WAEC SSCE - English Language - 2000

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The newly acquired air-bus plane is a white elephant. This means that the plane is

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
With his cogent argument in favour of the proposal he was able to check further opposition

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
The visit of the patron of the club......the morale of the players

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The hunter, with his dogs,.........going into the forest

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The two girls have not been speaking.............since their quarrel

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.

You should take what he tells you with a pinch of salt. This means that you should

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
Although Aliyu was acquitted by the court for want of evidence, the police still kept a tab on him. This means that they

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
Until now Etim has always started the fights, but this time Adamu is clearly the ..........

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The day that Musa's uncle died was the.....day of his life

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
.......home, his dead uncle's burial had already taken place

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The man advised his children not to give.....to the temptations of the city

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
The boys were about to trade blows, but I managed to hold one of them back while my friend..............the other

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The accused vehemently denied the charges against him

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The careless manager has caused his bank to .....millions of naira

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - D, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
"Hello Musa" is a ...........opening for a friendly letter, but it is inappropriate for a formal letter

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.

I will tell you the secret if you promise not to .......it

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
Those who owe the company were urged to .......their debts

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The incessant chatter of the pupils irritated the teacher

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
Mother could not prepare the dish because there was....oil available

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - D, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
They had to ........the old buildings to construct the five-star hotel.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
When it came to the question of an increase in allowances, the striking workers spoke with one voice. This means that the workers

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The foreman believed that with the augmented workforce, the construction job would take one more month to complete

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The Students Week was rounded...with a dance

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
Because it had been raining heavily all morning...........people turned out to welcome the august visitor,

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
.........were sent to the library by the English teacher

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
He would rather resign...part in such a dishonest deal

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - D, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
The children expected to be praised for putting out the fire, but they were..........for taking such a risk.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The government has set up a ....panel to investigate that fire incident

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
We are waiting to hear the weather.......for tomorrow

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
He never seemed to get it right..........

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
He dabbles..........politics from time to time

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The Principal warned the final-year students about the consequences of procrastination

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
The hilltop was a hundred meters above sea level and from that......the whole town could be seen beautifully laid out

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The little boy could not move the heavy stone........he tried.

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The children were warned not to be unduly inquisitive

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
Amina always flies off at a tangent when a serious matter is discussed. This means that Amina

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
A student at the back of the class complained that he.......the teacher

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
When the accountant made those remarks he knew that he was putting his job on the line. This means that the accountant was

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
You're not too tired to continue.........?

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The teachers............politics when I entered the staff room

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
Seun accepted the conditions we gave him........for my liking

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
I refused to ...........my statement because it was true

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
Ogugua has always.........me as a good mannered child.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
Ada is .....to do that kind of thing

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The sick man.........in bed for three months.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
''It is high time you....crying'' the woman told her daughter gently

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - D, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
A child got stuck trying to squeeze through an iron fence, but some adults managed to .........him.

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
The class prefect's ............of the quarrel is different from yours

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
After a while, we noticed that the unconscious accident victim was coming.........

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
Despite the measures taken by the government, the economy of the country is still in the doldrums. This means that

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The professor's explanation of that point was quite lucid

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - D, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
Parking on this street is ........on weekdays, but permitted at weekends.

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
But for the timely.........of the police, there would have been a riot

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The factory workers refused to take the matter of their sacked colleagues lying...........

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
We received........that the workers would soon go on strike

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.

You should take what he tells you with a pinch of salt. This means that you should

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
Neither Obi nor Jumoke..........present at the meeting

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
Unfortunately, his plans to go abroad fell.........

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
Both questions are alternatives; you answer......one.......the other.

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The bride was praised by her mother-in-law for her impeccable behaviour

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The man asked me ......

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The restaurant owner offered Olu a drink on the house. This means that

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
Hardly had the journey started..........the car engine developed a fault

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
You should take what he tells you with a pinch of salt. This means that you should

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
Ebiere turned...........all the advances made by the men

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - D, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
If we can commence the meeting on time, we should be able to ............by 4.00 p.m.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - D, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
They ended the discussion on amicable terms though they were........to each other at the beginning.

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
One of the robbers who snatched the car........been arrested by the police.

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - D, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.

We blamed Obi for breaking the door, but when Ade confessed that he did it, Obi was...........

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
When the Choir Master introduced Jane as a brilliant singer, everyone knew that he was speaking with his tongue in his cheek. This means that he

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
With his reading glasses on, he cloud see the words...............

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
Luck..........the robbers on that fateful day

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
Ogene was not the least cowed by the bully's threats

In the following passages the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below each passage, four options are given in columns lettered A to D. choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gap in the passage.
For thousands of years, man lived in a very primitive way. Before the recent -77- in agriculture, medicine and industry, life was difficult. It was hard to -78- a living from -79- without modern farming -80-, and a single year of crop -81- could mean famine and therefore death illnesses as -82- and as -83- as influenza could kill a Stone Age man weakened by hunger appendicitis was always -84- before the days of modern -85- Even childbirth was a hazardous process. Under these conditions, the human race needed to -86- at a high -87- just to keep in existence.
However, with a sharp fall in the -88- rate relative to the -89- the world's population is now increasing very rapidly. This increase needs to be put in -90-to avoid the looming consequence of population -91-.
When my elder brother decided to -92- a current account with United Bank for Africa, he walked into one of its -93- and obtained the necessary -94- which he completed and returned to the -95-. He was then given paying in -96-. Soon, he started issuing -97- to people with whom he transacted business. Whenever his signature was irregular, his cheque was not -98- Once. he wanted to obtain a -99- and the bank insisted on -100-

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences.
If found guilty, a person may appeal to a higher court in the hope that it will......the verdict

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
The quarrel between the two men soon resulted....a fight

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The new teacher urged the lazy students to turn over a new leaf. This means that the teacher urged the students to

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.
At the end of the year, grandmother ..........with us for seven years

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The dissidents held several clandestine meetings before the attack

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.

      It seemed that Joe had just about had it with his wife of three years. He no longer thought her attractive interesting: he considered her a poor housekeeper who was overweight, someone he no longer wanted to live with. j Or was so _upset that he finally decided on divorce. But before he served her the papers, he made an appointment with% psychologist for the specific purpose of finding out how to make life as difficult as possible for his wife.

      The psychologist listened to Joe's story and then gave his advice: "Well. Joe, I think I've got the perfect solution for you From tonight when you get home, I want you to start treating your wife as if she were a goddess. That's right, a goddess, I want you to change your attitude towards her completely. Start doing everything in your power to please her. Listen intently to her when she talks about her problems. Help around the house; take her out to dinner on weekends. I want you to pretend that she's a goddess. Then after two months of this wonderful  behaviour, just pack your bags and leave her. That should get to her.

      Joe thought it was a tremendous idea. That night he started treating his wife as if she were a goddess. He couldn't wait to do things for her. He brought her breakfast in bed and had flowers delivered to her for no apparent reason. They read books to each other at night and Joe listened to her as never before. It was incredible what Joe was doing for his wife. He kept it up for the two full months. After the allotted time, the psychologist gave Joe a call at home. "Joe," he asked. "How's it going? Did you file for divorce? Are you a happy bachelor once again?" "Divorce?" asked Joe in surprise. "You must be kidding! I'm married to a goddess. I've never been happier in my life. I'd never leave my wife in a million years.  In fact, I'm discovering new, wonderful things about her every single day. Divorce? Not on your life!" The psychologist hung up wearing a knowing smile.

(a) Why did Joe consult the psychologist?

(b) What did Joe think he would achieve by following the psychologists advice?

(c) What is ironical about Joe's answer to the psychologist's question towards the end of the passage'

(d) From this episode, what do you think had really been wrong with Joe's marriage?

(e) "... it was a tremendous idea'. ((i) What grammatical name is given to this expression as it is used in the passage?

(ii) What is its function in the sentence?

(f) "I'd never leave my wife in a million years" What figure of speech is contained in the sentence above?

(g) Why do you think the psychologist wore a knowing smile?

(h) For each of the following words. find another word or phrase which means the same and which can replace it as used in the passage. (i) attractive. (ii) upset; (iii) solution (iv) wonderful; (v) apparent; (vi) allotted.

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.

      Are you scared of speaking before a large audience or even making a few suggestions in public? This need not be. You can make effective speeches in public. Here are a few pointers. Perhaps the most important step is to be sure of what you are going to say. This sounds obvious enough, but it is amazing how many people get up to speak when, in fact, they have very little to say. After one inconsequential point, they discover they have run out of steam. So to ensure you can speak well, the more conversant you are with them the more confident you will be.

      How do you present your speech? Certainly before you begin, you will be a little uneasy. Even the most experienced speaker feels the same way before beginning his speech. This is not bad; in fact, it is a good tonic for a successful speech. To overcome this, do not rush headlong into the task. Rather, it pays to breathe in and out, heavily, deeply calmly. Then begin the speech, slowly, calmly. carefully, with a clear, confident voice. This is when you are. going through the introduction. "The Chairman, Honourable Guests of Honour. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen... By the time you finish this and go through the usual ritual of stating that it gives you "great pleasure to stand before this august gathering to discuss a few points....," you would have reached a point of emotional equilibrium. You should now be sufficiently calm to go on with the speech.

      Somewhere at the beginning, and at strategic points in your speech. you should introduce flavour into what you are saying. You would not want to serve tea without sugar after all. So, you should inject some humorous remarks once in a while. But this calls for skill. To start with, you cannot introduce humour indiscriminately, otherwise you might sound like a jester. Experienced speakers most often introduce humour early in their speeches, presumably to ease the tension in the hall. But these jokes must be brief. purposeful and closely related to the point.

      Many speakers are scared by the countenances of the listeners. Not all their looks are friendly. However, there are bound to be a few friendly ones, and it is advisable to pick them out, look at them from time to time, and ignore the hostile ones. Looking at the friendly faces keeps you at ease.

      You are advised to write out your speech in full after which you should read it several times before the day. You could 't get a willing listener to criticize your delivery. Do this several times until you can almost recite it. Notice that we are not advising you to memorize it, because you could forget vital areas due to anxiety. Writing out and practising the speech would make you much familiar with the content, indeed with every word.

      Speech making is an art. While it is true that some are gifted in speech making. it is more correct that any one who doesn't suffer from speech handicaps can learn to deliver effective speeches. And you can become a master in this art.

(a) In one sentence state the intention of the writer

(b) In five sentences, one for each summarize the five steps for making a good speech and the reason for each step.

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.

      I vividly remember that Thursday morning, some twenty-two years ago. when I was operated upon to have an abnormality corrected. For months. the doctors had combated the ailment with drugs of various kinds many of which sent me on long excursions into slumberland, Yet the ailment had seemed to defy all medical entreaties. Then a few days later, two senior surgeons called on me to discuss their decision They made it clear that only a surgical operation held any hope, otherwise the downward trend was sure to continue until the inevitable Quiet end. So. they sought my consent which I promptly gave, stating that at my age I was old enough to accept any eventuality.

      For days, I was gradually prepared for the great event. I took various drugs to build me up physically, and I was encouraged to eat well. Besides, a clergyman came regularly to talk to and pray for me He assured me that I would sail through the operation safely as God, the greatest of surgeons, would join the medical team Gradually I steeled myself to face the exercise.

      Then the day came. My wife came very early into the ward, looking as if she bore the burdens of all the world. I told her to be a good girl and cheer up. But all my jokes fell flat. So. when a senior nursing sister came and told my wife to go and buy one of the drugs needed, I was somehow relieved. Moments later, my eldest son came, and I told him to brace up for any eventuality. I said I was proud of his achievements as a young engineer, and of his immediate younger brother as a pharmacist. So, if the end should come, they should both rise to the occasion and steer their other brother and sister to good careers. I had not quite concluded when the stretcher was wheeled in and I was helped on to it.

      As the journey to the theatre commenced, with my son by my side, I held his hand firmly and smiled. This was the only way I could reassure him that all was going to be well. The stretcher moved on. Then, suddenly, 1 saw my wife hurrying er catch up with us. As she came along, I told the ward attendants to show down so that she could catch up with us. I took her hand and put it in my son's. Apparently, this gesture disturbed rather than strengthened her. She burst into tears. Belt= could say anything else, to mother and son, the theatre doors were flung open; and the stretcher was wheeled in.

(a) What did the surgeons seek from the patient?

(b) In what two ways was the man prepared for the operation.

(c) What do the man's words to his eldest son suggest about his state of mind?

(d) (i) What message did the man intend to convey to his wife by putting her hand in his son's.

(ii) What was his wife's reaction?

(e) "Before I could say anything else.... '

(i) What grammatical name is given to this expression as it is used in the passage?

(ii) What is its function in the sentence).

(f) ....the inevitable quiet end".

(i) What figure of speech is used in the expression above?

(ii) What does it mean?

(g) How do you know that the patient survived the operation?

(h) For each of the following words, find another word or phrase which means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the passage. (I) combated; (ii) entreaties; (iii) eventually; (iv) steeled; (v) steer; (vi) gesture.

Write an article for publication in your school magazine on the topic: "Why I should like to be... " Choose an occupation or career and give at least three reasons why it appeals to you.

A nagging problem in your family has so far defied all solutions. Write a letter to an uncle of yours stating what the problem is and giving reasons why he should intervene.

You are a speaker in an inter-school debate on the topic: "It is better to attend a school near your home than one outside your neighborhood". Write your speech for or against the proposition.

Write a letter to the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency in your country complaining about the environmental pollution of your area and requesting that urgent action be taken to improve the situation.

Write a story ending with the word: "Indeed, it was a blessing in disguise".