WAEC SSCE - English Language - 1995

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The best option to fill the gap in question 74 is "subsistence". This is because the passage is describing farming practices among rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. These farmers practice subsistence farming, which is the production of food for the sole purpose of feeding themselves and their families. They do not engage in large-scale commercial farming, and their farming practices are usually at a subsistence level with little investment. Therefore, the option that best fits the context of the sentence is "subsistence".

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
Ahmadu would have arrived earlier but he was.....in heavy traffic

Answer Details

The best option that completes the sentence is "held up." The phrase "held up" means delayed or prevented from continuing a journey or course of action. So in this context, Ahmadu's arrival was delayed by heavy traffic. The other options do not fit the context and meaning of the sentence.

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - E, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
The economist argued that the apparently inconsequential rise in the price of petrol had a .......effect on the cost of living

Answer Details

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The missing word in question 80 is related to the natural qualities of the land that farmers allow to recover during a period of four to five years. Among the options given, the most suitable one is "richness" (option D) which implies the ability of the land to support the growth of crops. This word fits the context of the sentence because it suggests that the soil regains its nutrients and becomes more fertile during the fallow period, leading to better crop yields in the future.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The most appropriate option to fill the gap numbered 87 is "rents". This is because the sentence talks about land cultivation in rural areas where farmers usually own their parcels of land. If they do not own the land, they may pay rents to the landowner to use the land for farming. The other options such as fees, bills, charges, and honoraria do not fit the context of the sentence as they refer to different types of payments that are not related to land cultivation in rural areas.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
.........are seven female teachers in our school

Answer Details

The correct option is "There". "There" refers to a place or existence of something. In the context of the sentence, it means that seven female teachers exist or are present in our school.

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - E, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
The eventual implementation of the plan deviated much from the ......conception

Answer Details

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The man's decision to withdraw his daughter from school because of her misbehaviour really amounts to cutting off his own nose and face. This means that

Answer Details

The most appropriate interpretation of the sentence is that the decision does the man no good at all. The expression "cutting off his own nose and face" is an idiom that means to take an action that is ultimately harmful to oneself, just like cutting off one's own nose and face would be. In this case, withdrawing his daughter from school because of her misbehavior is a decision that will not benefit the man in any way, and it may even cause him some harm or negative consequences.

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The accountant falsified the records in order to feather his own nest. This means that the accountant tried to

Answer Details

The sentence "The accountant falsified the records in order to feather his own nest" means that the accountant tried to make himself rich by falsifying the records. In other words, the accountant was being dishonest with the records for personal financial gain.

From the words lettered A to E, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
More often than not, the law......on individual freedom

Answer Details

More often than not, the law encroaches on individual freedom. This means that in many cases, laws or regulations limit or infringe upon the individual's freedom to act or make decisions. The purpose of these laws is often to maintain order, protect public safety or prevent harm to others. However, it is important for lawmakers to strike a balance between protecting the common good and safeguarding individual liberties.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
The policeman has gathered ......to complete the investigation

Answer Details

The correct option is "sufficient information". The sentence indicates that the policeman has collected some information for an ongoing investigation. The word "sufficient" means enough or adequate, which suggests that the policeman has gathered enough information to complete the investigation. The other options do not make sense because "few information" and "many information" are grammatically incorrect, while "an information" is not appropriate because "information" is an uncountable noun.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
The two cats are so similar that I cannot tell whether that one is

Answer Details

The sentence is talking about identifying a cat, and the speaker is having difficulty because two cats look similar. Therefore, the correct answer should refer to possessive pronouns. The possessive pronouns are "yours" and "mine," which refer to something that belongs to the person speaking or the person spoken to, respectively. The correct option is B, "yours or mine."

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
The old man's illness was so serious that he was not expected to..........

Answer Details

The most appropriate word to complete the sentence is "pull through". "Pull through" means to recover from an illness or difficulty. Therefore, the sentence means that the old man's illness was so serious that he was not expected to recover from it.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The missing word in the gap is related to the ownership of the land that is being farmed. Among the options given, the best word that can fit into the blank and make sense in the context is "farmlands" (option E). Therefore, the correct answer is E.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The best option to complete the gap numbered 78 is "large-scale". This is because the passage talks about the farming practices of rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. The passage describes the farming as being done at a "small-scale level" using "simple implements". However, the passage also notes that many of these farmers have never heard of large-scale farming. Therefore, the term "large-scale" is appropriate to indicate a higher level of farming that involves more resources, larger land areas, and more complex machinery.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
The boy needs a broad piece of paper and.......to practice his drawing.

Answer Details

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - E, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
The exotic bird looked resplendent; its bright plumage contrasted with the rather.........undergrowth.

Answer Details

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - E, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
The policeman's statement was explicit while that of the suspect was.........

Answer Details

The word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "explicit" is "vague." Therefore, the word that will correctly fill the gap and is the opposite in meaning to "explicit" is "vague." The correct answer is option A.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
The last book is the.......interesting of the books we have read this term

Answer Details

The answer is "most". The sentence is comparing the level of interest of the last book to the other books read during the term. "Most" indicates the highest degree of interest.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
Udoh was....hasty in his decision to resign

Answer Details

The word that best completes the sentence is "somewhat". "Somewhat" means to some extent, but not very great; to a moderate degree. In the sentence, it implies that Udoh was to some extent or to a moderate degree hasty in his decision to resign. The other options "much", "such", and "enough" do not fit the context of the sentence.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The missing word refers to the person who is being charged with a crime. The sentence says that the judge was undecided whether there was enough evidence to punish the ___. Among the options given, only "accused" fits the context and meaning of the sentence. Therefore, the correct answer is "accused."

From the words lettered A to E below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
As soon as Shehu realized that he has made a mistake,he did everything to rectify it

Answer Details

The word "rectify" means to correct or fix something. In this context, Shehu realized that he made a mistake and he did everything to correct or fix it. Therefore, the word that is nearest in meaning to "rectify" is "correct."

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
Perhaps what Ade told us.....true after all

Answer Details

The appropriate option to complete the given sentence is "may not be." The word "perhaps" indicates that the speaker is uncertain or unsure about the truth of what Ade told them. The phrase "may not be true" suggests that there is a possibility that what Ade said is not true. Out of the given options, "may not be" is the most suitable option to complete the sentence as it accurately conveys the intended meaning of the sentence. It suggests that there is a possibility that what Ade told them may not be true.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The blank space in question number 88 is referring to the person who just completed his investigation into a case of something. The appropriate option to fill in the blank space is "policeman." The context of the paragraph suggests that the investigation into the case was conducted by a law enforcement officer, and out of the given options, only "policeman" fits the description of a law enforcement officer. The other options, such as "doctor," "barrister," "officer," and "judge" do not fit the context of the paragraph as they are not commonly involved in conducting investigations into criminal cases.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
Chukwu's appraisal was one of the....in the department

Answer Details

From the words lettered A to E, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
As Siaka was a first offender, the magistrate merely.....and discharged him

Answer Details

The best option to complete the sentence is "cautioned." The sentence indicates that Siaka was a first offender and that the magistrate dealt with his case leniently. If Siaka had been punished severely, the sentence would have read differently. In this context, the word "cautioned" (option D) means that the magistrate gave Siaka a warning and released him without any punishment or further legal action. Option A, "penalized," and option E, "sentenced," both imply that the magistrate punished Siaka, which is not the case according to the sentence. Option B, "reprieved," and option C, "remaned," do not make sense in the context of the sentence. Therefore, the most appropriate option to complete the sentence is "cautioned."

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
I found out recently that one can enjoy....without drinking

Answer Details

The answer is option C, "oneself". The sentence suggests that the speaker has discovered that it is possible to have fun or enjoy oneself without the need for drinking alcohol. The word "oneself" means one's own self or person, so the sentence implies that one can have a good time without relying on alcohol to do so.

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The proscription of the students' union was to nip the planned demonstration in the bud. This means that the proscription was meant to

Answer Details

The most appropriate interpretation of the sentence is "prevent the proposed demonstration." The sentence describes an action taken (proscription of the students' union) to prevent something (a planned demonstration) from happening. The phrase "nip in the bud" means to stop something from happening before it can develop into something larger or more serious. Therefore, the purpose of the proscription was to prevent the planned demonstration from taking place. Option A, "keep the students on the alert," does not fit the context of the sentence. Option C, "disorganize the students," is not supported by any information in the sentence. Option D, "punish the students," is not necessarily the purpose of the proscription based on the sentence given. Therefore, the most appropriate interpretation of the sentence is that the proscription of the students' union was meant to prevent the proposed demonstration.

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - E, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
The deputy's loyalty to the boss is unalloyed but the confidence of the boss in him is ............

Answer Details

The word "unalloyed" suggests that the deputy's loyalty to the boss is complete and absolute. Therefore, the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning is "half-hearted," which means lacking enthusiasm or conviction. The sentence suggests that the boss's confidence in the deputy is not complete or enthusiastic, so "half-hearted" fits the gap appropriately. Therefore, the answer is option B.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
His cloths were not only tattered but also.....with oil

Answer Details

The correct option is "were dripping." The sentence is written in the past tense, "His clothes were," so we need a past tense verb to match. "Dripping" is a present participle and doesn't match the past tense of the sentence. "Is dripping" is also present tense and doesn't match. "Have dripped" is a present perfect tense and doesn't match the simple past tense of the sentence. Therefore, the only option that matches in tense and meaning is "were dripping," indicating that his clothes were not only torn but also had oil that was dripping from them.

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
When the managing director promised to increase the wages of the workers in the new year, everybody knew that he was talking with his tongue in his cheek. This means that the managing director

Answer Details

The interpretation that is most appropriate for the sentence "When the managing director promised to increase the wages of the workers in the new year, everybody knew that he was talking with his tongue in his cheek" is that the managing director was not sincere at all. "Talking with his tongue in his cheek" is an idiomatic expression that means to say something insincerely, sarcastically or as a joke. Therefore, it implies that the managing director did not actually intend to increase the wages of the workers and was merely making a false promise.

From the words lettered A to E, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
Bunmi should not have taken offence at Emeka's seemingly........comments

Answer Details

The word "seemingly" in the sentence suggests that Emeka's comments were not intended to offend Bunmi. Therefore, the best option to complete the sentence is "innocuous," meaning harmless or not likely to cause offense.

From the words lettered A to E, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
The kidnappers demanded a .......of N50,000 before they would release the rich business man.

Answer Details

The word that best completes the sentence is "ransom". The sentence talks about kidnappers who demanded a certain amount of money before releasing a rich business man. The word that best fits the context of the sentence is "ransom" because it refers to the money that is paid to release a kidnapped person.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The sentence is discussing whether there is enough evidence to take legal action against the accused in a case of wrongdoing. The word that fits best in the blank is "prosecute" (Option C) as it means to bring a criminal charge against someone in a court of law. The sentence is referring to the legal process of bringing charges against the accused, so "prosecute" is the most suitable word. The other options do not fit the context of the sentence; "imprison" and "execute" refer to punishment, "implicate" means to show someone was involved in a crime but doesn't necessarily refer to legal action being taken, and "sue" refers to civil litigation rather than criminal prosecution.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

In question number 98, the best option to fill the gap is "evidence" (option C). This is because the sentence talks about the evidence relied upon by the prosecution, indicating that the missing word refers to something related to proof or evidence. The other options, such as "fact" and "truth," are not as appropriate in the context of a legal case where evidence is used to establish guilt or innocence. "Alibi" and "material" are also not as appropriate because they are more specific types of evidence that may or may not be relevant to the case at hand.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
........all the contestants, the judges then announced the winner

Answer Details

The option that best completes the sentence is "Having seen." This is because the sentence is written in the past tense, and the action of the judges announcing the winner happened after they had seen all the contestants. Therefore, the correct phrase to use is "having seen," which indicates that the judges saw all the contestants before making their decision.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The best option to complete the gap in question numbered 96 is "trial". This is because the sentence mentions the courtroom and the legal luminary, which suggests that there is a trial going on. The other options such as "duel", "game", "match" and "battle" do not fit the context of the sentence and are unrelated to the legal proceedings.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
The children inherited many houses from their father but they have sold off.......

Answer Details

The correct option to complete the sentence is "nearly all of them". This means that the children have sold almost all the houses that they inherited from their father.

From the words lettered A to E below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
The politician made very scurrilous remarks about his opponent.

Answer Details

In this question, we are looking for a word that has the same meaning as "scurrilous" as it is used in the sentence. The sentence tells us that the politician made remarks about his opponent. The word "scurrilous" describes these remarks as being abusive or insulting. Among the options provided, the word that is closest in meaning to "abusive" is "abusive" itself. Therefore, the answer is (E) "abusive".

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
Bose shouldn't have interrupted the teacher.....?

Answer Details

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The cashier wanted to pull the wool over my eyes by making me sign for the money I didn't receive. This means that the cashier wanted to

Answer Details

The most appropriate interpretation for the sentence is "deceive me". The phrase "pull the wool over my eyes" is an idiom that means to deceive or trick someone. So, the cashier intended to deceive the speaker by making them sign for the money they didn't receive.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
Bola is a good friend of mine, but I am sometimes......by her careless attitude.

Answer Details

The correct option that best completes the sentence is "put off." This means that Bola's careless attitude sometimes makes the speaker feel discouraged or disinterested in spending time with her.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
To have gone through a civil war...... a terrible experience.

Answer Details

The most appropriate word to complete the sentence is "must have been". The sentence implies that experiencing a civil war is a terrible experience and suggests that it is a very strong possibility that someone who has been through such an experience would have suffered a great deal. Therefore, "must have been" which indicates a high degree of certainty is the most suitable option to complete the sentence.

From the words lettered A to E below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
The journalist refused to divulge the source of his information

Answer Details

The word "divulge" means to reveal or make known, so the word that is nearest in meaning to it is "disclose".

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
Dupe...to havespoken so rudely to her mother

Answer Details

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - E, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
The minister warned his officers to be frugal and avoid.........expenditure

Answer Details

The word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word "wasteful" is "frugal." In the sentence, the minister warned his officers to avoid "wasteful" expenditure. This implies that the minister wants his officers to be economical and avoid any unnecessary expenses. The word "frugal" means economical or avoiding waste, and it is the best option that fits the gap in the sentence.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
.........are seven female teachers in our school.

Answer Details

The most appropriate option to complete the sentence is "There." "There" is used to indicate the existence or presence of something, and in this sentence, it is used to show that the school has seven female teachers.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
I ....at the hotel for two days when I was suddenly asked to leave

Answer Details

The best option to complete the sentence is "had been staying." The sentence is in the past perfect tense, indicating that the action of staying at the hotel had already been completed before something else happened (being asked to leave). Therefore, the past perfect tense is needed to show the earlier completion of the action. The correct option that fits this requirement is "had been staying." Option A ("have stayed") is in the present perfect tense and is incorrect since the sentence is in the past tense. Option B ("was staying") is in the past continuous tense and does not indicate the completion of the action before something else happened. Option D ("stay") is in the simple present tense and does not indicate that the action had already been completed in the past.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

From the words lettered A to E below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
Spain was once a very powerful nation but her influence has waned over the years

Answer Details

The word "waned" in the sentence means "diminished." This implies that Spain's power and influence has gradually decreased over time, rather than disappearing suddenly or being repealed. It can also be understood as the opposite of "re-appeared," which would mean that Spain's influence has returned after being absent for some time.

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - E, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
The new manager found the bustle and excitement of city life difficult to adjust to after living for almost a decade in a relatively.....village

Answer Details

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
He is a very brilliant student so it is not surprising that he got a.....

Answer Details

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - E, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
Ibrahim was full of admiration for Amina but she treated him with.........

Answer Details

The word that best completes the sentence and is most nearly opposite in meaning to "admiration" is "disdain". This is because "admiration" implies respect and approval, while "disdain" means a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior. In the sentence, Ibrahim has a positive feeling towards Amina, but she treats him with contempt, suggesting a lack of respect or approval.

From the words lettered A to E below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
The boss is quite inflexible once she has made up her mind

Answer Details

The word "inflexible" means not willing to change or compromise, and the word closest in meaning to it from the options given is "unyielding." Therefore, the correct answer is option C, "unyielding."

From the words lettered A to E below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
Ada was sceptical about the story Ifeoma told her

Answer Details

In this context, "sceptical" means doubtful. Ada doubted the story that Ifeoma told her. Therefore, the word that is nearest in meaning to "sceptical" is "doubtful."

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - E, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
Femi is very presumptuous quite unlike his late father who was a rather......man

Answer Details

The underlined word in the sentence is "presumptuous," which means behaving in a way that is excessively bold or forward. To find the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning, we need to look for a word that means humble, modest or not assuming. The correct word to fill the gap in the sentence would be "modest," which is the opposite of "presumptuous." Therefore, the correct answer is option D, "modest."

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The best option to complete the gap numbered 77 is "mechanized." This is because the passage is discussing traditional farming practices in rural West Africa, and then goes on to mention that many farmers are not familiar with mechanized farming practices. The term "mechanized" refers to the use of machinery, such as tractors, in farming practices. Therefore, the use of this term highlights the contrast between the traditional farming methods and more modern, mechanized approaches.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

Option A, prosecution, is the best option to complete the gap. The context of the sentence indicates that the case has been brought to court, and the inspector feels that there is enough evidence to warrant prosecution. "Prosecution" means the institution and conducting of legal proceedings against someone in respect of a criminal charge, and it fits appropriately in the context of the sentence. Options B, C, D, and E do not fit the context and meaning of the sentence.

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - E, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
The post-war generation were born in an era of scarcity but grew up in a period of .........

Answer Details

The underlined word in the sentence is "scarcity," which means a lack of something. The sentence talks about the post-war generation being born in a time of lack but growing up in a time of something else. The option that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "scarcity" is "abundance," which means a plentiful or ample quantity of something. Therefore, the correct answer is option A, "abundance."

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
Mr Johnson instructed his driver to ensure that the tank of the car is filled with.....for the long journey the next day

Answer Details

The answer is C, "petrol." The sentence requires a singular countable noun to complete it, which rules out options A and B. Option D, "a petrol," is grammatically correct but sounds awkward and is not commonly used in English. "Petrol" is the correct term for the fuel that cars run on.

From the words lettered A to E below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
It appears that this government is not ready to tolerate any adverse criticism

Answer Details

The word "adverse" refers to something that is negative or unfavorable. Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to "adverse" in the sentence is "unfavorable" (option A).

From the words lettered A to E below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
The mineral resources of the country are yet to be fully tapped

Answer Details

In this sentence, "fully tapped" means that the mineral resources of the country have not been fully utilized or taken advantage of. The word that is nearest in meaning to "tapped" in this context is "exploited".

From the words lettered A to E, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
The new car is strikingly attractive but I very much doubt its..........

Answer Details

The sentence suggests that the new car is visually appealing but the speaker has doubts about one particular aspect of it. Out of the options provided, the word that best fits this context is "durability". Therefore, the sentence means that the speaker doubts whether the new car is durable, or will last a long time.

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The government introduced belt tightening measures in the budget for the new year, This means that the measures were

Answer Details

From the words lettered A to E below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
The labour leaders described the newly-introduced economic measures as obnoxious

Answer Details

In this sentence, the word "obnoxious" means offensive or unpleasant. Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to "obnoxious" is "offensive" (option A).

From the words lettered A to E, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
The threat that he would be expelled from school if he failed his examination again........him into seriousness.

Answer Details

The correct option is C, "jolted". The word "jolted" means to shock or surprise someone, often in a way that makes them act or think differently. In this context, the threat of being expelled from school has caused the person to become serious about their studies.

From the words lettered A to E, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
Because of the hard times, many workers now live in a state of .....poverty.

Answer Details

The word that best completes the sentence is "abject". This is because the sentence talks about workers who are experiencing poverty due to hard times, and "abject" means extreme poverty, which accurately describes their situation. "Unpardonable", "imaginable", "affluent", and "repulsive" do not fit in the sentence as they do not convey the appropriate meaning of extreme poverty.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
Umar and Yusuf went hunting today......?

Answer Details

The best option that completes the sentence is "didn't they". The sentence indicates that Umar and Yusuf went hunting today and the speaker is asking for confirmation or seeking agreement on this fact, which is why the question is phrased as a tag question. The appropriate tag question to use here is "didn't they" as it is a question tag for past tense statements in the third person plural (Umar and Yusuf).

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
The school boys were told to refrain...smoking

Answer Details

The appropriate option to complete the given sentence is "from." The verb "refrain" means to stop oneself from doing something. In this sentence, the phrase "to refrain" is followed by the object "smoking," which means that the school boys were told to stop themselves from smoking. Out of the given options, "from" is the only preposition that is commonly used after the verb "refrain." Therefore, the most suitable option to complete the sentence is "from."

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
There were.....infant deaths in the town last year than in previous years

Answer Details

The correct option is A - fewer. This means that the number of infant deaths in the town last year was lower than in previous years.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

In question number 82, the best option to fill the gap would be "crops" because the sentence talks about the types of crops planted on a regular basis by farmers. The sentence mentions yam, maize, rice, and cowpea which are all different types of crops that can be planted by farmers. Option A, "grains," and option E, "seeds," could also be considered, but "crops" is a better fit in the context of the sentence. Option B, "seedlings," and option C, "foodstuff," do not fit in the sentence as they do not provide a clear picture of what farmers plant on their parcels of land.

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The teacher was reprimanded for turning a blind eye to the acts of rudeness of his pupils. This means that the teacher

Answer Details

The interpretation that best fits the sentence is: the teacher ignored the behavior of his pupils. The sentence suggests that the teacher did not take any action or did not intervene in any way when his pupils displayed acts of rudeness. Instead, he turned a blind eye to their behavior, which resulted in him being reprimanded.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The missing word in question 82 is related to what is planted on a regular basis by farmers. Looking at the context of the passage, it mentions that crops like yam, maize, rice, cowpea are planted. Therefore, the most suitable option to complete the gap would be "crops" (option D).

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

In question 81, the best option to complete the gap is "yields." The sentence talks about planting yam, maize, rice, and cow pea for better yields. In agriculture, "yield" refers to the amount of crop produced per unit area of land. Hence, "yields" is the most suitable option to fill the gap.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The word that best completes the gap in the sentence is "cash". From the preceding sentence, it can be inferred that farmers in the West African sub-region do not make much financial investment in their farming activities, and as such, they are unlikely to grow crops that require significant financial outlay. The sentence that follows also suggests that payments made to farmers are usually in kind, implying that cash crops may not be commonly grown. Therefore, the word "cash" would best fit the context of the sentence.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The missing word in the gap is describing the type of food that is planted by farmers on a regular basis. The options provided are "ordinary," "export," "staple," "delicious," and "nourishing." Out of these options, the word that best fits the context is "staple." This is because the sentence is talking about crops that are regularly planted by farmers, which suggests that they are essential or basic food items. Therefore, option C, "staple," is the correct answer.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The missing word in question 79 is describing a type of farming that involves leaving land for a period of time to allow it to recover. The best option from letters A - E that completes the gap is "Shifting". Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a form of farming where land is cleared, cultivated for a few years, and then left to regenerate for a period before being used again. This process is repeated over time in different areas, hence the term "shifting".

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The best option to fill the gap in question 75 is letter B - capital. The sentence talks about farming at a small scale with little or no "outlay" involved. Outlay refers to the money or capital invested in an enterprise. This suggests that farmers in this context do not have access to significant amounts of money to invest in their farming activities. Therefore, the appropriate option to fill the gap is "capital," which refers to the financial resources required to start and maintain a business or enterprise.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
Mrs Coker had an accident because she was.....

Answer Details

The correct option is "driving rather carelessly." The sentence implies that the cause of Mrs Coker's accident was her careless driving. The adverb "rather" in this context means "to some extent" and is modifying the adverb "carelessly," which describes the manner in which she was driving. Therefore, the correct order of the words is "driving rather carelessly."

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
It was reveled that the drainage system of the town has been.....of use since it was constructed

Answer Details

The correct option to complete the sentence is "out". The sentence talks about the drainage system of the town, which means that the system is outside. Therefore, the correct word to use in this context would be "out".

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

From the words lettered A to E, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
The governor scolded the contractors for the poor ....of the project

Answer Details

The word that best completes the sentence is "execution" as it fits well in the context and makes sense. The governor scolded the contractors for the poor execution of the project. "Execution" refers to the carrying out of a plan or task, and in this case, it implies that the contractors did not do a good job in implementing the project. The other options, "prosecution," "installation," "investigation," and "foundation" do not fit the context of the sentence and are not appropriate to describe the quality of the project.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The word that best completes the gap in question 89 is "investigation" (option E). The sentence mentions that "the [judge] has just completed his [investigation] into a case of [unknown crime] brought by a [person]", implying that the judge had been examining the evidence and facts of the case. The other options, such as "research" or "study", do not fit the context as well as "investigation" does.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
The principal sent them home because they did not pay .......school fees

Answer Details

The correct answer is "their". In the sentence, "they" is the subject, "did not pay" is the verb phrase, and "their school fees" is the object of the verb phrase. The possessive pronoun "their" is used to show that the fees in question are the fees belonging to the students who were sent home. Therefore, the correct sentence is: "The principal sent them home because they did not pay their school fees."

From the words lettered A to E, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
It is really a ......the more you look, the less you see.

Answer Details

The word that best completes the sentence is "paradox." A paradox is a statement or situation that appears to be contradictory or absurd but in reality, expresses a possible truth. In this sentence, the speaker is expressing that the more they look, the less they see, which appears to be contradictory but may be true, and this is a paradox.

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The officer urged the soldiers to gird up their loins for the task ahead. This means that soldiers should

Answer Details

The most appropriate interpretation of the sentence "The officer urged the soldiers to gird up their loins for the task ahead" is that the soldiers should be on full alert. "Gird up your loins" is an idiomatic expression that means to prepare oneself for a difficult task or challenge ahead. It does not refer to waking up early, guarding one's loins, or wearing new uniform.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
Customers are advised to settle their electricity bills promptly, otherwise supply may be........

Answer Details

The correct option is "cut off." This means that if customers do not pay their electricity bills promptly, their electricity supply will be disconnected or stopped until the bill is paid.

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The taxi-driver smelt a rat when the policeman waved him to stop and so he sped off. This means that the taxi driver

Answer Details

The most appropriate interpretation for the sentence "The taxi-driver smelt a rat when the policeman waved him to stop and so he sped off" is that the taxi driver became suspicious. The phrase "smelt a rat" is an idiomatic expression that means to become suspicious or to feel that something is not right. Therefore, when the policeman waved him to stop, the taxi driver felt that something was wrong and decided to speed off instead of stopping.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
The young man came to Lagos...the intention of staying with his friend

Answer Details

The correct answer is "with". The sentence means that the young man came to Lagos with the intention of staying with his friend. The preposition "with" is used to indicate accompanying someone or something.

From the words lettered A to E below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.
The lawyer remarked that the fact that the accused did nothing when the innocent boy was being lynched made him culpable

Answer Details

The word "culpable" means deserving blame or being responsible for something wrong. Out of the given options, the word that is nearest in meaning to "culpable" is "blameworthy". Therefore, the correct answer is option E.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
The uncompromising politician remained.......a political wilderness for almost a decade

Answer Details

The appropriate option to complete the given sentence is "in." The phrase "remained in a political wilderness" suggests that the politician was isolated or excluded from the political circles or mainstream for almost a decade. The preposition "in" is commonly used to indicate the location of someone or something. In this sentence, "in" is used figuratively to indicate that the politician was in a state of isolation or exclusion from the political mainstream. Out of the given options, "in" is the most suitable preposition to complete the sentence, as it correctly conveys the intended meaning of the sentence.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
Doctor: "How is the ulcer patient? Nurse: He's recovering.....faster than we expected"

Answer Details

The best word to complete the sentence is "much". The nurse is saying that the patient is recovering at a speed greater than what they anticipated. The word "much" is often used to indicate a large amount or degree, and in this case, it suggests a significantly faster rate of recovery than expected.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The missing word in question 87 is related to the land ownership and usage described in the passage. The sentence suggests that if any fees are paid at all, they are paid in kind. Among the options provided, the one that makes the most sense in this context is "rents." Therefore, the best option to complete the gap is "rents."

From the words lettered A to E, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
His decision to terminate the agreement was.....as he did not consult the other party

Answer Details

The best option to complete the sentence is "unilateral." The sentence is talking about a decision made without consulting the other party, which implies that the decision was made by one party without the agreement or input of the other party. The word "unilateral" means one-sided or done by only one party, which fits the context of the sentence. The other options like unconditional, unquestionable, unanimous, and unequivocal don't fit the context of the sentence.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences.
The new bakery will ....one thousand loaves of bread daily

Answer Details

The correct option is "turn out". The sentence is talking about the production capacity of a new bakery, and the phrase "turn out" means to produce or manufacture something. Therefore, the sentence is saying that the new bakery will produce one thousand loaves of bread daily. The other options do not fit the context and meaning of the sentence.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

Answer Details

The missing word in question 99 is related to the legal proceedings in the court. The person who is responsible for presiding over a court case and making judgments based on the evidence presented is called a judge or magistrate. Option A, "magistrate", is the best option as it fits the context of the passage. The presiding magistrate had no choice but to acquit the accused for want of evidence.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the below each passage, five choices are offered in columns lettered A to E. For each question choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
Farming is a very common -73- among the rural dwellers in the West African sub-region. Most often, this is practised at -74- level with little if any -75- outlay involved. Year in year out, the farmers eke out their -76- from the land tilled with hoes and such other simple implements. Many of these rural dwellers have never heard about -77- farming let alone the prerequisites for the successful operation of such -78- enterprises. -79- cultivation is widely practised. This is a process where farmers abandon their parcels of land for a period of four to five years to allow such land to recover its natural -80- for better -81- -82- such as yam, maize, rice, cow pea which serve as -83- food are planted on -84- basis, while -85- crops are hardly grown. Invariably the -86- are inherited and passed from one generation to another. Where -87- are paid at all, they are usually in kind.
The -88- has just completed his -89- into a case of -90- brought by a -91-, but was undecided as to whether or not there was enough evidence to -92- the -93-. However, his inspector felt that there were sufficient ingredients in the case to warrant -94- . Not only ere there witnesses to -95- the evidence of the complainant but the accused had virtually confessed to the offence. The courtroom was filled to capacity during the ensuing -96-, as the accused had employed the service of a legal luminary for his defence. During the -97- it became clear to all present that the -98-relied upon by the prosecution was very weak. The defence counsel successfully tore the evidence of the witnesses into shreds. The presiding -99- had no choice but to -100- and accused for want of evidence.

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The word that best completes the gap in question 76 is "livelihood" (option A). The sentence talks about how rural farmers eke out their (livelihood) from the land. Livelihood means the means of supporting oneself or one's family, typically by earning money through work. This option is the most suitable as it fits the context of the sentence and conveys the intended meaning. The other options, such as "income" and "wages," are also related to the concept of earning money but are not as appropriate in this particular sentence.

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
Jimmy is good company, but he sometimes blows his own trumpet. This means that Jimmy

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The appropriate interpretation for the sentence "Jimmy is good company, but he sometimes blows his own trumpet" is that Jimmy "praises himself." The phrase "blows his own trumpet" is an idiom that means someone is boasting or praising themselves. The first part of the sentence, "Jimmy is good company," suggests that Jimmy is a pleasant person to be around. However, the second part of the sentence, "he sometimes blows his own trumpet," suggests that Jimmy has a tendency to talk about his own achievements or abilities in a way that can be perceived as boastful or self-centered. Therefore, the interpretation that Jimmy "praises himself" is the most appropriate for this sentence.

Read the following passage carefully and then answer the questions on it.

      The death last month of Chief Dende has opened my eyes. Throughout his life, we were very close friends. We grew up together, attended the same primary and secondary schools, and joined the civil service the same day. Although we benefited from different in-service training programmes and at different times during our respective careers, we were never too distant from each other And we were installed chiefs the same day. Above all, his wife, Adanma, and minehave been good friends over the years.

      All these years, I believed that my friend kept no secret from me. I could, and did occasionally, defend his integrity. Anywhere people discussed him in my hearing, I was ready to take up his case vehemently. Predictably, people stopped discussing him any time I was around. I had assumed, erroneously  as it turned out, that people had stopped discussing him because they were sufficiently educated and sincerely convinced about his integrity. Happenings . have since shattered  that assumption:

      The first shock came the day after his death. The major national newspapers carried his obituary, as advertised by 'his wife Ngozi Dende, and her three children.' If the timing of the advertisement, a day after the event was strange, particularly more puzzling was the advertiser. All my life, I had known only Adanma as his wife and her five children. Besides, the names of 'his' three children in the advertisement were entirely different from those of his five children by Adanma.

      Before I recovered from the first shock, the next bombshell fell. Members of the Apata Fraternity, a most dreaded secret cult, which Dende and I had despised while he lived, announced in the dailies that they had the exclusive right to bury their 'departed colleague'. The announcement warned all uninitiated persons to keep off In their own interest'. And so it was that members of the fraternity, supporting their claim with a hand-written will by Dende, collected his body from the hospital, performed the last rites on him and buried him in their sacred grove.

      I have learnt, and I am still learning. I have reached the unpleasant conclusion that his critics were most probably right after all.  

(a) Why was the writer always defending Chief Dende?

(b) Why was the writer puzzled about the advertisement by Ngozi Dende?

(c) Why was he also surprised about the advertisement by the Apata Fratenity?

(d) What lesson can we learn from this passage?

(e) the next bombshell fell. (i) What figure of speech is the above expression? (ii) What is its meaning?

(f) ……that his critics were most probably right after all (i) What grammatical name is given to the above expression?

(ii) What is its function in the sentence?

(g) For each of the following words, find another word or phrase that means the same and can replace it as used in the passage.

 (i) careers; (ii) integrity; (iii) vehemently, (iv) erroneously; (v) shattered; (vi) exclusive.

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Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it. 

      Years after he had left home for the capital, first as a student and later as a struggling businessman, Oliha returned to his village, having been informed of his father's failing health. He was amazed that not much had changed since he left as a youth. Every experience shocked him: the coloured water with a strong taste: the eye-sore of a dung-hill on which everyone excreted; the absence of electricity and so on. As he went to bed late in the evening, after a meeting with his younger brothers,on how he would pay his own share of their father's medical expenses, he prayed for the early arrival of the morning. He decided to leave early and put the trying experience behind him. 
      But morning brought him the greatest shock of his life. Informed by his niece that there was a bucket of water for him in the bath, he hurried down there, half-dressed, holding a towel. The bathroom. located by the side of the building, was an improvised rectangular enclosure made of palm fronds. Hissing to himself. he went in and used his clothes and large towel to cover some openings in the enclosure. He started bathing. Then it happened. With every inch of his body thoroughly covered with soap lather, hardly able to open his eyes, he heard someone removing his clothes and towel. With the corner of his half-opened eyes, he saw a man making away with the clothes and towel. Hardly giving the matter thought, naked except for the covering of soap lather. he ran out and gave the thief a hot chase. 
      As he ran after the thief. he heard everyone shouting. The lunatic has broken loose again! But as soon as the people saw him,, everyone shouted. 'Ah. another mad man has broken loose!' Men. women children all ran away, seeking refuge  in their homes. slamming their doors. By the time he realized what was happening daring men were after him. Just as Oliha was about to beat a retreat, he was held by strong muscular men who overpowered him and carried him to the quarters of the village's foremost occult healer who alone knew how to cure lunatics.  
(a) Why did Oliha return to the village? 
(b) Mention two basic facilities lacking in the village. 
(c) What was the subject of the meeting which Oliha held with his younger brothers? 
(d) Why was it possible for the thief to remove the clothes without Oliha stopping him? 
(e)(i) Why was Oliha taken to the occult healer rather than to his father's home? 
(ii) What is the irony of the entire event in the passage? 
(f) ... who alone knew how to cure lunatics. (i) What is the grammatical name given to the above expression? 
(ii) What is its function in the sentence? 
(g) the early arrival of morning. (i) What figure of speech is the above expression? (ii) Why do you consider it so? 
(h) For each of the following words, find another word or phrase that means the same and can replace it as used in the passage. 
(i) shocked: (ii) trying; (iii) thoroughly; (iv) refuge; (v) foremost. 

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The topic of a debate organized by the Directorate for Mass Mobilization for senior secondary schools is: The open ballot system is better than the secret ballot system for Nigeria. Write your contribution for or against the motion.

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Your younger sister in SSII has written for your advice on what subjects she should study for the SSCE. As someone who knows her ability in the different subjects, write a letter to her giving advice on why she should choose certain subjects rather than others. There has been an outbreak of an epidemic in your area.

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Tell a story which ends with the words: .....and I have had to live with this stigma for the rest of my life.

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Write an article for publication in a health magazine stating the causes and effects, and suggesting what should be done in order to check it.

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You were an eye-witness to a fight in your dormitory in which a junior student was given a black eye and the principal had threatened to expel all the boarders unless the facts of the matter were made known to him. Write a letter to the principal stating what actually happened.

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Recently, there was a rainstorm which caused a lot of damage in your locality. Write an article for publication in your school magazine, describing the rainstorm, the damage caused and its effects on the people.

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Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it

. 
      The history of warfare reveals that man has come a long way. In the beginning man contented him self with simple hand-hurled missiles. Man threw the stone at other animals and. in warfare, at his enemies. Destruction was minimal, as this was determined by the size and roughness of the stone and the energy of the thrower. Even when man later invented the catapult, destruction was only slightly higher. The primitive catapult was made out of a tough rope at one end of which was tied a big stone. Its most limiting factor was that such a missile, no matter how strong the force behind it, could kill only one person at a time. 
      Things were relatively easier for the assailant with the invention of the bow and arrow. For the first time, man utilized very little strength to bring down his enemy, even at a fairly distant position. The size of the bow, the elasticity of its string, and the sharpness of the arrow, much more than the crude energy of the thrower, determined how far and fast the arrow traveled. The weapon became even more significant when man later learnt to fix a sharp metal to the tip of the arrow. And when that metal was dyed in highly lethal poison, it became even more effective in killing a man. 
      With the coming of metal, farm implements were developed. But man soon turned some of these, especially the machete. into weapons of combat. The sword is thus a very close cousin of the machete. Used in combat, the sword, especially when carried by a very skillful fighter on a horse, could wreak far more havoc than the bow and arrow. It is hence understandable that the foremost conquerors of the classical period, from Alexander the Great to Julius Caesar, used this simple hand-borne instrument of combat. And this, in its simple turn with the invention of the gun and the bullet. The arrival of the gun introduced destruction of human lives at an unprecedented rate with even the most elementary gun. In the hands of foot soldiers, it became possible to count casualties in hundreds in a single encounter. With practically no physical effort, apart from the moving of a finger on the trigger, the highly lethal bullet is sent through the barrel at a speed much faster than that of sound. The enemy, at a considerable distance, may thus be brought down without even hearing the sound of the shooting or seeing his assailant.

      The development of grenades, bombs, missiles, nuclear and chemical war-heads have made all previous weapons appear little more than toys. With bombs delivered by fast-flying airplanes, and nuclear or chemical war-heads borne to their distant destinations by unnamed missiles, destruction of cities and, in fact, of whole countries within a matter of hours is now a great possibility. Today, man doesn't need to be physically present to haul the stone, or throw the spear, or send the arrow. The missile has now replaced all these, and it does not need to be physically sent by an individual. Electronics and computers do the launching, and men die in hundreds of thousands.

In six sentences, one for each, summarize the six different types of weapons of warfare and their relative effectiveness.

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