "When they started the fighting, the man who tried to ____ was knocked down."

Intrude: This means to enter a place or situation where one is unwelcome or uninvited. It does not specifically relate to stopping a fight.

Interpose: This means to place or insert between one thing and another, which can imply a physical act of stepping between people. However, it can also simply mean to insert a comment or interrupt verbally.

Intervene: This means to come between disputing people or groups with the intention of stopping conflict. It is commonly used when someone steps in to stop a fight.

Obstruct: This means to block or hinder progress. It does not specifically involve stopping a fight between people but rather impeding movement or progress.

In the context of the sentence, the most appropriate word is "intervene". The sentence implies that the man attempted to stop the fight or dispute that started. Using "intervene" makes the sentence logical because the man is trying to stop the fighting and as a result, he was knocked down. "Intervene" is the word that best describes the action of stepping into a conflict to stop it.

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In Khadija Abubakar Jalili's novel The Life Changer, the acronym "EMEC" stands for Examination Malpractice and Ethics Committee. This committee is responsible for addressing issues related to unfair practices in examinations. It works to maintain the integrity and ethical standards of the examination process by ensuring that students and educators adhere to the rules and regulations set to promote a fair and honest academic environment. The main function of this committee is to investigate and resolve cases of cheating or other misconduct during examinations.

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The word taciturn describes someone who is habitually reserved, uncommunicative, or quiet in speech. To find the word opposite in meaning, we need a term that describes someone who tends to talk a lot.

Here?s a breakdown of the options:

• Reserved: Someone who is reserved is typically shy or restrained in speech, which is similar to being taciturn.
• Quiet: This word suggests being silent or not speaking much, which aligns with being taciturn.
• Cold: Describes an emotionally distant or unapproachable person but does not relate directly to the volume or frequency of speech, so it doesn't address the opposite of 'taciturn' in terms of communication.
• Garrulous: Describes someone who is very talkative and tends to speak a lot, the opposite of being taciturn.

Therefore, the word garrulous is the correct opposite of taciturn, as it represents someone who talks a great deal, contrasting with a reserved or quiet person.

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The correct option that best completes the sentence is: expatiate/playwright. Here's why:

1. **Expatiate:** This means to speak or write in detail about a particular topic. In the context of the sentence, the students wanted the Literature teacher to elaborate or explain the point of view more thoroughly. The correct spelling is "expatiate", not "expantiate," which is incorrect.

2. **Playwright:** This refers to a person who writes plays, and is the correct term in this context as it concerns literature. The word should not be confused with "playwriter" or "playwrite," both of which are incorrect. The suffix "wright" indicates a maker or builder, and "playwright" specifically refers to the creator of plays.

Thus, the sentence would read: Everyone in class wanted the Literature teacher to expatiate the point of view of the playwright.

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To complete the sentence "You know that you ____ it before tomorrow," we need to choose a verb phrase that correctly conveys an obligation or probability in this context. Let's analyze the options:

1. Might do: This implies a possibility of doing something but with uncertainty. Therefore, it doesn't fit well after "you know" because knowing implies certainty.

2. Ought to do: This implies a recommendation or obligation. "You know that you ought to do it before tomorrow" suggests a sense of necessity or duty that aligns well with "you know."

3. Like to do: This implies a preference, habit, or enjoyment, which doesn't necessarily align with the sense of certainty or requirement implied by "you know."

4. May do: This suggests permission or possibility, which again does not fit well after "you know" due to the lack of certainty or obligation.

Therefore, the best option to complete the sentence, considering the context of certainty or a strong recommendation, is "ought to do." This reflects that there is a known obligation to complete the task before tomorrow.

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The options provided for the gap labeled 15 are "undergirds," "undermines," "underestimate," and "underserved." In this context, the sentence is trying to convey how the "territorial principle" is important to most thinking about linguistic justice. The term "linguistic legislation" suggests some kind of legal support or structure related to language use. For this reason, the most appropriate option is "undergirds." This is because "undergirds" means to provide foundational support or a basis for something. Here, it indicates that the territorial principle forms the basis or supportive framework for linguistic legislation. Therefore, the correct choice is undergirds.

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The word **"guilty"** means having committed an offense or crime, or being responsible for a wrongdoing. Therefore, the word opposite in meaning would imply that the suspect is not held responsible or not having committed the crime.

Let?s examine the options:

1. **Acquitted:** This term means that the suspect has been declared not guilty of the charge; they have been found innocent of the crime. Therefore, **"acquitted"** is the opposite of **"guilty"**.

2. **Discharged:** This word typically means that a person is released from a duty or obligation, but it does not specifically indicate innocence regarding a crime.

3. **Corrected:** This means to make something right or rectify a fault. It doesn't relate directly to legal judgments or guilt.

4. **Executed:** This refers to carrying out a sentence, such as capital punishment, and is often associated with guilt and punishment rather than indicating innocence.

Hence, the correct opposite of **"guilty"** in this context is **"acquitted."**

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Talle is the character who earned the nickname "the quiet one" because of his introverted nature. We can find this on page 21 of the novel where he was described as a quiet person who never engaged in a fight with anyone. 

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Without the specific context or knowledge of the passage where "labelled 14" appears, it is generally difficult to choose the option that best fills the gap. However, I can explain the typical context where each of these terms might be applicable:

Table: A table is a piece of furniture consisting of a flat top supported by one or more legs, commonly used in libraries, dining rooms, or studies. If the context relates to a place where items are kept or used for activities like reading, writing, or studying, "table" might be appropriate.

Reserve Section: This term is often used in libraries to refer to a specific area where certain books or materials that are in high demand or are reference items are kept. Access might be limited, and items cannot be checked out for home use.

Sitting Corner: A sitting corner typically describes a cozy or designated area with chairs or cushions where people can sit, relax, or engage in conversation. It might be found in living rooms, libraries, or reading areas.

Lending Desk: This is often found in libraries and is the place where library users check out books or return borrowed items. The lending desk is a critical part of the library system.

To choose the best option, consider what the passage is describing or needing. If it's a place for borrowing books, the lending desk is appropriate. If it's a location where books not in circulation are kept, the reserve section is correct. For a resting or reading area, the sitting corner fits best, and for general workspace, a table is the suitable choice.

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To determine the correct option that best completes the sentence "To be alive after such a serious accident _____ a celebration," we need to look at the context of the sentence and the subject-verb agreement.

The subject of the sentence is the phrase "To be alive after such a serious accident," which is functioning as a noun phrase and is singular. Hence, it requires a singular verb form.

The phrase that fits such a construction is "calls for," which is a simple present tense phrase that agrees with the singular subject. It suggests that the act of being alive after a serious accident naturally necessitates or demands a celebration, aligning with the idiomatic expression "calls for a celebration."

Thus, the correct completion of the sentence is:

"To be alive after such a serious accident calls for a celebration."

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From the passage, it is clear that some children were not able to make it to Cameroon. The narrative describes how the journey towards safety was perilous and how the group faced several challenges, including snakebites. The passage explicitly mentions that some of the children bitten by snakes died because they could not be taken to a hospital for treatment. Therefore, it indicates that not everyone, specifically some children, were able to reach their destination in Cameroon alive.

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To find a word that rhymes with "hurt," we need to look for a word with a similar ending sound. The word "hurt" ends with the sound "urt."

Let's analyze the given options:

• hot: Ends with the sound "ot," so it does not rhyme with "hurt."
• cough: Ends with the sound "off," which does not rhyme with "hurt."
• coil: Ends with the sound "oil," which does not rhyme with "hurt."
• shirt: Ends with the sound "irt," which is very similar to "urt."

Therefore, the word "shirt" rhymes with "hurt" because they both end with a similar sound. The main requirement for words to rhyme is that their ending phonetic sounds match or are very similar.

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Emphatic stress is the placement of greater stress on a particular word in a sentence or utterance for emphasis, correction or clarification. To test for emphatic stress, the contrasting question should affirm or negate the specific word in capital letters ("DESIGN"). Option D contrasts "design" with "draft," making it the appropriate response to confirm emphasis.

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The sentence "The teacher believed her students were equal to the task" implies that the teacher had confidence in her students' ability to successfully accomplish the task at hand. This means the teacher thought her students were capable and ready to handle whatever was required to complete the task. Therefore, the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence is that the students were hardworking and dedicated, as it suggests they have the necessary skills and perseverance to succeed in the task. There is no indication in the sentence that the students were young, weak, or not prepared, nor does it suggest that the task was too difficult for them.

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The most suitable title for the passage is "Weathering."

Explanation:

The passage primarily discusses the concept of weathering, which is the process by which rocks gradually break down into smaller particles due to physical or chemical processes. It highlights the influence of climatic conditions on weathering processes, distinguishing between **physical weathering**, which involves temperature and water, and **chemical weathering**, which occurs in hot climates.

The author also describes observational experiences of weathering, such as tree roots penetrating rocks and the mixing of rock particles with soil. The overall theme revolves around the process, factors, and examples of weathering, making it the central focus of the passage.

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In this sentence, we need to choose the word that best describes the sound made by brakes. Let's examine each option:

• Hooting: This word is generally associated with the sound made by owls or ships, often a deep sound. It doesn't typically describe the sound of brakes.
• Blaring: This term usually describes a loud, harsh sound often associated with horns or alarms. While it's loud, it's not typically the sound brakes make.
• Screeching: This word describes a high-pitched, sharp sound. It is often used to characterize the noise made when brakes are applied suddenly, causing friction between the brake pads and the wheels.
• Hammering: This term implies a repeated, percussive sound, like the noise of hitting with a hammer. It's not commonly used to describe the noise of brakes.

Considering the options, the most suitable word to complete the sentence is "screeching". It best describes the high-pitched, sharp sound that draws attention when brakes are applied suddenly.

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To find the option with the same consonant sound as the one underlined in "Yesterday," we first need to identify the specific consonant sound in question. The word "Yesterday" begins with the letter 'Y'. In "Yesterday," the 'Y' represents a consonant sound similar to the first sound in the word "yes." This sound is called a voiced palatal approximant and is represented by the phonetic symbol /j/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).

Let's examine each given option:

1. Jam: The word "Jam" begins with the consonant sound /d?/, which is different from the /j/ sound we find at the beginning of "Yesterday."

2. Union: The word "Union" begins with the consonant sound /j/, which is the same as the sound at the start of "Yesterday." It is also the voiced palatal approximant.

3. Jump: The word "Jump" begins with the consonant sound /d?/, differing from the /j/ sound in "Yesterday."

4. Umbrella: The word "Umbrella" begins with the vowel sound /?/ or /?/ depending on the accent, and it does not have a 'Y' consonantal sound at the beginning.

In conclusion, the option that has the same consonant sound as the beginning of the word "Yesterday" is Union because it correctly starts with the /j/ sound, which is the voiced palatal approximant sound represented by the letter 'Y' in "Yesterday."

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The word "productivity" consists of five syllables: pro-duc-tiv-i-ty. To determine the correct stress pattern, it is essential to understand where the emphasis naturally falls in standard English pronunciation.

The most appropriate stress pattern for "productivity" is producTIvity. In English, multi-syllable words commonly have one syllable that is emphasized more than the others. For "productivity," the stress falls on the third syllable "TIv". This is because "productivity" follows a common stress pattern in English where the emphasis is placed on the antepenultimate syllable (the third syllable from the end) in words with more than three syllables.

Therefore, the correct stress pattern for "productivity" emphasizes the third syllable, making it producTIvity.

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The sentence "I can't lend him my books. I ______ know him." is meant to express the idea that the speaker does not have enough familiarity or trust with the person in question to lend their books.

The best choice to complete the sentence is "scarcely". This is because "scarcely" means almost not or barely, indicating a very low level of knowing or familiarity. Thus, it implies that the speaker knows the person just a little, which aligns with the reason they are hesitant to lend their books.

To clarify the other options:
- "Often" suggests a frequent occurrence, which is not fitting because the sentence conveys a lack of familiarity.

- "Seldom" means not often, and while it may indicate infrequency, it is not as strong as 'scarcely' in expressing minimal familiarity.

- "Rarely" is also more infrequent than "seldom," yet it doesn't convey the minimal familiarity as effectively as "scarcely."

Therefore, "scarcely" is the best word to complete this sentence because it most accurately communicates a low level of acquaintance or trust.

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The word "radioactive" is divided into four syllables: "ra-di-o-ac-tive." To determine the stress pattern, it's important to note how the word is often pronounced naturally in English.

In English, many words have a certain syllable that is pronounced more prominently than others, and this is called the stressed syllable. In "radioactive," the stress falls on the third syllable "ac," making it "radioACtive." This means when you pronounce the word, you will tend to say the "AC" part with more emphasis compared to the other syllables.

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The sentence in question is discussing the role of a teacher within the field of education. A "stakeholder" is someone who has an interest or investment in the success and functionality of an organization or process. In the context of education, teachers are directly involved in the teaching and learning processes and have a vested interest in educational outcomes. Therefore, they are considered key stakeholders in the field of education.

On the other hand, a "shareholder" refers to someone who owns shares in a company and is concerned with corporate profits, which does not apply in the educational context. An "officeholder" refers to someone who holds an official position, generally in a political or governmental context, which is not directly relevant here. Similarly, a "cardholder" refers to someone who possesses a card (such as a credit card or membership card) and does not relate to the role of a teacher.

Thus, the most appropriate word to fill the gap is "stakeholder".

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The word futile means something that is incapable of producing any useful result, or something that is pointless. It refers to efforts that do not succeed or are not effective. In this context, the robbers' attempt to break into the bank did not result in any gain or success for them. Therefore, the word that is nearest in meaning to "futile" in this case is fruitless, because it also indicates efforts that have no results or benefits.

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In the word "money," the vowel sound produced by the underlined letters is similar to the short "u" sound we hear in words like "fun" or "sun." When matching this sound to the options provided, we need to listen for a sound that mimics this short "u" sound.

Let's analyze the options:

• Monday: Contains a vowel sound similar to the short "u," exactly like in "money."
• Go: Has an "o" sound, pronounced as a long vowel, which doesn't match the sound in "money."
• Mouth: Contains a diphthong, a combination of two sounds ("ow"), which is different from the sound in "money."
• Rock: Contains a short "o" sound, which doesn't match the short "u" sound.

Therefore, the appropriate choice is Monday, as it shares the same vowel sound as "money."

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The phrase "driving someone round the bend" is an idiomatic expression that means to cause frustration or distress. While "mad" (option B) might seem like a close option, "causing his parents some problems" is the most accurate choice in this context, as it suggests that the poor performance is creating difficulty for the parents.

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To best fill the gap labelled 11, we need to understand what is being described in the context of a mine. The passage talks about using steel plates in the roof of a mine to support the immense weight of rocks and earth above. This means that additional structures are needed to stabilize or support the roof.

In mining terminology, "props" are vertical supports or struts used to hold up the roof in underground mining. They are crucial for providing stability and preventing collapses. None of the other options fit this specific function as well.

"Wedges" and "stakes" are generally not used for support in such heavy-duty situations as they function more as fasteners or tools for providing alignment. "Poles" could suggest support, but they are not as precise as "props" in describing mining structures specifically designed to uphold the roof.

Thus, the most appropriate word to fill the gap is props, which directly aligns with the concept of supporting structures in the mining industry to handle the pressure from the ground above.

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The gap labeled 15 in the passage needs to be filled with a word that describes the process of activating explosives. In mining operations, after explosives are placed in drilled holes within the coal, they need to be activated to break the coal into pieces. The most appropriate word to describe this activation process is "detonated."

Detonated refers to the process of setting off explosives, causing them to explode. This aligns perfectly with the context of the passage, where explosives are used to break apart a section of coal. Other options such as "fused," "extinguished," and "stuck" do not fit the context, as they either describe different actions or are unrelated to the process of triggering an explosion.

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The sentence "I decided to back up my friend's argument at the meeting" conveys the idea of giving support or reinforcement to your friend's argument during the meeting.

Backing up someone generally means providing support, defense, or reinforcement, especially when they're presenting a point of view or argument in a discussion or meeting.

The option that best explains this statement is "I endorsed my friend." When you endorse someone, you are communicating your approval and support for what they have said or done. It shows agreement and willingness to give additional credibility or strength to their argument.

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The most suitable option to complete the sentence "My uncle is not sure ____ the strange guests were." is "who". Here's the explanation:

The word "who" is used when referring to people and asking about their identity. In the given sentence, "the strange guests" are people whose identity is uncertain to the uncle. Therefore, the correct word to fill the blank is "who".

In contrast:

• "Which" is usually used when there is a specific range of options or a limited set of items to choose from.
• "Whom" is a formal term often used in place of "who" when it's the object of a verb or preposition.
• "What" is used to ask about things or information, rather than people.

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Libary books have a "pocket" inside where the book card is kept.

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The correct stress pattern for the word "embodiment" is emBODiment.

In English pronunciation, stress on a syllable means that the syllable is given more emphasis or prominence than the others. In the word "embodiment," the primary stress falls on the second syllable BOD. This is a common stress pattern for words ending in the suffix "-ment," where the stress is usually placed on the syllable preceding the suffix.

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To complete the sentence "My uncle is not sure ____ the strange guests were," we need to select a word that logically fits in the context of identifying or specifying something about the "strange guests."

1. **Which:** Typically used to choose between options or to specify a particular item or group from others. It does not fit well here because we are not choosing between a set of known options.

2. **Who:** Used to refer to the subject or inquiring about the identity of a person or people. This option fits well here since we are talking about people, the "strange guests," and trying to identify them. The sentence would be: "My uncle is not sure who the strange guests were."

3. **Whom:** Used to refer to the object of a verb or preposition and often follows a preposition. It would not fit here because the structure of the sentence requires a subject complement, not an object.

4. **What:** Generally used to ask questions about things, rather than people. Since we are talking about people, "strange guests," this option doesn't fit well.

Therefore, the best choice is **who**, as it properly addresses the question of identifying the strange guests, effectively completing the sentence as "My uncle is not sure who the strange guests were."

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The word prosperous means being successful, especially in terms of wealth or finances. When someone is referred to as a prosperous lawyer, it indicates that they are financially successful and probably earns a substantial income from their legal practice.

To find a word with the opposite meaning, look for a term that indicates a lack of financial success or wealth. Here's an analysis of the options:

• Affluent: This means wealthy or having a great deal of money. It is a synonym rather than an antonym.
• Poor: This means lacking sufficient money to live at a standard considered comfortable or normal in a society. It indicates financial difficulty, which is the direct opposite of prosperous.
• Stagnant: This means showing no activity or change, especially regarding economic growth. Though it may suggest inactivity, it does not specifically mean lacking wealth.
• Luxurious: This means characterized by luxury or given to a life of luxury. It implies a high standard of living, similar to prosperity.

Based on the meanings, the option that is directly opposite to prosperous is poor, because while prosperous indicates wealth and success, poor indicates a lack of financial resources.

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The phrase that best completes the sentence is "very first party dress". Here’s why:

When constructing a sentence, it is essential to follow the correct order of adjectives. English has a typical order for adjectives when more than one is used for a noun. The order goes as follows: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material, and purpose.

In this case, the adjective "first" refers to the order or sequence (a kind of number), while "very" is an adverb modifying "first," and "party" indicates the purpose of the dress. Therefore, "very first" precedes "party dress" to correctly describe the item being purchased.

Thus, the correct phrase is "very first party dress", describing the specific dress which Sally helped you buy.

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The correct option to complete the sentence is "up". In the context of the sentence, "bringing up old memories" means mentioning or recalling memories that have happened in the past. The phrasal verb "bring up" is commonly used when you want to talk about starting to talk about a certain topic or subject.

The other options don't fit well in this context:

• "in" - "Bringing in" is typically used when you want to state that something is being brought to a place or included, but it doesn’t logically fit in the context of recollecting memories.
• "down" - "Bringing down" usually means to reduce or cause to fall, which is unrelated to recalling memories.
• "over" - "Bringing over" often refers to physically taking someone or something to a place, but not in the context of discussing or remembering memories.

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In the given sentence, the word "PRODUCT" carries the emphatic stress, which means the emphasis is on what was rejected being the product. Thus, the question that relates best to emphasizing the word "PRODUCT" is: Was the product rejected though genuine?

This question is asking if it was specifically the product (and not anything else) that got rejected, which aligns with emphasizing the product itself. The focus is on identifying that it is indeed the product that experienced the action mentioned in the statement, not anything else. It tests whether, despite the possibility of the product being genuine, the emphasis lies on it being the item that was rejected.

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When dealing with library or book cataloging, it is important to understand the terminology associated with categorizing books. Each option refers to a specific type of catalog.

• Subject Catalogue: This organizes books or materials based on subjects or topics. It typically allows users to find all the works related to a particular subject.
• Publisher Catalogue: This lists books or materials based on the publisher that published them. It helps users find books by specific publishers.
• Reference Catalogue: This is typically used for materials that are consulted for specific information, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries, which are not usually for general reading.
• Cover Catalogue: This type of catalog does not exist in traditional cataloging terms. It may refer to organizing books by their physical covers, which is unconventional.

Assuming the text is aiming to fill the gap in a context related to book categorization, the best choice to fill the gap is the "subject catalogue", as it is a standard and recognized method of organizing library materials, allowing users to locate books in specific areas of interest.

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In English, stress in a word refers to the syllable that is emphasized or spoken louder, longer, or at a higher pitch than the others. For the word "dedication," the correct stress is on the fourth syllable, which is: dediCAtion.

To comprehend why this is the case, let's break down the pronunciation: "ded-i-CA-tion". Here, the syllable "CA" is pronounced with greater emphasis compared to the other syllables "ded," "i," and "tion." This pattern of stress is common in English words with a similar suffix structure, where the emphasis often falls on the syllable before the suffix "-tion."

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The sentence describes regions in South America where English, Dutch, and French are spoken, specifically in the areas of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. These areas are small compared to the larger territories where Spanish and Portuguese are dominant. The word "pockets" is often used to describe small, isolated or distinct areas within a larger context. Therefore, the most appropriate word to fill the gap is "pockets" because it conveys the idea of small, distinct regions where a different language is spoken.

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In the sentence "My only SON speaks like an orator.", the word SON is emphasized. This means that the distinction is being drawn in reference to the person speaking who is the son.

To identify the correct option related to this emphatic stress, we need to consider a question where the subject, which in this case is SON, is being queried or challenged.

Here's how you can assess the options:

• In the option "Does my only son speak like an illiterate?", the question directly challenges the person's ability to speak like an orator, not who is speaking. This tests the capability, not the subject.


• In the option "Does my only daughter speak like an orator?", this directly contradicts the subject by replacing SON with DAUGHTER. Thus, it relates directly to the emphatic stress on SON.


• In the option "Does my only son read like an orator?", here the emphasis is on the action (speaks or reads) rather than the subject (who is doing the action).


• In the option "Does your only son speak like an orator?", the question challenges ownership (my versus your), not the subject being a son.

The sentence that relates correctly to the given sentence's emphatic stress on SON is: "Does my only daughter speak like an orator?" This directly challenges and tests the emphasis placed on SON by suggesting an alternative subject, that is the daughter.

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The word **messy** implies a state of disorder or confusion where things are scattered around and not organized. To find an opposite, we look for a word that describes the room as **orderly and well-organized**.

Let's consider the options:

• Muddled: This word is similar to **messy** and implies confusion or disorder. It's not opposite in meaning.
• Dirty: This focuses on cleanliness, indicating something is not clean, but it does not specifically address organization or tidiness.
• Unkept: Similar to **messy**, it implies a lack of care in organization or tidiness.
• Tidy: This word means everything is in its proper place, well-organized, and clean. It reflects a state opposite to **messy**.

Therefore, the opposite of **messy** is **tidy**, as it describes a room that is neat and organized.

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To choose the most appropriate option to fill the gap labeled 12, we need to consider the context of the sentence. The passage is discussing how a person can locate a book in a library, particularly focusing on the tools and aids available in the library shelves that help in finding books.

The sentence in question states that "all the shelves have instructions and numbers regarding the books on them." This indicates that there must be some sort of guide or aid present on the shelves that provide information about the books located there. The options provided are:

• card's guide
• author's guide
• shelf-guides
• book-guides

Let's analyze the options:

card's guide: This option seems less fitting because it specifically refers to cards, whereas the sentence is describing information or guides related to the shelves.

author's guide: While authorship might be a classification criteria in libraries, an "author's guide" would typically refer to guiding information about authors themselves, not about locating books on shelves.

shelf-guides: This is the most logical choice. The term "shelf-guides" suggests guides or instructions directly related to the shelves, which aligns well with the context of finding books placed on shelves through guidance.

book-guides: This terms is slightly broader, perhaps indicating guides related to books, but not specifically tied to the function of shelving, instructions, and identification mentioned in the sentence.

Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill the gap labeled 12 is "shelf-guides". The sentence makes sense with this choice because it indicates the presence of guides on the shelves used to locate books.

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In this context, when we say "The ripe orange was beyond his ______," we refer to something that the person is unable to obtain or access, typically because it is out of their physical range or capability. The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is "reach."

This is because "reach" refers to the capability or extent of one's grasp or influence, often implying that something is too far away to be accessed or obtained. Meanwhile, "touch", "catch", and "pluck" all denote different actions:

• "Touch" means to come into physical contact with something.
• "Catch" implies intercepting or capturing something that is moving.
• "Pluck" means to remove something, typically by pulling with a sudden effort.

Hence, none of these options effectively convey the idea of something being out of one’s capacity to access or obtain, which is what "reach" does. Therefore, the phrase would read: "The ripe orange was beyond his reach."

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The word "austere" refers to being strict, severe, or stern in manner, attitude, or appearance.

Now, let's look at the options given:

• Harsh: Similar to "austere" as it also suggests a strict or severe quality.
• Ambitious: Refers to having a strong desire for success but does not relate to being strict.
• Disgusting: Means something that arouses disgust or revulsion, focusing on a negative emotional reaction rather than strictness.
• Benign: Means kind, gentle, or harmless. This is opposite in meaning to "austere" because benign suggests a kind and gentle approach rather than a severe or strict one.

Therefore, the option that is opposite in meaning to the word "austere" is benign.

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To fill the gap labelled 12 effectively, we need to understand the function that language maps perform beyond just informing us about global language distributions. They shape our understanding of how language and territory are connected. This involves engaging in a process of discussion and thought around the role of language in society and its spatial distribution.

The word "discursive" is most appropriate here because it pertains to discourse or modes of discourse. It refers to the way in which topics or subjects are talked about and discussed. In this context, language maps go beyond a simple informational purpose and fulfil a function related to discourse on language, territory, and their interrelation. They are part of the broader conversation and conceptual framework that connects linguistic practices to specific geographical areas.

The other options don't fit as well because "interactive" implies engaging with or involving an active exchange, "intuitive" implies something that is easily understandable without conscious reasoning, and "reclusive" suggests avoiding interaction, all of which do not accurately describe the role that language maps play in shaping discourse about language-territory relations.