JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2007

Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

The girl cannot speak with a clear voice; she is always _______?

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

The man paid a large sum to redeem his mortgage property?

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The option opposite in meaning to the word "redeem" is "pawn". To redeem something means to recover or regain possession of something by paying a price or fulfilling a condition. On the other hand, to pawn something means to deposit an item of value with a pawnbroker in exchange for a loan, with the understanding that the item may be sold if the loan is not repaid. Therefore, the opposite meaning of "redeem" is "pawn".

Choose the option that has a different stress pattern from the others.

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The option that has a different stress pattern from the others is "about". "Superior", "surcharge", and "slaughter" are all stressed on the second syllable, while "about" is stressed on the first syllable.

It is of no more use to give advice to the idle than top pour water into a sieve, but it strike me that lazy people ought to have a large looking glass hung up where they are bound to see themselves in it. For sure, if their eyes are at all like mine, they will never bear to look at themselves long or often. The ugliest sight in the world is one of those thorough-bred loafers, who would hardly hold up his basin if it were to rain with porridge: and for certain, would never hold up a bigger pot than he wanted to fill for himself.

Perhaps, if the shower should turn to beer, he might wake himself up a bit; but he will make up for it afterwards, since as a slothful man, he folds his hands in sleep and hates to get up even for his meals. Men like him ought to be treated with like the drone which the bees drive out of their hives for inactivity overdependence.

Every man ought to have patience and pity for poverty; but for laziness, a long whip might be better. This would be a healthy treatment for all sluggards, but there is no chance of some of them getting their full dose of this medicine, for they were born with silver spoons in their mouths, and like spoons will scarce stir their own tea unless somebody lends them a hand. They are like the proverbial dogs that leaned his head against the wall to bark and, like lazy sheep, it is too much trouble for them to carry their own wool. If they could see themselves, it might by chance do them a world of good; but perhaps it would be too much trouble for them to open their eyes even if the glass were hung for them.

If I seem to hit hard at the sluggards, it is because I know they can bear it, for if they were seed on the threshing floor, you will thresh many days to get them out of the straw, for laziness is in their bones, and will show itself in their idle flesh, no matter what you do with them.

Adapted from Spurgeon, C.H.: John Ploughman’s Talk

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Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word underlined?

The best of the boys admire Olu's verve

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

The team has benefited from the coach's _____ of experience?

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While trying desperately to cope with the scourge of the dreaded HIV/AIDS virus, the human race was once again beset with the problem of grappling with fast-spreading and lethal pandemic called bird flu. Also called avian influenza, bird flu’s vicious strain, H5NI, was spread from birds to humans and could be as deadly as HIV/AIDS. The pandemic had ravaged many countries in Europe, Asia and Middle East resulting in a high death toll in livestock, but as yet with a few human casualties.

As the pandemic made its steady spread, there was the fear that if it ever gets to Africa, the consequences would be devastating in view of the continent’s lack of infrastructure and money to keep it in control. This fear was consequent upon African countries’’ unenviable response to emergencies in the past, like drought in some sahelian countries or flooding along the coast. It was against this frightening background that many Nigerians were thrown into panic following the announcement on Wednesday the 8th of February, 2006, that the bird flu had indeed entered Nigeria.

The announcement itself was a sequel to the death of a large number of birds in a farm in Kaduna State whose samples were diagnosed at the National Veterinary Institute, Vom, Plateau State, and confirmed at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Diagnostic Centre in Rome, Italy. Several follow-up actions had been taking to try and halt the spread of the virus in the country, such as the immediate quarantine of the affected farms, the killing and disposal of all infested and surviving birds in affected farms and the restriction of movement of people in and outside such farms. Commendable as these measures were, many Nigerians still dreaded the chicken and had already excluded its meat from their menu. As a result, poultry farmers in Nigeria were counting their losses instead of producing more protein and smiling to the bank with good sales.

to return to the status quo ante and restore the confidence of Nigerians in poultry products, additional measures were suggested, namely the close monitoring of migratory birds which flock into the country at different times of the year, the proper caging of all free-range birds and appropriate sanctioning of defaulting owners, not restricting the monitoring of poultry farms in the country to the urban centres only, the upward review of the compensation paid to farmers whose birds had been destroyed to cushion the effects of their loss, the strict enforcement of the restriction on the importation of poultry products and , lastly the leadership demonstrating, by example, that it was safe to eat poultry products by serving them at dinners and banquets during state functions.

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The expression "To return to the status quo ante" refers to the condition of things prior to the incidence of bird flu. It means going back to the way things were before the outbreak of bird flu in Nigeria.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined.

Do not be discouraged by failure in life.

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The passage below has gas numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options re provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king’s own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ….16…. [A. lied B. lay C. lain D. laid] eyes on him for a long time. The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ….17…. [A. were gathered B. gather C. to be gathering D. gathers] in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ….18…. [A. booms B. shoots C. knocks D. bangs] repeatedly. Rich …. 19 …. [A vibration B gyration C explosion D percussion] from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun ….20…. [A royally B resplendent C dazzled D surrounded] in white –bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the….21…. [A traditional B social C royal D cultural] dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ….22…. [A from the cheers B at the cheer C with the cheers D to the cheers] and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his person begins to ….23…. [A pay their respects B Spray him with gifts C observe his steps D pay their tolls]. ‘Igweee! You will live long ….24…. [A t the throne B on the throne C by the throne D in the throne],’ they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe….25…. [A answers B responds C acknowledges D replies] their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk. Exhausted, the Igwe rises. ‘Igweeee,’ the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.

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The passage below has gas numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options re provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king’s own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ….16…. [A. lied B. lay C. lain D. laid] eyes on him for a long time. The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ….17…. [A. were gathered B. gather C. to be gathering D. gathers] in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ….18…. [A. booms B. shoots C. knocks D. bangs] repeatedly. Rich …. 19 …. [A vibration B gyration C explosion D percussion] from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun ….20…. [A royally B resplendent C dazzled D surrounded] in white –bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the….21…. [A traditional B social C royal D cultural] dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ….22…. [A from the cheers B at the cheer C with the cheers D to the cheers] and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his person begins to ….23…. [A pay their respects B Spray him with gifts C observe his steps D pay their tolls]. ‘Igweee! You will live long ….24…. [A t the throne B on the throne C by the throne D in the throne],’ they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe….25…. [A answers B responds C acknowledges D replies] their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk. Exhausted, the Igwe rises. ‘Igweeee,’ the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.

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Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word underlined?

I visited Amina umpteen times in her college, but she never came to me?

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The passage below has gas numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options re provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king’s own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ….16…. [A. lied B. lay C. lain D. laid] eyes on him for a long time. The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ….17…. [A. were gathered B. gather C. to be gathering D. gathers] in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ….18…. [A. booms B. shoots C. knocks D. bangs] repeatedly. Rich …. 19 …. [A vibration B gyration C explosion D percussion] from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun ….20…. [A royally B resplendent C dazzled D surrounded] in white –bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the….21…. [A traditional B social C royal D cultural] dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ….22…. [A from the cheers B at the cheer C with the cheers D to the cheers] and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his person begins to ….23…. [A pay their respects B Spray him with gifts C observe his steps D pay their tolls]. ‘Igweee! You will live long ….24…. [A t the throne B on the throne C by the throne D in the throne],’ they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe….25…. [A answers B responds C acknowledges D replies] their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk. Exhausted, the Igwe rises. ‘Igweeee,’ the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

If he arrived late, everyone _______ him?

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

The rain fell for days _____ ?

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In time past in Nigeria, being a secretary was perceived with utter disdain by many people. Other professionals such as teachers, lawyers, engineers, surveyors, estate officers and architects were revered. Many issues readily come to mind concerning the old perspective of secretaries as professionals.

One, they were regarded as people with little or no education. Indeed, many of them were said to be mere typists who learnt how to punch keys on the typewriter. They hardly had any formal education but obtained doubtful certificates. This was made possible because anyone could easily learn to be a typist under the shade of a tree or in a personal office of a retired secretary or a chief typist from any business organization. As long as a short piece of work could be typed almost accurately and in record time, one then became a secretary. This unrealistic practice – to call an unqualified person a secretary – might have been introduced and sustained by people who did not know who a secretary was. The educated secretaries obtained a minimum of the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or its equivalent from institutions in and outside Nigeria, particularly Great Britain, Canada or the United States of America.

Two, they were mostly women and very few male secretaries, who suffered more humiliation than their female counterparts. They were regarded as men who did not succeed in life and did the work that normally women were supposed to do.

Three, and deriving from the second reason, secretaries were, as a matter of fact, very close to their bosses. Most people, including husbands of secretaries, regarded such a mode of interaction as tempting – a kind of constant closeness which might engender a deliberation or unintentional amorous relationship between superior and subordinate officer. Quite often, such a situation could not be ruled out when body contacts was established inadvertently or deliberately between two people of opposite sex especially when either one or both people were attractive and attracted to each other.

Moreover, we often talk of the devil and the havoc he is capable of causing in the lives of people, particularly the unguarded ones.

In today’s world, these points of view concerning secretaries are fading fast. Now, there is a clear distinction between a typist and a secretary. Modern secretaries are trained in polytechnics and universities. Gone are the days when secretaries were taught only the art of punching the typewriters and various filling systems. They are also encouraged to take training courses other than secretarial duty. Many secretaries have had their training in faculties of business administration, law, art and mass communications of universities. They take relevant courses in administration and other social science departments that enhance their personality, carriage, interpersonal relations and office management.

Obviously, secretaries, including the male ones, are more important and well respected today than in the past.

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In time past in Nigeria, being a secretary was perceived with utter disdain by many people. Other professionals such as teachers, lawyers, engineers, surveyors, estate officers and architects were revered. Many issues readily come to mind concerning the old perspective of secretaries as professionals.

One, they were regarded as people with little or no education. Indeed, many of them were said to be mere typists who learnt how to punch keys on the typewriter. They hardly had any formal education but obtained doubtful certificates. This was made possible because anyone could easily learn to be a typist under the shade of a tree or in a personal office of a retired secretary or a chief typist from any business organization. As long as a short piece of work could be typed almost accurately and in record time, one then became a secretary. This unrealistic practice – to call an unqualified person a secretary – might have been introduced and sustained by people who did not know who a secretary was. The educated secretaries obtained a minimum of the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or its equivalent from institutions in and outside Nigeria, particularly Great Britain, Canada or the United States of America.

Two, they were mostly women and very few male secretaries, who suffered more humiliation than their female counterparts. They were regarded as men who did not succeed in life and did the work that normally women were supposed to do.

Three, and deriving from the second reason, secretaries were, as a matter of fact, very close to their bosses. Most people, including husbands of secretaries, regarded such a mode of interaction as tempting – a kind of constant closeness which might engender a deliberation or unintentional amorous relationship between superior and subordinate officer. Quite often, such a situation could not be ruled out when body contacts was established inadvertently or deliberately between two people of opposite sex especially when either one or both people were attractive and attracted to each other.

Moreover, we often talk of the devil and the havoc he is capable of causing in the lives of people, particularly the unguarded ones.

In today’s world, these points of view concerning secretaries are fading fast. Now, there is a clear distinction between a typist and a secretary. Modern secretaries are trained in polytechnics and universities. Gone are the days when secretaries were taught only the art of punching the typewriters and various filling systems. They are also encouraged to take training courses other than secretarial duty. Many secretaries have had their training in faculties of business administration, law, art and mass communications of universities. They take relevant courses in administration and other social science departments that enhance their personality, carriage, interpersonal relations and office management.

Obviously, secretaries, including the male ones, are more important and well respected today than in the past.

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Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

Things may change soon, but at the moment our economic situation is precarious?

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

He says he _____ find me a job, but will accommodate me?

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

Because of his _______ nature Ayo was tricked out of his wristwatch?

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word

underlined?

The refugees were received at the transit camp?

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

There was _____ any traffic as he drove home?

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Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

The noise across the road downed the sound of the keyboard in my room?

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The option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word is "overshadowed". Explanation: The word "downed" in this context means that the noise from across the road was so loud that it drowned out or overpowered the sound of the keyboard in the speaker's room. Therefore, the best option that matches this meaning is "overshadowed", which means to cast a shadow over or to obscure something by being more prominent or significant.

Choose the appropriate stress pattern from the option. The syllables are written in capital letters.

catholicism?

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It is of no more use to give advice to the idle than top pour water into a sieve, but it strike me that lazy people ought to have a large looking glass hung up where they are bound to see themselves in it. For sure, if their eyes are at all like mine, they will never bear to look at themselves long or often. The ugliest sight in the world is one of those thorough-bred loafers, who would hardly hold up his basin if it were to rain with porridge: and for certain, would never hold up a bigger pot than he wanted to fill for himself.

Perhaps, if the shower should turn to beer, he might wake himself up a bit; but he will make up for it afterwards, since as a slothful man, he folds his hands in sleep and hates to get up even for his meals. Men like him ought to be treated with like the drone which the bees drive out of their hives for inactivity overdependence.

Every man ought to have patience and pity for poverty; but for laziness, a long whip might be better. This would be a healthy treatment for all sluggards, but there is no chance of some of them getting their full dose of this medicine, for they were born with silver spoons in their mouths, and like spoons will scarce stir their own tea unless somebody lends them a hand. They are like the proverbial dogs that leaned his head against the wall to bark and, like lazy sheep, it is too much trouble for them to carry their own wool. If they could see themselves, it might by chance do them a world of good; but perhaps it would be too much trouble for them to open their eyes even if the glass were hung for them.

If I seem to hit hard at the sluggards, it is because I know they can bear it, for if they were seed on the threshing floor, you will thresh many days to get them out of the straw, for laziness is in their bones, and will show itself in their idle flesh, no matter what you do with them.

Adapted from Spurgeon, C.H.: John Ploughman’s Talk

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The country is holding its first free elections for five years?

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Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

Thanks to that phone call, I obtain the visa.

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Choose from the options opposite in meaning to the word underlined.

The striking workers have vowed not to return to work until the decision is rescinded?

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The opposite in meaning to the underlined word "rescinded" is "implemented". The sentence implies that the striking workers are waiting for a decision to be reversed or cancelled, so they won't return to work until that happens. Therefore, the opposite meaning would be if the decision were implemented or put into effect, indicating that the workers would return to work.

Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

The idle steward could not see _____ on the wall, and he lost his job?

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Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the underlined letter(s).

Preached

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

The study he carried out of the problem was quite comprehensive?

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

The police demanded a factual account of the accident?

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The passage below has gas numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options re provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king’s own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ….16…. [A. lied B. lay C. lain D. laid] eyes on him for a long time. The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ….17…. [A. were gathered B. gather C. to be gathering D. gathers] in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ….18…. [A. booms B. shoots C. knocks D. bangs] repeatedly. Rich …. 19 …. [A vibration B gyration C explosion D percussion] from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun ….20…. [A royally B resplendent C dazzled D surrounded] in white –bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the….21…. [A traditional B social C royal D cultural] dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ….22…. [A from the cheers B at the cheer C with the cheers D to the cheers] and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his person begins to ….23…. [A pay their respects B Spray him with gifts C observe his steps D pay their tolls]. ‘Igweee! You will live long ….24…. [A t the throne B on the throne C by the throne D in the throne],’ they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe….25…. [A answers B responds C acknowledges D replies] their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk. Exhausted, the Igwe rises. ‘Igweeee,’ the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.

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Choose the option that has a different stress pattern from the others.

He says he _____ find me a job, but will accommodate me?

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Choose the option that has a different stress on the first syllable.

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

Otokpa took after his late father who was a teetotaler?

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Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word underlined?

The debt the company incurred became rather intolerable?

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The option nearest in meaning to the underlined word "intolerable" is "insupportable". This is because "insupportable" means something that cannot be sustained or endured, which is similar to the meaning of "intolerable" in the context of the sentence.

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the the underlined letter(s).

blue?

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The option that has the same vowel sound as the underlined letter(s) in "blue" is "root". Both words have the same "oo" vowel sound pronounced as /u:/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The other options, "book", "foot", and "look", have different vowel sounds.

Choose the option that has a different stress on the first syllable.

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The passage below has gas numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options re provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king’s own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ….16…. [A. lied B. lay C. lain D. laid] eyes on him for a long time. The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ….17…. [A. were gathered B. gather C. to be gathering D. gathers] in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ….18…. [A. booms B. shoots C. knocks D. bangs] repeatedly. Rich …. 19 …. [A vibration B gyration C explosion D percussion] from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun ….20…. [A royally B resplendent C dazzled D surrounded] in white –bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the….21…. [A traditional B social C royal D cultural] dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ….22…. [A from the cheers B at the cheer C with the cheers D to the cheers] and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his person begins to ….23…. [A pay their respects B Spray him with gifts C observe his steps D pay their tolls]. ‘Igweee! You will live long ….24…. [A t the throne B on the throne C by the throne D in the throne],’ they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe….25…. [A answers B responds C acknowledges D replies] their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk. Exhausted, the Igwe rises. ‘Igweeee,’ the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.

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The most appropriate option for the gap is B, "gather". The sentence is in the past tense, and the context is describing events that occurred during the festival. Therefore, the correct form of the verb should be in the past tense. The option "gather" is the correct past tense form of the verb "gather". Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word underlined?

The tax rebate was a concession given to the civil servants?

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The underlined word in the sentence is "concession". In this context, a concession refers to something that is given or granted as a privilege or a right. Therefore, the option nearest in meaning to "concession" is "an allowance", which refers to something that is given or granted as a right or a benefit. While the other options may have some similarities to "concession", "an allowance" is the option that most closely captures the meaning of the word in the given context. Hence, the correct option is: "The tax rebate was an allowance given to the civil servants."

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word underlined?

The police are not happy with the growing number of depraved people around the politician?

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The option nearest in meaning to the underlined word "depraved" is "immoral". This is because "depraved" refers to behavior that is morally corrupt, wicked or perverted. Among the options provided, only "immoral" has a similar meaning to "depraved". The other options - "violet", "indolent" and "loquacious" - have completely different meanings that are not related to moral behavior.

The passage below has gas numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options re provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king’s own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ….16…. [A. lied B. lay C. lain D. laid] eyes on him for a long time. The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ….17…. [A. were gathered B. gather C. to be gathering D. gathers] in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ….18…. [A. booms B. shoots C. knocks D. bangs] repeatedly. Rich …. 19 …. [A vibration B gyration C explosion D percussion] from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun ….20…. [A royally B resplendent C dazzled D surrounded] in white –bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the….21…. [A traditional B social C royal D cultural] dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ….22…. [A from the cheers B at the cheer C with the cheers D to the cheers] and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his person begins to ….23…. [A pay their respects B Spray him with gifts C observe his steps D pay their tolls]. ‘Igweee! You will live long ….24…. [A t the throne B on the throne C by the throne D in the throne],’ they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe….25…. [A answers B responds C acknowledges D replies] their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk. Exhausted, the Igwe rises. ‘Igweeee,’ the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.

In question number 18 above choose the best option from letters A - D that best complete the gap.

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The best option to complete the gap is "booms". Explanation: The context of the sentence indicates that a loud sound is being described, which is most likely the sound of a cannon being fired. Among the four options provided, "booms" is the most appropriate word to describe the sound of a cannon being fired repeatedly. The other options, "shoots", "knocks", and "bangs", do not accurately capture the sound of a cannon being fired. Therefore, the correct option to complete the gap is "booms".

Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

The students were undeterred by the noisy lecture environment?

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The opposite of "undeterred" is "discouraged". If someone is undeterred, it means they are not discouraged or prevented from doing something despite difficult conditions or obstacles. Therefore, the option that is opposite in meaning to "undeterred" is "discouraged", which means to feel less confident or enthusiastic about doing something.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

beads of sweat ran down Ngozi's armpit?

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

Yesterday in the hall, Ola said that _____ his watch?

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The correct option that completes the gap is "he had mislaid his watch". This means that Ola had lost his watch but not in a permanent way, rather he had misplaced it and could possibly find it later.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word underlined?

We were warned not to indulge in recriminations?

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

The man advised his wife to steer a middle course in the argument between her and her employers?

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Choose the option that has the same consonant sounds as the one represented by the underlined letter(s).

Ash

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ash: /aʃ/
mention: /'mɛnʃ(ə)n/
missing: /ˈmɪsɪŋ/
matching: /ˈmatʃɪŋ/
massive: /ˈmasɪv/

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the the underlined letter(s).

pear?

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

Didn't _____ draw your attention to the entry requirements?

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

Kola was fined; _____ thieves were given a jail sentence?

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There should be a playing field for women entering politics?

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

Lami and her husband are simply munificent?

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

My father has been away on a journey but my mother says she _____ he _____ this Friday?

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Choose the option that has a different stress pattern from the others.

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There's a door at either end of the building?

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The correct option is: "The building has two ends and two doors." The sentence indicates that there are two doors in the building, one located at each end of it. Therefore, we can infer that the building has two distinct ends, and each one has a door.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word underlined?

He deprecated the attempts made to unseat him?

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The passage below has gas numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options re provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king’s own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ….16…. [A. lied B. lay C. lain D. laid] eyes on him for a long time. The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ….17…. [A. were gathered B. gather C. to be gathering D. gathers] in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ….18…. [A. booms B. shoots C. knocks D. bangs] repeatedly. Rich …. 19 …. [A vibration B gyration C explosion D percussion] from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun ….20…. [A royally B resplendent C dazzled D surrounded] in white –bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the….21…. [A traditional B social C royal D cultural] dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ….22…. [A from the cheers B at the cheer C with the cheers D to the cheers] and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his person begins to ….23…. [A pay their respects B Spray him with gifts C observe his steps D pay their tolls]. ‘Igweee! You will live long ….24…. [A t the throne B on the throne C by the throne D in the throne],’ they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe….25…. [A answers B responds C acknowledges D replies] their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk. Exhausted, the Igwe rises. ‘Igweeee,’ the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.

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Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

Ado and Abu are always together these days. They must be up to something?

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In time past in Nigeria, being a secretary was perceived with utter disdain by many people. Other professionals such as teachers, lawyers, engineers, surveyors, estate officers and architects were revered. Many issues readily come to mind concerning the old perspective of secretaries as professionals.

One, they were regarded as people with little or no education. Indeed, many of them were said to be mere typists who learnt how to punch keys on the typewriter. They hardly had any formal education but obtained doubtful certificates. This was made possible because anyone could easily learn to be a typist under the shade of a tree or in a personal office of a retired secretary or a chief typist from any business organization. As long as a short piece of work could be typed almost accurately and in record time, one then became a secretary. This unrealistic practice – to call an unqualified person a secretary – might have been introduced and sustained by people who did not know who a secretary was. The educated secretaries obtained a minimum of the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or its equivalent from institutions in and outside Nigeria, particularly Great Britain, Canada or the United States of America.

Two, they were mostly women and very few male secretaries, who suffered more humiliation than their female counterparts. They were regarded as men who did not succeed in life and did the work that normally women were supposed to do.

Three, and deriving from the second reason, secretaries were, as a matter of fact, very close to their bosses. Most people, including husbands of secretaries, regarded such a mode of interaction as tempting – a kind of constant closeness which might engender a deliberation or unintentional amorous relationship between superior and subordinate officer. Quite often, such a situation could not be ruled out when body contacts was established inadvertently or deliberately between two people of opposite sex especially when either one or both people were attractive and attracted to each other.

Moreover, we often talk of the devil and the havoc he is capable of causing in the lives of people, particularly the unguarded ones.

In today’s world, these points of view concerning secretaries are fading fast. Now, there is a clear distinction between a typist and a secretary. Modern secretaries are trained in polytechnics and universities. Gone are the days when secretaries were taught only the art of punching the typewriters and various filling systems. They are also encouraged to take training courses other than secretarial duty. Many secretaries have had their training in faculties of business administration, law, art and mass communications of universities. They take relevant courses in administration and other social science departments that enhance their personality, carriage, interpersonal relations and office management.

Obviously, secretaries, including the male ones, are more important and well respected today than in the past.

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Choose the appropriate stress pattern from the options. The syllables are written in capital letters.

association?

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

Mr. Adeyemo is quite a conceited young man?

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

Government should invest more in _____ training?

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Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word underlined?

The last criticism at the rally was made in ignorance?

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Choose the option that has a different stress pattern from the others.

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While trying desperately to cope with the scourge of the dreaded HIV/AIDS virus, the human race was once again beset with the problem of grappling with fast-spreading and lethal pandemic called bird flu. Also called avian influenza, bird flu’s vicious strain, H5NI, was spread from birds to humans and could be as deadly as HIV/AIDS. The pandemic had ravaged many countries in Europe, Asia and Middle East resulting in a high death toll in livestock, but as yet with a few human casualties.

As the pandemic made its steady spread, there was the fear that if it ever gets to Africa, the consequences would be devastating in view of the continent’s lack of infrastructure and money to keep it in control. This fear was consequent upon African countries’’ unenviable response to emergencies in the past, like drought in some sahelian countries or flooding along the coast. It was against this frightening background that many Nigerians were thrown into panic following the announcement on Wednesday the 8th of February, 2006, that the bird flu had indeed entered Nigeria.

The announcement itself was a sequel to the death of a large number of birds in a farm in Kaduna State whose samples were diagnosed at the National Veterinary Institute, Vom, Plateau State, and confirmed at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Diagnostic Centre in Rome, Italy. Several follow-up actions had been taking to try and halt the spread of the virus in the country, such as the immediate quarantine of the affected farms, the killing and disposal of all infested and surviving birds in affected farms and the restriction of movement of people in and outside such farms. Commendable as these measures were, many Nigerians still dreaded the chicken and had already excluded its meat from their menu. As a result, poultry farmers in Nigeria were counting their losses instead of producing more protein and smiling to the bank with good sales.

to return to the status quo ante and restore the confidence of Nigerians in poultry products, additional measures were suggested, namely the close monitoring of migratory birds which flock into the country at different times of the year, the proper caging of all free-range birds and appropriate sanctioning of defaulting owners, not restricting the monitoring of poultry farms in the country to the urban centres only, the upward review of the compensation paid to farmers whose birds had been destroyed to cushion the effects of their loss, the strict enforcement of the restriction on the importation of poultry products and , lastly the leadership demonstrating, by example, that it was safe to eat poultry products by serving them at dinners and banquets during state functions.

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

Making a phone call instead of paying a visit represents a _______trend?

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Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

My advice to Tolu was: Look before you leap?

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The passage below has gas numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options re provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king’s own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ….16…. [A. lied B. lay C. lain D. laid] eyes on him for a long time. The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ….17…. [A. were gathered B. gather C. to be gathering D. gathers] in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ….18…. [A. booms B. shoots C. knocks D. bangs] repeatedly. Rich …. 19 …. [A vibration B gyration C explosion D percussion] from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun ….20…. [A royally B resplendent C dazzled D surrounded] in white –bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the….21…. [A traditional B social C royal D cultural] dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ….22…. [A from the cheers B at the cheer C with the cheers D to the cheers] and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his person begins to ….23…. [A pay their respects B Spray him with gifts C observe his steps D pay their tolls]. ‘Igweee! You will live long ….24…. [A t the throne B on the throne C by the throne D in the throne],’ they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe….25…. [A answers B responds C acknowledges D replies] their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk. Exhausted, the Igwe rises. ‘Igweeee,’ the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.

Answer Details

It is of no more use to give advice to the idle than top pour water into a sieve, but it strike me that lazy people ought to have a large looking glass hung up where they are bound to see themselves in it. For sure, if their eyes are at all like mine, they will never bear to look at themselves long or often. The ugliest sight in the world is one of those thorough-bred loafers, who would hardly hold up his basin if it were to rain with porridge: and for certain, would never hold up a bigger pot than he wanted to fill for himself.

Perhaps, if the shower should turn to beer, he might wake himself up a bit; but he will make up for it afterwards, since as a slothful man, he folds his hands in sleep and hates to get up even for his meals. Men like him ought to be treated with like the drone which the bees drive out of their hives for inactivity overdependence.

Every man ought to have patience and pity for poverty; but for laziness, a long whip might be better. This would be a healthy treatment for all sluggards, but there is no chance of some of them getting their full dose of this medicine, for they were born with silver spoons in their mouths, and like spoons will scarce stir their own tea unless somebody lends them a hand. They are like the proverbial dogs that leaned his head against the wall to bark and, like lazy sheep, it is too much trouble for them to carry their own wool. If they could see themselves, it might by chance do them a world of good; but perhaps it would be too much trouble for them to open their eyes even if the glass were hung for them.

If I seem to hit hard at the sluggards, it is because I know they can bear it, for if they were seed on the threshing floor, you will thresh many days to get them out of the straw, for laziness is in their bones, and will show itself in their idle flesh, no matter what you do with them.

Adapted from Spurgeon, C.H.: John Ploughman’s Talk

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

The vice-Chancellor relinquished power at the end of his term?

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The underlined word in the sentence is "relinquished". To relinquish means to give up or surrender something, especially power, control, or responsibility. The option that is opposite in meaning to "relinquished" is "clung on to", which means to hold on to or retain something despite difficulty or opposition. Therefore, the correct option is: "The vice-Chancellor clung on to power at the end of his term."

In time past in Nigeria, being a secretary was perceived with utter disdain by many people. Other professionals such as teachers, lawyers, engineers, surveyors, estate officers and architects were revered. Many issues readily come to mind concerning the old perspective of secretaries as professionals.

One, they were regarded as people with little or no education. Indeed, many of them were said to be mere typists who learnt how to punch keys on the typewriter. They hardly had any formal education but obtained doubtful certificates. This was made possible because anyone could easily learn to be a typist under the shade of a tree or in a personal office of a retired secretary or a chief typist from any business organization. As long as a short piece of work could be typed almost accurately and in record time, one then became a secretary. This unrealistic practice – to call an unqualified person a secretary – might have been introduced and sustained by people who did not know who a secretary was. The educated secretaries obtained a minimum of the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or its equivalent from institutions in and outside Nigeria, particularly Great Britain, Canada or the United States of America.

Two, they were mostly women and very few male secretaries, who suffered more humiliation than their female counterparts. They were regarded as men who did not succeed in life and did the work that normally women were supposed to do.

Three, and deriving from the second reason, secretaries were, as a matter of fact, very close to their bosses. Most people, including husbands of secretaries, regarded such a mode of interaction as tempting – a kind of constant closeness which might engender a deliberation or unintentional amorous relationship between superior and subordinate officer. Quite often, such a situation could not be ruled out when body contacts was established inadvertently or deliberately between two people of opposite sex especially when either one or both people were attractive and attracted to each other.

Moreover, we often talk of the devil and the havoc he is capable of causing in the lives of people, particularly the unguarded ones.

In today’s world, these points of view concerning secretaries are fading fast. Now, there is a clear distinction between a typist and a secretary. Modern secretaries are trained in polytechnics and universities. Gone are the days when secretaries were taught only the art of punching the typewriters and various filling systems. They are also encouraged to take training courses other than secretarial duty. Many secretaries have had their training in faculties of business administration, law, art and mass communications of universities. They take relevant courses in administration and other social science departments that enhance their personality, carriage, interpersonal relations and office management.

Obviously, secretaries, including the male ones, are more important and well respected today than in the past.

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Choose the appropriate stress pattern from the options. The syllables are written in capital letters.

advertisement?

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

The politician _____ the family of the deceased?

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Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

Emeka hardly ever holds with my view on good governance?

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

'Is it necessary for us to go? she asked in her shrill voice?

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The opposite of the word "shrill" is "quiet". "Shrill" refers to a high-pitched and sharp sound, while "quiet" refers to a low volume or absence of sound.

Choose the option that has a different stress on the first syllable.

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Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

He could not have rewarded them more handsomely.

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The option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence is "He rewarded them very well." The sentence implies that the reward given to them was extremely generous and satisfying. It suggests that he gave them the maximum possible reward that he could have given to them. Therefore, the correct option is "He rewarded them very well."

Choose the option that has the same consonant sounds as the one represented by the underlined letter(s).

Froze

Answer Details

The passage below has gas numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options re provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king’s own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ….16…. [A. lied B. lay C. lain D. laid] eyes on him for a long time. The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ….17…. [A. were gathered B. gather C. to be gathering D. gathers] in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ….18…. [A. booms B. shoots C. knocks D. bangs] repeatedly. Rich …. 19 …. [A vibration B gyration C explosion D percussion] from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun ….20…. [A royally B resplendent C dazzled D surrounded] in white –bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the….21…. [A traditional B social C royal D cultural] dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ….22…. [A from the cheers B at the cheer C with the cheers D to the cheers] and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his person begins to ….23…. [A pay their respects B Spray him with gifts C observe his steps D pay their tolls]. ‘Igweee! You will live long ….24…. [A t the throne B on the throne C by the throne D in the throne],’ they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe….25…. [A answers B responds C acknowledges D replies] their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk. Exhausted, the Igwe rises. ‘Igweeee,’ the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.

Answer Details

The best option to complete the gap in question number 21 is "royal." The sentence talks about the king's festival, so it makes sense that the dance he performs with his wife would also be a royal dance. The other options, such as "traditional" or "cultural," might be applicable to other types of festivals or dances, but in the context of the Ofala festival, "royal" is the most appropriate option.

We have to iron out our difference at once?

Answer Details

The sentence means that it is necessary to resolve the conflicts or disagreements between the parties involved immediately. It suggests the need for swift and decisive action in order to reach a resolution and come to an agreement. The most appropriate option that conveys this meaning is "We must clear up without delay our misunderstanding."

While trying desperately to cope with the scourge of the dreaded HIV/AIDS virus, the human race was once again beset with the problem of grappling with fast-spreading and lethal pandemic called bird flu. Also called avian influenza, bird flu’s vicious strain, H5NI, was spread from birds to humans and could be as deadly as HIV/AIDS. The pandemic had ravaged many countries in Europe, Asia and Middle East resulting in a high death toll in livestock, but as yet with a few human casualties.

As the pandemic made its steady spread, there was the fear that if it ever gets to Africa, the consequences would be devastating in view of the continent’s lack of infrastructure and money to keep it in control. This fear was consequent upon African countries’’ unenviable response to emergencies in the past, like drought in some sahelian countries or flooding along the coast. It was against this frightening background that many Nigerians were thrown into panic following the announcement on Wednesday the 8th of February, 2006, that the bird flu had indeed entered Nigeria.

The announcement itself was a sequel to the death of a large number of birds in a farm in Kaduna State whose samples were diagnosed at the National Veterinary Institute, Vom, Plateau State, and confirmed at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Diagnostic Centre in Rome, Italy. Several follow-up actions had been taking to try and halt the spread of the virus in the country, such as the immediate quarantine of the affected farms, the killing and disposal of all infested and surviving birds in affected farms and the restriction of movement of people in and outside such farms. Commendable as these measures were, many Nigerians still dreaded the chicken and had already excluded its meat from their menu. As a result, poultry farmers in Nigeria were counting their losses instead of producing more protein and smiling to the bank with good sales.

to return to the status quo ante and restore the confidence of Nigerians in poultry products, additional measures were suggested, namely the close monitoring of migratory birds which flock into the country at different times of the year, the proper caging of all free-range birds and appropriate sanctioning of defaulting owners, not restricting the monitoring of poultry farms in the country to the urban centres only, the upward review of the compensation paid to farmers whose birds had been destroyed to cushion the effects of their loss, the strict enforcement of the restriction on the importation of poultry products and , lastly the leadership demonstrating, by example, that it was safe to eat poultry products by serving them at dinners and banquets during state functions.

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Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word underlined?

The shortage of petrol was a perennial problem?

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Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

The next village is at least 30 kilometers away.

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

The stadium was seething with people when we entered?

Answer Details

While trying desperately to cope with the scourge of the dreaded HIV/AIDS virus, the human race was once again beset with the problem of grappling with fast-spreading and lethal pandemic called bird flu. Also called avian influenza, bird flu’s vicious strain, H5NI, was spread from birds to humans and could be as deadly as HIV/AIDS. The pandemic had ravaged many countries in Europe, Asia and Middle East resulting in a high death toll in livestock, but as yet with a few human casualties.

As the pandemic made its steady spread, there was the fear that if it ever gets to Africa, the consequences would be devastating in view of the continent’s lack of infrastructure and money to keep it in control. This fear was consequent upon African countries’’ unenviable response to emergencies in the past, like drought in some sahelian countries or flooding along the coast. It was against this frightening background that many Nigerians were thrown into panic following the announcement on Wednesday the 8th of February, 2006, that the bird flu had indeed entered Nigeria.

The announcement itself was a sequel to the death of a large number of birds in a farm in Kaduna State whose samples were diagnosed at the National Veterinary Institute, Vom, Plateau State, and confirmed at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Diagnostic Centre in Rome, Italy. Several follow-up actions had been taking to try and halt the spread of the virus in the country, such as the immediate quarantine of the affected farms, the killing and disposal of all infested and surviving birds in affected farms and the restriction of movement of people in and outside such farms. Commendable as these measures were, many Nigerians still dreaded the chicken and had already excluded its meat from their menu. As a result, poultry farmers in Nigeria were counting their losses instead of producing more protein and smiling to the bank with good sales.

to return to the status quo ante and restore the confidence of Nigerians in poultry products, additional measures were suggested, namely the close monitoring of migratory birds which flock into the country at different times of the year, the proper caging of all free-range birds and appropriate sanctioning of defaulting owners, not restricting the monitoring of poultry farms in the country to the urban centres only, the upward review of the compensation paid to farmers whose birds had been destroyed to cushion the effects of their loss, the strict enforcement of the restriction on the importation of poultry products and , lastly the leadership demonstrating, by example, that it was safe to eat poultry products by serving them at dinners and banquets during state functions.

Answer Details

While trying desperately to cope with the scourge of the dreaded HIV/AIDS virus, the human race was once again beset with the problem of grappling with fast-spreading and lethal pandemic called bird flu. Also called avian influenza, bird flu’s vicious strain, H5NI, was spread from birds to humans and could be as deadly as HIV/AIDS. The pandemic had ravaged many countries in Europe, Asia and Middle East resulting in a high death toll in livestock, but as yet with a few human casualties.

As the pandemic made its steady spread, there was the fear that if it ever gets to Africa, the consequences would be devastating in view of the continent’s lack of infrastructure and money to keep it in control. This fear was consequent upon African countries’’ unenviable response to emergencies in the past, like drought in some sahelian countries or flooding along the coast. It was against this frightening background that many Nigerians were thrown into panic following the announcement on Wednesday the 8th of February, 2006, that the bird flu had indeed entered Nigeria.

The announcement itself was a sequel to the death of a large number of birds in a farm in Kaduna State whose samples were diagnosed at the National Veterinary Institute, Vom, Plateau State, and confirmed at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Diagnostic Centre in Rome, Italy. Several follow-up actions had been taking to try and halt the spread of the virus in the country, such as the immediate quarantine of the affected farms, the killing and disposal of all infested and surviving birds in affected farms and the restriction of movement of people in and outside such farms. Commendable as these measures were, many Nigerians still dreaded the chicken and had already excluded its meat from their menu. As a result, poultry farmers in Nigeria were counting their losses instead of producing more protein and smiling to the bank with good sales.

to return to the status quo ante and restore the confidence of Nigerians in poultry products, additional measures were suggested, namely the close monitoring of migratory birds which flock into the country at different times of the year, the proper caging of all free-range birds and appropriate sanctioning of defaulting owners, not restricting the monitoring of poultry farms in the country to the urban centres only, the upward review of the compensation paid to farmers whose birds had been destroyed to cushion the effects of their loss, the strict enforcement of the restriction on the importation of poultry products and , lastly the leadership demonstrating, by example, that it was safe to eat poultry products by serving them at dinners and banquets during state functions.

Answer Details

Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

When they examined his body, they found that he _____ ?

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Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word underlined?

The astute businessman neatly fended off questions about his private life?

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Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

The official had allegedly been bribes?

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

For anything to do with academic work, he has a great aversion?

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The word "aversion" means a strong dislike or a feeling of opposition. The option that is opposite in meaning to it is "predilection", which means a preference or liking for something.

It is of no more use to give advice to the idle than top pour water into a sieve, but it strike me that lazy people ought to have a large looking glass hung up where they are bound to see themselves in it. For sure, if their eyes are at all like mine, they will never bear to look at themselves long or often. The ugliest sight in the world is one of those thorough-bred loafers, who would hardly hold up his basin if it were to rain with porridge: and for certain, would never hold up a bigger pot than he wanted to fill for himself.

Perhaps, if the shower should turn to beer, he might wake himself up a bit; but he will make up for it afterwards, since as a slothful man, he folds his hands in sleep and hates to get up even for his meals. Men like him ought to be treated with like the drone which the bees drive out of their hives for inactivity overdependence.

Every man ought to have patience and pity for poverty; but for laziness, a long whip might be better. This would be a healthy treatment for all sluggards, but there is no chance of some of them getting their full dose of this medicine, for they were born with silver spoons in their mouths, and like spoons will scarce stir their own tea unless somebody lends them a hand. They are like the proverbial dogs that leaned his head against the wall to bark and, like lazy sheep, it is too much trouble for them to carry their own wool. If they could see themselves, it might by chance do them a world of good; but perhaps it would be too much trouble for them to open their eyes even if the glass were hung for them.

If I seem to hit hard at the sluggards, it is because I know they can bear it, for if they were seed on the threshing floor, you will thresh many days to get them out of the straw, for laziness is in their bones, and will show itself in their idle flesh, no matter what you do with them.

Adapted from Spurgeon, C.H.: John Ploughman’s Talk

Answer Details

Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

I _____ to pursue my education?

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Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

_______ went to the stadium to watch a football match?

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Choose the option opposite in meaning to word underlined?

The suggestions he made were very unobtrusive?

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It is of no more use to give advice to the idle than top pour water into a sieve, but it strike me that lazy people ought to have a large looking glass hung up where they are bound to see themselves in it. For sure, if their eyes are at all like mine, they will never bear to look at themselves long or often. The ugliest sight in the world is one of those thorough-bred loafers, who would hardly hold up his basin if it were to rain with porridge: and for certain, would never hold up a bigger pot than he wanted to fill for himself.

Perhaps, if the shower should turn to beer, he might wake himself up a bit; but he will make up for it afterwards, since as a slothful man, he folds his hands in sleep and hates to get up even for his meals. Men like him ought to be treated with like the drone which the bees drive out of their hives for inactivity overdependence.

Every man ought to have patience and pity for poverty; but for laziness, a long whip might be better. This would be a healthy treatment for all sluggards, but there is no chance of some of them getting their full dose of this medicine, for they were born with silver spoons in their mouths, and like spoons will scarce stir their own tea unless somebody lends them a hand. They are like the proverbial dogs that leaned his head against the wall to bark and, like lazy sheep, it is too much trouble for them to carry their own wool. If they could see themselves, it might by chance do them a world of good; but perhaps it would be too much trouble for them to open their eyes even if the glass were hung for them.

If I seem to hit hard at the sluggards, it is because I know they can bear it, for if they were seed on the threshing floor, you will thresh many days to get them out of the straw, for laziness is in their bones, and will show itself in their idle flesh, no matter what you do with them.

Adapted from Spurgeon, C.H.: John Ploughman’s Talk

Answer Details

In time past in Nigeria, being a secretary was perceived with utter disdain by many people. Other professionals such as teachers, lawyers, engineers, surveyors, estate officers and architects were revered. Many issues readily come to mind concerning the old perspective of secretaries as professionals.

One, they were regarded as people with little or no education. Indeed, many of them were said to be mere typists who learnt how to punch keys on the typewriter. They hardly had any formal education but obtained doubtful certificates. This was made possible because anyone could easily learn to be a typist under the shade of a tree or in a personal office of a retired secretary or a chief typist from any business organization. As long as a short piece of work could be typed almost accurately and in record time, one then became a secretary. This unrealistic practice – to call an unqualified person a secretary – might have been introduced and sustained by people who did not know who a secretary was. The educated secretaries obtained a minimum of the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or its equivalent from institutions in and outside Nigeria, particularly Great Britain, Canada or the United States of America.

Two, they were mostly women and very few male secretaries, who suffered more humiliation than their female counterparts. They were regarded as men who did not succeed in life and did the work that normally women were supposed to do.

Three, and deriving from the second reason, secretaries were, as a matter of fact, very close to their bosses. Most people, including husbands of secretaries, regarded such a mode of interaction as tempting – a kind of constant closeness which might engender a deliberation or unintentional amorous relationship between superior and subordinate officer. Quite often, such a situation could not be ruled out when body contacts was established inadvertently or deliberately between two people of opposite sex especially when either one or both people were attractive and attracted to each other.

Moreover, we often talk of the devil and the havoc he is capable of causing in the lives of people, particularly the unguarded ones.

In today’s world, these points of view concerning secretaries are fading fast. Now, there is a clear distinction between a typist and a secretary. Modern secretaries are trained in polytechnics and universities. Gone are the days when secretaries were taught only the art of punching the typewriters and various filling systems. They are also encouraged to take training courses other than secretarial duty. Many secretaries have had their training in faculties of business administration, law, art and mass communications of universities. They take relevant courses in administration and other social science departments that enhance their personality, carriage, interpersonal relations and office management.

Obviously, secretaries, including the male ones, are more important and well respected today than in the past.

Answer Details

Choose the option that complete the gap(s).

I look forward to _____ you next week?

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Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word underlined word.

He holds on firmly to his hackneyed view of life.

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