JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2018

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

The man reasoned that there ought to be a limit to sycophancy.

Antwortdetails

sycophancy: obsequious behaviour towards someone important in order to gain advantage; obsequious flattery (obsequious means obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree)

In order to approach the problem of anxiety in play, let us consider the problem of anxiety in play, let us consider the activity of building and destroying a tower. Many a mother thinks that her little son is in a 'destructive stage' or even has a 'destructive personality' because after building a big, big tower, the boy cannot follow her advice to leave the tower for Daddy to see, but instead must kick it and make it collapse. The almost manic pleasure with which children watch the collapse in a second of the product of long play-labour has puzzled many, especially since the child does not appreciate it at all if his tower falls by accident or by a helpful uncle’s hand. He, the builder, must destroy it himself. This game, I should think, arises from the not so distant experience of sudden falls at the very time when standing upright on wobbly legs afforded a new and fascinating perspective on existence. The child who consequently learns to make a tower 'stand up' enjoys causing the same tower to waver and collapse; in addition to the active mastery over a previously passive event, it makes one feel stronger to know that there is somebody weaker ----and towers, unlike little sister, can't cry and call, 'Mummy!'

What other feeling does the child derive from the fall of his tower apart from pleasure?

Antwortdetails

The child derives a sense of strength from the fall of his tower. As mentioned in the text, the child enjoys causing the tower to waver and collapse, and it makes them feel stronger to know that there is something weaker (the tower) that can't cry for help. The child's experience of standing upright on wobbly legs, and the subsequent mastery over a previously passive event (the tower falling), contributes to this sense of strength.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.

The severity of the harmattan helped me to complete my writing assignment in record time because I had no choice but to lock myself indoors.

Antwortdetails

The opposite in meaning to the word "severity" is "mildness." In this context, "severity" refers to the harshness or intensity of the harmattan weather. It made the writer stay indoors and complete the writing assignment in record time. Therefore, the opposite of severity, which would mean a less harsh or intense condition, is "mildness." The other options are not appropriate antonyms for "severity" in this context. "Warmth" means a comfortable temperature, which is not necessarily opposite to the harshness of the harmattan. "Moderation" means avoiding extremes or excesses, which is not opposite to severity. "Leniency" means showing mercy or forgiveness, which is also not opposite to severity.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

Wherever the leader went people struggled to catch a _______ of him.

Antwortdetails

The word that best completes the gap is "glimpse". Explanation: The sentence is describing a leader who is being followed by people who are trying to see him. The word "glimpse" means a quick look or a brief sighting, which fits perfectly in the context. The other options, such as "look", "view", and "picture", do not convey the sense of a fleeting or quick observation that the sentence is trying to convey.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics.

Father Francis thanked God for the abundance of blessings his family received.

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The opposite of "abundance" is "paucity." In this context, "abundance" means that Father Francis's family received many blessings. "Paucity," on the other hand, means a scarcity or lack of something. Therefore, the option that is opposite in meaning to "abundance" is "Paucity."

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phase in italics.

The witness averred that she had seen Dosun at the scene of the crime.

Antwortdetails

To aver means to state or assert to be the case.
To deny means to state that one refuses to admit the truth or existence of. It is the opposite of aver.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.

The governor's visit is an unprecedented event in the history of the social club.

Antwortdetails

unprecedented means never done or known before.
insignificant means too small or unimportant to be worth consideration.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.

The Flying Eagles put up a plucky defence against their opponents.

Antwortdetails

The opposite of "plucky" is "weak". A plucky defense means that the team put up a brave and determined defense, while a weak defense would mean that the team was not able to defend well against their opponents.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics.

It is customary to find young men and women in sports.

Antwortdetails

The opposite in meaning to the word "customary" is "unusual." Therefore, "Unusual," is the correct answer.

A wolf, seeing a lamb drinking from a river, wanted to find a pretext for devouring him, He stood higher up the stream and accused the lamb of muddying the water so that he could not drink. The lamb said that he drank only the tip of his tongue and that in any case he was standing lower down the river, and could not possible disturb the water higher When this excuse failed him, the wolf said: 'Well, last year you insulted my father.' "I wasn't even born then replied the lamb. 'You are good at finding answer' said the wolf, 'but what do you mean by taking up so much of the path where I am walking?' The lamb, frightened at the wolf's angry tone and terrible aspect, told him, with all due submission, that he could not conceive how his walking on such a wide path could occasion him any inconvenience. 'What!' exclaimed the wolf, seemingly in great anger and indignation. 'You are as impudent as your father who seized me by the throat last year and caused me to be kept in a cage for three months'. 'If you will believe me,' said the lamb, 'my parents are poor simple creatures who live entirely by green stuff, we are none of us hunters of your species.' Ah! I see it's no use talking to you,' said the wolf, drawing up close to him. 'it runs in the blood of your family to hate us wolves, and therefore,as we have come so conveniently together, I'll just pay off a few of your forefathers scores before we part.' So saying, he leapt at the lamb from behind and garotted him. Adapted from Bennet. C.H(1978)

From the way the story ended, it can be concluded that the

Antwortdetails

The conclusion of the story is that the wolf killed the lamb, despite the lamb's attempts to reason with the wolf and explain that he and his parents were not hunters and had no ill-will towards wolves. The wolf had already made up his mind to kill the lamb and was simply using any excuse he could find to justify his actions. Therefore, is correct: the lamb did not survive the encounter.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The essay topic is nebulous.

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

joint

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joint: /dʒɔɪnt/
advantage: /əd.ˈvɑːn.tɪdʒ/

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.

We found a shady place for the display.

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shady means situated in or full of shade (giving shade from sunlight).

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

The organization is constantly in a state of flux.

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in a (constant) state of flux means a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event) preceding the establishment of a new direction of action.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).

The principal _________ our mobile phones.

Antwortdetails

The principal "seized" our mobile phones. The word "seized" means to take hold of something suddenly and forcibly. In this case, it suggests that the principal took the students' mobile phones away, possibly as a form of punishment or to prevent distractions during school hours.

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s).

We saw you earlier but we could not stop you because we did not know __________.

Antwortdetails

The expression is a reported speech and should maintain the past tense.
Reported speech: a speaker's words reported in subordinate clauses governed by a reporting verb, with the required changes of person and tense (e.g. he said that he would go, based on I will go ).

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

Nwankwo was on the verge of signing a two-year contract with the club.

Antwortdetails

The option nearest in meaning to the underlined word "verge" is "brink." The word "verge" in the sentence means the point where something is about to happen, or is almost at the point of happening. The word "brink" also means the edge or border of something, usually referring to the point before something significant or disastrous occurs. Therefore, "brink" is the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word. The other options, "summit," "height," and "shore," do not convey the same meaning as "verge" and are not related to the context of the sentence. Therefore, the correct option is "brink."

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

Adawo is an imp.

Antwortdetails

An imp is a mischievous child or person. In fairy stories, an imp is a small, magical creature that often causes trouble in a playful way.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the italicized words or expressions.

The police later discovered that Audu feigned death.

Antwortdetails

The correct option is "faked." In this context, the word "feigned" means that Audu pretended or faked his death. The police discovered that Audu was not actually dead, but had only pretended to be. Therefore, the most appropriate option to replace "feigned" is "faked," which conveys the idea of pretending or simulating something. The other options are not appropriate replacements for "feigned" in this context. "Cheated" means to deceive or defraud someone. "Assumed" means to take on a particular role or responsibility. "Suggested" means to propose or imply something.

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap.

The patient is suffering from ____________.

Antwortdetails

The patient is suffering from "rheumatism." This term refers to a broad range of conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints, muscles, and other tissues of the body. Rheumatism can affect people of all ages and can be caused by various factors, including genetics, infections, and environmental factors. Treatment for rheumatism may involve medication, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

A wolf, seeing a lamb drinking from a river, wanted to find a pretext for devouring him, He stood higher up the stream and accused the lamb of muddying the water so that he could not drink. The lamb said that he drank only the tip of his tongue and that in any case he was standing lower down the river, and could not possible disturb the water higher When this excuse failed him, the wolf said: 'Well, last year you insulted my father.' "I wasn't even born then replied the lamb. 'You are good at finding answer' said the wolf, 'but what do you mean by taking up so much of the path where I am walking?' The lamb, frightened at the wolf's angry tone and terrible aspect, told him, with all due submission, that he could not conceive how his walking on such a wide path could occasion him any inconvenience. 'What!' exclaimed the wolf, seemingly in great anger and indignation. 'You are as impudent as your father who seized me by the throat last year and caused me to be kept in a cage for three months'. 'If you will believe me,' said the lamb, 'my parents are poor simple creatures who live entirely by green stuff, we are none of us hunters of your species.' Ah! I see it's no use talking to you,' said the wolf, drawing up close to him. 'it runs in the blood of your family to hate us wolves, and therefore,as we have come so conveniently together, I'll just pay off a few of your forefathers scores before we part.' So saying, he leapt at the lamb from behind and garotted him. Adapted from Bennet. C.H(1978)

The expression angry tone and terrible aspect refers to the wolf?s

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The expression "angry tone and terrible aspect" refers to the wolf's harsh voice and menacing posture. This means that the wolf sounded very angry and looked very intimidating, which frightened the lamb. The wolf's behavior was a way of exerting power over the lamb, as he was trying to find an excuse to devour him.

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

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The stress pattern of a word is the way all the syllables are stressed in it. There can be main and secondary stress, or unstressed sounds. There are different ways to show the stress pattern of a word. Notice the point of syllabic stress at the point where we have the apostrophe and compare the first word (the correct answer) to the other words.
registration: /rɛdʒɪˈstreɪʃ(ə)n/
quadruplicate: /kwɒˈdruːplɪkət/
ability: /əˈbɪlɪti/
revivalist: /rɪˈvʌɪv(ə)list/

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

I was seriously disappointed when the __________ between the two teams ended in a goalless draw.

Antwortdetails

The option that best completes the gap is "match." The word "disappointed" in the sentence implies that the speaker was expecting a result from the event. The event in this case is a competition between two teams, which can only be a "match" in this context. The other options, "march," "marsh," and "martch," do not make sense in the sentence and are not related to sports or competitions. Therefore, the correct option is "match."

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.

This card entitles you to attend the film show.

Antwortdetails

The option opposite in meaning to "entitles" is "disqualifies". Explanation: The word "entitles" means that one has the right or privilege to do something. The opposite of having the right or privilege to do something is not having the right or privilege to do something, which is conveyed by the word "disqualifies". So, "disqualifies" is the option that is opposite in meaning to the word "entitles".

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

All God's prophets were given the great __________ to preach salvation to people.

Antwortdetails

The correct option is "commission." "Commission" means to be entrusted with the authority or responsibility to carry out a particular task or duty. In this context, the prophets were entrusted with the task of preaching salvation to people. The other options are incorrect spellings of the word "commission." "Commision," "Commition," and "Comission" are misspellings of "commission" and do not exist in standard English.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics.

The manager commended the players for the narrow victory.

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"Narrow" in this context means close or small margin (limited in extent, amount, or scope).

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

If you keep playing with this door handle, it will get __________.

Antwortdetails

The best option to complete the sentence is "loose". Explanation: "Loose" means not tightly fixed in place or likely to become unattached or move around. In the context of the sentence, if someone keeps playing with the door handle, it is likely to become loose over time, meaning it may not fit properly or might not work correctly. "Lose" means to be deprived of something or to fail to win a game or competition. It does not make sense in the context of the sentence. "Loosed" is the past tense of "loose", but it is not appropriate in the sentence since the sentence is in the present tense. "Loosing" is the present participle of "loose", but it is not appropriate in the sentence since it does not fit the tense of the sentence.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

Mrs. Okoro __________ in this school since 1975.

Antwortdetails

Present perfect progressive tense describes an action that began in the past, continues in the present, and may continue into the future. This tense is formed by using has/have been and the present participle of the verb (the verb form ending in -ing).

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phase in italics.

He is loved for his altruism.

Antwortdetails

The option opposite in meaning to "altruism" is "selfishness". Explanation: The word "altruism" means the quality of being concerned with the welfare of others and acting to promote that welfare, often at a cost to oneself. The word "selfishness" means being concerned primarily with one's own interests and personal gain, often disregarding the welfare of others. The two words are opposite in meaning, so the option that is opposite in meaning to "altruism" is "selfishness".

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

The team adapted to the new tactic as clean as a whistle.

Antwortdetails

The expression ‘as clean as a whistle’ means perfectly and without errors.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

The young man looked carefully at the long document, but he couldn't make __________ what it meant.

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The correct option is "out." In this context, the phrase "make out" means to comprehend or understand something that is difficult to read or hear. The young man looked carefully at the long document but was unable to understand what it meant. Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill the gap is "out." The other options are not appropriate replacements for "out" in this context. "Up" means to create or produce something. "Off" means away from a particular place or position. "Through" means to complete something or to move from one end to the other.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The exhibition was an eye opener to all.

Antwortdetails

exhibition: a presentation or demonstration

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

thatch

Antwortdetails

The option that has the same consonant sound as "thatch" is "method" because both words have the "th" sound at the beginning.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics.

The driver was discharged while the car owner was ___________ for fraud.

Antwortdetails

To discharge someone means to legally release them from confinement.
To detain means to put someone under custody.

According to this passage, it gives the child great pleasure 

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According to the passage, it gives the child great pleasure to destroy the tower himself. Explanation: The passage describes the child's behavior of building and then destroying a tower. The author argues that the child's pleasure from destroying the tower comes from their active mastery over a previously passive event. The child enjoys causing the tower to waver and collapse and this behavior is not appreciated if the tower falls by accident or is destroyed by someone else. Therefore, the option that best fits the information in the passage is "To destroy the tower himself".

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).

I am not sure that all _____ well with John.

Antwortdetails

The best option that completes the gap in the sentence is "is". The sentence is in the present tense, and "is" is the present tense form of the verb "to be" that agrees with the singular subject "John." Therefore, the completed sentence reads: "I am not sure that all is well with John."

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.

He is notorious for his drunkenness.

Antwortdetails

notorious means famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed.
popular means liked or admired by many people or by a particular person or group.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

The cliff is popularly known for ___________ morning beauty.

Antwortdetails

The correct option is "its." The sentence is referring to the beauty of the cliff in the morning, and the word "its" is the possessive form of "it," indicating that the morning beauty belongs to the cliff. "It" is a pronoun used to refer to a noun previously mentioned or easily identifiable, while "it’s" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has," which doesn't make sense in this context. "Its'" is incorrect as it includes an unnecessary apostrophe.

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap.

We saw Ifueko ____________ an egg on the wall.

Antwortdetails

The best word to fill in the blank is "smash." The sentence is describing an action that Ifueko performed on an egg, which is to break it against a wall. The past tense of the verb "smash" is "smashed," which fits the sentence structure. The other options, "smash," "smashing," and "smashes," are not in the past tense and do not fit the sentence grammatically.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The Governor told the chief that he was only on a routine tour.

Antwortdetails

routine: performed as part of a regular procedure rather than for a special reason

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

Grandma told the boys a story that cheered them up.

Antwortdetails

To cheer one up means to make them happy especially after having been sad.
To be delighted means to be happy.

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

The events of last Friday show that there is no love lost between the Principal.

Antwortdetails

Today, however, the phrase no love lost signifies ill will exclusively. If there is no love lost between two people, they have a strong enmity towards or hate for the other and make no effort to conceal it.

A wolf, seeing a lamb drinking from a river, wanted to find a pretext for devouring him, He stood higher up the stream and accused the lamb of muddying the water so that he could not drink. The lamb said that he drank only the tip of his tongue and that in any case he was standing lower down the river, and could not possible disturb the water higher When this excuse failed him, the wolf said: 'Well, last year you insulted my father.' "I wasn't even born then replied the lamb. 'You are good at finding answer' said the wolf, 'but what do you mean by taking up so much of the path where I am walking?' The lamb, frightened at the wolf's angry tone and terrible aspect, told him, with all due submission, that he could not conceive how his walking on such a wide path could occasion him any inconvenience. 'What!' exclaimed the wolf, seemingly in great anger and indignation. 'You are as impudent as your father who seized me by the throat last year and caused me to be kept in a cage for three months'. 'If you will believe me,' said the lamb, 'my parents are poor simple creatures who live entirely by green stuff, we are none of us hunters of your species.' Ah! I see it's no use talking to you,' said the wolf, drawing up close to him. 'it runs in the blood of your family to hate us wolves, and therefore,as we have come so conveniently together, I'll just pay off a few of your forefathers scores before we part.' So saying, he leapt at the lamb from behind and garotted him. Adapted from Bennet. C.H(1978)

The charges levelled against the lamb are

Antwortdetails

The charges levelled against the lamb are "pollution, insolence, obstruction, and aggression". Explanation: The wolf is trying to find a reason to devour the lamb and so he accuses the lamb of various things. The first charge is pollution, as the wolf claims the lamb is muddying the water and making it impossible for him to drink. The second charge is insolence, as the wolf accuses the lamb of being impudent and disrespectful. The third charge is obstruction, as the wolf claims that the lamb is taking up too much space on the path and causing inconvenience. The fourth charge is aggression, as the wolf claims that the lamb's forefathers had attacked wolves in the past. These four charges, taken together, make up the accusations against the lamb.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics.

The driver was discharged while the car owner was ___________ for fraud.

Antwortdetails

To discharge someone means to legally release them from confinement.
To detain means to put someone under custody.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics.

Everyone testifies to the unique taste of our flavor.

Antwortdetails

The option that is opposite in meaning to the word "unique" in the given sentence is option "B" - Common. "Unique" means one of a kind, exceptional, or unusual, while "common" means ordinary, usual, or familiar. Therefore, if something is "unique," it is not common, and vice versa. In the given sentence, the speaker is emphasizing that the flavor of their product is special and different from others, which means the opposite of "unique" would be "common" as it implies that the taste is not distinctive or special. Options "A," "C," and "D" do not have meanings opposite to "unique." "Offensive" means causing anger or displeasure, "uncommon" means rare or infrequent, and "sufficient" means enough or adequate.

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

chateau

Antwortdetails

chateau: /??at??/
champagne: /?am?pe?n/
church: /t???t?/
chart: /t???t/
chemical: /?k?m?k(?)l/

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

Ayodeji is an ardent supporter of education for the child.

Antwortdetails

An ardent supporter means a passionate supporter. Therefore, the option closest in meaning to the underlined word is "a passionate".

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the italicized words or expressions.

The coach invited me to his office having found me mettlesome.

Antwortdetails

The option nearest in meaning to "mettlesome" is "courageous". Explanation: The word "mettlesome" means having a strong and determined character, especially in difficult situations. This word is often used to describe someone who is brave and unafraid of challenges. The word "courageous" means having or showing bravery in the face of danger or difficulty. The two words have similar connotations, so the option that is closest in meaning to "mettlesome" is "courageous".

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phase in italics.

The journalist said he was working freelance.

Antwortdetails

The option opposite in meaning to the word "freelance" is "dependently". "Freelance" means working independently, without being tied to a particular employer or company. Option "tireless" means without becoming tired or exhausted, and is not opposite in meaning to "freelance". Option "without pay" is similar in meaning to "freelance" in the sense that both describe a lack of permanent employment, but "without pay" implies that the work is done voluntarily or without compensation, while "freelance" implies that the work is done for pay. Option "satisfactorily" is not opposite in meaning to "freelance", as it does not relate to the concept of employment or working independently.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The meeting was cancelled because of the convocation.

Antwortdetails

The word "cancelled" means that the meeting was not held and was stopped from happening. "Cancelled" is closest in meaning to "called off."

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the italicized words or expressions.

High mortality rate is becoming increasingly predominant.

Antwortdetails

The option nearest in meaning to "becoming increasingly predominant" is "rampant". Explanation: The word "predominant" means widespread or widespread in dominance. The word "increasingly" implies that the situation is becoming more and more widespread. The word "rampant" means growing or spreading unchecked, which is a similar idea to "becoming increasingly predominant". Therefore, "rampant" is the option that is closest in meaning to the italicized words.

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap.

If it had rained, we would have had to postpone the concert. It didn't rain, so

Antwortdetails

We didn't have to postpone the concert.

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap.

Now, I am used ____________ bread without butter.

Antwortdetails

Used to is a phrase that can mean "accustomed or habituated to" or refers to something from the past that is no longer true. In this case, it talks about the habit of eating bread without butter.

In order to approach the problem of anxiety in play, let us consider the problem of anxiety in play, let us consider the activity of building and destroying a tower. Many a mother thinks that her little son is in a 'destructive stage' or even has a 'destructive personality' because after building a big, big tower, the boy cannot follow her advice to leave the tower for Daddy to see, but instead must kick it and make it collapse. The almost manic pleasure with which children watch the collapse in a second of the product of long play-labour has puzzled many, especially since the child does not appreciate it at all if his tower falls by accident or by a helpful uncle’s hand. He, the builder, must destroy it himself. This game, I should think, arises from the not so distant experience of sudden falls at the very time when standing upright on wobbly legs afforded a new and fascinating perspective on existence. The child who consequently learns to make a tower 'stand up' enjoys causing the same tower to waver and collapse; in addition to the active mastery over a previously passive event, it makes one feel stronger to know that there is somebody weaker ----and towers, unlike little sister, can't cry and call, 'Mummy!'

How does the author try to explain this ‘destructive stage'?

Antwortdetails

The author tries to explain the "destructive stage" as growing out of the child's recent experiences of sudden falls. Explanation: The author argues that the child's behavior of building and then destroying a tower is rooted in their recent experience of sudden falls while learning to stand upright. The child has learned to make the tower "stand up," and the pleasure they feel from causing the same tower to waver and collapse comes from their active mastery over a previously passive event. The author suggests that this behavior is not simply a "destructive stage," but rather a result of the child's experiences and the desire to feel stronger.

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap.

The sea waves continue to ____________ the cliff on the west coast constantly.

Antwortdetails

The best word(s) or phrase(s) to fill the gap is "erode". Explanation: The verb "erode" means to gradually wear away or destroy a surface by natural processes such as wind, water, or ice. In this sentence, the sea waves are causing the cliff on the west coast to wear away or be destroyed gradually over time. This gradual wearing away of the cliff is a result of the constant action of the sea waves, so "erode" is the most appropriate choice to fill the gap.

A wolf, seeing a lamb drinking from a river, wanted to find a pretext for devouring him, He stood higher up the stream and accused the lamb of muddying the water so that he could not drink. The lamb said that he drank only the tip of his tongue and that in any case he was standing lower down the river, and could not possible disturb the water higher When this excuse failed him, the wolf said: 'Well, last year you insulted my father.' "I wasn't even born then replied the lamb. 'You are good at finding answer' said the wolf, 'but what do you mean by taking up so much of the path where I am walking?' The lamb, frightened at the wolf's angry tone and terrible aspect, told him, with all due submission, that he could not conceive how his walking on such a wide path could occasion him any inconvenience. 'What!' exclaimed the wolf, seemingly in great anger and indignation. 'You are as impudent as your father who seized me by the throat last year and caused me to be kept in a cage for three months'. 'If you will believe me,' said the lamb, 'my parents are poor simple creatures who live entirely by green stuff, we are none of us hunters of your species.' Ah! I see it's no use talking to you,' said the wolf, drawing up close to him. 'it runs in the blood of your family to hate us wolves, and therefore,as we have come so conveniently together, I'll just pay off a few of your forefathers scores before we part.' So saying, he leapt at the lamb from behind and garotted him. Adapted from Bennet. C.H(1978)

Which of the following aptly describes the moral of the story?

Antwortdetails

The moral of the story: if you have made up your mind to hang your dog, any rope will do for the purpose.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

The chairman refused to shake __________ with the secretary.

Antwortdetails

The option that best completes the gap is "hands." This means that the chairman refused to shake hands with the secretary. The word "hands" is the correct form because it is the plural form of "hand" and refers to both of their hands.

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap.

By the time the plane reaches Harare, it __________in the air for twelve hours.

Antwortdetails

The correct answer is "would have been" since it shows the possible future action.

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

If he were here, it would be more fun.

Antwortdetails

If he has been there, it would have been more fun. Since he did not show up, the occasion lacked much fun.

Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s).

For fear of being caught, the thief shouted and cursed the slow bank manager in a language ________much for words.

Antwortdetails

The correct option is "too." The phrase "too much for words" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation that is so extreme or intense that it cannot be adequately expressed in words. In this context, the language used by the thief to shout and curse at the slow bank manager was so offensive and abusive that it cannot be described with words. Therefore, the correct option to complete the sentence is "too." The other options do not fit the context of the sentence. "Way" refers to a route or direction, "very" means to a high degree or intensity, and "so" means to such a great extent. However, none of these options convey the idea of something being too extreme or intense to be expressed in words.