JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2016

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The phrase "These job cuts are just the thin end of the wedge" means that the job cuts being implemented are just the beginning of an unpleasant situation that will get worse over time. The phrase "the thin end of the wedge" is an idiom that implies that a small change can lead to larger and more significant changes later on. Therefore, the correct option is "Job cuts are the beginning of unpleasant situations," which best explains the information conveyed in the question. It means that the job cuts are the starting point of a series of unpleasant events or changes that will happen in the future.

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The option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter "o" in "door" is: - board The words "door" and "board" share the same vowel sound, which is the diphthong sound /ɔː/. The other options, "food," "cough," and "sure," have different vowel sounds. "Food" has a long /uː/ sound, "cough" has a short /ʌ/ sound, and "sure" has a long /ʊə/ sound.

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The option opposite in meaning to "flux" is "stability". When something is described as being in a state of flux, it means that it is constantly changing and in a state of instability or uncertainty. In the context of the economy, a period of flux would mean that there is a lot of change and uncertainty in the market, such as shifts in consumer demand, changes in government policy, or fluctuations in the stock market. Therefore, the opposite of flux, which means stability, would indicate a period of consistency and predictability in the economy. This could mean that there are fewer major shifts or changes occurring, or that the market is experiencing a period of sustained growth or stability.

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The opposite in meaning to the word "cringe" is "resolute". Explanation: When someone cringes, it means that they feel embarrassed, uncomfortable or ashamed. It's often accompanied by a physical reaction such as flinching or recoiling. Therefore, the opposite of "cringe" would be a feeling of determination, firmness, or resolve, which is the meaning of "resolute." The other options, "quiver," "tremble," and "writhe" are all synonyms or related to the idea of shaking or moving involuntarily, which are not opposite to "cringe".

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The best explanation for the statement "Jumai will do well if she was given a fair crack of the whip" is that Jumai would do well if she was given equal opportunity. This means that if Jumai is given a fair chance, without any bias or discrimination, she has the potential to succeed. The phrase "fair crack of the whip" is a common expression that refers to giving someone a fair chance or equal opportunity. It does not imply any physical use of a whip or that Jumai needs to use the whip well to succeed. Additionally, it does not suggest that Jumai needs to be made to cry to do well.

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In the context of the passage, the word "absorbed" means "engrossed". When someone is absorbed in something, they are completely focused on it and are not paying attention to anything else around them. So, the author is saying that people wonder what is in a letter or in a telephone conversation when the other person is so focused on it that they are not aware of anything else.

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The sentence "Lamide is VERY hostile" implies that Lamide is extremely unfriendly or aggressive. Therefore, the option that relates to this sentence is: "Is Lamide so hostile?"

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The most appropriate option for the gap labelled [...16...] is "outclasses". The sentence mentions that in some cases, boxers may not be well-matched, with one being much stronger than the other. As a result, the stronger boxer may "outclass" or dominate the weaker boxer with their punches, ultimately winning the match. To "outclass" someone means to surpass or exceed them in skill or ability. In the context of boxing, this could mean that one boxer is able to land more powerful or accurate punches than their opponent, making it difficult for the other boxer to defend themselves or fight back.

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The most appropriate option for the gap labelled [...12...] above is "ring". In boxing, the fighters compete inside a roped-off square area called a ring. The ring is typically elevated from the floor, providing an ideal vantage point for the spectators to watch the fight. The term "ring" has been used in boxing since the 1830s and has become a standard term for the boxing arena.

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The option that best completes the sentence is "a lot of luggage". Explanation: The sentence talks about the reason why someone decided to wait for the bus. The word "luggage" refers to the bags or suitcases that someone is carrying. The phrase "too many" implies an excessive amount of luggage, which may not make sense in this context. "Many" and "plenty" both refer to a large number, but they do not fit grammatically with "luggage" since it is an uncountable noun. Therefore, the most appropriate phrase to complete the sentence is "a lot of luggage," which means that the person is carrying a significant amount of baggage.

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The doctor listened to my heartbeat with a stethoscope. A stethoscope is a medical instrument that is commonly used by doctors to listen to a patient's heartbeat, breathing, or other internal sounds. It consists of two parts: the chest piece that is placed on the patient's chest, and the earpieces that the doctor puts in their ears. The sound vibrations from the patient's body travel through the chest piece and tubes to the doctor's ears, allowing them to hear what's going on inside the body. It is a simple, non-invasive way for doctors to gather information about a patient's health.

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The option nearest in meaning to "takes after" in the sentence is "takes after." This phrase is commonly used to indicate that someone resembles someone else, either in terms of physical appearance or personality traits. For example, in the sentence "Bola takes after his father both in appearance and manner," it means that Bola looks or behaves similar to his father.

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More/than. This means that the number of lawyers enrolled at the Nigerian Bar last year was greater than the number enrolled this year.

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The most appropriate option for gap labelled [...19...] is "barrage." A barrage is a continuous and overwhelming attack, which in this case refers to the repeated punches thrown at a boxer during a match. This word accurately describes the intense and relentless nature of the punches, which can lead to permanent brain damage.

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The opposite in meaning to "carping" is praising. To "carp" means to constantly complain or find fault with someone or something. In this context, Jumoke is always complaining about her sister, which means she is not fond of her. Therefore, if the opposite of "carping" is requested, it would be praising, which means to express admiration or approval for someone or something.

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The word that rhymes with "risen" is "prison". They both end with the same sound, which is the "sən" sound.

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The most appropriate option for the gap labelled [...18...] is "damage". Boxing is a combat sport where fighters use their fists to strike their opponent. During a boxing match, the boxers aim to punch their opponent's head and body with force to score points or knock their opponent out. The repetitive blows to the head can cause brain damage, which is a severe and often permanent injury that affects the boxer's cognitive and physical abilities. Therefore, the word "damage" best fits the context and meaning of the sentence.

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The most appropriate option for the gap labelled [...17...] is "by knock-out." A knock-out occurs in boxing when one boxer is unable to continue fighting due to being punched and knocked unconscious. The referee will then stop the match, and the boxer who caused the knock-out is declared the winner.

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The option opposite in meaning to the phrase "invigorated him" is "debilitated." When someone is invigorated, they feel refreshed, revitalized, and energized. It is the opposite of feeling weakened or debilitated. So, the correct answer is debilitated, which means weakened or made less effective.

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The word opposite in meaning to "gawky" is "graceful." "Gawky" means awkward, ungainly, and lacking grace in movement, while "graceful" means having a smooth, elegant, and pleasing movement.

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The opposite in meaning to the word "blight" in the given sentence is "improve." When we say that mistakes can blight our lives, it means that our lives can be spoiled or negatively affected by these mistakes. Therefore, the opposite of "blight" would be something that has a positive impact, and that is "improve." So, the correct option is "improve." Hence, the sentence "It is important not to let mistakes blight your life" means that we should not allow our mistakes to ruin or damage our lives, but instead, we should focus on learning from them to improve ourselves.

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The correct option to complete the sentence is "should have known." This sentence is in the past tense and refers to a situation that has already happened. The phrase "should have known" implies that the officer had a responsibility to know that they were not supposed to talk to the press on the matter but failed to do so. This option fits the context of the sentence and makes the most sense.

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The best option to explain the information conveyed in the question is: - He has made a big mistake. The expression "to cut down one's own throat" means to do something that will harm oneself or be detrimental to one's own interests. Therefore, by refusing the offer, he has done something that will be harmful to himself, which means he has made a big mistake.

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The correct stress pattern for "disagreement" is: disaGREEment. In this word, the stress falls on the second syllable "GREE", making it the most prominent syllable in terms of loudness, length, and pitch. The first syllable "dis" is unstressed and pronounced quickly, while the third syllable "ment" is also unstressed but slightly longer than the first syllable. To help you remember the stress pattern, you can break down the word into its syllables and clap your hands or tap your foot to the rhythm of each syllable. You should hear that the second syllable receives the most emphasis or stress.

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The best option to complete the gap is "surmount." "Surmount" means to overcome or to successfully deal with a difficult situation or challenge. In the context of the sentence, "With strong determination, Adamu was able to surmount the problem," it means that Adamu was able to successfully overcome the problem through his strong determination. This word is used in a similar way to "overcome" or "conquer." The word "surmount" implies that there was a challenge or obstacle in place, and the person was able to successfully overcome it.

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The most appropriate option for the gap labeled [...14...] is "contestants". The phrase "reduced to a human punch bag" suggests that the two boxers are in a competition and one is getting overpowered by the other. "Contestants" fits well in this context as it refers to people who are taking part in a competition or contest.

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The option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letter "e" in "reprieve" is "police." Both "e" sounds are pronounced with a long "e" sound, as in "ee." To explain further, in the word "reprieve," the underlined letter "e" is pronounced with a long "e" sound, as in "ree." The word "police" also has a long "e" sound, as in "po-leece." The other options, "rich," "queer," and "probity," have different vowel sounds than the underlined "e" in "reprieve."

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The sentence is expressing uncertainty about whether both Ola and her sister will be offered jobs by the firm. Option A ("both") is the best choice to complete the gap because it suggests that the possibility exists for both Ola and her sister to be offered jobs, but it is uncertain whether that will actually happen. Option B ("either") would suggest that only one of them may be offered a job, but it is unclear which one. Option C ("each") would suggest that they will each be offered a job, which does not fit the context of the sentence. Option D ("neither") would suggest that neither Ola nor her sister will be offered a job, which also does not fit the context of the sentence.

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The option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence is "He found himself deeply involved in the situation." To explain, the phrase "in the thick of" means being fully involved or deeply engaged in a situation, often a difficult or chaotic one. So the sentence means that he suddenly found himself deeply involved in the situation, without necessarily indicating whether he agreed with it or was able to resolve it using his experience, or was able to save himself from it.

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The most appropriate option for the gap labelled [...20...] above is "career." The sentence is referring to boxers who have suffered permanent brain damage as a result of being punched during their career. "Career" is the period of time during which a person pursues their profession, in this case, boxing. Therefore, it is the most appropriate word to fill in the gap.

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The opposite of "exuberant" is "subdued". "Exuberant" means full of energy, excitement, and enthusiasm, while "subdued" means quiet, controlled, or less intense. If the son was "subdued", he would be less active and energetic than if he were "exuberant".

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The author suggests that curiosity is an inborn and natural urge that is as clear and definite as any other human desire. People are curious about things that do not necessarily concern them, but they find them interesting as a mystery to be solved or a story to be told. Curiosity is often stimulated by jealousy, suspicion, or personal involvement, but it can also be a way to identify with other people's experiences and emotions. Therefore, the correct option is (B) inborn.

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The most appropriate option for the gap labelled [...11...] is "spectators". In the context of boxing, spectators are the people who come to watch the sport and observe the boxers fighting in the ring. Some people argue that boxing appeals to the lowest instincts in these spectators who enjoy watching the violence and bloodshed that can occur during a match. Option A, "agitators", does not accurately describe the role of those who come to watch boxing. Agitators are individuals who actively try to stir up trouble or provoke a reaction, and this term does not accurately reflect the behavior of most boxing spectators. Option B, "witnesses", is also not the best choice for this gap, as it does not capture the idea that the spectators are actively participating in the event by watching and reacting to the violence that occurs in the ring. Option C, "congregations", is not the best choice either, as it implies a religious or spiritual gathering rather than a sporting event. Therefore, the most appropriate option for the gap labelled [...11...] is "spectators", as it accurately describes the individuals who come to watch boxing matches and may enjoy the violent aspects of the sport.

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The nearest in meaning to the word "fickle" in the sentence "Mr. Ojo has a fickle character" is "unpredictable." When someone has a fickle character, it means that their behavior is not consistent or stable. They may change their opinions or decisions frequently, making it difficult for others to understand or predict their actions. In this case, Mr. Ojo is described as having a fickle character, which makes him unpredictable.

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The opposite in meaning to "decrepit" is "improved." Therefore, the sentence with the opposite meaning would be "The film was shot in an improved police station." To explain, "decrepit" means something that is in a state of disrepair or is very old and worn out, while "improved" means something that has been made better or enhanced. So if the film was shot in an improved police station, it suggests that the police station was in a better condition than a decrepit one.

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In the novel, Ansa looked around glumly when Jimi was engrossed in laughter and chatter because Ansa felt neglected by Jimi. This means that Ansa felt left out and ignored by Jimi who was too busy laughing and chatting with others, and Ansa felt sad and alone because of it.

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The word "galvanized" means to stimulate or encourage something. The opposite of "galvanized" would be "dissuaded," which means to discourage or deter something. So, the option that is opposite in meaning to "galvanized" is "dissuaded."

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According to the passage, the true statement is that every human conduct often gives rise to curiosity. The passage suggests that curiosity is a natural and common human urge that arises in various situations, including when we are jealous or suspicious, and even when other people's affairs do not directly concern us. The passage emphasizes that people are often interested in the personal lives of others, including details of divorce cases, because these stories have news value and are like a novel, a play or a moving picture. The passage suggests that curiosity is a universal aspect of human behavior that is not inhibited by our environment. Therefore, is the correct answer.

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The opposite in meaning to "ludicrous" is "sensible". When something is ludicrous, it means it is ridiculous, absurd or unbelievable. So, in this case, the statement "It is ludicrous to suggest that she was a government agent" means that the suggestion is ridiculous or absurd. Therefore, the opposite of ludicrous is sensible, which means logical, reasonable, or practical. If the statement were "It is sensible to suggest that she was a government agent," it would mean that the suggestion is reasonable or practical.

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According to the novel "The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives," Efua was in Forcados High School because of her former principal's recommendation. This means that her previous school principal recommended her to attend Forcados High School. It's unclear why the principal made this recommendation, but it could be because the school had a good reputation or because Efua had demonstrated academic potential or other talents.

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The correct option is "Being rich has its own problem". This means that having a lot of money and wealth comes with its own set of difficulties and challenges. It suggests that being wealthy is not always a perfect or easy situation to be in, and that there are unique challenges that come with having a lot of money. For example, wealthy people may struggle with maintaining their relationships or finding true friends, as others may be envious or insincere. They may also face pressure to maintain their wealth and status, or to make difficult decisions about how to use their resources. Overall, the phrase "Being rich has its own problem" emphasizes that wealth is not a solution to all of life's challenges, and that even the wealthiest individuals face their own set of difficulties.

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Based on the information given, Seyi Lawal, the head boy of the school, was described as someone who "loved his job." The statement suggests that Seyi Lawal was responsible and enthusiastic about his role as head boy in the school. It implies that he was passionate and committed to his duties and took them seriously. Therefore, the correct option is "loved his job," which means he enjoyed and took pleasure in his responsibilities as the head boy of the school.

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The option that best completes the gap is "should we." When someone says "We shouldn't do it," they are expressing an opinion or a suggestion. If we want to turn this into a question, we can add the phrase "should we" at the end to ask for confirmation or agreement with the opinion or suggestion. So the complete sentence would be "He said, 'We shouldn't do it, should we?'"

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The most appropriate stress pattern for the word "obligation" is "obliGAtion".

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The most appropriate option for the gap labelled [...13...] is "bout." A bout is a boxing match, or a competition between two boxers. The referee is the person in charge of overseeing the bout and making sure that the rules are followed. In some cases, the referee may allow the bout to go on for longer than usual if neither of the boxers seems to be winning.

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At the end of term in Forcados High School, Nene was saddled with the responsibility of organizing the carol night. This means that she was in charge of making sure that all the preparations were made for the carol night, which is an event where people sing Christmas carols. Nene was responsible for making sure that everything was ready and in place for the event to take place.

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The word that rhymes with "terror" is "error".

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After too much exercise, some people suffer from cramp which is caused by the contraction of the muscles. Explanation: During exercise, our muscles contract and relax to allow movement. However, if we overuse or strain our muscles, they can become fatigued and go into a prolonged state of contraction, causing a cramp. This is often experienced as a sudden and painful tightening of the muscle. Therefore, the correct option is "contraction."

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Nose around/about something means to try to find out information about someone or something.

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It is likely that the students refused to sympathize with Efua because they felt she was arrogant. Arrogance refers to having an excessive sense of self-importance and a lack of consideration for others. If the students perceived Efua as arrogant, they may have felt that she did not deserve their sympathy or kindness, and therefore chose not to offer it. However, it is important to note that this is just one possibility and there could be other reasons for the students' behavior.

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The question is not related to the passage, which is discussing human curiosity and its motivations. The passage does not mention bees or their behavior, so it is not possible to answer the question.

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The option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence is "My friend is financially sound." To explain, the phrase "well off" is an idiomatic expression that means being wealthy or financially comfortable. So the sentence means that my friend is financially sound or prosperous nowadays. It does not necessarily mean that my friend is well known to people, well in terms of health, or has lost focus.

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The author uses the novel to portray some of the societal problems. This means that the author has used the story and characters in the novel to highlight and shed light on issues and challenges that exist in society. The author may be using the novel as a way to raise awareness, spark conversation, and bring attention to these problems. Through the experiences of the characters and the events that take place in the story, the author can highlight and explore societal issues such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, and more.

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The word with the same consonant sound as the letter (s) underlined in "schedule" is "teach". The sound is a soft "sh" sound, which is also present in the word "teach". The word "leisure" has a different sound, as the "s" is pronounced with a "zh" sound, and the word "machine" has a different sound as well, as the "s" is pronounced with a "sh" sound.

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They are about to hit each other.

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The word that rhymes with "crowd" is "loud" (option c). The words rhyme because they have the same vowel sound followed by a consonant sound. In this case, both words end with the sound /aʊd/, which makes them rhyme. The other options do not rhyme with "crowd" because they either have a different vowel sound or end with a different consonant sound.

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