JAMB UTME - Use of English - 1997

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

His father is a shrewd businessman?

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: "gullible" is the most appropriate opposite in meaning to the underlined word "shrewd." Shrewd means having sharp intelligence or being astute in business and dealings, while gullible means being easily deceived or fooled, indicating a lack of intelligence or astuteness.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

Don't _____ said the leader 'I want a decision now?

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The correct option to fill the gap is "prevaricate". The leader is asking someone not to prevaricate, which means not to avoid giving a direct answer or to speak evasively. Instead, the leader wants a decision immediately.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

His intention was not actually to punish the villagers, and in any case he is now making moves to pacify them?

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The opposite of "pacify" would be a word that means to provoke or aggravate someone. Out of the given options, the word that fits this definition is "annoy". Therefore, the correct answer is "annoy".

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

For a long time, the robber defied police warnings as if he was invulnerable?

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Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

Measures were taken to authenticate the number of the booklets received?

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The opposite of "authenticate" would be "discredit". "Authenticate" means to verify the authenticity or genuineness of something, while "discredit" means to cast doubt on the truth or reliability of something. Therefore, measures taken to discredit the number of booklets received would mean actions taken to question or invalidate the number of booklets received.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

You don't have to agree with our procedure?

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The option closest in meaning to the underlined words is "may disagree if you wish." The speaker is indicating that agreeing with their procedure is not mandatory or required, and the listener has the freedom to disagree if they choose to.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

The group of performers thrilled the audience with its peculiar choreography?

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The option nearest in meaning to the underlined words is "form of dancing." "Choreography" refers to the art of creating and arranging dance movements and sequences. Therefore, the sentence is saying that the group of performers impressed the audience with their unique and specific style of dance.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

My shoes are worn out; I must see my _____ ?

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The most appropriate option to fill the gap is "cobbler". A cobbler is a person who repairs and makes shoes. Therefore, the speaker needs to see a cobbler to fix his worn-out shoes.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

The accident occurred when the driver of the car _____ the lorry?

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The correct option is "reversed into". This means that the driver of the car was moving backwards and collided with the lorry, rather than moving towards it.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

The exercise presented us with a lot of problems but later it was all _____ sailing?

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The correct option is "smooth." The phrase "smooth sailing" means a situation where everything is going well and there are no difficulties or obstacles. In this context, it means that after the initial problems, everything went well and was easy to handle.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

The sales were lively, the upset price in each case was fair?

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Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

A sterile range of mountains, broken at intervals by deep ravines _____ almost the whole of this small state?

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Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

Smiling broadly, she explained why she always took exception to being referred to as his wife?

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The most appropriate option nearest in meaning to "took exception to" in this context is "objected to." It means that she disagreed or had an issue with being referred to as his wife, and did not feel comfortable with it.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

We admire the minister's passionate and dynamic characteristics?

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Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

In those days, an ordinary school drop-out would come around putting on airs?

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The phrase "putting on airs" means "trying to impress people."

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

The pastor decided to exorcize the evil spirit as the afflicted member of his congregation cried for help?

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The opposite of "exorcize" can be understood as something that involves allowing or welcoming something in, rather than driving it out. Therefore, the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined word is "invite."

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

He urged other progressives in the country to join forces with his association?

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The word "progressives" suggests individuals who advocate for change and reform in a society, so the opposite of that would be people who are resistant to change and prefer to maintain the status quo. Therefore, the most appropriate option that is opposite in meaning to "progressives" is "conservatives".

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

The Emir and conqueror of the enemy territories _____next week?

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The Emir and conqueror of the enemy territories arrive next week.

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

The conference is biennial?

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Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

The undesirable elements who perpetuate these vices are never detected?

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The most appropriate option opposite in meaning to "perpetuate" is "discontinue." "Perpetuate" means to make something continue indefinitely or to cause it to be remembered or continued. Therefore, "discontinue" which means to stop or cease, is the opposite in meaning to "perpetuate."

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

Bala was put off by Lanre's coquettish behaviour towards him?

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The word "coquettish" suggests playful and flirtatious behavior, so the option that is opposite in meaning is "unfriendly advances." This means that Lanre's behavior towards Bala was not welcoming or inviting.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

The rally was attended only by people who were apolitical?

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The most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words is "not interested in politics." This means that the people who attended the rally were not aligned with any political party or ideology, and were not interested in political matters. They may have attended the rally for other reasons, such as to show support for a cause or to enjoy a social gathering, but their attendance did not reflect any political affiliations or beliefs.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

I had hardly _____ down to sleep when i heard the gunshot?

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"I had hardly _____ down to sleep when I heard the gunshot?" requires the correct past participle of the verb "to lie," which means "to recline" or "to be in a horizontal position." The correct form is "lain." Therefore, the completed sentence is: "I had hardly lain down to sleep when I heard the gunshot."

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

I hope I have not _____ too much on your time?

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Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

Kunle was annoyed for arriving late _____ put him out of temper?

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The most appropriate option to fill the gap is "and Kemi's rather insolent manner also put him out of temper." The sentence indicates that two factors contributed to Kunle's annoyance: arriving late and Kemi's insolent manner. The correct option must use "and" to connect both factors and use an adverb like "also" to indicate that both factors contributed to Kunle's annoyance. The option "also Kemi's insolent manner" is incorrect because it is not a complete sentence. The option "also that Kemi's insolent manner" is wordy and awkward. The option "and Kemi's is also insolent which" is grammatically incorrect.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

We ought to have visited the Governor _____ ?

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We ought to have visited the Governor, oughtn't we? This is the most appropriate option. The sentence expresses a suggestion or a recommendation to visit the Governor. The phrase "ought to" indicates that the action is necessary or advisable. The tag question "oughtn't we" is used to confirm the suggestion or to ask for agreement.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

Many Nigerians have inured themselves to hardship?

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The most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words is "accustomed". "Inured" means to become accustomed to something unpleasant or painful over time. So, the sentence means that many Nigerians have become accustomed to hardship.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

Some travelers unwittingly render themselves open prey to questionable characters?

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The opposite of "unwittingly" is "knowingly." "Unwittingly" means to do something without being aware or unintentionally, so "knowingly" would mean to do something with awareness or intentionally.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

Adebayo's plans for the future are in the jair?

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The most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words is "uncertain." This means that Adebayo's plans for the future are not clear or definite and could be subject to change or alteration. It suggests that there is some level of doubt or unpredictability about what will happen in the future.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

He was _____ by the trickster

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The most appropriate option to fill the gap is "duped". The word "duped" means to deceive or trick someone. Therefore, the sentence means that the trickster deceived or tricked him.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

My friend was reduced to beggary by various ill-advised business deals?

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The most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined word "beggary" is "affluence". "Beggary" means the state of being extremely poor and lacking the means to support oneself, while "affluence" means the state of having a great deal of money or wealth. Therefore, the sentence means that the person's friend became very poor due to poor business decisions.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

Those men helped Duped and _____ ?

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Those men helped Duped and me. Explanation: The correct pronoun to use here is "me," as it is the object of the verb "helped." The subject of the sentence is "Those men," and "Duped and me" are the objects of the verb "helped." The options "myself" and "I" are incorrect because they are not used as objects of the verb, and "we" is incorrect because it does not correctly reflect the object pronoun.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

He saw the play and so _____ ?

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Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

The new Vice-Chancellor's immediate concern was to tide over the major difficulties of the moment?

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Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

Where _____ buses _____ ?

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The correct options are "do these / go". The subject "buses" is plural, so the verb should be plural as well, which is "do". And the pronoun that refers to "buses" is "these". The preposition "where" indicates a question about location, and the verb "go" is used to refer to the movement of the buses to a particular destination.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

By January 1999, I _____ ten years in the service of this institution?

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Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

When the soldiers saw that resistance was _____ they stopped fighting?

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When the soldiers realized that their efforts were useless, and they couldn't win the battle, they stopped fighting. Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill the gap is "futile."

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

Most of the missing jewelry were___________ by the police?

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Most of the missing jewelry were **recovered** by the police. Explanation: The police have found the missing jewelry and have taken them back. So the correct option to fill the gap would be 'recovered'.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

He didn't sense Obi's presence in the room, did he?

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The correct option to fill the gap is "No, he didn't." The speaker is asking if the person in question (he) sensed Obi's presence in the room, and the response "No, he didn't" indicates that the person did not sense Obi's presence.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

All the cattle on Lamidi's farm _____ ?

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All the cattle on Lamidi's farm **are tick-free**. Explanation: The word "cattle" is a plural noun which refers to more than one animal. Therefore, the verb used to describe it must also be plural to agree with the subject. In this case, the correct verb is "are," not "is." Additionally, the word "tick-free" is used to describe the state of the cattle, not the presence or absence of ticks. So, the correct adjective form is "tick-free," not "ticks-free."

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

The stadium had a capacity crowd in spite of the weather?

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The correct option is: The crowd defied the weather to fill the stadium. This means that the weather was not favourable, but despite that, the stadium was filled to its capacity, indicating that the people were willing to brave the bad weather to attend the event.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

Adama's father simply condoned her bad habits instead of punishing her appropriately?

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

Only two ministers survived the recent cabinet reshuffle?

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Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

You can use lethal means if necessary to stop dangerous characters from molesting innocent citizens?

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The word "lethal" means something that can cause death. So, the opposite in meaning would be an option that suggests no harm or danger. Therefore, the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words is "harmless".

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

The lawyer gave evasive answers to all the questions?

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The word "evasive" means avoiding or escaping from a question or an answer in a cunning way. Therefore, the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word is "equivocal", which means open to more than one interpretation, ambiguous or unclear.

Wale: Do you know where my chemistry book is? Tom:

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Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

Many people have raised the issue about the need for an equitable distribution of our wealth?

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The opposite in meaning to "an equitable distribution of our wealth" would be "an unjust distribution of our wealth."

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

He is bound to expose himself by his nefarious activities?

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Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

He gave a painstaking account of his encounter with the ghost of his father?

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The opposite of "painstaking" would be something that is done carelessly or without much effort. The closest option to this meaning is "half-hearted". Therefore, the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words is "half-hearted". Explanation: If someone gives a "painstaking" account of something, it means they are being very thorough and taking great care to give all the details. The opposite of this would be to do something without much effort or enthusiasm, which is what "half-hearted" means. The other options do not have the opposite meaning of "painstaking".

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

The protesters, unable to pull down the statue, _____ it form its fixtures?

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The most appropriate option to fill the gap is "wrenched". This is because the sentence describes the protesters' unsuccessful attempt to pull down a statue, so they resorted to removing it by force from its fixtures. "Wrenched" means to forcefully pull something away from its original position, which fits the context of the sentence. The other options, "pushed," "towed," and "burnt," do not accurately describe the action taken by the protesters.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

The accused is optimistic of regaining his freedom because there is no witness to _____ his story?

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Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

Ours _____ based venture

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The correct option is "is a resource". This is because the subject of the sentence is "venture" which is a singular noun. Therefore, the verb that agrees with it should also be singular, and "is" is the correct singular form of the verb "to be". The options "are a resource", "are resources", and "is a resourced" are all incorrect because they use a plural verb form which does not agree with the singular subject "venture".

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

Our local paper is noted for its incisive editorials on local politics?

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The option nearest in meaning to the underlined words is "penetrating." This is because "incisive" means to be insightful and perceptive, able to understand and analyze a situation with clarity and depth. Therefore, the editorials in the local paper are said to be sharp and incisive, meaning they provide a clear and penetrating analysis of local politics.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

There are many venal judges in our law courts today?

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The option nearest in meaning to the underlined words is "corrupt". The sentence suggests that many judges in law courts today are willing to act dishonestly and accept bribes for personal gain, which is the definition of venal. Therefore, "corrupt" is the most appropriate option.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

He mumbled a few words at the trial and then cried?

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The opposite in meaning to "mumbled" would be "shouted" since mumbling is speaking in a low or unclear way, while shouting is speaking in a loud and forceful way. The other options are not opposite in meaning to "mumbled".

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

If you are really keen on immediate results, you just have to adopt his pragmatic approach?

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The opposite of "pragmatic" in the given sentence would be "unrealistic". "Pragmatic" refers to being practical and realistic while "unrealistic" would mean not being practical or not based on reality.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

The principal warned the students not to take the _____ hands?

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The correct option is "law into their own". It means the principal warned the students not to take the law into their own hands, which means they should not try to punish or seek revenge on someone by themselves instead of going through the proper legal channels.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

You should read all the _____ carefully before you decide where to go on holiday?

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The sentence is talking about a person deciding where to go on holiday. To make an informed decision, the person should read all the necessary documents carefully. In this case, the documents are described as something that one reads before deciding where to go on holiday. Therefore, the most appropriate option from the list following the gap is "brochures" which are commonly used for marketing and advertising holiday destinations.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

The island becomes more enchanting at night?

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Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

The cleaner resigned from his job which he said had become a trivial round?

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The option nearest in meaning to the underlined words is "too routine". The phrase "trivial round" suggests a job that has become mundane and repetitive, without any sense of challenge or accomplishment. "Too routine" conveys a similar meaning, indicating that the job has lost its interest or significance due to excessive repetition.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

There are may areas of convergence between male and female behaviour?

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The opposite in meaning to "convergence" would be "incompatibility". This is because convergence means the coming together or merging of two or more things, whereas incompatibility means the lack of ability to exist or work together in harmony. Therefore, the statement implies that male and female behavior can coexist harmoniously, so the opposite would be that they cannot coexist harmoniously.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

In this house, children are supposed to be in bed by ten o'clock?

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Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

The _____ of what she was cooking filled the whole compound?

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Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

_____ been no official reaction to your request yet?

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The most appropriate option to fill the gap is "There's". It is a contraction of "there is". The complete sentence would be: "There's been no official reaction to your request yet."

Bassey is as hard as nails?

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Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

_____ i would have helped you?

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The correct option to fill the gap is "If you had asked me". This is a conditional sentence in the past perfect form. It means that if the person had asked for help in the past, the speaker would have helped them.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

The greenhouse effect is beginning to abate in Europe?

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The opposite of "abate" in this context would be "intensify" which means to become stronger or more intense. When we say the greenhouse effect is beginning to abate, it means that it is starting to lessen or decrease in strength. Therefore, the opposite would be that it is becoming stronger or increasing, making "intensify" the correct answer.

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

You can stay here _____ as you are quite?

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The correct option to fill the gap is "as long." Explanation: The phrase "as long" is used to express the duration of time something is expected to happen or continue. In this sentence, it means that the person can stay for an extended period because they are comfortable or satisfied with the current situation. The other options, "so long," "in as much," and "for as long," are not suitable in this context.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

I was advised to stay away from cities that are ravaged by crime?

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The opposite of "ravaged" is "free from". The sentence means the person was advised to avoid cities that are badly affected or destroyed by crime, so the opposite would be to advise the person to go to cities that are not affected by crime, i.e., free from crime.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined words.

Since mortality is the lot of man, argued the preacher, we must all accept death with equanimity?

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The opposite of "equanimity" would be an option that suggests a lack of calmness or composure in the face of death. The only option that fits this description is "anxiety," which means a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Therefore, "anxiety" is the opposite of "equanimity."

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

Their strength is their staggering capacity to reproduce?

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The underlined words in the sentence suggest that the subject has a very impressive or astonishing ability to reproduce. Therefore, the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words would be "overwhelming multiplying power".

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

His looks portend that _____ would be unpleasant?

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His looks portend that the news would be unpleasant. Explanation: The word "portend" means to be a sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen. In this case, the person's looks give a warning that some news will be unpleasant. The correct option to fill the gap is "the news" as it refers to a specific piece of information that will be communicated.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined words.

The criminal didn't bat an eyelid when the judge pronounced the sentence?

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The phrase "didn't bat an eyelid" means to show no emotion or surprise in response to something unexpected. Therefore, the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to this phrase is "showed no emotion or surprise".