JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2018

According to this passage, it gives the child great pleasure 

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The meeting was cancelled because of the convocation.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

The manager commended the players for the narrow victory.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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 nearest in meaning to the underlined.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

Adawo is an imp.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

The chairman refused to shake __________ with the secretary.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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) or phrase in italics.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

This card entitles you to attend the film show.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option 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.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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 option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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 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 __________.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.

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.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

We saw Ifueko ____________ an egg on the wall.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

He is loved for his altruism.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

chateau

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

The patient is suffering from ____________.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.

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

Grandma told the boys a story that cheered them up.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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) in italics.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

thatch

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

After so many trials, the experiment __________

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

The cliff is popularly known for ___________ morning beauty.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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?

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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(s).

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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 that best completes the gap(s).

You may now ___________ with your presentation.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Note the spelling of each word.

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

I am not sure that all _____ well with John.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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 that best completes the gap(s).

The principal _________ our mobile phones.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the 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.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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 nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The exhibition was an eye opener to all.

Maelezo ya Majibu

exhibition: a presentation or demonstration

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

If he were here, it would be more fun.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.

Ayodeji is an ardent supporter of education for the child.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

He is loved for his altruism.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

The journalist said he was working freelance.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

I would have been surprised if you ____________ the orange.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

Everyone testifies to the unique taste of our flavor.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.

Mrs. Okoro __________ in this school since 1975.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

The journalist said he was working freelance.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.