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JAMB English Language 2010 Objective Past Questions

All 100 questions from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) English Language 2010 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.

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English Language 2010 Objective — Question 1

Which Use of English Question Paper Type is given to you?

  • A. Type A
  • B. Type B
  • C. Type C
  • D. Type DCorrect

Explanation

This is a Type D Use of English question paper, as indicated on the paper's header.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 2

PASSAGE I (Spaceship Earth). Read the passage and answer questions 2-5. One of the interesting things to me about spaceship is that it is a mechanical vehicle, just as is an automobile. If you own a car, you realize that you must put oil and gas into it, and you must put water in the radiator and take care of the car as a whole. You begin to develop quite a little thermodynamic sense. You know that you are either going to have to keep the machine in a good order or it is going to be in trouble and fail to function. We have not been seeing our Spaceship Earth as an integrally-designed machine which to be persistently successful, must be comprehended and serviced in total. Now there is one outstanding important fact regarding Spaceship Earth and that is that no instruction book came with it... Adapted from Oluikpe, B.O. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary School Onitsha: AFP. 2. According to the writer, the exciting thing about A. Spaceship Earth is that it

  • A. has no instruction manualCorrect
  • B. is not difficult to maintain
  • C. is peculiar to other automobiles
  • D. is relatively easy to operate

Explanation

It is explicitly stated in the first paragraph that the writer has compared the maintenance of the spaceship earth to that of a car in order to show that the maintenance of the spaceship earth is not different from the maintenance of a car.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 3

The absence of instruction manual in Spaceship Earth has

  • A. made the operation of the Spaceship Earth difficult
  • B. forced man to devise other means of travelling in spacecraft
  • C. challenged man's inquisitivenessCorrect
  • D. made man helpless

Explanation

Instruction has forced us to find out that there are two kinds of mangoes: unripe mangoes that will kill us and ripe mangoes which will nourish us. Figuratively, it usage in this context is to mean human inquisitiveness is challenges.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 4

From the passage, it can be deduced that man

  • A. learns by experiment and deductionCorrect
  • B. learn by chance and accidentally
  • C. is incapable of solving all his problems
  • D. by his nature is in constant search of knowledge

Explanation

It can be deduced from the passage that man knows and learns through scientific experiments and the ability to interpret the significance of the experimental findings.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 5

The writer's mood in the passage is that of

  • A. committal
  • B. pessimism
  • C. optimismCorrect
  • D. frustration

Explanation

It can be inferred from the passage that the writer displays a sense of hope (optimism) towards the workings of the spaceship earth. He is optimistic about it.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 6

PASSAGE II (Stress). Read the passage and answer questions 6-10. Stress is by far the most common cause of ill health in our society and may bathe underlying cause of as many as 70-80% of all visits to family doctors. It is also the problem that every doctor shares with patients. Experts note that stress is an issue everyone can relate to experientially... 6. The expression 'stress is an issue everybody can relate to experientially' means that

  • A. it is better understood when experiencedCorrect
  • B. its problem can be solved by everybody
  • C. everybody avoids it
  • D. everybody encounters it

Explanation

The expression established the position of experts that one can only understand stress better having experience; without the will be no better understanding.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 7

Which of the following is true according to the passage?

  • A. Stress is mostly caused by internal factors
  • B. Stress can only be avoided during relaxation
  • C. Stress is better handled by the individualCorrect
  • D. The issue of 'stress' can be solved with no effort

Explanation

The writer's position in the passage is that every individual needs to handle their stress as it is only the person experiencing it that can understand and handle it effectively.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 8

According to the passage, the major step in controlling stress is

  • A. changing one's attitude to stressors
  • B. understanding the history of the disease
  • C. visiting family doctors for checkup and treatment
  • D. constant exercise to dissipate every energyCorrect

Explanation

In the fifth paragraph, it was stated that the major step in controlling stress is through exercise; which, according to the passage, is the most logical way to dissipate the excess energy.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 9

The experts feel one can control one's stress because

  • A. its causes are understandable
  • B. it is not difficult to control
  • C. external factors contribute less to stress
  • D. it is individually initiatedCorrect

Explanation

It is evident in the first sentence of paragraph three and the second sentence of the same paragraph, which states that 'we create the majority of our upsets indicating that because we cause most of our own stress, we can do something about it', that stress is individually initiated as evident in the position of the experts that one can control one's own stress because they believe that everyone causes their own stress.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 10

From the passage, it can be deduced that stress is A. hormonal disorder in the body system B. individually induced bodily reaction to internal problems C. bodily reaction to external factors D. bodily reaction to external factors

  • A. hormonal disorder in the body system
  • B. individually induced bodily reaction to internal problems
  • C. bodily reaction to external factors
  • D. a bodily reaction that varies by personCorrect

Explanation

It can be inferred from the passage that stress is the reaction of the organisms in the body to external force such as 'pressure at work' or 'rush-hour traffic' as evident in the fourth paragraph.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 11

PASSAGE III (Corruption). Read the passage and answer questions 11-15. There are many indicators with which to assess or measure corruption. One of them is the affluent living habit of the public official compared to his/her income. Corruption occurs when a public official expects to be induced to perform an act which that public official is ordinarily required to do by law. Corruption can slow down development... Adapted from VANGUARD., 19th March, 2008. 11. According to the writer, corruption is triggered off by

  • A. unnecessary affluence
  • B. selfish interestsCorrect
  • C. private officials
  • D. public officers

Explanation

The writer posits that the selfishness of public officials who are expected to live and be guided by the law triggers off corruption, in the sense that they embezzle money meant for the masses for their personal use.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 12

From the passage, one of the consequences of corruption is that

  • A. large projects are executed
  • B. it is beneficial to wealthy people who stole public wealth
  • C. it impede the progress of a nationCorrect
  • D. people get what they want with so much money to spend

Explanation

In the first sentence of paragraph two, one of the consequences of corruption stated is that it slows down the pace of development of a nation.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 13

Who, according to the writer, should prevent corruption?

  • A. Lawyers and police
  • B. Corrupt public officers
  • C. The governmentCorrect
  • D. The people

Explanation

In the last paragraph or the final paragraph, the writer challenges the government as a global measure against corruption to tackle corruption by providing more effective measure and means.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 14

Which of the following is an indication of ethical standard of governance?

  • A. Fundamental human right
  • B. Socioeconomic instability
  • C. Democratic governanceCorrect
  • D. Bloated expenditure

Explanation

The writer's position in the passage is that democratic governance allows the yearnings of the citizens which allow the sensitivity towards the pains by producing many citizen-oriented policies which is an indication of ethical standard of governance.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 15

The essence of fighting corruption, according to the passage, is to

  • A. send the corrupt to goal
  • B. promote good governanceCorrect
  • C. punish corrupt politicians
  • D. make people richer

Explanation

According to the writer, the rationale or essence of fighting corruption is to promote good governance, which is very crucial to the political and economic well-being of the citizens.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 16

PASSAGE IV (Drought - gap fill). The passage below has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap. Drought is a word that invokes strong emotions. This is not surprising as the ...16... [ ] is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant developments. 16. Fill the gap. A. ideology B. phenomenon C. idea D. component

  • A. ideology
  • B. phenomenonCorrect
  • C. idea
  • D. component

Explanation

'Drought' is a natural disaster in the human world like earthquake, hurricane, flood, etc. In this context, it is a natural phenomenon.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 17

These developments have ...17... [ ] for all citizens, starting from the peasant farmers to the state and federal governments which may be plunged into emergency and crisis situations.

  • A. feedback
  • B. results
  • C. implicationsCorrect
  • D. outcomes

Explanation

The implication of the unpleasant development of drought is the resultant effect of the unpleasant development of drought.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 18

which, if not successfully ...18... [ ] could result in social unrest.

  • A. managedCorrect
  • B. manipulated
  • C. examined
  • D. studied

Explanation

'Managed' - that is to say social unrest could result if not successfully controlled.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 19

The timeliness of the onset of the rains in various regions of the country and their adequate distribution thereafter have become ...19... [ ] of considerable anxiety to all people.

  • A. objects
  • B. subjects
  • C. issuesCorrect
  • D. topics

Explanation

'Issues' - this means that the timeliness of the onset of the rain in various regions of the country and their distribution are things and area of anxiety to all people.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 20

The fact, however, is that periodic reduction in the normal ...20... [ ] of rainfall in the country is not new.

  • A. amountCorrect
  • B. supply
  • C. size
  • D. flood

Explanation

'Amount' - the insufficient amount of rainfall in the country, paving way for 'drought'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 21

Since large areas of the country are drought prone, the consequences are ...21... [ ].

  • A. effective
  • B. disastrousCorrect
  • C. evident
  • D. inevitable

Explanation

'Disastrous' - this is due to large areas of country which are prone to 'drought', outcome, and effects usually pose danger, destructions and evils.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 22

There are two aspects of coping with drought. One has to do with emergency measures and the other with ...22... [ ] measures.

  • A. routineCorrect
  • B. organized
  • C. urgent
  • D. delayed

Explanation

'Routine' - the first is the emergency measures, and routine (not immediate but continual) measures to drought.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 23

An immediate consequence of any drought would be famine. In addition, where whole populations are forced to abandon their lands or pastures in search of food, there are bound to be other lasting and ...23... [ ] consequences such as distress, sales of cattle by livestock owners in order to buy food.

  • A. longitudinal
  • B. objective
  • C. simultaneous
  • D. parallelCorrect

Explanation

'Parallel' - long lasting and parallel (that is, not effective but corresponding) consequences of drought.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 24

Government should provide farmers with agricultural inputs and ensure that they have easy access to these inputs under the relief ...24... [ ]. Emergency measures will be much more ...25... [A. normal B. idealistic C. effective D. —] if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought.

  • A. action
  • B. process
  • C. scheme
  • D. planCorrect

Explanation

'Plan' - the relief measures being provided by government to farmers under such an emergency relief plan.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 25

Emergency measures will be much more ...25... if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought.

  • A. normal
  • B. idealistic
  • C. effectiveCorrect
  • D. useful

Explanation

'Effective' - emergency measures will be more result-oriented if a mechanism is established to ensure preparedness.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 26

LEXIS, STRUCTURE AND ORAL FORMS. In each of questions 26 to 35, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. 26. Though Mr. Iro is our new chairman, he views other members with jaundiced eye.

  • A. He takes a rather forceful position on dealing with his members
  • B. He takes an unfavourable position concerning his membersCorrect
  • C. He takes a sickly view of his members
  • D. He takes a rather hazy view of his members

Explanation

To view something with a 'jaundiced eye' means not expecting somebody or something to be good or useful, especially because of something that you have had in the past.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 27

People are not interested in who rules them.

  • A. People are not ruled by the leaders they want
  • B. People are not concerned about who rules themCorrect
  • C. The rulers are not concerned about the people
  • D. People who rule are not interested in the ruled

Explanation

People are not concerned about whoever rules them.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 28

It is always good to steer a middle course in whatever one does.

  • A. It is always good to get midway in anything one does
  • B. It is always good to act with moderationCorrect
  • C. It is always good to move away from the forefront
  • D. It is always good to work very hard

Explanation

'To steer a middle course' is an idiomatic expression which means to take or find an acceptable course of action that avoids two positions.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 29

The witness said he had no axe to grind with his brothers.

  • A. He had no hatred for the brothersCorrect
  • B. He had no axe and therefore stole the matchet
  • C. He had no axe and therefore borrowed their matchet
  • D. He had no vested interest in the brothers

Explanation

'To have an axe to grind' is an idiomatic expression that means to have some selfish objectives in view. In the context of this sentence, it is said that 'he had no axe to grind', therefore, the closest interpretation is 'A'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 30

The footballers moved with their tails between their legs.

  • A. They moved happily because they won the match
  • B. They were unhappy because they had been despised by their opponents
  • C. They were ashamed because they had been defeatedCorrect
  • D. They moved with their tails between their legs

Explanation

'A tail between one's leg' is an idiomatic expression which means to feel ashamed or unhappy because one has been defeated or punished.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 31

The headmaster managed to talk his way out of having to give a speech.

  • A. He delivered a speech despite the difficulty
  • B. He managed to give a speech out of a difficult situation
  • C. He managed to get himself out of a difficult situationCorrect
  • D. He managed to talk on his way

Explanation

'To talk your way out of something' is an idiomatic expression that means to make excuses and give reasons for not doing something.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 32

As regards the matter, we have crossed the rubicon.

  • A. We are completely at a loss
  • B. We are irrevocably committedCorrect
  • C. We are already qualified
  • D. We are perfectly committed

Explanation

'Crossing the Rubicon' is an idiomatic expression that means the point at which a decision that had been taken can no longer be changed.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 33

Uche is full of himself.

  • A. He is conceitedCorrect
  • B. He is complete
  • C. He is a rich man
  • D. He is careful

Explanation

'Being full of oneself' is an idiomatic expression, which means very proud, thinking only for yourself.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 34

As debutants in that tournament, the Super Eagles were up against their first opponents by three goals to nil.

  • A. The Super Eagles were playing in the tournament for the first time, but they won their first match by three goals to nothingCorrect
  • B. Though the Super Eagles were rated as the weakest side in the tournament, they won their first match by three goals to nil
  • C. Even though the Super Eagles were playing without some of their regulars, they won their match by three goals to nil
  • D. As the best attackers in the match, the Super Eagles easily defeated their opponents by three goals to nothing

Explanation

The Super Eagles were playing in the tournament for the first time, but they won their first match by three goals to nothing. This means that the Super Eagles won their match by beating their opponents three goals to nothing though it was their first time at the tournament.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 35

The woman was mournful as her husband was found dead drunk.

  • A. She was sad because her husband was absolutely drunkCorrect
  • B. She was apprehensive that her husband would drink again as soon as he recovered from the drunken stupor
  • C. She was sad because her husband was drunk and always as helpless as a dead man
  • D. She was mourning because her husband drank and died

Explanation

She was sad because her husband was absolutely drunk. 'To be dead drunk' is an idiomatic expression, which means drink to a stupor or state of unconsciousness.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 36

OPPOSITE IN MEANING. In each of questions 36 to 50, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics. 36. I am optimistic about the interview though it was a mind-bending exercise.

  • A. an enervating
  • B. a debilitating
  • C. a difficult
  • D. an easyCorrect

Explanation

The adjective 'mind-bending' means having a strong affection on your mind. The opposite is 'being easy' or something less effective.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 37

The trader was amused by the cut-throat rush for the goods.

  • A. worrisome
  • B. lack lustreCorrect
  • C. strange
  • D. mad

Explanation

The adjective 'cut-throat' has to do with an activity in which people compete with each other in aggressive and unfair ways. Aggressive rush for goods. The opposite is lacklustre, which in this context means not having special merit, attention or interest.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 38

The teacher said that Au's essay was full of many redundant details.

  • A. unexplained
  • B. strange
  • C. necessaryCorrect
  • D. useful

Explanation

The adjective 'redundant' is used to refer to what is not needed or useful, useless, superfluous, over, superabundant, etc. The opposite is 'necessary'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 39

His father surmounted the myriad of obstacles on his way.

  • A. most
  • B. fewCorrect
  • C. all
  • D. many

Explanation

The noun 'myriad' means an extremely large number of something; multitudinous, manifold, innumerable, uncounted, etc. The opposite is few.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 40

Her ingenuous smile drew our attention.

  • A. witty
  • B. naive
  • C. clever
  • D. arrogantCorrect

Explanation

The adjective 'ingenuous' means honest, innocent, and willing to trust people; open, open-hearted, plain, simple-minded, sincere, single-minded, straightforward, transparent, etc. The opposite in this context is arrogant.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 41

Ndeni gave a flawless speech at the party.

  • A. a wonderful
  • B. a careless
  • C. an interesting
  • D. an imperfectCorrect

Explanation

The adjective 'flawless' means ideas without mistakes or fault and therefore perfect. The opposite is 'imperfect'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 42

Beneath Ados guff exterior, he's really very kind-hearted.

  • A. niceCorrect
  • B. harsh
  • C. rough
  • D. gentle

Explanation

The noun 'guff' means ideas or talk that you think are stupid, nonsense, etc. The opposite means 'nice'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 43

The captain says sports is being debased by commercial sponsorship.

  • A. localized
  • B. perverted
  • C. elevated
  • D. overvaluedCorrect

Explanation

The verb 'debase' means to make something less valuable or of less respect; devalue, adulterate, alloy, deteriorate, impair, injure, reduce, vitiate etc. The opposite is overvalued.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 44

Governing a country is not always as straight forward as people sometimes imagine.

  • A. complicatedCorrect
  • B. troublesome
  • C. untoward
  • D. irksome

Explanation

The adjective 'straightforward' means easy do or understand, not complicated. The opposite is complicated.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 45

The crowd was very receptive to the speaker's suggestion.

  • A. disobedient
  • B. repellentCorrect
  • C. alert
  • D. hostile

Explanation

The adjective 'receptive' means willing to listen to or accept new ideas or suggestions; responsive etc. The opposite is 'repellant' which means very unpleasant or causing dislike; repulsive.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 46

There was a general acquiescence on the new drug law.

  • A. resistanceCorrect
  • B. discrepancy
  • C. compromise
  • D. agreement

Explanation

The noun 'acquiescence' means the fact of being willing to do whatever somebody wants and to accept their opinions, even if you are not sure that they are right. The opposite is resistance.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 47

Aisha seems to feel ambivalent about her future.

  • A. decisiveCorrect
  • B. anxious
  • C. ambitious
  • D. inconsiderate

Explanation

The adjective 'ambivalent' means having or showing both good and bad feelings about somebody or something, being indecisive. The opposite is 'decisive'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 48

The report of the committee contained a plethora of details. A shortage B. simplicity C. multitude D. spectrum

  • A. a shortageCorrect
  • B. simplicity
  • C. multitude
  • D. spectrum

Explanation

The noun 'plethora' means an amount that is greater than is needed or can be used, excess, fullness, plentitude, etc. The opposite is 'shortage'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 49

The weather was still very heavy and sultry.

  • A. wintry and shadowy
  • B. cold and friendlyCorrect
  • C. cloudy and thundery
  • D. hot and uncomfortable

Explanation

'Heavy or sultry' means very hot and uncomfortable; muggy, close, damp, humid, stifling, stuffy, etc. The opposite is 'cold and friendly'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 50

Ada gave her husband a look that made words superfluous.

  • A. redundant
  • B. spuriousCorrect
  • C. unnecessary
  • D. scanty

Explanation

The adjective 'superfluous' means more than you need or want; unnecessary, redundant, etc. The opposite is 'spurious' which means bogus, false, etc. In this context at which superfluous is used in the sentence, it means 'genuine' and not excessive.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 51

NEAREST IN MEANING. In each of questions 51 to 65, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics. 51. A political impasse does not offer the best opportunity for merrymaking.

  • A. manifesto
  • B. party
  • C. gridlockCorrect
  • D. rally

Explanation

The noun 'impasse' means a difficult situation in which no progress can be made because the people involved cannot agree on what to do, deadlock. 'Gridlock' is a situation in which people with different options are not able to agree with each other in order for an action to take place especially in politics.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 52

We were all enthusiastic as we awaited the result of the election.

  • A. bemused
  • B. agitated
  • C. elatedCorrect
  • D. nervous

Explanation

The adjective 'enthusiastic' means the feeling of a lot of excitement and interest about something or somebody; ecstatic, animated, anxious, attracted, elated, passionate, attracted, etc. Elated means very happy.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 53

The uniform makes the guards look absurd.

  • A. dirty
  • B. smart
  • C. sensible
  • D. ridiculousCorrect

Explanation

The adjective 'absurd' means something that is completely ridiculous, not logical and sensible; ridiculous, egregious, incongruous, ludicrous, preposterous, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 54

The law is often tardy in reacting to changing attitude.

  • A. quick
  • B. slowCorrect
  • C. exclusive
  • D. generous

Explanation

The adjective 'Tardy' means being slow to act or late in happening or arriving; slow, sluggish, snail-like, dilatory, late, slack, behindhand, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 55

Isa and Ilu ate sumptuous meals on their brother's wedding day.

  • A. expensiveCorrect
  • B. cheap
  • C. foreign
  • D. insipid

Explanation

The adjective 'sumptuous' does not mean 'delicious' as people think. It means very expensive and looking very impressive; costly, dear, expensive, gorgeous, grand, lavish, luxurious, magnificent, pompous, prodigal, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 56

Kaltume crouched over the papers on her desk.

  • A. wrote on
  • B. stood on
  • C. walked over
  • D. bent overCorrect

Explanation

The verb 'crouch' means to put one's body close to the ground by bending one's leg underneath; squat, cower, cringe, fawn, truckle, kneel, stoop etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 57

The panacea for a country's economic mess lies in systematic planning and hardwork.

  • A. cureCorrect
  • B. hope
  • C. foresight
  • D. trouble

Explanation

The noun 'panacea' means something that solves all the problems of a particular situation; catholicon, cure-all, medicine, remedy, solution, curve, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 58

Thousands of workers have been victims of retrenchment since the military came back to power.

  • A. unemploymentCorrect
  • B. trench mentality
  • C. suffering
  • D. penury

Explanation

The noun 'retrenchment' is the act of telling someone that they cannot continue working for you or a particular establishment; unemployment, bankruptcy, inflation, recession, crash, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 59

The principal gave his speech offhand at the sports meeting.

  • A. calmly
  • B. beautifully
  • C. unconcerned
  • D. unpreparedCorrect

Explanation

The adverb 'offhand' means not showing much interest, in somebody or something; without being able to check something or think about it.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 60

Jankoli was dressed in an old assortment of clothes.

  • A. avalanche
  • B. sameness
  • C. homogeneity
  • D. melangeCorrect

Explanation

The noun 'assortment' is used to refer to a collection of different things or of different type of the same thing; melange is a mixture of different; mixture, array, collection, combination, selection, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 61

The girl's father was astounded to see her appear from the shrine.

  • A. collected
  • B. overwhelmed
  • C. embarrassed
  • D. astonishedCorrect

Explanation

The adjective 'astounded' means to be surprised or shocked by something without being able to check something or think about it.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 62

The director's remark is apposite to the issue being discussed.

  • A. appropriateCorrect
  • B. inconsequential
  • C. emphatic
  • D. adequate

Explanation

The adjective 'apposite' means very appropriate for a particular situation or in relation to something; apt, fit, germane, pertinent, relevant, suitable, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 63

Her reputation is without a blemish.

  • A. struggle
  • B. problem
  • C. faultCorrect
  • D. blessing

Explanation

The noun 'blemish' means a mark on the skin, or on an object that spoils it and makes it look less beautiful or perfect; blot, blur, defect, disfigurement, fault, flaw, imperfection, soil, spot, speck, stain, tarnish, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 64

Ugo is eligible for the post of secretary.

  • A. nominated
  • B. invited
  • C. qualifiedCorrect
  • D. intelligent

Explanation

The adjective 'eligible' means being able to have or do something because they have the right qualification, the right age; qualified, suitable, worthy, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 65

This is an abridged version of No Longer at Ease.

  • A. an outdated
  • B. an enlarged
  • C. an illustrated
  • D. a shortenedCorrect

Explanation

The adjective 'abridged' is used in a sentence to mean the short version or edition of a book, play, etc. Shortened, summarized, abbreviated, condensed, compressed, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 66

COMPLETING THE GAP(S). In each of questions 66 to 85, choose the option that best completes the gap(s). 66. Lemoti as a painter, but also as a sculptor

  • A. is gifted not onlyCorrect
  • B. is only gifted
  • C. is gifted only
  • D. is only gifted

Explanation

This has to do with collocation. 'Not only' collocates with 'but also'. For example: legend tutorial does not only train Jambites, but also train candidates for school of Nursing and Pre-Degree.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 67

He can recall the important dates in the nation's history, it is interesting to listen as he rattles

  • A. offCorrect
  • B. over
  • C. up
  • D. out

Explanation

The phrasal verb 'rattle off' means to say something from the memory without having to think too hard.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 68

The boy told his mother

  • A. that was the girl he told her aboutCorrect
  • B. that was the girl I told you about her
  • C. that was the girl I told her about
  • D. that is the girl he told her about

Explanation

This is a reported or an indirect speech. In an indirect speech, all the verbal components will be in the past tense.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 69

Last Monday his father asked me

  • A. if I had come some days before
  • B. if I had come the day beforeCorrect
  • C. did you come yesterday
  • D. had I come yesterday

Explanation

This is also an indirect form of a speech. In indirect speech, 'yesterday' becomes 'the previous day' or 'the day before'; 'next week' becomes 'the following week'; 'tomorrow' becomes 'the next day' etc. The direct form of this sentence will be 'did you come yesterday?' his father asked.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 70

Long after everyone.., the hall, Obi still sat inside.

  • A. left
  • B. is leaving
  • C. has left
  • D. had leftCorrect

Explanation

This has to do with tense sequence. When more than one tense occur in a sentence, there must be an agreement among them. The action of the first clause happened earlier before the action of the second clause. It thus require that both verb in the sentences be in their past form i.e. 'sat and had left'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 71

A wide range of options made available to students in their final year last year

  • A. is
  • B. were
  • C. are
  • D. wasCorrect

Explanation

This has to do with a rule of concord that singular subject takes a singular verb. There is another rule of concord that states that prepositional phrases such as 'in the house', 'of the students', 'in the church', 'of options', etc. do not contain the subject of the verb, that is, we cannot use the underlined objects of the preposition as the subject of the verb, that is, we cannot use the object underlined objects of the preposition as the subject of the verb. In the expression 'a wide range of options', 'options' is used to a prepositional phrase and cannot be used to determine the verb. So in 'a wide range', 'wide' is an adjective modifying the noun 'range'. Consequently, 'range' is the subject of the sentence and it is singular in sense and the sentence deal with an action that happened in the past. Therefore, the verb that must follow the singular subject must be in its past form. 'Was' is the past tense 'is'. The answer then is 'was'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 72

One of the women who ordered to quit

  • A. sells/have
  • B. sell/hasCorrect
  • C. sell/have
  • D. sells/has

Explanation

This has to do with the rule of concord that involves relative pronouns. A relative pronoun is a pronoun that is used to introduce an adjectival clause, which is also known as relative clause. The rule now states that when a relative pronoun is used to introduce an adjectival clause in a sentence, the verb that follows the relative pronoun must agree with the subject that proceeds or comes before the pronoun. While the second verb, which is the main verb will agree with the first subject. For example: one of the women who sell in the premises has been ordered to quit. The subject that comes before the relative pronoun 'who' is 'women', 'women' is plural, therefore it attracts the plural form of the verb 'sell'. The first subject is 'one' and 'one' is singular indefinite pronoun, therefore, it must take the singular subject, which is 'has'. To properly decipher the sentence, remove or mentally eliminate the adjectival clause within the sentence, then you will know the main verb. For example: One of the women who sell at the market had been ordered to quit. We have 'One of the women has been ordered to quit'. Remember, the prepositional phrase 'of the women' do not contain the subject of the verb.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 73

One of the main features of an adjectival order where 'more' is an intensifier; rapid (other adjectives); economic (nouns used as adjectives). They all qualify noun 'growth'.

  • A. rapid economic growth
  • B. economic rapid growth
  • C. more rapid economic growthCorrect
  • D. More economic rapid growth

Explanation

This has to do with adjectival order where 'more' is an intensifier; rapid (other adjectives); economic (nouns used as adjectives). They all qualify noun 'growth'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 74

The principal said that he was pleased .... my effort.

  • A. on
  • B. of
  • C. withCorrect
  • D. about

Explanation

To be 'pleased with' oneself or someone means to be proud of something that you or someone has done. It is pertinent to note that 'pleased' collocate with 'with'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 75

Paper is made .... wood pulp.

  • A. on
  • B. of
  • C. fromCorrect
  • D. with

Explanation

'Made of' is used if the material of which the thing is made can still be seen while 'made from' if the material can no longer be seen. For example: Table is made of wood. It means, the wood can still be seen in 'table'. Bread is usually made from wheat. It means that you can no longer see the wheat in the 'bread'. Therefore, paper is made from wood pulp because you cannot see the wood again in 'paper'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 76

Long after everyone.., the hall, Obi still sat inside.

  • A. left
  • B. is leaving
  • C. has left
  • D. had leftCorrect

Explanation

This has to do with tense sequence or sequence of tense. When more than one tense occur in a sentence, there must be an agreement among them. The action of the first clause happened earlier before the action of the second clause. It thus require that both verb in the sentences be in their past form i.e. 'sat and had left'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 77

They are the .... dresses/

  • A. babys'
  • B. baby
  • C. babies
  • D. babies'Correct

Explanation

This has to do with the genitive case or possessive. A genitive plural noun 'babies'' is appropriate. In the singular form of the possessive, it will be baby's, that is, the dresses belong to the baby.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 78

The politician was sent exile.

  • A. onto
  • B. into
  • C. onCorrect
  • D. to

Explanation

To send someone 'on exile' is to force somebody or someone to leave their country, especially for political reasons or as a punishment; the state of being sent to live in another country that is not yours.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 79

When we looked up, we .... the plane some miles away.

  • A. site
  • B. cited
  • C. sited
  • D. sightedCorrect

Explanation

The verb 'sight' means to suddenly see something, especially someone you have been looking for. The verb 'cite' means to mention or reference something as a reason or example in order to support what one is saying; 'Site' is a place where a building or town was, is or will be located; a place where something has happened or that is used for something.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 80

Vital ... is still spread in most villages in Africa.

  • A. information/from
  • B. information/with
  • C. information/byCorrect
  • D. information/through

Explanation

The noun 'information' does not take 's' in the plural form. While 'spread' as used in this context collocates with 'by' which means spread 'using the words of mouth'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 81

Western education is one of the ... of colonial rule.

  • A. legaciesCorrect
  • B. remnants
  • C. inheritance
  • D. evidence

Explanation

The noun 'legacy' means money, property, ideas, etc. left to someone in a will, something passed on by an ancestor or remaining from the past; heritage, inheritance, bequest, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 82

The Federal Government has .... child trafficking

  • A. postulated
  • B. prescribed
  • C. projected
  • D. proscribedCorrect

Explanation

The verb 'proscribe' means to say that something is officially not allowed; forbid, banish, doom, exile, expel, execrate, denounce, reject, prohibit.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 83

The man was happy that his son confessed his guilt and so the others were ....

  • A. implicated
  • B. accused
  • C. punished
  • D. exoneratedCorrect

Explanation

The verb 'exonerate' means to officially state that a person is not responsible for something that they have been blamed for; absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, justify, vindicate, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 84

Based on the facts before me, I have no alternative... to hold you responsible.

  • A. only
  • B. as
  • C. than
  • D. butCorrect

Explanation

In the context of this sentence, 'but' is used to mean 'other than' meaning that no other option is left except what is said. It is also germane to note that the word 'alternative' also collocates with 'but'. For example: I have no option but to go; I have no alternative but to ask you to leave. Note that people often use 'than' when it is wrong. The correct conjunction is 'but'.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 85

Many people would always find reasons to ... the law.

  • A. arrogate
  • B. debase
  • C. circumventCorrect
  • D. circumspect

Explanation

The verb 'circumvent' means to find a way of avoiding a difficulty or a rule; delude, cozen, dupe, thwart, beguile, outwit, trick, etc.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 86

SAME VOWEL SOUNDS. In each of questions 86 to 88, choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letters underlined. 86. coup

  • A. whup
  • B. hootCorrect
  • C. couple
  • D. scout

Explanation

'Hoot' has the same vowel sound /u:/ as 'coup': coup /ku:/, hoot /hu:t/, whup /wʌp/, couple /kʌpl/, scout /skaʊt/.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 88

roared

  • A. towered
  • B. coast
  • C. broughtCorrect
  • D. rod

Explanation

'Brought' has the same vowel sound /ɔ:/ as 'roared': roared /rɔ:d/, rod /rɒd/, towered /taʊəd/, coast /kəʊst/, brought /brɔ:t/.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 89

SAME CONSONANT SOUND. In each of questions 89 to 91, choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. 89. sheath

  • A. bathe
  • B. lengthCorrect
  • C. months
  • D. paths

Explanation

'Length' has the same consonant sound /θ/ as 'sheath': sheath /ʃi:θ/, months /mʌnθs/, paths /pɑ:θs/. It should be noted that others have /s/ after the same /θ/, but 'length' does not.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 90

high

  • A. what
  • B. honest
  • C. whoCorrect
  • D. vehicle

Explanation

'Who' has the same consonant sound /h/ as 'High': High /haɪ/, who /hu:/; who /hu:/, vehicle /vi:ɪkl/, honest /ɒnɪst/, what /wɒt/.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 91

of course

  • A. plough
  • B. dough
  • C. overCorrect
  • D. orphan

Explanation

'Over' has the same consonant sound /v/ as 'of course': of course /əvkɔ:s/, over /əʊvə/, orphan /ɔ:fən/, plough /plaʊ/, dough /dəʊ/.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 92

OPTIONS THAT RHYME. In each of questions 92 to 94, choose the option that rhymes with the given word. 92. boys

  • A. stays
  • B. moist
  • C. noiseCorrect
  • D. elbows

Explanation

'Noise' has the sound /ɔɪz/ as 'boys': boys /bɔɪz/, noise /nɔɪz/, elbows /elbəʊz/, stays /steɪz/, moist /mɔɪst/.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 95

STRESS PATTERN. In each of questions 95 to 97, choose the most appropriate option among the given options. The stressed syllable are written in capital letter(s). 95. political

  • A. politiCAL
  • B. POlitical
  • C. poliTical
  • D. poLiticalCorrect

Explanation

Polysyllabic words that end in 'cy', 'ty', 'phy', 'gy' and 'al' are stressed on the third to the last syllable. Po/li/ti/cal; poLitical.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 96

satisfactory

  • A. satisfacTORY
  • B. saTISfactory
  • C. SATisfactory
  • D. satisFACtoryCorrect

Explanation

Words that ends in 'tory' and 'cy' are stress on the third syllable e.g. advocacy advoCAcy, resonatory resoNAtory.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 98

EMPHATIC STRESS. In each of questions 98 to 100, choose the option to which the emphatic stress in the sentence in capital letters relates. 98. EMEKA finished his home work yesterday

  • A. Was Emeka helped to do his homework yesterday?
  • B. Did Emeka do his homework yesterday?
  • C. When did Emeka finish his homework yesterday?
  • D. Who finished his home work yesterdayCorrect

Explanation

The emphatic stress is on Emeka, so the expression best relates the question posed in option D: 'Who finished his homework yesterday?' Emeka finished his home work yesterday.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 99

Taiwo SAILED to London

  • A. Did Taiwo fly to London?Correct
  • B. Did Taiwo sail to London?
  • C. Did Taiwo sail to Brazil?
  • D. Where did Taiwo sail to?

Explanation

The emphatic stress is on sailed, so the response to the question in option A reinforces the emphasized word: SAILED. That is, did Taiwo fly to London? No, he sailed to London.

English Language 2010 Objective — Question 100

My bag is made of LEATHER

  • A. Whose bag is made of leather?
  • B. Is my bag made of polythene?Correct
  • C. is Abu's bag made of leather?
  • D. is my bag made of leather

Explanation

The emphasized word is 'LEATHER'. Therefore, the response in option B would elicit the emphasis. That is, is my bag made of polythene? No, it is made of leather.

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