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JAMB English Language 2012 Objective Past Questions

All 100 questions from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) English Language 2012 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.

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English Language 2012 Objective — Question 1

Which Question Paper Type of Uses of English is indicated above?

  • A. Type Green
  • B. Type Blue
  • C. Type PurpleCorrect
  • D. Type Yellow

Explanation

The 2012 paper is Type Purple as indicated on the paper.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 2

From the passage, one can say that all the ethnic groups have ___

  • A. different traditional religions with some elements of similaritiesCorrect
  • B. completely different religious practices
  • C. the same traditional religion
  • D. the same religious manifestation with common deities

Explanation

This is evident in paragraph 2, sentence 3: 'various traditional religions have much in common'. Different groups have their own religious traditions with some similarities.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 3

According to the first paragraph, Nigerians believe that the ___

  • A. supernatural and natural worlds co-exist
  • B. natural and supernatural worlds are antagonistic
  • C. supernatural world controls the natural worldCorrect
  • D. supernatural world exploits the natural world

Explanation

In the first paragraph of the passage, sentence 3 to 6: Nigerians believe those that are in the supernatural world watch us and judge us so that we can appease them when we offend them.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 4

Traditional religion has waned in Nigeria owing to the ___

  • A. influence of Islam over Bori spirits
  • B. influence of Christianity over local oracles
  • C. decline of interest in traditional religions
  • D. influence of non-traditional religionsCorrect

Explanation

In the last paragraph, it was the emergence of non-traditional religion like Christianity etc. that is responsible for the decline in the effectiveness of the traditional religion.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 5

Which factor is common to all traditional religions as mentioned in the passage?

  • A. Prayer only
  • B. Divination onlyCorrect
  • C. Sacrifice only
  • D. Ritual

Explanation

This is evident in the last paragraph. Divination deals with the discovering of what is known to unknown or yet to happen and it is most essential part of the traditional religion.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 6

It can be inferred from the passage that A. Nigerians have access to foreign books only ___

  • A. Nigerians have access to foreign books only
  • B. Nigerian undergraduates do not read textbooks
  • C. Nigerians read foreign and indigenous books alike
  • D. Nigerians read mostly foreign booksCorrect

Explanation

It can be inferred from the passage that few Nigerians concentrate more on foreign books than indigenous production. This is evident in paragraph one, sentence 3.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 7

The reason for lack of indigenous books in most renowned bookshops, according to the passage, is ___

  • A. Nigerians prefer reading foreign books
  • B. foreign books attract more buyers
  • C. indigenous books are sometimes not available
  • D. the low quality of indigenous booksCorrect

Explanation

It was asserted in the second paragraph that most of the books published in Nigeria are not properly edited and eventually become substandard when compared with foreign products.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 8

The expression '…that earned her the award is profoundly gripping', as used in the passage, means the book is ___

  • A. highly interesting and captures attentionCorrect
  • B. is of high quality to the writer
  • C. attracts many indigenous and foreign reader
  • D. is widely acknowledged by many authors

Explanation

The express 'that earned her the award is profoundly gripping' as used in this context means the book that earned the author the award is greatly interesting and also attracts the reader's attention.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 9

The university science lecturer gives his reason for issuing handouts as ___

  • A. lack of teaching aids among students
  • B. low purchasing powerCorrect
  • C. low quality of books
  • D. lack of sufficient time

Explanation

It is implied from the passage that the inability of students and libraries to buy books because of the drop in the value of the local currency is the reason given for the sales of handouts by university science researchers.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 10

A suitable title for this passage is ___

  • A. Nigerian Literary Writers
  • B. Nigerian Publishers and International Awards
  • C. Poor Reading Culture in NigeriaCorrect
  • D. Why Nigerian Lecturers Sell Handout

Explanation

This title is suitable for the passage because it is the phrase that discusses the poor reading culture in Nigeria as well as its cause and effect on Nigerians.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 11

The attitude of the writer of the passage can best be described as ___

  • A. objective
  • B. criticalCorrect
  • C. non-committal
  • D. emotional

Explanation

The writer subjects his argument to wheel thinking and was firm in his opinion that wisdom should be the best teacher other than experience.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 12

It can be deduced from the passage that ___

  • A. all experiences are best teachers
  • B. learning through pains is better
  • C. experience is superior to wisdom
  • D. wise thoughts are more desirable than experienceCorrect

Explanation

It can be deduced from the almost all part of the passage that wisdom is more desirable and easier to use as a tool of learning because experience is accompanied by the pain from our mistake.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 13

Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?

  • A. A Man must make mistakes in order to survive
  • B. The totality of our actions should be decided by our judgementCorrect
  • C. If we do not make mistakes, experience must be our teacher
  • D. Our future would be judged by our past mistakes

Explanation

This is evident in paragraph 3. The writer asserted that our mistakes should not decide our learning habit, but we should have powers over our actions which we must be resolved, resolute and resilient in our bid to learn by wisdom.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 14

According to the passage we must be disciplined to ___

  • A. make experience our best teacher in reality
  • B. learn from our experiences in future
  • C. choose the learning opportunity that comes our way
  • D. decide against making experience our teacherCorrect

Explanation

As evident in paragraph 3, sentence 6: discipline is the choosing of the path of wisdom as our teacher rather than experience.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 15

The phrase 'a complete and wholehearted devotion', as used in the passage, means ___

  • A. acting without doubtsCorrect
  • B. learning with tension
  • C. learning without pains
  • D. teaching with ease

Explanation

'A compute and wholehearted devotion' as used in the passage means to be certain and not being double minded on one's decision.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 16

The word that best fills gap 16 in the passage is ___

  • A. in the penultimate
  • B. in the firstCorrect
  • C. around
  • D. for

Explanation

This is to say that most of the possible symptoms of miscarriage can be observed in the twelve week (3 months) into the pregnancy.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 17

The word that best fills gap 17 is ___

  • A. type
  • B. cause
  • C. period
  • D. symptomCorrect

Explanation

This is referred to as signs that are usually discovered when a pregnant person experience a miscarriage.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 19

The word that best fills gap 19 is ___

  • A. painfully
  • B. frequentlyCorrect
  • C. gradually
  • D. commonly

Explanation

Frequently. Having to pass urine in an unusual manner or several periods than normal.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 20

The word that best fills gap 20 is ___

  • A. prevented
  • B. managed
  • C. discoveredCorrect
  • D. stopped

Explanation

Discovered. The discovery of miscarriage in a pregnant women, i.e. the moment she realizes the state of her condition.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 21

The word that best fills gap 21 is ___

  • A. pregnancy
  • B. incubation
  • C. mating
  • D. fertilizationCorrect

Explanation

Fertilization. The period in the process of pregnancy when the spermatozoa and egg transform and fertilize to form a foetus.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 22

The word that best fills gap 22 is ___

  • A. occurredCorrect
  • B. emerged
  • C. enlarged
  • D. continued

Explanation

Occurred. It can be difficult to decipher the problem arising from the way the genetic material from the egg and sperm occurs during fertilization.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 23

The word that best fills gap 23 is ___

  • A. syndromeCorrect
  • B. process
  • C. response
  • D. system

Explanation

Syndrome. This risk of miscarriage increases with age because as a woman grows, the quality of eggs diminished.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 24

The word that best fills gap 24 is ___

  • A. increasesCorrect
  • B. starts
  • C. reduces
  • D. appears

Explanation

This risk of miscarriage increases with age because as a woman grows, the quality of eggs diminished.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 26

Hardworking students must not have a finger in every pie at school.

  • A. Hardworking students must have a role to play in most activities in the school
  • B. Only hardworking students must participate in all activities in the school
  • C. Hardworking students do not participate in all activities in the schoolCorrect
  • D. Hardworking students must ask others to participate in school activities

Explanation

'To have a finger in every pie' is an idiomatic expression that means to be involved in a lot of different activities and have influence over them, especially when other people think that is annoying.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 27

The vice chancellor is riding the crest of the last quarter of his administration.

  • A. The vice chancellor enjoys the acknowledgement of the success of his administrationCorrect
  • B. The vice chancellor does not enjoy the people's criticism of his administration
  • C. The vice chancellor hopes to overcome soon, the poor comments on his administration
  • D. The vice chancellor does not talk of his success in office

Explanation

'To ride the crest of something' is an idiomatic expression which means to enjoy great support or success as a result of a particular situation or event.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 28

She was absolved by the court from the charge.

  • A. She was charged and blamed
  • B. She was blamed and charged to court
  • C. Her case was resolved by the court
  • D. She was declared free from the chargeCorrect

Explanation

The verb 'absolve' means to formally state that somebody is not guilty or responsible for a crime and something.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 29

The landlord is fond of throwing his weight about.

  • A. The landlord likes healthy exercise
  • B. The landlord is overweight
  • C. The landlord gives orders to peopleCorrect
  • D. The landlord is respected by his tenants

Explanation

'To throw one's weight about/around' is an idiomatic expression which means to use your position of authority or power in an aggressive way in order to achieve what you want.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 30

The company ought to have issued warrants for one billion shares.

  • A. The company has issued one billion shares
  • B. The management expected the company to issue more than one billion shares
  • C. Members of the company bought less than one billion shares
  • D. The company did not issue one billion sharesCorrect

Explanation

This has to do with the use of 'ought to' which is used to show expectation. This means the company was supposed to issue warrant for one billion shares, but did not.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 31

He needed not of have played in the position of quarterback in volley ball.

  • A. He participated in the game in his unusual positionCorrect
  • B. Nobody expected him to have participated in the game
  • C. He wanted to play in a position other than the one he was offered
  • D. Someone did not want him to play in the position that he play

Explanation

The model auxiliary verb 'Need' can be used to express a negative statement. Therefore, he need not have or should not have, participated in the game in his unusual position, but he did.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 32

I wouldn't have responded to his rude talk, if I were you.

  • A. The advice was taken by the respondent, so he did not respond to the talk
  • B. The adviser put himself in the respondent's position, so he did not respond to the talk
  • C. The respondent replied to the speaker's talk, although he ought not have done soCorrect
  • D. What was advisable was that the respondent gave it back to the speaker

Explanation

The adviser feels that the respondent ought not to have done so. The respondent replied to the speaker's talk, although he ought not have done so.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 33

He could not speak out because he had a feet of clay.

  • A. His feet was muddy
  • B. He was weak and cowardlyCorrect
  • C. He was clumsy and lazy
  • D. He was shy and timid

Explanation

'To have a feet of clay' is an idiomatic expression which to have a weakness or fault in one's character.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 34

The player wasted a golden opportunity during the penalty shoot-out.

  • A. The player first hit the bar
  • B. The player did not score the shotCorrect
  • C. The player scored the shot that made them win the gold cup
  • D. Instead of a silver cup, they received the golden one

Explanation

The player had a great opportunity to score the shot and make his team win, but he did not score.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 35

As far as Abu is concerned, Mero should be given fifty naira at the most.

  • A. All Abu is saying is that Mero probably deserves more than fifty naira and not less
  • B. All Abu is concerned with is that Mero should be given nothing more than fifty nairaCorrect
  • C. In Abu's estimation, Mero merits not more than fifty naira
  • D. In Abu's opinion, Mero deserves fifty naira or probably more

Explanation

'All Abu is concerned with is that Mero should be given nothing more than fifty naira'. All Abu felt or think and concerned with is that Mero should have just fifty naira and nothing more.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 36

As an idiot, the boy is weak in class.

  • A. a deviant
  • B. a dunce
  • C. an expert
  • D. a geniusCorrect

Explanation

The noun 'idiot' means a person of the lowest intellectual standing; a person who lacks the capacity to develop beyond the mental age; who stupid decisions; a fool. The opposites are genius, brain, prodigy, mastermind, intellect, wonder child.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 37

We were shocked by the news that he had lost the money.

  • A. astonished
  • B. unconcernedCorrect
  • C. disconcerted
  • D. surprised

Explanation

'Shocked' means to have a strong feeling or surprise as a result of something happening, especially something unpleasant. The opposites are unconcerned, carefree, apathetic, indifferent, oblivious.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 38

The principal was advised to be flexible on critical issues.

  • A. livid
  • B. cautious
  • C. evasive
  • D. rigidCorrect

Explanation

'Flexible' means capable of being changed to suit new situation or condition; bendable; pliable. The opposites are rigid, stiff, unaccommodating, unresponsive, unyielding.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 39

Bola always looks sober.

  • A. excitedCorrect
  • B. serious
  • C. worried
  • D. hapless

Explanation

The adjective 'sober' means serious and sensible; cool; self-controlled; realistic; moderate; not playful. The opposites are excited, agitated, immoderate, inebriated, irrational.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 40

Dupe was promoted for her efficiency.

  • A. ability
  • B. incompetenceCorrect
  • C. rudeness
  • D. inconsistency

Explanation

'Efficiency' means the quality of doing something well with no waste of time or money; ability, efficacy, potency, productiveness, skillfulness, talent. The opposite are incompetence, inefficiency, ineptness, weakness, disability, ignorance, impotence.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 41

The management wants to consider her reticent behaviour in due course.

  • A. disapproving
  • B. disciplinarian
  • C. contemplative
  • D. loquaciousCorrect

Explanation

'Reticent' means keeping one's thought and opinion to oneself; uncommunicative, hesitant; bashful. The opposite is loquacious which means one who talks a lot; talkative, garrulous, chatty.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 42

Election processes often become volatile.

  • A. calmCorrect
  • B. strange
  • C. sudden
  • D. latent

Explanation

'Volatile' means likely to change suddenly; unstable, turbulent, unpredictable. The opposite is calm.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 43

Oche entered the principal's office in a rather abrasive manner.

  • A. gentleCorrect
  • B. rude
  • C. lackadaisical
  • D. indifferent

Explanation

'Abrasive' means acting in a way that hurts other people's feelings. The opposite is gentle which means tender and amiable; likeable, nice; pleasant.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 44

Otokpa is a member of the ad hoc committee on stock acquisition.

  • A. improvised
  • B. temporaryCorrect
  • C. formal
  • D. fact-finding

Explanation

'Ad hoc' means something arranged or happening for a specific purpose. The opposite is formal which means established or orderly; lawful, official, punctilious.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 45

His gift to ne poor was always infinitesimal.

  • A. largeCorrect
  • B. small
  • C. supportive
  • D. shameful

Explanation

'Infinitesimal' means extremely or very small; tiny, little, miniature, atomic, imperceptible, inconsiderable, insignificant, minute, unnoticeable. The opposite is large which means big, enormous, substantial, significant, giant, important.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 46

The economist concluded that several factors have been adduced to explain the fall in the birth rate.

  • A. affirmed
  • B. diffused
  • C. mentioned
  • D. refutedCorrect

Explanation

'Adduced' means to bring forward or offer, as an argument, passage, or consideration which bears on a statement or case; to cite, to allege, to assign, to quote, to urge, to mention, to present. The opposite is refuted, which means to prove false, discredit, argue against.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 47

The presidential system is an antidote to some political ailments.

  • A. an answer
  • B. a reply
  • C. an inquiry
  • D. an obstacleCorrect

Explanation

'Antidote' means whatever takes away the effects of something unpleasant; remedy, restorative. The opposite is obstacle which means something that stand in way of, or holds up a progress; impediment, hindrance, hurdle, barrier, complication, snag.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 48

Ola thought that her father was very callous.

  • A. parlous
  • B. compassionateCorrect
  • C. wicked
  • D. cheerful

Explanation

'Callous' means not caring about other people's feeling or suffering; cruel, unfeeling, hard, hardened, insensible, inured, obliterate, obtuse. The opposite is compassionate which means having feeling, or showing compassion or sympathy.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 49

He was very much respected, though he had no temporal power.

  • A. spiritualCorrect
  • B. mundane
  • C. permanent
  • D. ephemeral

Explanation

'Temporal' means connect with or limited by time, connected with real physical, non-spiritual matters, brief, ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, momentary, shortlived. The opposite is spiritual.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 50

The way the workshop was organized was rather hit-and-miss.

  • A. systematicCorrect
  • B. hasty
  • C. slow
  • D. funny

Explanation

'Hit and miss' means something one cannot depend on to be of good quality; it means something that is unpredictable; sometimes successful, sometimes unsuccessful. The opposite is systematic.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 51

Some men will continue to causes offences until they are given a taste of their own medicine.

  • A. placated
  • B. revenged onCorrect
  • C. recompensed for
  • D. cured

Explanation

'A taste of your one's medicine' is an idiomatic expression, which means receiving a bad treatment you have given to others.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 52

Okibe was rusticated for his derogatory remark about the principal.

  • A. complimentary
  • B. unsavouryCorrect
  • C. unwarranted
  • D. lacklustre

Explanation

'Derogatory' means to show critical attitude towards somebody; insulting, belittling, depreciative, injurious, depreciatory, detracting, dishonouring, disparaging.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 53

Justice is difficult to enforce because people are unwilling to accept any loss of sovereignty.

  • A. autonomyCorrect
  • B. position
  • C. leadership
  • D. kingdom

Explanation

'Sovereignty' means the act of being having complete or absolute power to govern a country without external influence. The synonyms are autonomy, supremacy, jurisdiction, dominance.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 54

There are still virtuous women in our society today.

  • A. clever
  • B. uprightCorrect
  • C. devilish
  • D. intelligent

Explanation

'Virtuous' means behaving very good and moral way; blameless, upright, exemplary, good, honest, noble, right.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 55

The type of response is typical of a lazy teacher.

  • A. symptomatic
  • B. characteristicCorrect
  • C. universal
  • D. incontestable

Explanation

'Typical' means having the usual qualities or features of a particular type or person, thing or group, representative.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 56

Akin is an inveterate gambler.

  • A. a selfish and self-centred
  • B. an extremely unlucky but popular
  • C. an incurable but fearful
  • D. a long time and incorrigibleCorrect

Explanation

'Inveterate' is used when a person who does something very often and cannot stop doing it; always doing something or enjoying something and unlikely to stop; something done or felt for a long time.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 57

He was too petrified to give the closing remarks at the conference.

  • A. frightenedCorrect
  • B. delighted
  • C. agitated
  • D. happy

Explanation

'Petrified' means to feel extremely frightened; terrified, calcify, fossilize, lapidify, benumb, deaden.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 58

During a particular time of the day, the road shimmers in the heat.

  • A. darkens
  • B. lightens
  • C. shinesCorrect
  • D. beams

Explanation

'Shimmer' means to shine with a soft light that seems to more slightly, flash, glimmer, glisten, shine, blink, glitter.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 59

Every human being is vulnerable to communicable diseases.

  • A. liableCorrect
  • B. lifted
  • C. immuned
  • D. closed

Explanation

'Vulnerable' means weak and easily hurt physically or emotionally; accessible, assailable, exposed, defenseless.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 60

Mariam looks rather furtive to Shehu.

  • A. intoxicated
  • B. unfriendly
  • C. sad
  • D. slyCorrect

Explanation

'Furtive' means behaving in a way that shows your intention to keep something secret and do not want to be noticed; stealthy, clandestine, hidden, secret, shy, sneaking, sneaky.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 61

The student's union leader delivered his speech extempore.

  • A. out-of-hand
  • B. off the cuffCorrect
  • C. accurately
  • D. courageously

Explanation

'Extempore' means spoken or done without any previous thought or preparation; impromptu, extraporaneous, extemporary, improvised. 'Off the cuff' is an idiomatic expression which provisions, thought, or preparation.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 62

His story gave us an inkling of what he passed through during the strike.

  • A. a possible ideaCorrect
  • B. a taste
  • C. a summary
  • D. the right view

Explanation

'Inkling' means a slight knowledge of something that is happening or about to happen; suspicious, hint, intimation, suggestion, whisper.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 63

These policies have been espoused by the ruling party.

  • A. condemned
  • B. rejected
  • C. supportedCorrect
  • D. outlined

Explanation

'Espouse' is an idea that gives support to a belief, policy. Advocate, back, defend, embrace, uphold.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 64

We must not foreclose reconciliation as the purpose of his trip.

  • A. excludeCorrect
  • B. consider
  • C. underestimate
  • D. forgo

Explanation

'Foreclose' means to reject something as a possibility; exclude, stop, prevent, preclude, hinder, debar.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 65

Her findings exploded widely held beliefs about learning.

  • A. challenged
  • B. debunkedCorrect
  • C. projected
  • D. confirmed

Explanation

'Exploded' as used in this context means to show that something is not true, especially something that people believe; repudiate, scorn, scout, discard, debunk, disprove, invalidate.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 66

He was both a writer and a politician, but he was better … [as if B. like C. as D. to be] a singer.

  • A. as if
  • B. like
  • C. asCorrect
  • D. to be

Explanation

'As' — This has to do with collocation. In this instance, he was better in the role of singing than at writing. He was better in the role of singing.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 67

Vacancies in the company will be notified by… [bulletin B. publication C. publicity D. advertisement]

  • A. bulletinCorrect
  • B. publication
  • C. publicity
  • D. advertisement

Explanation

This has to do with collocation. Bulletin means a short news report on the radio or television; notice, communiqué, statement, report, dispatch.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 68

The driver was short of petrol, so he… [glided B. coasted C. wheeled D. taxied] down the hills with the engine switched off.

  • A. glided
  • B. coastedCorrect
  • C. wheeled
  • D. taxied

Explanation

'To coast' (of a car or bicycle) means to move, especially down a hill without using any power, flow, roll, skin, said, slide.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 69

He started his career as an … [auxiliary B. auxilliary C. auxillary D. auxiliary] teacher.

  • A. auxiliaryCorrect
  • B. auxilliary
  • C. auxillary
  • D. auxiliarry

Explanation

'Auxiliary' as spelt here is the correct spelling of the word which means giving help or support to the main group of workers, aiding, ancillary, assisting, helpful, subsidiary.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 70

His many years of success in legal practice,… [indeed B. but C. in spite of it all D. however] didn't come without challenges.

  • A. indeed
  • B. but
  • C. in spite of it all
  • D. howeverCorrect

Explanation

'However' is used to introduce a statement that contrast with something that has just been said.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 71

One should be careful how … [one/one B. he/he C. she/one D. one/he] behaves in public, shouldn't…

  • A. one/oneCorrect
  • B. he/he
  • C. she/one
  • D. one/he

Explanation

There must be consistency in the statement. Whenever 'one' is used, it must be followed by one of its past (one's, oneself, one, he, she, it) e.g. One must not miss one's chance.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 72

…[First and foremost B. First and for most C. First and far most D. First and foremost], a good leader must have two characteristics.

  • A. First and foremost
  • B. First and for most
  • C. First and far most
  • D. First and foremostCorrect

Explanation

'First and foremost'. However, there is a need to state that 'first and foremost' is a 'conjunct' as one of the classes of adverbials.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 73

We visited his house … [like B. for C. about D. for] about three times.

  • A. like
  • B. for
  • C. aboutCorrect
  • D. for

Explanation

The adverb 'about' in this sense means a little more or not less than. That is, we visited his house approximately three times.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 74

She was… [at B. on C. by D. with] the verge of tears.

  • A. at
  • B. onCorrect
  • C. by
  • D. with

Explanation

'On/to the verge of something/of doing something' is an idiomatic expression that means very close to the period somebody does something or when something happens.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 75

Everyone makes mistakes occasionally, nobody is… [incorrigible B. imperfect C. infallible D. indestructible].

  • A. incorrigible
  • B. imperfect
  • C. infallibleCorrect
  • D. indestructible

Explanation

'Infallible' means being capable of not making any mistake; that never fails, certain, indubitable, oracular, sure, unfailing.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 76

The woman would not part with her… [discarded earthen black B. discarded black earthen C. earthen discarded black D. black earthen discarded] pot.

  • A. discarded earthen black
  • B. discarded black earthenCorrect
  • C. earthen discarded black
  • D. black earthen discarded

Explanation

This has to do with adjectival order (Dosashconm). While D — Determines; O — Other adjectives; S – Size; A – Age; Sh – Shape; C – Colour; O – Origin; N – Names used as adjectives; M – Main nouns.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 77

We stood up when the principal came in,… [isn't it B. didn't we C. not so D. did us]?

  • A. isn't it
  • B. didn't weCorrect
  • C. not so
  • D. did us

Explanation

'Didn't we' — This has to do with the rule of question tags. When a positive statement has been used, it must have a negative question tag. The full form of the sentence will be: 'We did stand up when the principal came in, didn't we?'

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 78

This professor of … medicine has … [veterinary/unraveled B. vertrinary/unra C. veterinary/unraveled D. veterinary/unravelled] the mystery of bird flu.

  • A. veterinary/unraveled
  • B. vertrinary/unra veiled
  • C. veterinary/unraveled
  • D. veterinary/unravelledCorrect

Explanation

'Veterinary/unravelled'. The adjective 'veterinary' is connected to a field of medicine that has to do with the care for the health of animals.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 79

Her mother brought her some… [clothes B. yards C. cloth D. clothing].

  • A. clothesCorrect
  • B. yards
  • C. cloth
  • D. clothing

Explanation

'Clothes' is a collective noun that means the things that you wear such as dresses and jackets. And 'clothe' is the verb form of 'cloth' while 'cloth' (a material) is singular.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 80

Many workers were… [laid down B. laid off C. laid out D. laid up] as a result of the textile closure.

  • A. laid down
  • B. laid offCorrect
  • C. laid out
  • D. laid up

Explanation

'Laid off'. 'Laid off' is a plural verb that means to stop employing someone because there is not enough work for them to do; that is, to make one redundant.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 81

The driver died in the… [fatal B. brutal C. serious D. pathetic] road accident.

  • A. fatalCorrect
  • B. brutal
  • C. serious
  • D. pathetic

Explanation

'Fatal' means causing or resulting in death; deadly, lethal, mortal, baleful, baneful, calamitous, catastrophic, destructive.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 82

….your parents frown… [Because/over B. Since/at C. Although/at D. As/upon] our friendship, we shouldn't see each other anymore.

  • A. Because/over
  • B. Since/atCorrect
  • C. Although/at
  • D. As/upon

Explanation

'Since/at'. 'Frown at somebody/something' is a plural verb, which means to disapprove of somebody or something. Therefore, 'since' has been used to state that the second sentence is the consequence of the first sentence.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 83

For more productivity, the company is focusing attention on the possible… [synergy B. tapping C. alignment D. arrangement] of available resources.

  • A. synergy
  • B. tappingCorrect
  • C. alignment
  • D. arrangement

Explanation

'Tapping'. The verb 'tap' means to make use of a source of knowledge, energy, etc. that already exist or that has been established. Therefore, 'tapping' is the progressive form.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 84

…[After B. Much as C. Since D. Though] she didn't trust him, she married him.

  • A. After
  • B. Much as
  • C. Since
  • D. ThoughCorrect

Explanation

'Though'. 'Though' is a subordinating conjunction that has been used to introduce an adjectival clause of concession where there are contrast in the sentences provided.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 85

I wanted to know his political beliefs, so I asked him what… [this was B. these are C. this is D. these were].

  • A. this was
  • B. these are
  • C. this is
  • D. these wereCorrect

Explanation

'These were'. This has to do with 'tense sequence'. A past tense has been used to begin the sentence.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 87

v_i_llage

  • A. page
  • B. pigCorrect
  • C. made
  • D. came

Explanation

'Pig'. 'Village' is transcribed as /vɪlɪds/. Pother transcription are: page /peɪds/, pig /pɪg/, made /meɪed/, came /keɪm/. Therefore, PIG has the same vowel sound as the indicated sound in village.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 89

tangerine

  • A. gear
  • B. dangerCorrect
  • C. girl
  • D. ignore

Explanation

'Danger'. Tangerine is transcribed as /tændʒɔrɪːnd/ and the indicated consonant is /dʒ/. The only option that has the indicated consonant sound is option B which has 'danger'

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 90

h_air_

  • A. heirCorrect
  • B. hour
  • C. gibwar
  • D. house

Explanation

'Heir'. The indicated consonant is /h/. House has the same consonant sound /h/ as 'hair'. Other transcriptions are heir /eɔ/, hour /ɔuɔ/, gibwar /mɪst/, house /hɔus/

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 91

_edition_

  • A. bashCorrect
  • B. catch
  • C. bastion
  • D. rating

Explanation

'Bash'. Bash has the same consonant sound /ʃ/ as 'edition'; Bash /bɔes/, Catch /kɔetɪ/ bastion /bɔstɔn/, rating /restrɪ/

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 92

Demarcation

  • A. demarcAtionCorrect
  • B. DEmarcation
  • C. deMARcation
  • D. demarcaTION

Explanation

'DemaCation'. Polysyllabic words that end with the suffix 'ion' will have its stress on the syllable before the suffix 'ion'.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 93

impossible

  • A. imPOSsibleCorrect
  • B. iMpossible
  • C. imPosSible
  • D. impossiBLE

Explanation

'ImPOSsible'. Words that end with the suffix 'ia', '-ial', '-ible', '-ic(s)', '-ian', 'ient', '-ious', '-ish' have their syllable stressed on the syllable before the suffix.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 94

imperialism

  • A. IMperialism
  • B. imPErialismCorrect
  • C. imPErIAlism
  • D. imperialiSM

Explanation

'imPERialism'. Polysyllabic words that end with four or more syllables have their stress on the second syllable.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 95

A. madam

  • A. madamCorrect
  • B. eighteen
  • C. invent
  • D. command

Explanation

'Madam'. Only Madam /Mædam/has its stress first sykllable; others have theirs on the second syllable: eighteen /eɪˈtiːn/, invent /ɪnˈvent/, coMMAnD /kɔˈmɑːnd/

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 96

A. nineteen B. mother C. estate D. announce — which has stress on first syllable?

  • A. nineteen
  • B. motherCorrect
  • C. estate
  • D. announce

Explanation

'Mother'. Only mother /mɔðɔ/ has its stress on the first syllable; others gave theirs on the second syllable: NineTEEN /naɪnˈtiːn/, eSTATE /ɪˈsteɪt/, aNNOUNCE /ɔˈnɔuns/

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 97

A. commute B. import (verb) C. intend D. export (noun) — which has stress on first syllable?

  • A. commute
  • B. import (verb)
  • C. intend
  • D. export (noun)Correct

Explanation

'Export/noun'. The noun 'export' has its stress on the first syllable Export /ekspɔːt/ as it is for di-syllabic words that are nouns.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 98

The traditional chief NARRATED the story to the children.

  • A. The children heard the story from the traditional chief
  • B. Who narrated the story to the children?Correct
  • C. The children could not listen to the story by the traditional chief
  • D. Did the chief hide the story from the children?

Explanation

'Who narrated the story to the children?' The emphatic stress is on NARRATED, so the expression best answer the question in option B.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 99

The ACCOUNTANT paid the workers' July salary in September.

  • A. When were the workers paid?
  • B. Did the cashier pay the workers' salary in September?Correct
  • C. Workers received their July salary in September?
  • D. The September salary was paid in July?

Explanation

The emphatic stress is on ACCOUNTANT. The question option B best relates to the expression.

English Language 2012 Objective — Question 100

The cat DEVOURED the rat.

  • A. Did the rat devour the cat?
  • B. What devoured the rat?Correct
  • C. Did the cat pet the rat?
  • D. Is this the rat that the cat devoured?

Explanation

The emphatic stress is on DEVOURED. The answer to the question in option C reinforces the emphasized word DEVOURED. 'What devoured the rat?' — The cat DEVOURED the rat.

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