JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2018

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.

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 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 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.

A wolf, seeing a lamb drinking from a river, wanted to find a pretext for devouring him, He stood higher up the stream and accused the lamb of muddying the water so that he could not drink. The lamb said that he drank only the tip of his tongue and that in any case he was standing lower down the river, and could not possible disturb the water higher When this excuse failed him, the wolf said: 'Well, last year you insulted my father.' "I wasn't even born then replied the lamb. 'You are good at finding answer' said the wolf, 'but what do you mean by taking up so much of the path where I am walking?' The lamb, frightened at the wolf's angry tone and terrible aspect, told him, with all due submission, that he could not conceive how his walking on such a wide path could occasion him any inconvenience. 'What!' exclaimed the wolf, seemingly in great anger and indignation. 'You are as impudent as your father who seized me by the throat last year and caused me to be kept in a cage for three months'. 'If you will believe me,' said the lamb, 'my parents are poor simple creatures who live entirely by green stuff, we are none of us hunters of your species.' Ah! I see it's no use talking to you,' said the wolf, drawing up close to him. 'it runs in the blood of your family to hate us wolves, and therefore,as we have come so conveniently together, I'll just pay off a few of your forefathers scores before we part.' So saying, he leapt at the lamb from behind and garotted him. Adapted from Bennet. C.H(1978)

From the way the story ended, it can be concluded that the

Maelezo ya Majibu

The conclusion of the story is that the wolf killed the lamb, despite the lamb's attempts to reason with the wolf and explain that he and his parents were not hunters and had no ill-will towards wolves. The wolf had already made up his mind to kill the lamb and was simply using any excuse he could find to justify his actions. Therefore, is correct: the lamb did not survive the encounter.

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

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 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 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 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 that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

The organization is constantly in a state of flux.

Maelezo ya Majibu

in a (constant) state of flux means a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event) preceding the establishment of a new direction of action.

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

We didn't have to postpone the concert.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 option nearest in meaning to the underlined word "verge" is "brink." The word "verge" in the sentence means the point where something is about to happen, or is almost at the point of happening. The word "brink" also means the edge or border of something, usually referring to the point before something significant or disastrous occurs. Therefore, "brink" is the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word. The other options, "summit," "height," and "shore," do not convey the same meaning as "verge" and are not related to the context of the sentence. Therefore, the correct option is "brink."

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.

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

According to this passage, it gives the child great pleasure

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

The severity of the harmattan helped me to complete my writing assignment in record time because I had no choice but to lock myself indoors.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The opposite in meaning to the word "severity" is "mildness." In this context, "severity" refers to the harshness or intensity of the harmattan weather. It made the writer stay indoors and complete the writing assignment in record time. Therefore, the opposite of severity, which would mean a less harsh or intense condition, is "mildness." The other options are not appropriate antonyms for "severity" in this context. "Warmth" means a comfortable temperature, which is not necessarily opposite to the harshness of the harmattan. "Moderation" means avoiding extremes or excesses, which is not opposite to severity. "Leniency" means showing mercy or forgiveness, which is also not opposite to severity.

A wolf, seeing a lamb drinking from a river, wanted to find a pretext for devouring him, He stood higher up the stream and accused the lamb of muddying the water so that he could not drink. The lamb said that he drank only the tip of his tongue and that in any case he was standing lower down the river, and could not possible disturb the water higher When this excuse failed him, the wolf said: 'Well, last year you insulted my father.' "I wasn't even born then replied the lamb. 'You are good at finding answer' said the wolf, 'but what do you mean by taking up so much of the path where I am walking?' The lamb, frightened at the wolf's angry tone and terrible aspect, told him, with all due submission, that he could not conceive how his walking on such a wide path could occasion him any inconvenience. 'What!' exclaimed the wolf, seemingly in great anger and indignation. 'You are as impudent as your father who seized me by the throat last year and caused me to be kept in a cage for three months'. 'If you will believe me,' said the lamb, 'my parents are poor simple creatures who live entirely by green stuff, we are none of us hunters of your species.' Ah! I see it's no use talking to you,' said the wolf, drawing up close to him. 'it runs in the blood of your family to hate us wolves, and therefore,as we have come so conveniently together, I'll just pay off a few of your forefathers scores before we part.' So saying, he leapt at the lamb from behind and garotted him. Adapted from Bennet. C.H(1978)

The expression 'when this excuse failed him' suggests that the

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option 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).

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 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 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 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).

A wolf, seeing a lamb drinking from a river, wanted to find a pretext for devouring him, He stood higher up the stream and accused the lamb of muddying the water so that he could not drink. The lamb said that he drank only the tip of his tongue and that in any case he was standing lower down the river, and could not possible disturb the water higher When this excuse failed him, the wolf said: 'Well, last year you insulted my father.' "I wasn't even born then replied the lamb. 'You are good at finding answer' said the wolf, 'but what do you mean by taking up so much of the path where I am walking?' The lamb, frightened at the wolf's angry tone and terrible aspect, told him, with all due submission, that he could not conceive how his walking on such a wide path could occasion him any inconvenience. 'What!' exclaimed the wolf, seemingly in great anger and indignation. 'You are as impudent as your father who seized me by the throat last year and caused me to be kept in a cage for three months'. 'If you will believe me,' said the lamb, 'my parents are poor simple creatures who live entirely by green stuff, we are none of us hunters of your species.' Ah! I see it's no use talking to you,' said the wolf, drawing up close to him. 'it runs in the blood of your family to hate us wolves, and therefore,as we have come so conveniently together, I'll just pay off a few of your forefathers scores before we part.' So saying, he leapt at the lamb from behind and garotted him. Adapted from Bennet. C.H(1978)

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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

joint

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

Now, I am used ________ bread without butter.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option 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.

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.

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

In the passage 'manic pleasure' means

Maelezo ya Majibu

manic means showing wild, apparently deranged, excitement and energy

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

The police later discovered that Audu feigned death.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "faked." In this context, the word "feigned" means that Audu pretended or faked his death. The police discovered that Audu was not actually dead, but had only pretended to be. Therefore, the most appropriate option to replace "feigned" is "faked," which conveys the idea of pretending or simulating something. The other options are not appropriate replacements for "feigned" in this context. "Cheated" means to deceive or defraud someone. "Assumed" means to take on a particular role or responsibility. "Suggested" means to propose or imply something.

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

By the time the plane reaches Harare, it __________in the air for twelve hours.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

He is notorious for his drunkenness.

Maelezo ya Majibu

notorious means famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed.
popular means liked or admired by many people or by a particular person or group.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

I 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 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 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 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 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 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 that best completes the gap.

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word that best completes the gap is "glimpse". Explanation: The sentence is describing a leader who is being followed by people who are trying to see him. The word "glimpse" means a quick look or a brief sighting, which fits perfectly in the context. The other options, such as "look", "view", and "picture", do not convey the sense of a fleeting or quick observation that the sentence is trying to convey.

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

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."