JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2023

In this question, choose the option that best completes the gap(s).

The proprietor of our school with his administrator ------------ expected yesterday.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the word that has the same rhyme scheme for questions below.
Day

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

dare -  /dɛː/

anime  - /ˈanɪmeɪ/

flight - /flaɪt/

ball - /bɔːl/

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

The coach has asked the Bright Rangers to be paid their --6-- salaries and --7-- so as to --8-- them to victory against Mamelody Sundowns of South Africa in saturday's all importanat CAF Champions leaque Match. Bright Rangers are the third in group B with four points --9-- many matches and need to --10-- defaet at second - placed Al - Ahly to stay in the --11-- for a place in the semi - final of Africa's most prestigious club competition. The Coach told MTN Football.com that the team would be better motivated if they atleast receive their August salaries before the Al - Ahly --12--. We have to make sure that they are paid their salaries --13-- so that they could play the game of their lives. The government has done very well, but it will be a big morale --14-- to get paid for them to go out there and play. The Coach informed MTN Football.com that the Bright Rangers plan to employ the counter --15-- to get a result in Cario.

 --14--

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the word that has the same consonant sound as the one in bracket.

Smoo[th]

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

The passage below has gaps. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

PASSAGE IV

With the most profound respect to the members of the Senate, I do not think that it is within the competence of that ...1... body to pass a motion to ...2... the executive action of the President. The Senate is ...3... of the National Assembly. But it is not by itself alone the National Assembly. One can imagine the confusion, which would be created if the ...4... were to take a view diametrically opposed to that reflected in the Senate resolution. The strongest objection to the action of the Senate in passing the resolution is the fact that it constituted itself the ...5... as well as the judge of the constitutionality of the action of the President. The function of the Senate is to ...6... laws. But the Senate has no authority or ...7... to control the President in the exercise of his ...8... powers. It cannot by a mere resolution or motion give any directive to the President regarding the exercise of his powers nor can it undo what the President has done in the exercise of those powers. The only way in which the exercise of the powers of the President can be ...9... is by ...10... of the National Assembly.
Adapted from The Guardian of July 8, 1999, p. 8.

...3...

Maelezo ya Majibu

This best suits.

This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel.

Who called the attention of the district head when it was discovered that Talle buys more than he could consume from the supermarket?

Maelezo ya Majibu

Choose the option that has the same stress pattern as the given word.

Student

Maelezo ya Majibu

Refuse(N) and student are both stressed on the first syllable unlike other options stressed on the second syllable.

This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel.

Whose reticent nature while growing up earned him the title: "The quiet one".?

Maelezo ya Majibu

Talle was regarded as the quiet one while growing

The passage below has gaps. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

PASSAGE IV

With the most profound respect to the members of the Senate, I do not think that it is within the competence of that ...1... body to pass a motion to ...2... the executive action of the President. The Senate is ...3... of the National Assembly. But it is not by itself alone the National Assembly. One can imagine the confusion, which would be created if the ...4... were to take a view diametrically opposed to that reflected in the Senate resolution. The strongest objection to the action of the Senate in passing the resolution is the fact that it constituted itself the ...5... as well as the judge of the constitutionality of the action of the President. The function of the Senate is to ...6... laws. But the Senate has no authority or ...7... to control the President in the exercise of his ...8... powers. It cannot by a mere resolution or motion give any directive to the President regarding the exercise of his powers nor can it undo what the President has done in the exercise of those powers. The only way in which the exercise of the powers of the President can be ...9... is by ...10... of the National Assembly.
Adapted from The Guardian of July 8, 1999, p. 8.

...10...

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

In each of the following sentences, the word that resolves the emphatic stress is written in capital letters. From the options letters A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer.

Daddy plays TENNIS on Saturday afternoons

Maelezo ya Majibu

TENNIS is stressed in the expression. Only the correct option asks a question about a sport which is not tennis.

In this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.

In this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.

It is inconceivable that the cat devoured the cat.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word "inconceivable" means something that is impossible to believe or imagine. The opposite of "inconceivable" would be something that is possible to believe or imagine. "unimagineable" and "incomprehensible" suggest something similar to "inconceivable" and are not the opposite. "contestable" means something that can be argued or disputed, which is not opposite to "inconceivable". "credible" means something that is believable and can be trusted, which is opposite in meaning to "inconceivable". So, the opposite of "inconceivable" is "credible".

This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel.

Bint was encouraged to take French at the primary level because _____

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

The coach has asked the Bright Rangers to be paid their --6-- salaries and --7-- so as to --8-- them to victory against Mamelody Sundowns of South Africa in saturday's all importanat CAF Champions leaque Match. Bright Rangers are the third in group B with four points --9-- many matches and need to --10-- defaet at second - placed Al - Ahly to stay in the --11-- for a place in the semi - final of Africa's most prestigious club competition. The Coach told MTN Football.com that the team would be better motivated if they atleast receive their August salaries before the Al - Ahly --12--. We have to make sure that they are paid their salaries --13-- so that they could play the game of their lives. The government has done very well, but it will be a big morale --14-- to get paid for them to go out there and play. The Coach informed MTN Football.com that the Bright Rangers plan to employ the counter --15-- to get a result in Cario.

 --12--

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

In the following question, choose the option that best completes the sentence.
The guest would have arrived earlier but he was _______ in traffic.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The best option that completes the sentence is "held up". When we say someone is "held up", it means that they are delayed or prevented from progressing or arriving at a certain place. In this context, the guest would have arrived earlier but their progress was delayed because of traffic.
To further explain, imagine a situation where the guest was driving to their destination but encountered heavy traffic along the way. This traffic caused a delay and prevented the guest from reaching their destination on time. Therefore, the correct option is "held up".
The other options can be eliminated because they do not convey the same meaning as "held up". "Held down" means to restrain or keep someone or something in a lower position, which does not fit the context of someone being delayed in traffic. "Held about" does not have a commonly understood meaning in this context. "Held off" means to postpone or delay something, but it does not specifically refer to a person being delayed in traffic. Therefore, "held up" is the most appropriate option for completing the sentence.
It is important to analyze the word choices in the options and understand their meanings in order to determine the correct answer.

In this question, the word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates.

EMEKA finished his homework yesterday.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

The passage below has gaps. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

PASSAGE IV

With the most profound respect to the members of the Senate, I do not think that it is within the competence of that ...1... body to pass a motion to ...2... the executive action of the President. The Senate is ...3... of the National Assembly. But it is not by itself alone the National Assembly. One can imagine the confusion, which would be created if the ...4... were to take a view diametrically opposed to that reflected in the Senate resolution. The strongest objection to the action of the Senate in passing the resolution is the fact that it constituted itself the ...5... as well as the judge of the constitutionality of the action of the President. The function of the Senate is to ...6... laws. But the Senate has no authority or ...7... to control the President in the exercise of his ...8... powers. It cannot by a mere resolution or motion give any directive to the President regarding the exercise of his powers nor can it undo what the President has done in the exercise of those powers. The only way in which the exercise of the powers of the President can be ...9... is by ...10... of the National Assembly.
Adapted from The Guardian of July 8, 1999, p. 8.

...6...

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word that best fits in the gap is "enact".
The passage states that the function of the Senate is to **enact** laws. This means that the Senate's role is to create or establish laws. They have the power to propose, debate, and pass laws. Therefore, the Senate's main responsibility is to enact laws, not to pass motions or resolutions to control the executive actions of the President.

In each of the questions, the word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates.A good description INCLUDES specific nouns.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter[s] underlined.

naked

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the word that has the same rhyme scheme.
battle

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word 'battle' has the same rhyme scheme as 'kettle'. Both words have two syllables and end with '-tle'.

Pick out the option with a different rhyme

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word.
The test shows that the lumps are malignant.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The underlined word in the sentence is "malignant". The word "malignant" describes something that is harmful or cancerous. To find the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning, we need to choose a word that describes something that is not harmful or cancerous. From the given options: - "numerous" means a large number of something, and it is not necessarily related to being harmful or cancerous. This is not the opposite meaning of "malignant". - "cancerous" is a word that describes something related to cancer, which is similar in meaning to "malignant". This is not the opposite meaning of "malignant". - "dominant" means having power, control, or influence over others. It is not directly related to being harmful or cancerous. This is not the opposite meaning of "malignant". - "benign" is the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "malignant". "Benign" describes something that is not harmful or cancerous. Therefore, the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "malignant" is "benign".

Use the passage to answer the questions below
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

The victory of the small Greek democracy of Athens over the mighty Persian Empire was furious because Athens had interceded for the other Greek city-states in revolt against Persian domination. In anger, the king sent an enormous army to defeat Athens. He thought it would take drastic steps to pacify the rebellious part of the empire.

Persia was ruled by one man. In Athens, however, all citiens helped to rule. Emboldened by this participation, Athenians were prepared to die for their city-state. Perhaps this was the secret of the remarkable victory at the marathon, the Persians tried to fool some Greek city-states by claiming to have come in peace. The frightened city of Delos refused to believe this. Not wanting to abet the conquest of Greece, they fled from their city and did not return until the Persians had left. They were wise, for the president next conquered the city of Eritrea and captured its people.

Tiny Athens stood alone against Persia. The Athenian people to their sanctuaries. There they prayed for deliverance. They asked their gods to expedite their victory. The Athenians refurbished their weapons and moved to the plan of Marathon where their little band would meet the Persians. At the last moment, soldiers from Plataea reinforced the Athenian troops.

The Athenian army attacked and Greek citizens fought bravely. The power of the mighty Persians was offset by the love that the Athenians had for their city. Athenians defeated the Persians in both archery and combat. Greek soldiers seized Persian sheep and burned them and the Persians fled in terror. Herodotus, a famous historian, reports that 6400 Persians died, compared to only 192 Athenians.

The people of Delos did not want to __________ the conquest of Greece

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Use the passage to answer the questions below
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

The victory of the small Greek democracy of Athens over the mighty Persian Empire was furious because Athens had interceded for the other Greek city-states in revolt against Persian domination. In anger, the king sent an enormous army to defeat Athens. He thought it would take drastic steps to pacify the rebellious part of the empire.

Persia was ruled by one man. In Athens, however, all citiens helped to rule. Emboldened by this participation, Athenians were prepared to die for their city-state. Perhaps this was the secret of the remarkable victory at the marathon, the Persians tried to fool some Greek city-states by claiming to have come in peace. The frightened city of Delos refused to believe this. Not wanting to abet the conquest of Greece, they fled from their city and did not return until the Persians had left. They were wise, for the president next conquered the city of Eritrea and captured its people.

Tiny Athens stood alone against Persia. The Athenian people to their sanctuaries. There they prayed for deliverance. They asked their gods to expedite their victory. The Athenians refurbished their weapons and moved to the plan of Marathon where their little band would meet the Persians. At the last moment, soldiers from Plataea reinforced the Athenian troops.

The Athenian army attacked and Greek citizens fought bravely. The power of the mighty Persians was offset by the love that the Athenians had for their city. Athenians defeated the Persians in both archery and combat. Greek soldiers seized Persian sheep and burned them and the Persians fled in terror. Herodotus, a famous historian, reports that 6400 Persians died, compared to only 192 Athenians.

Their participation _________to the Athenians.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the options to which the given sentence relate.

Spain won their last friendly FOOTBALL match

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel.

What were Ummi's children waiting for when Bint narrates her encounter with Mr. Salihu?

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

The conference is biannial.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Occurring twice a year.

The coach has asked the Bright Rangers to be paid their --6-- salaries and --7-- so as to --8-- them to victory against Mamelody Sundowns of South Africa in saturday's all importanat CAF Champions leaque Match. Bright Rangers are the third in group B with four points --9-- many matches and need to --10-- defaet at second - placed Al - Ahly to stay in the --11-- for a place in the semi - final of Africa's most prestigious club competition. The Coach told MTN Football.com that the team would be better motivated if they atleast receive their August salaries before the Al - Ahly --12--. We have to make sure that they are paid their salaries --13-- so that they could play the game of their lives. The government has done very well, but it will be a big morale --14-- to get paid for them to go out there and play. The Coach informed MTN Football.com that the Bright Rangers plan to employ the counter --15-- to get a result in Cario.

 --11--

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct answer is - running.

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word in each sentence.
The abeyance of school activities last semester was a reason for concern.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

In this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

Though he is our elected representative, he often takes a rather jaundiced view of our problems.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

The coach has asked the Bright Rangers to be paid their --6-- salaries and --7-- so as to --8-- them to victory against Mamelody Sundowns of South Africa in saturday's all importanat CAF Champions leaque Match. Bright Rangers are the third in group B with four points --9-- many matches and need to --10-- defaet at second - placed Al - Ahly to stay in the --11-- for a place in the semi - final of Africa's most prestigious club competition. The Coach told MTN Football.com that the team would be better motivated if they atleast receive their August salaries before the Al - Ahly --12--. We have to make sure that they are paid their salaries --13-- so that they could play the game of their lives. The government has done very well, but it will be a big morale --14-- to get paid for them to go out there and play. The Coach informed MTN Football.com that the Bright Rangers plan to employ the counter --15-- to get a result in Cario.

--6--

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel.

Salma stayed at the most coveted and famous ______ hostel.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel.

In Lafayette, before a stranger is hosted or accommodated, permission must be requested and granted by_______

Maelezo ya Majibu

In Lafayette, before a stranger is hosted or accommodated, permission must be requested and granted by **the Hakimi**.
The Hakimi is a highly respected figure in the community who holds the authority to grant permission for strangers to be hosted or accommodated. They have the responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of the community members by overseeing who is allowed to enter and stay in the area. The Hakimi acts as a gatekeeper, making sure that only trusted individuals are welcomed into the community.
By seeking permission from the Hakimi, the community can ensure that any strangers coming into Lafayette are reliable and pose no threat to the residents. This practice of requesting and obtaining permission is a way to maintain order, security, and peace within the community. It allows the community members to have control over who enters their space and ensures that everyone's well-being is protected.

In this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

The solution lies in choosing between various negative alternatives.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the word that has the same CONSONANT SOUND as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined.
marks

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word that has the same consonant sound as "marks" is "axe". The underlined consonant sound in "marks" is /ks/. The word "axe" also has the /ks/ consonant sound. In "exhaust", the underlined consonant sound is /gz/. This is different from the /ks/ sound in "marks". In "mosque", the underlined consonant sound is /sk/. This is also different from the /ks/ sound in "marks". In "exist", the underlined consonant sound is /gz/. This is different from the /ks/ sound in "marks". Therefore, the word "axe" is the only option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the underlined letter(s) in "marks".

Read the passage carefully and answer this question.

May your road be rough. I am not cursing you: I am wishing you what I wish myself every year, I therefore repeat, may you have a hard time this year. May there be troubles for you this year. If you are not sure of what to say back, why not just say "same to you" – I ask for no more.

Our successes are conditioned by the amount of risk we are about to take. Earlier today, I visited a local farmer about five kilometers from where I live. He could not have been 55, but he said he was already too old to farm vigorously. He still suffered, he said, from the energy he displayed as a farmer in his younger days. Around his hut were two pepperbushes. There were cocoyam growing around him. There were snail shells which had given him meat. There must have been more snails around the banana trees than I saw. He hardly ever went to town to buy things. He was self-sufficient. The car, the television or radio and the newspaper were things he could live without. He had no ambition whatsoever, he told me.

I am not sure if you are already envious of him, but were we all to revert to such a life, we would be driven back like aimless sheep to cave dwelling. On the other hand, try to put yourself in the shoes of the Russian or American astronauts. Any moment you are shot into space, you have to be mentally alert, else, if you forget what to do, one of the things that might happen to you is that you could forever become a satellite going round until you die of starvation, and even then, your dead body would continue the gyration.

Naturally, they may have some slight foreboding on the contingency of their non-return. However, it is their courage for going in spite of these apprehensions that makes the world hail them so loudly today.
(Akinyemi, A., Olupe, F., & Adetutu, S. (2012): Rubrics of English Language for Schools and Colleges. Divine Glory Printers, Abeokuta.)

According to the passage, astronauts

Maelezo ya Majibu

According to the passage, astronauts know they may not return from their journey into space. They are aware of the risks involved in their space missions and the possibility that they may not come back. Despite this knowledge, they still have the courage and mental stability to go on these missions. Their bravery and willingness to face these risks are what make them highly praised in the world today.

This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel.

why did Omar say he passed his SSCE by no means a small feat?

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s)
When night fell, we had to hasten to the motor park.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel.

Why was it a double celebration for Ummi and members of her community when she gained admission into the university?

Maelezo ya Majibu

In each of the questions, the word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates.

A good description INCLUDES specific nouns.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the word that does not have the same vowel sound as the others

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word "short" does not have the same vowel sound as the other three words: "shun", "son", and "sun". The vowel sound in "shun", "son", and "sun" is the "uh" sound, also known as the schwa sound. It is a central vowel sound that is pronounced as a weak and unstressed "uh" sound, similar to the first sound in the word "about". On the other hand, the word "short" has a different vowel sound. It has the "aw" sound, which is pronounced as a low back vowel sound, similar to the sound in the word "law". So, the word "short" is different from the other three words because it has a different vowel sound. The vowel sound in "short" is "aw", while the vowel sound in "shun", "son", and "sun" is "uh".

From the list of words letter A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence.

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is beneficial to one's health while eating processed foods is ......

Maelezo ya Majibu

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is beneficial to one's health, as they provide essential nutrients and contribute to overall well-being. On the other hand, eating processed foods is harmful. Processed foods usually undergo various processes such as refining, adding preservatives, and artificial flavorings, which can strip them of their nutritional value. These types of food are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium, which can lead to negative health effects such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "beneficial" and correctly fills the gap in the sentence is "harmful." Processed foods are harmful to our health, contrasting with the positive effects of eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s)

Repugnant rules in the society should be repealed.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In this context, the word "repugnant" means something that is very disagreeable or offensive. We can choose the option that is nearest in meaning to "repugnant" by looking for a word that conveys a similar idea.
- "Enacted" means to make a law or rule, so it does not have the same meaning as "repugnant." - "Exemplary" means to serve as a good example or model, which is also different in meaning from "repugnant." - "Abhorrent" means causing a feeling of disgust or hatred, which is very similar to "repugnant." It captures the idea of something being offensive or disagreeable. - "Justified" means having a valid reason or excuse, which is not the same meaning as "repugnant."
Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to "repugnant" is "abhorrent."

Read the passage carefully and answer this question.

May your road be rough. I am not cursing you: I am wishing you what I wish myself every year, I therefore repeat, may you have a hard time this year. May there be troubles for you this year. If you are not sure of what to say back, why not just say "same to you" – I ask for no more.

Our successes are conditioned by the amount of risk we are about to take. Earlier today, I visited a local farmer about five kilometers from where I live. He could not have been 55, but he said he was already too old to farm vigorously. He still suffered, he said, from the energy he displayed as a farmer in his younger days. Around his hut were two pepperbushes. There were cocoyam growing around him. There were snail shells which had given him meat. There must have been more snails around the banana trees than I saw. He hardly ever went to town to buy things. He was self-sufficient. The car, the television or radio and the newspaper were things he could live without. He had no ambition whatsoever, he told me.

I am not sure if you are already envious of him, but were we all to revert to such a life, we would be driven back like aimless sheep to cave dwelling. On the other hand, try to put yourself in the shoes of the Russian or American astronauts. Any moment you are shot into space, you have to be mentally alert, else, if you forget what to do, one of the things that might happen to you is that you could forever become a satellite going round until you die of starvation, and even then, your dead body would continue the gyration.

Naturally, they may have some slight foreboding on the contingency of their non-return. However, it is their courage for going in spite of these apprehensions that makes the world hail them so loudly today.
(Akinyemi, A., Olupe, F., & Adetutu, S. (2012): Rubrics of English Language for Schools and Colleges. Divine Glory Printers, Abeokuta.)

"Rough" in the first sentence of the passage means ......

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word "rough" in the first sentence of the passage means difficulties. It refers to facing challenges or obstacles in life. This could include things that are not easy or smooth. The author is not cursing or wishing harm to the reader, but rather expressing the idea that facing difficulties can lead to growth and opportunities for both the reader and the author.

The coach has asked the Bright Rangers to be paid their --6-- salaries and --7-- so as to --8-- them to victory against Mamelody Sundowns of South Africa in saturday's all importanat CAF Champions leaque Match. Bright Rangers are the third in group B with four points --9-- many matches and need to --10-- defaet at second - placed Al - Ahly to stay in the --11-- for a place in the semi - final of Africa's most prestigious club competition. The Coach told MTN Football.com that the team would be better motivated if they atleast receive their August salaries before the Al - Ahly --12--. We have to make sure that they are paid their salaries --13-- so that they could play the game of their lives. The government has done very well, but it will be a big morale --14-- to get paid for them to go out there and play. The Coach informed MTN Football.com that the Bright Rangers plan to employ the counter --15-- to get a result in Cario.

 --9--

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct answer is 'from'. In this context, the Bright Rangers have four points 'from' many matches. The preposition 'from' is used to indicate the source or origin of something, in this case, the source of the points is the many matches they have played.

The passage below has gaps. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

PASSAGE IV

With the most profound respect to the members of the Senate, I do not think that it is within the competence of that ...1... body to pass a motion to ...2... the executive action of the President. The Senate is ...3... of the National Assembly. But it is not by itself alone the National Assembly. One can imagine the confusion, which would be created if the ...4... were to take a view diametrically opposed to that reflected in the Senate resolution. The strongest objection to the action of the Senate in passing the resolution is the fact that it constituted itself the ...5... as well as the judge of the constitutionality of the action of the President. The function of the Senate is to ...6... laws. But the Senate has no authority or ...7... to control the President in the exercise of his ...8... powers. It cannot by a mere resolution or motion give any directive to the President regarding the exercise of his powers nor can it undo what the President has done in the exercise of those powers. The only way in which the exercise of the powers of the President can be ...9... is by ...10... of the National Assembly.
Adapted from The Guardian of July 8, 1999, p. 8.

...1...

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

The passage below has gaps. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

PASSAGE IV

With the most profound respect to the members of the Senate, I do not think that it is within the competence of that ...1... body to pass a motion to ...2... the executive action of the President. The Senate is ...3... of the National Assembly. But it is not by itself alone the National Assembly. One can imagine the confusion, which would be created if the ...4... were to take a view diametrically opposed to that reflected in the Senate resolution. The strongest objection to the action of the Senate in passing the resolution is the fact that it constituted itself the ...5... as well as the judge of the constitutionality of the action of the President. The function of the Senate is to ...6... laws. But the Senate has no authority or ...7... to control the President in the exercise of his ...8... powers. It cannot by a mere resolution or motion give any directive to the President regarding the exercise of his powers nor can it undo what the President has done in the exercise of those powers. The only way in which the exercise of the powers of the President can be ...9... is by ...10... of the National Assembly.
Adapted from The Guardian of July 8, 1999, p. 8.

...5...

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the context of the passage, the Senate is being criticized for overstepping its bounds and acting as both the 'litigant' and the judge of the constitutionality of the President's actions. A 'litigant' is a party involved in a lawsuit, which fits the context better than the other options. 'Defendant' and 'plaintiff' are specific types of litigants, but the passage does not specify which role the Senate is taking on. 'Attorney' does not fit because the Senate is not representing someone in a legal matter, but rather taking on the role of a party in a lawsuit.

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that rhymes with the given word below.
Pitch

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word 'Witch' rhymes with 'Pitch'. In English, words are said to rhyme when the stressed vowel sounds in their final syllables are the same. Here, 'Pitch' and 'Witch' both have the /ɪtʃ/ sound in their final syllables.

Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.

What I told you is the gospel truth. This means that the information is

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

In this question, fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.

To check desertification in the arid zones, ...... trees should be planted

Maelezo ya Majibu

To check desertification in the arid zones, **drought-resistant** trees should be planted. Drought-resistant trees are those that have adapted to survive in arid conditions with limited water availability. These trees have evolved various mechanisms to cope with water scarcity, such as deep root systems that can access water from deep within the ground, waxy or hairy leaves that reduce water loss through evaporation, or the ability to store water in their tissues. By planting drought-resistant trees in arid zones, we can help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. These trees can provide shade, decreasing soil temperatures and reducing evaporation. Their deep root systems also help to bind the soil together, preventing wind erosion. Furthermore, the presence of trees can improve soil fertility as their leaves fall and decompose, providing organic matter and nutrients. Therefore, planting drought-resistant trees in arid zones is a simple and effective way to combat desertification. These tree species have the ability to survive and thrive in water-scarce environments, making them the most suitable option for addressing desertification.

The passage below has gaps. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

PASSAGE IV

With the most profound respect to the members of the Senate, I do not think that it is within the competence of that ...1... body to pass a motion to ...2... the executive action of the President. The Senate is ...3... of the National Assembly. But it is not by itself alone the National Assembly. One can imagine the confusion, which would be created if the ...4... were to take a view diametrically opposed to that reflected in the Senate resolution. The strongest objection to the action of the Senate in passing the resolution is the fact that it constituted itself the ...5... as well as the judge of the constitutionality of the action of the President. The function of the Senate is to ...6... laws. But the Senate has no authority or ...7... to control the President in the exercise of his ...8... powers. It cannot by a mere resolution or motion give any directive to the President regarding the exercise of his powers nor can it undo what the President has done in the exercise of those powers. The only way in which the exercise of the powers of the President can be ...9... is by ...10... of the National Assembly.
Adapted from The Guardian of July 8, 1999, p. 8.

...2...

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most appropriate option for the 2nd gap is nullify.
To nullify means to void or invalidate. In the context of the sentence, the passage is discussing whether the Senate has the authority to pass a motion to invalidate or cancel out the executive action of the President. The author argues that it is not within the competence of the Senate to nullify the President's actions.

The coach has asked the Bright Rangers to be paid their --6-- salaries and --7-- so as to --8-- them to victory against Mamelody Sundowns of South Africa in saturday's all importanat CAF Champions leaque Match. Bright Rangers are the third in group B with four points --9-- many matches and need to --10-- defaet at second - placed Al - Ahly to stay in the --11-- for a place in the semi - final of Africa's most prestigious club competition. The Coach told MTN Football.com that the team would be better motivated if they atleast receive their August salaries before the Al - Ahly --12--. We have to make sure that they are paid their salaries --13-- so that they could play the game of their lives. The government has done very well, but it will be a big morale --14-- to get paid for them to go out there and play. The Coach informed MTN Football.com that the Bright Rangers plan to employ the counter --15-- to get a result in Cario.

 --7--

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word
I was skeptical about the story she told me.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

The coach has asked the Bright Rangers to be paid their --6-- salaries and --7-- so as to --8-- them to victory against Mamelody Sundowns of South Africa in saturday's all importanat CAF Champions leaque Match. Bright Rangers are the third in group B with four points --9-- many matches and need to --10-- defaet at second - placed Al - Ahly to stay in the --11-- for a place in the semi - final of Africa's most prestigious club competition. The Coach told MTN Football.com that the team would be better motivated if they atleast receive their August salaries before the Al - Ahly --12--. We have to make sure that they are paid their salaries --13-- so that they could play the game of their lives. The government has done very well, but it will be a big morale --14-- to get paid for them to go out there and play. The Coach informed MTN Football.com that the Bright Rangers plan to employ the counter --15-- to get a result in Cario.

--15--

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the context of the sentence, the coach is saying that the Bright Rangers plan to employ the counter strategy to get a result in Cario. The correct word to fill in the blank is 'Attack'.

Choose the word that has the same rhyme scheme.
laugh

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel.

Ummi is an Arabic word that is directly translated to mean_____

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct answer is: My mother

Choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the underlined letter(s)
Children are not allowed in the park ...... dark.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word that has the same vowel sound as the underlined letter(s) in "dark" is "after". The reason is that both "dark" and "after" have the same vowel sound, which is pronounced as /ɑː/. In contrast, the other options (at, over, in) have different vowel sounds.

The coach has asked the Bright Rangers to be paid their --6-- salaries and --7-- so as to --8-- them to victory against Mamelody Sundowns of South Africa in saturday's all importanat CAF Champions leaque Match. Bright Rangers are the third in group B with four points --9-- many matches and need to --10-- defaet at second - placed Al - Ahly to stay in the --11-- for a place in the semi - final of Africa's most prestigious club competition. The Coach told MTN Football.com that the team would be better motivated if they atleast receive their August salaries before the Al - Ahly --12--. We have to make sure that they are paid their salaries --13-- so that they could play the game of their lives. The government has done very well, but it will be a big morale --14-- to get paid for them to go out there and play. The Coach informed MTN Football.com that the Bright Rangers plan to employ the counter --15-- to get a result in Cario.

 --8--

Maelezo ya Majibu

The word that fits in the blank is "spur".
The coach wants the Bright Rangers to be paid their salaries and spur them to victory against Mamelody Sundowns.
To "spur" means to stimulate or encourage someone or something to take action or to do something. In this context, the coach wants the players to be motivated and inspired to perform at their best in the upcoming match. By receiving their salaries before the game, it is believed that the players will have a higher level of motivation and determination to succeed.
Paying the players their salaries acts as a form of motivation and encouragement for them to give their best effort on the field. It helps to boost their morale and gives them an extra push to perform well in the game. When players are well-compensated and financially satisfied, they are more likely to be focused and driven to achieve success. Therefore, paying the salaries can be seen as a way to spur the players on and increase their chances of victory.

Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one provided
/θ/

Maelezo ya Majibu

The /θ/ sound is a voiceless dental fricative, which is found in English words like 'think', 'thorough', and 'health'. In the word 'health', the /θ/ sound is represented by the 'th'. Therefore, the correct answer is 'health'.

The words in capital letter have the emphatic stress. Choose the options to which the given sentences relate.
I bought my WIFE a red dress

Maelezo ya Majibu

The given sentence is "I bought my WIFE a red dress?".
The emphatic stress is on the word "WIFE", which means that it is being emphasized or given importance in the sentence.
From the options provided, the correct answer would be: "Did I buy my husband a red dress?".
This is because the given sentence indicates that the speaker, who is referring to themselves as "I", bought something for their wife. Therefore, the opposite option that refers to the husband instead of the wife would be the correct answer.
The other options can be ruled out because they either mention a different item (red shoe) or a different person (he) than what is mentioned in the original sentence.
In conclusion, the correct option is "Did I buy my husband a red dress?".