JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2018

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

The driver was discharged while the car owner was ___________ for fraud.

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To discharge someone means to legally release them from confinement.
To detain means to put someone under custody.

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

This card entitles you to attend the film show.

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The option opposite in meaning to "entitles" is "disqualifies". Explanation: The word "entitles" means that one has the right or privilege to do something. The opposite of having the right or privilege to do something is not having the right or privilege to do something, which is conveyed by the word "disqualifies". So, "disqualifies" is the option that is opposite in meaning to the word "entitles".

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

If he were here, it would be more fun.

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If he has been there, it would have been more fun. Since he did not show up, the occasion lacked much fun.

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

The sea waves continue to ____________ the cliff on the west coast constantly.

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The best word(s) or phrase(s) to fill the gap is "erode". Explanation: The verb "erode" means to gradually wear away or destroy a surface by natural processes such as wind, water, or ice. In this sentence, the sea waves are causing the cliff on the west coast to wear away or be destroyed gradually over time. This gradual wearing away of the cliff is a result of the constant action of the sea waves, so "erode" is the most appropriate choice to fill the gap.

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

We saw Ifueko ____________ an egg on the wall.

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The best word to fill in the blank is "smash." The sentence is describing an action that Ifueko performed on an egg, which is to break it against a wall. The past tense of the verb "smash" is "smashed," which fits the sentence structure. The other options, "smash," "smashing," and "smashes," are not in the past tense and do not fit the sentence grammatically.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

All God's prophets were given the great __________ to preach salvation to people.

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The correct option is "commission." "Commission" means to be entrusted with the authority or responsibility to carry out a particular task or duty. In this context, the prophets were entrusted with the task of preaching salvation to people. The other options are incorrect spellings of the word "commission." "Commision," "Commition," and "Comission" are misspellings of "commission" and do not exist in standard English.

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

According to this passage, it gives the child great pleasure

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

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

The rapist claimed that the woman’s voluptuous hips attracted him.

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The option nearest in meaning to "voluptuous" is "sexy". Explanation: The word "voluptuous" means having a full and rounded shape, especially in the hips and breasts. This word is often used to describe a woman's body in a sexual or attractive manner. The word "sexy" is a slang term that is used to describe someone or something that is sexually attractive. The two words have similar connotations, so the option that is closest in meaning to "voluptuous" is "sexy".

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

The cliff is popularly known for ___________ morning beauty.

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The correct option is "its." The sentence is referring to the beauty of the cliff in the morning, and the word "its" is the possessive form of "it," indicating that the morning beauty belongs to the cliff. "It" is a pronoun used to refer to a noun previously mentioned or easily identifiable, while "it’s" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has," which doesn't make sense in this context. "Its'" is incorrect as it includes an unnecessary apostrophe.

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

The witness averred that she had seen Dosun at the scene of the crime.

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The option opposite in meaning to the word "averred" is "denied". To "aver" means to declare or assert something in a positive, confident, and forceful way. So, if the witness "averred" that she had seen Dosun at the scene of the crime, it means she positively and confidently asserted that she saw Dosun there. Therefore, the opposite of "averred" is "denied", which means to state that something is not true or to refuse to acknowledge or accept something.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

If you keep playing with this door handle, it will get __________.

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The best option to complete the sentence is "loose". Explanation: "Loose" means not tightly fixed in place or likely to become unattached or move around. In the context of the sentence, if someone keeps playing with the door handle, it is likely to become loose over time, meaning it may not fit properly or might not work correctly. "Lose" means to be deprived of something or to fail to win a game or competition. It does not make sense in the context of the sentence. "Loosed" is the past tense of "loose", but it is not appropriate in the sentence since the sentence is in the present tense. "Loosing" is the present participle of "loose", but it is not appropriate in the sentence since it does not fit the tense of the sentence.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).

The principal _________ our mobile phones.

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The principal "seized" our mobile phones. The word "seized" means to take hold of something suddenly and forcibly. In this case, it suggests that the principal took the students' mobile phones away, possibly as a form of punishment or to prevent distractions during school hours.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

chateau

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chateau: /??at??/
champagne: /?am?pe?n/
church: /t???t?/
chart: /t???t/
chemical: /?k?m?k(?)l/

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

The Flying Eagles put up a plucky defence against their opponents.

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The opposite of "plucky" is "weak". A plucky defense means that the team put up a brave and determined defense, while a weak defense would mean that the team was not able to defend well against their opponents.

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

Everyone testifies to the unique taste of our flavor.

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The option that is opposite in meaning to the word "unique" in the given sentence is option "B" - Common. "Unique" means one of a kind, exceptional, or unusual, while "common" means ordinary, usual, or familiar. Therefore, if something is "unique," it is not common, and vice versa. In the given sentence, the speaker is emphasizing that the flavor of their product is special and different from others, which means the opposite of "unique" would be "common" as it implies that the taste is not distinctive or special. Options "A," "C," and "D" do not have meanings opposite to "unique." "Offensive" means causing anger or displeasure, "uncommon" means rare or infrequent, and "sufficient" means enough or adequate.

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

I was seriously disappointed when the __________ between the two teams ended in a goalless draw.

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The option that best completes the gap is "match." The word "disappointed" in the sentence implies that the speaker was expecting a result from the event. The event in this case is a competition between two teams, which can only be a "match" in this context. The other options, "march," "marsh," and "martch," do not make sense in the sentence and are not related to sports or competitions. Therefore, the correct option is "match."

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

The events of last Friday show that there is no love lost between the Principal.

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Today, however, the phrase no love lost signifies ill will exclusively. If there is no love lost between two people, they have a strong enmity towards or hate for the other and make no effort to conceal it.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).

You may now ___________ with your presentation.

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Note the spelling of each word.

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

The pastor asked the women to _________ their hearts to God in prayers.

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The best word to fill in the blank is "bare." The sentence is asking the women to open up or reveal their innermost thoughts and emotions to God through prayer. The word "bare" means to reveal or uncover, while "bear" means to carry or support, "bar" means to block or prevent, and "Barrr" is not a valid English word.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

Nwankwo was on the verge of signing a two-year contract with the club.

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The word "verge" in this sentence means "brink." Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word is "brink."

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

The chairman refused to shake __________ with the secretary.

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The option that best completes the gap is "hands." This means that the chairman refused to shake hands with the secretary. The word "hands" is the correct form because it is the plural form of "hand" and refers to both of their hands.

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

We saw you earlier but we could not stop you because we did not know __________.

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The expression is a reported speech and should maintain the past tense.
Reported speech: a speaker's words reported in subordinate clauses governed by a reporting verb, with the required changes of person and tense (e.g. he said that he would go, based on I will go ).

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The Governor told the chief that he was only on a routine tour.

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routine: performed as part of a regular procedure rather than for a special reason

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

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

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

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

The young man looked carefully at the long document, but he couldn't make __________ what it meant.

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The correct option is "out." In this context, the phrase "make out" means to comprehend or understand something that is difficult to read or hear. The young man looked carefully at the long document but was unable to understand what it meant. Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill the gap is "out." The other options are not appropriate replacements for "out" in this context. "Up" means to create or produce something. "Off" means away from a particular place or position. "Through" means to complete something or to move from one end to the other.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The essay topic is nebulous.

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

The organization is constantly in a state of flux.

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

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

The journalist said he was working freelance.

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Freelance means self-employed and hired to work for different companies on particular assignments. A freelancer or freelance worker, is a term commonly used for a person who is self-employed and is not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term. In other words, a freelancer works somewhat independently.

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

joint

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

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

Grandma told the boys a story that cheered them up.

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To cheer one up means to make them happy especially after having been sad.
To be delighted means to be happy.

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

Knowledge of figures of speech as well as of idiom and lexical items ____________ in this section.

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The correct option to fill the gap is "is tested." The subject of the sentence is "knowledge," which is a singular noun, so it requires a singular verb form. "Is tested" is the correct singular form.

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

In the passage 'manic pleasure' means

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manic means showing wild, apparently deranged, excitement and energy

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

I'll find time for my _________ when I get _________with this difficult assignment.

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The correct option is "pastime/through." "Pastime" refers to a hobby or leisure activity that one enjoys doing during their free time. In this context, the speaker is saying that they will find time for their hobby once they are finished with the difficult assignment. The word "through" means to come to the end of a task or activity, which fits with the context of the sentence. The other options are incorrect spellings or combinations of the words "pastime" and "through" with other words that do not fit the context of the sentence.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The meeting was cancelled because of the convocation.

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The word "cancelled" means that the meeting was not held and was stopped from happening. "Cancelled" is closest in meaning to "called off."

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

The governor's visit is an unprecedented event in the history of the social club.

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unprecedented means never done or known before.
insignificant means too small or unimportant to be worth consideration.

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

The charges levelled against the lamb are

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The charges levelled against the lamb are "pollution, insolence, obstruction, and aggression". Explanation: The wolf is trying to find a reason to devour the lamb and so he accuses the lamb of various things. The first charge is pollution, as the wolf claims the lamb is muddying the water and making it impossible for him to drink. The second charge is insolence, as the wolf accuses the lamb of being impudent and disrespectful. The third charge is obstruction, as the wolf claims that the lamb is taking up too much space on the path and causing inconvenience. The fourth charge is aggression, as the wolf claims that the lamb's forefathers had attacked wolves in the past. These four charges, taken together, make up the accusations against the lamb.

According to this passage, it gives the child great pleasure 

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According to the passage, it gives the child great pleasure to destroy the tower himself. Explanation: The passage describes the child's behavior of building and then destroying a tower. The author argues that the child's pleasure from destroying the tower comes from their active mastery over a previously passive event. The child enjoys causing the tower to waver and collapse and this behavior is not appreciated if the tower falls by accident or is destroyed by someone else. Therefore, the option that best fits the information in the passage is "To destroy the tower himself".

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

Adawo is an imp.

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An imp is a mischievous child or person. In fairy stories, an imp is a small, magical creature that often causes trouble in a playful way.

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

We found a shady place for the display.

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shady means situated in or full of shade (giving shade from sunlight).

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

How does the author try to explain this ‘destructive stage'?

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The author tries to explain the "destructive stage" as growing out of the child's recent experiences of sudden falls. Explanation: The author argues that the child's behavior of building and then destroying a tower is rooted in their recent experience of sudden falls while learning to stand upright. The child has learned to make the tower "stand up," and the pleasure they feel from causing the same tower to waver and collapse comes from their active mastery over a previously passive event. The author suggests that this behavior is not simply a "destructive stage," but rather a result of the child's experiences and the desire to feel stronger.

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

The manager commended the players for the narrow victory.

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"Narrow" in this context means close or small margin (limited in extent, amount, or scope).

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

The coach invited me to his office having found me mettlesome.

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The option nearest in meaning to "mettlesome" is "courageous". Explanation: The word "mettlesome" means having a strong and determined character, especially in difficult situations. This word is often used to describe someone who is brave and unafraid of challenges. The word "courageous" means having or showing bravery in the face of danger or difficulty. The two words have similar connotations, so the option that is closest in meaning to "mettlesome" is "courageous".

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

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

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The option that best completes the gap is "glimpse." The sentence suggests that the leader is popular and people are interested in seeing him, but they are having difficulty doing so because he is always on the move. The word "glimpse" means a quick look at something or someone, which makes it the best word to complete the gap. , "look," is a synonym of "glimpse" but is not as fitting in the sentence since it does not convey the sense of a fleeting or quick moment that "glimpse" does. "view," is a broader term that can refer to a longer and more sustained look at something, and is not as fitting in this context. "picture," refers to a static image, and does not capture the dynamic action of trying to see someone who is constantly on the move.

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

The expression angry tone and terrible aspect refers to the wolf?s

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The expression "angry tone and terrible aspect" refers to the wolf's harsh voice and menacing posture. This means that the wolf sounded very angry and looked very intimidating, which frightened the lamb. The wolf's behavior was a way of exerting power over the lamb, as he was trying to find an excuse to devour him.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

For all he cared, the game was as good as lost.

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For all (one) cares: One does not care (if something were to happen). The phrase always precedes or follows some hypothetical situation. E.g. They can all starve to death for all he cares.
As good as (something): In every practical or functional sense; almost certainly. E.g. If he's out there with no water, he's as good as dead in this heat.

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

For fear of being caught, the thief shouted and cursed the slow bank manager in a language ________much for words.

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The correct option is "too." The phrase "too much for words" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation that is so extreme or intense that it cannot be adequately expressed in words. In this context, the language used by the thief to shout and curse at the slow bank manager was so offensive and abusive that it cannot be described with words. Therefore, the correct option to complete the sentence is "too." The other options do not fit the context of the sentence. "Way" refers to a route or direction, "very" means to a high degree or intensity, and "so" means to such a great extent. However, none of these options convey the idea of something being too extreme or intense to be expressed in words.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

As a Journalist, Bola has always had a nose for stories.

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If you say that someone has a nose for something, you mean that they have a natural ability to find it or recognize it. He had a nose for trouble and a brilliant tactical mind. Gergen had a great sense of news, a good nose for trends, and a wide range of contacts.

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

The team adapted to the new tactic as clean as a whistle.

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The expression ‘as clean as a whistle’ means perfectly and without errors.

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).

I am not sure that all _____ well with John.

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The best option that completes the gap in the sentence is "is". The sentence is in the present tense, and "is" is the present tense form of the verb "to be" that agrees with the singular subject "John." Therefore, the completed sentence reads: "I am not sure that all is well with John."

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

What other feeling does the child derive from the fall of his tower apart from pleasure?

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The child derives a sense of strength from the fall of his tower. As mentioned in the text, the child enjoys causing the tower to waver and collapse, and it makes them feel stronger to know that there is something weaker (the tower) that can't cry for help. The child's experience of standing upright on wobbly legs, and the subsequent mastery over a previously passive event (the tower falling), contributes to this sense of strength.

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

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

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

Choose the option that best completes the gap.

While the worshippers closed their eyes in prayer, a thief made __________ with the collection.

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The option that best completes the gap is "away". Explanation: The phrase "made away with" means to steal or take something without permission. In this sentence, a thief is taking the collection while the worshippers are closing their eyes in prayer. The verb "made away with" is the most appropriate option to complete the gap because it conveys the idea of the thief stealing the collection.

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

Now, I am used ____________ bread without butter.

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Used to is a phrase that can mean "accustomed or habituated to" or refers to something from the past that is no longer true. In this case, it talks about the habit of eating bread without butter.

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

The new ruler is big-hearted in his dealing with the people.

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The nearest in meaning to "big-hearted" in this context is "generous". A ruler who is described as big-hearted in their dealings with the people means that they are kind and charitable in their actions towards the people they rule. Generous means being unselfish with one's resources and showing kindness to others.

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

The man reasoned that there ought to be a limit to sycophancy.

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sycophancy: obsequious behaviour towards someone important in order to gain advantage; obsequious flattery (obsequious means obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree)

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

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

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

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

Nwankwo was on the verge of signing a two-year contract with the club.

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

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

I would have been surprised if you ____________ the orange.

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The best word(s) or phrase(s) to fill the gap is "had plucked". Explanation: The sentence is written in the past tense and has a hypothetical tone, indicating that the speaker was imagining a scenario in which the person in question plucked the orange. The use of "would have been surprised" implies that the scenario being discussed did not actually happen. To reflect the hypothetical and past-tense nature of the sentence, the past perfect tense "had plucked" is the most appropriate choice.