JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2023

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The word that has the same consonant sound as "th" in "smooth" is "brother". The consonant sound in "smooth" is the "th" sound, which is voiceless dental fricative. It is produced by placing the tip of the tongue between the upper teeth and blowing air. Out of the given options, only "brother" has the same "th" sound. The other options do not have the "th" sound.

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The 'e' in the word 'naked' is pronounced as  /ɪ/ - /ˈneɪkɪd/. Therefore the word with the same vowel sound is 'bid'.

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Salma was looking more stunning on the last day of her exams because her classmates had organized a mini picnic to wrap up the good work. This means that her classmates had arranged a small gathering or celebration to mark the end of their exams.
By organizing a mini picnic, Salma's classmates showed their appreciation for the effort they had put into their exams and wanted to have a fun and relaxed time together. During this picnic, they could have enjoyed delicious food, played games, and shared stories and laughter with each other.
This festive and enjoyable atmosphere created by her classmates' thoughtful gesture likely put Salma in a positive and joyful mood, which could explain why she looked so stunning on the last day of her exams. When we are happy and surrounded by friends, our natural beauty tends to shine through.

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The sentence "EMEKA finished his homework yesterday" has the emphatic stress on the word "EMEKA."
The question "Who finished his homework yesterday?" is related to the given sentence. This is because the sentence emphasizes that EMEKA completed his homework yesterday. The focus is on identifying who finished the homework. Therefore, the correct option is the first one: "Who finished his homework yesterday?"

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The word "inflexible" means that someone is unwilling to change their opinion or decision. In this case, it is referring to the boss being unyielding or not willing to compromise once he has made up his mind. Therefore, the nearest option in meaning to "inflexible" is "unyielding."

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The word that best describes the sentence "James and Henry were at daggers drawn when I knew them" is "were always angry with each other".
The phrase "at daggers drawn" is an idiomatic expression that means being in a state of intense hostility or conflict. In this context, it means that James and Henry had a strong animosity towards each other. It suggests that their relationship was characterized by constant anger and tension. Therefore, the phrase "were always angry with each other" is the most appropriate description of their dynamic.

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In the context of the sentence, the coach is emphasizing the importance of the players being paid their salaries on time to ensure their motivation for the upcoming match. Therefore, the correct answer is 'on time'.

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Omar said he passed his SSCE by no means a small feat because he passed excellently on his first attempt. This means that he was able to achieve a high level of success in his SSCE examination without having to retake the exam or face any significant challenges. Passing the SSCE on the first attempt is considered impressive because it showcases a strong academic performance and a solid understanding of the subjects taken. It demonstrates that Omar was well-prepared and dedicated to his studies, which is why he regarded his achievement as a significant accomplishment.

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The term used in the given text is "salaries". Now, looking at the context, it seems the coach is requesting for the players' salaries to be paid before their upcoming match against Mamelody Sundowns.
Given the options, the term that best fits the context is "outstanding". This means that the players' salaries are due and have not been paid yet. By using the term "outstanding", the coach is emphasizing that the salaries need to be paid in order to motivate the players and improve their performance in the important match.

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In "The Life Changer" novel, Talle was given the appellation of "the quiet one" for his amazing show of personality. This means that Talle was known for being quiet and reserved in his demeanor and behavior. He may not speak much or be the center of attention, but his actions and presence still leave a lasting impact on others. Being referred to as "the quiet one" implies that Talle is introspective, thoughtful, and observant. While others may be more vocal or expressive, Talle's calm and composed nature allows him to understand and analyze situations from a different perspective. Often, people who are labeled as "the quiet one" possess qualities such as deep thinking, good listening skills, and a penchant for reflection. They may not feel the need to constantly speak or make themselves known in social settings, but when they do, their words carry weight and significance. Talle's appellation of "the quiet one" highlights his unique personality traits and the impact they have on those around him. It is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most powerful presence can exist in silence and observation rather than loudness and showiness.

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The missing word in the first gap is "legislative". The passage is discussing the competence of the Senate, and it states that the members of the Senate do not have the authority or competence to pass a motion to review or challenge the executive action of the President. The word "executive" refers to the branch of government that is responsible for carrying out and enforce laws. Therefore, the appropriate option for the first gap is "executive". In simpler terms, the passage is saying that the Senate does not have the power to challenge or review the actions taken by the President in carrying out and enforcing laws.

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The answer is match bonuses. Match bonuses refer to additional payments that players receive based on their performance or the outcome of a match. In this context, the coach wants the Bright Rangers to be paid their match bonuses before the game against Mamelody Sundowns. The coach believes that receiving their bonuses will motivate the players and help them perform better in the match. It is a form of incentive for the players to give their best and potentially secure a place in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.

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The underlined word in the sentence is "abeyance", which means a temporary suspension or halt. We are looking for the word that is opposite in meaning to "abeyance".
The opposite of "abeyance" would be "continuance". "Continuance" means the act of continuing or the state of being continued. So, if school activities were in "abeyance", it means they were temporarily suspended or halted. Therefore, the opposite scenario would be if school activities were in "continuance", which means they were continuing without any interruption.
To understand it better, imagine a situation where school activities were temporarily suspended last semester. This suspension created concern among the people. On the other hand, if school activities were in continuance, it means they were carrying on as usual without any breaks or pauses and this would not cause concern.
Therefore, the option opposite in meaning to "abeyance" is continuance.

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The sentence states that "Though he is our elected representative, he often takes a rather jaundiced view of our problems." To understand the meaning of this sentence, we need to understand the meaning of the phrase "jaundiced view." The term "jaundiced" is often used metaphorically to describe a negative or biased perspective. It implies that the person sees things in a negative light or has a pessimistic attitude. Therefore, the best option that explains the information conveyed in the sentence is: **He takes an unfavourable position concerning our problems**. This option accurately captures the meaning that the person's perspective is negative or unfavorable towards the problems.

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The option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "plagiarize" is "pirate".
Explanation: Plagiarize means to copy or use someone else's work, ideas, or words without giving them proper credit. It is considered a crime because it involves stealing someone else's intellectual property.
The word "pirate" has a similar meaning in this context. When referring to intellectual property, "pirating" refers to the unauthorized copying or use of someone else's work, such as music, movies, or software. Similarly to plagiarism, pirating is also considered illegal because it involves the theft of someone else's creative work.

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The option with a different rhyme is "Growl".
Rhyme refers to the similarity of sounds at the ends of words. In this case, we are looking for words that end with a similar sound.
- "Roar" and "Four" both end with the "or" sound, so they rhyme with each other. - "Bore" also ends with the "or" sound, so it rhymes with "Roar" and "Four".
However, "Growl" ends with a different sound, the "ow" sound. So it does not rhyme with the other words in the list.

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The phrase "gospel truth" is often used to emphasize that the information being conveyed is completely true and reliable. It implies that there is no doubt or room for error in the information being shared. Therefore, the most appropriate interpretation for the sentence "What I told you is the gospel truth" is that the information is completely true.

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The missing word in the sentence is "Showdown". A showdown refers to a critical or decisive confrontation between two opponents. In this context, it means the important match between Bright Rangers and Mamelody Sundowns in the CAF Champions League. The coach believes that paying the players their salaries before this match will motivate them and increase their chances of victory. The coach wants the players to be well motivated and play the game of their lives. The government has done well, but paying the salaries will be a big morale boost for the players. The Bright Rangers are currently third in their group and need to avoid defeat against Al - Ahly to stay in the competition for a place in the semi-finals. The team plans to employ the counter-attacking strategy to achieve a positive result in Cairo.

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exist - /ɪgzɪst/
helicopter - /helɪkɒptə/
isle - /aɪl/
meant - /ment/
never - /nevə/

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The correct stress in the word "category" is "CAT-e-go-ry". The primary stress falls on the second syllable, which is "CAT".
In English, stress refers to the emphasis or prominence given to a syllable or word in speech. It involves making that particular syllable louder, longer, and higher in pitch compared to the surrounding syllables.
In the word "category", the stress is placed on the second syllable "CAT". This means that when pronouncing the word, we put more emphasis on the "CAT" syllable, making it louder, longer, and higher in pitch. The other syllables, "e-go-ry", are pronounced with a lower level of prominence.
Therefore, the correct answer is option B: "CAT-e-go-ry", where the capital letters indicate the syllable with the primary stress.

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When the word "hasten" is used in this context, it means that the speaker had to hurry to the motor park when night fell. "Hasten" refers to the act of moving quickly or rushing in order to reach a destination or complete a task.
Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to "hasten" is "hurry". "Hurry" also means to do something quickly or rapidly.

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The correct answer is - Did the union congratulate the ousted president? The option without the emphatic word - ELECTED is the correct answer.

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Athens had intervened on behalf of the Greek-states against the Persians.

When the Persian Empire launched invasions against the Greek city-states in the 5th century BCE, Athens played a significant role in defending the Greeks. The Athenians, led by their renowned statesman Themistocles, recognized the threat posed by the Persian forces and took action to unite the Greek city-states against this common enemy.

Athens intervened on behalf of the Greek-states by organizing a naval alliance called the Delian League. This league consisted of numerous Greek city-states, with Athens assuming a leading role due to its strong navy and political influence.

With the formation of the Delian League, Athens coordinated military efforts and provided financial, logistical, and strategic support to the allied Greek city-states. They used the resources of the league to build a powerful navy, which played a crucial role in defeating the Persians in key battles such as the Battle of Salamis.

By intervening on behalf of the Greek-states, Athens demonstrated its commitment to defending Greek freedom and autonomy. They recognized the importance of unity in the face of a powerful external threat and took decisive action to protect their shared interests.

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Emphatic stress usually emphasis contrast, thus the right option should contain a word that contrasts with the emphasized word.

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Bint was encouraged to take French at the primary level because **her parents believed that language acquisition at an early age is relatively easy**.
At a young age, children have a greater capacity for language learning due to their developing brains and ability to absorb and process information more effectively. By introducing French to Bint at the primary level, her parents believed that she would have a better chance of grasping the language and becoming fluent in it.
The idea behind encouraging language learning at an early age is that young children are like sponges, capable of effortlessly picking up new languages and mastering their intricacies. With consistent exposure and practice, they can develop strong linguistic skills. This is why Bint's parents wanted her to start learning French early on.
By gaining proficiency in French, Bint would have an added advantage in her future endeavors. She would be able to communicate effectively with French-speaking individuals, whether it be for academic, professional, or personal reasons. Additionally, knowing French could open up exciting opportunities for her, such as studying or working abroad in France.
While the option "she would want to be a French mistress when she grows up" may seem like a possible reason, it is not mentioned in the question as a motivation for Bint's parents. Therefore, the correct answer is that Bint was encouraged to take French at the primary level because **her parents believed that language acquisition at an early age is relatively easy**.

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When answering emphatic stress questions, the option that does not have the "stressed word" becomes the correct answer.

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The word that has the same rhyme scheme as "laugh" is "half". To understand this, we need to first understand what a rhyme scheme is. In poetry, a rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhyming lines at the end of each verse. It helps create a rhythmic and musical quality to the poem. In the case of "laugh", the sound at the end of the word is represented by the letters "augh". Let's now look at the other words to see if any of them have the same rhyme scheme as "laugh": - "Life" ends with the sound "ife", so it does not have the same rhyme scheme as "laugh". - "Ghost" ends with the sound "ost", so it does not have the same rhyme scheme as "laugh". - "Light" ends with the sound "ight", so it does not have the same rhyme scheme as "laugh". Only the word "half" ends with the same sound as "laugh", which is "augh". Therefore, "half" has the same rhyme scheme as "laugh". In summary, out of the given options, "half" is the word that has the same rhyme scheme as "laugh" because both words end with the sound "augh".

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Salma stayed at the most coveted and famous Queen Amina hostel. Queen Amina is the correct answer because in "The Life Changer" novel, the Queen Amina hostel is described as the most coveted and famous hostel. This means that it is highly sought after and well-known among students. Queen Amina was a powerful and influential queen who ruled over the city-state of Zazzau, which is present-day Nigeria. She was known for her bravery, military skills, and leadership qualities. The hostel named after Queen Amina is likely to symbolize strength, courage, and excellence – traits that students staying there might aspire to possess. It is important to note that the other options mentioned, Queen Moremi, Queen Lateefat, and Queen Haneefa, are not described in the novel as being as coveted and famous as Queen Amina. Therefore, the correct answer is Queen Amina.

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Without our relentless campaigns, we might **never have been** sure of victory in the race for the National Assembly. This option is the most appropriate because it correctly conveys the meaning that, if not for our relentless campaigns, we would not have achieved or experienced a state of being sure of victory in the race for the National Assembly. The combination of "never" and "have been" in the option suggests that this is a past unrealized possibility that would not have occurred if certain actions (the relentless campaigns) were not undertaken.

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reSIST
SALon
conFIRM
inTACT

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The consonant sound represented by 'P' in 'Pin' is the same as in 'Pragmatic'. In English phonetics, the 'P' in 'Pin' and 'Pragmatic' is a voiceless bilabial plosive, represented as /p/.

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The correct option to complete the sentence is "was". In this sentence, we are referring to a singular subject "the proprietor of our school" and his administrator. Since "the proprietor" is a singular noun, the correct form of the verb to use is the singular form "was". Therefore, the correct statement is: "The proprietor of our school with his administrator was expected yesterday."

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He was both a writer and a politician, but he was better **as** a singer.
The word "as" is used to show similarity or comparison. In this sentence, it is used to compare his skills or abilities in different roles - writer, politician, and singer. The sentence implies that out of these three roles, he was most skilled or talented in singing.
When we say he was better "as" a singer, it means that his singing abilities surpassed or excelled in comparison to his skills as a writer and a politician. So, in terms of his talents and abilities, singing was the area where he truly shone or stood out.

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The sentence is saying that the stadium had a full crowd despite the bad weather. This means that even though the weather was not good, many people still came to the stadium. The best option that explains this is: The crowd defied the weather to fill the stadium.

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The correct answer to the question is: "The prisoner finally conceded that he drank to excess on the night he committed the murder."
In this context, "conceded" means that the prisoner finally admitted or accepted the truth. "Drank to excess" means that the prisoner consumed a larger amount of alcohol than what is considered normal or healthy.
So, the prisoner admitted that he drank too much on the night he committed the murder.

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The correct answer is: My mother

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Aversion in this context refers to a strong dislike or distaste for something. It means that the person has a negative feeling towards war movies and does not enjoy watching them. This is different from addiction, which refers to a strong dependency on something, and preference, which relates to having a liking or favor for something. Bitterness, on the other hand, describes a feeling of resentment or anger. Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to aversion in this context is dislike.

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In the context of the novel 'The Life Changer', the euphemism used for cheat notes is 'Notes of salvation'. A euphemism is a polite or mild word or expression used to refer to something embarrassing, taboo, or unpleasant.

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The vowel /i/ as in bit is present here. Only the very last sound pronunciation of 'cacophony' bears the same answer.

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The opposite of impertinent is **courteous**. To understand why, let's break down the meaning of impertinent. Impertinent means showing a lack of respect or being rude. So when we say someone is impertinent, it means they are not behaving in a respectful or polite manner. On the other hand, being courteous means showing good manners and being polite. So if someone is courteous, they are behaving in a respectful and polite way towards others. In the given sentence, it says that the person was impertinent until she met her husband. This means that before she met her husband, she was rude or showed a lack of respect. But after meeting her husband, we can infer that she changed her behavior and became more polite and respectful, which is why the word that has the opposite meaning of impertinent in this context is **courteous**.

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The people of Delos did not want to ENCOURAGE the conquest of Greece.
Explanation: The word "encourage" means to support, promote, or inspire something. In this case, the people of Delos did not want to support or promote the conquest of Greece. They did not want to encourage the idea of Greece being conquered by someone or some force.

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The correct stress for the word 'presidency' is 'PRE-si-den-cy'. In English, stress means pronouncing one syllable of a multisyllabic word with greater emphasis (stress) than the other syllables in the word. The primary stress in a word is the syllable that is pronounced with the most force. In the word 'presidency', the first syllable 'pre' is pronounced with the most force, hence it has the primary stress.

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Their participation **gave strength** to the Athenians.
The Athenians benefited from the participation of their people because it added strength to their society. When individuals actively took part in the affairs of the city-state, it contributed to the overall power and capability of the Athenians. This participation included activities such as military service, voting in the assembly, serving on jury duty, and engaging in public debates.
By actively engaging in these activities, the people of Athens not only demonstrated their commitment to their city but also contributed to its ability to defend itself, make important decisions, and maintain a functioning democracy. Their participation gave the Athenians a sense of solidarity, as they worked together towards common goals.
Additionally, the involvement of citizens provided a sense of empowerment and confidence. It gave individuals a voice and an opportunity to shape the direction of their city-state. This active engagement fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the Athenians.
In summary, their participation **gave strength** to the Athenians by increasing their collective power, fostering a sense of solidarity, and empowering the individuals within the society.

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The farmer in the passage is described as someone who used to be self-sufficient. He lives a simple life and does not rely on modern conveniences such as cars, television, or newspapers. He grows his own food, including cocoyam and peppers, and even collects snails for meat. Despite his old age, he still remembers the energy he had as a farmer in his younger days. The passage does not mention anything about the farmer having dreams to expand his farm or being envied more than astronauts. Therefore, the correct answer is : used to be self-sufficient.

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Rhyme scheme refers to the pattern of end sounds or words in a verse or line of poetry. In this case, we are looking for a word that rhymes with 'Day' /deɪ/

dare -  /dɛː/

anime  - /ˈanɪmeɪ/

flight - /flaɪt/

ball - /bɔːl/

The word day and anime end with the /eɪ/ sound, therefore, they rhyme with each other.

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The sentence 'The solution lies in choosing between various negative alternatives' implies that the solution can be found among several unfavorable or less-than-ideal options. Therefore, the option 'The solution can be found in one of the negative options' is the correct answer.

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In the context of the sentence, the coach is saying that getting paid would be a big morale boost for the team. Therefore, the correct word to fill in the blank is 'Booster'

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The word that has the same rhyme scheme as "sweet" is "suite". Both words have the same ending sound of "-eet", making them rhyme with each other. The other words "twice", "sweat", and "suit" do not have the same ending sound, so they do not share the same rhyme scheme with "sweet".

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In this case, 'importance', 'contribute', and 'deposit' all have the stress on the first syllable. However, 'reservoir' has a different stress pattern with the stress on the third syllable, making it the correct answer.

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The word "gradual" means something that happens slowly or over a period of time. So, the phrase "gradual end" suggests that the process of transition to civilian rule came to a slow or gradual conclusion.
To find the word or group of words that is most nearly opposite in meaning, we need to look for an option that means a sudden or unexpected end.
The answer is "abrupt". The word "abrupt" means something that happens suddenly or unexpectedly. So, the phrase "abrupt end" suggests that the process of transition to civilian rule came to a sudden or unexpected conclusion.
Therefore, the word "abrupt" is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word "gradual" in the given sentence.

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The word "skeptical" means having doubts or being unsure about something. In the given sentence, the person is unsure or doubtful about the story they were told. So, the option that is nearest in meaning to "skeptical" is "doubtful."

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The correct answer is 'He did not show up and so the occasion lacked much fun'. The sentence 'If he were here, it could be more fun' is a hypothetical condition that implies that the person being referred to is not present, and his presence could have made the situation more enjoyable. The other options do not fully capture the essence of the sentence.

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Habib called Tomiwa instead of Salma that he gave a ride for two primary reasons. Firstly, **Tomiwa is a Muslim**, while Salma is not. This is significant because in the story, the characters are all Muslims and their beliefs, customs, and interactions are influenced by their Islamic faith. Secondly, **Salma gave Habib Tomiwa's number instead of her own**. This implies that Salma intentionally provided Tomiwa's contact information to Habib, possibly as a way to indirectly keep in touch with him or to establish a connection between Tomiwa and Habib.
Therefore, the correct answer is: **Because Tomiwa is a Muslim and Salma gave him Tomiwa's number instead of hers**.
The option "All of the above" is incorrect because it implies that both of these reasons are true, which is not the case. The option "Because Habib likes Tomiwa more than Salma" is also incorrect as there is no evidence or indication in the story to support this claim.

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The word "indispensable" in the passage means someone who is essential or necessary. Out of the options provided, the word that is nearest in meaning to "indispensable" is **vital**.

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The correct answer for the missing word is "an Act." In this passage, the author is discussing the authority of the Senate to pass a motion to oppose the actions of the President. The author argues that it is not within the Senate's competence to do so because the Senate is a part of the National Assembly but not the National Assembly itself. The author explains that if the National Assembly were to have a different view from the Senate, it would create confusion. The strongest objection to the Senate's resolution is that it assumes the role of both the judge and the constitutionality of the President's actions. The Senate's function is to make laws, not to control the President's exercise of powers. Therefore, a mere resolution or motion from the Senate cannot give any directive to the President or undo what he has done. The only way to restrict the exercise of the President's powers is through an Act of the National Assembly. An Act is a legislative proposal that becomes law once it is passed by both houses of the legislature and receives the President's assent. It carries more weight and authority than a motion or resolution from the Senate. So, the missing word is "an Act."

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In this context, the underlined word "astute" means having good judgment and being clever in business matters. The word that is nearest in meaning to "astute" is "shrewd". A shrewd businessman is someone who is intelligent, perceptive, and can make wise decisions.

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The correct answer for gap number 7 is "power". In the given passage, it is mentioned that the Senate does not have the authority or power to control the President in the exercise of his powers. The Senate cannot give any directive to the President regarding the exercise of his powers or undo what the President has done in the exercise of those powers. Therefore, the most appropriate option for gap number 7 is "power". The Senate does not have the power or authority to control the President in the exercise of his powers.

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The correct answer is - Does a good description exclude specific nouns?. The option without the emphatic word - INCLUDES is the correct answer.