All 73 questions from the Post-UTME Screening (Post-UTME) English Language 2005 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.
[Passage: on juvenile delinquency - argues that delinquency describes actions that would not be crimes if committed by adults (status offences like underage drinking, driving, smoking); the writer suggests such laws mainly serve to preserve adult privileges and prevent young people from enjoying certain freedoms, calling delinquency 'a weapon forged in adult minds against young people.'] In the view of the writer, drinking underage is an offence because
A. adults want to have all the drinks to themselvesCorrect B. adults do not want juveniles to get drinksC. drunken juveniles can cause disorders in the societyD. adults have a duty to protect young societyExplanation The passage's cynical argument is that such 'status offences' mainly serve to reserve certain privileges (like drinking) exclusively for adults.
[Passage: on juvenile delinquency - argues that delinquency describes actions that would not be crimes if committed by adults (status offences like underage drinking, driving, smoking); the writer suggests such laws mainly serve to preserve adult privileges and prevent young people from enjoying certain freedoms, calling delinquency 'a weapon forged in adult minds against young people.'] If the world changed overnight
A. there would be more delinquency lawsB. delinquency would refer to all adult actionsCorrect C. delinquency would no more be a crimeD. the world will be turned upside downExplanation The passage argues that if roles were reversed and young people made the laws, many currently-freely-committed adult actions would themselves become 'delinquent' offences.
[Passage: on juvenile delinquency - argues that delinquency describes actions that would not be crimes if committed by adults (status offences like underage drinking, driving, smoking); the writer suggests such laws mainly serve to preserve adult privileges and prevent young people from enjoying certain freedoms, calling delinquency 'a weapon forged in adult minds against young people.'] When young people make and enforce laws
A. the responsibility will be too heavy on their shouldersB. they would retaliate against the adults.Correct Explanation The passage implies that empowered young people would turn the tables and restrict adult actions, i.e. retaliate.
[Passage: on juvenile delinquency - argues that delinquency describes actions that would not be crimes if committed by adults (status offences like underage drinking, driving, smoking); the writer suggests such laws mainly serve to preserve adult privileges and prevent young people from enjoying certain freedoms, calling delinquency 'a weapon forged in adult minds against young people.'] Johnson is a stubborn man; he will never [In question 1124, choose the option that is nearest] ___ is words
A. chewB. spitC. eatCorrect D. biteExplanation 'Eat one's words' is the idiom meaning to retract a previous statement; a stubborn man would never do this.
Kindly excuse me my book because my friend admitted stealing it (choose the sentence closest in meaning)
A. Since I have finished all my homework, I am permitted to watch televisionB. I can only watch television after doing my homeworkCorrect C. I can watch television at any timeD. I can only finish my homework after permission to watch televisionExplanation This choice best reflects a conditional restriction tying television-watching to completing homework first.
In their desire to impress their friends and relatives, many young workers bite off more than they can chew, in terms of financial obligations
A. have more money than senseB. spend too much money on foodC. care too much for their relativesD. take on more responsibility than they can affordCorrect Explanation 'Bite off more than one can chew' means taking on more than one can handle/afford.
The new inspector of police decided that cuprites should be brought to book (nearest in meaning to the idiom)
A. should have their names recorded in a bookB. should be made to answer for their conductCorrect C. should be bookedD. should be brought before him to see whether they could read or notExplanation 'To bring someone to book' means to hold them accountable for their actions.
The discussion became animated (nearest in meaning to 'animated')
A. specializedB. livelyCorrect C. unrulyD. intellectualExplanation 'Animated' means lively/spirited.
The beggar's taking snow-balled every hour (nearest in meaning to 'snow-balled')
A. grewCorrect B. turned whiteC. seen toD. turned into snowExplanation 'Snow-balled' means grew rapidly, like a snowball rolling downhill and gathering size.
The preacher has made good his promise to visit some of his converts today (nearest in meaning to 'made good')
A. fulfilledCorrect B. improved onC. seen toD. acceptedExplanation 'To make good' a promise means to fulfil it.
Look at the tell tale signs of bettering on her (nearest in meaning to the idiom)
A. confirming looksB. suspicious marksC. revealingCorrect D. signifyingExplanation 'Tell-tale signs' means signs that reveal/indicate something clearly.
The armed robbers who raided passengers on the outskirts of the city came to grief when they had a shoot-out with the police today (nearest in meaning to the idiom)
A. came to a bad endCorrect B. became defeatedC. became grievedD. came to a dead endExplanation 'Came to grief' means to suffer a bad/disastrous outcome.
'This is a miniaturized version of your house', remarked the architect (nearest in meaning to 'miniaturized')
A. compressedB. abridgedC. decreasedD. smallerCorrect Explanation 'Miniaturized' means made into a smaller version.
It is claimed that the volcano near New Orleans is extinct (nearest in meaning to 'extinct')
A. dominantB. inactiveC. deadCorrect D. disusedExplanation 'Extinct' (of a volcano) means it will never erupt again, i.e. permanently dead/inactive.
My nephew came stealthily through the back gate (nearest in meaning to 'stealthily')
A. brisklyB. boldlyC. wearilyD. quietlyCorrect Explanation 'Stealthily' means quietly/secretly, so as not to be noticed.
A guest should not make derogatory but.......... remarks about the food he is served by his host (opposite in meaning to 'derogatory')
A. cheatingB. complimentaryCorrect C. politeD. appetizingExplanation 'Derogatory' (disparaging) is opposed by 'complimentary' (praising).
The businessman near our house is sourceful that all his grain comes to his mill. (nearest in meaning to the implied idiom)
A. everybody who comes to his mill is disappointedB. he wastes everythingC. Everything that comes to his mill is lostD. He utilizes everything to bring profitCorrect Explanation The context suggests the businessman is resourceful, making the most (profit) from everything that comes to his mill.
The famous dancer brought down the house by her exquisite performance. (nearest in meaning to the idiom)
A. cause the building to fallB. Brought the spectators to the ground floorC. closed down the dancing hallD. Won great applauseCorrect Explanation 'To bring down the house' means to receive an enthusiastic ovation/applause.
The Lincoln used to be an object of ridicule to his friends, but they soon realized that he was a rough diamond. (nearest in meaning to the idiom)
A. a person on rough as unrefined diamondB. a rough but wealthy manC. a man of great worth, though of unattractive exteriorCorrect D. a person with rough diamond in himExplanation 'A rough diamond' is an idiom for a person of genuine worth or talent hidden beneath an unpolished/unrefined exterior.
While we were waiting for the examination results to be posted, I suffered a lot from suspense. (nearest in meaning to 'suspense')
A. fearB. DoubtC. uncertaintyCorrect D. delayExplanation 'Suspense' means a state of uncertainty/anxious anticipation.
John's master praised him for being diligent in his duties. (nearest in meaning to 'diligent')
A. soberB. CarefulC. consistentD. industriousCorrect Explanation 'Diligent' means hard-working/industrious.
We had to control Uyi or he would have fought Abu over those words. (nearest in meaning to 'control')
A. AdviseB. RestrainCorrect C. CommandD. ForbidExplanation 'Control' here means to restrain someone from acting.
Some people believe that black cats are omens of bad luck. (nearest in meaning to 'omens')
A. warningsB. SignsCorrect C. PropheciesD. promisesExplanation 'Omens' are signs believed to foretell future events.
A monkey can imitate most of a man's actions. (nearest in meaning to 'imitate')
A. performB. mockC. learnD. apeCorrect Explanation 'To ape' someone's actions means to imitate/copy them.
The villagers were filled with wonder when they said their first television. (nearest in meaning to 'wonder')
A. shockB. DisbeliefC. amazementCorrect D. fearExplanation 'Wonder' here means amazement/astonishment.
He has never been a good mediator even in minor family disputes because, in most cases, his views are jaundiced. (nearest in meaning to 'jaundiced')
A. colouredB. PrejudicedCorrect C. suspiciousD. unscrupulousExplanation 'Jaundiced' (figuratively) means biased/prejudiced.
In some parts of our society, people are ostracized purely on the basis of their parentage. (nearest in meaning to 'ostracized')
A. hatedB. DisrespectedC. locked upD. shut off from othersCorrect Explanation 'Ostracized' means excluded/shunned by a group.
My friend will hate his uncle forever because he left him in the lurch at his hour of need. (nearest in meaning to the idiom)
A. abandoned himCorrect B. Punished himC. disrespected himD. despised himExplanation 'Left in the lurch' means abandoned in a difficult situation.
All the efforts made to settle the quarrel were futile. (nearest in meaning to 'futile')
A. successfulB. FruitlessCorrect C. wickedD. reasonableExplanation 'Futile' means having no useful result, i.e. fruitless.
Kelechi hardly ever falls sick. (nearest in meaning to 'hardly ever')
A. most oftenB. very seldomCorrect C. frequentlyD. sometimesExplanation 'Hardly ever' means very rarely.
It is sheer fantasy to believe that there could never be a miscalculation by any nation that has atomic weapon. (nearest in meaning to 'fantasy')
A. dreamB. HopeC. nonsenseCorrect D. JokeExplanation 'Sheer fantasy' means an unrealistic/nonsensical belief.
The ingenious scheme of the robber broke down because of the efficiency of the police officer. (nearest in meaning to 'ingenious')
A. suspiciousB. AmbitiousC. deceitfulD. cleverCorrect Explanation 'Ingenious' means cleverly inventive.
Our town is so small that we are always meeting our school master accidentally. (nearest in meaning to 'meeting...accidentally')
A. falling intoB. FindingC. running intoCorrect D. stepping onExplanation 'To run into someone' means to meet them unexpectedly.
One has to score not less than 200 marks in the UME together with meeting other conditions to be qualified to write the Uniben post UME screening test. (nearest in meaning to 'to be qualified to write')
A. to be exemptedB. to become a candidate forCorrect C. to be consideredD. to seek permission forExplanation Being qualified to write the test means becoming eligible as a candidate for it.
He went through fire before he qualified as a doctor. (nearest in meaning to the idiom)
A. a fire accidentB. a hilarious experienceC. some purificationD. some 'tough' timeCorrect Explanation 'Went through fire' is an idiom meaning endured a difficult/testing ordeal.
The chairman's verdict redressed the injustice meted out by the secretary. (opposite in meaning to 'redressed')
A. correctedB. RestoredC. aggravatedCorrect D. addressedExplanation 'Redressed' means corrected/put right; the opposite is 'aggravated' (made worse).
Uche could not travel last December because of the severity of the harmattan. (opposite in meaning to 'severity')
A. coldB. MildnessCorrect C. warmthD. moderationExplanation The opposite of 'severity' (intensity) is 'mildness'.
Travelling in the night can be an ordeal. (opposite in meaning to 'ordeal')
A. a great exerciseB. a great fearC. a great enduranceD. a great pleasureCorrect Explanation An 'ordeal' is a painful experience; the opposite is 'a great pleasure'.
Bola is very provocative in her style of dressing. (opposite in meaning to 'provocative')
A. modestCorrect B. HappyC. angryD. beautifulExplanation 'Provocative' dressing is opposed by 'modest' dressing.
Joke thought that her father was very callous. (opposite in meaning to 'callous')
A. indifferentB. CompassionateCorrect C. wickedD. carelessExplanation 'Callous' means unfeeling; the opposite is 'compassionate'.
'The Lions' of Cameroun is really an indomitable team. (opposite in meaning to 'indomitable')
A. a powerful teamB. a compassionate teamC. a weak teamCorrect D. an unyielding teamExplanation 'Indomitable' means unable to be defeated; the opposite is 'a weak team'.
To almost everyone in the little village, Ada's behaviour was almost odious. (opposite in meaning to 'odious')
A. repulsiveB. DifficultC. interestingD. charmingCorrect Explanation 'Odious' means hateful; the opposite is 'charming'.
Aduma was vociferous during the meeting of the congregation, that he succeeded in incurring the wrath of the chairman. (opposite in meaning to 'wrath')
A. angerB. AdmirationCorrect C. displeasureD. SympathyExplanation The closest opposite of 'wrath' (intense anger) among the options is 'admiration'.
It was an inopportune time for you to make that suggestion. (opposite in meaning to 'inopportune')
A. IdealCorrect B. a wrongC. a exactD. a sadExplanation 'Inopportune' (badly timed) is opposed by 'ideal' (well-timed).
He deviated too much to the peripheral aspects. (opposite in meaning to 'peripheral')
A. unimportantB. SuperficialC. minorD. mainCorrect Explanation 'Peripheral' (marginal) is opposed by 'main' (central).
The climate of Nigeria is an enervating one. (opposite in meaning to 'enervating')
A. a weakeningB. an energy sappingC. an invigoratingCorrect D. a sluggishExplanation 'Enervating' (draining) is opposed by 'invigorating' (energizing).
The girl's idiosyncrasy was a passion for bread and butter. (opposite in meaning to 'idiosyncrasy')
A. stupid outburstB. general tendencyCorrect C. singular characteristicsD. occupational callingExplanation 'Idiosyncrasy' (a unique personal trait) is opposed by 'general tendency' (shared by many).
Once he has decided that something needs doing, my brother is very unswerving of purpose. (opposite in meaning to 'unswerving')
A. erraticCorrect B. TenaciousC. stubbornD. simpleExplanation 'Unswerving' (steadfast) is opposed by 'erratic' (inconsistent).
Those were the days of the fallacy that some languages are primitive while others are not. (opposite in meaning to 'fallacy')
A. argumentB. ExerciseC. misconceptionD. TruthCorrect Explanation A 'fallacy' (false belief) is opposed by 'truth'.
It is surprising to find her condoning instead of ....... such grossm behaviour (opposite in meaning to 'condoning')
A. dislikingB. disparagingC. blamingD. condemningCorrect Explanation 'Condoning' (overlooking/excusing) is opposed by 'condemning' (strongly disapproving).
The general said that raw troops were no good to him, he needed............veterans
A. seasonedCorrect B. weatheredC. processedD. bakedExplanation 'Seasoned' veterans means experienced, battle-tested soldiers.
At certain times, some insane people appear to be as.............as you or I
A. normalCorrect B. intelligentC. soberD. sensitiveExplanation The context implies insane people can sometimes seem outwardly 'normal'.
The headmaster criticized John for his use of coarse language, but complimented Helen on her.......... (opposite in meaning to 'coarse')
A. refinedCorrect B. organizedC. pureD. cleanExplanation 'Coarse' (rough/vulgar) language is opposed by 'refined' language.
After the long journey, we eventually escaped from the turmoil of the city into the------ of the countryside (opposite in meaning to 'turmoil')
A. lonelinessB. reliefC. tranquilityCorrect D. stabilityExplanation 'Turmoil' (chaos/disorder) is opposed by 'tranquility' (calm).
We should all have been greatly fortified by a meal, but we had only drinks which..........us (opposite in meaning to 'fortified')
A. poisonedB. weakenedCorrect C. starvedD. worriedExplanation 'Fortified' (strengthened) is opposed by 'weakened'.
For a speech to have its desired effect. It must be explicit, not............... (opposite in meaning to 'explicit')
A. vagueCorrect B. flamboyantC. wordyD. difficultExplanation 'Explicit' (clear/precise) is opposed by 'vague'.
There was chaos in the village and the police had to work for hours before...........could be restored (opposite in meaning to 'chaos')
A. quietB. lawC. restraintD. orderCorrect Explanation 'Chaos' (disorder) is opposed by 'order'.
Choose the word that has a different stress pattern from the other: calendar, blackboard, suffer, success
A. calendarB. blackboardC. sufferD. successCorrect Explanation 'Success' is stressed on the second syllable (suc-CESS), while the other three are stressed on the first syllable.
Choose the word that has a different stress pattern from the other: madam, comment, contribute, embarrass
A. madamCorrect B. commentC. contributeD. embarrassExplanation 'Madam' is stressed on the first syllable, while the others are stressed on the second syllable.
If experience is anything to go by, the action will prove a political mine field. (nearest in meaning to 'a political mine field')
A. a source of political benefitB. a way out of political troubleC. a cause for political joyD. an invitation to political problemsCorrect Explanation 'A political minefield' is an idiom for a situation fraught with hidden political danger/problems.
In my view, the play didn't come off. (nearest in meaning to the idiom)
A. succeedB. failCorrect C. attract applauseD. take placeExplanation 'To not come off' means to fail/not succeed as intended.
When the chips are down, will know those who have the courage to stand. (nearest in meaning to the idiom)
A. when we get to a crisis pointCorrect B. in the final analysisC. when the blocks are loweredD. when we get to the end of the roadExplanation 'When the chips are down' is an idiom for when a situation reaches a critical/difficult point.
She said boxing is in fact her peta version. (nearest in meaning to the idiom)
A. some things he likes very muchB. something she dislikes very muchCorrect C. a hobby she loves to pursueD. one thing she can't missExplanation The 'peta version' idiom (pet aversion) refers to something strongly disliked.
The gateman does his work perfunctorily. (nearest in meaning to 'perfunctorily')
A. without commitmentCorrect B. with speedC. grudginglyD. enthusiasticallyExplanation 'Perfunctorily' means done with minimal effort/care, i.e. without commitment.
Members of the panel were working at cross purposes. (nearest in meaning to the idiom)
A. in harmonyB. in disunityCorrect C. for selfish purposesD. for selfless purposeExplanation 'At cross purposes' means working with conflicting aims, i.e. in disunity.
The young man who distributed political pamphlets on campus was promptly repudiated. (nearest in meaning to 'repudiated')
A. disownedCorrect B. arrestedC. warnedD. killedExplanation 'Repudiated' means rejected/disowned.
Joseph is a die-hard criminal. (nearest in meaning to the idiom)
A. hard to killB. hard to arrestC. remorselessCorrect D. relentlessExplanation A 'die-hard' criminal (in this negative sense) implies one who is thoroughly unrepentant/remorseless.
If your life is in turmoil, always take courage. (nearest in meaning to 'turmoil')
A. deviationB. crisisCorrect C. trialD. tragedyExplanation 'Turmoil' means a state of great disturbance/confusion, i.e. crisis.
Do you know one of the most astounding events of my life? (nearest in meaning to 'astounding')
A. specialB. amazingCorrect C. seriousD. outstandingExplanation 'Astounding' means greatly surprising/amazing.
Adeniji is suffering from the consequences of alienation. (nearest in meaning to 'alienation')
A. confinementB. isolationCorrect C. enclosureD. imprisonmentExplanation 'Alienation' means being isolated/estranged from others.
Some children mimic their teachers. (nearest in meaning to 'mimic')
A. imitateCorrect B. ridiculeC. tenseD. worshipExplanation 'Mimic' means to imitate.
Wealthy citizens are often niggardly in their ways. (nearest in meaning to 'niggardly')
A. contemptibleB. beggarlyC. sordidD. stingyCorrect Explanation 'Niggardly' means stingy/reluctant to spend.
I like Jude because he is very outspoken. (nearest in meaning to 'outspoken')
A. fluentB. frankCorrect C. audibleD. talkativeExplanation 'Outspoken' means frank/direct in expressing opinions.
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