JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2024

Akọwa Nkọwa

The term "hovering over" typically means to remain in the air in one place or move slightly above or around something. A vulture hovering over a dead goat suggests that it is staying airborne near the carcass, observing it intently, probably before descending to feed. This does not involve moving erratically or jumping; neither does it imply physically standing on the goat at this moment.

Therefore, the option closest in meaning to "hovering over" in this context is "flying around," as it captures the idea of the bird maintaining a position in the air above the goat.

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The phrase stand in in the context "The assistant class teacher was told to stand in for Mrs. Chukwudi" means to take the place of or substitute for someone temporarily. This involves performing the duties or responsibilities of that person when they are unavailable. Therefore, the word or phrase nearest in meaning to stand in in this context would be support but with a particular emphasis on acting on behalf of, or doing what the absent person would have done.

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To understand the word "**cherishes**," let's explore its meaning. When someone **cherishes** something, they hold it in high regard and have a deep appreciation or love for it. In this context, the board Chairman **cherishes** punctuality, meaning he values it and finds it important.

Now, let's look at the meanings of the options provided:

• **Condemns**: This means to express complete disapproval of something, typically in public; it's a strong negative judgment.
• **Abhors**: This means to regard with disgust and hatred; it's a strong dislike.
• **Despises**: This means to feel contempt or a deep repugnance for something; it's a severe dislike or disdain.
• **Admires**: This means to regard with respect, pleasure, or approval; it's a favorable and positive view.

The word **cherishes** is closest in meaning to **admires** because both involve a positive feeling and appreciation. In contrast, the other words (**condemns**, **abhors**, **despises**) all reflect negative feelings or attitudes.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The correct option to complete the sentence is "were". Let's understand why:

This sentence is an example of a conditional sentence. Specifically, it is a type called the second conditional, which is used to talk about hypothetical situations that are not real or are unlikely to happen in the present or future.

The structure of a second conditional sentence is: If + subject + past simple, subject + would + base verb. Here is the structure applied to the sentence:

• If her brother were here, he would call the police.

In the conditional clause "If her brother were here," we use the past simple verb "were" which is used for hypothetical situations involving the subject "her brother."

Note: Although "were" typically pairs with plural subjects, in the case of hypothetical or conditional sentences, "were" is also used with singular subjects like "her brother." This use is sometimes referred to as the subjunctive mood.

Akọwa Nkọwa

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

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In the given statement, the word with the emphatic stress is "TOMORROW". This means that the emphasis is on the time when the mother is expected to be back.

To test the emphatic stress, we usually form a question that targets the emphasized word, expecting an answer that confirms or clarifies it. The question should be structured in such a way that the response can be a confirmation of the emphasis.

Let's analyze the options provided:

• : "Who is expected back by this time tomorrow?" - This question emphasizes "who" is expected back. It does not emphasize the time "tomorrow" and hence, doesn't confirm the emphasis.
• : "Is my mother expected back by this time next month?" - This question contrasts "tomorrow" with "next month", allowing the answer to emphasize "TOMORROW" as a confirmation. It directly addresses the time aspect, making it the correct choice to which the emphatic stress on "TOMORROW" relates.
• : "Is my mother assumed back by this time tomorrow?" - This question contrasts "expected" with "assumed", focusing on the nature of the expectation and not on the time. Hence, it doesn't relate to the emphatic stress.
• : "Is my mother expected gone by this time tomorrow?" - This question contrasts "expected to be back" with "expected gone", again not addressing the timing of the return. Therefore, it doesn't relate to the emphatic stress.

Thus, the answer is that the emphatic stress on "TOMORROW" is related to as it focuses on the timing of the event, which is the key aspect being emphasized in the original statement.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The correct word to fill the gap labeled '15' is 'honour.'

The word 'honour' is often used in formal contexts to express great respect, admiration, or distinction. When one feels honoured, they feel a deep sense of appreciation and recognition.
On the other hand, the other words have distinct meanings and contexts:

• 'Attention:' This refers to the act of focusing mental effort or noticing something.
• 'Privilege:' This describes a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.
• 'Care:' This refers to the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something.

Therefore, when considering the context of the term used, 'honour' is the appropriate word that fits to express a sense of recognition and regard beyond the other options.

Akọwa Nkọwa

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

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

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

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

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

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

Akọwa Nkọwa

The options provided for the gap labeled 15 are "undergirds," "undermines," "underestimate," and "underserved." In this context, the sentence is trying to convey how the "territorial principle" is important to most thinking about linguistic justice. The term "linguistic legislation" suggests some kind of legal support or structure related to language use. For this reason, the most appropriate option is "undergirds." This is because "undergirds" means to provide foundational support or a basis for something. Here, it indicates that the territorial principle forms the basis or supportive framework for linguistic legislation. Therefore, the correct choice is undergirds.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The word **inconclusive** indicates that something has not led to a final result or decision. It suggests that the situation is **uncertain** or **not fully resolved**. This means there is no definite outcome or conclusion at this point. Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to **inconclusive** is **indeterminate**, as it also describes a scenario where something cannot be clearly or conclusively determined.

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

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

Akọwa Nkọwa

The term "altruistic" means being selflessly concerned for the well-being of others. Essentially, an altruistic person prioritizes the needs and interests of others over their own.

To find the word that is opposite in meaning to "altruistic," we need to identify a word that implies a lack of concern for others and a focus on oneself.

• "Selfish" describes someone who is primarily concerned with their own interests, benefits, and well-being, often at the expense of others. This is the opposite of altruistic behavior.
• "Antagonistic" refers to being opposed or hostile to someone or something, which is not directly opposite to altruistic.
• "Selfless" means having little or no concern for oneself, similar to altruistic, hence it is not an opposite.
• "Unkind" refers to a lack of compassion or friendliness. While it is negative, it does not specifically focus on self-interest like "selfish" does.

So, the option that is opposite in meaning to "altruistic" is "selfish".

Akọwa Nkọwa

The phrase on that fateful day modifies the verb had pursued by providing information about when the action occurred, making it an adverbial phrase.

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

Now, let's look at the options:

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

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

Akọwa Nkọwa

In the statement "Bala ate a slice of BREAD," the word "BREAD" is emphasized. When a word in a sentence is emphasized, it means that word is being highlighted as the key piece of information. To determine the correct sentence that relates to this emphatic stress, we need to contrast the emphasized word ("BREAD") with alternative options provided.

Among the given options, we are looking for a question where the replacement or alternative to "BREAD" is mentioned. The question "Did Bala eat a slice of cake?" challenges the emphasized word "BREAD" by replacing it with "cake." This makes it the correct option because it tests the emphasis placed on "BREAD."

Therefore, the question "Did Bala eat a slice of cake?" directly contrasts with the emphasis on "BREAD" in the original statement.

Akọwa Nkọwa

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

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

Akọwa Nkọwa

In the given sentence, the word "PRODUCT" carries the emphatic stress, which means the emphasis is on what was rejected being the product. Thus, the question that relates best to emphasizing the word "PRODUCT" is: Was the product rejected though genuine?

This question is asking if it was specifically the product (and not anything else) that got rejected, which aligns with emphasizing the product itself. The focus is on identifying that it is indeed the product that experienced the action mentioned in the statement, not anything else. It tests whether, despite the possibility of the product being genuine, the emphasis lies on it being the item that was rejected.

Akọwa Nkọwa

To determine the best option to complete the sentence, we need to consider the direction and context provided by the sentence. The sentence is describing the action of "going" in relation to the "corridor". Let's analyze each option:

• Under: This option implies moving beneath something. "Under the corridor" would suggest moving below the corridor, which doesn't make sense in this context.
• Among: This option suggests being in the midst of or surrounded by something. "Among the corridor" is not logical because a corridor typically doesn't have multiple objects to be surrounded by; it's a passageway.
• Along: This implies movement in the same line or direction as an object. "Along the corridor" makes sense because it suggests moving in the direction of the corridor towards the principal's office.
• Around: This signifies movement in a circular or surrounding manner. "Around the corridor" would suggest moving around the corridor's perimeter, not through it, which is not the intended direction in this context.

In conclusion, the best option is "along" because it accurately describes moving in the same direction as the corridor while looking for the principal's office.

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In questions like this, the auxiliary verb used in the tag question should match the auxiliary verb or the verb used in the main sentence. All sentences have an auxiliary verb even though it is not visible. Sentences without visible auxiliary verbs carry the auxiliary verb "did" as in "She did used to be the best-behaved girl". Therefore, the correct tag question is "didn't she."

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

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

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

Akọwa Nkọwa

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

Akọwa Nkọwa

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

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

Let us examine why the other words are not suitable:

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

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

Akọwa Nkọwa

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

Here's a simple explanation:

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

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

Akọwa Nkọwa

In English grammar, when we refer to hypothetical or unreal situations, especially when expressing actions or states using 'as if', we often use the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive mood reflects wishes, hypotheticals, demands, or suggestions. In this case, "treats people as if she _____ better than they are," denotes a hypothetical situation. **Maryam is not actually better; it is just a hypothetical situation.**

For such hypotheticals in English, we typically use 'were,' regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural. Hence, the correct completion of the sentence is, Maryam, the girl in my neighbourhood, treats people as if she **were** better than they are.

Thus, "**were**" effectively completes the sentence because it aligns with the grammatical rules applied for hypothetical or unlikely conditions. This makes **"were"** the correct choice.

Akọwa Nkọwa

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

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The word "discreet" refers to being careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, especially to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage. In this context, when we say "Accountants are discreet with their records," it means that they handle their records in a way that is careful and deliberate, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy.

Let's consider the options:

• Rash: This means acting without careful consideration of the possible consequences. It is the opposite of being discreet.
• Strategic: This involves planning and using tactics to achieve a specific goal. While it involves careful planning, it doesn't specifically focus on being careful or prudent with information.
• Wise: This implies having knowledge and good judgment. While related, it doesn't directly capture the element of carefulness or tact in handling information.
• Cautious: This means being careful to avoid potential problems or dangers. It matches the concept of being discreet as it relates to handling records carefully and prudently.

Therefore, the option nearest in meaning to "discreet" in this context is cautious.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The word underlined here is "indifferent." This word describes someone who shows a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy; they are neutral or unconcerned about the situation.

To find the option that is opposite in meaning, we need to look for a word that suggests actively showing concern or emotion. Let's evaluate each option:

a strong: This option refers to being powerful or forceful. It does not directly relate to the level of concern or interest.

a concerned: This option implies that someone cares about something and is involved or worried about it. This is the opposite of being indifferent because an indifferent person does not show interest or concern.

an uninterested: This is synonymous with being indifferent, as both mean showing a lack of interest.

an unresponsive: This implies not responding or reacting, which is related but not directly opposite to being indifferent.

Therefore, the option "a concerned" is the correct choice as it is the opposite of "indifferent," showing that the person has interest and is involved emotionally.

Akọwa Nkọwa

To complete the sentence accurately, we need to choose the word that correctly aligns with the context of an increase in occurrences over time. Here are the meanings of the options provided:

• Incident: This refers to a single event or occurrence. Although it relates to an event, it does not emphasize frequency or rate. Therefore, it doesn't fit the sentence that implies an increasing trend.
• Accident: This refers to an unexpected event, often causing harm or injury. It is not specific to trends or rates, so it doesn't fit well with the sentence’s meaning that indicates continuous increase.
• Incidence: This refers to the frequency or rate of occurrence of something, especially when describing how common particular events or cases are over a certain period. Since the sentence is about the **increase** in occurrences of armed robbery, this option fits perfectly as it relates to the number of times an event happens.
• Accidence: This refers to the part of grammar that deals with inflections. It is not related in any way to describing an increase in events.

Therefore, "The incidence of armed robbery has been on the increase." is the most suitable completion for the sentence because it specifically denotes the rate or **occurrence of a phenomenon, highlighting that it is rising.**

Akọwa Nkọwa

The word "inevitable" means something that cannot be avoided or escaped. It implies that an event is certain to happen and there is no way to prevent it from occurring. When we say that "Death is inevitable," we mean that death is a natural part of life that everyone will experience eventually, and there is no way to avoid it.

Let's look at the options:

• Unavoidable: This word is nearest in meaning to "inevitable" because it also means that something cannot be prevented.
• Predictable: While this word refers to something that can be anticipated or expected to happen, it does not necessarily mean that it cannot be avoided.
• Distant: This word refers to something far away in time or space, and it does not convey the idea of inevitability or certainty.
• Surmountable: This word means that something can be overcome or conquered, which is opposite in meaning to inevitable.

Therefore, the option nearest in meaning to "inevitable" is unavoidable.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The sentence "Yerima always holds his own in any situation he finds himself" best conveys the information that **Yerima has self-confidence**.

The phrase "holds his own" means that a person is able to maintain their position and assert themselves effectively, regardless of circumstances. This typically requires a belief in one's abilities and a strong sense of self-assurance. Therefore, the key quality being described here is self-confidence.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The sentence in question is discussing the role of a teacher within the field of education. A "stakeholder" is someone who has an interest or investment in the success and functionality of an organization or process. In the context of education, teachers are directly involved in the teaching and learning processes and have a vested interest in educational outcomes. Therefore, they are considered key stakeholders in the field of education.

On the other hand, a "shareholder" refers to someone who owns shares in a company and is concerned with corporate profits, which does not apply in the educational context. An "officeholder" refers to someone who holds an official position, generally in a political or governmental context, which is not directly relevant here. Similarly, a "cardholder" refers to someone who possesses a card (such as a credit card or membership card) and does not relate to the role of a teacher.

Thus, the most appropriate word to fill the gap is "stakeholder".

Akọwa Nkọwa

The word "grotesque" refers to something that is distorted, strange, or ugly in an exaggerated or unnatural way. It often implies a strange and unpleasant appearance. When we look at the options given:

• Beautiful: This describes something that is pleasing and attractive, which is the opposite of grotesque.
• Splendid: This suggests something that is magnificent or very impressive, not fitting for the meaning of grotesque.
• Horrid: This word means extremely unpleasant or ugly, which aligns very well with the idea of being grotesque.
• Fine: This refers to something of high quality or delicate, again, the opposite of grotesque.

Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to "grotesque" is "horrid" because both imply something that is unpleasant or unattractive.

Akọwa Nkọwa

To solve this question, we need to focus on the consonant sound represented by the underlined letter(s) in the word "uncle", which is **"n"**. We want to find an option with the **same "n" consonant sound**.

Let's examine each option:

• Bring: This word contains the consonant sounds "br" and "ng". The "n" sound in "bring" is similar, but is part of the "ng" sound, which makes it different as a consonant combination.
• Long: This word ends with "ng", which contains a nasalized "n" sound, but is combined with "g" to form a distinct sound, different from the standalone "n" in "uncle".
• Bang: This word also ends with "ng", similar to "long", which forms a nasalized "ng" sound, not a standalone "n" like in "uncle".
• Ink: This word has the standalone consonant sound "n" right after the vowel "i", similar to the "n" present in "uncle".

In conclusion, the word "ink" has the **same consonant sound** as the underline "n" in "uncle".

Akọwa Nkọwa

To determine which option best fills the gap labeled 13, we need to understand the context in which the word will be used. Here's a breakdown of each option:

• Acknowledgements: This term refers to an expression of gratitude for assistance in producing a work or a part of a work like a book, thesis, or research paper. It's typically found at the beginning of such documents.
• Commentaries: Commentaries are a series of explanations or interpretations about a text, event, or piece of work. They provide insight or opinion on the subject matter.
• Titles: This word refers to the name of a book, composition, or other artistic work. Titles are found at the top or front of the work and are often bold or italicized to denote importance.
• Spines: The spine of a book is the part where the pages are bound together and usually displays the title, author's name, and publisher. It's the side view of a book when it is placed on a shelf.

Given these definitions, if the context requires a term related to the primary name or designation displayed prominently, "Titles" is likely the appropriate choice. If the text pertains to explaining or interpreting a work, "Commentaries" might fit. If it refers to expressing gratitude in a document, "Acknowledgements" is suitable. If it involves the physical part of a book's binding, "Spines" is the best choice.

Akọwa Nkọwa

In the sentence "Why do children _____ adults' conversations?", the most suitable verb is "break into". This is because "to break into" is a phrasal verb that means to enter or join a situation suddenly or unexpectedly. In the context of conversations, it refers to a sudden or unsolicited interruption.

Let's briefly examine the other options:

Break up: This usually means to end or separate (commonly used with relationships or groups), and it does not fit well with the sentence.

Break down: This typically refers to something failing or ceasing to function (like a machine or discussing emotions), which does not make sense in the given context.

Break off: This often means to end or pause something abruptly, like a conversation. However, it implies a deliberate action to stop rather than interrupt.

Therefore, "break into" is the most appropriate completion because it accurately describes the action of a child interrupting or joining an ongoing conversation suddenly.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The correct phrase to complete the sentence is "ran out of". Therefore, the sentence should read: "His car ran out of fuel so he arrived late for the meeting."

Here’s the explanation:

• The phrasal verb "run out of" means to use up a supply of something, so there's none left. In this context, it means that the car used up all of its fuel and had no more left.
• "Ran out" by itself does not indicate from where or what is exhausted unless followed by "of".
• "Ran out on" typically means to abandon someone or something, which is not applicable in this context.
• "Ran on out" is not a standard or meaningful expression in English in relation to running out of something.

Akọwa Nkọwa

"In spite of" is used to show contrast with something (in this case, Okupe's lateness). The phrase means that despite being late, Okupe still benefited from the coaching.

Akọwa Nkọwa

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

Akọwa Nkọwa

The sentence "I decided to back up my friend's argument at the meeting" conveys the idea of giving support or reinforcement to your friend's argument during the meeting.

Backing up someone generally means providing support, defense, or reinforcement, especially when they're presenting a point of view or argument in a discussion or meeting.

The option that best explains this statement is "I endorsed my friend." When you endorse someone, you are communicating your approval and support for what they have said or done. It shows agreement and willingness to give additional credibility or strength to their argument.

Akọwa Nkọwa

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

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

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

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

Akọwa Nkọwa

The correct option that best completes the sentence is: expatiate/playwright. Here's why:

1. **Expatiate:** This means to speak or write in detail about a particular topic. In the context of the sentence, the students wanted the Literature teacher to elaborate or explain the point of view more thoroughly. The correct spelling is "expatiate", not "expantiate," which is incorrect.

2. **Playwright:** This refers to a person who writes plays, and is the correct term in this context as it concerns literature. The word should not be confused with "playwriter" or "playwrite," both of which are incorrect. The suffix "wright" indicates a maker or builder, and "playwright" specifically refers to the creator of plays.

Thus, the sentence would read: Everyone in class wanted the Literature teacher to expatiate the point of view of the playwright.

Akọwa Nkọwa

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

Akọwa Nkọwa

To determine which option best completes the sentence, we must consider the correct plural form of the word "goose."

The singular form is "goose." In English, some nouns have irregular plural forms. The correct plural form of "goose" is "geese." This is an example of an irregular plural noun.

Let's examine the options:

• "Goose" is singular.
• "Gooses" is incorrect as plural nouns that refer to more than one goose do not end with "es."
• "Geeses" is incorrect because there is no need to add “es” to an irregular plural noun that's already plural.
• "Geese" is the correct plural form of "goose."

Therefore, the correct sentence is: "The children chased all the geese away."

Akọwa Nkọwa

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

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

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

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

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In Khadija Abubakar Jalili's novel "The Life Changer," the narrator and her children sat under the mango tree because the room was stuffy. This choice of location was likely due to the cool shade and relief provided by the tree, which would offer a natural escape from the heat found indoors in a stuffy room.

Mango trees are known to provide a thick canopy of leaves, offering ample shade. This makes them an excellent spot for sitting and enjoying a breath of fresh air. Additionally, sitting under a mango tree can also offer some enjoyable ambiance with its pleasant surroundings, potentially making it a perfect spot for the narrator and her children to sit and talk comfortably.

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

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Teachers teach various "subjects," which are the areas of study, like mathematics or literature.

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The correct word to complete the sentence is "itinerary." Here's why:

The word "itinerary" refers to a planned route or journey, typically including the details of places to be visited or scheduled events. In the context of the sentence, it indicates that everyone was aware of the woman's planned schedule or journey before the interruption caused by the phone going off.

Let's discuss the options:

• "Itinery" is incorrect because it is a misspelling of the word.
• "Itinerary" is the correct spelling of the word and fits the context of the sentence.
• "Itenery" is also incorrect because of an extra vowel and incorrect spelling.
• "Itinarary" is incorrect due to rearranging letters and a misspelling.

Therefore, "itinerary" is the correct choice as it accurately completes the sentence both grammatically and contextually.

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In this context, when we say "The ripe orange was beyond his ______," we refer to something that the person is unable to obtain or access, typically because it is out of their physical range or capability. The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is "reach."

This is because "reach" refers to the capability or extent of one's grasp or influence, often implying that something is too far away to be accessed or obtained. Meanwhile, "touch", "catch", and "pluck" all denote different actions:

• "Touch" means to come into physical contact with something.
• "Catch" implies intercepting or capturing something that is moving.
• "Pluck" means to remove something, typically by pulling with a sudden effort.

Hence, none of these options effectively convey the idea of something being out of one’s capacity to access or obtain, which is what "reach" does. Therefore, the phrase would read: "The ripe orange was beyond his reach."

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The correct option to complete the sentence is "up". In the context of the sentence, "bringing up old memories" means mentioning or recalling memories that have happened in the past. The phrasal verb "bring up" is commonly used when you want to talk about starting to talk about a certain topic or subject.

The other options don't fit well in this context:

• "in" - "Bringing in" is typically used when you want to state that something is being brought to a place or included, but it doesn’t logically fit in the context of recollecting memories.
• "down" - "Bringing down" usually means to reduce or cause to fall, which is unrelated to recalling memories.
• "over" - "Bringing over" often refers to physically taking someone or something to a place, but not in the context of discussing or remembering memories.

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To determine the best word to complete the sentence, we need to understand the meaning of each option and how it fits within the context of the sentence. The sentence is: "When they started the fighting, the man who tried to ____ was knocked down."

Intrude: This means to enter a place or situation where one is unwelcome or uninvited. It does not specifically relate to stopping a fight.

Interpose: This means to place or insert between one thing and another, which can imply a physical act of stepping between people. However, it can also simply mean to insert a comment or interrupt verbally.

Intervene: This means to come between disputing people or groups with the intention of stopping conflict. It is commonly used when someone steps in to stop a fight.

Obstruct: This means to block or hinder progress. It does not specifically involve stopping a fight between people but rather impeding movement or progress.

In the context of the sentence, the most appropriate word is "intervene". The sentence implies that the man attempted to stop the fight or dispute that started. Using "intervene" makes the sentence logical because the man is trying to stop the fighting and as a result, he was knocked down. "Intervene" is the word that best describes the action of stepping into a conflict to stop it.

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A "call-mark" is used to identify the specific location of a book on a shelf.

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The sentence in question is: "The teacher listens to their students express their worries and fears, yet the teacher has to pacify and __8__ them through the right paths."

In this context, the word that best fits is "guide." The role of teachers is not only to listen to their students and provide comfort (i.e., to "pacify" them) but also to lead or direct them in making the right decisions. Thus, teachers help students in finding the right path—in life or in learning—by offering direction or advice, which is what "guide" implies.

Other options such as "care" do not quite capture the action of showing someone the way forward, while "beat" is certainly inappropriate as it conveys physical force, which contrasts with the desired nurturing role of a teacher. "Guard" may imply protection, but it does not suggest the act of directing students along a path.

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

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

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

Here?s a breakdown of the options:

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

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

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The phrase "rapt attention" means giving complete and undivided attention. When someone gives "rapt attention," they are fully absorbed and focused on something. Let?s consider each option:

• Concentrated: This means focusing intently or exclusively on something. It closely aligns with the idea of being absorbed and giving full attention.
• Conflicting: This implies having opposing or clashing thoughts or emotions, which does not match the idea of focused attention.
• Half-hearted: This means lacking enthusiasm or commitment, which is the opposite of being fully focused.
• Divided: This means attention is split between different things, which contradicts the idea of full, undivided attention.

Therefore, the option nearest in meaning to "rapt attention" is concentrated.

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The best option to fill the gap labeled 14 is "principle." The passage discusses the idea of associating language with specific territories or regions. It suggests that thinking about linguistic justice is based on certain fundamental ideas or rules regarding how language should be connected to particular territories. A "principle" refers to a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. In this context, the "territorial principle" refers to the fundamental idea that language is inherently connected to specific geographic areas, and this idea forms the basis for discussions about linguistic justice and legislation.

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To determine the correct word to fill in the blank, let's analyze the sentence structure and the options given:

The subject of the sentence is "touts." The word "touts" is a plural noun, meaning it refers to more than one person. Therefore, any verb that accompanies it must also agree with its plural form.

Let's examine the options:

• "were" - This is the past tense form of the verb "to be" that is used with plural nouns. E.g., "They were happy."
• "was" - This is the past tense form of the verb "to be" used with singular nouns or singular third-person subjects. E.g., "He was happy."
• "where" - This is used to indicate a place or position, not a verb.
• "is" - This is the present tense singular form of the verb "to be" and does not match the past tense context of the sentence.

Based on the analysis, the most suitable option is "were." The sentence should read: "The touts were arrested during the riot." This fits because "were" is the correct past tense form of the verb "to be" for plural subjects. The use of "were" indicates that the action occurred in the past, and it agrees with the plural noun "touts."

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In Khadija Abubakar Jalili's novel The Life Changer, the acronym "EMEC" stands for Examination Malpractice and Ethics Committee. This committee is responsible for addressing issues related to unfair practices in examinations. It works to maintain the integrity and ethical standards of the examination process by ensuring that students and educators adhere to the rules and regulations set to promote a fair and honest academic environment. The main function of this committee is to investigate and resolve cases of cheating or other misconduct during examinations.