All 60 questions from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) English Language 2018 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.
The author cites the scholars referring to 'voting rights of women or minorities' in order to _____
A. cite unquestionably justified Ninth Amendment rightsB. demonstrate how changing priorities can alter perspectives on fundamental human rightsCorrect C. argue for the modern extension of Natural Rights TheoryD. refute the traditionalist interpretation of the Ninth AmendmentExplanation This reference (from the passage on the Ninth Amendment) is used to demonstrate how changing societal priorities and values can alter how we interpret fundamental human rights over time.
Constitutional scholars of both the traditionalist and liberal views would agree that 'Ninth Amendment rights' _____
A. accommodate shifts in cultural values with respect to issues affecting human rightsB. cannot serve as the basis of legal decisionsC. are directly reflected in our understanding of who can and can't voteD. are not stated explicitly in the Bill of RightsCorrect Explanation Both schools of thought agree that Ninth Amendment rights, by their nature, are unenumerated — not stated explicitly in the Bill of Rights — which is the very source of the interpretive debate.
According to the passage, what would the Ninth Amendment imply about a right to 'a trial by jury', guaranteed in the Seventh Amendment?
A. The Ninth Amendment would provide direct support for this right.B. The Ninth Amendment would not support this right directly, but would support all the logistics that would allow citizens to exercise this right.C. The Ninth Amendment would apply to trials that fall outside the jurisdiction of Federal Courts.D. The Ninth Amendment is irrelevant to any right mentioned explicitly in the Bill of Rights.Correct Explanation The Ninth Amendment specifically concerns unenumerated rights; since trial by jury is already explicitly guaranteed by the Seventh Amendment, the Ninth Amendment is irrelevant to it.
In the view of James Madison and the other Founding Fathers, the Ninth Amendment limits the power of the central Federal government by _____
A. preventing constitutionally listed rights from being viewed as exhaustiveCorrect B. giving the citizens rights in every area not explicitly addressed by the lawC. codifying a vast universe of federally enforceable rightsD. guaranteeing, in the text of US Constitution, all rights held by Natural Rights TheoryExplanation Madison's intent was to ensure that the specific rights listed in the Constitution would not be interpreted as the only rights retained by the people, i.e. the list is not exhaustive.
The primary purpose of the passage is to _____
A. clarify the most proper interpretation of an amendmentB. argue for a broader perspective on human rights and their legal protectionC. contrast historical perspectives of an amendment to its modern legal readingD. explain the motivation for an amendment and the ambiguity this amendment presentsCorrect Explanation The passage's primary purpose is to explain both the historical motivation behind the Ninth Amendment and the interpretive ambiguity it continues to present today.
She is _____ to necklaces. [allergic/acquainted/used/prone]
A. allergicCorrect B. acquaintedC. usedD. proneExplanation 'Allergic to' is the correct collocation for a physical reaction to something like jewellery/metal.
The surgeon happily told Marvellous that her daughter is suffering from _____
A. TuberculosisB. amnesiaCorrect C. HIVD. malariaExplanation Based on the passage's context (a surgeon addressing a condition treatable/explainable with relief), amnesia fits the narrative described.
She had developed _____ [rashes/cough/itchy/bedsore]
A. rashesCorrect B. coughC. itchyD. bedsoreExplanation 'Rashes' is the grammatically correct noun form to complete 'developed ___'; 'itchy' is an adjective and doesn't fit as a noun here.
She only needed _____ [therapeutic/neurologist/surgeon/gynaecologist]
A. therapeuticCorrect B. neurologistC. surgeonD. gynaecologistExplanation Based on the passage's context, 'therapeutic' (care/treatment) fits as what she needed, as opposed to a specific specialist.
Before her psychological breakdown, doctor had cleared her of _____
A. diarrhoeaB. diabetesCorrect C. itchyD. hangoverExplanation Per the passage, the doctor had ruled out diabetes before the psychological breakdown occurred.
The doctor carried out series of tests and discovered it is fit to take her to _____ [labour room/dark room/theater/maternity ward]
A. labour roomB. dark roomC. theaterCorrect D. maternity wardExplanation Given the context of needing surgery/tests, the theater (operating room) is where she would be taken.
For him to carry out kidney _____ [transplant/changes/infusion/transformation]
A. transplantCorrect B. changesC. infusionD. transformationExplanation 'Kidney transplant' is the correct medical collocation for this procedure.
The police and coroner charged the doctor to demand for a/an _____
A. virologistB. pathologistCorrect C. orthopedistD. dentistsExplanation A pathologist is called upon by police/coroners to investigate causes of death, matching the passage's context.
It was made known that she had been moved to the _____
A. morgueCorrect B. cemeteryC. mortuaryD. ovenExplanation The morgue is where a body is kept immediately following death, prior to further processes like burial (cemetery) or embalming (mortuary).
She had _____ manifestations with disease [prone/flair/genetic/acquaintance]
A. proneB. flairC. geneticCorrect D. acquaintanceExplanation 'Genetic manifestations' correctly refers to disease traits that are hereditary in nature.
In the book 'Independence' Tayo's uncle, Kayode, wanted to study Engineering in _____?
A. BritainB. U.S.AC. FranceCorrect D. GermanyExplanation According to the novel 'Independence', Kayode wanted to study Engineering in France.
In the book 'Independence' Wearing woolens, lamb cardigans, extra socks, gloves and Balliol scarf signified that Tayo was _____
A. ColdCorrect B. Going to a partyC. sickD. walking in the rainExplanation This heavy winter clothing signifies that Tayo was dressing to keep warm, i.e. he was cold (a common experience for a Nigerian student in Britain).
In the Novel 'Independence' Tayo wrote a biography of _____
A. Arthur RichardsonB. Lord LugardCorrect C. Obafemi AwolowoD. Nnamidi AzikiweExplanation In the novel, Tayo undertakes to write a biography of Lord Lugard.
Tayo opted to remain in Nigeria because _____
A. he had a duty to serve his studentsCorrect B. his wife wanted to stayC. his friends were thereD. his brothers needed himExplanation Tayo chose to remain in Nigeria out of a sense of duty to serve his students.
According to Tayo, the two major problems of Nigeria were _____
A. tribalism and religionB. politics and cultureC. bribery and corruptionD. greed and mismanagementCorrect Explanation According to Tayo in the novel, greed and mismanagement were identified as Nigeria's two major problems.
In the novel 'Independence' Tayo lied to Vanassa that Christine was his _____
A. sisterB. nieceC. auntD. cousinCorrect Explanation Tayo lied to Vanessa, telling her that Christine was his cousin.
When John finished reading _____, he lost interest.
A. the three first chaptersB. the first three chaptersCorrect C. the three chapters firstD. all the chaptersExplanation The correct word order for cardinal + ordinal numbers in English is 'the first three chapters' (ordinal before cardinal number).
Kemi is not _____ as her brother.
A. a such good writerB. as good as writerC. as good a writerCorrect D. a writer such goodExplanation The correct structure for this comparison is 'as + adjective + a + noun' i.e. 'as good a writer'.
Three weeks after _____ the village had not recovered from the frightening experience.
A. a another police surprise raidB. another surprise police raidCorrect C. police surprise another raidD. another raid police surpriseExplanation The correct adjective order in English is: determiner + opinion + type + noun, giving 'another surprise police raid'.
We still don't know her _____ [where and about/whereabouts/whereabout/where and abouts]
A. where and aboutB. whereaboutsCorrect C. whereaboutD. where and aboutsExplanation 'Whereabouts' (always with a final 's') is the correct standard English word for someone's location.
Two third of the students could not spell _____ [pronunciation/pronnounciation/pronnounciation/pronunciation]
A. pronunciationB. pronnounciationC. pronnounciationD. pronunciationCorrect Explanation The correct spelling is 'pronunciation' (note: no 'o' after 'pron', unlike the verb 'pronounce').
Michael is naturally taciturn.
A. friendlyB. cheerfulC. dumbD. garrulousCorrect Explanation 'Taciturn' means reserved or unwilling to talk much; 'garrulous' (excessively talkative) is its direct antonym, which is the relationship being tested in this item.
Most of the students give evasive answers to questions which they fully understand.
A. directCorrect B. outspokenC. simpleD. directExplanation 'Evasive' means avoiding giving a direct answer; its opposite is 'direct'.
Legend flogged the girl reluctantly.
A. eagerlyCorrect B. calmlyC. furiouslyD. laboriouslyExplanation 'Reluctantly' means unwillingly; its opposite is 'eagerly' (willingly).
Mr. Solomon was most flexible in his instructions.
A. rigidCorrect B. correctC. stiffD. uprightExplanation 'Flexible' (adaptable) is opposite to 'rigid' (inflexible, strict).
It is generally believed that misers are not loved by many.
A. spendthriftCorrect B. skinflintC. hoardersD. saversExplanation A 'miser' is someone who hoards money and spends reluctantly; its opposite is a 'spendthrift' (someone who spends money freely/wastefully).
Olanshile has a sonorous voice.
A. high-pitchedB. beautifulCorrect C. throatyD. hoarseExplanation 'Sonorous' describes a voice that is deep, resonant and pleasant; the nearest match among the options is 'beautiful'.
Lord Gaffy acted courageously when he was attacked by thieves.
A. shylyB. fearlesslyCorrect C. timidlyD. carelesslyExplanation 'Courageously' means bravely; its nearest synonym among the options is 'fearlessly'.
The task was herculean.
A. irregularB. related to HerculesC. stimulatingD. demandingCorrect Explanation 'Herculean' means requiring great strength or effort; the nearest meaning among the options is 'demanding'.
He was asked to give copious examples to appear convincing.
A. concreteB. rigidC. cogentD. manyCorrect Explanation 'Copious' means abundant/plentiful; the nearest meaning among the options is 'many'.
He is credulous.
A. credibleB. credibleC. creditableD. gullibleCorrect Explanation 'Credulous' means too ready to believe things (easily deceived); its nearest synonym is 'gullible'.
Gabriel inadvertently shot his friend dead.
A. deliberatelyB. spontaneouslyC. accidentallyCorrect D. inappropriatelyExplanation 'Inadvertently' means unintentionally/by accident; its nearest synonym is 'accidentally'.
rust — which word has the same vowel sound as the one underlined in 'rust'? [loud/touch/bought/march]
A. loudB. touchCorrect C. boughtD. marchExplanation The vowel sound in 'rust' (/ʌ/) matches the vowel sound in 'touch'.
bear — which word has the same vowel sound as the one underlined in 'bear'? [rare/fear/beer/steer]
A. rareCorrect B. fearC. beerD. steerExplanation The vowel sound in 'bear' (/eə/) matches the vowel sound in 'rare'.
Yours is to command _____ is to obey.
A. theirsCorrect B. theirs'C. their'sD. theirExplanation 'Theirs' (no apostrophe) is the correct possessive pronoun form, parallel to 'yours'.
The soldiers ran short of _____ [arm and ammunitions/arms and ammunitions/arms and ammunition/arm and ammunition]
A. arm and ammunitionsB. arms and ammunitionsC. arms and ammunitionCorrect D. arm and ammunitionExplanation 'Arms' (plural, meaning weapons) and 'ammunition' (uncountable, no plural 's') is the grammatically correct combination.
The man is one of the _____ of the society.
A. elitistB. eliteCorrect C. elitesD. of elitistsExplanation 'Elite' functions as a collective noun (already implying plural members), so 'one of the elite' is correct without adding 's'.
The press will no longer be free when the new government starts to _____ newspapers.
A. censureB. editC. publishD. censorCorrect Explanation 'Censor' means to suppress or control content deemed objectionable, fitting the context of restricting press freedom; 'censure' means to criticise formally, which does not fit.
Refuse (noun) — which word has the same stress pattern as 'REfuse' (noun)? [reform/intact/obscure/phantom]
A. reformB. intactC. obscureD. phantomCorrect Explanation 'Refuse' as a noun is stressed on the first syllable (REfuse); 'phantom' similarly carries first-syllable stress, matching the pattern.
Downtrodden — which word has the same stress pattern? [downgrading/prescribing/functional/internal]
A. downgradingB. prescribingC. functionalD. internalCorrect Explanation 'Downtrodden' is stressed on the second syllable; 'internal' similarly carries stress on its second syllable, matching the pattern.
Congratulation — which is the correct stress pattern?
A. CONgratulationB. ConGRAtulationCorrect C. CongratULAtionD. CongratulatIONExplanation 'Congratulation' carries its primary stress on the second syllable: con-GRA-tu-la-tion.
Termination — which is the correct stress pattern?
A. TerminaTionB. TermiNATIONCorrect C. TerminNAtionD. TerMInationExplanation 'Termination' carries its primary stress on the third syllable: ter-mi-NA-tion.
Which word has the same final consonant sound as the underlined letters in 'cloth'?
A. theyB. threeC. mouth (verb)Correct D. ThomasExplanation The 'th' in 'cloth' is the voiceless /θ/ sound, which matches the 'th' in 'mouth' used as a verb (to mouth something), also pronounced /θ/.
Which word has the same consonant sound as the underlined letters in 'church'?
A. featureCorrect B. chauffeurC. oceanD. machineExplanation The 'ch' in 'church' represents the voiceless affricate /tʃ/, which matches the 't' sound in 'feature' (/ˈfiː.tʃər/).
My brother's drunkenness often got on my nerves. This means it _____
A. disgraced himB. made him illC. made me angryD. offended meCorrect Explanation 'Got on my nerves' is an idiom meaning to irritate or offend/annoy someone, matching option D.
The man's Achilles' heel is women. This means _____
A. His weakness is womenCorrect B. His strength is womenC. He fights womenD. He respects womenExplanation 'Achilles' heel' is an idiom for a person's weak point or vulnerability; here it means his weakness is women.
Snakes and ladders always _____ me happy these days.
A. makesCorrect B. makeC. madeD. makingExplanation 'Snakes and ladders' is the (singular) name of a game, so it takes the singular verb 'makes'.
When you _____ an opponent's point in a debate, you must do so politely.
A. refuteCorrect B. rebukeC. rejectD. refuseExplanation 'Refute' means to prove a point wrong with argument/evidence, which fits the context of formally countering an opponent's point in a debate.
I will like to buy some drugs. Let's go to the _____.
A. druggistB. chemistsC. chemist'sCorrect D. chemistExplanation 'Chemist's' (with the possessive apostrophe) is the correct idiomatic way to refer to a pharmacy/drugstore in British English (like 'the doctor's').
The letter was being written by the principal.
A. The letter had been written by the principal.B. The principal was writing the letter.Correct C. The principal wanted to write the letter.D. The principal wrote the letterExplanation Converting from passive to active voice: 'The letter was being written by the principal' (past continuous passive) becomes 'The principal was writing the letter' (past continuous active).
Advising Olu to break his bad habit is like knocking your head against a brick wall. This means _____
A. making a fool of yourselfB. making the impossible/a hopeless effortCorrect C. making him your enemyD. asking him to beat youExplanation 'Knocking your head against a brick wall' is an idiom meaning a hopeless, futile effort.
The INEC officer suffers from incessant _____ nose.
A. runningB. runnyCorrect C. reusingD. rehungExplanation 'Runny nose' is the correct standard collocation for a nose that continually produces mucus (a symptom of cold/allergy).
Aderonke STATED she had a right to her privacy. This is the appropriate response to the question:
A. Did Aderonke state she had a right to her privacy?Correct B. Did Aderonke lament she had a right to her privacy?C. Did Aderonke state she had a right to her openness?D. Did Aderonke state she had a right to his privacy?Explanation The emphatic stress on 'STATED' answers a question about what action Aderonke took, matching option A exactly on the verb 'state'.
Bola LOVES Toyota cars. This is the appropriate response to the question:
A. who loves Toyota cars?Correct B. what brand of car does Bola love?C. Does Bola hate Toyota cars?D. Does Bola love bicycles?Explanation The emphatic stress on 'LOVES' highlights the verb/action itself, and the appropriate matching question likewise centres on identifying who performs that action toward Toyota cars.
Oluwatosin TOOK OFF the wig. This is the appropriate response to the question:
A. what did Oluwatosin do?Correct B. Did Oluwatosin take off the wig?C. Did Oluwatosin take off the ring?D. who took the wig off?Explanation The emphatic stress on 'TOOK OFF' (the action/verb phrase) answers a question about what Oluwatosin did, matching option A.
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