JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2018

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

You may now ___________ with your presentation.

Detalles de la respuesta

Note the spelling of each word.

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

This card entitles you to attend the film show.

Detalles de la respuesta

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

The patient is suffering from ____________.

Detalles de la respuesta

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)

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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

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

Grandma told the boys a story that cheered them up.

Detalles de la respuesta

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

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

High mortality rate is becoming increasingly predominant.

Detalles de la respuesta

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 option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The meeting was cancelled because of the convocation.

Detalles de la respuesta

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

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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.

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!'

The expression 'must kick it and make it collapse' in this context means

Detalles de la respuesta

The expression 'must kick it and make it collapse' means that the child feels compelled or driven to destroy the tower that they have built. It implies that the child cannot resist the urge to demolish it. The phrase 'must kick it' suggests a sense of necessity or obligation to destroy the tower.

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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 that best completes the gap.

Mrs. Okoro __________ in this school since 1975.

Detalles de la respuesta

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).

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!'

According to this passage, it gives the child great pleasure

Detalles de la respuesta

According to the passage, it gives the child great pleasure to destroy the tower himself after building it. The child experiences almost manic pleasure in watching the collapse of the tower he has built through long play-labour. It is not satisfying for the child if the tower falls accidentally or is destroyed by someone else. The child enjoys causing the tower to waver and collapse, as it provides active mastery over a previously passive event and makes the child feel stronger.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

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

Detalles de la respuesta

The word "verge" in this sentence means "brink." Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word is "brink."

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.

Detalles de la respuesta

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.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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

Now, I am used ________ bread without butter.

Detalles de la respuesta

When the phrasal verb used to is used, the following word must be in the –in gerundial form. Gerunds are nouns that end with –ing. They are also called deverbalised nouns.
Note: A phrasal verb is a phrase (such as take off or look down on) that combines a verb with a preposition or adverb or both and that functions as a verb whose meaning is different from the combined meanings of the individual words.

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.

Detalles de la respuesta

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 that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

Adawo is an imp.

Detalles de la respuesta

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

He is notorious for his drunkenness.

Detalles de la respuesta

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.

I'll find time for my _________ when I get _________with this difficult assignment.

Detalles de la respuesta

The correct option is "pastime/through." "Pastime" refers to a hobby or leisure activity that one enjoys doing during their free time. In this context, the speaker is saying that they will find time for their hobby once they are finished with the difficult assignment. The word "through" means to come to the end of a task or activity, which fits with the context of the sentence. The other options are incorrect spellings or combinations of the words "pastime" and "through" with other words that do not fit the context of the sentence.

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

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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 nearest in meaning to the italicized words or expressions.

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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 phrase in italics.

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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

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

If he were here, it would be more fun.

Detalles de la respuesta

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

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

joint

Detalles de la respuesta

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

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

thatch

Detalles de la respuesta

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 nearest in meaning to the italicized words or expressions.

The police later discovered that Audu feigned death.

Detalles de la respuesta

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

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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 that best completes the gap(s).

The principal _________ our mobile phones.

Detalles de la respuesta

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.

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

Detalles de la respuesta

We didn't have to postpone the concert.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

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

Detalles de la respuesta

The option that best completes the gap is "glimpse." The sentence suggests that the leader is popular and people are interested in seeing him, but they are having difficulty doing so because he is always on the move. The word "glimpse" means a quick look at something or someone, which makes it the best word to complete the gap. , "look," is a synonym of "glimpse" but is not as fitting in the sentence since it does not convey the sense of a fleeting or quick moment that "glimpse" does. "view," is a broader term that can refer to a longer and more sustained look at something, and is not as fitting in this context. "picture," refers to a static image, and does not capture the dynamic action of trying to see someone who is constantly on the move.

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

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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

According to this passage, it gives the child great pleasure 

Detalles de la respuesta

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".

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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

We saw Ifueko ____________ an egg on the wall.

Detalles de la respuesta

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.

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

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The exhibition was an eye opener to all.

Detalles de la respuesta

exhibition: a presentation or demonstration

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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.

Detalles de la respuesta

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

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

While the worshippers closed their eyes in prayer, a thief made __________ with the collection.

Detalles de la respuesta

The option that best completes the gap is "away". Explanation: The phrase "made away with" means to steal or take something without permission. In this sentence, a thief is taking the collection while the worshippers are closing their eyes in prayer. The verb "made away with" is the most appropriate option to complete the gap because it conveys the idea of the thief stealing the collection.

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

Knowledge of figures of speech as well as of idiom and lexical items ____________ in this section.

Detalles de la respuesta

The correct option to fill the gap is "is tested." The subject of the sentence is "knowledge," which is a singular noun, so it requires a singular verb form. "Is tested" is the correct singular form.

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

The rapist claimed that the woman’s voluptuous hips attracted him.

Detalles de la respuesta

The option nearest in meaning to "voluptuous" is "sexy". Explanation: The word "voluptuous" means having a full and rounded shape, especially in the hips and breasts. This word is often used to describe a woman's body in a sexual or attractive manner. The word "sexy" is a slang term that is used to describe someone or something that is sexually attractive. The two words have similar connotations, so the option that is closest in meaning to "voluptuous" is "sexy".

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

The cliff is popularly known for ___________ morning beauty.

Detalles de la respuesta

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

He is loved for his altruism.

Detalles de la respuesta

The opposite of 'altruism' is 'selfishness'. Altruism refers to the quality of being selfless and putting the needs of others before oneself, while selfishness refers to the quality of being concerned primarily with one's own interests or welfare, often at the expense of others. Therefore, if someone is loved for their altruism, it means they are appreciated for their selfless behavior, and the opposite of that would be selfish behavior.

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

chateau

Detalles de la respuesta

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

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

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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

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

Now, I am used ____________ bread without butter.

Detalles de la respuesta

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.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The new ruler is big-hearted in his dealing with the people.

Detalles de la respuesta

The nearest in meaning to "big-hearted" in this context is "generous". A ruler who is described as big-hearted in their dealings with the people means that they are kind and charitable in their actions towards the people they rule. Generous means being unselfish with one's resources and showing kindness to others.

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

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

Detalles de la respuesta

The option opposite in meaning to the word "averred" is "denied". To "aver" means to declare or assert something in a positive, confident, and forceful way. So, if the witness "averred" that she had seen Dosun at the scene of the crime, it means she positively and confidently asserted that she saw Dosun there. Therefore, the opposite of "averred" is "denied", which means to state that something is not true or to refuse to acknowledge or accept something.

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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.

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?

Detalles de la respuesta

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 nearest in meaning to the italicized words or expressions.

The French classes were always funny because we considered French a strange tongue.

Detalles de la respuesta

The option nearest in meaning to the italicized words is "foreign" as it refers to French being an unfamiliar language.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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.

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

Detalles de la respuesta

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

Choose 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 and the Vice-principal.

Detalles de la respuesta

The option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence is "They dislike each other". Explanation: The phrase "there is no love lost between" means that two people have a strained or hostile relationship. In this sentence, the events of last Friday are being used as evidence to support the idea that the Principal and the Vice-principal have a strained relationship. The phrase "there is no love lost" implies a negative relationship, so the best option to explain the information conveyed in the sentence is "They dislike each other".

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

Our principal took exception to the ignoble role the teacher played in the matter.

Detalles de la respuesta

The option opposite in meaning to "ignoble" is "honorable". Explanation: The word "ignoble" means having or showing a lack of honor or moral principles; unbecoming. The word "honorable" means having or showing a strong moral character and principles, and deserving respect. The two words are opposite in meaning, so the option that is opposite in meaning to "ignoble" is "honorable".

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

I would have been surprised if you ____________ the orange.

Detalles de la respuesta

The best word(s) or phrase(s) to fill the gap is "had plucked". Explanation: The sentence is written in the past tense and has a hypothetical tone, indicating that the speaker was imagining a scenario in which the person in question plucked the orange. The use of "would have been surprised" implies that the scenario being discussed did not actually happen. To reflect the hypothetical and past-tense nature of the sentence, the past perfect tense "had plucked" is the most appropriate choice.

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

The journalist said he was working freelance.

Detalles de la respuesta

Freelance means self-employed and hired to work for different companies on particular assignments. A freelancer or freelance worker, is a term commonly used for a person who is self-employed and is not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term. In other words, a freelancer works somewhat independently.

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

We found a shady place for the display.

Detalles de la respuesta

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