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JAMB English Language 2017 Objective Past Questions

All 59 questions from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) English Language 2017 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.

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English Language 2017 Objective — Question 1

Passage I: The grave danger that alcohol abuses pose to human health and well-being has again been highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), which recently disclosed that abuse of the substance causes nearly four per cent more deaths than the dreaded AIDS and tuberculosis worldwide. The author seems to suggest that Asians and Africans resort to more drinking when

  • A. A. they are bereaved
  • B. B. there is improved living standardCorrect
  • C. C. national incomes are at their lowest ebb
  • D. D. the weather is conducive

Explanation

The passage states rising incomes triggered more drinking in Africa and Asia, so improved living standards are linked to more drinking.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 2

Which of the following is true according to the passage?

  • A. A. The outbreak of tuberculosis is caused by alcohol abuse
  • B. B. Most people in the world are oblivious of the harmful effects of alcohol abuse
  • C. C. The danger of alcohol abuse was highlighted in developed countriesCorrect
  • D. D. The abuse of alcohol can only be controlled in Africa and Asia

Explanation

The passage indicates the danger of alcohol abuse was highlighted by WHO in developed countries.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 3

Which of the following best describes the tone of the writer in the passage?

  • A. A. Conciliatory
  • B. B. AlarmingCorrect
  • C. C. Persuasive
  • D. D. Disillusioned

Explanation

The writer uses strong warnings about alcohol's death toll, giving the passage an alarming tone.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 4

The expression 'binge drinking', as used in the passage, means

  • A. A. drinking for a short period
  • B. B. drinking intermittently
  • C. C. drinking profuselyCorrect
  • D. D. drinking against medical advice

Explanation

'Binge drinking' means drinking heavily/profusely over a short session.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 5

From the passage, it can be deduced that developed countries' attitude towards alcohol control is

  • A. A. compromising
  • B. B. encouraging
  • C. C. proactiveCorrect
  • D. D. lethargic

Explanation

The passage discusses developed countries dealing proactively with binge drinking as a problem.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 6

Cloze passage: Mr Ikimi, the headmaster, decided to erect a new domestic science block. He awarded the ___(6)___ to a well-known ___(7)___ who drew up a ___(8)___ which was sent to the Town Planning Authority for approval. The ___(9)___ was cleared and a ___(10)___ started work on laying the foundation, the most important process of which was pouring the ___(11)___. The building soon took ___(12)___ and the roof was on in no time. The ___(13)___ was done by a set of competent carpenters, and louvre windows added beauty to the block, whose exterior walls looked striking after the second ___(14)___ had been put on. The interior ___(15)___ was left to the domestic science teacher. (Blank 6)

  • A. A. contractCorrect
  • B. B. project
  • C. C. assignment
  • D. D. business

Explanation

'Contract' is the register term for a written agreement awarded for building work.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 7

Cloze passage: Mr Ikimi, the headmaster, decided to erect a new domestic science block. He awarded the ___(6)___ to a well-known ___(7)___ who drew up a ___(8)___ which was sent to the Town Planning Authority for approval. The ___(9)___ was cleared and a ___(10)___ started work on laying the foundation, the most important process of which was pouring the ___(11)___. The building soon took ___(12)___ and the roof was on in no time. The ___(13)___ was done by a set of competent carpenters, and louvre windows added beauty to the block, whose exterior walls looked striking after the second ___(14)___ had been put on. The interior ___(15)___ was left to the domestic science teacher. (Blank 7)

  • A. A. architectCorrect
  • B. B. designer
  • C. C. engineer
  • D. D. planner

Explanation

An architect is the professional who plans, designs and reviews construction of buildings.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 8

Cloze passage: Mr Ikimi, the headmaster, decided to erect a new domestic science block. He awarded the ___(6)___ to a well-known ___(7)___ who drew up a ___(8)___ which was sent to the Town Planning Authority for approval. The ___(9)___ was cleared and a ___(10)___ started work on laying the foundation, the most important process of which was pouring the ___(11)___. The building soon took ___(12)___ and the roof was on in no time. The ___(13)___ was done by a set of competent carpenters, and louvre windows added beauty to the block, whose exterior walls looked striking after the second ___(14)___ had been put on. The interior ___(15)___ was left to the domestic science teacher. (Blank 8)

  • A. A. planCorrect
  • B. B. picture
  • C. C. chart
  • D. D. programme

Explanation

'Plan' means a design of something to be built, sent for planning approval.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 9

Cloze passage: Mr Ikimi, the headmaster, decided to erect a new domestic science block. He awarded the ___(6)___ to a well-known ___(7)___ who drew up a ___(8)___ which was sent to the Town Planning Authority for approval. The ___(9)___ was cleared and a ___(10)___ started work on laying the foundation, the most important process of which was pouring the ___(11)___. The building soon took ___(12)___ and the roof was on in no time. The ___(13)___ was done by a set of competent carpenters, and louvre windows added beauty to the block, whose exterior walls looked striking after the second ___(14)___ had been put on. The interior ___(15)___ was left to the domestic science teacher. (Blank 9)

  • A. A. spot
  • B. B. locality
  • C. C. siteCorrect
  • D. D. environment

Explanation

'Site' means the area of ground on which a building is constructed.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 10

Cloze passage: Mr Ikimi, the headmaster, decided to erect a new domestic science block. He awarded the ___(6)___ to a well-known ___(7)___ who drew up a ___(8)___ which was sent to the Town Planning Authority for approval. The ___(9)___ was cleared and a ___(10)___ started work on laying the foundation, the most important process of which was pouring the ___(11)___. The building soon took ___(12)___ and the roof was on in no time. The ___(13)___ was done by a set of competent carpenters, and louvre windows added beauty to the block, whose exterior walls looked striking after the second ___(14)___ had been put on. The interior ___(15)___ was left to the domestic science teacher. (Blank 10)

  • A. A. a worker
  • B. B. a masonCorrect
  • C. C. an artist
  • D. D. a plumber

Explanation

A mason is skilled in cutting, dressing and laying stone/blocks — fitting for laying a foundation.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 11

Cloze passage: Mr Ikimi, the headmaster, decided to erect a new domestic science block. He awarded the ___(6)___ to a well-known ___(7)___ who drew up a ___(8)___ which was sent to the Town Planning Authority for approval. The ___(9)___ was cleared and a ___(10)___ started work on laying the foundation, the most important process of which was pouring the ___(11)___. The building soon took ___(12)___ and the roof was on in no time. The ___(13)___ was done by a set of competent carpenters, and louvre windows added beauty to the block, whose exterior walls looked striking after the second ___(14)___ had been put on. The interior ___(15)___ was left to the domestic science teacher. (Blank 11)

  • A. A. marble
  • B. B. concreteCorrect
  • C. C. laterite
  • D. D. sand

Explanation

Concrete is poured to form the foundation of a building.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 12

Cloze passage: Mr Ikimi, the headmaster, decided to erect a new domestic science block. He awarded the ___(6)___ to a well-known ___(7)___ who drew up a ___(8)___ which was sent to the Town Planning Authority for approval. The ___(9)___ was cleared and a ___(10)___ started work on laying the foundation, the most important process of which was pouring the ___(11)___. The building soon took ___(12)___ and the roof was on in no time. The ___(13)___ was done by a set of competent carpenters, and louvre windows added beauty to the block, whose exterior walls looked striking after the second ___(14)___ had been put on. The interior ___(15)___ was left to the domestic science teacher. (Blank 12)

  • A. A. position
  • B. B. shapeCorrect
  • C. C. place
  • D. D. direction

Explanation

'Shape' fits — the building took form and structure.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 13

Cloze passage: Mr Ikimi, the headmaster, decided to erect a new domestic science block. He awarded the ___(6)___ to a well-known ___(7)___ who drew up a ___(8)___ which was sent to the Town Planning Authority for approval. The ___(9)___ was cleared and a ___(10)___ started work on laying the foundation, the most important process of which was pouring the ___(11)___. The building soon took ___(12)___ and the roof was on in no time. The ___(13)___ was done by a set of competent carpenters, and louvre windows added beauty to the block, whose exterior walls looked striking after the second ___(14)___ had been put on. The interior ___(15)___ was left to the domestic science teacher. (Blank 13)

  • A. A. a woodworkCorrect
  • B. B. wood fixing
  • C. C. wood cutting
  • D. D. timber work

Explanation

'Woodwork' refers to the activity/skill of making things from wood, done by carpenters.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 14

Cloze passage: Mr Ikimi, the headmaster, decided to erect a new domestic science block. He awarded the ___(6)___ to a well-known ___(7)___ who drew up a ___(8)___ which was sent to the Town Planning Authority for approval. The ___(9)___ was cleared and a ___(10)___ started work on laying the foundation, the most important process of which was pouring the ___(11)___. The building soon took ___(12)___ and the roof was on in no time. The ___(13)___ was done by a set of competent carpenters, and louvre windows added beauty to the block, whose exterior walls looked striking after the second ___(14)___ had been put on. The interior ___(15)___ was left to the domestic science teacher. (Blank 14)

  • A. A. sprayingCorrect
  • B. B. washing
  • C. C. coating
  • D. D. covering

Explanation

'Spraying' (of paint) is what gives exterior walls a striking finish.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 15

Cloze passage: Mr Ikimi, the headmaster, decided to erect a new domestic science block. He awarded the ___(6)___ to a well-known ___(7)___ who drew up a ___(8)___ which was sent to the Town Planning Authority for approval. The ___(9)___ was cleared and a ___(10)___ started work on laying the foundation, the most important process of which was pouring the ___(11)___. The building soon took ___(12)___ and the roof was on in no time. The ___(13)___ was done by a set of competent carpenters, and louvre windows added beauty to the block, whose exterior walls looked striking after the second ___(14)___ had been put on. The interior ___(15)___ was left to the domestic science teacher. (Blank 15)

  • A. A. design
  • B. B. dressing
  • C. C. planning
  • D. D. decorationCorrect

Explanation

'Decoration' is the process/art of decorating the interior, left to the domestic science teacher.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 16

Based on S.L. Manyika's novel 'Independence': At the old people's home, Mr Richardson could be described as

  • A. A. a racistCorrect
  • B. B. loving
  • C. C. weak
  • D. D. sympathetic

Explanation

Mr Richardson's remarks and conduct at the old people's home in the novel are shown to be racially prejudiced.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 17

Based on S.L. Manyika's novel 'Independence': The cross-cultural marriage counselling given to Tayo by Vanessa's father was

  • A. A. frankCorrect
  • B. B. pretentious
  • C. C. reassuring
  • D. D. solicited

Explanation

Tayo tells Vanessa his father is against their relationship — the counselling is direct/frank about this opposition.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 18

Based on S.L. Manyika's novel 'Independence': The views of the students of Bellamy Boys' School about Nigeria could best be described as

  • A. A. objective
  • B. B. factual
  • C. C. stereotypicalCorrect
  • D. D. childish

Explanation

The students' comments about Nigeria in the novel reflect stereotyped, not factual, views.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 19

Based on S.L. Manyika's novel 'Independence': During her surprise visit on New Year's Eve, Vanessa met Tayo

  • A. A. dancing
  • B. B. reading
  • C. C. sleeping
  • D. D. cookingCorrect

Explanation

On page 64 of the novel, Vanessa met Tayo cooking.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 20

Based on S.L. Manyika's novel 'Independence': In an excerpt where both seemed wrong to Tayo, but at least one relative had been enamoured by his talk of Vanessa, 'both' referred to

  • A. A. Uncle Bola and Tayo's father
  • B. B. Mr Richardson and Tayo's father
  • C. C. Remi and Uncle BolaCorrect
  • D. D. Uncle Kayode and Mr Richardson

Explanation

The excerpt refers to Remi and Uncle Bola as the pair in question.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 21

Based on S.L. Manyika's novel 'Independence': 'He never grew tired of browsing the Barkers' bookshelves.' Who browsed the bookshelves?

  • A. A. Mr Barker
  • B. B. CharlieCorrect
  • C. C. Tayo
  • D. D. Yusuf

Explanation

Charlie is depicted as never growing tired of browsing the Barkers' bookshelves.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 22

Based on S.L. Manyika's novel 'Independence': According to the novel, Suleiman's real (biological) mother was

  • A. A. Modupe
  • B. B. Joyce
  • C. C. SalamatouCorrect
  • D. D. Vanessa

Explanation

Salamatou, a hairstylist in Dakar, Senegal, who died in a motor accident, is Suleiman's biological mother.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 23

Based on S.L. Manyika's novel 'Independence': Ike's views on Negritude, as espoused in the novel, were

  • A. A. critical
  • B. B. supportive
  • C. C. non-committal
  • D. D. problematicCorrect

Explanation

Ike Nwade, a History student, espoused a problematic view about Negritude in the novel.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 24

Based on S.L. Manyika's novel 'Independence': According to Tunde, the Bradford party was organised not only in honour of Tayo but also to celebrate

  • A. A. Nigeria's independence
  • B. B. Gambia's independenceCorrect
  • C. C. an African Queen
  • D. D. an African Nehru

Explanation

The party also marked the independence celebration of an African country (Gambia) that had just gained independence.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 25

Based on S.L. Manyika's novel 'Independence': 'You had better do as the doctor says and stay in bed' most nearly means

  • A. A. It is better to stay in bed when listening to the doctor
  • B. B. It is wiser to listen to the doctor than to stay in bed
  • C. C. It is wiser to wait in bed for the doctor
  • D. D. The wisest thing to do is to stay in bedCorrect

Explanation

'You had better' expresses strong advice — the wisest course of action is to stay in bed.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 26

Dangana put the screw on his sister. This means he

  • A. A. pressurised and encouraged her
  • B. B. hindered and discouraged her
  • C. C. frightened and threatened herCorrect
  • D. D. flogged and injured her

Explanation

'Put the screw on' means to exert strong psychological pressure to intimidate someone, i.e. frighten/threaten them.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 27

Mula was told that if he behaved badly he would go to bed without his supper.

  • A. A. Mula had not yet had his supper
  • B. B. Mula was behaving badly because he had no supper
  • C. C. Mula had had no supper because he had behaved badly
  • D. D. Mula had had supper and had gone to bedCorrect

Explanation

This is a conditional statement; the option consistent with the condition already being fulfilled is that Mula had had supper and gone to bed.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 28

Kunle was allowed to stew in his own juice.

  • A. A. He enjoyed the fruits of his labour
  • B. B. He suffered the consequences of his own actionsCorrect
  • C. C. He was associated with the rich in society
  • D. D. He suffered untold hardship

Explanation

'Stew in one's own juice' means to be left to suffer the consequences of one's own actions.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 29

Wouldn't it have been better to accept the referee's decision, Tunde?

  • A. A. Tunde did not agree with the referee
  • B. B. The referee's decision was fair
  • C. C. Tunde had to accept the referee's decisionCorrect
  • D. D. The referee's decision was better than Tunde's

Explanation

The rhetorical question implies Tunde ought to have accepted (had to accept) the referee's decision.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 32

Aliu was a natural spendthrift when single.

  • A. A. philanthropist
  • B. B. miserCorrect
  • C. C. gambler
  • D. D. thrift collector

Explanation

A 'spendthrift' wastes money freely; its opposite is a 'miser', who is excessively frugal.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 35

Tolu broke her leg because of her restive nature.

  • A. A. lively
  • B. B. relaxed
  • C. C. patient
  • D. D. unrulyCorrect

Explanation

'Restive' means restless, stubborn, unruly; option D is nearest in meaning.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 36

The secretary's speech was interesting, though impromptu.

  • A. A. unpreparedCorrect
  • B. B. controversial
  • C. C. important
  • D. D. improper

Explanation

'Impromptu' means offhand/unrehearsed, nearest in meaning to 'unprepared'.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 37

The manager of the team is often maligned by the supporters.

  • A. A. slanderedCorrect
  • B. B. controversial
  • C. C. praised
  • D. D. hounded

Explanation

'Maligned' means spoken ill of; 'slandered' is nearest in meaning.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 38

He has a cogent reason for quitting the relationship.

  • A. A. a convincing reasonCorrect
  • B. B. an unacceptable reason
  • C. C. a tentative reason
  • D. D. an unconventional reason

Explanation

'Cogent' means clear, logical and convincing.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 40

Mrs Audu wept when she discovered that she had lost her ______ rings.

  • A. A. expensive wedding gold
  • B. B. gold expensive wedding
  • C. C. wedding expensive gold
  • D. D. very expensive gold weddingCorrect

Explanation

Correct adjective order (opinion-size/age-shape-colour-origin-material-purpose): 'very expensive gold wedding' rings.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 41

______ apologised or you will face the consequences.

  • A. A. You are bound to
  • B. B. You'd better
  • C. C. You are better off to
  • D. D. You betterCorrect

Explanation

'You better apologise' is the idiomatic informal collocation used for strong advice.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 42

Your driving is very dangerous. ______ you might have even been killed.

  • A. A. You could have been killed, evenCorrect
  • B. B. Even, you might have been killed
  • C. C. You might have even been killed
  • D. D. Even you might have been killed

Explanation

The correct word order places 'even' for emphasis within the clause discussing potential danger.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 43

Although he tried hard, the journalist couldn't get ______ information.

  • A. A. several
  • B. B. an
  • C. C. many
  • D. D. muchCorrect

Explanation

'Information' is an uncountable noun and takes 'much', not 'a/an' or 'few/many'.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 46

Though Ann was very well paid, she was always short of money.

  • A. A. since she was always short of money
  • B. B. but she was always short of moneyCorrect
  • C. C. and she was always short of money
  • D. D. she was always short of money

Explanation

'Though...but' is the correct concessive collocation pairing in this construction.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 48

My teacher asked me ______ if the food is ready.

  • A. A. if
  • B. B. whether the food ready
  • C. C. whether the food is readyCorrect
  • D. D. if the disaster

Explanation

Reported yes/no questions use 'whether' with correct statement word order: 'whether the food is ready'.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 49

No one was killed though ______ were injuries.

  • A. A. their
  • B. B. they
  • C. C. thereCorrect
  • D. D. these

Explanation

'There' indicates existence ('there were injuries'), distinct from the possessive 'their' or pronoun 'they'.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 50

accompany (choose option with the same vowel sound as the underlined letter(s))

  • A. A. abolish
  • B. B. fail
  • C. C. dear
  • D. D. sluggishCorrect

Explanation

'Accompany' and 'sluggish' share the same vowel sound.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 52

town (choose option with the same consonant sound as the underlined letter(s))

  • A. A. ring
  • B. B. nonCorrect
  • C. C. fling
  • D. D. erosion

Explanation

'Town' and 'non' share the same nasal consonant sound.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 53

English (choose option with the same consonant sound as the underlined letter(s))

  • A. A. thin
  • B. B. thinkCorrect
  • C. C. edge
  • D. D. end

Explanation

'English' and 'think' share the same consonant sound.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 56

prohibition (choose the option with the most appropriate stress pattern; stressed syllable in capitals)

  • A. A. proHIbition
  • B. B. prohiBItionCorrect
  • C. C. PROhibition
  • D. D. prohibiTION

Explanation

Words ending in '-tion' are stressed on the syllable immediately before it: prohiBItion.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 57

aggregation (choose the option with the most appropriate stress pattern; stressed syllable in capitals)

  • A. A. AGgregation
  • B. B. aggREgation
  • C. C. AggreGAtionCorrect
  • D. D. aggregreTION

Explanation

The syllable before the '-tion' ending carries the stress: aggreGAtion.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 58

Amina attends a COMMERCIAL college. (Which sentence relates to the given one, where capitals show emphatic stress?)

  • A. A. Does Kunle attend a commercial college?
  • B. B. Has Amina graduated from a commercial college?
  • C. C. Does Amina attend a technical college?Correct
  • D. D. Does Amina attend a commercial school?

Explanation

Emphatic stress on 'COMMERCIAL' contrasts it with another type of college, e.g. 'technical', re-emphasising the word 'commercial'.

English Language 2017 Objective — Question 59

HIS wife works in a bank. (Which sentence relates to the given one, where capitals show emphatic stress?)

  • A. A. Where does his wife work?
  • B. B. Does his wife play in a bank?
  • C. C. Does his concubine work in a bank?
  • D. D. Does my wife work in a bank?Correct

Explanation

Emphatic stress on 'HIS' contrasts with another possessive pronoun, e.g. 'my', satisfying the condition of emphatic stress.

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