JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2024

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

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

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

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

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The word "tinge" in the phrase refers to a **slight or small amount of something**. Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to "tinge" is **tint**. A "tint" can also mean a small amount of color, just as a "tinge" can refer to a small amount of influence or quality.

Let me break it down further for you:

• **Tint**: Refers to a slight color or a small degree of a particular quality.
• **Tray**: This is a flat object used for carrying items, which doesn?t relate to "tinge."
• **Tract**: This generally refers to an area of land or a large piece of written work, which doesn?t fit the meaning of "tinge."
• **Mold**: This can refer to a fungus or a form/shaping element, which also doesn?t match the concept of "tinge" in this context.

Thus, out of all the options, the word that is synonymous in meaning to "tinge" is **tint**. Both suggest a small or slight amount of something.

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According to the passage, it is not all honeybees that produce eggs. The passage explains that there are different roles and castes within honeybee society. Only the queen has the ability to lay eggs. The other bees, such as the workers and drones, do not lay eggs. Workers carry out other functions like foraging and taking care of the hive, while drones do not participate in laying eggs as they are males.

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

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

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

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

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

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The man is not as powerful as he once was, his influence has considerably diminished.

The word "diminished" means something that has become less or decreased in size, extent, or importance. In this context, it perfectly completes the sentence by indicating that the man's influence has decreased over time.

Let us examine why the other words are not suitable:

• Toppled: This term usually means to fall or push over something. It's often used in a context referring to overthrowing a regime or a government, which doesn't quite fit here.
• Quelled: This means to put an end to or to subdue something, often used in the context of quelling a disturbance or a rebellion. It doesn't fit the context of something naturally decreasing.
• Discarded: This word means to throw something away or to get rid of something. It's generally used in a context different from influence decreasing over time.

Therefore, diminished is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the context of the man's influence reducing.

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The expression "cynosure of all eyes" is often used to describe someone who attracts a lot of attention or is the center of attraction. In simple terms, when Titi is described as the "cynosure of all eyes at the party," it means that she was the primary focus of attention and everyone was looking at her.

The emphasis is on her being the center of attraction, and it does not necessarily imply anything about how she was dressed, whether she was ashamed, or if she wanted to leave the party. Therefore, the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence is that she was the centre of attraction at the party.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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To determine the option that has the same vowel sound as the underlined letters in "youth," we need to identify the vowel sound. In "youth," the letters "ou" are underlined, and they produce the /juː/ vowel sound, which sounds like "you."

Let's analyze the vowel sounds in the given options:

• Should: The vowel sound in "should" is /ʊ/, which is pronounced like the "u" in "put." It is not the same as the /juː/ sound.
• Bout: The word "bout" has the vowel sound /aʊ/, like the "ou" in "about." This is not the same as the /juː/ sound.
• Choose: The vowel sound in "choose" is /uː/, which is similar to the /juː/ sound but lacks the initial "y" sound. However, it is the closest match to the vowel sound in "youth" among the given options.
• Butcher: The vowel sound in "butcher" is /ʊ/, similar to "should." It is not the same as the /juː/ sound in "youth."

Therefore, the option that has the vowel sound closest to that in "youth" is choose, as it shares the long /uː/ sound, even though it doesn't have the initial "y" sound present in "youth."

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

Let's analyze the options:

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

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

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The word "likeness" means similarity or resemblance. The opposite of this is dissimilarity

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

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

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The word "buoy" contains the vowel sound represented by the letters "uoy," which creates a diphthong that sounds like "oi" or "oy." This specific sound can be heard in the word "boy" where the "oy" produces the same diphthong.

Therefore, the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined in "buoy" is "boy," because both share the same "oi" diphthong sound.

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To determine the best option to fill the gap labelled 8, we need to consider the context of the passage, which describes a section in a coal mine where miners are working. The passage mentions that the coal is neatly cut, and it describes the setting of a mining environment. In mining terminology, the exposed surface of a coal seam where mining takes place is commonly referred to as the "coal face." This term specifically denotes the part of the seam being actively worked on or extracted.

Here's a breakdown of the options:

• Front: While it suggests an area or section in front, it is not the specific term used to describe the area where mining occurs.
• Slope: This implies an inclined surface, which does not aptly describe the structure where coal is being extracted.
• Obstacle: This suggests a barrier or hindrance, which is not relevant in describing the structure of the coal seam being mined.
• Face: This is the most accurate and specific term used in mining to describe the area where the coal is actively being cut and extracted.

Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill gap 8 is "face," as it accurately represents the mining term for the exposed surface of the coal seam that is being worked on.

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The phrase "burning the midnight oil" is an idiomatic expression that means to study or work late into the night. It originates from the time when oil lamps were commonly used to provide light after dark. Therefore, when someone is said to be "burning the midnight oil," it implies they are studying or working hard late into the night.

The option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence is "needs to study late into the night" . This option captures the essence of the idiomatic expression, emphasizing the effort of staying up and working/ studying during late hours to achieve success in an examination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The passage is discussing how languages are associated with specific territories on maps, and it illustrates this by describing how most of North America is labeled for English and other languages in specific regions. In this context, the correct option for the gap labeled 9 is "coded". The word "**coded**" effectively conveys the idea of assigning or representing a particular language as predominant in a specific area on a map. This term aligns with the passage's description of how territories are designated or labeled with languages, similar to creating a visual representation of language distribution.

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To comprehend the meaning of the sentence "He played his wife false by inviting his mistress to the house as his cousin," it's essential to break down the phrase:

The key expression here is "played his wife false." The phrase "played false" commonly means to be deceitful or unfaithful. In this context, it indicates an act of betrayal or cheating on one's spouse.

Now, linking this with the rest of the sentence, where he invited someone under false pretense as his cousin, suggests that he was trying to disguise or hide the true identity of this person from his wife. The term "mistress" typically refers to a woman with whom a married man has a romantic or sexual relationship outside his marriage.

Therefore, the sentence implies that the man was being unfaithful — he was cheating on his wife by inviting his mistress into their home, pretending that she was his cousin to cover up this infidelity. So, the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence is: He cheated on his wife with his mistress.

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The correct word to fill the gap is "genius." The passage talks about the teacher's ability to handle both fast and slow learners. The phrase "speed of the genius" suggests moving quickly at the pace of someone who is extremely intelligent. This word fits the context because it implies a quick pace or high capability in understanding, which relates to how teachers manage students of varying learning speeds.

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

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The word bequeathed means to leave something, usually in a will, to a person or beneficiary after someone's death. In this context, it implies that the owner has decided to transfer or hand over ownership of the company to his last daughter. Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to bequeathed is left.

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The correct choice to complete the sentence is "yours."

Here's the explanation:

• "your's" is incorrect because the apostrophe indicates possession, but in standard English, the word "yours" is already the possessive pronoun, so no apostrophe is needed.


• "your" is a possessive adjective used before a noun, for example, "your book." Since the sentence is asking about the pronoun referring to the owner of the friends, "your" is not appropriate.
• "yours'" is incorrect because it attempts to pluralize or possess a form that is already possessive. "Yours" is the correct possessive pronoun and does not need an apostrophe.
• "yours" is the correct answer. It is the possessive pronoun which indicates that something belongs to "you." In this context, it functions correctly to refer to the ownership of the friends being inquired about.

Therefore, the sentence should read: "Are those girls friends of yours?"

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To determine which catalogue one should use when looking for a particular book, especially after already deciding to use the title catalogue in the first gap, we should consider how libraries typically organize their collections. Libraries commonly offer various catalogues to help users locate books.

If a person knows the title of a book, it makes sense to use a title catalogue. Conversely, if the person knows the author of the book, they should use the author catalogue to find the book.

Given that the passage starts by suggesting the use of the title catalogue in the previous blank, it would be logical to provide another commonly used method to locate a book by a known author in the following blank. Therefore, the best option for the gap labeled 7 is the author catalogue.

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When a word in a sentence is given emphatic stress, it signifies that the word is crucial to the meaning or emphasis of the sentence. In this case, the word in capital letters is "PEACE," implying that the emphasis is on what his reign was noted for. To determine the appropriate question form that relates to the emphasis, we look at options that focus on contrasting what his reign could be noted for.

The original statement is "His reign was noted for PEACE." Emphatic stress looks for an alternative or contrasting term to the emphasized word. Here, the emphasized word is "PEACE," so we need to check for an option that contrasts with "peace."

The option "Was his reign noted for wealth?" fits this requirement. By asking about a different characteristic, such as "wealth," it directly contrasts with the original statement's emphasis on "PEACE." Therefore, this question would have the emphatic stress on "peace" to highlight the contrast.

Hence, when the response is "His reign was noted for PEACE," the contrasting question would be "Was his reign noted for wealth?"

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According to the passage, students perform poorly in examinations because of their inability to imbibe a good reading culture. The passage emphasizes that poor reading habits lead to difficulties in understanding and comprehending the information emphasized in their studies. This lack of a strong reading culture prevents students from effectively grasping and extracting necessary information from their textbooks, contributing to inadequate performance in examinations.

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

Analyzing the options provided:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's analyze the options:

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

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

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

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

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

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To understand the meaning of the word decisive, let's break it down. The word decisive is often used to describe actions or decisions that are firm, clear, and have a definite resolution. If someone takes a decisive action, it means they are making a clear and conclusive decision, often leading to a solution or outcome without hesitation.

Now, let's examine each of the options:

• Significant: This means important or meaningful. While a decisive action might be significant, the word significant doesn't capture the full essence of being firm or final in decision-making.
• Inconclusive: This means something that does not lead to a firm conclusion or result. This is the opposite of decisive, as it implies uncertainty and a lack of resolution.
• Indecisive: This describes someone or something not having the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively. It is also the opposite of decisive.
• Trivial: This means unimportant or insignificant. A decisive action would not be trivial as it is meant to resolve or settle an important issue.

From the above explanations, the closest word in meaning to decisive is significant. However, it is important to note that although they are related, they are not exact synonyms. Decisive involves being firm and having a clear conclusion, while significant pertains to the importance or impact of an action.

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Notes of Salvation is a euphemism for the cheat notes that Kola passed to Salma during the examination. It helps to reduce the unpleasantness of what the cheat notes represent. 

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

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To determine the most appropriate option for the gap labeled 10, we need to consider the role and characteristics of what is being described in the passage.

The passage describes something that shines in the light of the miner's lamp and is responsible for holding up thousands of feet of rock and earth, providing structural support within the mining environment. This description indicates that the structures in question are essential for maintaining the stability of the mining tunnels.

Let's examine the meaning of each option:

• Beams: Beams are long, sturdy pieces made of materials like steel or wood that are used to support weight and maintain structural integrity in a building, tunnel, or other construction. This term fits well, as beams are commonly used in mining to support the roof and prevent the collapse of tunnels.


• Supports: This term is more general and can refer to any structure that provides support. However, it is less specific than the other options available.


• Spurs: Spurs generally refer to projections or appendages, but not typically as structural elements in mining to support loads from above.


• Stays: Stays are types of braces or ties that hold things in position, but they are not typically the primary structural support like beams would be.

Given the context and the role of providing strong, essential support to hold the rock and earth pressing down, the most appropriate option is "beams".

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The word or phrase underlined is "fall through." The term "fall through" generally means that a plan, proposal, or project does not happen or fails to be completed as intended. It often refers to something that was expected to happen but did not.

To find the opposite meaning, we need a word that describes a proposal being successful or completed as planned.

Let's review the options given:

• Succeed: This means to achieve something as planned or to accomplish a goal successfully.
• Be discarded: This means to throw away or reject something, which shares a negative aspect, similar to "fall through."
• Be written off: This means to consider something as a failure or lost cause, which also shares similarity with "fall through."
• Fail: This is a synonym for "fall through," indicating lack of success.

The correct opposite of "fall through" is "succeed," as it implies the proposal is achieved or completed successfully, opposite the meaning of failing or not happening.

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The best option to complete the sentence is: drugs.

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

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

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

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

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

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The expression "call it a day" is an idiomatic phrase used to signify that work should come to an end. When the manager tells his workers to "call it a day," he is instructing them to stop working for the day. It means that the work period has concluded and they should cease all work-related activities. Therefore, the best explanation of the information conveyed in the sentence is that the workers were told to stop working.

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The phrase "learning in the four walls of a classroom" implies formal education. Formal education refers to the systematic, structured education that occurs primarily in school settings, often involving a specific curriculum and conducted by trained teachers. This type of education takes place within classrooms, which are typically part of school buildings, hence the phrase about the "four walls". Students are educated in a formal environment where knowledge is imparted through a set curriculum, examinations, and assessments.

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The word "reckless" in the sentence "His reckless remark did not go unnoticed" suggests that the remark was made without careful thought or consideration of the potential consequences. Let's explore the meaning and implications of each option:

• Salient: This word means something that is most noticeable or important. It does not fit well with "reckless," as "salient" emphasizes visibility or prominence, rather than carelessness.
• Considerable: This refers to something that is significant or worthy of attention, often due to its size or importance. It does not match "reckless," because "considerable" does not imply a lack of caution or foresight.
• Taciturn: This describes a person who is reserved or says little. It is almost the opposite of making a "reckless" remark since taciturn people are cautious about speaking.
• Unguarded: This means lacking in caution or care, especially in speech or behavior. It aligns with "reckless" because both suggest speaking without careful thought or control, leading to unintended consequences.

Therefore, the option closest in meaning to "reckless" is unguarded.

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

Now, let's analyze each option:

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

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

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

Let's break it down:

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

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

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To determine the best option for filling the gap labelled 14 in the passage, we need to consider the context where the sentence mentions a mechanical tool that saws into coal. In this context, the passage is describing a tool that cuts into the coal to separate it from its base, similar to how a saw or a cutting tool would work. The term that best fits this description is a "knife". A mechanical knife can refer to a cutting blade or tool designed specifically for cutting purposes, which is consistent with the action of sawing into coal. Thus, the most appropriate word to fill gap 14 is "knife". This is because a mechanical knife would effectively separate the coal, aligning perfectly with the context of separating the coal from its base.

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The best option to complete the sentence is "**to**." The correct sentence would be: "I was glad he called my attention **to** the matter."

Here's a simple explanation:

In English, certain verbs or expressions require specific prepositions that follow them. The phrase "call attention" typically pairs with the preposition **"to"**. This construction is used to indicate directing someone's focus or thoughts **toward** a particular issue or topic.

For example, if you say, "He called my attention **to** the problem," it means that he brought the problem to your notice or made you aware of it. Using other prepositions like "on," "for," or "at" in this context would not be grammatically correct as they do not convey the intended relationship between the action and the subject.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's why:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here?s a breakdown of the options:

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

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

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The phrase underlined in the sentence "was declared null and void" means that something is considered to have no legal effect, value, or binding power. In other words, it is as if it never existed at all.

Let's consider the meanings of the options to find the one with the opposite meaning:

1. Invalid: Similar to null and void as it also means lacking legal force or not valid.

2. Nugatory: Means of no value or importance, essentially similar in essence to null and void.

3. Void: Directly matches with null, again indicating that something is of no legal force or effect.

4. Credible: Implies something or someone being trustworthy or likely to be believed, which is opposite to lacking value or effect.

Therefore, the word opposite in meaning to null and void is credible because credible implies having validity or trustworthiness, whereas null and void implies having no legal standing or validity.

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The sentence "It is highly improbable that it will snow in June" communicates the idea that there is a very small chance of snow occurring in June. The emphasis is on the **small probability** or **unlikely nature** of the event.

The option that best explains this information is: It is highly unlikely that it will snow in June. This option directly reflects the notion of a low probability or rare occurrence of snow in June, similar to what the original sentence states.

Let's examine the other options for clarity:

• It is possible that it will snow in June: This suggests a potential or some possibility of snow, which contradicts the original sentence's emphasis on low likelihood.
• It will never snow in June: The word "never" implies an impossibility, which is too strong compared to "highly improbable" suggesting a small chance.
• The snowfall will probably be high in June: This indicates an expectation of significant snowfall, which is the opposite of what is conveyed in the sentence.

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

Now, let's look at each option:

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

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

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The word "mother" has the vowel sound represented by the letter "o." This sound is the /ʌ/ sound, which is a short, mid-central, and unrounded vowel. In the context of American English and many dialects of British English, this sound can be found in other words as well. Let's break this down:

1. Verb: The word "verb" does not have the /ʌ/ sound. It has a vowel sound similar to /ɜː/ or /ɜr/ in some dialects. Hence, it does not match the sound in "mother."

2. Mercy: The vowel sound in "mercy" is typically pronounced as /ɜː/ or /ɜr/, which differs from the /ʌ/ sound in "mother."

3. About: "About" contains the /ə/ sound, especially in the first syllable, which is closer to a schwa sound. The vowel sounds in "about" do not match the /ʌ/ sound in "mother."

4. Jump: In "jump," the vowel sound is the same /ʌ/ sound as in "mother." It is the same short, mid-central, unrounded vowel.

Therefore, the word "jump" shares the same vowel sound with "mother."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The drones are the honeybees that do not live long. Drone bees are male bees whose primary role is to mate with a queen bee. They do not participate in foraging for food or taking care of the hive. Once they have completed their mating role, they typically die shortly thereafter because mating is a fatal act for them.

In addition, if drones have not mated by the end of the mating season, they are often expelled from the hive by the worker bees. This is primarily because drones do not contribute to the hive's upkeep, and during times when resources are scarce, it is not beneficial for the colony to support them. Therefore, drones generally have a shorter lifespan compared to the queen and worker bees in the hive.

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To understand the meaning of the word demagogue, it's important to look at the characteristics associated with it. A demagogue is someone who seeks to gain power, influence, or leadership by appealing to people's emotions, fears, and prejudices rather than using rational arguments and reasoning. This often involves using rhetoric and propaganda to manipulate public opinion.

Now, let's look at the options:

• Pastor: Typically a religious leader or minister who leads a church and provides spiritual guidance to its congregation. This does not match the idea of manipulating people's emotions for power.
• Teacher: An educator who imparts knowledge and encourages learning, typically in an academic setting. This role involves logical reasoning and educating, not manipulation.
• Manipulator: This refers to someone who tries to influence or control others in a clever or unscrupulous way. This closely aligns with the characteristics of a demagogue, who manipulates people's emotions for personal gain.
• Demographer: A person who studies the statistical characteristics of human populations, such as births, deaths, income, etc. This is unrelated to manipulation for power.

Based on these explanations, the option nearest in meaning to demagogue is manipulator, because both involve influencing others by playing on their emotions or fears, often for selfish purposes.