JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2024

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The word "discreet" refers to being careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, especially to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage. In this context, when we say "Accountants are discreet with their records," it means that they handle their records in a way that is careful and deliberate, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy.

Let's consider the options:

• Rash: This means acting without careful consideration of the possible consequences. It is the opposite of being discreet.
• Strategic: This involves planning and using tactics to achieve a specific goal. While it involves careful planning, it doesn't specifically focus on being careful or prudent with information.
• Wise: This implies having knowledge and good judgment. While related, it doesn't directly capture the element of carefulness or tact in handling information.
• Cautious: This means being careful to avoid potential problems or dangers. It matches the concept of being discreet as it relates to handling records carefully and prudently.

Therefore, the option nearest in meaning to "discreet" in this context is cautious.

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The word "moth" rhymes with "wrath." In English, words "rhyme" when they have the same ending sound.

Let's break it down:

• The ending sound of both "moth" and "wrath" is /ɒθ/ in British English or /ɑːθ/ in American English.
• On the other hand, "both" ends with the /oʊθ/ sound.
• "What" ends with the /ʌt/ sound.
• "Boat" ends with the /oʊt/ sound.

Therefore, the word "wrath" is the one that rhymes with "moth" because they share similar ending sounds.

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To select the best option for the gap labeled 13, it is important to understand the context of the passage. The sentence discusses how language maps influence the way we associate language with territory. They establish a certain connection or relationship between the two.

The word "link" is appropriate here because it denotes a connection or relationship, which aligns well with the idea of associating language with specific territories. A "link" in this context serves to connect the concept of language to geographical areas, which is central to understanding language distribution and usage.

On the other hand:

• Plan suggests a strategy or method, which does not fit the context of establishing a relationship.
• Wedge implies something that divides or separates, rather than connects, which is opposite of the intended meaning.
• Bridge could have been correct as it also suggests connecting, but it often involves overcoming a gap or barrier, which is not the nuance required here.

Thus, the most suitable option is "link" as it effectively conveys the act of connecting language with territory. This connection is fundamental to the way we conceptualize language distribution.

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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 best option to complete the sentence is: drugs.

In the context of sports and athletics, the term "performance-enhancing drugs" is commonly used to refer to substances that are taken to improve athletic performance. These substances can include various types of steroids and other medications that enhance physical capabilities, such as increasing strength or endurance.

The word "drugs" is the most appropriate term because it encompasses a wide range of chemical substances that can affect physical abilities. In contrast, "tablets," "caplets," and "capsules" refer to specific forms of medication delivery and do not specifically indicate substances that enhance performance. These terms describe the physical form in which a drug might be administered, but not the function or purpose of the substance.

Thus, when referring to substances taken by athletes to enhance performance, the correct term is drugs.

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The sentence "Let this case stand over for the present, the lawyer pleaded" means that the lawyer is requesting for the case to be postponed or deferred to a later date, rather than addressing it immediately or removing it entirely from consideration.

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To find the word opposite in meaning to **phony**, we need to first understand its meaning. The word **phony** means something that is fake or not genuine. It is used to describe something that is not real or authentic.

Now, let's look at each option:

• Factual: refers to something based on facts, and is true or real. This is the opposite of **phony**, as **phony** indicates something false or counterfeit.
• Misleading: means likely to lead someone into a wrong direction or belief. It is not directly opposite to phony, as misleading can still involve some truths.
• Fake: means not genuine or counterfeit, which is actually synonymous with **phony**, rather than opposite.
• Unreal: refers to something that is not real or imaginary, similar to **phony** in certain contexts, rather than being opposite.

Therefore, the word factual is the option opposite in meaning to the word **phony**.

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To determine the correct order of adjectives in a sentence, it is important to follow the hierarchy that native English speakers intuitively recognize, known as the "order of adjectives." According to the order of adjectives, adjectives are generally placed in the following sequence:

1. Quantity or number
2. Quality or opinion
3. Size
4. Age
5. Shape
6. Color
7. Origin
8. Material
9. Purpose or qualifier

In the options given, we need to sequence the adjectives "shiny," "new," and "red," to describe a “lunch pack.” Here’s how it fits:

• "New" - This adjective refers to the age of the lunch pack; it comes before color and quality.
• "Shiny" - While "shiny" relates to the quality or appearance, adjectives denoting a quality or opinion are commonly placed before color in the adjective hierarchy.
• "Red" - This adjective denotes color and typically comes after descriptors of age and quality.

Therefore, the correct sequence is, "Put Chioma's meal in the shiny, new, red lunch pack." This order follows the standard convention for arranging multiple adjectives in English.

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The phrase on that fateful day modifies the verb had pursued by providing information about when the action occurred, making it an adverbial phrase.

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The correct option to complete the sentence is: comprises.

Here's the explanation:

• The word "comprises" is used correctly when the subject of a sentence includes or consists of certain elements. The basic structure is: "A comprises B." In this case, "The new national security committee comprises retired military personnel."
• The word "comprised" is the past tense of "comprise," and it would indicate a past situation. Since there is no indication that the sentence is referring to the past, "comprises" is more appropriate.
• The option "comprises of" is incorrect because when you use "comprise," you do not follow it with "of." The phrase "comprises of" is not grammatically correct.
• The phrase "is comprising" is also incorrect because "comprise" is typically not used in a progressive tense. The verb "comprise" usually follows the pattern of present tense (comprises) or is used in simple past (comprised) without the auxiliary "is."

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To solve this question, we need to focus on the consonant sound represented by the underlined letter(s) in the word "uncle", which is **"n"**. We want to find an option with the **same "n" consonant sound**.

Let's examine each option:

• Bring: This word contains the consonant sounds "br" and "ng". The "n" sound in "bring" is similar, but is part of the "ng" sound, which makes it different as a consonant combination.
• Long: This word ends with "ng", which contains a nasalized "n" sound, but is combined with "g" to form a distinct sound, different from the standalone "n" in "uncle".
• Bang: This word also ends with "ng", similar to "long", which forms a nasalized "ng" sound, not a standalone "n" like in "uncle".
• Ink: This word has the standalone consonant sound "n" right after the vowel "i", similar to the "n" present in "uncle".

In conclusion, the word "ink" has the **same consonant sound** as the underline "n" in "uncle".

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To correctly complete the sentence, we must understand the structure and the context. The phrase "But for" indicates a situation where something was prevented. It sets up a conditional statement of something that did not happen because of an intervention.

Here, the intervention of the police prevented a potential action by the mob. Thus, we use a conditional perfect tense to express this unreal past condition.

The correct option to complete the sentence is: would have been lynched. This phrase, "would have been lynched," is in the past perfect conditional tense. It describes an action that could have happened in the past but did not occur due to an intervening factor, in this case, the timely intervention of the police.

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The people working in the mines are specifically referred to as "miners," not "toilers" or "workers."

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The word "bathe" has the vowel sound **/eɪ/**, which is represented by the underlined "a". This vowel sound is a diphthong, meaning it consists of two vowel sounds gliding together to form one sound. The sound **/eɪ/** is similar to the vowel sound in the word "face".

Let's analyze the options to determine which one has the same vowel sound:

• "Rake" has the vowel sound **/eɪ/**, which is the same as in "bathe".
• "Tear" can have two vowel sounds: **/ɪə/** as in "tear" (rip) or **/ɛə/** as in "tear" (a liquid drop), neither of which matches **/eɪ/**.
• "Bath" has the vowel sound **/æ/**, which is different from **/eɪ/**.
• "Care" has the vowel sound **/ɛə/**, which does not match **/eɪ/**.

Thus, the word "rake" shares the same vowel sound **/eɪ/** as the underlined vowel sound in "bathe".

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To complete the sentence "Women always ______ themselves in beautiful apparel," we need a verb that logically connects with "beautiful apparel." Let's look at the options:

• Adorn: This verb means to decorate or add beauty. So, when someone adorns themselves, they decorate themselves in a beautiful way. The word "adorn" is commonly used in the context of clothing and jewelry, making it the most appropriate choice for this sentence.
• Mar: This verb means to spoil or damage. It doesn't fit with the context of wearing beautiful apparel.
• Trim: This usually means to cut or decorate the edges. While "trim" can relate to apparel, it doesn't accurately describe how someone would generally dress themselves.
• Garnish: This is often used in the context of food, meaning to add decorative items. It is not typically used for clothing.

Therefore, the best word to complete the sentence is "adorn." Women always adorn themselves in beautiful apparel.

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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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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 passage mentions that honeybees are social insects and live together in hives. Additionally, it highlights that they communicate with each other through a unique dancing movement to share information about food sources. This reflects a social structure and communication, which is a characteristic similar to humans.

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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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The word "cancellation" in this context refers to the ending or termination of an event, and "abortion" can be used to mean the act of stopping something before it is completed.

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The word "redress" in the context given means seeking to set right a wrong or to obtain satisfaction for a grievance. It involves correcting or remedying something that was unfair or unjust. Let's look at each option:

• Returns: This refers to giving back or coming back. It does not relate to correcting a wrong or seeking justice.
• Appeal: This involves asking a higher authority to review or change a decision. It is related to legal processes but doesn't specifically mean correcting a wrong.
• Judgement: This refers to the decision reached by a court of law. It represents the end result of a legal process, but not necessarily the act of seeking correction itself.
• Compensation: This refers to something, typically money, awarded to someone in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury. This aligns closely with the idea of "redress" as it involves making amends for a wrong or loss.

The option nearest in meaning to "redress" is "Compensation" because both involve the idea of rectifying a wrong or providing a remedy to someone who has been wronged.

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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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The option that best completes the gap is "The city of Abuja."

The correct phrase here is "The city of Abuja" because:

• "The city of Abuja" uses the article "the," which specifies a particular city, making the statement clear and precise.
• The word "city" is appropriately placed to refer to Abuja as an urban area, which is necessary to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually accurate.

Let's compare this with the other options:

• "A city of Abuja" - The article "a" suggests any city, which gives an ambiguous meaning since it doesn't specify that we are talking about Abuja being recognized as a city.
• "City of Abuja" - This lacks an article ("the" or "a"), making the phrase incomplete. Articles are important to make a noun phrase grammatically correct.
• "Abuja of a city" - This arrangement doesn't make grammatical or logical sense. The phrase appears jumbled and confusing.

Therefore, the most grammatically sound and contextually appropriate choice is "The city of Abuja."

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The correct answer is "its".

Explanation:

The term "jury" is a collective noun, which represents a group acting as a single unit. When you refer to a collective noun in English, it is generally treated as singular, even though it may represent multiple people. Therefore, the pronoun "its" is used to refer to nouns that are singular and inanimate or to institutions and groups acting as a single entity.

On the other hand:

• "It's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has," which would not be appropriate in this context.
• "His" and "her" are used for singular male and female pronouns, respectively, but do not apply here since the jury is not a person.

Thus, the correct choice to indicate that the jury gave their decision is "its".

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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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Teachers teach various "subjects," which are the areas of study, like mathematics or literature.

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When looking for a specific book, you typically want to search either by the book's title or by the author's name. A reverse catalogue doesn't relate to direct searching methods for books in a library, nor does a borrower's catalogue, which would more likely relate to users of the library rather than the books themselves. A dictionary catalogue is a method in which entries are arranged in dictionary order, combining subjects, titles, and authors, but these are more detailed and comprehensive. However, if you are specifically looking for a book based on its title, you would use a title catalogue. This type of catalogue is designed to help you locate a book when you know what the title is.

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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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The correct option to complete the sentence "How many eggs were _____ by the hen?" is laid.

Here's the explanation:

The word "laid" is the past participle form of the verb "lay," which means to put something down in a flat position or make it sit somewhere. Hens lay eggs, and when we use the past participle in a passive voice construction ("were _____ by"), we need to use "laid" to indicate the action completed by the hen.

Let's briefly consider why the other options are not suitable:

• lain: This is the past participle form of the verb "lie," which means to recline or be in a horizontal position. It is not used for placing objects like eggs.
• layed: This is not a correct form of the verb "lay." It is a common misspelling.
• laying: This is the present participle form of the verb "lay." However, in this sentence's context, we need the past participle to indicate the past action done by the hen, which is "laid."

Therefore, the accurate and grammatically correct answer is "laid."

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The sentence discusses how monolingual standard languages are seen as the norm and anything differing from this is considered aberrant. "Deviations" fits as it means variations or departures from the standard.

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The sentence is discussing a beggar's gratitude for receiving a very small portion of bread. The term that fits this context is a **"crust"** of bread.

Here's why:

- **Crash:** This refers to a collision or a loud noise resulting from something falling or breaking. It doesn't relate to any part of bread.

- **Crush:** This means to press or squeeze something with force such that it becomes deformed. It is irrelevant in the context of bread.

- **Creche:** This is a term for a facility or nursery where children are cared for, especially during the day. It does not relate to any aspect of bread.

- **Crust:** This is the term for the outer part of bread that is typically harder than the soft center. It is a common expression to use "crust of bread" to indicate a small piece, especially in contexts discussing poverty or minimal resources.

Hence, the correct answer is that the beggar would be grateful for even a **"crust"** of bread.

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To fill the gap labeled 6, we must consider the context of modern mining. In a mining environment, particularly in underground mines, there is a complex system of underground passages. These passages are not just random paths or tracks, but specific types of structures that allow for access to different parts of the mine.

The most appropriate word from the given options is "tunnels". Here's why:

• Way generally refers to a method or direction and is too generic for the context of mining.
• Tunnels are specifically constructed subterranean passages often used in mining. They facilitate movement of miners and equipment and are a fundamental component of mine structure.
• Paths typically refer to less formal routes, often above ground, and do not convey the same structured passageway as needed in a mine.
• Avenues are commonly associated with roads or broad streets, and are not used to describe passages within a mine.

Therefore, given the description of a network with walls and openings, "tunnels" is the most logical choice, accurately reflecting the structured underground passageways in modern mines.

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The best option to fill the gap labeled 14 is "principle." The passage discusses the idea of associating language with specific territories or regions. It suggests that thinking about linguistic justice is based on certain fundamental ideas or rules regarding how language should be connected to particular territories. A "principle" refers to a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. In this context, the "territorial principle" refers to the fundamental idea that language is inherently connected to specific geographic areas, and this idea forms the basis for discussions about linguistic justice and legislation.

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The phrase prevail upon generally means to get someone to do something by reasoning with them or urging them consistently. It implies a gentle but firm influence to change someone's mind or decision. Therefore, the term that is nearest in meaning to prevail upon is persuade. When you persuade someone, you are convincing them to do something through reasoning or argument, rather than by forcing or overruling them.

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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 word "fake" implies that something is not genuine or is intended to deceive. It is an imitation or a fabrication. Thus, the word that carries the opposite meaning of "fake" would suggest that something is genuine, real, or not an imitation.

Let's analyze the options:

• Hard: Refers to something that is solid or firm, and does not relate to genuineness. Therefore, this is not the opposite of "fake."
• Original: Suggests that something is the very first of its kind or not a copy. Though this can be related to genuineness, it is not strictly the opposite of "fake" in the context of authenticity.
• Authentic: Means something that is genuine and not false. This is exactly the opposite of "fake," making it the word that effectively counters "fake" in meaning.
• Bogus: This means something is false or not genuine, which is synonymous rather than opposite to "fake."

Thus, the option that is opposite in meaning to "fake" is "authentic." This means that something is real and not intended to deceive.

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The phrase "Here he comes, speak of the devil" is an idiomatic expression. It is used when someone who was just being discussed unexpectedly appears or is present. This expression does not literally refer to the devil. Therefore, the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence is that he appears as he is being discussed. This expression is used to note the coincidence and is often said humorously.

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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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The word "derelict" refers to something that has been abandoned and is in a poor or neglected state. It is often used to describe buildings or structures that are no longer in use and have fallen into disrepair.

• The word "moribund" describes something that is at the point of death or is in decline but does not necessarily imply abandonment or neglect.
• The word "glamorous" describes something that is charmingly or fascinatingly attractive, which is the opposite of the meaning of "derelict".
• The word "enlivened" refers to something that has been made lively or spirited, which also contradicts the meaning of "derelict".
• The word "titivated" means to make something more attractive by adding decorations, which is also opposite to being abandoned or neglected.

The option nearest in meaning to "derelict" is "moribund" because it suggests decline, although it doesn't specifically indicate abandonment. The context of the phrase suggests that the fire station is not only neglected but also likely to be in a state of disrepair, which aligns more closely with "moribund" than the other options.

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The phrase stand in in the context "The assistant class teacher was told to stand in for Mrs. Chukwudi" means to take the place of or substitute for someone temporarily. This involves performing the duties or responsibilities of that person when they are unavailable. Therefore, the word or phrase nearest in meaning to stand in in this context would be support but with a particular emphasis on acting on behalf of, or doing what the absent person would have done.

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The sentence "Driving in Lagos is a difficult task" describes the nature of driving in Lagos, indicating that it is not easy. This implies that there are complexities or challenges involved in driving in this location. To put it simply:

• The sentence conveys that **driving in Lagos is challenging**. This is not an easy or straightforward activity due to factors like traffic congestion, road conditions, or other situational variables.

Therefore, the option that best explains this is: "It is a herculean task driving in Lagos."

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A "call-mark" is used to identify the specific location of a book on a shelf.

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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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To understand which option best completes the sentence, let's examine the meaning of each phrase:

• Up for sale: This means that something is available to be sold. The phrase "up for" indicates that the properties were being offered to potential buyers before any incident happened.
• Up on: This phrase is generally used to indicate being current with information or being knowledgeable about something. It is not typically used with "sale."
• Out for: This phrase usually suggests looking for or aiming to achieve something. It doesn't fit well in the context of items being sold.
• Down on: This implies having a negative attitude towards someone or something. It doesn't relate to the context of selling properties.

Given these meanings, the phrase that best completes the sentence is "up for sale." Therefore, the sentence should read: "These properties were up for sale before the fire gutted them."

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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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The combination of "digging" and explosives is what is needed to harvest coal from a mine.

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The word vague means something that is not clearly expressed, or is uncertain and lacking in specificity. When something is vague, it is not precise or definite.
To find a word that is opposite in meaning, we look for terms that imply clarity or exactness. The word "clear" is the best opposite for "vague". "Clear" means something that is easy to perceive, understand, or recognize with no ambiguity. It indicates that there is no confusion or uncertainty, making it the direct opposite of vague.
On the other hand, the words "obscure" and "hazy" both suggest a lack of clarity similar to "vague," while "sure" indicates certainty in belief but does not necessarily relate to clarity of instruction. Therefore, "clear" is the correct choice.

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The word anxious refers to a feeling of worry or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. When someone is anxious, they are not calm or assured; rather, they are concerned about a possible problem or risk.

Let's examine the given options:

• Perturbed: This means feeling disturbed, troubled, or unsettled, which closely aligns with being anxious, as both terms involve a state of apprehension or unease.
• Sure: This means being confident in one's knowledge or ability. It suggests certainty and is the opposite of feeling anxious.
• Confident: This means having faith or strong assurance in something, which contrasts with feeling anxious because it suggests a lack of worry.
• Certain: This implies having no doubt about something, which is also contrary to being anxious, as it indicates sureness rather than worry.

Therefore, among the options, the word perturbed is nearest in meaning to anxious, as both convey a sense of worry and unease.

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The gap labeled 11 needs an option that accurately describes the type of language normally associated with a state. In this context, the passage highlights how states are typically categorized on maps based on a predominant language. Thus, the most fitting choice would be "national". A national language refers to a language that is closely associated with a specific country or state. It often plays a role in government, administration, and cultural identity, thereby making it an apt choice to fill the gap.

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The word taciturn ends with the sound "-urn." Therefore, the option that rhymes with the word taciturn should also have a similar ending sound. Let's analyze the options:

• rerun - Ends with "-un." The ending sound is not similar to "-urn." Therefore, it does not rhyme.
• tarn - Ends with "-arn." This ending sound is different from "-urn." Hence, it does not rhyme.
• around - Ends with "-ound." This ending sound does not match "-urn." Therefore, it does not rhyme.
• burn - Ends with the exact sound "-urn," which is the same as the ending of taciturn. Hence, it rhymes with taciturn.

Therefore, the word burn rhymes with the word taciturn.

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"In spite of" is used to show contrast with something (in this case, Okupe's lateness). The phrase means that despite being late, Okupe still benefited from the coaching.

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In the novel, Khadija Abubakar Jalli's "The Life Changer", Dr. Kabir Mohammed plays a significant role in the story involving Salma's academic challenges. The specific incident in question revolves around covering up Salma's EMAL offence.

To resolve the issue related to her examination malpractice, Dr. Kabir Mohammed demanded a sum from Salma. The amount he requested and collected was three hundred thousand naira.

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To identify the vowel sound, let's first isolate the vowel sound in the word "busy," which is represented by the "u" and pronounced as /ɪ/. This is similar to the "i" in "bit" or "sit".

Now, let's analyze each option:

• Vineyard: The "i" in "vineyard" sounds like /ɪ/, similar to the "i" in "bit" or "sit," which is the same as "busy".
• Automobile: The vowels sound like /ɔː/, /ə/, /ʊ/, which don't match the /ɪ/ sound in "busy".
• Twilight: The "i" here sounds like /aɪ/ as in "light," which is different from the /ɪ/ sound in "busy".
• Island: The "i" sounds like /aɪ/ as in "high," which is also different from the /ɪ/ sound in "busy".

Therefore, **"vineyard"** has the same vowel sound as the word "busy".

Answer Details

The correct option to complete the sentence is "were". Let's understand why:

This sentence is an example of a conditional sentence. Specifically, it is a type called the second conditional, which is used to talk about hypothetical situations that are not real or are unlikely to happen in the present or future.

The structure of a second conditional sentence is: If + subject + past simple, subject + would + base verb. Here is the structure applied to the sentence:

• If her brother were here, he would call the police.

In the conditional clause "If her brother were here," we use the past simple verb "were" which is used for hypothetical situations involving the subject "her brother."

Note: Although "were" typically pairs with plural subjects, in the case of hypothetical or conditional sentences, "were" is also used with singular subjects like "her brother." This use is sometimes referred to as the subjunctive mood.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

To complete the sentence, we need to choose the word that best fits the context of securing a bank loan using the house. Let’s examine the options:

• Pledge: This term indicates a promise or commitment but is not specific to banking terminology related to loans and assets.




• Agreement: This refers to a mutual understanding or arrangement between parties, and while it could involve loans, it does not specifically describe using an asset to secure a loan.




• Collateral: This is a specific banking and financial term that refers to an asset pledged by a borrower to a lender (usually in the form of property, like a house), to secure the repayment of a loan. It ensures the lender that the loan will be repaid or they can seize the asset if it isn’t. Therefore, this is the most appropriate word to complete the sentence.




• Surety: This refers to a person who takes responsibility for another's performance of an undertaking, such as the payment of a loan, which is not the same as placing one's own asset at stake for a loan.

Therefore, the best option is collateral because it directly relates to using an asset to secure a loan. The completed sentence should be:

I had to put up my house as collateral for the bank loan.

Answer Details

The original sentences convey two pieces of information: that she is currently travelling to Abuja and that she will return next week. The option that best maintains this information without adding unnecessary condition or incorrect wording is: She is travelling to Abuja and returning next week.

This option uses the conjunction "and" to correctly connect the two independent clauses, capturing both ideas without implying a restrictive or conditional relationship between the two actions. Hence, it accurately summarises the information conveyed in the original sentence fragment.

Answer Details

The sentence "Our school field is bigger than yours" conveys a comparison of size between two school fields. This sentence clearly indicates that our school field is larger in size compared to your school field.

Now let's examine the options:

• Your school is bigger than ours: This option talks about the overall school size, not the field. It contradicts the original sentence because it implies your school is bigger, which is not discussed in the context of fields.
• Your school is not bigger than ours: This option, again, refers to the schools instead of just the fields. It might align with the general notion, but it does not directly address the field size comparison.
• Our school field is as big as yours: This implies that both fields are of the same size. However, the original sentence clearly states that our field is bigger, not equal in size.
• Your school field is not as big as ours: This option accurately paraphrases the original comparison by saying that your field is smaller than ours, maintaining the original meaning and focus on field size.

Thus, the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence is "Your school field is not as big as ours."

Answer Details

To select the best option to complete the sentence "The movie wasn't fantastic, was it?" we need to understand the structure of a tag question. A **tag question** consists of a **statement** followed by a short question. The tag question is typically used to confirm something the speaker believes to be true. In English, the **tag** is generally formed by inverting the auxiliary verb and subject of the main sentence and is usually the opposite in form (affirmative vs. negative).

In this case, the statement is "The movie wasn't fantastic". The tag "was it?" is used to seek confirmation and implies that the speaker anticipates agreement. **Since the statement is negative ("wasn't"), the agreement or confirmation often expected is affirmative.**

Therefore, if you agree that the movie wasn't fantastic, you'd say "No, it wasn't" to confirm the negative statement because agreement to a negative statement is expressed with "no".

Thus, the correct option to complete the sentence is:
No, it wasn't.