JAMB UTME - Use of English - 1993

In the question below select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence:

He was between the devil and the deep blue sea

Maelezo ya Majibu

The sentence "He was between the devil and the deep blue sea" means that the person is in a difficult situation and is faced with two equally unpleasant options or choices. This can be understood as being in a dilemma. Therefore, the correct option is "He was in a dilemma."

When I set out for London, little did I suspect that I was not on a journey to God’s own city where harmony reigned supreme. So used to the frenzied life of Lagos was I that I had come to associate that city with everything that was chaotic, and there was no doubt in my mind that Lagos was one giant symbol of our backwardness. As the plane taxied its way out of the tarmac of our national airport, of our national airport, I heaved a sigh of relief, not so much because I was leaving my own country as that I was being relieved of the tension that had possessed me during those tense hours in the untidy lounge. I had felt so uneasy, my thoughts racing from one uncertainty to another. But at least I was air-borne, moving away from the whole uncertainty, from the whole load of fear towards a place which I supposed would be El Dorado.

Everything that happened in the plane passed through my eyes like pictures on the screen. The white air hostess who instructed me on how to use the safety belt was an angel, what with her beauty, her pretty blue dress, and her ever-smiling face. The same lady of the air served me snacks and supper. Another angel, whose queenly voice through an invisible public address system, dished out occasional information on the progress of our journey. I had never felt so relaxed, and my jolted heartbeats each time the plane took what appeared like a sudden brief descent, did not matter. When eventually we were set for landing, the anxiety that came over me was almost thrilling. What was the wonderland going to be like? So overwhelmed was I that I almost lost consciousness of what happened thereafter.

But I would never forget the shock that greeted me when we arrived in the tube station and boarded a train to behold the sea of white faces and furtive glances from apparently indifferent co-passengers. I believe that the nostalgic feeling for Lagos which later became part of my life all my days in London began at a point.

The writer, on getting into the train, was shocked because

Maelezo ya Majibu

The writer, on getting into the train, was shocked because of the large number of white faces and the people appeared unfriendly.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

The president refused to shake _____ with the visiting Prime Minister

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

They spent the last holiday with their _____

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "sisters-in-law." When referring to the family members of one's spouse, the correct term is "in-law." In this case, the plural form "sisters-in-law" is appropriate, as it refers to more than one sister of the spouse. It's important to note that "sisters-in-laws" and "sisters-inlaw" are not grammatically correct. Adding an "s" to "in-law" makes the word "laws" plural, which doesn't make sense in this context. Combining "sisters" and "in-law" into one word is also not correct.

In the question below choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) underlined:

The town looked deserted but we moved in with trepidation

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word "trepidation" in the sentence means a feeling of fear or apprehension about what might happen. The speaker says that they moved into the deserted town with trepidation, which implies that they were afraid or anxious about what they might encounter. Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to "trepidation" is "fear".

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

When Uche wouldn't come to quickly enough, the principal rushed him to the hospital

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

When the teacher asked him to join the queue outside, he considered it _____ to his dignity

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the given sentence, the word that best fits in the blank is 'an affront'. The sentence means that when the teacher asked the person to join the queue, he felt that it was an affront to his dignity, implying that he felt insulted or offended by the teacher's request.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

Good schools don't just teach their students they _____

Maelezo ya Majibu

Good schools don't just inform or instruct their students, they educate them. Education involves more than just conveying information or providing instructions. It encompasses the development of critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and social and emotional skills. A good education should prepare students not only for academic success but also for success in their personal and professional lives. Coaching, on the other hand, generally focuses on improving specific skills or performance in a particular area and is not as comprehensive as education.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

After a long talk with the police, Baba confessed his guilt and so the other boys with whom he was accused were _____

Maelezo ya Majibu

After Baba confessed his guilt, the other boys with whom he was accused were most likely exonerated. To be exonerated means to be declared not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, usually after an investigation or trial. In this context, if Baba admitted to his guilt, it is reasonable to assume that the police and/or court system would clear the other boys of any charges against them. The other options do not fit the context as well: - Vindicated means to be proven right or justified, which doesn't make sense in this context. - Consoled means to comfort someone who is upset or grieving, which is unrelated to the situation. - Convinced means to cause someone to believe or agree with something, which doesn't make sense in this context.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

He moved out of the house because the landlord and his wife were always fighting _____

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option to fill the gap is "each other". This means that the landlord and his wife were always fighting with each other. "Themselves" and "theirselves" are not correct because they both refer to the subject of the sentence, which is "he". "One another" is also incorrect because it is usually used to refer to a group of three or more people, while in this sentence, there are only two people involved in the fighting.

In the question below choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) underlined:

Jide says he read in the papers that our uncle has been declared a persona non grata by the French government

Maelezo ya Majibu

The phrase "persona non grata" is a Latin term used in English to refer to a person who is not welcome or is unacceptable in a particular country or organization. Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to "persona non grata" is "unwelcome guest." Option B, "impersonator," is not the best fit because it refers to someone who pretends to be someone else, which is not related to the context of the sentence. Option C, "ungrateful person," is not the best fit because it connotes a lack of gratitude or appreciation, which is not related to the context of the sentence. Option D, "unofficial guest," is not the best fit because it suggests someone who is not authorized or recognized as a guest, which is not related to the context of the sentence.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The sentence is about a mother warning her daughter not to associate with bad boys. The phrase "keep company" is a commonly used expression to refer to spending time with someone, especially in a romantic or social way. Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill the gap in the sentence is "keep company". The complete sentence would be "The woman warned her daughter not to keep company with bad boys." Option A, "move," is not the best fit because it doesn't convey the specific meaning of the sentence. Option B, "be moving," is also not the best fit because it doesn't convey the idea of spending time with someone. Option C, "be keeping company," is similar to the correct option, but the use of "be" is unnecessary and makes the sentence sound awkward.

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

It is entirely up to you to make a profession of your faith

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

You think she hasn't got any friends? Of course she's got _____

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most appropriate option is "quite a few." In this context, the speaker is responding to a question about whether someone has friends. The phrase "quite a few" is commonly used to indicate that someone has a moderate or substantial number of friends, but not an excessive amount. It fits well in this context because the speaker is implying that the person in question does have friends, but not an overwhelmingly large number. The option "many more" suggests that the person has some friends but could have more, and "quite much" is not a commonly used phrase in this context. The option "few" is the opposite of what the speaker intends to convey, as it would suggest that the person does not have many friends at all.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

My brother got married to a woman with _____ manners

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence:
You could have heard the sound if you weren't asleep

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option that explains the information conveyed in the sentence is "You were asleep so you did not hear the sound". The sentence is stating that the sound was audible and could have been heard if the person was awake, but since the person was asleep, they missed hearing it.

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

We have found that cassava is a sine qua non item in our industry

Maelezo ya Majibu

The underlined phrase "sine qua non" means something that is absolutely essential or necessary. Therefore, the word that is opposite in meaning to "sine qua non" is "dispensable" which means something that is not essential or necessary and can be done away with. So, the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined phrase is "dispensable".

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

The decision we have taken is irrevocable

Maelezo ya Majibu

The opposite of "irrevocable" is "reversible". "Irrevocable" means something that cannot be changed or reversed, while "reversible" means something that can be changed or undone.

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

The effect of rising prices has snowballed considerably

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word "snowballed" in this sentence means that the effect of rising prices has increased rapidly and gained momentum over time, like a snowball rolling down a hill and getting bigger and bigger. The opposite in meaning would be "decreased," which means that the effect of rising prices would have gotten smaller and smaller over time, like a snowball melting in the sun. So the correct answer would be "decreased."

In the question below choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) underlined:

The vice chancellor, who is a stickler of rules, refused the request by the students for the semester to be rescheduled

Maelezo ya Majibu

ADUKE: Listen my fellow women. The issue has little to do with being literate or not. It is true that most members of NAM (New Awareness Movement) are literate, but this does not make all of us enlightened. We must be able to draw a line between the two. You may be literate and yet possess a consciousness that is decadent and servile. On the other hand you may not have received formal education and yet may be the greatest exponent of progressive ideas.

  HASANA: I agree with what our sister has said. Let us not allow ourselves to be divided by a greedy and an inflated notion of the certificates we possess. In this century, as we march towards the year 2000, our primary concern should be how best to improve the lot of womanhood in our society. Let us not forget that for each woman who is beaten up by her man for flimsy reasons are status of all of us here is downgraded. For each woman who is insulted for no reason than that of her sex, every one of us here is spat on in the face. For each woman who is denied opportunities in the society simply because she is a woman, the whole lot of us are dehumanized. Each widow in this society is an everywoman, and the lot of each of us should be viewed as collective. Each rotten egg that is thrown at anyone of us is an eternal splash of dirt on our faces. Each decayed tomato that is cast at her is a collective curse on our fecundity: each pebble thrown at her, a missile against our womanhood. This is an age of awareness, and it is the duty of NAM to collectively rise in defence of the right of women.

  IME: We can no longer allow ourselves to be fried alive. We are going to squeeze ourselves into tight-fitting trousers, register into judo classes, and then file out into the street and punch the face of every man we behold.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The statement "Each widow in this society is Every woman" means that the suffering of any widow in the society represents the suffering of all women. It implies that every woman in the society is potentially a widow, and therefore, the struggles and challenges faced by widows should be viewed as a collective concern of all women.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

The thief we caught yesterday was _____ as an official of the company

Maelezo ya Majibu

The thief we caught yesterday was disguised as an official of the company. Explanation: The word 'disguised' means to change one's appearance to avoid being recognized. In this context, the thief was pretending to be an official of the company by changing his appearance. Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill the gap is 'disguised'.

In the question below select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence:

Emeka wished he had started school early

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "Emeka regretted not starting school early." The sentence expresses Emeka's wish that he had started school earlier than he actually did. Therefore, it implies that he started school later than he would have liked, and he now regrets not starting earlier.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

Surveying the sky in the quiet of the night gives me an ethereal feeling

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence:

It's wonderful that Musa is already out of hospital

Maelezo ya Majibu

When I set out for London, little did I suspect that I was not on a journey to God’s own city where harmony reigned supreme. So used to the frenzied life of Lagos was I that I had come to associate that city with everything that was chaotic, and there was no doubt in my mind that Lagos was one giant symbol of our backwardness. As the plane taxied its way out of the tarmac of our national airport, of our national airport, I heaved a sigh of relief, not so much because I was leaving my own country as that I was being relieved of the tension that had possessed me during those tense hours in the untidy lounge. I had felt so uneasy, my thoughts racing from one uncertainty to another. But at least I was air-borne, moving away from the whole uncertainty, from the whole load of fear towards a place which I supposed would be El Dorado.

Everything that happened in the plane passed through my eyes like pictures on the screen. The white air hostess who instructed me on how to use the safety belt was an angel, what with her beauty, her pretty blue dress, and her ever-smiling face. The same lady of the air served me snacks and supper. Another angel, whose queenly voice through an invisible public address system, dished out occasional information on the progress of our journey. I had never felt so relaxed, and my jolted heartbeats each time the plane took what appeared like a sudden brief descent, did not matter. When eventually we were set for landing, the anxiety that came over me was almost thrilling. What was the wonderland going to be like? So overwhelmed was I that I almost lost consciousness of what happened thereafter.

But I would never forget the shock that greeted me when we arrived in the tube station and boarded a train to behold the sea of white faces and furtive glances from apparently indifferent co-passengers. I believe that the nostalgic feeling for Lagos which later became part of my life all my days in London began at a point.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

Wudu will not come _____ she is asked

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most appropriate option to fill the gap in the given sentence is "unless". "Unless" means except if or without. The sentence means that Wudu will not happen unless she is asked. In other words, someone needs to ask her to perform Wudu before she actually performs it.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

Do you think all _____ not enough to help the investigator?

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

When he joined the staff of the school, he had various duties _____ to him

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most appropriate option to fill the gap is "assigned". This means that specific tasks or responsibilities were given to him when he joined the school staff.

ADUKE: Listen my fellow women. The issue has little to do with being literate or not. It is true that most members of NAM (New Awareness Movement) are literate, but this does not make all of us enlightened. We must be able to draw a line between the two. You may be literate and yet possess a consciousness that is decadent and servile. On the other hand you may not have received formal education and yet may be the greatest exponent of progressive ideas.

  HASANA: I agree with what our sister has said. Let us not allow ourselves to be divided by a greedy and an inflated notion of the certificates we possess. In this century, as we march towards the year 2000, our primary concern should be how best to improve the lot of womanhood in our society. Let us not forget that for each woman who is beaten up by her man for flimsy reasons are status of all of us here is downgraded. For each woman who is insulted for no reason than that of her sex, every one of us here is spat on in the face. For each woman who is denied opportunities in the society simply because she is a woman, the whole lot of us are dehumanized. Each widow in this society is an everywoman, and the lot of each of us should be viewed as collective. Each rotten egg that is thrown at anyone of us is an eternal splash of dirt on our faces. Each decayed tomato that is cast at her is a collective curse on our fecundity: each pebble thrown at her, a missile against our womanhood. This is an age of awareness, and it is the duty of NAM to collectively rise in defence of the right of women.

  IME: We can no longer allow ourselves to be fried alive. We are going to squeeze ourselves into tight-fitting trousers, register into judo classes, and then file out into the street and punch the face of every man we behold.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Hasana's speech implies that throwing rotten eggs, casting decayed tomatoes, and throwing pebbles at women is a form of insult, dehumanization, and curse on their womanhood. She emphasizes that the challenges faced by any woman in the society are challenges faced by all women and as such, it is the collective duty of the NAM to rise up in defense of the rights of women. Therefore, the correct option is: "To throw rotten eggs and decayed tomatoes at women is dehumanizing".

In the question below select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence:

His refusal to help us, dealt a death-blow to our plans

Maelezo ya Majibu

The option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence is: because he did not help, our plans did not materialize. The sentence indicates that the person's refusal to help had a significant negative impact on their plans, to the extent that it was as if the plans had been dealt a fatal blow. Therefore, it can be inferred that their plans did not succeed due to the lack of help from this person.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

The journalist's unpopular views made him the subject of much _____

Maelezo ya Majibu

The phrase "made him the subject of much" implies that the journalist's views received a lot of attention or discussion from others. The word "unpopular" suggests that the attention the journalist received was negative. Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill in the blank would be "derision," which means contemptuous ridicule or mockery. The other options do not convey the same meaning as "derision." "Admiration" means a feeling of respect or approval, "admonition" means a warning or reprimand, and "suspicion" means a feeling of doubt or mistrust.

In the question below select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence:

Between you and me, i would say the equipment has outlived its usefulness

Maelezo ya Majibu

The sentence implies that the speaker thinks the equipment is no longer useful or effective. The best option that explains the information conveyed in the sentence is "I believe that the equipment is no longer useful to any of us."

In the question below choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) underlined:

He won most of his fight because of his unorthodox style

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word "unorthodox" in the sentence refers to a style that is unconventional, unusual, or not conforming to traditional norms or standards. Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to "unorthodox" is "unconventional". Option A, "crude," is not the best fit because it connotes being offensive or vulgar. Option B, "dishonest," is not the best fit because it suggests being deceitful or fraudulent, which is not related to the context of the sentence. Option C, "aggressive," is not the best fit because it implies being forceful or hostile, which is not related to the context of the sentence.

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

The economic situation is responsible for the recent discord in many families

Maelezo ya Majibu

The opposite of the underlined word "discord" is "harmony." The sentence suggests that the economic situation has caused disagreement and tension in many families. Therefore, "harmony" would mean a state of peaceful and cooperative existence among family members.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

Idubor has gone to see his mechanic because his car engine needs to be turned

Maelezo ya Majibu

ADUKE: Listen my fellow women. The issue has little to do with being literate or not. It is true that most members of NAM (New Awareness Movement) are literate, but this does not make all of us enlightened. We must be able to draw a line between the two. You may be literate and yet possess a consciousness that is decadent and servile. On the other hand you may not have received formal education and yet may be the greatest exponent of progressive ideas.

  HASANA: I agree with what our sister has said. Let us not allow ourselves to be divided by a greedy and an inflated notion of the certificates we possess. In this century, as we march towards the year 2000, our primary concern should be how best to improve the lot of womanhood in our society. Let us not forget that for each woman who is beaten up by her man for flimsy reasons are status of all of us here is downgraded. For each woman who is insulted for no reason than that of her sex, every one of us here is spat on in the face. For each woman who is denied opportunities in the society simply because she is a woman, the whole lot of us are dehumanized. Each widow in this society is an everywoman, and the lot of each of us should be viewed as collective. Each rotten egg that is thrown at anyone of us is an eternal splash of dirt on our faces. Each decayed tomato that is cast at her is a collective curse on our fecundity: each pebble thrown at her, a missile against our womanhood. This is an age of awareness, and it is the duty of NAM to collectively rise in defence of the right of women.

  IME: We can no longer allow ourselves to be fried alive. We are going to squeeze ourselves into tight-fitting trousers, register into judo classes, and then file out into the street and punch the face of every man we behold.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) underlined:

Ator led a dog's life for twenty years he stayed in the United Kingdom

Maelezo ya Majibu

The phrase "dog's life" is used figuratively to mean an unhappy and difficult life. So, the option that best explains the meaning of the phrase is "led an unhappy and troubled life".

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

No sooner _____ to fall

Maelezo ya Majibu

No sooner had we set out than the rain started. Explanation: The correct option is "had we set out than the rain started". This is because the phrase "no sooner" is a way of saying that something happened immediately after another thing. So, it needs to be followed by the past perfect tense of the verb. In this case, "had we set out" is the past perfect tense of "set out". The second part of the sentence, "the rain started" is in the past simple tense. The correct way to combine these two parts is to use "than" to show that the rain started immediately after they set out.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

The trader complained that he _____ robbed

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option to fill the gap is "had been". "Had been" is in the past perfect tense which is used to show that an action was completed before another past action. In this context, the trader is referring to a past event of being robbed before complaining. Hence, the past perfect tense is appropriate.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

How can we believe this witness when no one will _____ his story?

Maelezo ya Majibu

How can we believe this witness when no one will corroborate his story? Explanation: The sentence is questioning the credibility of a witness's story because there is no one to support or confirm the accuracy of the story. To "corroborate" means to confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding. Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill the gap is "corroborate".

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

He won the election because he was able to carry his people along with him

Maelezo ya Majibu

The phrase "carry his people along with him" means that he was able to gain the support and cooperation of his constituents, which helped him win the election. Therefore, the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to this phrase would be "alienate his people," which means to cause his constituents to become hostile or unsympathetic towards him. The other options do not convey the opposite meaning of "carry his people along with him." "Go out with the people" and "fail to provide the people with transport" do not relate to the meaning of the original sentence. "Have the support of the people" is synonymous with "carry his people along with him" and does not convey the opposite meaning.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

Science may be a complicated area of learning, but its teaching needs to be demystified

Maelezo ya Majibu

, "made difficult," is the opposite in meaning to "demystified" in the given sentence. The sentence is saying that while science may be complex, its teaching needs to be made simpler and more understandable, hence the opposite would be making it more difficult or complicated.

The disease afflicting Western societies have undergone dramatic changes. In the course of a century, so many mass killers have vanished that two-third of all deaths are now associated with the disease of old age. Those who die young are more often than not, the victims of accidents, violence and suicide.

These changes in public health are generally equated with progress and attributed to more or better medical care. In fact there is no evidence of any direct relationship between changing disease pattern and the so-called progress of medicine.

The impotence of medical services to change life expectancy and the insignificance of much contemporary clinical care in the curing of diseases are all obvious, well documented but well suppressed.

Neither the proportion of doctors in a population nor the quality of the clinical tools at the disposal not the number of hospital beds is a casual factor in the striking changes in disease patterns. The new techniques available to recognize and treat such conditions as pernicious anaemia and hypertension, or correct congenital malformations by surgical interventions, increase our understanding of disease but do not reduce its incidence. The fact that there are more doctors where certain diseases have become rare has little to do with their ability to control or eliminate them. It simply means that doctors, more than other professionals, determine where they work. Consequently, they tend to gather where the climate is healthy, where the water is clean and where people work and can pay for their services.

Maelezo ya Majibu

According to the passage, many doctors tend to choose to live in places where the climate is healthy, the water is clean, and people are working and able to pay for their services. This is because doctors, more than other professionals, have the ability to determine where they work, and they prefer to work in conditions that are more favorable to them. Therefore, the answer is "conditions are more in their favor".

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

Their high level of dishonesty has made that department infamous in the entire secretariat

Maelezo ya Majibu

The opposite of "infamous" is "reputable". "Infamous" means well-known for a bad quality or deed, while "reputable" means well-known for having a good reputation or being trustworthy. In the given sentence, the department is known for their dishonesty which is a negative quality, hence the opposite of infamous, which also has a negative connotation, would be reputable.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

I was anxious to arrive early for the lecture that i _____ my note in the car

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most appropriate option is "left." In this context, the sentence is referring to the speaker's note that was inadvertently left behind in the car. "Left" is the correct option because it implies that the note was forgotten or unintentionally left behind. The option "forgot" could also be used in this context, but it does not provide the same level of clarity as "left." "Dropped" and "abandoned" are not appropriate options in this context because they suggest a deliberate or intentional act, whereas the sentence implies that the speaker left the note behind accidentally.

When I set out for London, little did I suspect that I was not on a journey to God?s own city where harmony reigned supreme. So used to the frenzied life of Lagos was I that I had come to associate that city with everything that was chaotic, and there was no doubt in my mind that Lagos was one giant symbol of our backwardness. As the plane taxied its way out of the tarmac of our national airport, of our national airport, I heaved a sigh of relief, not so much because I was leaving my own country as that I was being relieved of the tension that had possessed me during those tense hours in the untidy lounge. I had felt so uneasy, my thoughts racing from one uncertainty to another. But at least I was air-borne, moving away from the whole uncertainty, from the whole load of fear towards a place which I supposed would be El Dorado.

Everything that happened in the plane passed through my eyes like pictures on the screen. The white air hostess who instructed me on how to use the safety belt was an angel, what with her beauty, her pretty blue dress, and her ever-smiling face. The same lady of the air served me snacks and supper. Another angel, whose queenly voice through an invisible public address system, dished out occasional information on the progress of our journey. I had never felt so relaxed, and my jolted heartbeats each time the plane took what appeared like a sudden brief descent, did not matter. When eventually we were set for landing, the anxiety that came over me was almost thrilling. What was the wonderland going to be like? So overwhelmed was I that I almost lost consciousness of what happened thereafter.

But I would never forget the shock that greeted me when we arrived in the tube station and boarded a train to behold the sea of white faces and furtive glances from apparently indifferent co-passengers. I believe that the nostalgic feeling for Lagos which later became part of my life all my days in London began at a point.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

The _____ discouraged me from reading it

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most appropriate option to fill in the blank is "length of the story." Explanation: The word "length" refers to the amount of space or time that something takes up. In this context, the sentence is talking about a story, and it is suggesting that the length of the story is what discouraged the person from reading it. The other options are incorrect because they do not use the correct form of the word "length." "Story's lengths" is incorrect because "story's" implies possession, and there is no possessive relationship being described here. "Stories length" is incorrect because it does not use the correct grammar, as "stories" is plural and requires a plural verb form. "Story length" is a valid option, but "length of the story" is a more natural and common way to express this idea.

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

The lawyer pointed out a discrepancy in the two stories

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word 'discrepancy' is 'similarity'. The word 'discrepancy' means a difference or inconsistency between two things. Therefore, 'similarity' which means the state of being alike or resembling something is the opposite of 'discrepancy'.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

Some of the food _____ spoilt

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option to fill the gap in the given question is "is". The reason is that "food" is a singular noun, and the verb that agrees with it must also be singular. Therefore, the correct sentence is "Some of the food is spoilt."

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

Kaka is _____ to acquire knowledge, but also eager to display it

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option to fill the gap is "not only anxious". "Not only" is a phrase used to introduce an additional point that emphasizes the preceding statement. In this case, the preceding statement is "Kaka is eager to display knowledge." Therefore, "not only anxious" means that Kaka is not only eager to display knowledge, but also anxious to acquire it. This option conveys the intended meaning in a clear and straightforward manner, without any unnecessary phrasing or confusion.

ADUKE: Listen my fellow women. The issue has little to do with being literate or not. It is true that most members of NAM (New Awareness Movement) are literate, but this does not make all of us enlightened. We must be able to draw a line between the two. You may be literate and yet possess a consciousness that is decadent and servile. On the other hand you may not have received formal education and yet may be the greatest exponent of progressive ideas.

  HASANA: I agree with what our sister has said. Let us not allow ourselves to be divided by a greedy and an inflated notion of the certificates we possess. In this century, as we march towards the year 2000, our primary concern should be how best to improve the lot of womanhood in our society. Let us not forget that for each woman who is beaten up by her man for flimsy reasons are status of all of us here is downgraded. For each woman who is insulted for no reason than that of her sex, every one of us here is spat on in the face. For each woman who is denied opportunities in the society simply because she is a woman, the whole lot of us are dehumanized. Each widow in this society is an everywoman, and the lot of each of us should be viewed as collective. Each rotten egg that is thrown at anyone of us is an eternal splash of dirt on our faces. Each decayed tomato that is cast at her is a collective curse on our fecundity: each pebble thrown at her, a missile against our womanhood. This is an age of awareness, and it is the duty of NAM to collectively rise in defence of the right of women.

  IME: We can no longer allow ourselves to be fried alive. We are going to squeeze ourselves into tight-fitting trousers, register into judo classes, and then file out into the street and punch the face of every man we behold.

Maelezo ya Majibu

From the speech by Ime, it is clear that the women are henceforth prepared to adopt a policy of confrontation with men. Specifically, Ime suggests that the women should take self-defense classes and physically fight back against men.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

The army ran short of _____

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most appropriate option to fill the gap is "arms and ammunition." Explanation: The word "arm" refers to a single weapon, while "arms" refer to weapons in general. Similarly, the word "ammunition" is an uncountable noun that refers to bullets, shells, or other types of projectiles used in weapons. Therefore, the correct phrase to use in the sentence is "arms and ammunition," which indicates that the army has run short of both weapons and the projectiles used in them.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

The company was charged with a _____ of contract

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most appropriate option to fill the gap is "breach." The sentence means that the company was accused of breaking or violating a contract that they had previously agreed to. "Negligence" means failure to take proper care, "violation" means breaking a rule or law, and "disregard" means ignoring or paying no attention to something. None of these options convey the same meaning as "breach" in the given sentence.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

Otokpa is not very bold. He's not _____ a rough life

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option is "cut out for". The sentence means that Otokpa is not very bold and is not suitable or capable of handling a rough life. "Cut out for" means to be suited or capable of doing something, which fits the context of the sentence. The other options do not make sense in the sentence.

In the question below select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence:

Whoever would have thought that he would lose the presidential election?

Maelezo ya Majibu

  ADUKE: Listen my fellow women. The issue has little to do with being literate or not. It is true that most members of NAM (New Awareness Movement) are literate, but this does not make all of us enlightened. We must be able to draw a line between the two. You may be literate and yet possess a consciousness that is decadent and servile. On the other hand you may not have received formal education and yet may be the greatest exponent of progressive ideas.

  HASANA: I agree with what our sister has said. Let us not allow ourselves to be divided by a greedy and an inflated notion of the certificates we possess. In this century, as we march towards the year 2000, our primary concern should be how best to improve the lot of womanhood in our society. Let us not forget that for each woman who is beaten up by her man for flimsy reasons are status of all of us here is downgraded. For each woman who is insulted for no reason than that of her sex, every one of us here is spat on in the face. For each woman who is denied opportunities in the society simply because she is a woman, the whole lot of us are dehumanized. Each widow in this society is an everywoman, and the lot of each of us should be viewed as collective. Each rotten egg that is thrown at anyone of us is an eternal splash of dirt on our faces. Each decayed tomato that is cast at her is a collective curse on our fecundity: each pebble thrown at her, a missile against our womanhood. This is an age of awareness, and it is the duty of NAM to collectively rise in defence of the right of women.

  IME: We can no longer allow ourselves to be fried alive. We are going to squeeze ourselves into tight-fitting trousers, register into judo classes, and then file out into the street and punch the face of every man we behold.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) underlined:

The chief's brother was a complete nonentity

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word "nonentity" means someone who is insignificant or has no importance. Therefore, the most appropriate option that is nearest in meaning to "nonentity" would be "person of inexperience." The other options do not convey the same meaning as "nonentity." "Upstart" refers to someone who is arrogant or presumptuous, "vagabond" refers to a homeless wanderer, and "riff-raff" refers to a group of disreputable people.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

You should not need _____ twice

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

Ali is crying because his mother was killed in a _____ accident

Maelezo ya Majibu

The disease afflicting Western societies have undergone dramatic changes. In the course of a century, so many mass killers have vanished that two-third of all deaths are now associated with the disease of old age. Those who die young are more often than not, the victims of accidents, violence and suicide.

These changes in public health are generally equated with progress and attributed to more or better medical care. In fact there is no evidence of any direct relationship between changing disease pattern and the so-called progress of medicine.

The impotence of medical services to change life expectancy and the insignificance of much contemporary clinical care in the curing of diseases are all obvious, well documented but well suppressed.

Neither the proportion of doctors in a population nor the quality of the clinical tools at the disposal not the number of hospital beds is a casual factor in the striking changes in disease patterns. The new techniques available to recognize and treat such conditions as pernicious anaemia and hypertension, or correct congenital malformations by surgical interventions, increase our understanding of disease but do not reduce its incidence. The fact that there are more doctors where certain diseases have become rare has little to do with their ability to control or eliminate them. It simply means that doctors, more than other professionals, determine where they work. Consequently, they tend to gather where the climate is healthy, where the water is clean and where people work and can pay for their services.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The author argues that the presence of a large number of doctors in a community does not have much effect on the control of diseases. The author explains that the changes in disease patterns and the increase in life expectancy are not necessarily due to the progress of medicine or the number of doctors in a community. Instead, the changes are more likely attributed to improvements in public health, such as clean water and healthier living conditions. Although doctors may have an understanding of diseases and can provide medical care, their presence does not necessarily lead to a reduction in disease incidence or spread. The author suggests that doctors tend to gather in communities where the climate is healthy, the water is clean, and people can pay for their services, which does not necessarily correlate with controlling or eliminating diseases. Therefore, option A, "Does not have much effect on the control of diseases," is the most appropriate answer.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

The helpless _____ our sympathy

Maelezo ya Majibu

When I set out for London, little did I suspect that I was not on a journey to God’s own city where harmony reigned supreme. So used to the frenzied life of Lagos was I that I had come to associate that city with everything that was chaotic, and there was no doubt in my mind that Lagos was one giant symbol of our backwardness. As the plane taxied its way out of the tarmac of our national airport, of our national airport, I heaved a sigh of relief, not so much because I was leaving my own country as that I was being relieved of the tension that had possessed me during those tense hours in the untidy lounge. I had felt so uneasy, my thoughts racing from one uncertainty to another. But at least I was air-borne, moving away from the whole uncertainty, from the whole load of fear towards a place which I supposed would be El Dorado.

Everything that happened in the plane passed through my eyes like pictures on the screen. The white air hostess who instructed me on how to use the safety belt was an angel, what with her beauty, her pretty blue dress, and her ever-smiling face. The same lady of the air served me snacks and supper. Another angel, whose queenly voice through an invisible public address system, dished out occasional information on the progress of our journey. I had never felt so relaxed, and my jolted heartbeats each time the plane took what appeared like a sudden brief descent, did not matter. When eventually we were set for landing, the anxiety that came over me was almost thrilling. What was the wonderland going to be like? So overwhelmed was I that I almost lost consciousness of what happened thereafter.

But I would never forget the shock that greeted me when we arrived in the tube station and boarded a train to behold the sea of white faces and furtive glances from apparently indifferent co-passengers. I believe that the nostalgic feeling for Lagos which later became part of my life all my days in London began at a point.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The disease afflicting Western societies have undergone dramatic changes. In the course of a century, so many mass killers have vanished that two-third of all deaths are now associated with the disease of old age. Those who die young are more often than not, the victims of accidents, violence and suicide.

These changes in public health are generally equated with progress and attributed to more or better medical care. In fact there is no evidence of any direct relationship between changing disease pattern and the so-called progress of medicine.

The impotence of medical services to change life expectancy and the insignificance of much contemporary clinical care in the curing of diseases are all obvious, well documented but well suppressed.

Neither the proportion of doctors in a population nor the quality of the clinical tools at the disposal not the number of hospital beds is a casual factor in the striking changes in disease patterns. The new techniques available to recognize and treat such conditions as pernicious anaemia and hypertension, or correct congenital malformations by surgical interventions, increase our understanding of disease but do not reduce its incidence. The fact that there are more doctors where certain diseases have become rare has little to do with their ability to control or eliminate them. It simply means that doctors, more than other professionals, determine where they work. Consequently, they tend to gather where the climate is healthy, where the water is clean and where people work and can pay for their services.

Maelezo ya Majibu

According to the writer, the diseases which prevail in contemporary Western societies are concentrated among the elderly. The text explains that the major cause of death has shifted from mass killers to diseases of old age, and that progress in medicine cannot be directly attributed to this change. The writer also notes that medical services have limited ability to change life expectancy or reduce disease incidence, and that the presence of doctors in certain areas does not necessarily indicate their ability to control or eliminate diseases.

In the question below select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence:

Had Aminu been a dull student, his failure wouldn't have surprised anybody

Maelezo ya Majibu

The sentence expresses a hypothetical situation and suggests that Aminu is not a dull student. Therefore, if he had been a dull student, then his failure wouldn't have surprised anybody. So, the correct option is: Aminu was not a dull student and so everybody was surprised that he failed.

In the question below select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence:

The boys who rioted, were suspended by the principal

Maelezo ya Majibu

The sentence is saying that there were some boys who rioted and as a consequence, they were suspended by the principal. So, option A "Only some of the boys rioted and they were suspended" is the best explanation.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

Do you prefer _____ my rickety car?

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

The carpenter asked for ten packets of _____ nails

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most appropriate option to fill the gap is "fifteen-centimetre" without an apostrophe after centimetres. This is because the sentence is describing the length of the nails that the carpenter requested, and in this case, the length is expressed in terms of centimetres. The hyphen between "fifteen" and "centimetre" is used to indicate that these two words together form a single adjective that describes the type of nails required. An apostrophe after "centimetres" would indicate possession or ownership, which is not appropriate in this context.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

You must forbid _____ coming

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

The governor's action is out of tune with the declarations of his party

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word underlined is "out of tune" which is an idiomatic expression that means "not in harmony" or "not in agreement". So, the opposite meaning of "out of tune" would be "in line" which means "in agreement" or "in harmony". Therefore, the correct option is "in line".

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

They often quarrelled before leaving the house but made it up by the time they returned home

Maelezo ya Majibu

The option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined phrase "made it up" is "fell out." This is because "made it up" means that they reconciled or resolved their disagreement, while "fell out" means that they had a disagreement or argument.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

I have no respect for individuals who are too _____

Maelezo ya Majibu

I have no respect for individuals who are too compliant. "Compliant" refers to people who tend to follow rules, regulations, or instructions without questioning or challenging them. While compliance can be a positive attribute in certain situations, such as obeying traffic laws or following safety protocols, blindly accepting authority or conforming to societal expectations can be detrimental to personal growth and development. Individuals who are too compliant may lack critical thinking skills or the ability to challenge authority when necessary. They may also be more prone to groupthink, which can lead to poor decision-making and a lack of creativity. Therefore, having no respect for individuals who are too compliant may indicate a preference for individuals who are independent thinkers and who are willing to question the status quo when necessary.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

The vermin on his body _____ hideous

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most appropriate option to fill the gap is "makes the lunatic look." This is because "vermin" is singular and requires a singular verb, which is "makes." The phrase "the lunatic look" is a complement to the subject "vermin," describing how they make the lunatic appear.

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

The awareness of mortality has always imposed some restraint on man's excesses

Maelezo ya Majibu

The disease afflicting Western societies have undergone dramatic changes. In the course of a century, so many mass killers have vanished that two-third of all deaths are now associated with the disease of old age. Those who die young are more often than not, the victims of accidents, violence and suicide.

These changes in public health are generally equated with progress and attributed to more or better medical care. In fact there is no evidence of any direct relationship between changing disease pattern and the so-called progress of medicine.

The impotence of medical services to change life expectancy and the insignificance of much contemporary clinical care in the curing of diseases are all obvious, well documented but well suppressed.

Neither the proportion of doctors in a population nor the quality of the clinical tools at the disposal not the number of hospital beds is a casual factor in the striking changes in disease patterns. The new techniques available to recognize and treat such conditions as pernicious anaemia and hypertension, or correct congenital malformations by surgical interventions, increase our understanding of disease but do not reduce its incidence. The fact that there are more doctors where certain diseases have become rare has little to do with their ability to control or eliminate them. It simply means that doctors, more than other professionals, determine where they work. Consequently, they tend to gather where the climate is healthy, where the water is clean and where people work and can pay for their services.

The author’s attitude to developments in medicine is

Maelezo ya Majibu

Based on the given text, the author's attitude towards the developments in medicine can be described as cynical. The author argues that the changes in disease patterns are not a result of progress in medicine, and that the medical services have little to no impact on life expectancy or the curing of diseases. The author also suggests that the medical profession is more interested in determining where they work, rather than providing care for those who need it. These views suggest a cynical attitude towards medicine and its progress.

The disease afflicting Western societies have undergone dramatic changes. In the course of a century, so many mass killers have vanished that two-third of all deaths are now associated with the disease of old age. Those who die young are more often than not, the victims of accidents, violence and suicide.

These changes in public health are generally equated with progress and attributed to more or better medical care. In fact there is no evidence of any direct relationship between changing disease pattern and the so-called progress of medicine.

The impotence of medical services to change life expectancy and the insignificance of much contemporary clinical care in the curing of diseases are all obvious, well documented but well suppressed.

Neither the proportion of doctors in a population nor the quality of the clinical tools at the disposal not the number of hospital beds is a casual factor in the striking changes in disease patterns. The new techniques available to recognize and treat such conditions as pernicious anaemia and hypertension, or correct congenital malformations by surgical interventions, increase our understanding of disease but do not reduce its incidence. The fact that there are more doctors where certain diseases have become rare has little to do with their ability to control or eliminate them. It simply means that doctors, more than other professionals, determine where they work. Consequently, they tend to gather where the climate is healthy, where the water is clean and where people work and can pay for their services.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

The policemen who were to keep watch connived _____ the robber's escape

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the question below choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined:

The college was worried about Tunji;s garrulous tendency

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word "garrulous" means excessively talkative, so the opposite of this would be someone who is more reserved in their speech. Therefore, the most appropriate option would be "reticent" which means silent or reserved in speech.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

The secretary was blamed _____ the untidy state of the office

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct option to fill in the gap is "for". The preposition "for" is used to indicate the person or thing that is responsible for an action or event. In this case, the secretary is being blamed for the untidy state of the office.

In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:

Oche should leave for New York on Friday _____ being equal

Maelezo ya Majibu