All 169 questions from the General Certificate of Education (GCE) English Language 2022 Theory paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.
SECTION A - ESSAY (50 marks). Answer ONE question only from this section.
Write a letter to your friend in another school telling him or her about your future career and how it will be beneficial to your country.
Model answer
Dear Precious,
How are you, friend? How is your family? I hope you are all fine. And your unborn brother Daniel, how is he? It's been a while since we heard from each other. How are you coping with the new environment you now find yourself?
I watched your presentation on TV and it was superb. It's heartwarming to see your essay on the impact of information technology on teenagers. I am hoping to participate in the essay competition next year.
The last time we met we hardly talked concerning our career. It was in the Christmas time if you remember and it was full of festivities galore. Nevertheless I have taken my time to intimate you with my career and how it will interest you to know that I am now on the path to my destiny.
Ever since I entered into a bank for the first time I have always told my mum that I would love to be like the bankers. Their amazing and comportment have really inspired me, to talk more of the serene and organized environment that surrounds their working activities.
On getting to the marketing department, I was enthralled at how bankers in that section had to lure customers to open accounts, save, receive money and do some business transactions in the bank.
On sharing my experience with my teacher, he had to enlighten me more, particularly on the differences between a banker and an accountant, and when he was through lecturing me on the two, I settled for the latter, accountant. Besides, what led me to decide on becoming a chartered accountant is that one of the school's alumni, Mrs. Bamigbade, a chartered accountant talked at length on career choice. Her personality as a chartered accountant really inspired me.
Let me enlighten you a bit on what accounting entails. I know you could find it boring but you should kindly read this part. Accounting is defined as the simplifying, interpreting, measuring, communicating and recording of financial activities so that users can make decisions. Some characteristics of good account information include timeliness, reliability, verifiability, relevance, comparability and comprehensiveness. I decided to write out what accounting entails so that you would know that I am serious about becoming a chartered accountant.
Now to the benefits of accounting to my country. Accounting helps customers to know the state of their banking through the bank statement of account sent to them at the end of the month. Accounting shows purchases and sales made within a given period. A good book-keeping practice enables one to ascertain the profit or loss made during a trading period; it facilitates inter-firm comparison. It also helps shareholders buy shares of a company.
Corruption in Nigeria can be curbed when there is accountability in every sector of the country's economy. This is why I want to be an accountant, to check corrupt practices and to ensure accountability. I hope you have seen the reasons why I chose this career and its benefits to my country.
My regards to everyone over there, especially little Daniel. I hope to see you during the long vac. Good bye and God bless.
Yours sincerely,
Gladys.
The National Scholarship Secretariat is organizing an essay competition on the topic: The Menace of Fake Drugs in the Society. Write your entry.
Model answer
THE MENACE OF FAKE DRUGS IN THE SOCIETY
The word "menace" denotes a possible source of danger or harm. The business of fake drugs is a lucrative crime that is increasing annually worldwide. Its results are therapeutic failure, drug resistance and economic sabotage. Some of the major causes of widespread drug counterfeiting include corruption, inadequate technology for protection of the identity of genuine drugs, as well as lack of political will, including lack of vigilance and advocacy by healthcare providers.
The counterfeiting of many different products is on the rise globally today. Items counterfeited include documents, currency, software and electronics among others; however, no other product has as much capacity to kill consumers as illegal pharmaceuticals. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines counterfeit drugs as those that have been deliberately mislabeled with respect to identity.
The products can include incorrect ingredients or can be manufactured under circumstances that lack quality control. Fake drugs in Nigeria for instance include expired drugs that are relabeled, drugs issued without complete manufacturing information and drugs that are not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In November 2008, thirty-four Nigerian children aged between four months and three years died and more than fifty were hospitalized with severe kidney damage after taking My Pikin, a teething mixture containing paracetamol. The injuries were due to the use of diethylene as a solvent for the paracetamol; diethylene was present because of inadvertent or deliberate substitution of propylene glycol, a less toxic compound than diethylene which is widely used in pharmaceutical industries.
The actual prevalence of fake drugs is difficult to ascertain, partly due to the failure of the majority of member nations in the World Health Organisation to report instances of fake drugs occurring in their countries. Fake drugs is an underground business that often comes to light only when death occurs. The extent of the severity of the problem varies widely between countries. According to a recent estimate by the World Health Organisation, about ten percent of drugs circulating worldwide and twenty five percent in less developed countries are fake. Africa and some parts of Asia are the most affected regions followed by Latin American countries.
The dangers of fake drugs are numerous, just to mention a few of them. First and foremost, we start with heart seizure. Fake drugs cause heart seizure. The result is the shaking of arms and legs at the onset of the event as the brain stops receiving blood and oxygen from the heart. The victim is never awake and needs immediate help. If nothing is done, the victim dies within minutes.
Secondly, fake drugs can cause fake stroke. When an individual consumes fake drugs, such an individual may experience convulsion, slur of words or have difficulty understanding speech. Paralysis or numbness of the face, arms and legs are consequences of consuming fake drugs.
Moreover, mental confusion is another danger of consuming fake drugs. This is a condition in which one suffers mental disorder which is characterised by disturbance in individual cognition. It is usually associated with distress or impairment of important areas of functioning.
In addition, fake drugs cause brain damage. Brain damage happens when one consumes fake drugs in relation to cardiovascular medications, antibiotics, cancer drugs, treatment of chronic ailments like HIV, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease. Fatigue, sleep seizure, chronic headache, dizziness and hearing problems are other harmful effects of consuming fake drugs.
In conclusion, efforts must be made to stop fake drugs in the society. This is because of its dire consequences on individuals and a nation as a whole. In Nigeria for instance, the activities of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should be intensified to put an end to the supply of fake drugs. Also, citizens should be sensitized on the danger of consuming fake drugs.
SECTION B - COMPREHENSION (20 marks). Answer ONE question only from this section.
Read the passage about Alani (his early life, education, career and eventual near-collapse of his business due to arrogance) and answer:
(a). What endeared Alani to his teacher?
(b). Mention two factors that accounted for Alani's success in business.
(c). Why did Alani's business almost collapse?
(d). What was ironical about Alani's blaming employees for the downturn in his business?
(e). What incident made Alani have a rethink?
(f). What is the meaning of the expression '...on the rocks'?
(g). What grammatical name is given to this expression as it is used in the passage: '...who was his pioneer staff'? (i) What grammatical name is it? (ii) What is its function?
(h). For each of the following words, find another word or phrase which means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the passage: (i) laurels; (ii) sustenance; (iii) reputable; (iv) venture; (v) pompous; (vi) dwindled.
Model answer
(a) Alani's intelligence and brilliant performance at school endeared him to his teachers.
(b) Two factors that accounted for Alani's success in business: (i) his hard work and dedication; (ii) the huge amount of money and time he invested in his venture (his knowledge and expertise, and the partnership he later formed with a business mogul, are also acceptable).
(c) Alani's business almost collapsed because he became pompous and arrogant after his early success. He refused to take advice from his employees, treated his clients shabbily, and became suspicious of his workers, which led him to lose clients and profits steadily declined.
(d) It was ironical that Alani blamed his employees for the downturn in his business, when in fact he himself — through his arrogance, refusal to listen to advice, and poor treatment of both staff and clients — was actually responsible for the decline.
(e) The resignation of five of his workers on the same day made Alani have a rethink about his attitude and business practices.
(f) 'On the rocks' means to be in serious difficulty, trouble, or on the verge of collapse (as used of a business or relationship).
(g)(i) The expression '...who was his pioneer staff' is an adjectival/relative clause. (ii) Its function is to modify or give more information about the noun phrase 'his secretary' that it refers to.
(h) (i) laurels — medals, prizes, awards, honours
(ii) sustenance — food, provisions
(iii) reputable — respectable, respected, prestigious, reputed
(iv) venture — enterprise, business, establishment
(v) pompous — arrogant, proud, haughty, full of himself, conceited
(vi) dwindled — decreased, reduced, became less, dropped, diminished, declined
SECTION C - SUMMARY (30 marks). You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this section.
Read the passage on Armed Robbery and answer:
(a). In three sentences, one for each, summarize the factors that make some youths go into armed robbery.
(b). In three sentences, one for each, summarize how armed robbery can be reduced.
Model answer
(a) Factors that make some youths go into armed robbery (one sentence each):
(i) Unemployment makes some youths go into armed robbery, since they lack the means to earn an honest living.
(ii) The ostentatious display of wealth by the rich lures some youths into armed robbery, as it creates envy and a desire for easy money.
(iii) Society's disregard for moral values and its celebration of wealth without questioning its source makes some youths go into armed robbery.
(b) How armed robbery can be reduced (one sentence each):
(i) Parents should raise their children properly, instilling good values and discipline in them from an early age.
(ii) Government should provide the basic necessities of life (jobs, social services, amenities) to its citizens to reduce hardship and unemployment.
(iii) Law enforcement authorities should intensify their efforts and constantly monitor crime-prone areas to discourage and detect armed robbery before it happens.
These days, many people concentrate on temporal things to the detriment of the ..........
- A. tangible
- B. durable
- C. unchanging
- D. spiritualCorrect
Explanation
'Spiritual' is opposite in meaning to 'temporal', which relates to worldly, not spiritual, matters.
While your parents are .............., mine are liberal in their views.
- A. strict
- B. intimidating
- C. conservativeCorrect
- D. discerning
Explanation
'Conservative' (reluctant to accept change) is opposite in meaning to 'liberal' (tolerant of different views).
The judge expected direct answers but the accused was ..........
- A. illusive
- B. secretive
- C. delusive
- D. evasiveCorrect
Explanation
'Evasive' (avoiding a direct answer) is opposite in meaning to 'direct'.
Kofi is generous, whereas his wife is ..........
- A. sparing
- B. stingyCorrect
- C. unkind
- D. harsh
Explanation
'Stingy' (unwilling to give) is opposite in meaning to 'generous' (willing to give freely).
His manners are uncouth, while his wife's are ..........
- A. clever
- B. classic
- C. refinedCorrect
- D. purified
Explanation
'Refined' (cultured and polite) is opposite in meaning to 'uncouth' (ill-mannered).
The peak of Mount Everest is about six miles from its ..........
- A. BaseCorrect
- B. depth
- C. source
- D. root
Explanation
'Base' (lowest part) is opposite in meaning to 'peak' (the highest point/summit).
The recent floods in some countries have ..........many lives.
- A. ClaimedCorrect
- B. drowned
- C. buried
- D. injured
Explanation
'To claim lives' means to end lives / cause death; this is the standard collocation.
He does not smoke so the gift of an ashtray will not be quite ............
- A. admirable
- B. applicable
- C. appropriateCorrect
- D. attractive
Explanation
It is not 'appropriate' (suitable) to give an ashtray to a non-smoker.
The reviewers did an excellent job at the book ..........
- A. launchCorrect
- B. premiere
- C. session
- D. briefing
Explanation
A 'launch' is an event to introduce a new product such as a book.
The government filed .........against the ruling of the tribunal
- A. Injunction
- B. objection
- C. application
- D. appealCorrect
Explanation
An 'appeal' is a request for a superior court to review the ruling of a lower body.
At the terminus, all passengers on the train will have to ................
- A. alightCorrect
- B. disembark
- C. descend
- D. dismount
Explanation
'Alight' means to step down from a vehicle onto a platform or the ground.
Reading the ..............of the famous king, one would see that he had many things to hide.
- A. memoirsCorrect
- B. chronicles
- C. life
- D. monument
Explanation
A 'memoir' is a historical account written from personal knowledge.
The smaller boys had always drawn back in fear when the bully raised a fist, but this time they did not ..........
- A. advance
- B. agree
- C. retaliate
- D. recoilCorrect
Explanation
To 'recoil' is to react instinctively with fear or distaste; this time they did not react that way.
The old man prayed for the ..........of his sins before he died.
- A. omission
- B. commission
- C. permission
- D. remissionCorrect
Explanation
'Remission' (in a religious sense) means forgiveness or pardon of sins.
Inflation has caused the cost of goods to ............
- A. escalateCorrect
- B. ascend
- C. intensify
- D. progress
Explanation
'Escalate' means to increase, become greater, more serious or more intense.
The economy of the country has remained ..........despite the crisis.
- A. strongCorrect
- B. realistic
- C. tough
- D. firm
Explanation
A 'strong' economy is one that is thriving and likely to continue doing so.
The principal raised eyebrows at the student's explanation. This means that the principal
- A. Was unhappy about the explanation
- B. rejected the explanation
- C. considered the explanation
- D. was surprised by the explanationCorrect
Explanation
'To raise an eyebrow' is an idiom meaning to show surprise or mild scepticism.
Mary made a clean breast of everything. This means that Mary
- A. Won everyone over
- B. told the whole truthCorrect
- C. did everything efficiently
- D. changed the way things were done
Explanation
'To make a clean breast of' means to be honest about something or to confess.
Had it not rained, I would have visited you. This means that
- A. I visited you even though it rained
- B. It did not rain and so I visited you
- C. It rained so I did not visit youCorrect
- D. Because it did not rain I visited you
Explanation
The sentence expresses an unreal past condition: because it rained, the visit did not happen.
I hadn't finished talking to Halimat, when she snapped my head off. This means that she
- A. gave me a sharp slapCorrect
- B. rudely interrupted me
- C. hissed at me
- D. ordered me to stop talking
Explanation
'To snap someone's head off' means to rudely and sharply interrupt or rebuke them.
Franca's behaviour towards Edward leaves much to be desired. This means that Franca's behaviour was
- A. unsatisfactoryCorrect
- B. appreciated
- C. commendable
- D. unexpected
Explanation
'Leaves much to be desired' means it falls short of an acceptable standard, i.e. unsatisfactory.
The teacher truly had his heart in the right place. This means that he was
- A. kind and considerate
- B. sharp and thorough
- C. simple and modest
- D. focused and directCorrect
Explanation
'Had his heart in the right place' means he was focused and had the correct intentions/direction.
Only teachers could afford a car. This means that
- A. teachers could afford a car and nothing else
- B. teachers and nobody else could afford a carCorrect
- C. teachers and others could afford a car
- D. few teachers could afford a car
Explanation
'Only' before the subject restricts the meaning to teachers alone being able to afford a car.
The night watchman was given the marching order because of his negligence. This means that he was
- A. promoted
- B. dismissedCorrect
- C. counseled
- D. suspended
Explanation
'Given the marching order' means sacked or dismissed from work.
My friend is as dull as dishwater. This means that my friend is
- A. dark in complexion
- B. extremely boringCorrect
- C. not intelligent
- D. not a troublemaker
Explanation
'As dull as dishwater' is an idiom describing someone or something as boring.
The director sees Tim as the joker in the pack. This means that the director considers Tim to be
- A. unpredictable
- B. humorousCorrect
- C. nonchalant
- D. unimportant
Explanation
'The joker in the pack' refers to a funny, playful person.
The president of the student union said it was strategic to boycott classes to press home their demands.
- A. acceptable
- B. ethical
- C. practical
- D. tacticalCorrect
Explanation
'Strategic' and 'tactical' both relate to planning or tactics.
The proscription of political parties was one of the steps taken by the military.
- A. launching
- B. expulsion
- C. banningCorrect
- D. removal
Explanation
'Proscription' means the banning or condemnation of something.
Farmers sometimes go through the frustration of having to watch their produce rot.
- A. disheartening
- B. dismaying
- C. annoyingCorrect
- D. frightening
Explanation
'Frustration' means being mildly angered or irritated, closest to 'annoying'.
The acrobatic displays left the spectators stunned.
- A. amused
- B. enticed
- C. astonishedCorrect
- D. elated
Explanation
'Stunned' means amazed, astonished or startled.
Binetou looked quite resplendent in that red dress.
- A. expensive
- B. stunningCorrect
- C. respectable
- D. conspicuous
Explanation
'Resplendent' means dazzlingly impressive in appearance, i.e. stunning.
It is foolish to depend entirely on mundane things.
- A. imported
- B. materialCorrect
- C. attractive
- D. expensive
Explanation
'Mundane' relates to matters of this world, i.e. material things.
Only a pragmatic approach will solve this problem.
- A. constant
- B. rational
- C. practicalCorrect
- D. drastic
Explanation
'Pragmatic' means dealing with things sensibly and practically.
The governor rebutted all allegations against him.
- A. rejected
- B. removed
- C. revoked
- D. refutedCorrect
Explanation
'To rebut' is to refute or disprove an allegation by argument.
He was jailed for failing to obey the court injunction.
- A. law
- B. orderCorrect
- C. fine
- D. proceedings
Explanation
An 'injunction' is a court order requiring someone to do or refrain from doing something.
The World Bank made funds available to the government for poverty alleviation.
- A. reductionCorrect
- B. removal
- C. termination
- D. elimination
Explanation
'Alleviation' means making something such as hardship less severe, i.e. reduction.
The two players protested against the ..........
- A. fitness twice-weekly practice
- B. practice fitness twice-weekly
- C. twice-weekly practice fitness
- D. twice-weekly fitness practiceCorrect
Explanation
'Twice-weekly' is a compound adjective qualifying the noun phrase 'fitness practice'; adjectives precede the noun they qualify.
If I ..........what actually happened, I would have punished him.
- A. had heardCorrect
- B. have had
- C. had had
- D. have heard
Explanation
This is a Type 3 (past) conditional sentence, requiring the past perfect 'had heard' in the if-clause.
She was certainly going to the cinema, ..........?
- A. isn't she
- B. isn't it
- C. wasn't it
- D. wasn't sheCorrect
Explanation
The statement is positive and in the past tense ('was'), so the negative question tag must be 'wasn't she'.
Their ..........house is by the side of the road.
- A. father-in-law'sCorrect
- B. fathers-in-law's
- C. father's-in-law
- D. fathers-in-laws'
Explanation
In a compound noun, the possessive apostrophe + s is added to the last element: 'father-in-law's'.
He ..........his ideas very clearly at meetings.
- A. puts out
- B. puts acrossCorrect
- C. puts away
- D. puts in
Explanation
'To put across' an idea means to express it clearly so people understand it.
Remember to return it to Ruth, ..........hers.
- A. is
- B. it'sCorrect
- C. it
- D. its
Explanation
'It's' is the contracted form of 'it is'; it should not be confused with the possessive 'its'.
I want to know your religious ..........
- A. believe
- B. believing
- C. beliefsCorrect
- D. believes
Explanation
'Belief' is the noun form; 'believe' is the verb. The sentence needs the plural noun 'beliefs'.
The student did the assignment, but not..........the way I expected.
- A. justCorrect
- B. quite
- C. hardly
- D. as
Explanation
'Just' here means 'exactly/precisely' the way expected.
Bola invited Joe and ..........to the show.
- A. I
- B. myself
- C. meCorrect
- D. himself
Explanation
'Me' is the correct objective pronoun to use as the object of the verb 'invited'.
Highlights ..........the events will be televised today.
- A. ofCorrect
- B. for
- C. in
- D. on
Explanation
'Highlights of the events' is the correct prepositional collocation.
When the fire alarm went off, we all ..........the door.
- A. made at
- B. made to
- C. made in
- D. made forCorrect
Explanation
The phrasal verb 'make for' means to move in the direction of something.
Jane has stopped smoking, ..........?
- A. hasn't sheCorrect
- B. didn't she
- C. isn't she
- D. hadn't she
Explanation
The statement uses the auxiliary 'has', so the question tag must use 'hasn't she'.
Graduates find it difficult to secure ..........nowadays.
- A. an employment
- B. employmentCorrect
- C. employments
- D. few employments
Explanation
'Employment' is an uncountable noun and does not take 'a/an' or a plural form.
I'll try to convince him as ..........I can.
- A. bestCorrect
- B. best as
- C. as best
- D. well as
Explanation
'As best I can' is the correct idiomatic expression meaning 'to the best of one's ability'.
..........were classmates in the university.
- A. His sister and ICorrect
- B. Me and his sister
- C. I and his sister
- D. His sister and me
Explanation
As the subject of the sentence, the subjective pronoun 'I' is required, and it is polite to place it after the other person.
Their ..........shop stocks an overwhelming variety of goods.
- A. any
- B. every
- C. anCorrect
- D. a
Explanation
The article 'an' is used because the following word 'overwhelming' begins with a vowel sound.
It's a miracle that the child didn't die after the illness, ..........?
- A. isn't itCorrect
- B. did she
- C. didn't she
- D. wasn't it
Explanation
The statement is positive, using 'is', so the tag question must be the negative 'isn't it'.
It is always good to live ..........one's means.
- A. with in
- B. withinCorrect
- C. inside
- D. under
Explanation
'Within one's means' is the correct idiom meaning to live inside one's financial capacity.
How I wish she ..........the books before Tunde arrived.
- A. had seenCorrect
- B. saw
- C. has seen
- D. was seeing
Explanation
Sequence of tense: since 'arrived' is simple past, the earlier action needs the past perfect 'had seen'.
He is certainly the ..........man in this party.
- A. most offendedCorrect
- B. more offended
- C. more offended than
- D. offended
Explanation
'Most offended' is the correct superlative form used when comparing among three or more people.
To ..........did you speak?
- A. who
- B. whomCorrect
- C. which
- D. that
Explanation
'Whom' is the relative/interrogative pronoun used in the objective case, sometimes preceded by a preposition.
..........all probability, the strike will be called off today.
- A. Through
- B. InCorrect
- C. by
- D. At
Explanation
'In all probability' is the correct idiomatic expression meaning 'very likely'.
Amao..........his master in every way.
- A. takes afterCorrect
- B. takes over
- C. takes up
- D. takes on
Explanation
The phrasal verb 'take after' means to resemble or behave like somebody else.
He ran..............that the defenders couldn't catch up with him.
- A. very fast
- B. much faster
- C. so faster
- D. so fastCorrect
Explanation
The intensifier 'so' requires 'that' to complete the sentence, i.e. 'so fast that...'.
I told them I would come back as soon as I ..........
- A. should
- B. can
- C. couldCorrect
- D. will
Explanation
The reported speech uses the past tense of 'can', which is 'could', maintaining sequence of tense.
Isn't it high time we..........?
- A. startedCorrect
- B. start eating
- C. had started eating
- D. start
Explanation
'It's high time' or 'it's time' is followed by a verb in the simple past tense.
The reason he gave,..............., was most unconvincing.
- A. which he had no money
- B. since he had no money
- C. that he had no moneyCorrect
- D. for he had no money
Explanation
The noun clause 'that he had no money' correctly explains 'the reason' as its complement.
Sometimes minor incidents in our lives stand out because we cherish..........
- A. it
- B. many
- C. none
- D. themCorrect
Explanation
'Them' correctly substitutes for the plural noun 'minor incidents'.
An act of cleanliness is to dispose ...........useless items.
- A. away
- B. ofCorrect
- C. with
- D. off
Explanation
'To dispose of' something means to get rid of or throw it away.
Two of his ........left for Europe.
- A. friend
- B. friend's
- C. friends'
- D. friendsCorrect
Explanation
The plural noun 'friends' is required since 'two of' precedes it.
Within the last quarter of the twentieth century, medical experts have been laying emphasis on .....71..... rather than .....72.....measures.
- A. effective
- B. protective
- C. defensive
- D. preventiveCorrect
Explanation
'Preventive' measures aim to stop disease before it occurs, which fits the context of modern health emphasis.
Through primary health care programmes, people have been taught about .....72.....measures.
- A. curativeCorrect
- B. healing
- C. corrective
- D. anaesthetic
Explanation
'Curative' measures are those capable of curing or restoring health, contrasted with preventive measures.
When an individual .....73.....a disease, he has to see a doctor.
- A. acquires
- B. contractsCorrect
- C. contacts
- D. develops
Explanation
'To contract' a disease means to catch or develop an illness.
...he has to see a doctor for .....74.....
- A. consultationCorrect
- B. interaction
- C. discussion
- D. instruction
Explanation
'Consultation' refers to the work of a doctor/expert providing professional advice or service.
At times, the doctor finds it difficult to .....75.....the disease during examination.
- A. explain
- B. discover
- C. diagnoseCorrect
- D. detect
Explanation
'To diagnose' means to identify a disease through examination, tests, and interview.
...because many diseases have similar .....76......
- A. signs
- B. indications
- C. symptomsCorrect
- D. dues
Explanation
'Symptom' is an indication of a disease, such as pain, fever or dizziness.
...the patient is either asked to go to the .....77.....for one test or the other.
- A. pharmacy
- B. infirmary
- C. ward
- D. laboratoryCorrect
Explanation
A 'laboratory' is a place for scientific research and testing, where medical tests are carried out.
...or he would have......78......taken to help the doctor find out what is happening internally.
- A. an image
- B. an x-rayCorrect
- C. a photograph
- D. a film
Explanation
An 'x-ray' is a photographic image produced using x-rays, used to see inside the body.
It is after all these that the doctor can......79......some drugs for the individual.
- A. prescribeCorrect
- B. write
- C. select
- D. dictate
Explanation
'To prescribe' a drug means to order a specific course of treatment for a patient.
...and perhaps give some......80......
- A. medicine
- B. dose
- C. drug
- D. injectionCorrect
Explanation
An 'injection' is a dose of liquid drug administered into the body with a syringe.
lynch
- A. flee
- B. dye
- C. you
- D. lickCorrect
Explanation
The word 'lynch' has the short vowel sound /ɪ/, also realized in 'lick'.
said
- A. paid
- B. buy
- C. manyCorrect
- D. ham
Explanation
The word 'said' has the short vowel sound /e/, also realized in 'many'.
dance
- A. dunce
- B. auntCorrect
- C. friend
- D. mace
Explanation
The word 'dance' has the short vowel sound /ɑ/, also realized in 'aunt'.
core
nook
- A. noon
- B. poor
- C. goodCorrect
- D. food
Explanation
The word 'nook' has the short vowel sound /ʊ/, also realized in 'good'.
doubt
- A. nought
- B. roundCorrect
- C. rough
- D. drove
Explanation
The word 'doubt' has the diphthong /aʊ/, also realized in 'round'.
hut
- A. knob
- B. rot
- C. bought
- D. tonneCorrect
Explanation
The word 'hut' has the vowel sound /ʌ/, also realized in 'tonne'.
alert
- A. pearlCorrect
- B. percent
- C. heart
- D. check
Explanation
The word 'alert' has the vowel sound /ɜ:/, also realized in 'pearl'.
believe
- A. lie
- B. quayCorrect
- C. lettuce
- D. kick
Explanation
The word 'believe' has the long vowel sound /i:/, also realized in 'quay'.
beauty
- A. good
- B. courier
- C. put
- D. fewCorrect
Explanation
The word 'beauty' has the sound /ju:/, also realized in 'few'.
white
- A. pair
- B. hit
- C. byeCorrect
- D. writ
Explanation
The word 'white' has the diphthong /aɪ/, also realized in 'bye'.
here
- A. chair
- B. weirdCorrect
- C. care
- D. pair
Explanation
The word 'here' has the sound /ɪə/, also realized in 'weird'.
soul
- A. how
- B. plough
- C. boatCorrect
- D. buoy
Explanation
The word 'soul' has the diphthong /əʊ/, also realized in 'boat'.
boot
- A. louse
- B. bull
- C. cook
- D. ruseCorrect
Explanation
The word 'boot' has the long vowel /u:/, also realized in 'ruse'.
fall
- A. power
- B. dole
- C. dawnCorrect
- D. pull
Explanation
The word 'fall' has the long vowel /ɔ:/, also realized in 'dawn'.
order
- A. another
- B. madeCorrect
- C. wedge
- D. flunked
Explanation
The word 'order' has the consonant sound /d/, also realized in 'made'.
joy
- A. ahoyCorrect
- B. huge
- C. you
- D. bagged
Explanation
The word 'joy' has the consonant sound /dʒ/, also realized in 'ahoy'.
chunk
- A. choir
- B. chemise
- C. matchesCorrect
- D. show
Explanation
The word 'chunk' has the consonant sound /tʃ/, also realized in 'matches'.
pressure
- A. sour
- B. beige
- C. wash
- D. measureCorrect
Explanation
The word 'pressure' has the consonant sound /ʒ/, also realized in 'measure'.
easy
- A. loss
- B. phaseCorrect
- C. curse
- D. last
Explanation
The word 'easy' has the consonant sound /z/, also realized in 'phase'.
method
- A. brother
- B. batheCorrect
- C. though
- D. breathe
Explanation
The word 'method' has the consonant sound /θ/, also realized in 'bathe'.
reverse
- A. aisle
- B. debris
- C. castCorrect
- D. boys
Explanation
The word 'reverse' has the consonant sound /s/, also realized in 'cast'.
gang
- A. gene
- B. gist
- C. tagCorrect
- D. merge
Explanation
The word 'gang' has the consonant sound /g/, also realized in 'tag'.
supper
- A. psychic
- B. elephant
- C. tripCorrect
- D. psalm
Explanation
The word 'supper' has the consonant sound /p/, also realized in 'trip'.
beige
- A. gag
- B. genreCorrect
- C. gem
- D. lough
Explanation
The word 'beige' has the consonant sound /ʒ/, also realized in 'genre'.
long
- A. plunge
- B. chunkCorrect
- C. binge
- D. dawn
Explanation
The word 'long' has the consonant sound /ŋ/, also realized in 'chunk'.
bask
- A. slacks
- B. basqueCorrect
- C. lacks
- D. axed
Explanation
The word 'bask' has the consonant cluster /sk/, also realized in 'basque'.
then
- A. month
- B. three
- C. thunder
- D. thusCorrect
Explanation
The word 'then' has the consonant sound /ð/, also realized in 'thus'.
split
- A. sprint
- B. spilt
- C. splendourCorrect
- D. spill
Explanation
The word 'split' has the consonant cluster /spl/, also realized in 'splendour'.
black
- A. knead
- B. know
- C. scene
- D. echoCorrect
Explanation
The word 'black' has the consonant sound /k/, also realized in 'echo'.
hatch
- A. stash
- B. matchCorrect
- C. chain
- D. chat
Explanation
'Hatch' rhymes with 'match'; other rhyming words include batch and latch.
roam
- A. come
- B. done
- C. homeCorrect
- D. from
Explanation
'Roam' rhymes with 'home'; other rhyming words include chrome and dome.
callow
- A. colour
- B. brow
- C. allow
- D. shallowCorrect
Explanation
'Callow' rhymes with 'shallow'; other rhyming words include fallow and wallow.
fasted
- A. instead
- B. lastedCorrect
- C. harves
- D. practised
Explanation
'Fasted' rhymes with 'lasted'.
lose
- A. shoesCorrect
- B. loose
- C. dole
- D. pull
Explanation
'Lose' rhymes with 'shoes' /uːz/.
institution
- A. IN-sti-tu-tion
- B. in-STI-tu-tion
- C. in-sti-TU-tionCorrect
- D. in-sti-tu-TION
Explanation
'Institution' is correctly stressed as in-sti-TU-tion.
spectacular
- A. SPEC-tac-u-lar
- B. spec-TAC-u-larCorrect
- C. spec-tac-U-lar
- D. spec-tac-u-LAR
Explanation
'Spectacular' is correctly stressed as spec-TAC-u-lar.
parochial
- A. PA-ro-chi-al
- B. pa-RO-chi-alCorrect
- C. pa-ro-CHI-al
- D. pa-ro-chi-AL
Explanation
'Parochial' is correctly stressed as pa-RO-chi-al.
curriculum
- A. CUR-ric-u-lum
- B. cur-RIC-u-lumCorrect
- C. cur-ric-U-lum
- D. cur-ric-u-LUM
Explanation
'Curriculum' is correctly stressed as cur-RIC-u-lum.
affidavit
- A. AFF-i-da-vit
- B. aff-I-da-vit
- C. aff-i-DA-vitCorrect
- D. aff-i-da-VIT
Explanation
'Affidavit' is correctly stressed as aff-i-DA-vit.
Which word has a stress pattern different from the others?
- A. public
- B. concernCorrect
- C. centre
- D. people
Explanation
'Concern' (con-CERN) is stressed on the second syllable, while the others are stressed on the first.
Which word has a stress pattern different from the others?
- A. standard
- B. beauty
- C. statement
- D. regainCorrect
Explanation
'Regain' (re-GAIN) is stressed on the second syllable, while the others are stressed on the first.
Which word has a stress pattern different from the others?
- A. discomfort
- B. aggressive
- C. qualityCorrect
- D. depended
Explanation
'Quality' (QUA-li-ty) is stressed on the first syllable, while the others are stressed on the second.
Which word has a stress pattern different from the others?
- A. confess
- B. festive
- C. justiceCorrect
- D. haughty
Explanation
'Justice' (JUS-tice) is stressed on the first syllable while, in this set, it differs from the pattern of the others.
Which word has a stress pattern different from the others?
- A. foster
- B. manner
- C. cadetCorrect
- D. guardian
Explanation
'Cadet' (ca-DET) is stressed on the second syllable, while the others are stressed on the first.
HE is the press photographer.
- A. Is she the press photographer?Correct
- B. Was he the press photographer?
- C. Is he the museum photographer?
- D. Is he the press editor?
Explanation
The emphatic stress on 'HE' answers a question distinguishing him from someone else, i.e. 'Is she...?'.
His cousin is usually HOSPITABLE to strangers.
- A. Is his mother usually hospitable to strangers?
- B. Is his cousin usually hostile to strangers?Correct
- C. Is his cousin seldom hospitable to strangers?
- D. Is his cousin usually hospitable to foes?
Explanation
The emphatic stress on 'HOSPITABLE' contrasts it with its opposite, 'hostile'.
The FRENCH village is located in Badagry.
- A. Is the German village located in Badagry?Correct
- B. Is the French village located in the French embassy?
- C. Is the French village located in Ikoyi?
- D. Was the French village located in Badagry?
Explanation
The emphatic stress on 'FRENCH' contrasts it with another nationality, e.g. 'German'.
John's father was PROMOTED yesterday.
- A. Was Peter's father promoted yesterday?
- B. Was John's father promoted yesterday?
- C. Was John's father sacked yesterday?Correct
- D. Was John's father promoted last year?
Explanation
The emphatic stress on 'PROMOTED' contrasts it with its opposite, 'sacked'.
The principal punished the students for being DISHONEST.
- A. Did the principal punish the students for being dishonest?
- B. Did the principal praise the students for being dishonest?
- C. Did the principal punish the students for being sincere?Correct
- D. Did the principal punish the teachers for being dishonest?
Explanation
The emphatic stress on 'DISHONEST' contrasts it with its opposite, 'sincere'.
/ɑ:/
- A. pat
- B. angry
- C. larkCorrect
- D. prank
Explanation
The word 'lark' contains the long vowel sound /ɑ:/.
/ʌ/
- A. sport
- B. coat
- C. could
- D. floodCorrect
Explanation
The word 'flood' contains the vowel sound /ʌ/.
/aʊ/
- A. fraught
- B. ploughCorrect
- C. fracas
- D. bat
Explanation
The word 'plough' contains the diphthong /aʊ/.
/w/
- A. wrought
- B. wireCorrect
- C. awe
- D. know
Explanation
The word 'wire' contains the consonant sound /w/.
/tʃ/
- A. shock
- B. botchedCorrect
- C. machine
- D. machine
Explanation
The word 'botched' contains the consonant sound /tʃ/.
/k/
- A. champagne
- B. knife
- C. knit
- D. chorusCorrect
Explanation
The word 'chorus' contains the consonant sound /k/.
/ɪə/
- A. pair
- B. lure
- C. lower
- D. peerCorrect
Explanation
The word 'peer' contains the vowel sound /ɪə/.
/ð/
- A. thought
- B. den
- C. theirCorrect
- D. thank
Explanation
The word 'their' contains the consonant sound /ð/.
/z/
- A. insist
- B. lure
- C. persist
- D. resistCorrect
Explanation
The word 'resist' contains the consonant sound /z/.
/ɪ/
- A. key
- B. brief
- C. guiltCorrect
- D. seize
Explanation
The word 'guilt' contains the vowel sound /ɪ/.
While Mr. Ade is ________, his son is a novice.
- A. enlightened
- B. competent
- C. clever
- D. experiencedCorrect
Explanation
'Experienced' is opposite in meaning to 'novice' (a beginner).
It is better to use ________ rather than persuasion to get witnesses to court.
- A. effort
- B. coercionCorrect
- C. influence
- D. pressure
Explanation
'Coercion' (forcing) is opposite in meaning to 'persuasion' (convincing willingly).
The animosity between Fatou and Sheku is shocking, considering the ________ they once shared.
- A. company
- B. friendshipCorrect
- C. peace
- D. understanding
Explanation
'Friendship' is opposite in meaning to 'animosity' (strong hostility).
The reckless driver was admonished to be ________.
- A. cautiousCorrect
- B. responsible
- C. reliable
- D. considerate
Explanation
'Cautious' is opposite in meaning to 'reckless' (careless).
The old man rebuked the thug and his children ________ him for doing so.
All drivers were enjoined to obtain genuine and not ________ licences.
- A. artificial
- B. fraudulent
- C. fakeCorrect
- D. substandard
Explanation
'Fake' is opposite in meaning to 'genuine' and is the natural collocation with 'licences'.
There was an agitation for ________ law on libel to be re-enacted.
- A. enforced
- B. repealedCorrect
- C. rejected
- D. cancelled
Explanation
'Repealed' (formally cancelled) is opposite in meaning to 're-enacted' (brought back into force).
The two political parties live today in ________ after four years of hostility.
- A. amityCorrect
- B. agreement
- C. freedom
- D. happiness
Explanation
'Amity' (friendship, peace) is opposite in meaning to 'hostility'.
The champions were elated after the tournament while their opponents looked ________.
- A. baffled
- B. dejectedCorrect
- C. pitiful
- D. frightened
Explanation
'Dejected' (sad) is opposite in meaning to 'elated' (very happy).
That engineer was said to have used inferior rather than ________ materials in the construction of the collapsed building.
- A. excellent
- B. recommended
- C. qualityCorrect
- D. exceptional
Explanation
'Quality' materials is opposite in meaning to 'inferior' materials, and is the standard collocation tested.
I could not read what he wrote because his handwriting was ________.
- A. tiny
- B. eligible
- C. untidy
- D. illegibleCorrect
Explanation
'Illegible' means unable to be read, which fits the context.
When all the items on the agenda had been discussed, the meeting was ________.
- A. dismissed
- B. postponed
- C. adjournedCorrect
- D. dissolved
Explanation
A meeting that concludes after its business is done is 'adjourned'.
Occasionally, universities award ________ degrees to outstanding personalities.
- A. ceremonial
- B. honoraryCorrect
- C. temporary
- D. respectable
Explanation
An 'honorary' degree is one awarded as an honour, without the usual academic requirements.
His thoughtlessness is simply beyond ________.
- A. idea
- B. assurance
- C. beliefCorrect
- D. fate
Explanation
'Beyond belief' is the correct idiom meaning extremely surprising or hard to accept.
Many doctors have ________ to western countries for better opportunities.
- A. migratedCorrect
- B. relocated
- C. travelled
- D. immigrated
Explanation
'Migrated' correctly describes doctors moving from their home country to another.
The younger brother insisted that he should be a ________ to the account.
- A. partner
- B. signatoryCorrect
- C. guarantor
- D. participant
Explanation
A 'signatory' is one who signs a document such as a bank account mandate.
The military was able to ________ the plan to overthrow the government.
- A. fight
- B. disrupt
- C. thwartCorrect
- D. disturb
Explanation
'Thwart' means to prevent someone from accomplishing something, fitting the context of stopping a coup plan.
She gave her poem to her teacher to ________ for the school magazine.
- A. read
- B. editCorrect
- C. correct
- D. label
Explanation
'Edit' means to prepare a piece of writing for publication.
Freedom of movement is a ________ right of every citizen.
- A. negotiated
- B. fundamentalCorrect
- C. privileged
- D. foremost
Explanation
'Fundamental' rights are basic rights guaranteed to all citizens.
The governor granted the political prisoners ________.
- A. acquittal
- B. amnestyCorrect
- C. asylum
- D. bail
Explanation
'Amnesty' is an official pardon granted especially to political offenders.
The recruits are under his tutelage. This means that he
- A. assigns work to them
- B. trains themCorrect
- C. disciplines them at work
- D. protects them
Explanation
'Tutelage' means guidance and instruction, i.e. training.
He listened attentively to her cock-and-bull story. This means that she told
- A. a terrifying story
- B. an interesting story
- C. an incredible storyCorrect
- D. a lot of folktales
Explanation
A 'cock-and-bull story' is an unbelievable, far-fetched (incredible) story.
He has left the country for good this time. This means that he
- A. will never come backCorrect
- B. left for better conditions
- C. became an adventurer
- D. will improve his credentials
Explanation
'For good' means permanently, i.e. he will not return.
The bus driver smelt a rat when an unregistered vehicle trailed him for several kilometers. This means that the bus driver
- A. increased his speed
- B. became nervous
- C. became suspiciousCorrect
- D. alerted the passengers
Explanation
'To smell a rat' means to become suspicious that something is wrong.
The newly employed workers were remunerated handsomely. This means that
- A. both old and new workers were paid
- B. only newly employed workers were paid
- C. the salaries of the new workers were attractiveCorrect
- D. the salaries of the new workers were paid promptly
Explanation
'Remunerated handsomely' means paid generously/attractively.
The chairman has come under fire over this project. This means that the chairman has been
- A. highly praised
- B. severely criticizedCorrect
- C. given the go-ahead
- D. charged to court
Explanation
'To come under fire' means to be strongly criticized.
The ugly incidents of Civil War are water under the bridge. This means that the incidents
- A. continue to haunt us
- B. have been experienced again
- C. have been forgottenCorrect
- D. cannot be wished away
Explanation
'Water under the bridge' refers to past events that are over and no longer significant, i.e. forgotten.
My heart was in my mouth as I tried to open the envelope. This means that as I opened the envelope, I was
- A. very happy
- B. quite eager
- C. deeply disappointed
- D. extremely afraidCorrect
Explanation
'Heart in one's mouth' is an idiom describing extreme fear or anxiety.
Throughout the long argument, the minister maintained his ground over the claim. This means that the minister
- A. accepted his error
- B. refused to change his standCorrect
- C. said different things
- D. did not consider every view
Explanation
'Maintained his ground' means he stood firm and did not change his position.