JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2018

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

We saw Ifueko ____________ an egg on the wall.

Bayanin Amsa

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

Bayanin Amsa

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 nearest in meaning to the underlined.

As a Journalist, Bola has always had a nose for stories.

Bayanin Amsa

If you say that someone has a nose for something, you mean that they have a natural ability to find it or recognize it. He had a nose for trouble and a brilliant tactical mind. Gergen had a great sense of news, a good nose for trends, and a wide range of contacts.

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.

Bayanin Amsa

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.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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

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

joint

Bayanin Amsa

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

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?

Bayanin Amsa

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 nearest in meaning to the underlined.

For all he cared, the game was as good as lost.

Bayanin Amsa

For all (one) cares: One does not care (if something were to happen). The phrase always precedes or follows some hypothetical situation. E.g. They can all starve to death for all he cares.
As good as (something): In every practical or functional sense; almost certainly. E.g. If he's out there with no water, he's as good as dead in this heat.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

Mrs. Okoro __________ in this school since 1975.

Bayanin Amsa

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 nearest in meaning to the italicized words or expressions.

High mortality rate is becoming increasingly predominant.

Bayanin Amsa

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 that best completes the gap.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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?

Bayanin Amsa

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 that best completes the gap.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

After so many trials, the experiment __________

Bayanin Amsa

After so many trials, the experiment paid off.
pay off: (of a course of action) yield good results; succeed

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.

Bayanin Amsa

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 that best completes the gap.

The cliff is popularly known for ___________ morning beauty.

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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 best completes the gap.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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 that best completes the gap(s).

You may now ___________ with your presentation.

Bayanin Amsa

Note the spelling of each word.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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

We found a shady place for the display.

Bayanin Amsa

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

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

Now, I am used ________ bread without butter.

Bayanin Amsa

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

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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 __________.

Bayanin Amsa

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

Now, I am used ____________ bread without butter.

Bayanin Amsa

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 italicized words or expressions.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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.

Bayanin Amsa

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

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

This card entitles you to attend the film show.

Bayanin Amsa

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".

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!'

In the passage 'manic pleasure' means

Bayanin Amsa

manic means showing wild, apparently deranged, excitement and energy

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.

Bayanin Amsa

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

I would have been surprised if you ____________ the orange.

Bayanin Amsa

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) in italics.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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

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

The police later discovered that Audu feigned death.

Bayanin Amsa

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 phase in italics.

The journalist said he was working freelance.

Bayanin Amsa

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

The pastor asked the women to _________ their hearts to God in prayers.

Bayanin Amsa

The best word to fill in the blank is "bare." The sentence is asking the women to open up or reveal their innermost thoughts and emotions to God through prayer. The word "bare" means to reveal or uncover, while "bear" means to carry or support, "bar" means to block or prevent, and "Barrr" is not a valid English word.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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

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

If he were here, it would be more fun.

Bayanin Amsa

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 nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The meeting was cancelled because of the convocation.

Bayanin Amsa

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 underlined.

The exhibition was an eye opener to all.

Bayanin Amsa

exhibition: a presentation or demonstration

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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

Grandma told the boys a story that cheered them up.

Bayanin Amsa

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

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

He is notorious for his drunkenness.

Bayanin Amsa

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 chairman refused to shake __________ with the secretary.

Bayanin Amsa

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

The manager commended the players for the narrow victory.

Bayanin Amsa

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

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

The patient is suffering from ____________.

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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.

Bayanin Amsa

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

chateau

Bayanin Amsa

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

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.

Bayanin Amsa

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

He is loved for his altruism.

Bayanin Amsa

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.

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 'when this excuse failed him' suggests that the

Bayanin Amsa

The expression 'when this excuse failed him' suggests that the wolf was trying to find a reason to justify his desire to eat the lamb, and the lamb had successfully refuted his accusations. The phrase indicates that the wolf's first excuse had been proven false by the lamb's explanation, forcing the wolf to come up with a different pretext for attacking the lamb. Therefore, the most appropriate option is that the lamb was prepared for the charges levelled against him.

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

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

Bayanin Amsa

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 that best completes the gap(s).

I am not sure that all _____ well with John.

Bayanin Amsa

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 nearest in meaning to the underlined.

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

Bayanin Amsa

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."