JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2003

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

Toyin is married to an impatient, self-centred man

The passage below has gaps numbered 11 to 20. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. -11- [A. Quantum B. document C. free D. manuscript] delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word from word and is read to -12- [A. an audience B. a congregation C. a conference D. a gathering]. this kind of delivery is usually reserved for very -13-[A. genuine B. impromptu C. guaranteed D. formal] occasions when exact wording is -14-[A. reportive B. conclusive C. speculative D. critical] such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General -15-[A. Assembly B. Audience C. Organisation D. Negotiation]. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly-16-[A. advanced B. analogous C. discreet D. polished] in terms of word choice, turns of phrase, and development of ideals. The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful -17-[A. vocal B. bifocal C. anticipatory D. profuse] inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any -18-[A. decisive B. positive C. interactive D. restrictive] effects created by the carefully chosen -19-[A. dialect B. rhetoric C. slang D. language] . Lack of familiarity with the -20-[A. text B. context C. exchange D. note] could also prevent the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The company is to shed three thousand staff this year?

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

From what she said, one may infer that she does not like the course?

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

They party supporters vilified the Chairman for the role he played in the crises that rocked the party?

Choose the option that has a different vowel sound from the others.

The passage below has gaps numbered 11 to 20. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. -11- [A. Quantum B. document C. free D. manuscript] delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word from word and is read to -12- [A. an audience B. a congregation C. a conference D. a gathering]. this kind of delivery is usually reserved for very -13-[A. genuine B. impromptu C. guaranteed D. formal] occasions when exact wording is -14-[A. reportive B. conclusive C. speculative D. critical] such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General -15-[A. Assembly B. Audience C. Organisation D. Negotiation]. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly-16-[A. advanced B. analogous C. discreet D. polished] in terms of word choice, turns of phrase, and development of ideals. The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful -17-[A. vocal B. bifocal C. anticipatory D. profuse] inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any -18-[A. decisive B. positive C. interactive D. restrictive] effects created by the carefully chosen -19-[A. dialect B. rhetoric C. slang D. language] . Lack of familiarity with the -20-[A. text B. context C. exchange D. note] could also prevent the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

Course ______ writers are to reflect local colour?

Read the passage below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The 2002 World Cup Competition, also called Korea/Japan 2002, kicked off with a match between the defending champions, France, and the Senegalese nation team from African. Nobody had given the Senegalese any chance against the star-studded defending champions but the 1-0 score line in favour of Senegal showed that African football can no longer be taken for granted. .

This shocking defeat of France had raised Africa’s hopes of going beyond the first round of the tournament. So when the Super Eagles of Nigeria filed out against Argentina on the morning of Sunday, June the second, 2002, many Nigeria football enthusiasts delayed attending church service to watch the match live on television. As expected, the Super Eagles put up strong resistance to the Argentinian challenge and the day would not have ended on a sombre note for Nigerians if the momentum had been sustained throughout the match. .

The hope of going beyond the first round, though precarious, was very much alive as the Eagles were expected to defeat their next opponents, Sweden and Eagles. But some shortcomings in the Nigerian national team needed to be rectified to brighten their chances against their next opponents. .

First, the defence needed to be strengthened to prevent the opponents from incessantly terrorizing the goalkeeper. Then the strikers also needed to improve on their lacklustre performance against Argentina, since every Nigerian expected them to overwhelm their next opponents in the opening rounds. Lastly, rather that gamble with unfit players, a more creative use of the reserves would be necessary to smooth the way to the next round. .

If World Cup debutants, Senegal, could nurse the hope of playing in the knock-out stages of the tournament, then the Eagles should soar instead of being intimidated by big names, for no team is invincible.

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

If he went to London, he would see the Queen?

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The carpenter built a commodious wardrobe?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

Idakwo ran _____ miss the train?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

The candidate's charisma should be a _____ factor in winning the election?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

Adika _____ a message from the club regularly?

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

In spite of his humble beginning, Audu now throws his weight around?

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

The company has continued to monopolize the distribution of the products?

The passage below has gaps numbered 11 to 20. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. -11- [A. Quantum B. document C. free D. manuscript] delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word from word and is read to -12- [A. an audience B. a congregation C. a conference D. a gathering]. this kind of delivery is usually reserved for very -13-[A. genuine B. impromptu C. guaranteed D. formal] occasions when exact wording is -14-[A. reportive B. conclusive C. speculative D. critical] such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General -15-[A. Assembly B. Audience C. Organisation D. Negotiation]. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly-16-[A. advanced B. analogous C. discreet D. polished] in terms of word choice, turns of phrase, and development of ideals. The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful -17-[A. vocal B. bifocal C. anticipatory D. profuse] inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any -18-[A. decisive B. positive C. interactive D. restrictive] effects created by the carefully chosen -19-[A. dialect B. rhetoric C. slang D. language] . Lack of familiarity with the -20-[A. text B. context C. exchange D. note] could also prevent the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.

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

The agency has sworn to deal with all the apostles of confederation?

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

Only those who are gullible fall victim to his trickery?

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined. Publishing as a business venture has become a hot potato in Nigeria?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

If you would do me this favour, I ______ be very grateful?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

How is the new editor _____ on with his work?

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The leader has the unstinting support of his party?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

My classmate _____ I haven't seen for years, wrote to me last week?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

The reason why he was not offered admission was _____ his results could not be found?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

Four weeks _____ enough for the police to conclude their investigation?

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

He is well known for his inordinate ambition?

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

chateau?

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

Gregarious animals can be found in the zoo?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

It is often _____ that inflation _____ from too much money chasing very few goods?

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

Says?

When man evolved a conscience, his basic relationship with the other animals began to change. Until then, they were broadly divided into those which ate him when they got the chance, and a third group which completed with him for food, or was otherwise a nuisance to him in the business of keeping alive.

In the primitive situation, man was, therefore, basically against Nature but, as the battle was progressively won, conscience crept in: the awareness of responsibility, and a failure to meet it, produced feelings of guilt. Those who live in cities and need no longer do battle against Nature are nowadays most actively for Nature. At this time, something like a thousand kinds of animals (vertebrate animals) can be in danger of would hardly justify the extermination of a giant reptile whose family has existed for 200 million years. Leopards are in jeopardy because of the fashion for their skins. As they get rare, the prices rise and as leopard skin coats become more expensive, the demand increases. No species can long survive the price of #60,000 which a half-grown baby leopard now carries on its skin. And crocodiles, the longest surviving reptiles, are now dwindling alarmingly as a result of the fashion in crocodile skin for ladies ‘handbags and men’s shoes.

The human population explosion spreads mankind across the land surfaces of the earth at an alarming rate. There will be twice as many of us are dead. Does this mean no room for wild animals? Of course not. With ingenuity and forethought, a place can be kept for them. To destroy their habitat is as unnecessary as it would be to pull down a great cathedral in order to grow potatoes on the site. A campaign to save what remains is the concern of a new kind of Noah’s Ark- the World Wildlife Fund. It does not believe that all is lost.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

It was a free-for-all and the students were blamed for taking the law _____ ?

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

The manager paid us in hard currency?

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

I am loath to do the assignment?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

As Obande does not know anyone in this city, he hopes that some kind _______ will put him up for the night?

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

chalet?

The passage below has gaps numbered 11 to 20. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. -11- [A. Quantum B. document C. free D. manuscript] delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word from word and is read to -12- [A. an audience B. a congregation C. a conference D. a gathering]. this kind of delivery is usually reserved for very -13-[A. genuine B. impromptu C. guaranteed D. formal] occasions when exact wording is -14-[A. reportive B. conclusive C. speculative D. critical] such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General -15-[A. Assembly B. Audience C. Organisation D. Negotiation]. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly-16-[A. advanced B. analogous C. discreet D. polished] in terms of word choice, turns of phrase, and development of ideals. The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful -17-[A. vocal B. bifocal C. anticipatory D. profuse] inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any -18-[A. decisive B. positive C. interactive D. restrictive] effects created by the carefully chosen -19-[A. dialect B. rhetoric C. slang D. language] . Lack of familiarity with the -20-[A. text B. context C. exchange D. note] could also prevent the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.

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

Teeth?

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

Students could be timid?

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

Colonel?

The passage below has gaps numbered 11 to 20. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. -11- [A. Quantum B. document C. free D. manuscript] delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word from word and is read to -12- [A. an audience B. a congregation C. a conference D. a gathering]. this kind of delivery is usually reserved for very -13-[A. genuine B. impromptu C. guaranteed D. formal] occasions when exact wording is -14-[A. reportive B. conclusive C. speculative D. critical] such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General -15-[A. Assembly B. Audience C. Organisation D. Negotiation]. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly-16-[A. advanced B. analogous C. discreet D. polished] in terms of word choice, turns of phrase, and development of ideals. The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful -17-[A. vocal B. bifocal C. anticipatory D. profuse] inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any -18-[A. decisive B. positive C. interactive D. restrictive] effects created by the carefully chosen -19-[A. dialect B. rhetoric C. slang D. language] . Lack of familiarity with the -20-[A. text B. context C. exchange D. note] could also prevent the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.

In question number 18 above, choose the best option from letters A - D that best completes the gap.

Attitudes towards the smoking of cigarettes and the consumption of alcohol may be used to illustrate typical African ethics. Apart from the fact that smoking has now been linked with the lung cancer disease, the African moralist has always regarded smoking as an indication of moral degradation. A number of people have accepted the moralist ideaon smoking. Some have refrained from smoking and those who could influence others, such as parents and religious leaders, have also exerted their influence to prevent others from smoking. On the other hand, a good many people have remained indifferent to the moralist view and have continued to smoke. The same argument has been applied to the consumption of alcohol. The African moralist, basing his judgement on the behaviour of a few alcoholics, tends to regard the habit of taking alcohol as a sign of wretchedness. The moralist holds the view that anybody who forms the habit of consuming alcohol will never do well in life. While this may be true in respect of a few people in the society, the fear of the moralist has not been justified. However, the economist is primarily interested in the habit of smoking and the consumption of alcohol and alcohol in so far as they give satisfaction to smokers and drinkers and so generate supply of and demand for tobacco and alcohol. The economist is interested in knowing how many packets of cigarettes are consumed and to what extent an increase or fall in consumption could affect production that is, supply. Similarly, he is interested in how much beer is consumed and how the supply of beer will adjust to the demand for it. He examines the habits and the pressures which can lead to the readjustment of wants and the reallocation of resources to cover the wants.

Some moral principles associated with religion tend to lead on to economic problems. Followers of certain religions are expected not to consume pork, take alcohol or smoke tobacco. Devotees of some religious groups, on the other hand, can eat pork, while others are expected to abstain from alcohol and smoking. Strict observance of these moral rules could cripple the breweries, the cigarette factories and some businesses however, there seems to be a growing number of alcohol consumers and cigarette smokers- a development which should be of interest to the economist.

When man evolved a conscience, his basic relationship with the other animals began to change. Until then, they were broadly divided into those which ate him when they got the chance, and a third group which completed with him for food, or was otherwise a nuisance to him in the business of keeping alive.

In the primitive situation, man was, therefore, basically against Nature but, as the battle was progressively won, conscience crept in: the awareness of responsibility, and a failure to meet it, produced feelings of guilt. Those who live in cities and need no longer do battle against Nature are nowadays most actively for Nature. At this time, something like a thousand kinds of animals (vertebrate animals) can be in danger of would hardly justify the extermination of a giant reptile whose family has existed for 200 million years. Leopards are in jeopardy because of the fashion for their skins. As they get rare, the prices rise and as leopard skin coats become more expensive, the demand increases. No species can long survive the price of #60,000 which a half-grown baby leopard now carries on its skin. And crocodiles, the longest surviving reptiles, are now dwindling alarmingly as a result of the fashion in crocodile skin for ladies ‘handbags and men’s shoes.

The human population explosion spreads mankind across the land surfaces of the earth at an alarming rate. There will be twice as many of us are dead. Does this mean no room for wild animals? Of course not. With ingenuity and forethought, a place can be kept for them. To destroy their habitat is as unnecessary as it would be to pull down a great cathedral in order to grow potatoes on the site. A campaign to save what remains is the concern of a new kind of Noah’s Ark- the World Wildlife Fund. It does not believe that all is lost.

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

A conservative estimate put the number of missing persons at forty?

Read the passage below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The 2002 World Cup Competition, also called Korea/Japan 2002, kicked off with a match between the defending champions, France, and the Senegalese nation team from African. Nobody had given the Senegalese any chance against the star-studded defending champions but the 1-0 score line in favour of Senegal showed that African football can no longer be taken for granted. .

This shocking defeat of France had raised Africa’s hopes of going beyond the first round of the tournament. So when the Super Eagles of Nigeria filed out against Argentina on the morning of Sunday, June the second, 2002, many Nigeria football enthusiasts delayed attending church service to watch the match live on television. As expected, the Super Eagles put up strong resistance to the Argentinian challenge and the day would not have ended on a sombre note for Nigerians if the momentum had been sustained throughout the match. .

The hope of going beyond the first round, though precarious, was very much alive as the Eagles were expected to defeat their next opponents, Sweden and Eagles. But some shortcomings in the Nigerian national team needed to be rectified to brighten their chances against their next opponents. .

First, the defence needed to be strengthened to prevent the opponents from incessantly terrorizing the goalkeeper. Then the strikers also needed to improve on their lacklustre performance against Argentina, since every Nigerian expected them to overwhelm their next opponents in the opening rounds. Lastly, rather that gamble with unfit players, a more creative use of the reserves would be necessary to smooth the way to the next round. .

If World Cup debutants, Senegal, could nurse the hope of playing in the knock-out stages of the tournament, then the Eagles should soar instead of being intimidated by big names, for no team is invincible.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

Before announcing his retirement, Ochima resolved to settle an account with the bank?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

If you saw the photograph of the man _____ you be able to identify him?

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

Concrete?

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The cynics feared that the nation's nascent democracy would fail?

The words in capital letters has emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the sentence relates.

My MOTHER served rice and fresh fish stew for dinner.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

The woman is one of the _______ of the society?

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

He shared his room with a person whose behaviour was quite nauseating?

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

The witness decided to conceal the evidence?

Attitudes towards the smoking of cigarettes and the consumption of alcohol may be used to illustrate typical African ethics. Apart from the fact that smoking has now been linked with the lung cancer disease, the African moralist has always regarded smoking as an indication of moral degradation. A number of people have accepted the moralist ideaon smoking. Some have refrained from smoking and those who could influence others, such as parents and religious leaders, have also exerted their influence to prevent others from smoking. On the other hand, a good many people have remained indifferent to the moralist view and have continued to smoke. The same argument has been applied to the consumption of alcohol. The African moralist, basing his judgement on the behaviour of a few alcoholics, tends to regard the habit of taking alcohol as a sign of wretchedness. The moralist holds the view that anybody who forms the habit of consuming alcohol will never do well in life. While this may be true in respect of a few people in the society, the fear of the moralist has not been justified. However, the economist is primarily interested in the habit of smoking and the consumption of alcohol and alcohol in so far as they give satisfaction to smokers and drinkers and so generate supply of and demand for tobacco and alcohol. The economist is interested in knowing how many packets of cigarettes are consumed and to what extent an increase or fall in consumption could affect production that is, supply. Similarly, he is interested in how much beer is consumed and how the supply of beer will adjust to the demand for it. He examines the habits and the pressures which can lead to the readjustment of wants and the reallocation of resources to cover the wants.

Some moral principles associated with religion tend to lead on to economic problems. Followers of certain religions are expected not to consume pork, take alcohol or smoke tobacco. Devotees of some religious groups, on the other hand, can eat pork, while others are expected to abstain from alcohol and smoking. Strict observance of these moral rules could cripple the breweries, the cigarette factories and some businesses however, there seems to be a growing number of alcohol consumers and cigarette smokers- a development which should be of interest to the economist.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

There was a glut of oil on the market?

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

They boys knew that storm was imminent?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

It is bad to take _______ property without permission?

Choose the option that has a different vowel sound from the others.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

Three quarters of the people in the village _____ killed but only half of their huts ______ affected?

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

The labour leader's recalcitrant stance was applauded?

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

Ngozi has always considered her father to be an impassioned man?

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The man's story sounded plausible to his audience?

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

Agbenu was ecstatic about her result?

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

Choose the option that has the same stress pattern as the given word.

Cement?

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

Guard?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

Nowadays, many graduate are not well disposed to teaching _______?

Which of the following statement is true according to the passage?

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

The doctor examined the patient painstakingly?

When man evolved a conscience, his basic relationship with the other animals began to change. Until then, they were broadly divided into those which ate him when they got the chance, and a third group which completed with him for food, or was otherwise a nuisance to him in the business of keeping alive.

In the primitive situation, man was, therefore, basically against Nature but, as the battle was progressively won, conscience crept in: the awareness of responsibility, and a failure to meet it, produced feelings of guilt. Those who live in cities and need no longer do battle against Nature are nowadays most actively for Nature. At this time, something like a thousand kinds of animals (vertebrate animals) can be in danger of would hardly justify the extermination of a giant reptile whose family has existed for 200 million years. Leopards are in jeopardy because of the fashion for their skins. As they get rare, the prices rise and as leopard skin coats become more expensive, the demand increases. No species can long survive the price of #60,000 which a half-grown baby leopard now carries on its skin. And crocodiles, the longest surviving reptiles, are now dwindling alarmingly as a result of the fashion in crocodile skin for ladies ‘handbags and men’s shoes.

The human population explosion spreads mankind across the land surfaces of the earth at an alarming rate. There will be twice as many of us are dead. Does this mean no room for wild animals? Of course not. With ingenuity and forethought, a place can be kept for them. To destroy their habitat is as unnecessary as it would be to pull down a great cathedral in order to grow potatoes on the site. A campaign to save what remains is the concern of a new kind of Noah’s Ark- the World Wildlife Fund. It does not believe that all is lost.

The sentence There will be twice as many of us before of us are deed means

Choose the option that has a different consonant sound from the others.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

The armed robbers went into the house and robbed the three _____?

Choose the option that has a different vowel consonant sound from the others.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

The sergeant spoke to me in a _____ manner?

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The nurse was in favour of voluntary euthanasia?

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

market

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

I have the _____ of meeting the President?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

Be careful not to _____ this money?

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

A cool bath in a hot weather can be truly invigorating?

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The essence of governance is to seek the good and well-being of the majority of the people?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

Ali plays _____ violin with remarkable skill?

The words in capital letters has emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the sentence relates.

The President SPOKE to the press.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

I can't stand people prying into my private life; Ladi said ' _____ ' agreed Agbenu?

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

A few years ago, nobody would have believed that the economy would turn around?

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

The elders rebuked Olu for taking issue with his principal?

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

He put _____ in a basket?

Choose the option that has the same stress pattern as the given word.

Typist?

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

Ngozi has always considered her father to be an impassioned man?

Choose the option that has a different vowel sound from the others?

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

The members of the congregation were inspired by the sermon?

Attitudes towards the smoking of cigarettes and the consumption of alcohol may be used to illustrate typical African ethics. Apart from the fact that smoking has now been linked with the lung cancer disease, the African moralist has always regarded smoking as an indication of moral degradation. A number of people have accepted the moralist ideaon smoking. Some have refrained from smoking and those who could influence others, such as parents and religious leaders, have also exerted their influence to prevent others from smoking. On the other hand, a good many people have remained indifferent to the moralist view and have continued to smoke. The same argument has been applied to the consumption of alcohol. The African moralist, basing his judgement on the behaviour of a few alcoholics, tends to regard the habit of taking alcohol as a sign of wretchedness. The moralist holds the view that anybody who forms the habit of consuming alcohol will never do well in life. While this may be true in respect of a few people in the society, the fear of the moralist has not been justified. However, the economist is primarily interested in the habit of smoking and the consumption of alcohol and alcohol in so far as they give satisfaction to smokers and drinkers and so generate supply of and demand for tobacco and alcohol. The economist is interested in knowing how many packets of cigarettes are consumed and to what extent an increase or fall in consumption could affect production that is, supply. Similarly, he is interested in how much beer is consumed and how the supply of beer will adjust to the demand for it. He examines the habits and the pressures which can lead to the readjustment of wants and the reallocation of resources to cover the wants.

Some moral principles associated with religion tend to lead on to economic problems. Followers of certain religions are expected not to consume pork, take alcohol or smoke tobacco. Devotees of some religious groups, on the other hand, can eat pork, while others are expected to abstain from alcohol and smoking. Strict observance of these moral rules could cripple the breweries, the cigarette factories and some businesses however, there seems to be a growing number of alcohol consumers and cigarette smokers- a development which should be of interest to the economist.