ENGLISH JAMB

Use of English 1983-2004 JAMB Questions And Answers COMPREHENSION Read each passagecarefully andanswerthequestionsthatfollowit. The approach to the University is being restructured to ease the flow of traffic, give better security and provide an appropriate introduction to a seat of higher learning. TheWorks and Services Complex is also under construction , and we intend tomove into the completed {major}part of it within the next few weeks. All these projects are being executed with an eye to aesthetics, for we recognize the important influence of a beautiful and healthy environment on its inhabitants and feel that a cluster of buildings on a small space such as we have , should be so well designed as to have a beneficial psychological and sociological effect on all members of the community. I have gone to these lengths to itemize these examples of current development for two main reason. Firstly , to advise you that the road diversions and other physical inconveniences currently being experienced will be on the increase because of intense development activity. We therefore appeal to you to bear with us in full knowledge and consolation that such inconveniences are temporary and will soon yield final tangible results. Secondly, to demonstrate our capacity for executing approved projects with dispatch, and to assure Government that we are up to the task. Indeed, I can assure Government that its ability to disburse funds to us will be more than matched by our capacity to collect and expend them on executing various worthy projects in record time. 1. From the passage we can gather that A. there is not muchconsideration for the health of the inhabitants. B. there is deliberate effort to inconvenience the people C. buildings are put up anyhow D. projects are carried out without approval E. the inconveniences suffered by the inhabitants will be for a while. 2. Unless it can be shown that themoney voted for projects can be spent on them in good time. A. the development activitywill not be intense. B. it will not be easy to convince theGovernment of our executive ability C. it will not be difficult to ask Government for funds D. our final results will be unreliable. E. the road diversions and other inconveniences will continue. 3. An eye to aesthetics in this passage means A. regard for space. B. beneficial psychological effects C. regard for health D. consideration for beauty E. a cluster of buildings. 4. In this passage the author tries to explain why A. it is necessary to establish theWorks and Services Complex in the University. B. beauty should not be taken into consideration when building on such a small space as we have C. the gateway to the university is being rebuilt D. major part of the project should be completed in the next few weeks. E. visitors should be debarred from using the gates in themeantime. 5. Which of these is NOT among the reasons given by the author for enumerating the examples of the current development? A. to show that we are capable of executing approved projects. B. to convince the Government that we can be trusted with task. C. the inconvenience currently being experienced will go on indefinitely. D. we are fully aware of the inconveniences being caused but we do not want you to complain. E. we have the capacity to complete worthy projects within the scheduled time. II Is work for prisoners a privilege to save them from the demoralizing effects and misery of endless unoccupied hours? Is it something added to a prison sentence to make it harder and more unpleasant, or something, which should have a positive value as part of a system of rehabilitation? Those magistrates who clung to sentences of hard labour doubtless looked upon strenuous work as an additional punishment. This point of view is widely accepted as right and proper, but it ignores the fact that unwillingness towork is often one of the immediate causes of criminality. To send prisoners back to the outside world, more than ever convinced that labour is an evil to be avoided, is to confirm them in their old way of life. It has been said that the purpose of prison work in a programme of rehabilitation is twofold: training for work and training bywork. The prisoner, that is to say, needs to be trained in habits of industry; but over and above this, he will gain immeasurably if it is possible to rouse in him the consciousness of self-mastery and of purpose that the completion of any worthwhile piece of work can give to the doer. He may find a pride of achievement in something more satisfying, and more socially desirable, than crime. But these things can only come when the work itself has a purpose and demands an effort. 6. According to the author, some magistrates sentence prisoners to hard labour because. A. some prisoners are unwilling to work. B. work is a privilege C. prisoners need to learn a trade D. it is an additional punishment E. it is a means of rehabilitation. 7. Which of these is NOT the purpose ofwork in a programme of rehabilitation? A. training the prisoners to have satisfaction in work. B. developing in them a pride in a sense of achievement. C. developinginthemmoresatisfactioninworkthan incrime. Use of English 1983 D. helping themto accelerate their reformand discharge. E. trainingthemforworkand bywork. 8. The author thinks that strenuous work in prison. A. is a privilege for the prisoners B. may domore harm than good C. is part of their punishment D. is a right and proper thing E. should be an additional punishment. 9. What the author is trying to put across in this passage is that A. crime does not pay B. prisoners should bemade to work hard C. work ismore desirable than crime D. life in prison is one ofmisery. E. work in prison without a purpose is bad. 10. Demoralizing in this passage means A. deforming B. reforming C. agonizing D. destructive E. corrupting. III The Save the Children Fund (SCF) was first started in London on 19thMay, 1919 by an English woman --- namedMiss Jebb. It is now a worldwide organization, dedicated to helping needy children everywhere. The SCF ofMalawi was formed in 1953, under the patronage of His Excellency the Life President NgawaziDr. H. Kamuzu Banda. ‘Our job in Malawi is to give those unfortunate children the rights that they are deprived of through no fault of theirs. These are internationally recognized as the ten rights of children and include protection, care, food and accommodation, and relief’, a spokesman for the Fund explained. One of those who benefited from the help of the Fund is SamuelMpetechula, a graduate ofChancellor. His sponsorship started in 1967. The SCF ofMalawi found him sponsors. They wereMr. andMrs. Sutton ofAustralia who paid his school fees and continued to help him financially throughout his University education. Mr. Mpetechula said, ‘They even built a house for me at home and looked after my family while I was a student. They were really helpful tome, and the thought that there were these sponsors caring for me from thousands of kilometers away from here was an encouragement for me towork hard at college’. Another important function of the work of the SCF is in the field of nutrition.With the help of theAustralianGovernment, the SCF established two nutrition rehabilitation centers for children; one atMpemba and another inMulanje. ‘The object of the centre’, explainedMr. PetreChimbe, the Executive Secretary of the Fund, ‘is to combat malnutrition in children, by giving them the proper food.’ 11. InMalawi, the ‘Save the Children Fund’ was formed A by an English woman namedMiss Jebb in 1919 B. in 1919 under the patronage ofHis Excellency the Life PresidentNgawazi Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda C. under the patronageofHisExcellencytheLife President Ngawazi Dr.H.KamuzuBanda in 1953 D. in 1953 by a group of social workers headed by Dr. Mbagunda E. none of the above. 12. The ‘Save the Children Fund’ in Malawi helps needy children by A. finding families which are willing to adopt the children B. finding sponsors for the children’s education and by opening nutrition centers C. giving loans and scholarships to students who cannot afford to continue their education D. running institutions which give free food E. clothing and lodging poor children without parents. 13. SamuelMpetechula was able to graduate fromChancellor because A. of the financial assistance given to himby his sponsors B. his uncle paid his education fees. C. he was able to win a scholarship to the university D. the SCF subsidized his educational expenses E. of the assistance given to him by the Australian Government. In questions 14 and 15 choose the meaning which best fits the underlined phrases taken fromthe passage. 14. Combatmalnutritionmeans A. struggle against the easing of the wrong type of food B. fight ill health caused by over-feeding C. wipe out ignorance D. fight to wipe out ill health caused by lack of food E. fight against hunger. 15. Deprived of means A. spared B. prevented from getting C. robbed of D. unable to take. E. snatched from. IV At the time of the troubles in Ireland, a priest said, ‘Man is half beast.’Adiplomat replied, ‘Yes.And the beast is the half I like the best.’ The priest meant that fewbeasts behave as badly as man when man makes up his mind to behave badly. If you look at the folly and crueltyof today’sworld, it is hard to disagree with the diplomat or the priest. But human nature can be changed. Anybody, if that is what theymost want to do, can change the most difficult person they know. The art of changing people has been lost in the modern world. That is why the modern world has lost its way. There are twoways of looking at human nature. One is to make the best of it as it is and assume that it is the rawmaterial of life which cannot be altered. That is what most people in the free world do today. In these circumstances, if you expect the worst, you are seldom disappointed. Faith today has become irrelevant to the everyday needs of so many people in positions of responsibility because they do not expect faith to change men. Another way of dealing with human nature is to exploit it. All materialists, whether of the right or the left, do this. All over the world vanity, fear, ambition, lust and greed are used to control the life ofmen; and if the control breaks down, man does not hesitate to use force, or to destroy life. The end, he says, justifies the means and men are only of value in so far as they are a means towards the achievement of his ambition. If they cannot be bribed or forced to play their part, then theymust be liquidated. 16. The priest meant that A. man is both beast and human B. man could be sores than a beast if he wants to C. he liked beasts more than man D. he liked both man and beast E. really, aman cannot be a beast. 17. The modern world has lost its way because A. it no longer believes in God B. ambition has made people greedy C. people are no longer interested in one another D. the technique of influencing people is nomore E. people are just too selfish. 18. What most people do in the free world today is to A. leave other people alone B. assume that human nature is bad C. accept human nature as it is since it is immutable. D. attempt to change theworld E. leave theworld as it is. 19. Faith today is by and large irrelevant because A. nobody thinks it can alter human nature B. most people do not believe in God C. being in a position of responsibilitynullifies the importance of faith D. responsible people need not bother about faith E. the faithful are very fewin the world anyway. 20. Materialists can be found A. in capitalist countries B. in communist countries C. in less developed countries D. among people who do not have neighbours. E. all over the world. V Typical Zacharia! Devil-maycare and irrevererant as ever. No doubt he was just the same when he was cook to a Greek trader in the town. In fact, I suspect that to him the Reverend Father is just another sort of trader. Conceited ass, thinking himself superior to the Father! And in what is he superior? Success with women, perhaps? Zacharia knows that they all admire him and is always striving for still more admiration. He dresses sharply and walks in a haughty manner that suits his tallness. And then he feeds his pride on the swarms of girls who run after him. It’s maddening to think how little you need to attract them. I remember mymother coming home from market in the town, after selling her vegetables and cocoa. Howindignant she was: ‘It’s so shameful,’ she cried, ‘our best-looking and most respectable girls go to town and throw themselves at strangers as ugly as sin, speaking the most outlandish tongues. Men I can scarely look at without shuddering! And why? Just money! Money! Ah, what a world! And my father replied in a buried voice, ‘It’s the times!’ ‘The times!’ shoutedmother, ‘can you imagine my child Ann with creatures like those?’ But perhaps the girls who chase Zacharia aren’t drawn by his tallness or his leather shoes. Perhaps they’re only after childish things, a bit of bread or a pot of jam, knowing that he’s a cook. My father often says women are like children in their desires. And after all, I too can boast a little. Plenty of women turn to look at me, especiallywhen I’m dressed all in white! But I’m not vain enough to fuss over a little thing like that. Not like Zacharia, who doesn’t knowwomen are simply children. 21. Zacharia A. was the cook of a trader B . worked for a priest C. worked for the speaker’smother D. was a rich man E. was a handsomeman 22. Which of the following was NOT a quality of Zacharia’s character? A. Vanity B. Lack of respect for others C. Humility D. Arrogance E. Insubordination 23. The girls were apparently attracted to Zacharia by A. wealth B. the life of the towns C. the appearance of the young men D. the fact that the young men spoke strange dialects E. food. 24. From the passage we can conclude that the young girls were A. attractive B. religious C. modern D. easily led E. indifferent 25. The speaker’s mother considered that A. things were not as good as they used to be B. women were foolish C. the world was corrupt D. the love of money was the root of all evil E. it was necessary for attitudes to change. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE InQuestions 26 to 34 choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined. 26. The story has to be taken with a grain of salt. Thismeans that A. you need some salt to listen to the story. B. there is no salt in the story. C. the story is questionable D. the story is true E. you have too much salt in the story. 27. It is usually hard to change the course of action when one crosses the Rubicon. The underlined expression, as used in this sentence, means to A. pass through a place called Rubicon B. cross a river called Rubicon C. cross a bridge called Rubicon D. pass a special test E. be irrevocably committed. 28. The saleman tried to pull the wool over my eyes. This implies that the salesman tried to A. force me to buy his goods B. offer me cotton wool C. make me buy his wool D. dupe me E. cover my eyes with wool. 29. Ijeoma counted her chickens before theywere hatched. Thismeans that Ijeoma A. regarded each egg as a chicken B. hatched the eggs prematurely C. assumed that her expectations had already been realized D. protected her eggs from breaking E. insured the eggs. 30. Solo has resigned his jobwith theTextileMills. He doesn’t seem to worry about getting another job. His plans are still quite in the air. Thismeans that his plans are A. airmailed B. air tight C. uncertain D. certain E. airborne. 31. Ike is head over heels in love with Ngozi. Thismeans that A. Ike is friendlywith Ngozi. B. Ike is trying to fall in love with Ngozi. C. Ngozi fell on Ike’s heel and both of them fell in love D. Ike is madly in love with Ngozi. E. none of the above. 32. The legislator has decided to play second fiddle after he had been walked out of the Assembly for violating basic procedure of the House. This means that the legislator has decided to A. oppose every motion in the House B. support everymotion in the House C. condemn everymotion D. support the lead given by others E. become active in the house. 33. Old customs die hard. This implies that old customs A. cause a lot of hardship and death B. must be stopped C. never die out D. cause hardship for younger people E. tend to last for a long time. 34. The convict said he was tire of leading a dog’s life. To lead a dog’s life means to live A. carelessly B. in disgrace C. in solitude D. in misery E. in poverty. InQuestions 35 to70 choose the expression orwordwhich best completes each sentence. 35. After the initial confusion, theManager’s suggestion brought.... to the depressed investors. A. a glitter of hope. B. a glimmer of hope. C. a sparkle of hope D. a raise of hope E. a shower of hope. 36. The farmer has brought the insecticide because he was bent on …the insects in his farm. A. exterminating B.estimating C. extenuating D. extinguishing E. exemplifying. 37. The young lady decided to… A. do awaywith the many advices given by her relatives B. reject all the advices given by her relatives C. reject all the advice given by her relations D. take to all the advices given by her relations E. eject all the advices given by her relatives . 38. Twoministers found it verydifficult to get…in theCabinet A. through with each other B. by with one another C. through with one another D. off from each other E. on with each other. 39. The school Board has placed an order for… A. all the furnitures and equipments required in thenew schools B. all the furniture and equipment required in the new schools C. all of the furniture and equipments required in thenew schools. E. many of the furnitures and equipments required in the new schools. 40. On his way back the boy ran into a long procession of men, women and children in… A. white beautiful exceedingly flowing gowns. B. exceedingly flowing white beautiful gowns. C. exceedingly beautiful white flowing gowns D. white flowing exceedingly beautiful gowns E. flowing exceedinglywhite beautiful gowns. 41. The proprietors should be blamed for such a deplorable condition in the nursery schools,… A. isn’t it? B. shouldn’t they? C. should they? D. is it? E. shouldn’t it? 42. I could not believe that our team…the match after being in the lead for most of the match. A. to lose B. lost C. will be losing D. losing E. loosen. 43. The Head of Department is away toMurtalaMohammed Airport and has asked Dr. Haruna to stand ... for him A. out B. in C. on D. across E. about. 44. The Commission was set up to enquire…. the general conditions of child abuse in such institutions. A. at B. from C. after D. before E. into. 45. We hold that the nation, both in its public and private sectors… the best consultancy service and advice in all its endeavours. A. deserve B. is deserving C. deservers D. are deserving E. richly deserve. 46. The situation has deteriorated sharply, and relations between the two countries may soon be… A. removed B. broken C. withdrawn D. eliminated E. deferred. 47. One of the old men…round the lawn three times every evening. A. use to run B. are use to run C. is used to running D. are used to run E. are used to running. 48. The problems of Nigeria’s worsening economy seem to have…an immediate solution. A defined B. defied C. rejected D. rewarded E. retained. 49. This conference is designed to enable delegates… their personal interests with specialists in various fields. A. to discuss about B. discussing C. to discuss D. for discussing E. by discussing. 50. The car owner does not think about the…ofhis vehicle and the other payments involved in owning it. A. transportation. B. depreciation C. calculation D. appreciation E. association. 51. The verymoment she…her folly, she will come back to apologize. A. realized B. is realizing C.will realize D. has realized E. realizes. 52. The lazy candidates suggested that it… A. is time we do awaywith JAMB B. was time we do awaywith JAMB C. is time we did awaywith JAMB D. was time we did away with JAMB E. is time we are done awaywith JAMB. 53. I do not want the light in my room…when I am asleep. A. turned off B. turn off C. to run out D. turned out. E. turned in. 54. I have applied for…on the campus and I am almost certain I shall get it. A. acommodation B. accommondation C. accommodation D. accomoddation. E. accommodation. 55. The dead body of the armed robber has…in the street for three days. A. laid B. lain C. layed D. lied E. lay. 56. Candidates who are not accustomed to…fast will find it difficult to finish this paper. A. write B. have written C. be writing D. writing E. having written. 57. Do you mind… another minute or two? A. to wait B. wait C. waiting D. having awaited. E. being awaited. 58. We shall offer a good job to a…to register guests in the Central Hotel. A. waiter B. watchman C. cashier D. receptionist E. cleaner. 59. I’ve lived… this street…ten years. A. at, since B. for, during C. on, for D. on, from E. in, for. 60. North Africa is…than Northern Europe. A. hotter B. more hot C. more hotter D. thehottest E. hot. 61. I… a lot when I was a student A. used traveling B. was used to travel. C. used to travel D. used travel E. was used to traveling. 62. I wish I…your age. A. to be B. were C. to have been D. would be E. could be. 63. I am looking forward to…you A. seeing B. see C. have seen D. will see E. be see. 64. Ican’toffer youanother loan.Ihave…moneyleftinmyaccount. A. a few B. a little C. little D. few E. some 65. I told you youwouldmiss the bus.You…left home earlier. A. can’t have B. must have C. will have D. should have E. had to have. 66. I always prefer the theatre…the cinema. A. than B. then C. on top of D. before E. to. 67. He acts... he were a manager. A. like B. such as C. such D. as E. as if. 68. Don’t…the teacher that he…that! A. tell, said B. say, tells C. talk, spoke. D. speak, talked E. tell, told. 69. He is very tired. He really is.. staying up late. A. getting used to B. not used to C. got used to D. used to E. being used to. 70. He has only ordered some lettuce and tea. He ... on a diet. He is a bit too fat. A. can’t be B. needn’t be C. must be D. mustn’t be E. shouldn’t be. InQuestions 71 to 74 choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined. 71. Had she known he was a high-way robber she would not havemarried him. This means A. she married him before she knewhe was a robber. B. she knew he was a robber when she married him C. she did not marry him because she was a robber. D. she refused to marry theman when she knewhe was a robber. E. she was a robber marrying a highway robber. 72. Jide is being forced to go to Lagos tomorrow. Thismeans that Jide … A. will go to Lagos B. must go to Lagos C. wishes to go to Lagos D. is going to Lagos E. goes to Lagos. 73. It is sheer fantasy to believe that there could never be a miscalculation by any nation that has atomic weapons. Fantasy here means A. dream B. hope C. nonsense D. joke E. stupidity. 74. The ingenious scheme of the robber broke down because of the efficiency of the police officer. Ingenious heremeans A. suspicious. B. ambitious. C. deceitful D. clever E. stupid. InQuestions 75 to 77 select the wrongly spelt word. 75. A. disappointed B. embarassed C. equipped D. rhythm E. restaurant. 76. A. occurence B. surprise C. personnel D. possess E. curiosity. 77. A. quiet B. beleive C. proceed D. precede E. opportunity. InQuestions 78 to 81 fill in the right word/phrase 78. There is not…sense in what that politician has just said. A. many B. plenty C. lot of D. much E. big. 79. He…the book to the library last week. A has returned B. had returned C. was returning D. returned E. was to be returning.. 80. The candidate made…at the village square a day before the elections. A. a sermon B. an address C. a eulogy D. a lecture E. a speech. 81. The policeman was sent to.. the allegationmade by theman. A. investigateB. examineC. probeD. enquireE. observe. InQuestions 82 to 86 which of the options expresses the same idea as the one in quotes? 82. ‘To be in the red’ is to be A. indebt B. rich C.a socialist D. red E. dressed inred. 83. ‘To beat down the price’ is to A. flog the price B. reduce the price C. beat the salesman D. attack the seller E. control the price. 84. To ask after a friend’ is to A. ask questions about the friend B. inquire about the friend’s welfare C. go after the friend D. like the friend E. take after the friend. 85. ‘An open secret’ means A. a fact that is very secret B. an open matter C. a secret known to everybody D.aconfidentialmatter E. a secret told in the open air. 86. ‘To put something aside’ is to A. put it by one’s side B. put it in a side pocket for future use C. keep something for some special purpose D. keep in safety E. protect it. In Questions 87 to 94 choose the phrase or word which best completes themeaning of each sentence. 87. One of the…during the football match led to fight between the teams. A. incidence B. incidences C. incidents D. occasions E. linesmen. 88. He used to play tennis, but he doesn’t… A. as of now B. any longer C. again D. presently E. since. 89. He was…he had no time to eat. A. so busy that B. very busy C. very busy that D. too busy that E. busy that. 90. It had been raining before the match started, …? A. isn’t it B. hasn’t it. C. hadn’t it D.wasn’t it E. is it. 91. Themechanic said that he…mendmy car before Saturday. A. can’t B. couldn’t C. can’t be able to D. couldn’t be able to E. won’t be able to. 92. Therewas a fire in themarket last week which resulted… a terrible destruction of property. A. in B. to C. from D. into E. with. 93. At the end of the month we… each other for five years. A. would know B. should have known C. should be knowing D. would have been knowing E. used to know. 94. The body is sensitive to changes in velocity which, if too sudden, … A. consciousness may be lost B. it may lose consciousness C. one may become unconscious D. may cause loss of consciousness E. may lose consciousness. Each ofQuestions 95 to 100 consists of a sentencewith a phrase or word underlined. Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the phrase or word underlined. 95. The thought of his admission to the University keyed Olu up to a state of great excitement. A stimulated Olu B. ushered Olu C. opened Olu D. frightened Olu E. allowed Olu. 96. After a careful reviewofAdamu’slast examination result, the Principalconcludedthathisperformanceleftmuchtobedesired. A was very unsatisfactory B. was very satisfactory C. was extremely desirable D. was very brilliant E. was extremely commendable. 97. The President stood his ground because the Committee members would not be persuaded to arrive at a compromise on the issue being debated. A. yielded his position B. shifted his position C. maintained his position D. defended his position E. resisted his position. 98. The take home pay of many workers is such that they can hardly make both ends meet A. live an honest life B. finish their schedule ofwork C. keep two jobs at a time D. livewithin their income E. live on both ends. 99. When kerosene was poured on the fire, the effect was instantaneous. A. momentary B.momentous C. amazing D. terrifying E. immediate. 100. Itwas interesting to observe the likeness between the pupil and his teacher. A. similarity B. relationship C. fondness D. affection E. affinity. COMPREHENSION Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that followit. I It was summer, early afternoon. Jim ran into the station. The 4.30 train was about to leave. As he ran along the platform he saw a girl just ahead of him. She was young -- about his age. He followed her into a carriage and sat down opposite her. She took out a magazine and was reading it. He took out a book and pretended to do the same. After a minute he looked up and smiled at her. She didn’t smile back but gave him an encouraging look. Both returned to their reading but this time she was pretending too. He found her attractive and wanted to see her again. But how to arrange it?. He had an idea. He took an old envelope out of his pocket andwrote the following words: ‘Hallo!My number is 123-4567 and my name is Jim. I would verymuch like to see you again. Ring me at nine.’ The train arrived at the terminal.Without looking at the girl, he handed her the envelope, or rather threw it at her, and jumped off the train. When he got home he made himself a cup of coffee and wondered… perhaps she was one of those naturally friendly people who smile at everybody. He was listening to the radio when the telephone rang… it was only Umaru. Nine o’clock, then 9;30 and no telephone call from the girl. Feeling miserable he went to bed early. It was a foggymorning. ‘Hallo, is that Jim? This is Joan. You…’ It was twominutes past nine. 1. On the train Jim was A. reading a book B. staring at the girl C. pretending to read D. looking through a magazine E. reading a newspaper. 2. He wanted to see the girl again because A. it was summer B. she was attractive C. hewanted to read her magazine D. she smiled at him E. they had agreed to meet. 3. He hoped to arrange a date with her by A.writinga letter toher B. ringing her up C.waiting at thestation D.handingin ashortnotein a hurry E. sending a telegram. 4. That evening he had a telephone call from Use of English 1984 A. his colleague, Umaru B. the girl he met on the train C. the railway authorities D. nobody at all E. Joan. 5. The source of misunderstanding was A. his natural shyness B. the station clock being out of order C. the time given by Jim -- 9 o’clock p.m.? D. the foggymorning E. Jim’s faultywrist watch. II A British electronics manufacturer has built a factory in which quartz crystals can be grown in 3 weeks. The natural growth of quartz takes 3million years, and very often the crystals are not sufficiently pure to satisfy the precise needs of science. However, the manufactured crystal are exceptionally pure, and this is important because quartz, in transistor, is used in an astonishing number of devices where constant accuracy is required: radio and television transmitters and receivers, space satellites and computers are familiar examples. In order tomake artificial quartz, very small pieces of the natural crystal imported from Brazil are placed in long, narrow, steel cylinders. A high pressure and a high temperature are maintained within the cylinders for 3 weeks, and at the end of this time the small fragments have grown to the required weight of one pound. The quartz is then ready to be made into the tiny transistors that have replaced themuch larger thermionic valves. 6. The manufactured crystals have to be pure A. because natural quartz is pure B. to maintain hygiene in factorywork C. to satisfy the precise needs of importers. D. to satisfy the exact requirements of science. E. otherwise theywould take 3 million years to grow. 7. According to the passage, quartz is used A. only in a few devices B. in a lot of devices C. in wrist watches D. for jewellery E. for steel cylinders. 8. Artificial quartz as comparedwith natural is A. superior. B. inferior C. just the same D. varied E. limited in use. 9. Transistors have A. helped to produce quartz B. made radio and television inaccessible to the working populace C. made transmitters and receivers smaller and lighter. D. retarded progress in electronics. E. made transmitters and receivers bigger and heavier. 10. Artificial quartz is produced A. in Brazil B. from tiny transistors C. in an astonishing number of devices D. with the help of thermionic valves E. from natural crystals within steel cylinders. III Every artist’s work, unless he be a hermit, creating solely for his own satisfaction and with no need of sales, is to some extent ‘socially conditioned’; he depends upon the approval of his patrons. Social conditioning is of course part of the field of study of the social anthropologist, yet I am not aware that the social conditioning of artists has ever been seriously studied. That such study is needed for the proper appraisal of traditional African art is evident enough when we note the ingenuous assumption, current in many writings on the subject, that the carver’s hand is so closely controlled by the custom of centuries that the credit for any creative imagination which is apparent in his work is due not to him but to the long succession of his predecessors. Of course, there is an element of trust in this viewof the tribal artist as copyist, but it is hardlymore valid for theAfrican than for the European artist. In both cases the work of art is the outcome of a dialectic between the informing tradition and the individual genius of the artist, and in both the relative strength of these two forces may vary almost infinitely. To assess the personal ingredient in an African carving is no easy matter, especially if one is confronted with a rare or unique piece in an unfamiliar style; but the considerations involved are much the same as those employed in European art criticism. 11. Most artists are strongly influenced by the A. desire for self-expression. B. need to sell their works C. tastes and wishes of the society D. creative imagination E. opinions of critics. 12. A social anthropologist is someone who A. studies only social conditioning B. is interested in art and artists C. studies social conditions and other things D. is interested inthecommunityE. studiestheoriginsofman. 13. It would be useful to study the social conditioning of artist because A. we know that African art is entirely influenced by tradition. B. traditional art arises from the customs of the people C. an artist’s predecessors solely determine the nature of his work D. we do not knowthe extent to which an artist is influenced by his society E. we do not know verymuch about how an artist’s creative imagination works. 14. ‘The work of art is the outcome of a dialectic between the informing tradition and the individual genius of the artist’means that A. the artist is influenced both by the society and by his own creative imagination B. there is an irreconcilable conflict between an artist’s creativityand the demands that societymakes on him. C. the artist subordinates his individual talent to the demands of the society D. few works of art are entirely original E. the individual artist needs to be informed about the traditions of the society. 15. Which of the following represents the writer’s viewabout African art in relation to European Art? A. TheAfrican artist is influenced by his society, but the European artist is not B. In both African and European art there is a blend of tradition and individual creativity C. African art is tribal, but European art is not D. Although traditional influences can be seen in European art, they are much less strong than they are in African art E. African artists aremoreimitative than European artists. IV One day, Alan, a friend of mine, who likes country life, was fishing in a river, when he caught a trout. He tried to pull the fish in but it slipped off the hook, flewover his head and landed in a field behind him. Alan put down his rod, went through the gate and started searching for his trout. Some people, obviously from the city, were having a picnic in the field. One of themen shouted ‘What on earth are you doing?’ Thinking that it was a stupid question because they could see how he was dressed, Alan replied ‘Fishing’. ‘Don’t be silly, the fish are down in the river’, answered the man. ‘Fish don’t live in fields!’ He turned to his friends, laughing, thinking that he hadmade a good joke. ‘Oh, but they do’, said Alan. ‘They jump out of the river to look for flies and I catch them withmyhands. ‘At thatmoment he found his trout in the grass and picked it up and showed it to the picnickers. He put it in his basket and bent down, as if he was hunting for another one. The picnickers, no longer laughing, spent the rest of the day searching the field. 16. Why did the fish land in the field? A it had wings B. it was a flying fish C. it was looking for food D. Alan pulled too hard. E. it fell off the hook. 17. The picnickers were A. farmers B. from the nearby village C. tourists D. people from the city E. anglers like him. 18. Where was Alan looking for his fish? He was looking for the fish A. in the grass, B. down in the river C. in front of the gate D. in his basket E. among the picnickers. 19. Alan made the picnickers believe that fish jump out of the river to look for flies by A. telling a story. B. finding his trout and showing it to them C. taking them down to the river D. watching how trout catch flies E. picking up a fish and looking for more. 20. ‘He laughs best who laughs last’ (proverb). It is true of this story because A. the picnickers were enjoying themselves B. finally he found his fish C. Alan played a good trick on the picnickers D. fishing is a pastime E. Alan likes country life. V In1973 a Japanese sericulturist arrived in Malawi with a batch of 40,000 silkwormeggs. Theywere taken to theBvumbwe Agricultural Research Station in ThyoloDistrict. In this station, work is being done to determine favourable silkworm rearing conditions and areas where mulberry trees, whose leaves the worms feed on, could grow well. According to researchers, the silkworms – which eventually develop into cocoons from which raw silk is produced – do well in areas with warm climatic conditions. Silk is one of the strongest of fibres. In fact, for thousands of years, silk fabrics have been regarded as the most beautiful and durable materials woven by man.Many people call silk the ‘cloth of kings and queens’. The weaving of silk originated in China. An oldChinese book, believed to be written byConfucius, tells us that the wife of Emperor Huang-ti was the first person to make fabrics of silk. Around 2640 B.C., Emperor Huang-ti asked his wife Hsi Lingshih to study the worms that were destroying the mulberry trees in his garden. The Empress took some of the cocoons into the palace to see what they were made of. She dropped one of the cocoons into a bowl of boiling water and was amazed to see a cobweb-like tangle separate itself from the cocoon. She picked up the gauzy mass and found that one of the threads could be unwound almost without end from the cocoon. His Ling-shih had discovered silk. She was delighted with the discovery and even wove a ceremonial robe for the Emperor out of the cocoon threads. After that, the officials in the Emperor’s court wore brightly dyed silk robes on important occasions. People in other countries regarded the new fibres as something rare and beautiful. A few traders went to China to learn about making cloth fromsilk, but the Chinese kept their silk worms a closely guarded secret. 21. Sericulture is A. carried out only in China B. the breeding of silkworms for the production for silk C. the research done on silkworms D. the making of cloth from the cocoons of silkworms E. the breeding of silkworms inMalawi. 22. It is implied in this passage that silk was discovered A. after years of hard work and research by theEmpress B. by accident C. in the search for a more durable fibre for making cloth. D. after some experiments carried out by the Japanese sericulturist E. by design. 23. According to sericulturists, silkworms A. cannot survive in a warm climate B. may be reared on any tree C. dowell in areas with a warmclimate D. produce the longest threads when they are fed leaves from the top of themulberry tree E. are destroyed by heat. 24. The work carried out at theAgricultural Research Station inMalawi on the silkworm eggs was to A. try to breed cocoons which would produce more silk B. determine the survival rate of silkworms C. find out the most suitable areas and conditions for rearing silkworms D. search for better method of rearing silk worms E. find out how cocoons become silkworms. 25. Choose themeaning which best fits the underlined phrase from the passage. Closely guarded secret A. Carefully hidden from the knowledge of others B. Secretly processed business with armed guards C. Carefully hidden from the view of strangers D. Scarcely known E. Unknown. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE InQuestions 26 to 38 choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined. 26. The meeting was cancelled because of the convocation. A. brought up B. called off C. broken off D. dropped out E. phased out. 27. Our town is so small that we are always meeting our schoolmates accidentally. A coming across B. falling into C. knocking up D. running up E. running into. 28. Can you give a good explanation for your behaviour? A. account for B. call for C. clear up D.make up E. give up. 29. Be careful! We are approaching the crossroads. A. look up B. watch out C. look up D. hold up E. look in. 30. Thousands of students are candidates for the examination but only very few pass. A. come into B. call for C. go into D. enter for E. turn up for. 31. He went through fire before he qualified as a doctor. A. had a fire accident B. made a lot of fire C. suffered a lot D. underwent some purification E. required a lot of fire. 32. Osyaku started playing football because he thought it would develop him physically. A. took up football B. picked up football C. returned to football D. took up with football E. put in for football. 33. Once I have finished all my homework I am permitted to watch television. A. I can watch television at anytime. B. I can onlywatch television after doingmy homework. C. Television comes first, then homework second. D. I can only finish my homework after permission to watch television E. after watching television I finished my homework. 34. For all he cared, the game was as good as lost. A. He did not care if the game was lost B. He could not care less if the game was lost. C. He was almost certain that the game would be lost. D. He was afraid the gamewould be lost. E. The game was very good, and he cared verymuch about losing it. 35. A basic objective in this respect is the attainment of self sufficiency in food in about a decade. A. Food will soon be sufficient for every body B. Mass production of food C. We should aim at producing food for sale and consumption in ten years. D. We should be able to feed ourselves in five years. E. Our aim is to provide enough food for our needs in ten years. 36. In their desire to impress their friends and relatives,many young workers bite offmore than they can chew in terms of financial obligations. A. have more money than sense B. eat more than they can digest property C. spend too much money on food D. care toomuch for their relatives E. take on more responsibility than they can afford. 37. All the efforts made to settle the quarrel were futile. A. successful B. wicked C. reasonable D. remarkable E. fruitless. 38. The new inspector decided that the culprits should be brought to book. A. should have their names recorded in a book B. should be brought before him to show whether they could read or not C. should be booked D. should be jailed E. should be made to answer for their conduct. In questions 39 and 40 select the word oppoisite in meaning to that underlined. 39. The long straight trunk of the tree is ideal for roundwood uses like railway sleepers, rafters and fence posts. A. best B. perfect C. most unsuitable D. satisfactory E. poor. 40. Abook on stylewithout abundant examples seems tome as ineffectualas a book onbiologywithout abundant illustrations. A. useless B. difficult C. interesting D. satisfactory E. attractive. In questions 41 to 42 choose the expression which best completes each sentence. 41. Myuncle toldme, ‘Ihavea largehouse and you arewelcome to the protection it offers’.Myuncle toldme that… A. he had a large house, and you are welcome to the protection it offers B. he have a large house, and I was welcome to the protection it offered. C. He had a large house and he was welcomed to the protection it offers D. he had a large house, and I was welcome to the protection it offered. E. he has a large house, and I am welcome to the protection it offers. 42. The manager said that unless the employees worked harder the factory would have to be closed. The manager said that… A. the employees were not working hard, and so the factory would be closed B. the employees should not close early so that they could produce more. C. the factory was not productive because the employees were lazy D. the factory would be shut if the employees did not increase their output E. the factory was closed because the employees did not work hard enough. In questions 43 to 60 choose the expression or word which best completes each sentence. 43. The student who went home without an exeat has apologized… his misconduct A. on B. at C. to D. for E. about. 44. The man has atoned... his sins. A. upon B. on C. for D. at E. against. 45. The Headmaster was interviewed in connection.. the expansion project. A. to B. with C. for D. about E. at. 46. What do you want me to do now? I’m…. withdrawing and keeping quiet. A. for B. with C. up D. off E. on. 47. I am looking…. seeing your family. A. ahead at B. forward to C. forward on D. for to E. ahead to. 48. These folktales have been handed… from generation to generation. A. into B. over C. down D. up E. across. 49. John arrived at the airport on time but he could not get… the plane. A. into B. over C. in D. to enter E. to. 50. The young lovers first met…the University of Ibadan Havana Night dance. A. in B. at C. in course of D. on E. inside. 51. I have not seen my housemaster… the beginning of this session. A. from B. in C. for D. at E. since. 52. The Chairman of the State School Board has advised students to desist…blackmailing college authorities. A. from B. in C. on D. against E. by. 53. The most stupid boy in the class passed the examination contrary.. the expectation of many people. A. upon B. from C. on D. to E. with. 54. The Principal remarked that it was the high standard of discipline that was instrumental…. the high percentage of passes in the school. A. upon B. to C. with D. on E. in. 55. Shewounded theman…the backwith her knitting needle. A. on B. in C. at D. by E. upon. 56. It took the father many days to get…the untimely death of his son A. off B. over C. by D. through E. across 57. While the worshippers closed their eyes in prayer, a thief made…with the collection. A. out B. away C. up D. by E. through 58. There is no doubt that every lady takes great pride… her appearance. A. with B. in C. at D. on E. about. 59. If you keep playing with this door handle, it will get… A. loose B. lose C. lost D. loosing E. loosed. 60. ‘Have you given the patient his medicine?’ The doctor asked the nurse. A. if you have given the patient his medicine. B. had you given the patient his medicines? C. have you given the patient his medicine? D. if she had given the patient hismedicine. E. if the patient is given his medicine. Fromthe alternatives provided in questions 61 to100 select the onewhich most appropriately completes the sentence. 61. I was seriously disappointed when the…between the two teams ended in a goaless draw. A.march B. marsh C. match D.mash E.martch. 62. Children’s clothes have to be strong to stand…rough use. A. with B. in through C. in for D. up to E. up for. 63. Shall I make the cheque…you or to your firm? A. in for B. up with C. in with D. up for E. out to 64. The hotel... is atWurno Road. A. which I am staying. B. in where I am staying C that I am staying D. at which I am staying E. I stay. 65. …the main points of the lecture given by the Director of the Institute. A. Those were B. That was C. There were D. This was E. That is. 66. I am sure thatmymother will not find out. She is so… that she will accept anything I tell her. A. credible B. credulous C. creditable D. incredible E. incredulous. 67. The boys are very naughty. They have started fighting again, ... A. haven’t they? B. isn’t it? C. not so? D. have they? E. is it? 68. If only I ... insured! But I wasn’t. Now, I have to pay a lot of money. A. am B. havebeen C.had been D.wouldbe E.wastobe. 69. Do youmind if I wait for the reply? I’d rather you…again tomorrow. A. called B.will call C.can call D.call E.werecalling. 70. Olu: Howdo youwant themoney in cash or in traveller’s cheques? Ali: Beg your pardon? Olu: I was asking you how ... the money? A. do you want B. you want C. you wanted D. you are wanting E. did you want. 71. The young man looked carefully at the long document, but he couldn’t make ... what it meant. A. up B. out C. off D. through E. do. 72. The students haven’t come back from the library, … A. isn’t it? B. have they? C. is it? D. had they? E. haven’t they? 73. Givemeaminuteto think. I can’t remember theanswer… A. out of hand B. ahead C. offhand D. to hand E. off head 74. The government suffered a.. .. when they lost two by – elections. A. check B. set-back C. hindrance D. disturbance E. recession. 75. Our Literature Master said that he would show us a film onMacbeth. The film will … A. worth seeing B. worth seeing it C. beworth to see D. be worth seeing E. be worthy seeing. 76. The driver of that lorry…lost his life during the collision. A. barely B. hardly C. nearly D. closely E. narrowly. 77. The principal went to buy some…for the physics laboratory. A. equipment B. pieces of equipments C. equipments D. items of equipments E. list of equipment. 78. Wherever the leaderwentpeoplestruggled tocatch a…ofhim. A. look B. view C. glimpse D. portrait E. picture. 79. The…. in an attempt to please the workers promised to provide ... for them as soon as possible. A. committee/accommodation B. committee/acommodation C. committee/accomodation D. committee/acommoddation E. committee/accomondation. 80. Imeant…a pencil but therewas no one…. them. A. buying/selling B. to buy/to sell C. buying/to sell D. buy/to sell E. to buy/selling. 81. Mrs. Okoro ... in this school since 1975. A. taught B. is teaching C. was teaching D. teaches E. has been teaching 82. The Governor has... to the people on many occasions. A. broadcast B. been broadcast C. broadcasted D. being broadcast E. been broadcasted. 83. Paulina arrived late, she…the right route. A. cannot have taken B. could not have taking C. cannot take. D. could not had taken E. could not have taken. 84. …the medicine, he asked his daughter to take it according to the doctor’s prescription. A. Having to buy B. Having bought C. Having been bought D. Having being bought E. Having buy. 85. It was a funny episode, so I ... A. can’t help to laugh. B. couldn’t help laugh C. couldn’t help laughing D. couldn’t help to laugh E. can’t help laughing. 86. By the end of this year I… twenty books A. read B. would have read C. will read D. have read E. am reading. 87. Leonard:We went to a hotel and had a very good dinner for N1.00 Geoffrey: You… a very good dinner if you onlypaid N1.00. A. must have had B. needn’t have had C. couldn’t have had D. had to have E. have had. 88. Evelyn: I’ve submitted eight copies. Joseph: You…eight. Three would have been enough. A. can’t have submitted B. couldn’t have submited C. didn’t need to submitted D. needn’t have submitted E. must have submitted. 89. Thepresent wanton display of riches…morals in our society. A. will be affecting B. are affecting C. is affecting D. was affecting E. had been affecting. 90. The market women…profit ranges from thirty to fifty percent are making… difficult for the ordinary people A. for who/to live B. for whom/lives C. by whose/living D. whose/life E. whose/leaving. 91. Town authorities have put up a railing in front of the exits… people…out of the stadiumand ... straight across the road. A. prevent/rush/dashing B. preventing/rushing/to dash C. to prevent/rushing/dashing D. to prevent/rush/dash E. to prevent/to rush/dash. 92. Someone…the radio cassette since 6p.m I wish he … turn it off. A. has been playing/would B. is playing/would C. played/will D. has played/should E. plays/will. 93. Ifthearmedrobbers…caught,theywouldhavebeenlynched. A. wouldbe B. havebeen C. are D. were E. hadbeen. 94. Hadheknownthatitwould rain,he...hisumbrellawithhim. A. would have taking B. was going to take C. wouldbetaking D. would havetaken E.would take. 95. Omeime was taking his dog for a walk when the dog suddenly…from its chain and escaped A. broke through B. broke lose C. broke even. D. broke loose E. broke away. 96. After we have taken our share, we shall give…to them. A. their B. their’s C. theirs D. there E. there’s. 97. Iwas stillsleepingwhenthenational news…thismorning. A. werebroadcast B.werebroadcasted C.wasbroadcast D. was broadcasted E. were being broadcasted. 98. Each of the contestants…a chance to win. A. has B. have C. get D. gets E. take 99. I gave the book to the library attendant…I think works in the evenings. A. whom B. whose C. which D. who E. ofwhom. 100. The politicians are responsible for the… events have taken in this country. A. course B. curse C. coarse D. cause E. corse. Use of English 1985 COMPREHENSION PASSAGE Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. PASSAGE I Obi: Let’s go to the Sports ClubCafeteria. One naira per meal is a privilege in this countryAnd God knows that I am too broke to afford anything more. Olu: Got amembership identity card?Don’t forget the place is for bona fide members only. Obi: Forget it. There are other types of identity cards, remember. Just flash something before the eyes of those men at the gate, provided it looks like an identity card. Olu: Ee... eh, I see. That is why the place is always congested. I don’t think it is evenworth the trouble. I can’t stand a queue. Obi: That shouldn’t bother you. You don’t have to join the queue. Just walk straight to the serving point without fear and be sure you shout your order. Olu: But onlyV.I.Ps have the right to break queues. Obi: Sure, but V.I.Ps don’t wear badges on their faces. Pose man, pose. After all, this is Nigeria. Olu: Youmean there are many impostors here? Obi: Certainly, andmany people with privileges too. If you want to get along, you must pose, and to get along means getting what you want. If you choose to term it ‘privileges’, question of semantics. it suits me. It is all a 1. Which of the following is NOT implied in the expression: ‘One naira per meal is a privilege in this country? A. Nowhere in this country is food sold for one naira. B. ThepricepermealattheSportsClubCafeteriais onenaira. C. It is rare for anybody to feed satisfactorily with one naira in any hotel in the country D. Obi cannot affordmore than one naira for one meal E. Ordinarily, one naira cannot buymuch in the country. 2. The conversation about identity cards suggests that A. without an identity card, no one can be allowed to eat in the Sports Club Cafeteria B. without an identity card, no one can be allowedinto the Sports Club C. there is thorough checking of identity cards at the Sports Club gate D. bona fide members of the Club do not have to carry identity cards E. a clubmember can afford to forget hismembership card 3. The conversation about queues in the passage reveals that A. everybody at the ClubCafeteria queues B. clubmembers can alwaysbreaka queue at theCafeteria C. people always break queues in the Cafeteria on the pretext that they are V.IPs D. only people who are capable of posing can break queues E. there is nothing wrong in breaking queues. 4. The conversation about privileges shows that A. an impostor is one who claims privileges B. togetalongmust alwaysimplymakingclaims toprivileges C. it is always easy to recognize V.I.Ps in Nigeria, because they are always laying claim to privileges D. there aremany impostors laying claimto privileges in Nigeria E. ‘semantics’means callingtoget along’ ‘privileges’. 5. Fromthewholeconversation, it is clear thatObi andOlu are A. irresponsible B. selfish C. privileged D. ‘go-getters’ E. epitomes of the Nigeria society. PASSAGEII Days passed fast for Ntanya and Teresa. They could hardly notice the land getting brown all over Kachawanga again, since neither of them hardly noticed anymore the sun come up and go down. Ntanya would work very hard in the field hauling in the last harvest and Teresa would stay at home washing, cooking and waiting, waiting for him to come home. She would cook hismeal with extra care and when therewas little meat she would only give bits to the children and not even touch it herself but use only the smell to get her food down and reserve the whole chunk for her husband.When Ntanya would come home with sweat on his brows she would put the wooden tray on a stool for him and sit down by him watching him eat with great satisfaction: every bolus that went down ntanya’s throat would also go down her own throat. When Ntanya would insist on sharing the food with her she would always say she had eaten already no matter howhungry she might be. Ntanya would then eat and drink to his satisfaction and always rest a while in the sun after saying ‘Thank you mother’. (Taken from Peter K. Palangyo’s novel: Dying in the sun) 6. Bolus in the passage means A. Adam’s apple B. throat pill C. liquid D. piece ofmeat E. large morsel. 7. Ntanya and Teresa could hardly notice the land getting brown because A. they were on their honeymoon B. they had just got married C. they hardly notice the sun D. the sun did not come up E. Ntanya worked very hard in the field. 8. Teresa gave only bits of meat to the children because A. theywould get more from Ntanya B. she cooked it with extra care C. they were young D. she kept most of it for her husband E. she could not afford meat. 9. Ntanya said ‘Thank you mother’ to A. his mother B. his wife C. his aunt D. Teresa’smother E. his grand-mother 10. Teresa would say she had eaten already no matter how hungry she might be so that A. Ntanya would eat to his satisfaction B. Ntanya would say ‘Thank you mother’ C. she could cook again D. she could watch his eat E. every bolus would go down her own throat. PASSAGEIII Mathematics is the language in which the Book ofNature is written: Mathematics is the queen of the sciences. it is universally agreed that Mathematics is the backbone of Science and Technology. For without Mathematics the engineer is but an artist or a scultptor. He can build his bridge, attest ot its form and beauty, but without Mathematics he cannot guarantee its reliability to serve the purpose for which it is built.Mathematics is indeed the science of sciences. It is also art of all arts. It is right, legitimate and defensible to consider Mathematics as an Art. The poet, the musician, the artist and the mathematician have a lot in common. Fundamental to all their studies andworks is their common interest in the logical study of related concepts and objects to formpatterns which will produce beauty, harmony and logical order. Thus the poet arranges words to produce a pattern called poetry: the musician arranges sounds to produce a pattern called music: the artist arranges colours to produce a pattern called painting and the mathematician arranges abstract ideas into a pattern, using symbols, to produce equations. Each of these patterns - the poem, the music, the painting and the equation must stand up to the test of some order, harmony and beauty. So ifMathematics is not an art what is art? 11. The views expressed in this passage belong to A. JAMB B. artists C. mathematicians D. the poet E. the author of the passage. 12. The expression ‘Mathematics is the queen of the Sciences’ contians A. a contradiction B. an analogy C. an irony D. a lie E. nonsense 13. ‘Mathematics’iswrittenwithacapitalMinthis passagebecause A. the writer is a mathematician B. thewriter does not knowhowto use punctuation correctly C. the writer wants to distinguish between a concept and a subject D. it is the normal way of writing about the sciences E. the writer is confused. 14. The last sentence of the passage , ‘So ifMathematics is not an art what is art?’ is a A. questions posed for the reader to answer B. statement put in the form of a question C. question combined with a statement D. mathematical equation stated in words E. pattern which illustrates beauty, harmony and order in language. 15. Mathematics can be considered as a form of art because A. its main principle is made use of by the arts B. it involves drawing of figures C. it is a form of FineArts D. it is a type of GraphicArts E. it also involves a studyof beauty, harmony and order. PASSAGEIV My good people: I come before you this evening as a man whose honesty and intergrity have been questioned. Now, the usual political thing to do when charges are levelled against you is either to ignore them or to deny them without giving details. But before I answer any of your questions, let me state categorically that I have not touched a kobo of the N50,000 we contributed. Every kobo of it has been used in defraying political campaign expenses. As a matter of fact, during one of my meet-the-press conferences, Tony Agiwa accosted me and said, ‘Honourable Senator, what about this fund we hear about?’ I told him there was no secret about the fund and that he should meet Abu O. Abu to get details of the fund. I told him, ‘You will find that the purpose of the fund was primarily to defray political expenses.’ In answer to another one of his questions, I said that neither contributors to this fund, nor contributors to any of my campaigns had ever received any special consideration that he would not have received as an ordinary constituent. And I can say that never, since I became a Senator, have I made a telephone call for them to an agency or have I gone down to an agency on their behalf. Records will showthat, and these records are in the hands of theAdministrator. 16. The author is A. exonerating himself fromallegations of embezzlement B. ignoring the allegations of embezzlement C. taking part in a political campaign D. demonstrating that he is a Senator E. trying to implicate Abu O. Abu, a fellowpolitician. 17. Constituent in the passage means A. a section of his constituency B. his entire constituency C. his campaigner D. a person having voting rights where he is living E. a supporter 18. Accosted in the passage means A. grossly insulted B. greeted C. fought with D. forced E. went and spoke to 19. It appears that theN50,000 A. has been spent B. has been paid into the government treasury C. will soon be paid into the government treasury D. has been saved byAbu O. Abu E. will be used for future campaigns. 20. Abu O. Abu is portrayed as A. a corrupt politician B. the administrator of the fund C. anordinarytaxpayer D.agovernmentofficial E. acitizen PASSAGE V The landwas ready and ploughed, waiting for the crops. At night, the earth was alive with insects singing and rustling about in search of food. But suddenly, by mid-November, the rain fled away: the rain-clouds fled away and left the sky bare. The sun danced dizzily in the sky, with a strange cruelty. Each day the land was covered in a haze of mist as the sun sucked up the last drop ofmoisture out of the earth. The family sat down in despair, waiting and waiting. Their hopes had run so high; the goats had started producingmilk, which they had eagerly poured on their porridge, now they ate plain porridge with no milk. It was impossible to plant corn, maize, pumpkin and water-melon seeds in the dry earth. They sat the whole day in the shadow of the huts and even stopped thinking, for the rain had fled away. Only the children were quite happy in their little girl world. They carried on with their game of making house like their mother and chattered to each other in light, soft tones. They made children from sticks around which they tied rags, and scolded them severely in an exact imitation of their own mother. Their voices could be heard scolding all day long: ‘You stupid thing, when I send you to draw water, why do you spill half of it out of the bucket?’ ‘You stupid thing! Can’t you mind the porridge pot without letting the porridge burn?’ Then, they would beat the rag-dolls on their bottoms with severe expressions. The adults paid no attention to this; their nerves were stretched to breaking point waiting for the rain to fall out of the sky. Nothing was important, beyond that. All their animals had been sold during the bad years to purchase food, and of all their herd only two goats were left. It was the women of the family who finally broke down under the strain ofwaiting for rain. (Taken from Bessie Head’s The collector of Treasures) 21. The evidence that the familyhopes had run high is that the A. land was ready for planting B. earth was alive with insects singing C. goats had started producingmilk D. family ate porridge C. family had corn and maize seeds. 22. ‘The adults paid no attention to this’ refers to A. the children scolding the rag-dolls B. the plain porridge C. the burnt porridge D. their breaking nerves E. the land. 23. The family sat down in despair because A. the land was ready and ploughed B. they ate plain porridge with no milk C. the sun danced dizzily in the sky D. the land was covered in a haze ofmist E. it was impossible to plant seeds. 24. All their animals had been sold in order to A. avoid despair B. buy food C. induce rain C. save animal food E. make the children happy. 25. ‘Game of making house’means A. building a house with sand B. being happy in the house C. playing in the house D. imitating running a home like adults E. playing hide-and-seek in the house LEXISANDSTRUCTURE InQuestions 26 to 37 choose the option opposite inmeaning to theword underlined. 26. Tomost people last Christmas was an austere period. A. prosperous B. harsh C. severe D. sour E. stern. 27. The chief was generous in his award of university scholarships A. noble B. considerate C. liberal D. mean E. honest. 28. Chidi is naturally taciturn. A. friendly B. cheerful C. dumb D. lively E. garrulous. 29. He is loved for his altruism. A. benevolence B. sincerity C. selfishness D. selflessness E. kindness. 30. TheMilitaryGovernor upheld the decision of his cabinet. A. held up B. undercut C. maintained D. abolished E. reversed. 31. Many untrustworthy students give evasive answers to questions which they fully understand. A. direct B. outspoken C. simple D. truthful E. clever. 32. The deafening noise of the two jet planes which flew across our compound yesterday made people fear that an assault on the countrymight be imminent. A. impending B. ahead C. remote D. eminent E. threatening 33. Disgruntled people are indifferent to any plans to rid the society of evil. A. different from B. diffident about C. in agreementwith D. interested in E. opposed to. 34. The severity of the harmattan helped me to complete my writing assignment in record time because I had no choice but to lock myself indoors. A. warmth B. mildness C. moderation D. leniency E. gentility. 35. The increase in transport fares deterred our club from planning an excursion this year. A. deferred B. irritated C. impelled D. restricted E. encouraged 36. This card entitles you to attend the film show. A. disqualifies B. discourages C. disenchants D. proclaims E. satisfies 37. This is an abridged edition of Oliver Twist A. reprinted B. enlarged C. outdated D. extinct E. banned InQuestions 38 to 71 choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlinedword or phrase. 38. Victor will not attend the dinner party tonight: he is afraid of his own shadow. A. not in the mood B. attending another party C. scared of imaginary things D. unhappy with his assigned role E. unable to forget his fears. 39. TellingAli to break his habit of coming towork late is like knocking your head against a brick wall. A trying the impossible B. asking himto beat you up C. makingafoolofyourself D.askinghimtobeyour enemy E. making him break down at work. 40. The manager often quarrels with his staff because he goes around with a chip on his shoulder. A. deformed shoulder B. readiness to be angered C. look of contempt D. an air of superiority E. search for gossip. 41. The new employee is so humble and friendly that he will soon make himself popular. A. welcomed and accepted B. hated C. estranged D. rejected E. a personal friend. 42. He took exception to Ezenwa’s remark. A. was delighted at B. was excited by C. got demoralized by D. objected to E. was perplexed by. 43. Kelechi hardly ever falls sick. A. most often B. very seldom C. sometimes D. frequently E. occasionally 44. The gallant soldiersmet theirWaterloo at Philippi A. victory B. trouble C. defeat D. happiest period E. enemy 45. It is futile trying to make bricks without straw. A. fertile B. important C. fragile D. vain E. bad 46. The ceiling ofmy bed-room fell in and knocked me out. A. made me unconscious B. removed me C. flattened me D. killedme E. frightenedme. 47. In May 1978 the rain fell incessantly and made life drab. A. at intervals B. recurrently C. repeatedly D. concurrently E. continuously 48. LittleUgochi has a bicycle which is in marvelous condition. A. need of a tune up B. excellent C. questionable D. unstable E. working 49. The lecturer maintained his usual good humour in spite of the cat-calls and the rude behaviour of his students A. provoked B. obtained C. kept D. lost E. improved. 50. The class as a whole will have a lecture on scarce commodities tomorrow A. argument B. deliberation C. dispute D. conference E. talk 51. Many states practise the ideals of democracy. A. government by elections B. government by representatives C. government by civilians D. government by all the people E. oligarchy 52. He lost his voicemomentarily. A. in a moment B. in a split second C. for a brief period of time D. without delay E. instantly. 53. The corrupt official had to leave the public service willy nilly. A. unprepared B. reluctantly C. willingly D. compulsorily E. by retirement 54. I am yet to write the penultimate paragraph of my essay. A. last but one B. third to the last C. second D. concluding E. introductory 55. One hindrance to an orderly economic development of the country is large-scale fraud and corruption. A. difficulty B. element C. reason D. obstacle E. ritual 56. Stephen was blamed for leaving his door ajar during the heavy rainfall. A. unlocked B. unbolted C. open D. keyless E. locked 57. If people don’t want to play the game according to the rule, that is their business. A. their business will suffer B. it is not their fault C. they should blame others for it D. other people will take over their business E. theywill have themselves to blame. 58. Nigeria, likemost other African countries is predominantly agricultural. A. mainly B. certainly C. entirely D. undoubtedly E. superficially 59. Despite increasingly punitive laws against hemp smoking, it is still rising at an alarming rate. A. devastating B. exemplary C. barbaric D. severe E. satisfactory 60. The Senate postponed themeeting indefinitely. A. for a short time B. for sixmonths C. definitely D. without fixing a date E. for several months 61. You have been asked to change your laissez-faire attitude towork. A. stupid B. carefree C. careful D. serious E. responsible 62. Since his father’s death, Osita has not been able to cope with the tasks of a family head. A. perform adequately B. tolerate C. accept D. assess properly E. manage 63. My spell in the universitywas an unmitigated disaster A. an unavoidable B. a painful C. a regrettable D. an unqualified E. an unfortunate 64. To be above board is to be A. afloat B. on top of a plank C. above suspicion D. raised above a board E. the chairman of a board 65. It is sheer foolhardiness for unarmed policemen to pursue armed robbers. A. nonsense B. bravery C. foolishness D. stupidity E. foolish risk taking 66. Bankole was a man given tomuch wine. A. pushed to B. taken over by C. addicted to D. forced to E. afflicted by 67. The officer refused to be taken in by the private. A. won over B. drawn in C. overtaken D. deceive E. Involved 68. The principal advised the boy to come to grips with himself if he wanted to do well at the end of his course. A. criticize himself B. master his difficulties C. learn to be obedient D. behave himself E. fight with himself 69. The judge came down heavily on the accused person in his judgement. A. crashed heavily B. fell down heading C. descended upon heavily D. imposed a stiff penalty E. crash landed on. 70. Employees have been urged to desist fromwitch-hunting and character assassination. A. commanded to stop hunting witches B. ordered to stop assassinating witches C. entreated nottoaccuseindividualsunjustlyandmaliciously D. informed to resistwitch hunters and character assassins E. urged to desist from barbaric acts. 71. The government should stop white elephant projects. A. projects in which white men kill elephants B. projects in which white elephants are used C. projects for painting some elephants white D. high cost projects with low utility values E. low cost projects with high utility values. 72. Mary goes to school.. bus. A. in B. on C. with D. through E. by 73. The loud noise in the neighbourhood attracted people who stared… the thief. A. at B. about C. with D. on E. over 74. The students unrest resulted… the expulsion of the ringleaders A. to B. in C. from D. with E. by 75. The lawyer insisted.. the full payment of his charge. A. with B. in C. for D. at E. on 76. Little children are usually afraid ... thunder. A. about B. for C. of D. with E. at 77. On the orders of the steward, the cook rushed… the market A. to B. at C. for D. in E. against 78. The principal advised that we pursue this case cautiously, otherwise we are bound to be taken… byAda’s lies. A. away B. out C. in D. off E. on 79. I am very sorry…to attend themeeting yesterday. A. for failure B. in failing C. to having failed D. to fail E. for failing 80. When you are faced with an examination of this nature endeavour to keep your mind... the job and not be distracted for onemoment. A. at B. in C. for D. on E. to 81. It all depended on what… A. does he want B. he wants C. he does want D. he wanted E. did he want 82. Samuel: Would you please come here, John? John: No. I’mbusy…in my farm. A. I am working B. I’m working C. I am towork D. I shall have worked E. I go to work 83. My colleagues…before I arrived. A. startedwriting B. wrote C. had started writing D. have written E. have been writing 84. After the team had conceded two goals, their enthusiasm… A. was beginning towane B. was waning C. begantowane D. hadbeguntowane E. hadbeenwaning 85. TheGovernment…the initial value of the hotel complex at ten million Naira. A. costed B. had cost C. had valued D. had constructed E. has costed 86. James... reminding that not all that glitters is gold. A. needs B. need C. needing D. needs to E. need to 87. The dull student took a correspondence course as a means…his standard in the class. A. to improve B. for improving C. of improving D. by improving E. to improving 88. The boy thought that driving a car was not…dangerous than riding a bicyle. A. sovery B. particularly C. very D. anymore E. any 89. I do not want…from such a friend as Jimoh. A. anymoreadvices B. nomore advice C. anyadvices D. no advice E. any advice 90. Very few students have satisfactory... these days becausethe student population has increased tremendously. A. acommondation B. accomodation C. accommodation D. acommoddation E. acommodation. 91. The old politicians were discredited because they tried to…the people’s ignorance. A. cash in on B. catch in with C. catch in on D. cash in with E. cash in by 92. The plane overshot the…in a minor accident. A. railway B. hangar C. tarmac D. runway E. road 93. That single…was enough to spoil a whole life time of good living. A. occurence B. ocurence C. occurrence D. occurrense E. ocurrence. 94. The thief ran… luck when the policeman running after him caught up with himand knocked him down. A. into B. with C. of D. out of E. off 95. Whilst the thiefwas... the passengers, he kept apologizing for the inconvenience he was causing them A. robbing B. rubbing C. robing D. rubing E. robbed. 96. Your brigade would be the better for it, if you desisted ... rumor-mongering, observed the Chief of Staff A. from B. away C. into D. away from E. on 97. The court ordered the lorrydriver to payfor the ... tomycar. A. damages B. heavy damages C. destruction D. many damages E. damage 98. Journalists always collect and publish ... A. informations B. an information C. someinformations D. information E. much informations. 99. I have received the answer scripts of Peter and John. What about ...? A. Ngozi B. Ngozi’sown C. Ngozis D. Ngozis’ E. Ngozi’s 100. He received a pat ... the back for his brilliant success in the examination. A. by B. at C. in D. on E. for COMPREHENSION Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow PASSAGE 1 It is customary nowadays among fashionable ladies and gentlemen to acquire strange and sometimes quaint clothes which are scarcely ever used. Sometimes it may be an approaching festival, sometimes a two hour ceremony and sometimes to honour a dead colleague – something triggers off the modern craze to sew new materials whose use does not outlast the moment of craze. And so, people who just occupy small apartments in their parent homes, or have rented one room in a densely-people house find that more than two-thirds of their rooms are filled with bongo trousers which they cannot wear, worn out jeans which stink, or specially made cloth for occasions that are not recurrent. Although plagued by the problem of school fees for their children, parents have had to swallow their own phlegm and humour their children who need special clothes for important events. Newly employed youths soon find that their comrades are gettingmarried, and a newand special attiremust be used to grace the occasion. University students see matriculation ceremonies or induction ceremonies into club membership as special reasons to make new attire which – you may be sure – theywould not wear on another occasion that parallels the one for which these clothes were made. Medical doctors may soon find another cause for the incidence of high blood pressure among the youth. ‘The desire to acquire new clothes’ is one strong possible cause, but amore subtle one which haunts like a ghost is the problem of choice of what to wear. The youths have so suffered their apartments, wardrobes, drawers and trunks with so many clothes that the greatest problem they face is the choice of what to wear. 1. A suitable title for this passage is A. Fashion craze B. Fashion craze among the youth C. University students and induction ceremonies D. Parents and themoney for fashion craze. 2. In this passage the expression “parents have had to swallowtheir own phlegm’means parents, A. had to swallow the sputum in their mouths B. have been phlegmatic all along C. have had to overcometheir own prideor prejudice D. no longer had to swallowtheir own phlegm. 3. The youth acquire clothes for A. burials, great occasions or for matriculation ceremonies B. occasions that are not recurrent C. boosting their ego D. the purpose of praising their parents. 4. In this passage we learn that parents A. admire their children’s craze for newclothes B. do not provide themoney for the fashion craze C. endurealot ofhardshiptoprovidefor theirchildren D. gladly provide themoney for the fashion craze. 5. A likely cause of high blood pressure among the youth is A. the clothes they wear to parties B. that different clothes aremeant for different occasions C. that the youth have stuffed their wardrobes, apartments and drawars with new clothes D. the thought of the choice of what to wear. PASSAGEII Delinquency describes actions that would not be crimes if performed by adults. If a young person performs one of such actions then he has committed a crime. Delinquency is one of several status offences – offences that can be committed only by people in particular stations of life as determined by age, profession or a person’s role in society. For young people such offences include drinking, driving and smoking under age. Usually they are offences only to the extent that they help to preserve some of the good things of life for the exclusive enjoyment of the adult world. Delinquency is therefore a weapon forged in adult minds and directed by adult hands against young people. It is born out of envy, adult pride and intolerance. If the world changed overnight and the responsibility to make and enforce laws fell on juvenile shoulders, the adults should expect a raw deal in return. Delinquency would then certainly refer only to many of the adult actions nowfreely committed by them. 6. Thewriter of the passage believes that delinquency laws are A. not relevant to human society B. only fit for young people C. unfair to the juveniles D. very fair to the adult world. 7. Status offences are those that can be committ A. all adults B. juveniles only C. delinquent juveniles only D. specified classes of people. 8. In theviewofthewriter, drinking under age is an offence because A. adults want to have all he drink to themselves B. adults do not want juveniles to get drunk C. drunken juveniles can cause disorder in society D. adults have a duty to protect young persons. 9. If the world changed overnight A. there would be more delinquency laws B. delinquency would refer to all adult actions C. delinquencywould nomore be a crime D. delinquencywould also change in meaning. 10. When young people make and enforce laws A. the responsibilitywill be too heavy on their shoulders B. they would retaliate against the adults C. their laws will be very juvenile D. the world will be turned upside down. Use of English 1986 PASSAGEIII Those who are familiar with it will tell you that Ludo, like human life itself, is a game both of chance and skill. You need skill in deciding how to make the most advantageous use of the figures that turn up on the die when you cast it. Since each player has at least four alternativeways of using his figures, two players with equal luck may fare differently, depending on how cleverly each one uses his figures. The element of luck, again as in human life, plays a dominant role however. For no matter howskilful a player may be in using the figures he gets on the die, he has a slim chance ofwinning if he continually throws low figures. While a combination of ones and twos may be useful in checking the advance of one’s opponents, it will not take one home fast enough towin. On the other hand, consistent throws of sixes and fives, with even the very minimum of skill, will help a player to home all his four counters before any of the three other players, unless, of course, he has no idea of the game at all. 11. According to the passage, Ludo is A. more a game of skill than of chance B. more a game of luck that of skill C. equally a game of chance and skill D. a game entirely of luck. 12. It is implied in the passage that two players may fare equally if they A. have equal luck B. apply similar skill to figures C. apply similar skill to similar figures D. have equal skill. 13. It is implied in the passage, that in Ludo threes and fours are A. very high throws B. medium throws C. low throws D. very low throws. 14. According to the passage, a player with consistently high throws will A. almost certainlywin a game B. certainlywin a game C. almost certainly not win a game D. deliberately not win a game. 15. In the passage, the possession of skill specifically enables a player to A. win B. throw good figures C. use his figures efficiently D. check his opponents efficienctly PASSAGEIV Farming is themost important aspect of agriculture that has attracted attention within the last few years. Agriculture has several other aspects like fishery, livestock and poultry. All these are also important in that they have to do with the production of food items which human beings consume for survival. In many parts of the world today, farming has been regarded as the mainstay of the economy. Crops such as cocoa, rubber and cotton have been produced in such commercial quantity that they are sold to other countries. Some countries have better comparative advantage in producing certain farm crops than other countries. In these other countries, there is the need to spend a lot ofmoney on agriculture, particularly farming. place to store their crops, most of which are always destroyed by insects and pests before harvest time. All these have adverse effects on their productivity. The government can do a lot to help farmers. farmers’ co-operative societies can be encouraged and loans can be made available to farmers through government institutions, like banks and finance corporation. Farmers can be taught how to build good storage structures for their produce. All these and a lot more can help to improve the conditions of farming in these countries. 16. Themost important aspect of agriculture mentioned in the passage is A. poultry B. fishery C. livestock D. farming. 17. Farming in many countries today is A. an alternative to poultry B. of great assistance to the economy C. for those who are out of jobs D. for the illiterates. 18. Some countries produce more and better crops than others because the farmers in the former A. are more educated B. have greater manpower C. havemore modern equipment D. havemore fertile land. 19. In order to help improve the state of farming, the government should A. give all farmers enough money to work with B. sell enough fertilizers to all farmers C. find ways of financing and modernizing the farming system D. help farmers with the storage of their crops. 20. A lot of crops harvested are wasted because farmers A. allow insects and pests to destroy their crops B. do not have enough money to invest in harvesters C. do not have good storage facilities D. harvest toomuch at a time. PASSAGE V It may be argued that museums as an institution and an agency for transmitting cultural heritage are an artificial creation, so far as objects are removed from their natural or proper environments and put into museums which are a different environment altogether. However, it seems that museums themselves have come to be accepted and recognized as the best equipped institutions devised by man for the assemblage of cultural objects and their presentation and preservation for the present and future generations. The artificial character ofmuseums is however being gradually transformed into a cultural reality. Thus, just as one goes to the theatre for plays and other performing arts, the mosque, the church or the shrine for worship, the library for the printedwords, today, it is to the museumone goes to see evidence of man’s material outfit. For, no other institution or place so readily comes tomind asmuseums dowhen evidence ofmaterial culture is sought. Herein lies the importance of museums as cultural institutions and an agency for transmitting culture. 21. Museums are at artificial creation because A. theyare an agencyfor transmitting cultural heritage B. natural or proper environments are removed and put into museums C. objects are removed frommuseums to natural or proper environments D. objects are removed from their natural or proper environments and put into museums. 22. According to the passage, which of the following isNOT part of the main functions ofmuseums? A. Preservatic B. Generation C. Presentation D. Assemblage. 23. The evidence ofmaterial culture can best be sought in the A. theatre and other performing arts B. library and themuseum C. museum only D. museum more than any other institution. 24. Which of the following phrases in the passage does NOT express the artificial character ofmuseums? A. Removed from B. For transmitting C. Put into D. Devised by. 25. …no other institution or place so readily comes to mind asmuseums means that museum are A. always ready to enter themind B. a ready example C. recalledwith great difficulty D. remembered with hesitancy. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE In questions 26 to 35 choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined 26. Mr. Jack wasmost flexible in his instructions. A. rigid B. correct C. stiff D. upright. 27. The University has offered temporary accommodation to its staff. A. popular B. permanent C. recognized D. regular. 28. Mary complained that she slept on the coarse floor. A. smooth B. rough C. bad D. harsh. 29. Jim was one of the spectators at the concert. A. ushers B. judges C. guests D. performers. 30. TheGovernor declined to give audience to the journalist A. ignored B. accepted C. forgot D. rejected. 31. The debtor’s husband is liable for his wife’s debts A. unanswerable B. responsible C. unquestionable D. accountable. 32. The lotion recommended by the doctor soothed Okon’s aching tooth A. calmed B. extracted C. excited D. worsened. 33. The sun cast its shadow on the wall. A. reflection B. rays C. resemblance D. substance. 34. He was locked up for a fortnight A. released B. punished C. remanded D. locked out. 35. The lady acted courageously when thieves attacked her A. shyly B. fearlessly C. indiscreetly D. timidly. In questions 36 to 67 choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase underlined. 36. You are free to leave the hall. A. at an advantage B. opportuned C. at liberty D. right. 37. Theculpritswill surrender their loot totheCustoms officials. A give away B. give out C. given in D. give up. 38. The discussion became animated. A. specialized B. lively C. intellectual D. unruly. 39. Rich citizens are often niggardly in their ways. A. beggarly B. sordid C. miserly D. pompous. 40. The musician’s popularity is beginning to decline A. change B. wane C. slide D. disappear. 41. Olu promised to look out for her next time he is in town. A. watch for B. visit C. greet D. take care of. 42. Thompson was a prosecution witness at the court hearing. A. false B. reliable C. government D. trial 43. The beggar’s takings snow-balled every hour A. grew B. turned white C. grew into a ball D. turned into snow. 44. His attempts were nipped in the bud. A. unsuccessful B. cut short C. frustrated D. disqualified. 45. The preacher has made good his promise to visit some of his converts today A. fulfilled B. abided by C. seen to D. accepted. 46. What it! You could be followed said the robber. A. Look around B.Be sober C.Be vigilant D. Lookout. 47. Look at the tell-tale signs of battering on her A. confirming looks B. suspicious marks C. revealing marks. D. signifyingmarks. 48. The armed robbers who raided passengers on the Expressway came to grief when they had a shoot out with the police today. A. came to a bad end B. became grieved C. encountered grief D. came to a dead. 49. Many of the workers hired for firing the furnace had themselves fired as a result of the unfortunate accident. A. got themselves burned accidentally B. jumped into the fire themselves C. got themselves sacked form their jobs. D. were sacked from their jobs. 50. The new educational system look off this school year. A. went off B. continued C. began D. resumed. 51. We will surely buy this idea of introducing an entirely new product A. pay for B. accept C. trade in D. barter. 52. This year’s harvest is surplus. A. enough for our need B. limitless C. more than enough D. plenty. 53. Many candidates new apply to read Law because it is a lucrative profession. A. brings plenty of profit B. brings high prestige C. brings quick money D. brings plenty of knowledge. 54. The pressman said that his interview with the President was off the record. A. not written on government record books B. not intended for publication C. not taped D. written elsewhere other than in government records. 55. She realised that she was up against stiff competition when a new large departmental store was opened next to her small provisions shop. A. next to B. standing next to C. opposed to D. faced with. 56. Finally, I assured himthat Iwould not go back on myword A. return to a place B. return to a certain world which reading C. re-use myword D. fail to keepmy promise. 57. Everybody respects the team leader. A. looks up for B. looks up on C. looks up to D. looks up at. 58. The driver, on seeing the traffic warden, was hesitant to start the engine. A. slow B. unable C. anxious D. reluctant. 59. He likes to call attention to unimportant matters. A. dubious B. incidental C. trivial D. simple. 60. The speaker took his audience down memory lane before he went to the topic of his lecture. A. took his audience a journey through a street calledMemory Lane. B. recalled events from the past C. told a late about a place called Memory Lane D. gave an outline of his lecture. 61. The new religious leader hands out an olive branch. A. sues for peace B. gives out branches of the olive tree. C. challenges his opponents to a fight D. blesses his congregation. 62. Though a brilliant student, Binta lost her tongue when she was asked to give the vote of thanks at the end of the Governor’s visit to her school. A. became dumb. B. became deaf and dumb C. said nothing because she was shy D. forgot her native language. 63. The accounts clerk was jailed because he cooked the books. A. set fire to the account books B. sold the books in his office to get money for food C. falsified the accounts to his advantage D. destroyed the account books by cooking them. 64. The task was Herculean. A. irregular B. related to Hercules C. stimulating D. demanding. 65. The story is rather hard to believe. A. incedulous B. incredible C. superstitious D. untenable 66. It is advisable to administer the test in themorningwhen students are fresh. A. perform B. set C. undertake D. give. 67. He broke his mallet ostensibly trying tomaintain order although he was actually enjoying the commotion. A. apparently B. carelessly C. angrily Daccidentally. In question 68 to 100 choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s) 68. Jibril found that thieves had entered his house in his absence. He went to the police to report the … A. break out B. break up C. break in D. break into 69. After the accused was found guilty by the court, his counsel…. Before sentence was passed. A. begged for mercy B. made a please for mitigation C. made an ovation D. made a plea forMigation. 70. Four persons accused of currency… are being held by the security agents A. traficking B. traviking C. trafficking D. traffiking. 71. You had to stand in the corridor all the way? Poor you I don’t suppose you enjoyed the journey…? A. don’t you B. did you C. didn’t you D. don’t I. 72. ‘Im sorry I can’t give you any of the oranges, I have … Left’, A. few B. little C. only a little D. a few. 73. No wonder those plants are dying. They…any water for ages! A. didn’t have B. hadn’t C. haven’t had D. haven’t 74. Darling, do send the children to bed. I can’t…their noise any longer’, he said to his wife. A.makedowith B.makeup C. dealwith D. put upwith. 75. Mywife and I met…on a shop going to Liberia. A. ourselves B. one another C. each other D. ourself. 76. …yet about the Principal? A. Are there any news B. Are there some news C. Is there any news D. Is their any news. 77. I am…to another week’s holiday this year after such a tedious job. A. due B. qualified C. looking D. entitled. 78. I can quickly recite theNationalAnthem…Now A. off head B. off by heart C. at hand D. off hand. 79. The committee was frustrated because the Chief withheld his … A. accent B. access C. assent D. ascent. 80. Gone are the days when the…Enjoy patronage. A. would B. will C. used to D. could. 81. He did not attend the final burial… A. rite B. rights C. rites D. right 82. The officer was compelled to…the suspect’s car. A. seize B. cease C. sieze D. sease. 83. He missed the point because he took the statement … A. literally B. literarily C. literacy D. uniliterally. 84. Their high…was an advantage A. moral B. morality C. morale D. morals 5. The brave officer….the time bomb A. diffused B. devused C. defused D. difused. 86. A number of suspects were paraded… the victim of the robbery. A. in front of B. before C. for D. to 87. If you want peace, you…Prepared for war. A. had better B. have better C. had better got D. had better get. 88. If only we…We could have overcome the difficulty. A. had persevered B. have persevered C. had persevere D. persevered. 89. We are gradually…to the end of the programme this afternoon, remarked the chairman of the wedding reception. A. arriving B. getting C. approaching D. going. 90. We sawhim…Over a wall as the police approached A. leaped B. leap C. leapt D. leaping. 91. A number of doctors are not so well disposed to… In government hospitals these days…they? A.working/do B.work/are C.working/are D.work/aren’t. 92. The only set of loud speakers available…To be connected according to the instruction. A. is B. are C. were D. have 93. We later on discovered that some members…another meeting before the one advertised. A. were holding B. have held C. have been holding D. had held. 94. He decided to wait for the bus because he had A. too many luggage B. many luggages C. a lot of luggage D. plenty luggages 95. Thank you for the party, we really…. A. enjoyed ourselves B. enjoyed C. enjoyed verymuch D. enjoyed to much 96. We were trying to study for the examinations lastnight when the lights… A. weretaken away B. cameoff C. quenched D.went off. 97. When he had arranged the furniture, he…the picture on the wall. A. hanged B. hung C. hang D. hunged. 98. Iforgot tobringapenwithme.Wouldyou please…meyours? A. borrow B. loan C. provide D. lend. 99. If you are going to the market, may I…please? A. followyou B. come with you C. come by you D. come as your second 100. Wada said that two of his chickens …eggs yesterday morning. A. layed B. lied C. laid D. lai Use of English 1987 COMPREHENSION Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow PASSAGE I There are one or two things this country can teach others, one ofwhich is the art ofwriting obituaries. One suspects that the reason why some of our newspapers still manage to break even is because of the great amount of revenue they derive from obituaries. It is not unusual for about one quarter of the volume of an average daily to be constituted of obituaries and in memoriam alone. One possible explanation for this, it has been argued, is that Nigerians value their dead greatly. And there is a saying amongst us that you do not say evil things against the dead. This is obviously the philosophy behind the large dose of encomiums with which our dead are bestowed. From the evidences of these obituaries and In memoriam, every dead Nigerian must have been something of a saint while alive. Thiswould explain why the death ofmostNigerians is attributed to the evil machinations of the wicked. Only very few people in our country die natural death, and even when they do, the obituaries etc. always give the impression that such deaths constitute the saddest loss to befall the deceased’s family. And that is why writers of these obituaries and their allied advertisements are experts on ‘mortuary stylistics’. This ‘mortuary stylistics’, the study in the art of eulogizing the dead and making their loss sound so heart breaking, is one of the commodities we can export to other countries. 1. The tone of this passage is A. angry B. satirical C. non-commital D. pleasant. 2. Mortuary ‘stylistics’ as used in the passage refers to the A. art ofwriting obituaries B. text of obituaries C. study of obituaries D. art of eulogizing the dead. 3. ‘One suspects that the reason why some of our newspapers stillmanage to break even…’ Suggests that someNigerian newspapers A. would be running at a loss but for obituaries B. are patronized only because they specialize in obituaries C. derive all their revenue from obituaries D. invest huge revenue in obituaries. 4. Obituaries are very popular in Nigeria because A. evil things are not said against the dead B. every dead Nigerian must have lived a saintly life C. only very few Nigerians die natural deaths D. Nigerians value their dead greatly. PASSAGEII ‘You all know howfriendlywe arewith Okperi. Do you think that anyUmuaro man who goes to prison there will come back alive? But that apart, do you forget that this is the moon of planting? Do you want to grow this year’s crops in the prison house in a land where your fathers owe a cow? I speak as your elder brother. I have travelled in Olu and I have travelled in Igbo, and I can tell you that there is no escape from thewhiteman. He has come. When suffering knocks at your door and you say there is no seat left for him, he tells you not toworry because he has brought his own stool. The white man is like that. Before any of you’re here was old enough to tie a cloth between the legs I saw with my own eyes what the white man did toAbame. Then I knew there was no escape. As day light chases away darkness so will the white man drive away all our customs. I know that as I say it now it passes by your ears, but it will happen. The white man has power which comes from the true God and it burns like fire. This is theGod about whom we preach every eighth day. …. Unachukwu’s opponents were now shouting that this was a meeting of an age group, that they had not assembled to join with him in chewing the seed of foolishness which they called their newreligion. ‘We are talking about the white man’s road, ‘said a voice above the others. ‘Yes, we are talking about the white man’s road. But when the roof and the walls of a house fall in, the ceiling is not left standing. Thewhite man, the newreligion, the soldiers, the new road – they are all part of the same thing. The white man has a gun, a matchet, a bow and carries fire in his mouth. He does not fight with one weapon alone’. (Taken form Chinua Achebe’s Arrow of God) 6. The dominant subject of this passage is the A. whiteman’s road B. newreligion C. white man’s influence D. white man’s weapons. 7. According to the passage, the people ofUmuaro andOkperi A. are friends B. are only acquaintances C. are no friends D. can never be enemies. 8. ‘There is no escape from the white man’ in the passage means that the A. white man will send the people to prison B. white man can kill all the people with his gun C. peopleare onlytrying to run awayfromthewhite man D. people must accept the whiteman. 9. ‘Passes by your ears’ in the passage means A. piercing through your ears. B. listening eagerly C. making no impression D. accepting as the truth. 10. Unachukwu’s speech in this passage shows that he A. is a coward B. wants his people to suffer C. loves thewhiteman D. iswisewith experience. PASSAGEIII Manager: Mr. Mbu, I would not describe you as an inefficient worker, I therefore find it difficult to understand why the Conference Room is so untidy, in spite of the fact that I had reminded you of themeeting scheduled to take place there this afternoon. Secretary: Sir, I did instruct the cleaner to tidy up the place before the meeting. Manager: Are you trying to hold the cleaner responsible for the untidy condition of the room? Secretary: Partly, Sir, I gave him an instruction which he failed to carry out. It is certainly my intention to make a formal complaint against him for dereliction of duty. Manager: And would you wash your hands off any blame after that? Do you think that just making a formal complaint against the cleaner absolves you of all blame? When do you consider an assignment as properly executed: when the execution is properly supervised or not? Was it sufficient for you to give instructions to the cleaner without ensuring that he actually carried them out? Secretary: Sir, I do not see what else I could have done, short of doing the job myself. The cleaner is a six-footer and I could not have intimidated him physically. Manager : I see, I await your formal complaint against the cleaner, but I shall not forget that you allowed a board meeting to take place in an untidy Conference Room. 11. The relationship between the manager and his secretary, as revealed in the passage, could be said to be A. strained B. charged C. personal D. cordial. 12. ‘I would not describe you as an inefficient worker…’ Suggests that the manager A. is quite pleased with the level of diligence of his secretary. B. has had cause in the past to complain against his secretary C. is dissatisfied with the level of performance of his secretary D. is non-commital over the efficiency of his secretary. 13. It would appear that the manager feels that the secretary A. should have, if possible, personally cleaned the Conference Room. B. should have ensured that someone else cleaned the Conference Room C. should have ensured that the cleaner did his job D. is a coward 14. The secretary’s attitude seems to be A. Manager Sir, you employed this huge and recalcitrant cleaner and I amnot going to do his job for him. B. ‘It is not the duty o f a secretary to enforce the instructions he gives to his junior workers’ C. ‘I am a secretary by profession, not a cleaner D. ‘It is not terribly important how tidy the Conference Room is for the meeting. 15. The last comment by the manager suggests that he A. is going to hold the secretary responsible for what has happened B. is likely to reprimand both the secretary and the cleaner for dereliction of duty C. will punish the cleaner but warn the secretary D. will warn the cleaner and punish he secretary. PASSAGEIV Primitive man was probably more concerned with fire as a source ofwarmth and as a means of light. Before he discovered less laborious ways of making fire, he had to preserve it, and whenever he went on a journey he carried a firebrand with him. His discovery that the firebrand, from which the torch maywell have developed, could be used for illumination was probably incidental to the primary purpose of preserving a flame. Lamps, too, probably developed by accident. Early man may have had his first conception of a lamp whilewatching a twig or fibre burning in themolten fat dropped from roasting carcass. All he had to do was to fashion a vessel to contain fat and float a lighted reed in it. Such lamps, which were made of hollowed stones or sea-shell, have persisted in identical form up to quite recent times. 16. Primitive man carried a firebrand during his journeys mainly for A. illumination B. cooking of food C. flame preservation D. warmth. 17. According to the passage, the torch probably developed from a A. firebrand B. twig C. lamp D. fibre. 18. Primitive man was least concerned with fire as a A. means of cooking B. source of warmth C. source of light D. means of travelling 19. Oneway earlyman made a lamp was by putting a lighted reed in a A. hollowed stone B. sea shell C. vessel D.molten fat. 20. Primitive man preserved fire because A. he used it for illumination during his travels B. hismethod of making fire was laborious C. he wanted to discover how to make a lamp D. he wanted to develop the torch. PASSAGE V Developments in electronic science have transformed the art of record keeping in the modern age. Traditionally, records of events were kept only in people’s minds. It depended very much on the retentive power of the human memory. This was extremely dangerous as people either forgot events wholly or in part, or deliberately falsified details to suit their various interests. Interminable arguments were thus the order of the day. Even writing which replaced mental recording was not entirely free from these shortcomings as untruths could be written as true records either willingly or inadvertently. With the advent of the electronic memory, however, these dangers have been largely overcome. Recordings on audio and video cassettes now show not onlywhat happened, but also who did or said what including how and when. 21. The author believes that electronic recording is A. superior only to mental recording B. inferior to both mental recording and writing C. superior to bothmental recording and writing D. inferior to onlywriting. 22. The writer believes that the art of record keeping has A. improved over the years B. endangered the art of writing C. changed human memory D. overcome all the problems facing it. 23. Howmanystages of development did thewriter mention while discussing the art of record keeping? A. Two B. Three C. Four D. Five 24. According to the author, human memory is unreliable because people. A. die and we forget what they said. B. forget events or tell lies C. do not always know when events happened D. do not always know who did what and when. 25. From the passage, we gather that writing is almost A. as unreliable as human memory B. as reliable as electronicmemory C. more reliable than electronic recording D. not to be compared to any other recording system. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE In questions 26 to 32 choose the option opposite inmeaning to theword(s) in italics 26. The house-wifewas hard up before the end of each month. A. upset B. penniless C. borrowing D. in no need. 27. The retired General becamea hard-nosed officer after fighting the war. A. tough B. weak C. indifferent D. bed-ridden. 28. The Lions lost the match because their goalkeeper was in a haze most of the time. A. indisposed B. confused C. alert D. sleeping. 29. Unless we see the evils clearly, contending against them is like fighting the air. A. avoiding B. struggling with C. combating D. repelling. 30. The explosive growth of world population has not been caused by a sudden increase in human fertility. A. fantastic B. gradual C. combustible D. dangerous. 31. It is generally believed that misers are not loved bymany. A. spendthrifts B. spenders C. hoarders D. savers 32. My brother’s primary school foundation was solid and this influenced his secondary education. A. sound B. sordid C. shaky D. weak. In questions 33 to 55 choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics. 33. ‘It is very difficult to know who is entitled to essential commodities these days’, observed the mobbed NNSC official. A. qualifiedfor B.disqualifiedfrom C.eligible D.worthyof 34. ‘This is a miniaturized version of your house’ remarked theArchitect. A. compressed B. abridged C. decreased D. smaller. 35. It is claimed that there is an extinct volcano near Pankshin A. extinguished B. inactive C. dead D. disused. 36. Bola has sonorous voice. A. high-pitched B. beautiful C. strong D. throaty. 37. Some workers went on rampage at a trade-fair. A. turned violent B. robber C. were angry D. demonstrated. 38. We have to identify the protagonists of thenewmovement. A. enemies B. leading figures C. opponents D. Believers 39. My nephew came in stealthily through the back gate. A. briskly B. boldly C. wearily D. quietly. 40. The distance is not more than twenty kilometres as the crow flies. A. by the longest route B. by the shortest route C. by air D. by the fastest means. 41. Your extreme patience sometimes infuriates me. A. impresses B. annoys C. frustrates D. amuses. 42. I cannot understand how he suddenly became audacious contrary to his nature. A. proud B. bold C. rude D. hostile. 43. His has been a life of make-belief A. faith B. fantasy C. grandeur D. religion 44. Our teacher seldom comes late to school. A. veryoften B. always C. frequently D. hardly ever. 45. At the age of 80, Musa wished he could put the clock back. A. stop the clock B. put down the clock C. go back in time D. havemore time. 46. TheDirector left his secret file to the Secretary in good faith A. with proof B. in anxiety C. in anticipation D. in trust. 47. The Chief approached the issue with convincing d isinterestedness A. lack of interest B. lack of personal interest C. inability to be interested D. unwillingness. 48. Nothing irritates the clerkmore, than being assigned miscellaneous duties. A. classified B. confidential C. unscheduled D. assorted 49. It is of fundamental importance that one sleeps properly. A. undisputed B. basic C. special D. least. 50. I know you’ve been eaves-dropping all along A. dropping gently B. paying attention C. listening secretly D. dropping all the leaves. 51. She showed an affected interest in the game. A. real B. pretended C. concerned D. slight. 52. I would not like you to do the work piecemeal A. at meal time B. bit bybit C. badly D. as a masterpiece. 53. I think I’ll like to reiterate the points earlier made. A. withdraw B. change C. challenge D. repeat. 54. The sudden death of the King put paid to the ambition of theMinister. A. encouraged B. rewarded C. benefited D. terminated. 55. The man insisted on having no strings attached to the agreement A. financial obligations B. documents C. conditions D.moral obligations. In questions 56 to 100 choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills the gap(s). 56. I was….hearing distance of the speaker. A. on B. at C. within D. in 57. Peter was such a skilfull boxer that he was not afraid to take…anybody A. to B. upon C. on D. in. 58. Owing to the constant harassment of the populace by armed robbers, all night guards have been instructed to shoot…every moving things A. at sight B. by sight C. in sight D. off sight. 59. My wife and I were to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary last Sunday. Unfortunately on that….day, my father-in-law diedmysteriously. A. fruitless B. faithful C. futile D. fateful 60. The first graduation ceremony of the university was attended bymen fromall….of life. A. works B. areas C. walks D. parts. 61. …guests enjoyed Joy’s birthday party A. Thewhole B. All the C. Every D. Those very 62. One would wish …missed that opportunity to be present at the graduation hall. A. to have not B. for having not C. to having D. not to have. 63. The ceremonywas rounded…very late. A. up B. off C. of D. out. 64. My…brother intends to get married in December. A. senior B. elder C. older D. oldest. 65. The…Affairs Officer is expecting all of us in the dining room. A. Student B. Student’s C. Students D. Students’ 66. Many a candidate…to realise the difference between written and spoken English. A. fails B. fail C. have failed D. is failing. 67. Chinyere has not really described the Cabinet as irresponsible; she only…it in her speech A. alluded to B. implied C. applied D. suggested. 68. …at 9.30 for more news, said the announcer A. Switch on B. Tune in C. Hook on D. Channel in . 69. Theway that big boy bullied his sister with relish makes me think he could be a … A. bully B. sadist C. pugilist D. tyrant. 70. All…well with Peter. A. are not B. have not been C. were not D. is not. 71. One... so if she had thought it necessary. A. would have said B. would say C.may have said D. could say. 72. We have done three quarters of the journey already, we …as well see the end of it. A. can B. might C. could D. may 73. My little daughter has…sight, hence, she now wears glasses. A. dimunitive B blurred C. painful D. defective. 74. Bassey’s evidence led… Okon being imprisoned for life. A. at B. into C. in D. to 75. My boss is usually a charming man but…he can be very irritable. A. atimes B. at times C. those times D. with times. 76. We surely ought to have an…arrangement in case somebody discovers the present strategy. A. alternate B. alternating C. alternative D. alternant. 77. The nurse kept apologizing tomothers as she stuck her needle…every baby at the clinic A. in B. onto C. on to D. into . 78. One of the ladies who…in the premises…been asked towithdraw A. sells/have B. sell/have C. sells/has D. sell/has 79. A Tale of Two Cities…the…we are studying for the examination. A. are/novels B.was/novel C. were/novels D. is/novel. 80. We must not take with us the feelings of inadequacy …experienced during our preparations for the debate. A. that were B. those were C. that was D. that is. 81. Omogbai reported that the examinations…before he arrived in the hall. A. started B. have started C. had started D. are started. 82. Inmy opinion, neither the players nor the coach…praise for the result of the match. A. deserves B. deserve C. are deserving D. is deserving. 83. No one has said anything yet, but I think I…be getting a salary increase next month. A. must B. can C. would D. may 84. Student: Excuse me sir, must we complete the assignment before lunch? Teacher: No you… A. needn’t B. mustn’t C. can’t D. shouldn’t 85. During the demonstration, themobile police were instructed to break… the students’ defense line. A. off B. open C. through D. down. 86. Roli failed because the examinationwas…difficult for her A. so B. very C. highly D. too. 87. My brother does not have a flair… Mathematics. A. for B. in C. at D. of 88. The poor little kid has been down…fever these fewdays. A. with B. from C. in D. for 89. He did not stop to ask himself why…such thing. A. should he do B. he should do C. should he have done D. did he do. 90. The quarrel has got to a stage where someone has to… A. interrupt B. interfere C. intrude D. intervene. 91. The villages looked…their leader for good examples. A. up to B. on to C. up at D. forward to 92. The hunter brought home…antelope A. alive B. a life C. alive D. a living. 93. Do not takemy books out of this office unless you…my permission to do so. A. get B. have C. had got D. are having. 94. The man insisted on giving unsolicited… A. advice B. advices D. advise D. advises. 95. Cultural patterns are modified as they are…from one generation to the next. A. transported B. transposed C. translated D.transmitted. 96. We discovered at the end of last term that we had to read … booksbeforewecouldconfidentlysitfor ourfinalexamination. A. more ofmany B. verymanymore C. verymuch more D. more verymany. 97. Chinedu took his umbrella with him in case it… A. rain B. rained C. would rain D. is raining. 98. The train was too slowso I decided to…at the next stop. A. get by B. get bye C. get off D. get of. 99. Dapo has made good use of some useful …on the chemical composition of chalk. A. information B. piece of information C. informations D. pieces of information. 100. Tonye said that he was going to bed because he was… to do anymore work. A. tired out B. very tired C. too tired D. extremely tired. Use of English 1988 COMPREHENSION Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow PASSAGE I I was to remember my first day at Freedom University for a long time. On arrival on campus, I expected to be met by some stale students (as was the practice in my secondary school) but every student around was new like myself. I asked the way toGrant Hall but no one could tellme. I asked a number of other questions about issues that bothered me, such as where and how to pay the fees, the way to the dinning hall and so on, but no help was forthcoming. So in themidst of somanypeople I am all alone I mused to myself. The prospect was not in the least cheerful and all those elation I had felt at gaining entry into a renowned university at sixteen began to disappear. Then, as if propelled by an unknown benevolent force, I walked a little bit down the corridor in the direction of a notice board at which some ten young men and women were peering. For want of something to do, I decided to stop and look at the notice board. Alas! I had opened on the key to all the riddles that had dribbled me since I set foot on campus that morning. On the board there was a big campus map in which I was able to locate Grant Hall and other places of interest, there were details of the various activities lined up for the three days of orientation for freshmen and a comprehensive list of those offered admission into various courses. How blissful I felt to see the light of knowledge, having been wallowing in the darkness of ignorance. Even then I was not able to escape the thought that though I could not be sure how much of the responsibility for the darkness was mine, the fact that something had not been done to draw attention to that apocalypse of a notice board had contributed clearly tomy initial predicament. All that notwithstanding, I learnt fromthat incident an indelible lesson which was to stand me in very good stead throughout my stay in the university: namely, the importance of reading notice boards and handbills if one is to be well informed about places and events in the university. 1. The write of the passage felt isolated because A. there were too many people B. he was a new student in freedom university C. there were too many new students D. none of themany people around could help him. 2. The write says that the prospect was not cheerful because A. no one could tell him how to get to Grant Hall B. he had felt too elated when he gained admission into the university C. there was no hope of getting out of his predicament D. the other students were hostile. 3. In the passage, the darkness of ignorance refers to the A. state of the writer before he found the notice board B. ignorance of illiterates C. ignorance of those who have not been to university D. fact that he was a freshman. 4. According to the passage the writers predicament was caused by A. the writer himself B. thosewho displayed thenotices and perhaps thewriter C. the natureof the notice board andwhere it wasplaced D. those who displayed the notices. 5. The writer remembered his first day in the university for a long time because he A. had felt very happy at being admitted into the university B. could not get anybody to help him on his first day in the university C. had learnt the hard way howto keep informed about happenings in the university D. eventuallydiscovered the notice board by chance. PASSAGEII To listen properly is hard job, and probably one of the toughest skills in the art of communication. Good listening has nothing to do with proper functioning of one’s auditory organs, which is assumed to be inevitable. Good listening in the sense we are interested in, is not a biological factor, but a psychological one. Your auditory organsmaybe in perfect order, when actually, you cannot use them creatively. Creative listening implies your being efficient, in the art of concentration, in other words, you concentrate on what one is saying so as to make sure that you hear all that is said. At the same time you are concentrating to hear all that is being said, you are also thinking fast, digesting what is being said, allowing your mental faculties and your memory to accept that which you understand, and to reject that which you do not understand, sorting out what you do not understand and storing themsomewhere in your brain for future discussion, and, all at the same time, rationalizing what you her, accepting that which you find rational and rejecting that which you do not find rational. After you must have listened creatively to what you have been told, then you can respond if the need arises. It is quite proper that you respond because the process of response enhances the art of communication. But your response ought to be only a necessary response, a response that will improve your understanding. This response should involve your monitoring, some of those things you have been told but which you do not understand, or politely questioning the rationality of some of the speakers argument that your response must be constructive, must enhance the communicativeworth. It should not be an unnecessary argument or an opportunity for you to express dissatisfaction or disaffection. The ability to listen properly aids communication and understanding. 6. The passage says that A. there are many skills of communication ofwhich listening is one B. theart of listeningis thetoughest ofall communication skills C. good listening depends on perfect functioning of the auditory organs D. good listening needs formal training. 7. Creative listening involves all the following EXCEPT A. efficient concentration B. makingsurethatwhathespeaker issayingisaudible C. that the listening must be able to think fast D. that theremust be a co-ordination of all the objectivefacilities. 8. Creative listening implies all EXCEPT A. a critical enterprise B. an uncompromisingrejection ofthespeaker’s argument C. some argument with the speaker D. a greater deal of discipline. 9. The tone of the passage is A. sermonizing B. pleading C. analytical D. argumentative 10. A most suitable title for the passage is A. Communication skills B. How to listen attentively C. Listening in Communication D. Listening argument and understanding. PASSAGEIII In the past learning English as a separate subject seemed relatively easy. The textbook selected and graded items of language which were put into context and then practised intensively. New items were carefully controlled so that he student could cope quite easily. Now that English is used as a medium of instruction, however, all this has changed. unknown items of grammar and vocabulary appear in texts which attempt to explain new and often difficult information. Difficulties with the language interact with difficulties as regards the subject matter. The student’s reading in his own subject slows down and his comprehension becomes less secure. He expresses himself slowly and often fails to convey his ideas exactly. He is disappointed to find that under pressure he makes a lot of unnecessary mistakes in areas where he knows the correct language forms. His social relations are difficult as he cannot find the right phrase quickly enough to keep a conversation going, so his language often betrays him into dullness, coldness, or worst of all, rudeness. Instead of the student being in control of the language, the language seems now to be in control of the student. All of this can be very depressing and the student can start to feel very anxious. Working in a foreign language is also very tiring, and the concentration and self-discipline required to correct one’s mistakes is very great indeed. 11. Select the most appropriate title for this passage A. Problems of learning a newlanguage B. Problems of learning English as a separate subject C. Problems ofworking inEnglish as a foreign language D. Difficultieswith interacting in English. 12. The student begins to experience difficulties with English when A. learning English with other subjects B. learning English as a separate subject C. his comprehension becomes less secure D. using English as a medium of instruction. 13. The expression ‘his language often betrays him into dullness, coldness, or worst of all, rudeness’ means that A. hisEnglish language lets him down and he becomes dull, cold and rude B. the way he uses the language gives one the i mpression that he is dull, cold or rude C. hebetrayshis badmannersbyusingEnglish badly D. his dullness, coldness or rudeness betrays his bad manners in language use. 14. The statement ‘instead of the student being in control of the language, the language seems now to be in control of the student’ implies that the A. writer is not serious, he is only being humorous B. language can make the student behave like an Englishman C. languagecan makethestudentbehave rather badly D. student should stop using the language so as not to be controlled by it. 15. Themost likely source of difficulty for the student working with English as a medium of instruction is A. the newness of the subject matter in the texts being read B. unknown items of grammar and vocabulary in the texts C. thestudent’s slowreading rate in his own subject D. thetiringnatureofworkingina foreign language. PASSAGEIV In order to approach the problem of anxiety in play, let us consider the activity of building and destroying a tower. Many a mother thinks that her little son is in a ‘destructive stage’ or even has a ‘destructive personality’ because after building a big, big tower, the boy cannot follow her advice to leave the tower for Daddy to see, but instead must kick it and make it collapse. The almost manic pleasurewith which children watch the collapse in a second of the product of long playlabour has puzzled many, especially since the child does not appreciate it at all if his tower falls by accident or by a helpful uncle’s hand. He, the builder, must destroy it himself. This game, I should think, arises from the not so distant experience of sudden falls at the very time when standing upright on wobbly legs afforded a new and fascinating perspective on existence. The child who consequently learns tomake a tower ‘stands up’ enjoys causing the same tower towaver and collapse. In addition to the active mastery over a previously passive event, it makes one feel stronger to know that there is somebody weaker – and towers, unlike little sisters, can’t cry and call, ‘Mummy!’. 16. In the passage, ‘manic pleasure’means A. wicked pleasure B. children pleasure C. unlimited pleasure D. human pleasure. 17. The expression ‘must kick it and make it collapse’ in this context means A. is forced to kick it and demolish it. B. is obliged to kick it andmake it collapse C. cannot resist the urge to demolish it D. ought to kick it and make it collapse 18. According to this passage, it gives the child great pleasure A. for Daddy to see the tower he has built B. to destroy the tower himself C. to se his tower accidentally destroyed D. to be helped to destroy the tower. 19. Howdoes the author tryto explain this ‘destructive stage’? A. It is the last stage in child development. B. The child wants to displease his parents. C. It grows out of the child’s recent experiences of sudden falls. D. Thechildis just going through a destructivestage. 20. What other feeling does the child derive from the fall of his tower apart from pleasure? A. Strength B. Anxiety C. Pity D. Depression. PASSAGE V Themarket was old, timelessAfrica, loud, crowded and free. Here, a man sat making sandals from old discardedmotorcar tyres, there another worked at an old sewing machine,making a nightgown-like affair while the buyer waited, a little further on, an old goldsmith worked at his dying art, but using, now, copper fillings instead of gold to fashion the lovely trinkets women wear the world over; elsewhere a woman sold country cloth fashioned with such fine art that only Africans think of it as a garment of utility. Trade was slow and loud everywhere. This was as much as social as a shopping centre. For an excuse to spend the day at the market, a woman would walk all the way from her village to town with half a dozen eggs. She would spread them on a little bit of ground for which she paid rent. Through the day she would squat on the ground and talk to others who came for the same reason. She would refuse to sell her wares till it was time to leave. Theywere the excuse for her being there. There were many like that. But there were many others for whom trade was an earnest business. Whether is earnest or as an excuse, the traders were boisterously free, loudmouthed and happy. The laugher of the market was a laughter found nowhere else in all the world… 21. According to the passage, the woman with half a dozen eggs in the market A. is doing earnest business B. comes purposely to enjoy herself C. is like other traders in themarket D. does not like her husband at home. 22. ‘An old goldsmith worked on his dying art’ means that the A. goldsmith’s trade was no longer popular B. goldsmith was old and might soon die C. goldsmith knew well the art of dyeing D. goldsmith now used copper filings. 23. Which of the following titles BEST reflects the content of the passage? A. Amarket scene B. Trading in themarket C. An African market scene D. An African shopping centre. 24. Which of the following statements BEST illustrates the impression the writer has created about the market? A. An old, timeless and scantily populated place B. Aplace people come to for business or pleasure C. An old, crowded and discarded place D. Aplace for all types of wares and laughter. 25. Which of the following groups of items may be found for sale in themarket? A. Motor-car tyres, eggs and gold trinkets B. Eggs, sandals and gold trinkets C. Country cloth, gold trinkets and sandals D. Country cloth, copper trinkets and eggs. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE In question 26 to 35 choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics 26. Our government ismaking determined efforts to eradicate illiteracy. A. compulsory B. ineffective C. innocent D. unreliable. 27. Makerere University has a large intake of students each year. A. rejection B. product C. output D. turn-out. 28. Florence flogged the girl reluctantly. A. eagerly B. calmly C. furiously D. laboriously 29. Sola’s car is badlydamaged; he has to look for an expert mechanic to fix it. A.uneducated B. amateurish C. awkward D.unscientific. 30. Coastal plains are often very densely populated. A. weakly B. badly C. rarely D. sparsely 31. Wilfredwas a mindless criminal. A. strong B. mindful C. feeling D. memorable. 32. The judge blamed the plaintiff for misleading the court. A. defendant B. complainant C. accused D. prosecution. 33. The thieves vandalized the vault’s lock. A. repaired B. arranged C. serviced D. actuated. 34. The demonstrators have refused to call off their action. A. consolidate B. start C. resume D. end. 35. The angry waves swallowed the boat. A. gentle B. unruffled C. cool D. serene. 36. Ngozi and Ekaete were fast friends when we were in the secondary school. A. friends who run very quickly together B. friendswhogowithout food for a long time together C. friendswho are not easily separated fromeach other D. friends who spend too much time and energy on pleasure and excitement together 37. My son has just been rusticated from the university. A. sent home to get his fees B. sent home for misconduct C. sent home to rest for sometime D. sent home to become rustic 39. All we need isa concerted effort to combat the epidemic. A. persistent B. dramatic C. joint D. concentrated 39. Jimoh has cupboard love for Sidikatu A. love that never fails B. genuine love C. love for what he wants from her D. love that can fail in time of trouble 40. Yahaya hardly knows on which side his bread is buttered in the matter. A. where his interest lies B. what he must do C. where he should go D. whom to contact for help. 41. The preacher is under a cloud among the congregation. A. out of favour B. under observation C. under weather D. confused 42. The politician played to the gallery towin the election. A. obeyed the people B. sang a good song for the people C. went to the gallery D. went out of his way to appeal to the taste of the people. 43. The heftywarder came in and all the prisoners snuffed out their cigarettes. A. extinguished B. put out C. squeezed D. put down 44. The popularity of the slogan is beginning to wane. A. wear B. slide C. thin out D. decline 45. The policeman looked at the face of robber and saw tell-tale sign of a dyed-in-the-wool convict. A. hardened B. remorseless C. heady D. hardhearted 46. ‘Marcus bears watching;’ remarkedEmperor Nero. A. deserves B. needs C. favours D. enjoys 47. The senior perfect had to carry the can because he refused to identify the culprit A. dispose the can of refuse B. accept responsibility C. be made one of the scape-goats D. bear the brunt 48. The senator had the habit of setting the cat among the pigeons whenever matters concerning his constituency came up for debate A. illuminating issues that are not clear B. monopolizing the discussion C. making frequent interruptions in the nature of points of correction D. introducing elements of controversy and confusion 49. Adah has not been regular at lectures because she has been off colour. A. gloomy B. trying to hider her bleached skin C. slightly sick D. upset 50. When the man lost his two sons in a motor accident, he cracked up. A. became broken-hearted B. became inconsolable C. became slightly daranged D. became temperamental 51. The news of his performance in the sessional examination has madeOkechukwu crestfallen. A. highly irritable B. dejected C. elated D. pompous 52. The man rebuked his son severely, but his words seem to have cut no ice. A. been unconvincing B. had no effect C. not cooled the boy’s temper D. added insult to injury 53. The urban environment tends to form the nucleus of a common dialect A. setting B. respository C. cell D. core 54. I shall be with you presently A. now B. in a moment C. at present D. for the time being 55. The builder’s taste reflected superflous grandeur A. excellent B. superlative C. expensiveD. toomuch In question 56-100 choose the word(s) or phras which best fills the gap(s). 56. The child’s recent training has not been very effective, he is likely to…to his old habits. A. revert B. convert C. reverse D. revise 57. The students went on whispering in …of the teacher. A. dishonour B. disagreement C. defiance D. disobedience 58. You can never find Okwu; he is a very…person. A. delusive B. elusive C. illusive D. disceptive 59. You could see that:Akpan did not give theevidence … A. honestly completely B. complete honestly C. honest completely D. completely honestly 60. The suspect defrauded his …victims of large sums of money. A. unsuspected B. unsuspecting C. unexpecting D. unexpected 61. The…of the participating countries will hold a preconference on the eve of the conference. A. Auditor Generals B. Auditor General C. AuditorsGeneral D. Auditors Generals 62. The drummers struck their drums with great efforts, and the surging crowds of dancers… the grounds around the palace. A. strutted/thumped B. kicked/stamped C. thumped/licked D. stroke/thumped 63. The chairman’s laughter was with no…to ridicule the applicant. A. intention B. intend C. intendment D. intent 64. Thewater is not good for drinking; it’s been…. by the dead rabbit. A. contaminated B. infested C. spoilt D. diseased 65. The austerity of the times has made people to bemore … in their spending A. watchful B. circumspect C.miserly D. hesitant 66. Are you sure he prefers a horse ride…a walk? A. than to take B. to taking C. instead of take D. than 67. … to your request, we have decided to provide the necessary information A.Asregards B.With regards C.Withregard D.Regarding 68. The price of everything seems to have…up in the last fewmonths. A. climbed B. shot C. risen D. flared 69. Just to convince you about my commitment to the project. I shall…at theoffice beforeI leavefor Kanotomorrow. A. put up an appearance B. put in an appearance C. put up appearance D. put an appearance 70. There was a ... of steps. A. stair B. height C. flight D. climb. 71. Many young men of nowadays do not know how to properly…. their clothes. A. press B. iron C. smoothen D. stretch. 72. The dancers were all in…before their departure. A. good spirits B. good spirit C. high spirit D. high spirits 73. Ebun…the edge of the cliff after his shoes had failed to grip. A. fell down B. fell off C. fell away D. fell from. 74. That old lady prefers…bread…clothes A. to bake/than making B. to bake/to making C.baking/tomaking D. baking/than to make 75. I wonder howmuch … A. cost these earrings B. do these earrings cost C. are these earrings costing D. these earrings cost. 76. The college authorities have … the students to end the strike. A. called for B. called on C. called D. called at. 77. I have been trying to locate you … A. since five days B. five days now C. since five days now D. for five days. 78. The host insisted on…what he called ‘a little gift.’ A. me to accept B. me accepting C. my accepting D. my acceptance. 79. The whole class looked forward to … Kainji Dam at Christmas. A. visiting B. visit C. be visiting D. a visit 80. A government spokesman announced that efforts…the release of the hostages are continuing. A. to obtain B. in obtaining C. for obtaining D. of obtaining 81. I know you think I’m talking nonsense, Shehu, but … you’ll realize that I was right. A. at one time B. on time C. in time D. at times 82. The Inspector of Education who made several trips on the bad roads returned yesterday completely…by fever. A. brought down B. put down C. worn down D. worn off 83. The vice principal asked the students to always …their answers only from the textbooks recommended for the course. A. look out B. search out C. look up D. bring up. 84. I know that your friend will not accept the proposal … A. and you neither B. and neither you C.neither do you D. neither will you. 85. Mark is a very handsome fellow who informsme that he has…for pretty girls. A. a heart B. a lip C. an eye D. a check. 86. Wale Agun, in creating his characters, draws freely … his experience in life. A. by B. in C. on D. of 87. When I have an appointment with someone, I hate … waiting A. to be keeping B. for being kept C.being kept D. in being kept. 88. It’s no good…about the result until you have sat for the examination. A. to worry B. for worrying C. worrying D. to have worried 89. If you don’t want to … your car to robber, then don’t travel in the night. A. loose B. loss C. lose D. lost 90. The beautiful plan made for the expansion of the business fell…as soon as the manager died. A. down B. out C. in D. through 91. The events reported in the newspaper did not happen years ago; they … A. are of recent B. had happened recently C. are recent D. recently happened 92. There is no point getting upset byproblems; I take them … A. in my stride B. on the spur of the moment C.by leaps and bounds D. in a jiffy. 93. There is no need to stand…ceremony in matters of this nature. A. by B. to C. on D. for 94. The driver will…all the students interested in going to Lagos tomorrow at 7.am outside the main buildings. A. lift B. lift up C. pick D. pick up. 95. What bothered me about the lecture was the speaker … too many irrelevant words. A. slighted B. sighted C. sited D. cited. 96. The students were suspended because they were … A. indisciplined B. undisciplined C.undiscipled D. disciplinary 97. We heard the … of brakes which was followed by a crashing noise. A. screaming B. screeching C. scrapping D. streaking 98. I had not given the question a thought before; my answer came … A. momentarily B. in an instant C . on the spur of the moment D. just like that 99. The small girl is…than her elder sister. A. more cleverer B. very cleverer C.much cleverer D. muchmore cleverer. 100. …are good friends. A. He and I B. I and him C. I and he D. He and me COMPREHENSION Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. PASSAGE I As the stranger approached, Shola noticed that he was handsome and her excitement increased. It was of such a man she had dreamt. He had a fine, arrogant carriage, like a soldier or someone in authority. When he reached the end of the pier, he addressed them in a rich, deep voice that disturbed her as the voluptuous rising of the tide had done. ‘You’re TundeOnu, I’m told’, he said to her father. ‘That’s right,’said her father. ‘The bus conductor toldmeyou take peopleto the islands’, theman continued. ‘I’dliketo gothereif youcan takeme,’ Her father examined the man from head to foot, shrewdly measuring his capacity to pay. Then he said: ‘When were you thinking of going?’ ‘Right away’ ‘That’s a different story, formyboatman isgone toBadagry and he won’t be back before nightfall. ‘Oh!’ said the stranger. ‘That’s too bad. You couldn’t get someone else instead of him?’ ‘I would have to think hard’, he said gloomily, ‘for it’s not everyone would do for the job of going with me beyond the bay to the islands at this time of the year’ Shola understood her father’smanoeuvre and felt ashamed. 1. How would you describe Shola’s father? A. A greedy boatman B. An energetic but good-for-nothing man C. A loving father who wants to safeguard the interest of his daughter D. A talkative fool. 2. Which of the following is NOT true of the passage? A. Shola did not approve of her father’s behaviour towards the stranger B. Shola’s father could row the stranger to the islands alone had he so wished C. Shola’s father exaggerated the difficulties in order to raise his fee D. Shola had recently been disturbed by the tide. 3. Which of thefollowing is trueof thestranger in thepassage? A. He was a proud and good looking man with a deep voice that annoyed Shola B. He was familiar with the people of the islands C. He was a fine gentleman in need of help D. He was too proud to reciprocate Shola’s love. 4. ‘Manoeuvre’ in the passage means A. shrewdness B. cleverness C. stupidity D. strategy 5. Which of the following is true of the passage? A. The stranger was in a bad mood B. The stranger came by bus C. Shola andher father wereidlewhen the stranger came D. Shola’sfathermeasured thestranger fromhead tofoot. PASSAGEII I am always amazed when I hear people saying that sport creates goodwill among nations, and that if only the common peoples of theworld could meet one another at football or squash, theywould have no inclination tomeet on the battle field. even if one didn’t know from concrete examples (the 1936 Olympic Games, for instance) that international sporting contests lead to orgies of hatred, one could deduce it from general principles. Nearly all the sports practiced nowadays are competitive. You play towin, and the game has little meaning unless you do your utmost to win. On the village green, where you pick up sides and no feeling of local patriotism is involved, it is possible to play simply for the fun of it and exercise; but as soon as the question of prestige arises, as soon as you feel that you and some larger unit will be disgraced if you lose, the most savage combative instincts are aroused. Anyone who has played even in a school football match knows this. At the international level, sport is frankly a mimicwarfare. But the significant thing is not the behaviour of the players but the attitude of the spectators; and, behind the spectators, of the nations whowork themselves into furies over these absurd contests and seriously believe-at any rate for short period-that running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue. Even a leisurely game demanding grace rather than strength can cause much ill-will. Football, a game in which everyone gets hurt and every nation has its own style of play is far worse. Worst of all is boxing. One of themost horrible sights in the world is a fight between white and coloured boxers before amixed audience. 6. The 1936 OlympicGames was cited in the passage as an example to show that sports can A. lead to excessive hatred B. create goodwill among nations C. generate feelings of national prestige D. make people meet on the battle field. 7. According to the passage, A. all the sports practiced nowadays are competitive B. games have meaning only when the participants play to win C. it is possible to play a game simply for the fun of it D. on the local green, you play not to win but for the fun of it. 8. Boxingis regardedas theworst gameinthe passagebecause A. of the behaviour of the boxers themselves B. of the amount of ill-will that can be generated among spectators of different races C. of the ill-will that can be generated by a game that demands strength from the competitors D. it is a gameinwhich both playersget hurt rather badly. Use of English 1989 9. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage? A. Running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue B. At the national level, sport is frankly a mimic warfare C. The most savage combative instincts are aroused byanyonewho has played in a school football match D. Nations work themselves up because they tend to believe that sports are tests of national virtue. 10. ‘Mimic’ as used in the passage, means A. comic B. silent C. imitated D. practiced PASSAGEIII His eyes widened as they fell upon something strange. Something was moving slowly and cautiously along the gutter. The pale yellow and brown of the snake’s body glistened like a stream of flowing metal. Bywhat mistake had the creature strayed into this unlikely place? Impossible to say. Yet there it was; and its slow movements betrayed uneasiness and confusion. As he watched it, his instinctive antipathymelted away. He could understand so well what the snake was feeling. He entered into its cold, narrow intelligence and shared its angry perplexity. Its movements were cramped, its advance difficult, and it was in constant danger of slipping over the edge. Now and then it lay still in dull reflection, nursing a cold anger that could find no vent. Meanwhile, the little plant bent downwards by every puff ofwind, was beating its thin twigs against the gutter like a birch. The snake seemed not to see the plant. It moved forward until a light touch from the twigs fell upon its head. At this, it stopped and lifted its neck. The little plant was nowdoing nomore than lightly sway and dip. The snake, its head still reared, waited, flickering tongue. One could feel the angryheaving and straining in the sluggish brain-the dull red anger waiting to explode. Then came a strong gust sweeping along the wall, and at once the twigs thrashed down upon the furious head-thrashed down and beat it with a movement that seemed to Osun both comic and dreadful: in a flash, the head reared itself higher, the neck drew back, and there was a lunge at the twigs and the empty air. O fatal act! To strike, the snake had been obliged to coil, and its coiled body could not support itself upon the narrow ledge. No recoverywas possible; it overbalanced and fell with a thud upon a small flat roof fifty feet below. There, Osun saw the creature begin to writhe in agony. It could do not more than twist and turn upon the same spot. Osun was trembling, but beneath his agitation there was a deep, troubled wonder. Here was the little plant now waving with a kind of jaunty cynicism. And there was the snake writhing in agony. The world, unquestionably, was a place of mystery and horror. This was revealed in the writhing of the crippled snake and in the jaunty waving of the innocent plant n thewind. 11. Thesnakewas referred toas‘something strange’becausethe A. movement of the snake along the gutter was slow and cautious B. movement of the snake betrayed strange uneasiness and confusion C. colour of the snake’s body was an unusual streamof flowingmetal D. environment in which the snake was found was unusual 12. As the narrator watched the snake, his feeling changed to those of A. anger and apathy B. antipathy and perplexity C. perplexity D. angry bewilderment. 13. The act of the snake was described as ‘fatal’ because the snake’s attack was going to A. be fatal to the plant B. make the coiled body not to support itself upon the narrow ledge C. result in the crippling of the snake D. result in no possible recovery. 14. Which of the following statements isNOT true according to the passage? A. Osun was not an active observer in the combat between the snake and the little plant. B. The moves of the little plant during the encounter with the snake were not voluntary. C. The attack of the plant during the combat was entirely to blame for the fall of the snake. D. During the combat, the behaviour of the plant could be likened to that of a human being. 15. The ‘fight’ between the plant and the snake was prompted by A. the plant B. Osun C. the wind D. the snake PASSAGEIV In the past, famine, various types of diseases, and natural disasters checked population growth in many countries. At that time, man had not learnt to till the soil sufficiently to improve and increase her yield. Man was unable to domuch to conquer these diseases; and natural disasters were regarded as a curse of the gods for which man had no answer. Thus, famine, diseases, and natural disasters remained a nightmare tomankind. With the present developments in technology and modern agriculture, one would have thought that the problem of starvation should have been solved. But starvation still stares man in the face. The increase in population now accounts for the consequent scarcity of food experienced in many parts of the world. However, in some countries, man’s advancement in technology and medicine has rapidly increased the population while improved methods of agriculture and food preservation have caused a steady rise in food production. Also, man can now effectively prevent and cure most diseases in the world. Unfortunately, the working population engaged in agriculture is so small that it cannot produce enough to satisfy the gaping mouths to be fed. In various parts of the world, man has engaged himself in various jobs in order to adjust the food production to match the growing population of his zone, but population growth continues to outstrip food production measures. Incidentally, the source of food and food preservation measures can be limited unlike population growth which may not be effectively checked. Perhaps the only effective checks to population explosion may be the drastic birth control measures. But many religious sects the world over are opposed to many of these birth control measures. 16. In this passage ‘nightmare’means A. a terrifying or deeply distressing dream B. natural disasters C. all those hazards which made life hideous D. a curse 17. Natural disasters were regarded as a curse of the goods on mankind because man A. had no satisfactory solution to natural disasters B. had not learnt to till the soil sufficiently C. was suffering from the woes pronounced on mankind by the gods D. could not send a reply to the gods. 18. ‘But starvation stillstaresman in theface’ means starvation A. looks at the face of man B. is inevitable to man C. flies in the face of man D. still afflictsman. 19. The working population engaged in agriculture cannot feed the teeming population sufficiently because A. there are gaping mouths to be fed B. they do not produce what they like to eat C. there are not enough people engaged in tilling the soil D. improvedmethods ofagriculturehavenot brought about a significant increase in food production. 20. Drastic birth control measuresmay not be effective checks to population explosion sincemany religious sects A. are disinclined to oppose their use B. object to the use of many of them C. are disinclined to accept them for use D. want the control measures applied. PASSAGE V The evidence given so far demonstrates that a nuclear exchange in the Northern Hemisphere would have an unavoidable global aftermath making the continued existence of mankind impossible anywhere. It is also very improbable that a nuclear exchange would be confined exclusively to the vicinity of the industrialized states. Current developments indicate that a nuclear disaster would be carried into the territories of the developing countries in Asia,Africa and Latin America. These developments include the preparations beingmade by aggressive forces for the armed seizure of the Middle East oilfields, the nuclear missile deployment in the south ofWestern Europe, the establishment of military bases for the Rapid Development of Forces in North Africa and the Indian Ocean, and the tensions in the South Atlantic and the Caribbean. 21. A suitable title for the passage is A. preparation for NuclearWar on theThird World Countries B. Possible Effects of Nuclear War on Third World Countries C. Strategies for a Nuclear Confrontation D. TheMerits andDemerits ofNuclear Exchange 22. ‘Aggressive’ in the passage means A. militant B. dissident C. reactionary D.revolutionary. 23. The central point being stressed in the passage is that A. nuclearwar is inevitable in theThirdWorldcountries B. nuclearwar is imminent in theThirdWorld countries C. a country does not have to be industrialized before being concerned with nuclear matters D. the aggressive forces of theworld are ready to carry the nuclear battle into the developing nations. 24. According to the author, currentworld developmentspoint to A. an exclusive destruction of the developing countries B. a likelyspread of nuclear calamityto theThirdWorld C. nuclear exchange taking place inAfrica, Asia and LatinAmerica D. a confrontation between the industrialized and the developing countries. 25. From this passage, we learn that nuclear exchange in the Northern Hemisphere would be A. inconceivable B. inevitable C. fatal tomankind D. partially destrutive. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE In questions 26 to 35, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics. 26. The government is making concerted efforts at providing essential social facilities in the rural areas. A. dissipated B. unconcerned C. unsuccessful D. uncontrolled. 27. Thewestern allies frownedat their enemies’ indiscriminate bombing of their territory. A. impartial B. selective C. unprovoked D. divided. 28. Thegirl is veryintelligent, but her jokesare rather outrageous. A. offensive B. courageous C. pleasant D. unwholesome. 29. We cannot but talk about his invaluable contributions to the affairs of the society. A. worthless B. costly C. unrecognized D. incalculable. 30. This average fertility figure, of course, conceals wide individual variations among the people A. attracts B. covers C. exposes D. concludes 31. Men living in an extended familyknowthat theyhave to be responsible for thewelfare of some other person’s children. A. extensive B. nuclear C. neutral D. contracted. 32. The appearance of thepall-bearerswas extremely fascinating A.magnetic B. unorganized C. interesting D. repulsive. 33. Many miners protested against the order to march into the coal pits. A. strut B. amble C. trudge D. ramble 34. Thehasty action will bring nothing but discredit to them A. honour B. shame C. reward D. disgrace 35. The man’s health has deteriorated in the hospital A. collapsed B. improved C. worsened D. revived. In question 36 to 65, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics. 36. The boss madea clean sweep of all the old hands in the office A. completely got rid B. cleanly swept the office C. made a quick change D. made an adjustment. 37. Her anxiety was apparent to everyone present at the ceremony A. real B. visible C. transparent D. unknown 38. Our experience on board the aircraft is nothing towrite home about. A. not remarkable B. not unpleasant C. nobody’s business D. not a home affair. 39. The rampage was organized and directed by the militant ones among the students. A. soldiers B. rebellious ones C. belligerent ones D. commandoes. 40. The governor advised his people to get off the beaten tracks in their approach to community matters. A. use the old roads B. make the tracks better C. find new ways D. avoid beating about the bush. 41. It was their custom to keep an open house on Sundays. A. welcome all visitors B. keep the shutters open C. leave the house open D. expose the whole house. 42. The president made a passionate appeal for calm. A. inflamed B. disturbing C. intense D. lively 43. Mali stole the day’s takings from the bakery A. receipts B. collections C. contributions D. offerings. 44. You donot need to stutter in order to showyour excitement A. jump about B. shout C. sob D. stammer 45. What embarrasses me is the stealthy way in which the new servant goes about his duties in this house A. indolent B. furtive C. boisterous D. agile 46. I have never been accustomed to seeing my brother in such a pensive mood A. merry B. infuriated C. thoughtful D. hostile 47. The administrator’s apathy was soon noticed by all his subordinates A. indifference B. kindness C. concern D. inefficiency 48. Theway he handled thewhole issuewas rather despicable A. disturbing B. likeable C. contemptible D. frustrating 49. The authenticity of the reporter’s claims should be established before taking further actions on thematter A. facts B. source C. evidence D. genuineness 50. After careful investigation, the police found no iota of truth in Ibrahim’s allegations. A. quota B. grain C. evidence D. statement 51. The case was thrown out because the court lacked jurisdiction A. jurors to help the judge B. authority C. prosecutors D. appellate powers. 52. The chief will launch the fund-raising appeal. A. make a speech at B. eat his afternoon meal during C. travel by boat to D. start off. 53. Sade has been employed. But she is unhappy because it is a run of the mill job. A. a boring B. an exciting C. a tiring D. an ordinary 54. I would like to believe that this brilliant performance of yours is not just a flash in the pan. A. repeated occurrence B. normal happening C. flashy happening D. chance occurrence 55. As the wedding day approached, the bride began to develop cold feet. A. fall sick B. feel cold C. be reluctant D. become aggressive 56. I told my brother to get the matter off his chest as soon as possible. A. give serious thought to the matter B. say what he has been anxious to say C. make a brief comment D. state his points clearly. 57. He has a big heart, but he is inept at following a witty conversation. A. large B. huge C. warm D. fragile 58. The clerk refused to answer for the mistakes made by the manager and his assistants. A. reply to B. give an answer C. accept responsibility for D. account for 59. Most of his observations were wide off the mark A. comprehensible B. irrelevant C. pertinent D. unacceptable. 60. I didn’t think she could be so easily taken in byhis pretences. A. flattered B. deceived C. overcome D. blackmailed. 61. Do you have the same aversion as I do for war films? A. bitterness B. dislike C. criticism D. preference 62. His summary of the meeting was brief and to the point. A. precise B. accurate C. exact D. crucial 63. The minister hit on a plan to retain his post after many months of lobbying. A. drew up a plan B. discovered a plan C. selected a plan D. designed a plan 64. My friend will hate his uncle forever because he left him in the lurch in his hour of need. A abandoned him B. punished him C. disinherited him D. despised him 65. Our school prefect is too officious and we all hate him because of his behaviour. A. efficient B. efficacious C. over-zealous D. active In question 66 to 100, choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s). 66. When Imet Amadi yesterday it was the first time I…him for sixmonths. A. had seen B. saw C. have seen D. have been seeing. 67. Astudent’s natural ability should be a…factor in his choosing a course of study at the university A. determined B. determining C. determinant D. determinate 68. Many unrelated issues were touched upon in the…of the discussion A. cause B. course C. coarse D. curse. 69. The traveller had to run…in order to…the train. A. first/catch B. fast/cash C. fast/catch D. first/cash. 70. When the driver lost control of his vehicle, the pedestrians began to run for … A.their dear lives B.their dearlife C.dear lives D. dear life. 71. My uncle is one of the …of the society. A. elitists B. elites C. elite D. elitist 72. The newsinglet factory is built on the…ofAba township A. outstretch B. outskates C. outskirts D. outskirt 73. If Kaka hadn’t tried to stand up in the boat, he…into the lake. A. wouldn’t have fallen B. will not have fell C. will not have fallen D. wouldn’t have fell. 74. The soldiers were sufficiently equipped with … A. arms andammunition B. arms and ammunitions C. arm and ammunitions D. armand ammunitions. 75. My younger brother is going to the stream with…boys. A. twoother little B. other little two C. two little other D. other two little. 76. Okoro intends towear his…dress to the zoo this afternoon. A. white cotton new B. white new cotton C. new white cotton D. cotton white new 77. Sociologists are concernedwith the problemofman in … A. a society B. the societyC. society D. some society. 78. The contractors were short …cash even before the project was completed. A. in B. for C. with D. of 79. The judge acquitted the accused…all the eight counts. A. of B. on C. from D. upon 80. Ifwe go hunting this week-end, we’ll have to…with scratch meals and sleep in a hut in the forest. A. make up B.make do C.make out D. make good. 81. ‘Leaveme alone’blurted the angry customer. ‘I cant … with your price hikes’. A. make do B. put up C. deal D.make up. 82. The committee was disgusted…the way the office was being run. A. at B. by C. with D. over. 83. Many a man…donewithout milk in…tea these days. A. had/their B. has/his C. have/their D. had/his. 84. The…car is the center of attraction. A. small racing light-green B. racing small light-green C. small light-green racing D. light-green small racing. 85. If I had not finishedmy assignment, I would not…the opportunity to go with the group A. have been given B. be given C. be giving D. have been giving. 86. You had better…what the doctor recommended this morning A. done B. do C. did D. be doing. 87. …with him for two years, I cannot guarantee his good behaviour. A. Towork B. Havingworked C. To haveworked D. Byworking. 88. This is the kind of stew … A. which its taste I do not like B. which I do not like the taste of it C. of which taste I do not like D. the taste of which I do not like. 89. …is always superior to any other in town. A. There’s B. Theirs C. Their’s D. There. 90. I looked for you all over the campus but I could not…you A. find B. see C. meet D. catch. 91. The manager was angry with Dauda for…seeds of discord among the workers. A. planting B. sewing C. cultivating D. sowing 92. The government has provided new…for the local government polls. A.guardlines B.guidelines C.guardlines D.guidelines. 93. Tsado and his wife are always fighting. The…to be drawn from this is that they are not happy together. A. reference B. inference C. difference D. deference 94. The teacher invitedAkpan and…to his office A. myself B. me C. I D. himself. 95. One of the rioterswho…arrested yesterday…released. A. was/had been B. were/have been C. was/have been D. were/has been. 96. Although I am watching television, I…what you are saying A. am hearing B. can hear C. have heard D. was hearing 97. Because of the…he did tomy car, I amgoing to sue him for … A. damage/damages B. damages/damage C. damages/damages D. damage/damage 98. He was not a very…student when I first met him but the years… his character ultimate. A. mature/mature B. matured/mature C. mature/matured D. matured/matured. 99. Our manager has instructed that…of customers must be barred from our bank. A. those type B. that type C. that types D. this types. 100. He regarded the betrayal ofhis friend as a stab…the back A. on B. at C. in D. from Use of English 1990 COMPREHENSION Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. PASSAGE I As a rule the Emopa are very brave indeed, and are among the fewAfricans who still hunt lion with the spear. They also kill elephants, not for food but for spear blooding, or to prove their manhood. When elephants are located, there is great excitement and fierce competition among the youngmen. Each tries to be the first to blood his spear: the one who does so, claims the trophy. No youngman is looked upon with favour by the girls until he haswon his spurs bykilling a dangerous animal. But brave as the Emopa are, two fierce man-eaters completely overawed them. This was partly due to the cunning and boldness of the lions, partly to the fact that, when hunted, theywould always retreat into dense riverine undergrowth, where it was impossible for a man to poise and throw a spear. Superstitution had also added its quota to the fear with which they were regarded. It was said that before starting off on a raid the lions would retire to an open sandy place and there make two rows of depressions in the sand with their paws. Then, using twigs as counters, theywould play the ancient game of ‘baw’ (a game of unknown antiquity, which resembles draughts and is played all over Africa). If the omens were good theywould raid a village and claim a victim; if not, they would wait. Another story had it that the lions were the spirits of two ‘holymen’ who had now come back in this shape to seek their revenge. So stronglywas this viewheld that the local Emopa had petitioned a practicing ‘holyman’ to come froma great distance to exorcise the spirits. He came with book, bell and candle and charged a fee of a hundred goats, but the lions continued their depredations. To add to the legend of the lions’ invulnerability many famous hunters had tried on previous occasions to kill them and had failed owing to lack of time. This confirmed the Emopa’s opinion that the lions were supernatural beings and that it was useless to hunt them. 1. TheyoungmenofEmopawould hunt for elephants because A. theyare among the fewAfricans that hunt lions with a spear B. elephants are dangerous animals C. no young Emopa attracts a girl’s admiration until he has killed a dangerous animal D. whenelephants aresighted,thereisgreatexcitement and fierce competition among the young men. 2. The legend that the lions were invulnerable was confirmed by the fact that A. the local Emopa petitioned a ‘holy man’ to come and exorcize the spirits B. many famous hunters had tried without success in the past to kill the lions C. the‘holyman’failedinhis bidtoexorcisethespirits D. brave as the Emopa are, the lions completely overawed them. 3. The lions played the game of ‘baw’ because A. theywanted to raid a village B. it was a popular game of unknown antiquity played all overAfrica C. theywant to decidewhether to go on a raid or not D. if the omens were good they would raid a village and claim a victim. 4. The famous hunters failed to kill the lions because the A. lions were regarded as supernatural beings B. lions were cunning and bold C. Emopa used the spear to hunt for the lions D. hunters did not have enough time. 5. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a superstitious reason for fearing the lions? A. Many famous hunters had tried and failed to kill the lions B. The lions were bold and when hunted, theywould retreat towhere a spear could not be thrown at them. C. The lions were the spirits of two ‘holymen’ who came back to seek their revenge. D. The lions played the ancient game of ‘baw’ before starting on a raid to determine whether to proceed or wait. PASSAGEII By the time a child has reached the age of two years, the psychologist says that he is ‘self-conscious’. This is not the same as the lay use of the term, although there is a connection. The psychologist means that the child is aware that he is a self and not an extension of hismother. This awareness is shown in such behavioural acts as disobedience and the use of theword ‘no’ with emphasis, because the child is aware that he does not have to obey parental commands. Parental commands (moral imperatives) are given throughout these two years first for the child’s own safety e.g. ‘Don’t touch the fire and secondly, so that he begins to develop some sense of right and wrong. An adult is able to weigh the consequences of his actions, partly because he has developed a concept of idea of time. The young child lacks this concept and is governed by immediate desires which must be fulfilled. Thus in some situations, he can be excused for not behaving morally, i.e., making the choice which is ‘good’ for himself and others. In other situations, he knows what is right and chooses not to do it. Immature adults can also behave in this self-centred way. 6. The immature adult is like the child because A. he has just become self-conscious B. he has learnt to use the word ‘no’ C. he has no concept of time D. some of his actions are deliberately irrational. 7. What main difference is mentioned between the child and the adult? A. Age difference B. Weight difference C. Timedifference D. Developmentaldifference. 8. What right has the mother to give orders to the child? A. She is the ‘owner’ of the child. B. She is stronger than the child. C. She understands the environment better than the child. D. She is more self-conscious than the child. 9. The two-year old child begins to refuse orders A. in order to annoy his parents B. because he does not understand them C. to assert his independence D. because he has just learnt the newword ‘no’. 10. What kind of awareness does the child demonstrate at two? A. That he does not love his mother B. Consciousness of all things around him C. That he should think of himself alone D. That he is different and separate from others. PASSAGEIII If we examine the opportunities for education of girls or women in less developed countries, we usually find a dismal picture. In some countries, the ratio of boys to girls in secondary schools is more than seven to one. what happens to the girls? Often they are kept at home to look after younger siblings and to perform a variety of domestic chores. Their education is not perceived as in any way equal in importance to that of boys. When a non-literate or barely literate girl reaches adolescence, she has little or no qualification for employment, even if her community provides any opportunity for the employment of women. The solution is to get her married as soon as possible, with the inevitable result that she produces children too soon, too often and too late. With no formal education, she is hardly aware that there is any alternative. In a studymade in Thailand, it was noted that the literate woman marries later and ceases childbearing earlier than her non-literate counterpart. But the latter is so chained to her household by the necessities of gathering fuel, preparing food and tending children that she is very difficult to reach, even if health services, nutrition, education, maternal and child health centers are available in her community. She does not understand what they are intended to do. (Adapted from Margot Higgins: War on Hunger). 11. The phrase ‘a dismal picture’means A. a dull show B. an interesting show C. a sad situation D. a dreadful appearance. 12. According to the writer, most girls in less developed countries are not in school because A. they refuse to be educated B. theyprefer getting married and having children C. the education of boys is rated higher D. the girls have no employment opportunities after leaving school. 13. Thenon-literatewoman isverydifficult toreachbecauseshe A. does not understand the value of education and health services B. is too far from the city and from school C. is not permitted to go out to attend clinics for health services D. can only gather fuel and prepare food. 14. The phrase ‘too late’ as used in the passage implies that the woman A. ought to have started producing children earlier B. goes on producing children when she ought to have stopped C. fails to marry early enough for her to produce children D. had all her children at an advanced age. 15. The writer emphasizes that in less developed countries, A. the education of girls is not important B. the non-literate woman has some advantage because she has more children C. theliterate femaleisathreat tothemaleinemployment D. there is a need to give boys and girls equal opportunities in education. PASSAGEIV The importance of the code theory in education lies in the fact that the school system requires the use of an elaborated code but not all students have access to it. the importance of this theory to sociology lies in the fact that the differential access to the elaborated code does not occur randomly but rather is controlled by the class system. Lower working-class urban children tend to have a restricted code. Middle-class children possess both a restricted and an elaborated code. The two groups enter into different types of relationships and learn to express themselves in different ways through language. They do not use language for the same functions, some of which, it seems, are necessary for the school situation. When the lower working-class child is expected implicitly to exploit language for functions he normally does not express verbally, a discontinuity is created between his home and his school environment. He has learned to verbalize certain range ofmeanings in his home and when he enters school, another range of meanings is required. There is, then a very subtle, but nonetheless very real, sense in which what is taught is personally irrelevant for this child. The school system does not talk to him. Middle class children, possessing both codes, experience no such discontinuity. They can use language for those functions required by the school. 16. An appropriate title for this passage is A. LanguageandEducation B. Education and Sociology C. Codes and Sociology D. Codes and Education 17. The groups of children mentioned as examples in the passage are A. rural and urban working-class and middle-class B. urban working-class and rural middle-class C. urban working-class and rural and urban middle-class D. urban middle class and rural and urban workingclass. 18. ‘Restricted code’ and ‘elaborated code’ are A. synonyms B. homonyms C. contradictions D. antonyms 19. It can be assumed reasonably that language has A. only one code B. two codes C. three codes, two used for education D. more than three codes, but only two used for education. 20. ‘The school system does not talk to him’ means that the A. teachers do not talk to him B. teachers talk to him differently from the way other pupils do C. headmaster and teachers do not talk to him D. teachers talk to him differently from the way he is talked to at home. PASSAGE V This passage sums up the two problems peculiar to the book trade which make it different from any other trade – the problem of selection and the problem of stocking. How is the bookseller to tell what, in an enormous output, will prove saleable, before the full weight of unsold items affects the balance of his business, and how is he, at the same time, to hold a stock large enough to enable the public to choose freely? He may seek to escape from this dilemma by becoming the passive sales representative of large publishing houses or distribution networks, but he is then no longer a book seller. He may take refuge in the sale of safe items to a restricted circle of customers, but he thereby cuts himself off from all that is vital in his trade and dooms himself to mediocrity and stagnation. On the other hand, he may protect his business from the danger of idle stock by speculating on the latest publications, but this is a dangerous game in that it implies a constantly changing clientele: readers remain faithful to their own discoveries and failure to followup a book, an author or a type of literature means dismissing the public responsible for their success. This brings us back to the fact that books are undefinable. The story is told of a certain country with a great manygenerals where it was decided to present a rare and valuable edition of an old book to a general about to retire. The old soldier looked at the volume and remarked, ‘Abook?What’s the point? I’ve already got one!’ 21. Books are different from other goods because A. customers for the book trade aremuch restricted B. books are not manufactured but printed C. one cannot tell so easily which books will prove saleable D. books can be kept in stock much longer than other goods. 22. The problem of selection in the book trade involves A. holding a stock large enough for the public to choose from B. determining which books will sell fast C. being a sales representative of large publishing houses D. being able to review the latest publications. 23. How many solutions to the bookseller’s problems are offered in this passage? A. Two B. Three C. Four D. Five 24. Of the solutions proposed for the bookseller’s problems, how many are actually positive? A. Two B. Three C. Four D. None. 25. The story of the old soldier and a book in the passage is an illustration of the point that A. the general had already got a book B. a book is of interest only to those to whom that book means something C. soldiers do not like the book trade because a book is enough for a general D. booksellers face a real dilemma because of a constantly changing clientele. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE In each of questions 26 to 36, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics. 26. The policeman was asked to investigate the matter. A. ask about B. forget about C. examine D. inquire about 27. Lola was agitated when the sad news of her mother’s accident was broken to her. A. excited B. clam C. uncontrollable D. unreasonable 28. Through his parents’ poverty placed many obstacles in his path as a young man, Olu succeeded at last. A. hurdles B. advantages C. temptations D. diversions. 29. Binta sobbed bythe door because shehad lost her mother’s precious necklace. A. cried B. smiled C. wept D. laughed. 30. The president took exception to the ignoble role the young man played in the matter. A. honourable B. embarrassing C. dishonourable D. extraordinary. 31. The man who had been seriously ill was convalescing at a sea-side resort A. regaining health B. deteriorating in health C. recuperating D. relaxing. 32. For millions of years, the world’s resources have remained boundless. A. unlimited B. scarce C. indomitable D. limited. 33. It seems fashionable, in some quarters today, to decry examinations and the ability to pass them. A. extol B. abuse C. entreat D. discourage 34. Ogedegbe was an intrepid fighter for human freedom and dignity A. timid B. half-hearted C. fearless D. undaunted. 35. The difference between the experimental procedureswas imperceptible tome. A. negligible B. significant C. obvious D. obscure 36. His antipathy to religious ideas makes him unpopular A. remedy B. consciousness C. hostility D. receptiveness. In each of questions 37 to 55, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics. 37. The boss told the man to let sleeping dogs lie. A. not to look for trouble B. not to disturb other people C. let the dogs sleep well D. let the trouble begin. 38. The fact that Ruth has inherited her late husband’s house is cold comfort to her A. appropriate comfort B. inadequate comfort C. no comfort at all D. wet comfort 39. The headmaster decided to make good his promise to the students. A. fulfill B. improve C. complete D. realize 40. The advertisement served as a smoke-screen for the activities of the company A. a camouflage B. a protection C. an enhancement D. an exchange. 41. My plans are still up in the air. A. being publicized B. uncertain C. uncovered D. unprotected. 42. The judge always takes a hardline on such issues A. complex stand B. simple stand C. uncompromising stand D. difficult stand. 43. The case was dismissed for want of evidence. A. for want of facts B. for want of opinions C. for insufficient discussions D. for lack of proof. 44. That team has become indomitable quite recently. A. incorrigible B. disobedient C.unconquerable D. unruly. 45. The flock suddenly became restive after midday. A. quiet B. submissive C. disorderly D. fidgety 46. Your reaction underscores the point I was making. A. reveals B. proves wrong C. emphasizes D. justifies. 47. What he received from the visitor was invaluable A. priceless B. worthless C. valueless D. costly. 48. The potential resources of the university should be fully exploited. A. important B. latent C. effective D. abundant. 49. Tom’s aberrant behaviour attracted attention. A. rascally B. selfish C. heady D. abnormal 50. A number of people impersonating tax-officials were arraigned before the ChiefMagistrate this morning. A. arranged B. paraded C. moved D. brought. 51. Ngozi spoke to her father quite candidly on her proposed marriage A. rudely B. faithfully C. frankly D. respectfully. 52. The secretarywas advised to put on a cheerful disposition whenever the manager arrives. A. a good dress B. a smiling face C. a happy look D. good make-up. 53. The cereal is fortified withmulti-vitamins. A. enriched B. prepared C. endowed D. mixed. 54. The lawyer told the court some unsavoury details about the case. A. unworthy B. unintelligible C. unpleasant D. uninteresting. 55. The professor’s thesis was the precursor of nuclear studies. A. preliminary B. climax C. developer D. forerunner. In each of questions 56 to 100, choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s). 56. Why do you worry about such … Matters? A. insignificant B. significant C. non-significant D. unsignificant. 57. Itwasdifficult to…amanwalkingon themoon twocenturies A. contrive B. perceive C. conceive D. imagine 58. This section of the test will…questions on set passages A. consist B. comprise of C. contain D. carry 59. Animals in…. behave differently from animals living in the natural habitat. A. prison B. bondage C. captivity D. slavery. 60. After months of tedious climbing, the team reached the …of themountain A. end B. summit C. height D. terminal. 61. After Jerry had made the bed, he…on it. A. layed B. laid C. lied D. lay 62. Knowledge of figures of speech as well as of idioms and lexical items………. In this section. A. is tested B. have been tested C. are tested D. were tested. 63. The buildings damaged bythe rainstorm……….. schools, hospitals and private houses. A. included B. include C. were included D. was including. 64. I would have been off to see Biola at Festac Town by the time you…tomorrow. A. returned B. return C. are returning D. would return 65. The lecturer said that we… be able to finish the next chapter this evening. A. must B. can C. shall D. should. 66. If you want a successful marriage, you…pray for it. A. have better B. better C. had better D. would better. 67. I could have agreed with your action if I…not…you promise to increase he worker’s salaries. A. have/heard B. had/heard C.were/haring D.was/hearing. 68. The chemistry teacher seized the girl’s comic…during the laboratory work. A. which she had been reading B. which she has been reading C. which she had read D. which she is reading. 69. He…during the whole of lastmonth. A.was sick B. hasbeen sick C. had been sick D. had sicken. 70. Ladies and gentlemen, our guest speaker, Dr. Oni … also a resident doctor at the teaching hospital. A. who is B. which is C. who was D. is 71. We are not surprised he was not elected; every one of his constituents…that he is unreliable. A. know B. knows C. will know D. do know 72. I have the…ofmeeting him. A. previlege B. privilege C. previledge D. priviledge 73. The pastor said ‘lay…your hearts to God’. A. bier B. bear C. bare D. bar 74. Now, I am used…Bread without butter. A. to eat B. in eating C. of eating D. to eating. 75. Dan and Tina met on the ship and greeted … A. one another B. themselves C. each other D. theirselves. 76. One can no longer take for granted today what … enjoyed in the University some years ago, can …? A. you/you B. one/one C. he/he D. one/you 77. Attention has shifted to the teaching of Science nowadays … the usefulness of the Arts. A. inspite of B. not minding C. oblivious to D. forgetting. 78. …to help him, being the only person in the vicinity. A. It was not possible B. There was no one C. He had nobody D. No person was around. 79. I heard that Kayode’s car was stolen last night. It…be true because I sawhim…it, thismorning. A. should not/driving B. should not/drive C. cannot/drive D. cannot/driving. 80. The competitor who…earlier on has started…again A. fainted/to run B. had fainted/to run C. fainted/running D. fainted/on running. 81. A number of teachers in secondary schools are not so well disposed to… these days,…they? A. teach/aren’t B. teaching/are C. teach/do D. teach/are 82. If it had rained, we would have had to postpone the concert. It didn’t rain, so … A. we won’t have to B. we would have had to C. we wouldn’t have to D. we didn’t have to. 83. …all probability, the train will arrive today. A. In B. Under C. For D. By 84. We cannot explain his objection…the newlaw. A. for B. with C. at D. to. 85. Silkmaterials ought to be prohibited…being brought into the country. A. about B. in C. from D. by 86. The answers to the questions were discussed … the students. A. between B. by C. for D. to 87. I can always depend…my father for my survival. A. on B. in C. upon D. by 88. The point…the story is that he is the man’s son. A. in B. of C. off D. around 89. The Director is … pains to ensure the success of the programme. A. in B. at C. on D. having 90. Bola broke…when he heard the news of the arrest of his twin brother. A. up B. off C. away D. down 91. Yemi said ‘I’mcoming’to her friend Biola who…Was waiting for her instead of saying … A. wait for me in a moment B. I will come C. I’ll be with you in a moment D. I’ll come now. 92. ‘Be that as…we are determined to get to the root of the matter!’ shouted the officer. A. you like B. it may C. it would D. it might 93. When the farmers were found guilty of unlawful assembly and procession, their lawyer… before the sentence was passed. A. begged formercy B. made a plea for mitigation C. made an overture D. made a plea for litigation 94. My price for the pair of shoes is fifty naira. I cannot … anything less than that. A. bear with B. settle for C. agreewith D. tolerate. 95. Aishatu: Could you please give this book to Aminu? Chidi: Certainly, I…him on something, so it wont be … A. I’ll see/anything B. I’ll be seeing/anyworry C. I’ll be seeing/any bother D. I can see/any serious. 96. The company representative in Nigeria is a … A. smart little Japanese B. little smart Japanese C. smart Japanese little D. little Japanese smart. 97. The shipping company advertised for…accountants. A. two young, but highly competent, Nigerian B. young, but highly competent two Nigerian C. two Nigerian, young, but highly competent D. highly competent, but young, two Nigerian. 98. Let’s have a cup of coffee, … A. shall we? B. willwe? C. should we? D. couldwe? 99. No matter to whom I ... nobody in the crowd had a clue to what was going out. A. discussed B. asked C. turned D. contacted 100. Olu,Akpan and Ovbiagele’s ... make people to believe that they belong to the same school of thought. A. philosophy B. philosophys C. philosophies D. philososphy’s. COMPREHENSION Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. PASSAGE I The young are not listening to their elders, and perhaps they never have. But now it happens that, with many of them, the reason may bemedical. The young aren’t listening because they can’t hear. Just as nagging parents have long suspected, otologists (hearing specialists) now report that youngsters are going deaf as a result of blasting their eardrums with electronically amplified rock ‘n’ roll. The hearing specialists used toworry about loud noise as a cause of deafness only in industrial and military situations. They knew that eight hours of daily exposure, year in and year out, to the din of the proverbial boiler factory, would eventually result in permanent hearing loss. Riveters were particularly susceptible. Then they learned that the same thing happened to aviators. After the advent of jets, the hazard applied to ground crews at airports and flight-deck personnel aboard aircraft carriers – hence the introduction of insulated, noise-absorbing plastic earmuffs. In discotheques and rock ‘n’ roll joints, the trouble is not much in the instruments themselves, or the close quarters. The blame goes to the electronic amplifiers. An old-fashioned militaryband, playing a march in Ramat Park, generated asmuch sound. But the sound was not amplified and was dissipated in the open air. Atrombonist sitting in front of a tuba player might be a bit deaf for an hour or so after a concert; then his hearing returned to normal.Amicrophone hooked up to a public address system did not appreciably increase the hearing hazard. What he did was multiple microphones and speakers, and the installation of internal microphones in such instruments as guitars and bouzoukis. 1. The young are not listening to their elders because A. they never have B. their parents nag constantly C. they are permanently deaf D. they appear to be going deaf. 2. ‘Just as nagging parents have long suspected implies that the parents suspected’ that A. their children did not listen to them B. children could not hear properly after listening to amplified music C. otologists were always right D. children were disobedient because they did not listen to their parents. 3. What is the result of being subjected to the din of the proverbial boiler factory for a prolonged length of time? A. loss of hearing which will never improve. B. Total deafness eight hours a day. C. Temporary deafness. D. Hearing loss which can be corrected by medical treatment. 4. ‘The same thing happened to aviators’ This excerpt according to the passage means A. that riveters were particularly susceptible B. industrial and military deafness C. that continued loud noise resulted in deafness D. that working in a boiler factory affected one’s hearing. 5. What is the difference between an old-fashionedmilitary band on the one hand and discotheques and rock ‘n’ roll joints on the other? A. One is old-fashionedwhile the other ismodern. B. One produces sounds for marching, the other for disco. C. One has drums, the other has guitars. D. One produces amplified sounds, the other does not. PASSAGEII The preparation which a study of the humanities can provide, stems from three observations about education in our world of accelerating social and technological change. First, with the rate of change, we cannot hope to train our students for specific technologies. That kind of vocational education is obsolescent. By the time the specific training will have been completed the world will have moved on. If our education of narrowtraining, wewill not be prepared to change. Second, and paradoxically, what our students desire fromtheir education is preparation for specific careers, – business, engineering, medicine, computer programming and the like, but we will not be able to train them for a life-long career. Their confronting the depressed jobmarket gives our students a certain anxiety, but the solution they seek in vocation training is not sufficient. Third, we sense in our students a narrowing materialism, with the good life defined in terms of material comforts. Education, then means learning to do a jobwhich will make money. I see in this definition a limiting sense of what education and thus life offer, a definition which excludes joy and meaning. Our approach to the study of the humanities responds to these three related problems. In our changing, yet narrowing world, the teaching of the humanities finds one powerful justification – it teaches students how to think. 6. ‘Ourworld ofaccelerating social and technologicalchange’ means that A. ourworldismovingtoofastsociallyandtechnologically B. our world is going through more rapid, social and technological change C. thesocial andtechnologicalchangeismoreexhilarating than before D. the social and technological change is accelerating our world. Use of English 1991 7. What is the major weakness of training students for specific technologies? A. It trains students for only one type of career. B. It helps students to acquiremoney later when they are employed. C. It makes them anxious for a job in the market D. It cannot help students to cope with the rapid changes in the world. 8. ‘We sense in our students a narrowingmaterialism’ means that our students’ concept of education is one that A. prepares them for money, joy and meaning B. makes them ready to confront the depressed jobmarket C. onlyprepare themto acquirematerial comforts D. trains them for a life-long career. 9. According to the writer, a study of the humanities A. is accepted by present day students as essential B. prepares students for specific careers C. provides a missing link in the technological education of our students D. is the best solution to the problem of unemployment. 10. What type of education does the writer advocate for our students? A. Vocational as well as technological education B. Business, engineering, medicine and computer programming. C. Technological education plus the humanities. D. Technological education only. PASSAGEIII One fact that we have to comprehend is that, in our unconscious mind, we cannot distinguish between a wish and a deed.We are all aware of some of our illogically dreams in which two completely opposite statements can exist side by side – very acceptable in our dreams but unthinkable and illogical in our walking state. Just as our unconscious mind cannot differentiate between the wish to kill somebody in anger and the act of having done so, the young child is unable to make this distinction. The child who angrily wishes his mother to drop dead for not having gratified his needswill be traumatized greatly by the actual death of his mother – even if this event is not linked closely in time with his destructive wishes. He will always take part of or the whole of the blame for the loss of his mother. He will always say to himself – rarely to others – ‘I did it. I am responsible. I was bad, therefore mummy left me.’ It is well to remember that the child will react in the samemanner if he loses a parent by divorce, separation or desertion. Death is often seen by a child as an impermanent thing and has therefore little distinction from a divorce in which he may have an opportunity to see a parent again. 11. This passage emphasizes A. a child growing up in ignorance B. our unconscious mind C. a child’s inability to distinguish between dream and reality D. illogical dreams. 12. Our unconsciousminds and dreams are alike in that A. both are out of our control B. both can accommodate contradictions C. neither functions in a continuous manner D. both deal with non-real issues. 13. The child would feel responsible for hismother’s death even if it is unconnected with his wishes because A. he regards his wish as a curse B. he hates her and wants her deaf C. his needs are not gratified D. he cannot distinguish betweenwish and reality. 14. ‘Traumatized’ as used in the passage means A. angered B. made happy and satisfied C. made sad and dejected D. made to feel guilty. 15. From the child’s point of view, in what way is death to a divorce? A. Both are losses B. Both are temporary C. Both would involve his mother D. He feels responsible in each case. PASSAGEIV Undergraduate students in psychology and education come to their first course in statistics with diverse expectations of and backgrounds in mathematics. Some have considerable formal training and quantitative aptitude and look forward to learning statistics. Other – perhaps themajority, including some of those who aspire to postgraduate studies – are less confident in their quantitative skills. They regard a course in statistics as a necessary evil for the understanding or carrying out of research in their fields, but an evil nonetheless. This third edition, like this predecessor, is directed primary at the latter audience. It waswritten with the conviction that statistical concepts can be described simplywithout loss of accuracy and that understanding of statically techniques research tools can be effectively promoted by discussing them within the context of their application to concrete data rather than as pure abstractions. Further, its contents are limited to those statically techniques that arewidely used in the literature of psychology and to the principles underlying them. The changes that have been made in this edition reflect both the results of our teaching experience and the increasing prominence being given by statisticians to certain topics. Thus our discussions of some procedures, particularly those in the realms of descriptive statistics, which students grasp easily, have been shortened or rearranged. The treatment of other topics has been expanded. Greater emphasis has been placed on sampling theory, hypothesis testing, and the notion of statistical power. 16. The book discussed in this passage is about A. psychology and education B. mathematics for undergraduate students. C. quantitative skills for postgraduate studies D. statistical procedure relating to research. 17. The expression, ‘necessary evil’ means that A. evil is essential in studying the subject discussed B. studying the subject is an unpleasant experience which must be endured C. onlythosewho areevil can understand the subject D. those lacking in quantitative skills see the subject as an evil. 18. Fromthe passage,we learn that the bookdiscussed has been A. reprinted twice B. published three times C. rewritten three times D. revised twice. 19. The changes thatweremade in the bookweremotivated by A. a professional experience and popularity of topics B. teaching experience and statisticians’ views of some topics C. the examination results of previous generations of students D. the need to avoid areas which students grasp easily. 20. It can be inferred from the passage that the book was written by A. an educational psychologist B. more than one author C. a prominent statistician D. a professor of statistics. PASSAGE V All too often, there is a difference between what we say and what we think we have said, and between how we feel we have handled people and howthey think the have been treated. When such ‘gaps’ occur between the intent and the action, it is often stated that there has been ‘a breakdown in communication’. Sometimes, the break-down is allowed to become so serious that the gap becomes a chasm, relatives in a family ceasing to speak to one another, management and trade unions refusing to meet, or governments recalling ambassadors when relations between states reach a low ebb. In fact, sometimes when people communicate, either as individual or within groups, problems inevitably occur; instructions may be impossible to carry out, offence is taken at a particular remark, a directive is ambiguously phrased or people’s attitudes are coloured by jealousy, resentment or frustration. During the past fifty years, industrial, commercial and public service organizations have grown prodigiously to meet the needs of advanced technological societies. Sometimes as many as 10,000 people work on the site, or one company employs more than 50,000 people. Clearly, good communications are essential to the efficient operations of any organization, and vital to the fulfillment of all thosewho commit their working lives to it. For this reason, management specialists and behavioural scientists have devoted much thought and energy over recent years to analyzing the problems caused by bad communication practices, and to creating good communication climate and systems. As a result of the current structure of societies and economies, most of us will spend our working lives in an organization – for many of us it will be a large one. If we are to understand our working environment, it is essential that we become good communicatorswith social skills. 21. Which of the following titles best sums up the passage? A. The need for effective communication B. Breakdown in communication C. Communication in technological societies D. Bad communication practices. 22. According to the passage, which of the following are NOT likely to contribute to a break-down in communication? A. People’s attitudes and feelings B. Ambiguously phrased instruction C. managements and trade unions D. Managementspecialistsand behaviouralscientists. 23. Fromthe text, it can be inferred that a good communicator needs to A. create favourable communication conditions B. get the technological systems towork efficiently C. call a spade a spade D. be able to address 10,000 workers. 24. Chasm’ as used in the passage means A. serious eruption B. disaster C. wide difference D. disagreement. 25. The most essential tool of communication specifically mentioned in this passage is A. specialization B. environment C. writing D. language. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE In each of questions 26 to 30, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in the italics. 26. I am happy to informyou that your boys are conscientious. A. industrious B. carefree C. dareful D. corrupt. 27. My father is a very prosperous businessman. A.ungrateful B.unscrupulous C. unskillfulD.unsuccessful. 28. The hostess greeted her guests in a very relaxedmanner. A. energetic B. athletic C. stiff D. perplexed. 29. Ayo takes his studies rather lightly A. humorously B. tediously C. carefully D. seriously. 30. The doctor was very gentle with his patients in the examining room. A. harsh B. rude C. tough D. unkind. In each of questions 31 to 41, choose the option nearest in meaning to theword or phase in italics. 31. There is no love lost between Hassan and Hassana. A. dislike each other B. are head over heels in love C. will love each other D. are still good friends. 32. Whether the village head should identify himself with the activities of religious denomination has remained a burning question. A. a subject of discord B. a perennial issue C. a matter of serious controversy D. a sensitive matter. 33. I would rather not attend the party. A. detest attending B. do not have the enthusiasm to attend C. must not attend D. have a choice to attend or not to. 34. IfGarba had listened to advice, he would not have had to be rushed to the hospital. A. deliberately desired to be rushed B. was in position to have prevented the need to be rushed C. was rushed against his wish D. was given a cheque, but preferred to go. 35. Aduke:Ngozi,let’svisitthemarket.Ngozi: ifyouinsist,Aduke A. is verywilling to accompanyAduke B. must accompanyAduke C. is not keen on going with Aduke D. is pretending not to be interested in going withAduke. 36. The new leader hands out an olive branch. A. sues for peace B. gives out branches of the olive tree C. challenges his opponents to a fight D. blesses his supporters. 37. When you go to a foreign country to study, you will discover that life there is not a bed of roses. A. as pleasant as one thought B. a bed with roses C. an unmitigated disappointment D. as expected. 38. Because our representative is immature and biased, he takes a jaundiced view of our problems. A. hazy B. unclear C. prejudiced D. bleak. 39. The president has sent his regrets. He is unable to attend themeeting. A. explanation B. anxieties C. unhappiness D. apologies. 40. The woman acted courageously when shewas attacked by thieves A. shyly B. fearlessly C. timidly D. carelessly. 41. We all have both good and bad characteristics. Either is, however, easily manifested in times of crisis. A.demanded B.highlighted C.submerged.D.determined. In each questions 42 to 100, chose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills(s) the gaps. 42. The sea waves continue to … the cliff on the west coast constantly. A. impair B. rub C. knock D. erode. 43. The college bus was travelling at a high…when the accident occurred. A. velocity B. acceleration C. rapidity D. speed. 44. Note that only senior members of staff have the…of using the toilet upstairs. A. permission B. occasion C. privilege D. habit 45. The chief priest will…the men into the cult today. A. indoctrinate B. usher C. convert D. initiate. 46. Jimoh is noted for his…attitude to his seniors at school. A. receptive B. respective C. respectful D. respectable. 47. The girl that my brother introduced to us last week is pretty…ill-mannered. A. and B. but also C. as well as D. respectable. 48. The police report was …to that of the eye witness. A. contrary B. inconsistent C. different D. congruent 49. The African extended family system gives security to ... members. A. his B. her C. its D. their. 50. I knowI…readmore, but I amtired. A. may B. ought to C. would D. could 51. Insects can become… to insecticides. A. immunized B. resistant C. reticent D. immobilized. 52. The council chairman…the tension between the villagers and the tax collectors. A. dispersed B. defused C. diffused D. disputed. 53. If I had been told of thematter earlier, I…there so late. A. would not go B. should not go C. will not have gone. D. would not have gone. 54. Each of the candidates that came late…to complete … A. have/this form B. are having/these forms C. have/these forms D. has/this form. 55. I wanted to avail myself…the opportunity of listening to the lecture, but the lecturer failed to turn up A. with B. for C. of D. at. 56. I would have been surprised if…you the orange. A. plucked B. have plucked C. had plucked D. did pluck. 57. On getting to the seashore, … A. it was empty B. nobody was there C. people had deserted the place D. he found nobody there. 58. Little did Tunde realize that his frequent unwarranted reports about me were working…my advantage. A. in B. to C. for D. against. 59. The Board has been having…series ofmeeting lately. A. some B. a C. a lot of D. many. 60. …I know, nobody has leopards in this area. A. So far as B. In asmuch as C. Provided D. Even as. 61. …him in the crowd, I would have told you at once. A. If I will see B. If I saw C. Had I seen D. Should I see. 62. Inyang has always been shy to speak … A. in public B. publiclyC. in the publicD.with the public. 63. …his uncle helped him or not, he would still not be able to do it. A. Although B. If C. Whether D. Since. 64. I have only three tubers of yam…in the store, I cannot afford to give you anymore. A. still B. outstanding C. left D. remainder 65. Beforethe bill could be settled, Chuwang…all themoney. A. has spent B.will have spent C. had spent D.will spent. 66. Either the chief of the leader of the farmers…to be held responsible for the revolt. A. were B. are C. is D. have. 67. We must observe that most of the support by other states …onlymarginal returns. A. have yielded B. yield C. has yielded D. have yield. 68. She asked me whether I… the letter for her. A. minded to post B. mind to post C. minded posing D. minded to posting. 69. The effort made by the principal to get the students to be serious in their studies … A. are appreciated B.will appreciate C. is to appreciate D. is appreciated. 70. HowI wish I…mymother’s advice. A. had heeded B. have heeded C. heed D. will heed. 71. Only observers from theMinistry ofWorks…allowed into the conference room. A. is B. are C. have D. been. 72. Apanel set up to probe the organization’s activities … yet to sit A. are B. is C. will D. would. 73. The school will…for Easter in another six weeks. A. break off B. break away C. break out D. break up. 74. His power supplywas…from the main because he did not pay his electricity bill. A. blown out B. cut off C. put off D. put out. 75. When you’ve finished using the telephone, please hang … A. down B. up C. off D. on. 76. I donot intend to stayfor long at the function. I onlywant to … A. put in an appearance B. put up appearance C. show up appearance D. keep up appearance. 77. The man rose to an important position as a result of … hardwork. A. sheer B. cheer C. share D. shear. 78. Ebun Ojo…international fame as an actress A. aquired B. acquired C. acquared D. aqcuired 79. The story on the lost jewel was quite … A. unbelievable B. unbeliveable C. unbelieveable D. unbelivable 80. The patient is suffering from … A. reumatism B. rheumantism C. rhuematism D. rheumatism. 81. The attitude of my students to…baffles me A. pronunciation B. pronouncation C. pronunceation D. pronounceation 82. When we got to the president’s house, we were told that he …two days earlier. A. may have left B. left C. had left D. has left. 83. Atuk, without giving any hint as to what he intended to do, went and…himself. A . hung B. hang C. hanged D. hunged 84. Provided you…to the market very soon, we shall be able to eat early enough. A. shall go B. would go C. went D. go 85. He…by now; I can hear all the people shouting: A. would have arrived B. must have arrived C. had arrived D. should have arrived 86. By the time the plane reachesHarare, it…in the air for twelve hours. A. has been B. would be C. would have been D. should be 87. If onlyAdoyi…what was good for him he could easily have avoided the tragedy. A. has known B. have known C. knew D. hadknown. 88. We sawIfueko…an egg on the wall. A. smashed B. smash C. smashing D. smashes. 89. Many streets in the town… in need of lights at night. A. stand B. stood C. have stood D. are standing. 90. I did not enjoy the party. If you had invited Tariere, it … better organized. A. had been B.would have been C. would be D. could be 91. Sibi…novels since she came home A. is reading B. had been reading C. has read D. has been reading. 92. Asabe is overdue for retirement as she…in this college since 1954. A.is teaching B.hasbeenteaching C.taught D.wasteaching. 93. The boywho stolemangowas given…byan eyewitness. A. out B. in C. away D. up. 94. After listening to the statements form the two students, the headmaster realized that it was a trivial argument that ... a serious quarrel between them. A. touched in B. drewin C. touched off D. brought up. 95. Mr. andMrs. Akoka were sad and disappointed…the performance of their son. A. about B. for C. at D. over. 96. When the transformer blewup, Saka threwhimself down …his stomach. A. at B. over C. to D. on. 97. I ran…an old friend of mine on Broad Street and brought him home. A. into B. to C. over D. across. 98. The spokesman confirmed that the government would not give…to the demands of the trade union leaders. A. up B. into C. onto D. in. 99. Many students have joined the…movement. A. revivalists’ B. revival C. revivalist D. revivalist’s. 100. If they had not all jumped out of the car just in time, they … A. might have been perished B. will have perished C. were all going to perish D. would have perished. Use of English 1992 COMPREHENSION Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. PASSAGE I Our planet is at risk. Our environment is under threat. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the seas we fish in, the soil we farm, the forest, animals and plants which surround us are in danger. New terms and words describe these problems – acid rain, the greenhouse effect, global warming, holes in the ozone layer, desertification and industrial pollution. We are changing our environment. More and more gases and wastes escape from our factories. Rubbish, oil spillages and detergents damage our rivers and seas. Forests give us timber and paper, but there loss results in soil erosion and also endangers wildlife. The richer countires of theworld aremainly responsible for industrial pollution. This iswheremost of all the commercial energy is produced. In developing countries, poverty causes people to change their environment – to overgraze grasslands, to cut down trees for new land and firewood, to farm poor soil for food. The United Nations Environmental ProtectionAgency says that an area of forest the size of Sierra Leone disappears every year. Trees are cut down for timber which is used for building, furniture, paper and fuel. They are also destroyed to provide land on which to graze animals and build new villages and towns. But trees have many other important uses. Trees protect the land from heavy downpour of rain and their roots help to hold the soil together. Forests are also the home of many living things. The amazon forest contains one fifth of all the species of birds in the world. In our forest, there may be plants and animals which could help in the discovery of newmedicines or crops. To rescue and converse our beautiful world, we must act cooperatively. Individuals, communities, nations and international associations, all have a responsibility. By learning to protect the natural environment, we can manage the earth’s resources for generations to come. 1. The risk referred to in the passage is A. environmentally induced B. industrially produced C. man-made D. sociologically produced. 2. From the passage, it can be deduced that the inhabitants of developing countries A. takemore care of their environment than those in developed countries B. generatemore harmful industrial by-products C. degrade the environment to eke out a livelihood D. cut down trees only for farmlands and fuel. 3. According to the passage, the size of forest depleted annually is A. minimal B. colossal C. infinitesimal D. infinite. 4. The writer holds the richer countries responsible for industrial pollution because of their A. technological innovations B. energy requirements C. industrial revolution D. lack of interest in environmental protection. 5. The message of the writer is the A. need for the developed countries to assist the poorer ones B. grave dangers of global warming C. urgent need to protect the natural environment D. need to research into other uses of the trees in our forests. PASSAGEII If economistswere a bitmoremodest, theywould admit that no one knows exactly how many Nigerians there are. The National Population Bureau estimated that there would be 116 million in 1986, but this figurewas derived from projections based on themuch disputed figures of the 1963 census, using an annual population growth rate that was at best guess work. Notwithstanding that the margin of error could be as large as plus or minus 20 million, economists have still felt confident to speak of Nigeria’s per capita income, birth and mortality rates, literacy rates and so on, as if theywere quoting precise figures. So much in Nigeria is determined on the basis of population that the lack of accurate figures has a significantly adverse effect on policies. One obviously affected area is development planning, which, for the lack of reliable data, frequently looks like an exercise in futility.An example ofwhat happens is the country’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) scheme launched in 1976. Policy makers had expected, on the basis of the 1975/76 primary school enrolment of just under 5 million, that theywould not have to cope with muchmore than 6 million school children in the first year. But the enrolment in 1976/77 turned out to be 8.4 million rising to 10.1 million the following year. The unanticipated cost of catering for the larger number was themain cause of the collapse of that worthy scheme after only four years. Population also plays an important role in revenue allocation, specifically in the sharing of the states portion of the Federation Account, some percentage of which is based on population or population related factors. Because of the contentious nature of the subject, the compromise has been to use estimates based on the 1963 census figures, even when such a move produces ridiculous situations. It is for all these reason that the Babangida Administration’s effort to ascertain the nations’ population is such a worthwhile venture. 6. It would be more realistic of economists to A. accept the unreliabilityofNigeria’s census figures B. ascertain howmany Nigerians there are C. discard the disputed 1963 census figures D. acceptmarginal errors in the census figures. 7. Precise national population figures are required in order to know the A. know the number of people to cater for in the Universal PrimaryEducation Programme B. be able to undertake proper implementation of governmental policies C. avert unanticipated expenditures D. be able to speak of population statistics with confidence. 8. ‘The contentious nature of the subject refers to A. the population B. the disputed 1963 census figures C. development planning D. revenue allocation. 9. The reference to ‘Universal PrimaryEducation’ in this passage is significant because it shows A. why the census figures were disputed B. the failure and collapse of the programme C. themisleading effect of unreliable information D. how a worthy scheme could be made worthless by poor planning strategies. 10. As far as the solution to the population problem of Nigeria is concerned, the writer of this passage is A. optimistic B. pessimistic C. indifferent D. disturbed. PASSAGEIII Let’s begin with a picture. He must not have beenmore than thirty years old. The oval face devoid of those wrinkles of age, the well turfed and black hair and his complete though brown set of teeth supported this assessment. All he had for clothing was a piece of cloth with some words written on it. It must have been one of those cloth-posters used by now abandoned by ‘show-biz promoters. Across his neck was yet another cloth which bore our national colours of green andwhite. His feet were naked just they came from their creator. In one hand he had an empty tin. He talked ceaselessly and in a disordered fashion. The other free hand emphasized his spoken words and gestures. As he talked, he gazed at you as if you were responsible for his pathetic condition. He looked redeemable, though. There are many of his type in various Urban centers. Beggars! They are in every conceivable place. At the bank, the supermarket, the church, themosque, the post office there you will meet them. Before you knowit, the more healthy ones besiege you for alms almost to the point assault. Surely, there is no rationale in giving alms to someone who is physically stronger than you are and who, from all indications, can and should work and fend for himself. Some others are feeble unfortunately handicapped. Women and young girls constitute a sizeable number of these healthy beggars. Some are nursing mothers and one wonders that their husbands are. Conception by Mr. Nobody, perhaps. The young girls in this category are themother beggars of tomorrow. But tell me, can’t the society be spared this human waste? 11. Thewriter is describing a A. picture B. man C. picture of a man D. man and a picture. 12. …this assessment’ refers to the man’s A. face B. hair C. age D. naked feet. 13. ‘Beggars’ in the context of the first line of the third paragraph is a A. phrase B. sentence C. noun D. modifier. 14. The human waste referred to by the writer is brought about by A. over-feeding B. the irresponsible men who female beggars in the familyway C. the mother-beggars of tomorrow D. the society. 15. An appropriate title for the passage is A. A picture, the young man and female beggars B. Madmen and mendicants C. The problem of mad people in the society D. Young men and female beggars. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE Use the passage below to answer questions 16 to 25. The passage has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the appropriate option for each gap. In addition to further reading as a vital arm of referencing, the use of the dictionary in language learning should be emphasized. It cannot be denied that dictionaries do supply facts about a language, which may be difficult to find anywhere else…16…[A. Information B.WordsC. Details D. Knowledge] about grammar, usage, status, derivation and so on necessary for comprehension. Certain in the dictionarywhile context, word analysis and synonyms search contribute immensely in the [A. forming B. gettingC. knowing D. creation] ofmeaning, an efficient use of the denied. The ...18… [A. possession B. fact C. use D. employment] of both the specialist and general dictationaries should be encouraged as the case may be. Not that students jeopardize reading fluency by …19… [A. considering B. pondering C. meditating D. looking up] every word that they do not understand, rather in their bid to read chunks or groups ofwords in a text, lexitical items that…20… [A. may B. will C. can D. shall] obstruct meaning may be quickly checked up in the dictionaryGlossing over a word or lexical guessing through context may not be sufficient…21… [A. Practice B. Exercises C. Notes D. Passages] to encourage the use of the dictionary as an aid to reading and a tool for checkingwords used in writing must be built…22… [A. on to B. inC. into D. unto] the reading text. This skill can be easily transferred to the student’s content areas as well. Abarrage of criticism, like; students’ excessive reliance on the dictionary instead of contextual ...23… [A. reading B. meaning C. decoding D. guessing], reduction in the speed of reading, time argued that …24… [A. asking B. teaching C. making D. allowing] students to guess the meaning of words fromcontext and then compare this with the dictionary entry for such words is a discovery ...25… [A. procedure B. method C. Means D. strategy] for enlarging the conceptual environmental and vision of students on the various interpretations that may be given to a word. In each of questions 26 to 36, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in italics. 26. Ojo’s response infuriated his wife A. annoyed B. pleased C. surprised D. confused. 27. He accepted a mundane task without hesitation. A. great B. lowly C. menial D. moderate 28. It is a unique opportunity for her to demonstrate the reality of her faith A. strange B. usual C. golden D. unusual 29. Her identification with the king is publicly known A. hatred B. disassociation C. relationship D. intimacy 30. The economic situation in the country is obviously gloomy A. encouraging B. moody C. unknown D. regrettable 31. Onewonders if the situation will improve A. brighten B diminish C disintegrate D worsen 32. Language teachers believe that grammar exercises stretch the mind A. expand B. ruin C. enrich D. restrict 33. These two books are identical A. alike B. similar C. different D. equal 34. The doctor tried to alleviate his patients pain A. relieve B. worsen C. kill D. cure 35. The instructions on the examination paper are explicit A. simple B. ambiguous C. detailed D. definite 36. Okoro is an amateur wrestler A. skilful B. good C. professional D. strong In each of question 37 to54 choose the option nearest inmeaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics 37. If your life is in turmoil always take courage A. devastation B. crisis C. trial D. tragedy 38. Do you know one of the most astounding events of my life; A. special B. amazing C. serious D. outstanding 39. Adeniji is suffering from the consequences of alienation A.confinementB. isolation C. enclosureD. imprisonment 40. The terms of the contract stuck in my throat. A. were beyond me B. were not clear C. were ambiguoused D. became obsolete 41. Hewas askedto give copious examplestoappear convincing A. concrete B. rigid C. cogent D. many 42. Some children mimic their teachers A. imitate B. mime C. ridicule D. tease. 43. He works long hours collecting trash to eke out a livelihood A. try a living B. struggle for a living C. make a living D. carve out a living. 44. Everybody complained of a lean harvest last year A. surplus B. abundant C. poor D. thin. 45. He is very modest in his demands A. honest B. bogus C. extravagant D. humble. 46. The patient disregarded the advice of the doctor A. ignored B. disobeyed C. questioned D. respected. 47. The newly elected leader has pledged to ensure better life for the citizens A. vowed B. agreed C. undertaken D. undertaking. 48. Statesmen are revered for their objectivity A. referred B. respected C. remembered D. rejected. 49. He has been advised to keep his head, the confusion notwithstanding A. avoid being beaten or insulted B. keep calm C. save his head D. prevent being beheaded. 50. The police ran the criminal to earth A. jailed him B. knocked him down C. discovered him D. buried him 51. Garba always puts his shoulder to the wheel. A. sitswith his shoulders straightwhen he isdriving B. works energetically at the task in hand C. performs tasks assigned him grudgingly D. holds the steering wheel firmly when he is driving. 52. He reneged on theagreement between himandhisemployees. A. kept B. failed to keep C. failed to approve D. failed to sign. 53. He is credulous A. credible B. creditable C. gullible D. fallible 54. The company has gone under A. suffered some loss B. broken up C. become broke D. become bankrupt. In each questions 55 to 95, fill each gap with the appropriate option from list following the gap. 55. Many people believe that nuclear power will solve our energy problems… [A. Indeed B. But C. However D. On the contrary].This has not been proved to be true. 56. … [A. Conclusively B. To conclude C. In conclusion D. The conclusion], sign post words are useful to readers. 57. Every programming language and software package … [A. have its B. have their C. has its D. has their] limitations. 58. A programme of good exercisemay help a person fight… [A. out B. at C. with D. off] cold. 59. Baba and… [A. him B. his C. he D. he’s] participated in the tournament. 60. It was… [A. they B. them C. those D. theirs]who fought the civil war. 61. The physicians have more people in…waiting rooms than… [A. his/he B. there/they C. their/they D. them/ they] have ever had. 62. Beforemechanization, workers… [A. wring B. wrung C.wrangD.wringed]water out of fabricswith their hands. 63. Four engineers… [A. worked B. are working C. had worked D. have been working] on this system since March. 64. Havingworked all night, the securityman… [A. had felt B. felt C. is feelingD. has felt] a sense of accomplishment. 65. Three quarters of the Physics class… [A. improve B. improvesC. areimprovingD. is improving] dramatically. 66. A number of students… [A. is B. has C. have D. do] missed the opportunity to re-register. 67. It seems to be a well thought… [A. over B. out C. off D. into] scheme. 68. Adekunle is prepared for a…[A. show-off B. showdown C. show-out D. show up] with his opponent following his defeat last season. 69. Tosin refused to be… [A. sad B. placated C. frustrated D. indifferent] though he haswritten the same examination three times. 70. On his… [A. assumption B. ascension C. acceptance D. appointment] of office, the newpresident announced some drastic measures. 71. The…was filed… [A. suit/in B. case/in C. suit/at D. case/at] in IlorinMagistrateCourt. 72. The plaintiff… [A. asked B. begged C. demanded of D. prayed] the court to restrain the defendants from further action. 73. My experience in Lagos last week was… [A. something to excite B. nothing to explain at home C. nothing to write home D. something to celebrate] about. 74. … [A. Had I seen B. Have I seen C. Should I see D. If I saw] him around, I would have informed you. 75. Ahmed is one of the boys who always… [A. does B. would do C. do D. done] good work. 76. I sent… [A. a parcel of B. a flash of C. an itemof D. number of) news to the press yesterday. 77. The Universityhas a large collection of sporting… [A. equipment B. equipments C. costumes D. aids]. 78. He keeps his… [ A. surroundings B. surrounding C. premise D. environments] clean always. 79. She has a set of gold… [A. earingB. earingsC. earrings D. ear-ring]. 80. I have stopped writing letters of application because I … [A. have heard B. had heard C. heard D. hear] that all the vacancies are filled. 81. A survey of opinions on how pupils feel about their teachers … [A. hasbeenB. have been C. are beingD. is been] carried out. 82. The police are looking for … [ A. two big cars black B. two cars big black C. two big black cars D. two black big cars]. 83. Adaobi is contemptuous … [A. to B. at C. for D. of] dishonest people. 84. My goats are grazing … [A. on B. in C. at D. into] the field. 85. It … [A. would be B. would have been C. would had been D. will be] easier if he told us himself. 86. Our principal and chairman of the occasion… [A. has B. having C. have D. had] just arrived. 87. From7 a.mto 9 a.m, he … [A. is kept busy serving B. keeps busy to serve C. is busied serving D. kept busy to serve] hot chocolate, often not having time for his own breakfast. 88. One of the… [A. school of thought suggest s B. schools of thought suggest C. school of thoughts suggested D. schools of thought suggests] selective marking of errors 89. You avoid facing… [A. at B. up C. up to D. on to] the reality of life. 90. In… [A. amore deeper sense B. a much deeper sense C. a most deeper sense D. much more deeper sense]we, as politicians, are identifiedwith themasses. 91. In addition, their comments are vague and abstract, … [A. which students find it B. and students find it C. so students find them D. but students find them] difficult to interpret. 92. We are…to receive your letter and to knowthat you are… [A. happy/in good health B. grateful/sound C. pleased /all well D. appreciative/swimming in good health]. 93. People who live by… [A. each other know B. one another know C. oneself knows D. themselves know] what loneliness is like. 94. It has been confirmed that the election… [A. will be B. is being C. has been D. have being] held in July. 95. The choice to go to the universityor not is… [A. yours’ B. your C. yours D. your’s]. In each of questions 96 to 100, select the option (A to D) that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. 96. Peoplemay not pick flowers in this park. A. People can pick flowers in this park. B. Peoplemaynot wish topick flowers in this park. C. People are prohibited from picking flowers in this park. D. People cannot pick flowers from this park. 97. Tom ought not to have told me. A. Tom did not tell me but he should. B. Perhaps Tom was wrong to have told me. C. Tom told me but it was wrong of him. D. It was necessary for Tom not to tell me. 98. He can’t be swimming all day. A. It’s possible he is not swimming now. B. It’s very likely he is swimming now. C. He does not have the ability to swim all day. D. He would not like to swim all day 99. Boladewould make a mess of cooking the rice. A. Itwas typical ofBoladetomake amess ofthings. B. Bolade cannot cook. C. Boladewill not cook the ricewell. D. Bolade does not like cooking rice. 100. If Iwere the captain, Iwould have led the teamto victory. A. Iwas not the captain but I led theteam to victory. B. I was not the captain but I did not lead the team to victory. C. I was not the captain and I did not lead the team to victory. Use of English 1993 COMPREHENSION Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow PASSAGE I The diseases afflicting Western societies have undergone dramatic changes. In the course of a century, so many mass killers have vanished that two-thirds of all deaths are now associated with the diseases of old age. Those who die young are more often than not, the victims of accidents, violence and suicide. These changes in public health are generally equated with progress and are attributed to more or better medical care. In fact, there is no evidence of any direct relationship between changing disease patterns and the so-called progress of medicine. The impotence of medical services to change life expectancy and the insignificance ofmuch contemporary clinical care in the curing of diseases are all obvious, well documented but well suppressed. Neither the proportion of doctors in a population nor the quality of the clinical tools at their disposal nor the number of hospital beds is a causal factor in the striking changes in and treat such conditions as pernicious anaemia and hypertension, or to correct congenital malformations by surgical interventions, increase our understanding of disease but do nor reduce its incidence. The fact that there aremore doctors where certain diseases have become rare has little to dowith ability to control or eliminate them. It simplymeans that doctor, more than other professionals, determine where theywork. Consequently, they tend to gather where the climate is healthy, where the water is clean and where people work and can pay for their services. 1. The statement, ‘The diseases afflictingWestern societies have undergone dramatic changes’ implies that A. changes have taken place in the mode of disease affliction B. medical services have been important in changing life expectancy C. a lot of significant progress has taken place in public health D. deaths from diseases in Western societies are minimal. 2. The writer is of the viewthat the diseases which prevail in contemporaryWestern societies A. result from modern life styles D. I was the captain and I led the team to victory. B. are concentrated among the elderly C. kill many people at once D. are resistant to drugs 3. The author thinks that the presence of a large number of doctors in a community A. does not have much effect on the control of diseases B. disguises the true facts about diseases C. controls the spread of diseases D. improvestheoverall qualityoflifeinthecommunity. 4. Many doctors, according to the passage, choose to live where A. research facilities are available B. they are most needed C. they can be near colleagues D. conditions are more in their favour. 5. The author’s attitude to developments in medicine is A. matter-of-fact B. cautious C. indifferent D. cynical PASSAGEII ADUKE: Listen, my fellowwomen. The issue has little to do with being literate or not. It is true that most members of NAM(NewAwareness Movement) are literate, but this does not make all of us enlightened. We must be able to drawa line between the two.You may be literate and yet possess a consciousness that is decadent and servile. On the other hand, you may not have received any formal education and yet may be the greatest exponent of progressive ideas. HASANA: I agree with what our sister has said. Let us not allow ourselves to be divided by a greedy and an inflated notion of the of the certificates we possess. In this century, aswemarch towards the year 2000, our primary concern should be how best to improve the lot of womanhood in our society. Let us not forget that for each woman who is beaten up by her man for flimsy reasons, the status of all of us here is downgraded. For each woman who is insulted for no other reason than that of her sex, every one of us here is spat on in the face. For each woman who is denied opportunities in the society simply because she is a woman, thewhole lot of us here are dehumanized. Each widowin this society is an Everywoman, and the lot of us should be viewed as collective. Each decayed tomato that is cast at her is a collective curse on our fecundity: each pebble thrown at her, a missile against our very womanhood. This is an age of awareness, and it is the duty of NAMto collectively rise in defence of the rights ofwomen. IME: We can no longer allow ourselves to be fried alive. We are going to squeeze ourselves into tight-fitting trousers,register into judo classes, and then file out into the street and punch the face of every man we behold. 6. In distinguishing between literacy and enlightenment, Aduke implies that A. it is useless to be literate B. enlightenment is inborn C. progress can take place without literacy D. both literacy and enlightenment are symbiotic. 7. Hassana believes that NAM should not be divided by A. theworthless certificateswhichthewomenpossess B. inflation and greed C. amisunderstanding oftheworthoftheir certificates D. a selfish and over-raced beliefin their certificates. 8. ‘Eachwidowin this societyis an Everywoman’meansthat A. every woman in the society is potentially a widow B. every widow in the society is a woman C. the suffering of every widow represents the burden of all women D. widowhood implies the isolation of thewoman in society. 9. The speech of Hassana implies that A. it is the practice to throwrotten eggs at women B. it is the practice to cast decayed tomatoes at women C. to throw rotten eggs and decayed tomatoes at women is to reduce their fecundity D. to throw rotten eggs and decayed tomatoes at women is dehumanizing. 10. From the speech by Ime, it is clear that the women A. intend to do a real battle with themenfolk in defence of their rights B. will no longer perform their traditional duties C. are henceforth prepared to adopt a policy of confrontation with the men D. can do anything that a man can do sometimes even better PASSAGEIII When I set out for London, little did I suspect that I was not on journey to God’s own city where harmony reigned supreme. So used to the frenzied life of Lagos was I that I had come to associate that city with everything that was chaotic, and there was no doubt in my mind that Lagos was one giant symbol of our backwardness. As the plane taxied its way out of the tarmac of our national airport, I heaved a sigh of relief, not so much because I was leavingmy own country as that I was being relieved of the tension that had possessed me during those tense hours in the untidy lounge. I had felt so uneasy, my thoughts racing from one uncertainty to another. But I was at last air-borne, moving away from the whole uncertainty, from the whole load of fear, towards a place which I supposed would be an El Dorado. Everything that happened in the plane passed through my eyes like pictures on the screen. The white air hostess who instructed me on how to use the safety belt was an angel, what with her beauty, her pretty blue dress, and her ever-smiling face. The same lady of the air served me snacks and supper. Another angel, whose queenly voice through an invisible public address system, dished out occasional information on the progress of our journey. I had never felt so relaxed, andmy jolted heartbeats each time the plane took what appeared like a sudden brief descent, did notmatter.When eventuallywewere set for landing, the anxiety that came overme was almost thrilling.What was the wonderland going to be like? So overwhelmedwas I that I almost lost consciousness of what happened thereafter. But I would never forget the shock that greeted me when we arrived in the tube station and boarded a train to behold the sea of white faces and the furtive glances from apparently indifferent co-passengers. I believe that the nolstagic feeling for Lagos which later became part ofmy life all my days in London began at this point. 11. Before thewriter left Lagos, he believed London was A. a very neat place B. a very peaceful place C. situated in paradise D. noiseless. 12. Before the plane left Lagos, the writer must have A. had a second thought about leaving his country B. been very hungry in the lounge C. been frightened of all the people in the lounge D. detested the filth surrounding the lounge. 13. When the planefinallytook off thewriter felt happybecause A. he was thrilled to be in a plane B. he believed that hewas travelling to a problemfree country C. he no longer felt uneasy D. for the first time, he would be in El Dorado 14. Thewriter’s attitude to the air hostesses can be described as A. lustful B. worshipful C. timid D. gregarious 15. Thewriter, on getting into the train, was shocked because A. there were no attendants B. of the large number of white faces C. the people appeared unfriendly D. the train was neater than those in Nigeria. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE Use the passage below to answer questions 16 to 25. The passage has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap. Did you ever pause to think that eating and mating may be…16...[A. interlinked B. intertwined C. interposed D. intermingled] to the extent of becoming targets for a planned international political strategy? If by an accident of geography, you happen to live in a region ofAfrica, Asia or Latin America that is one of the …17…[A. receivers B. receptors C. recipients D. obtainers] of foreign ‘aid’, then pay…18… [A. hid B. heed C. attention D. cognizance] to an insight provided by Josne de Castro, a Brazilian sociologist and a former president of theUnited Nations Food andAgricultureOrganization (F.A.O). The United States imposes birth control, not to help the poor countries ---- no one believes any more in its ‘disinterested’ aid programme ---- but because that is its strategic, defence…19…[A. aim B. problem C. method D. policy]. We must…20…[A. realize B. recognize C. reckon D. discern] that the pill is North America’s best guarantee of continuing the domination of the Third world. If ever the Third world achieves normal development,Washington’s ‘Roman Empire’will...21…[A. be dissolved B. be dismembered C. disintegrate D. disappear]. These views were …22…[A. confirmed B. affirmed C. established D. reaffirmed] about a decade later, when R.T. Ravenholt of the United States Office of Population stated that the United States was seeking to provide the means by which one quarter of the world’s fertile women can be…23…[A. fertilized B. impregnated C. sterilized D. childless] These two statements are indicative of the…24…[A. conflict B. convergence C. collision D. collusion] of interests ofmultinational pharmaceutical corporations, defence strategist and food politicians. Whether or not population planning is a…25...[A. ploy B. style C. desire D. scheme]of the ruling elite for finding a scapegoat for its ineptitude is debatable. However, it is evident that there exists an inextricable link between food aid and population planning policies. In each of questions 26 to 35 select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. 26. Between you and me, I would say that the equipment has outlived its usefulness. A. I believe that the equipment is no longer useful to either of us. B. I believe that the equipment continues to be useful to either you or me. C. My idea of the usefulness of the equipment should remain known only to the two of us. D. My idea of the usefulness of the equipment is shared by both of us. 27. Emeka wished he had started school early A. Emeka started school early as he wished. B. Emeka regretted starting school early C. Emeka regretted not starting school early D. Emeka could have started school early if he had wished. 28. He was between the devil and the deep blue sea. A. He was in danger. B. He was scared C. He stood between the devil and the sea. D. Hewas in a dilemma. 29. The boys, who rioted, were suspended by the principal. A. Only some of the boys rioted and they were suspended. B. All the boys rioted and were suspended C. Many boys rioted and were suspended. D. A few boys rioted and were suspended. 30. Whoever would have thought that he would lose the presidential election? A. Everyone believed that he would lose the election B. It was commonly believed that he would win the election. C. He was supposed to lose the election. D. No one believed that he would win th election. 31. It’s wonderful that Musa is already out of hospital. A. The fact that Musa is out of hospital causes great wonder B. The fact thatMusa is out ofhospital is a miracle. C. It is surprising that Musa is out of hospital D. It is very pleasing thatMusa is out of hospital. 32. You could have heard the sound if you weren’t asleep. A. You were not asleep so you heard the sound. B. You were asleep so you did not hear the sound. C. You heard the sound though you were asleep. D. You did not hear the sound though you were not asleep. 33. HadAminu been a dull student, his failure wouldn’t have surprised anybody. A. Aminu failed and it surprised everybody since he was dull. B. Aminu was not a dull student and so everybody was surprised that he failed C. BecauseAminu was a dull student, everybody was surprised that he failed. D. Aminu had been a dull student, and so nobody was surprised that he failed 34. The president of the club said that he would cross the bridge on getting there. A. He was waiting for an opportunity to take a decision. B. When he got to the river he would build a bridge across it C. Hewouldtake a decision at the appropriate time. D. When he got to the river he would cross at the bridge. 35. His refusal to helps us, dealt a deathblow to our plans. A. Because he did not help, our plans did not materialize. B. He helped and our plans materialized C. He blew our plans to pieces D. He supported our plans so it worked In each ofquestions 36 to 50, choose themost appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics. 36. It is entirely up to you tomakea profession of your faith. A. confess your belief B. turn your faith into a business C. deny your faith D. loudly proclaim your religion. 37. He won the election because he was able to carry his people with him. A. alienate his people B. go out with the people C. have the support of the people D. fail to provide the people with transport. 38. They often quarreled before leaving the house but made it up by the time they returned home A. added it up B. reconciled C. fell out D.compounded the problem 39. The effect of rising prices has snowballed considerably. A. risen B. decreased C. frozen D. grown. 40 The economic situation is responsible for the recent discord in many families. A. division B. resourcefulness C. harmonyD. suffering 41. Thecollegewasworried aboutTunji’s garrulous tendencies A. reticent B. loquacious C. quarrelsome D. outspoken 42. We have found that cassava is a sine qua non item in our industry. A. useful B. indispensable C. useless D. dispensable 43. Science may be a complicated area of learning, but its teaching needs to be demystified. A. simplified B. twisted C. made difficult D. distorted 44. Surveying the sky in the quiet of the night gives me an ethereal feeling. A. human B. earthly C. mundane D. commonplace 45. The awareness of mortality has always imposed some restraint on man’s excesses. A. celestiality B. eternity C. continuity D. inestitence 46. The decision we have taken is irrevocable. A.responsible B.irresponsible C.reversible D.irreversible 47. The lawyer pointed out a discrepancy in the two stories. A. similarity B. gap C. falsehood D. difference 48. Their high level of dishonestyhasmade that department infamous in the entire secretariat. A. reputable B. notorious C. unpopular D. acceptable 49. When Uche wouldn’t come to quickly enough, the principal rushed him to the hospital A. revive B. pass out C. arrive D. come up 50. The governor’s action is out of tune with the declarations of his party. A. in disagreement B. in line C. out of touch D. in touch. In each ofquestions 51 to 64, choose themost appropriate option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) in italics. 51. Atorled adog’slife forthetwentyyearshestayedintheUnited Kingdom. A. lived a dirty life B. was promiscuous C. was domesticated D. led an unhappyand troubled life 52. The chief’s brother was a complete nonentity. A. upstart B. vagabond C. riff-raff D. person of inexperience 53. The principal warned us against burning the candle at both ends. A. being careless with candles B. wearing ourselves out C. being too generous D. disloyalty 54. Biola decided to give the task everything he had. A. all hismoney B. all his time C. complete attention D. complete attendance 55. The result of the election would have been different if some people had not been disfranchised. A. disfavoured B. banned from contesting C. allowed to rig D. prevented from voting. 56. We enjoy the story but it sounds larger than life. A. too long and unsubstantiated B. a little watery and lifeless C. completely untrue D. somewhat unusual 57. Olu might visit London next summer. A. could B. will C. should D. can 58. GeneralMurtalaMuhammed excelled in deedsof prowess. A. warfare B. politics C. courage D. eloquence. 59. The teacher’s face broke into an incredulous smilewhen he heardAdamu’s reason for coming late. A. irritating B. artificial C. unbelieving D. irresponsible 60. Recreation is important in contemporary civilization. A. Leisure B. Treasure C. Freedom D. Pleasure 61. He wonmost of his fights because of his unorthodox style. A. crude B. dishonest C. aggressive D. unconventional 62. Jide says he read in the papers that our uncle has been declareda persona non grata by the French government. A. unwelcome guest B. impersonator C. ungrateful person D. unofficial guest 63. TheViceChancellor,who is stickler for rules, refused the request by the students for the semester to be rescheduled. A. a puritan B. a pedantistC. a disciplinarian D. an idealist 64. The town looked deserted but we moved in with some trepidation. A. confidence B. surprise C. hesitation D. fear In each of question 65 to 100 fill each gap with the most appropriate option fromthe list following the gap. 65. Ihavenorespectfor individualswhoaretoo...[A. compliance B. compliant C. compliable D. complicated]. 66 The policemen who were to keep watch connived… [A. with B. at C.to D.for] the robber’s escape. 67. Kaka is…[A. not only anxious B. anxious not only C. not only that she is anxious D. anxious] to acquire knowledge but also eager to display it. 68. Wodu will not come… [A. after B. provided C. unless D. because] she is asked. 69. Youmust forbid…[A. he’s B. that he is C. himfor D. his] coming. 70. Oche should leave for NewYork on Friday…[A. all the things B. all other things C. other things D. other things all] being equal. 71. Thewoman warned her daughter not to… [A. move B. be moving C. be keeping company D. keep company] with bad boys. 72. Ali is cryingbecausehismotherwas killedin a…[A. motor B. traffic C. motor vehicle D. road] accident. 73. Otopkpa is not very bold. He’s not …[A. cut up for B. cut for C. cut off for D. cut out for] a rough life. 74. Some of thefood… [A. is B. are C. were D. have] spoilt. 75. Theyspent the last holidaywith their…[A. sister-in-laws B. sisters-in-law C. sisters-in-laws D. sisters-inlaws] 76. You should not need … [A. to tell B. telling C. tell D. to have been told] twice. 77. The…[A. story’s length B. length of the story C. story length D. stories length] discouragedme from reading it. 78. When the teacher asked him to join the queue outside, he considered it … [A. an attack B. an insolence C. an affront D. a disrespect] to his dignity. 79. When he joined the staff of the school, he had various duties… [A. detailed B. assigned C. prescribed D. enlisted] to him. 80. The secretarywas blamed… [A. for B. about C. over D. on] the untidy state of the office. 81. After a long talkwith the police,Baba confessed his guilt and so the other boyswith whomhewas accused were … [A. vindicated B. consoled C. convinced D. exonerated.] 82. You think she hasn’t got any friends?Of course she’s got …[A. manymore B. quitemuch C. quitea few D. few] 83. He moved out of the house because the landlord and his wife were always fighting…[A. themselves B. theirselves C. each other D. one another] 84. The vermin on his body… [A. makes the lunatic look B. make the lunatic look C. makes the lunatic to look D. make the lunatic to look] hideous. 85. Do you think all…[A. these informations are B. this information are C. this information is D. these information are] not enough to help the investigator? 86. Do you prefer… [A. going on foot to taking B. to go on foot to taking C. going on foot than taking D. to go on foot than to take] my rickety car? 87. No sooner… [A. did we set out when the rain had started B. had we set out than the rain started C.werewe setting out than the rain started D. we had set out when the rain started] to fall. 88. The companywas charged with a… [A. negligence B. violation C. disregard D. breach] of contract. 89. The army ran short of… [A. arm and ammunitions B. arms and ammunitions C. arms and ammunition D. arm and ammunition]. 90. The helpless…[A. require B. requires C. does require D. do requires] our sympathy. 91. My brother gotmarried to a woman with…[A. gorgeous B. exquisite C. decent D. attractive] manners. 92. The thief we caught yesterdaywas … [A. disguised B. concealed C. masked D. veiled] as an official of the company. 93. The carpenter asked for ten packets of…[A. fifteencentimetre B. fifteen centimetres’ C. fifteencentimetres D. fifteen-centimetres’] nails. 94. The President refused to shake…[A. hand B. hands C. a hand D. hishand]with the visiting PrimeMinister. 95. The trader complained that he…[A. had been B. has been C. was being D. is being] robbed. 96. How can we believe this witness when no one will … [A. collate B. correlate C. collaborate D. corroborate] his story? 97. The journalist’s unpopular views made him the subject of much…[A. admiration B. derision C. a dmonition D. suspicion]. 98. Idubor has gone to see his mechanic because his car engine needs to be tuned…[A. in B. off C. up D. on]. 99. I was so anxious to arrive early for the lecture that I … [A. forgot B. left C. dropped D. abandoned] my notes in the car. 100. Good schools don’t just teach their students, they … [A. inform B. instruct C. educate D. coach] them. COMPREHENSION Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. PASSAGE I Gossip!Yes, gossip is universal. In some languages, it may have an outright negative connotation but in English, it basically means ‘idle talk’, chat about trivial things or matters. When moderate and kind, ‘casual talk’ may serve to exchange useful information as a means of updating one’s knowledge. The whole neighborhood may grow gossipy with who got married, pregnant, died, or it may just be a humorous chitchat devoid of malicious intent. However, idle talk more often than not, degenerates beyond the bounds of propriety and good taste. Facts get embellished, exaggerated or deliberately distorted. Humiliation is made the source of humour, privacy is violated, confidences betrayed and reputations injured or ruined. Condemnation takes the place of commendation, murmuring and fault finding are extolled. The end result is like the mud thrown on a clean piece ofwhite cloth. It does not stick but it leaves a dirty and sometimes permanent stain behind. Gossip has been blamed for sleepless nights, heartache and indigestion. Certainly, it must have caused you some personal anguish at one time or the other, that is someonemust at some time have tried getting a knife between your shoulder blades. Negative gossip is almost universally frowned upon. Among the Indians in the United States, gossiping about someone is classified with lying and stealing.Among theYoruba ofNigeria, the tale bearer is detested and often avoided. Indeed, throughout history, measures have been taken to curb this ‘deadly’ disease. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the ducking stool was popularly used in England and Germany and later in the United States. The gossip was tied to a chair and repeatedly ducked in water. In modern times, the war against gossiping has also been fought. Rumour control centres have been established to respond to rumours that were potentially harmful to government activities. Laws have even passed to curb gossip. Nicknames have been given to those who peddle the trade. Ever heard of ‘Amebo’! Such efforts notwithstanding, gossip survives. It is alive and flourishing. Gossip is everywhere. There is neighbourhood gossip, office gossip. Shop gossip, party gossip, family gossip and funnily enough religious gossip. Gossip transcends all cultures, races and civilizations, and it has flourished and is still flourishing at every level of society. Gossip is deeply a part of human nature. Yet gossip is not inherently evil. There is a positive side to casual talk. Knowing where to drawthe line between harmless and harmful gossip is the key to avoiding victimizing others and being a victim yourself. 1. Gossip appeals to people because A. it is entertaining but could be deadly B. human being take delight in passing and acquiring information C. it provide avenues for idle talk D. it is not destructive in the type of information passed. 2. ‘Grow gossipy’ as used in the passage, means the area A. cultivates and controls gossip B. is a rumour mill C. is ruined by gossip D. engages in fruitful talk. 3. When gossip ‘degenerates beyond the bounds of propriety and good taste’, it becomes A. harmful B. ruthless C. irritating D. astonishing 4. In the passage, ‘such efforts notwithstanding ’refers to A. attempts at curbing gossip B. the establishment of the ducking stool C. rumour-control centres D. laws enacted against gossip. 5. Which title best sums up this passage? A. gossip: a thing of the past B. gossip: a societal evil C. gossip and be damned D. gossip: the good and the bad. PASSAGEII In many places in the world today, the poor are getting poorer while the rich are getting richer, and the programmes of development planning and foreign aid appear to be unable to reverse this trend. Nearly all the developing countries. But they also have a non-modern sector, where the patterns of living and working are not only unsatisfactory, but in many cases are even gettingworse.What is typical condition of the poor in developing countries? Their work opportunities are so limited that they cannot work their way out of their situation. They are underemployed, or totally unemployed.When they do find occasional work, their productivity is extremely low. Some of them have land, but often too little land.Many have no land, and no prospect of ever getting any. There is no big cities either- and of course no housing. All the same, they flock into cities because their chances of finding some work appear to be greater there than in the villages-where such chances are nil. Rural employment then produces mass migration into the cities. Rural unemployment becomes urban unemployment. The problem can be stated quite simply: what can be done to promote economic growth in the small towns and villages, which still contain about eighty to ninety percent of the population?The primary need isworkplaces, literallymillions of workplaces. No one, of course, would suggest that output per worker is unimportant. But the primary aim cannot be tomaximize output per worker; itmust be tomaximizework opportunities for the unemployed and the under-employed. The poor man’s greatest need is the chance to work. Even poorly paid and relatively unproductive work is better than no work at all. It is therefore more important that everybody should produce Use of English 1994 something, than that few people should each produce a great deal.And inmost developing countries, this can only be achieved by using an appropriate intermediate technology. 6. According to the passage, the difference between the developing countries and the developed ones is that while the former have: A. a modern sector, the latter do not B. two conflicting sectors, the latter have one C. higher rural unemployment, the latter have higher urban employment D. appropriate intermediate technology, the latter adopt inappropriate one. 7. Which of the following statements best explains the meaning of the phrase ‘reverse this trend’ as used in the text? A. Return to the former state of affairs B. reappraise the programmes C. improve the situation. D. make the rich become poor 8. Fromtheway thewriter describes the typical condition of the poor in developing countries, one could conclude that: A. rural poverty is a disease B. the poor have no hope C. rural poverty is caused by the rich D. the problems of the poor are temporary. 9. When the writer says ‘…literally millions of workplaces’, he wants the reader to A. take themillion figure literally B. appreciate the need for numerous workplaces C. realize that themillion figure is amere exaggeration 10. What is the point made by the writer about solving the problem of unemployment in developing countries? A. Use appropriate intermediate technology. B. A few people should produce a great deal. C. Stopmigration to cities. D. Create moreworkplace. PASSAGEIII Politics in pre-colonial times did not involve the partisan type of electioneering campaign that we now have. The society was ruled by a king or an emir and his traditional chiefs or by the council of elders or clan heads. Where there existed the hierarchical system as in the Yoruba and Hausa kingdoms, succession to the throne was mainly patriarchal. A recorded exception was the case of Queen Amina of the Zazzau Empire who ruled in the 15th century A.D a host of unsung and unrecorded women regents and at times women village rulers abound, especially in the present Ondo State where some influential traditional female chiefs and regents still exist. In Ibadan, the famous Efunsetan Aniwura held political as well as economic sway and it took a lot of drive, brain work and political engineering for the then king and his council of chiefs to subdue her. The history of the various towns and villages of the period could boast of such women who were actively engaged in the running of government. In the Igbo soceity, a rise to leadership position was through demonstrated ability in fostering societal survival rather than heritage. Women’s voice in the politics of each clan is given focus either through the guild of wives, the guild of daughters, or the market women’s guild.Women, through these organs, could make their feelings known on any issue affecting their community as a whole or females in particular. Thus, unpopular edicts or ‘decrees’ could be revoked or revised as a result ofmounted pressure fromany of these female associations. No decision was usually taken by the men without prior consultation with the leaders of the women’s groups. It must however be emphasized that the degree of women participation in politics was yet much limited when compared to that ofmen. 11. According to the author, electioneering campaign is the approach A. best used in politics B. used in pre-colonial politics C. for choosing kings or emirs D. currently in use 12. Fromthe passage, it is obvious that women participated in politics. A. on equal basis with men B. as leaders of men C. to a limited extent D. as chiefs and regents 13. ‘Political engineering’ in the passagemeans A. playing of politics B. maneuvering in politics C. studying of politics D. steering political events. 14. Which of the following is implied in the passage? A. women are not politicians B. women should be confined to the home C. women are capable of political leadership D. post-colonial politics should not involve women 15. A suitable title for the passage is A. women in politics B. champions of women liberation C. great women of yesteryears D. electioneering campaigns PASSAGEIV Use the passage below to answer questions 16 to 26. The passage has gaps numbered 16 to 26 immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap. Two thirds of children in…16…[A. industrialized B. socialized C. technological D. modernized] societies no longer have family life. They are virtually abandoned to child-minders froma very tender age. The…17...[A. disregard B. indifference C. alienation D. inattention] fromtheirmothers brings suffering and makes it impossible for them to achieve a healthy social life. The…18…[A. development B. increase C. appreciation D. inflation] in the number of suicides, the rates of drug addiction and…19…[A. delinquency B. irresponsibility C. satanism D. truancy] among young people may be to a large extent, due to these premature separations which take place before sufficient time has…20…[A. materialized B. occurred C. surfaced D. elapsed] for attachment to develop. ‘This is one of the causes of psychosis in children today’ says a psychiatrist who believes that breast-feeding is one of the basic cares which many children of this age are…21…[A. tantalizedwith B. denied of C. left with D. spared of]. This psychiatrist argues that breast-feeding extends into the world outside the womb, a liquid bond with the inside of the mother’s body; a bond…22…[A. close to B. the same as C. unrelated to D. irrelevant to] that which the baby had with the placenta inside the uterus. Rhythmic rocking to and fro is…23…[A. an elongation B. a demonstration C. a continuation D. a stretching] of the movement that the child experienced before it was born. As for the baby’s…24…[A. squeezing against B. separation from C. likeness for D. pressure against] its mother’s body, it reminds the child of the…25…[A. reassuring B. uncomfortable C. amusing D. unpleasant] pressure of the uterus, and enables it to…26…[A. unearth B. rediscover C. learn D. explore] the rhythms of its mother’s breathing and heartbeat. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE In each of questions 27 to 30, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. 27. Had he come that day, the problem would still not have been solved. A. He came that day, but the problem was not solved. B. He did not come that day, but the problemwas solved. C. He did not come that day, and the problem was not solved. D. He did not come that day, but his presence would not have solved the problem. 28. He is now the megaphone of the people’s oppressors. A. He now speaks on behalf of the oppressors. B. He now carries the megaphone when the oppressors speak. C. He is now the oppressor with the loudest voice. D. He is the oppressor who now speaks with megaphone. 29. Here isMr. Pamthe tailor. A. He is the only person known asMr. Pam, and he is a tailor. B. He is one of those known asMr. Pam, and he is a tailor. C. He is the only tailor, and he isMr. Pam. D. He is one of many tailors, and he isMr. Pam. 30. One of the guarantors shall sign here. A. It is desirable that one of the guarantors sign here. B. It is reasonable that one of the guarantors signs here. C. It is obligatory that one of the guarantors signs here. D. It is advisable that one of the guarantors signs here. In each of questions 31 to 40, choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics. 31. The paper carries many humourous cartoons on Saturdays. A. amorous B. grievous C. hilarious D. grave 32. All through his years in public office, he found his father’s advice invaluable. A. priceless B. hopeless C. worthless D. helpful. 33. The lecturer was merely obfuscating the issue with his endless examples. A.complicating B.clarifying C.confusing D.summarizing 34. Such measures end up exacerbating the pain. A. aggravatingB. increasingC. eliminatingD. alleviating 35. In a sentence, there must always be concord between a subject and its verb. A. breach B. departure C. disagreement D. dispute 36. As soon as the headmaster appeared, the chantingresumed. A. ImmediatelyB. Much later C. Soon after D.Almost as. 37. In the course of the debate, the speakers were advised to summarize their points. A. argue B. develop C. round off D. round up 38 Theelderly often fulminate against the apparent indolence of the young generation. A. protest bitterly about B. complain seriously about C. promote vigorously D. commendwarmly 39. We should discourage further investment in existing factories. A. productive B.prosperous C. prospective D. precious 40. Nigeria is gradually experiencing economic recession A. birth B. discovery C. recovery D. destruction. In each of questions 41 to 55, choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics. 41. We could not put up with his terrible disposition A. exterminate B. tolerate C. control D. deal with 42. She was taken aback by his attitude. A. delayed B. dragged aback C. surprised D. overwhelmed 43. Manywould argue that the achievement commensurate with the effort. A. unexpected in the light of B. funny compared with C. proportional to D. the wrong excuse for. 44. They show no finesse in dealing with strangers. A. boldness B. kindness C. tact D. love 45. As a matter of fact, we have been trying to step up production. A.maximize B. decrease C. suspend D. increase 46. Ojo used to play tennis everyday. A. is familiar with playing B. has to play C. was in the habit of playing D. was made to play. 47. In his own story, he confirmed that they had been on his tail for quite sometime. A. closely following and watching him B. searching for him C. giving him a tail D. tagging him a talebearer 48. I am surprised to learn that Badmus is an agnostic. A. someone that believes in God B. someone who antagonizes God C. someone who is nonchalant about the existence of God D. someonewho does not believe in the existence ofGod. 49. Although the manager is busy right now, he will soon be with you presently. A. Immediately B. soon C. without delay D. right away 50. The governor’swife, in characteristically simple attire, walked into the hall unnoticed. A. eccentrically B. typically C. consistently D. intrinsically 51. After my husband’s popular election, we had to keep open house throughout the weekend. A. entertain every caller B. keep all doors open C. relax security D. give a party 52. Our newVice-Chancellor has stepped off on the wrong foot. A. injured his foot while entering his office B. started off badly C. made a costly mistake D. stepped on the wrong toes. 53. The corporate existence of any nation is in jeopardy if her leaders pay lip service to her unity. A. do not promptly pay their taxes. B. want to break up the country C. do not dialogue-regularly over her unity D. are insincere about the problems of her unity 54. Much to her chagrin, the bridegroom did not turn up for the wedding A. wonder B. surpriseC. disappointment D. depression 55. Ngozi’s countenance is less gloomy: it would appear as if she is relatively out of the woods. A. free from difficulties B. just from the forest C. in good condition of health D. out of wants In each of questions 56 to 100 fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s). 56. When I was in the secondary school, my parents were activemembers of the…[A. Parents-Teachers Association B. Parents’-Teachers’Association C. Parent- TeacherAssociation D. Parent’s Teacher’sAssociation.] 57. The pen which you have just picked up is…[A. Charle’s B. Charles’ C. Charless’ D. Charles’s]. 58. It is clear tome that you won’t visit Okoro this holiday, will you?…[A. Yes, I won’t B. Yes, I will visit C. No,I won’t D. No,I will not visit] 59. Sa’adatu as well as the maids…[A. like plantain chips B. are liking plantain chips C. is liking plantain chips sD. likes plantain chips]. 60. Measles…[A. is B. are C. were D. was] no longer impossible to manage these days. 61. People dislike Jobe because he is a…[A. trickery B. tricking C. trickful D. tricky] young man. 62. If the boys arrived early enough, the match…[A. would have been played B. will be played C. will have to be played D. would be played] 63. There are…[A. appendexes B. appendix C. appendices D. appendixes] on spelling and pronunciation at the end of the book. 64. She usuallyworks hard; but…[A. at times B. atimes C. attimes D. at time] she could be very lazy. 65. The police…[A. says they are B. say it is C. say they are D. says it is] happy about the dwindling crime rate 66. The keepers themselves are sometimes…[A. stinged B. stang C. stung D. sting] by the bees. 67. I nowrealize I…[A. hadmet B. have met C. met D. meet] you before. 68. The patient was… [A. operated on B. Operated C. operated for D. operated with] by a group of surgeons last week. 69. The old man couldn’t help…[A. to laugh B. that he laughed C. laughing D. in laughing] at his grandson’s babbling. 70. A range of options…[A. weremade B. is made C. are made D. wasmade] available to the political parties during the recently concluded elections. 71. He claimed thatMr. Okoli’s utterance was tantamount to defamation of character, so he sued for…[A. damage B. some damage C. a damage D. damages]. 72. I don’t think he can…[A. can’t be B. isn’t it C. can he D. don’t I ]? 73. The handset was faulty and so it was impossible to…[A get at B. get over to C. get through to D. get on to] them by phone. 74. To be extravagant is to be…[A. rich B. luxurious C. careless D. wasteful]. 75. The president of the union…[A. would have left B. is about leaving C. was leaving D. has left] for the airport by the time the riot started. 76. Until his recent experience. Onimisi used to pride himself …[A. on B. by C. about D. for] his fearlessness. 77. The trader…[A. exhibited B. displayed C. spread D. demonstrated] his wares at the trade fair. 78. Based on the facts before me. I have no alternative…[A. but b. than C. as D. only] to terminate your appointment. 79. Despite the pressure ofwork during the week, I shall endeavour to…[A. put up an appearance B. put up appearance C. put in an appearance D. put on an appearance] at your wedding. 80. The expected guest eventually arrived…[A. in company with B. in company of C. by company of D. accompanied with] his wife. 81. When we visited him, he offered us a variety of…[A. hot B. local C. hard D. soft] drinks such aswhisky and brandy. 82. The exercise will be easily accomplished by the team if members had their…[A. pull/resources together B. pool/resources together C. pull/resources D. pool/ resources]. 83. I have decided to…[A. abandon B. give up C. discard D. jettison] drinking alcohol for health reasons. 84. Iwould like to…[A. accompany B. follow C. e scort D. join]my father toKaduna. 85. One…[A. can’t B. shouldn’t C. need not D. dares not] be too careful these days; times are uncertain andwalls have ears. 86. I shall never be so tired…[A. as not to be able B. that I shan’t be able C. and so be unable D. such that I will be unable] to write to you. 87. As you have been here before,…[A. it were better you B. it is you who will C. you’d better D. you would better] lead the way. 88. My friend…[A. never saw B. did not see C. had not seen D. had never seen] me for many years when Imet himlast week. 89. School buildings that…in 1950…[A. were build/are B. were built/are C. were built/is D. are built/are] now unihabitable. 90. Sixty percent of the unskilled workers…[A. are retain B. is retained C. were retained D. are retained] yearly by the company. 91. Defects like…in government’s development plans… [A. this/calls B. these/calls C. this/call D. these/call] for extra vigilance. 92. Most of his personal….[A. affects was B. affects were C. effect was D. effects were] stolen. 93. Tokyo is one of the most developed… [A. electronics centre B. electronic centre C. electronics centres D. electronic centres] of the world. 94. The director is to liaise…Themanagement…[A. with/ in B. in/on C. with/on D. on/with] corporate matters. 95. Somemotorists …[A. shuttle along B. shuttle from C. shuttle to D. shuttle between] Sokoto and Kano. 96. …[A. Since the cold war is over B. with the cold war over C. the coldwar over D. That the cold war is over], we can now startmeaningful development. 97. My…is for you to refuse the…[A. advise/advice B. advice/advice C. advice/advise D. advise/advise] of the wicked. 98. Go straight down the hill and take the third… [A. bend B. branch C. junction D. turning] on the left.You can’t miss it 99. I hereby declare and…[A. inform B. confirm C. affirm D. conform] that, to the best ofmy knowledge, this statement is true in all respects 100. A citizen in a democracy can…[A. turn up B. bring out C. bring up D. turn to] the lawif he or she wants to correct an injustice. COMPREHENSIONUse of English 1995 Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. PASSAGE I Whenever I have had to ask myself the question why I have not left this country for good, many answers rush to my mind, each striving to be recognized as being themost cogent. I am reminded of the popular slogan that this country belongs to us all’, for which reason everyNigerianmust join hands in trying to salvage it. I try to dismiss the argument by reasoning that it is foolhardy attempting to lend a helping hand where one’s services are apparently not required. Then I am reminded that if I left the country in a hurry just because of our political instability and economic hardships,my commitments tomyfamily at homewould suffer. I reply by saying that as soon as I got settled abroad, I would arrange for my family to joinme. Other financial problems at home would be taken care of bymy regular remittances.Would I then never think of going back home in future? Not until the situation in the country improved considerably, I would answer. And who did I expect to carry on with the task of national rehabilitation when the likes f me are all out of the country? Those who messed up the country in the first place, I would argue. And so on. This dialogue of self has been going on for the last ten years or so; meanwhile, I am yet to leave the country. When I wonder how many people share my kind of mental experience, realize that we must be very few. For not many have the slightest opportunity of absconding from the country; they do not have the place to run to, nor do they have the means of escape. Even among the elite who consider this possibility, the uncertainty of a future outside their fatherland intimidates.And so we all end up staying andmumbling. 1. To leave the country ‘for good’means leaving the country A. unexpectedly B. for better opportunities C. permanently D. now that things are not very good 2. The expression ‘each striving to be recognized as being the most cogent’ means each A. trying to prove its superiority B. determined to prove that it is themost acceptable C. resolved not to be dislodged D. attempting to show that it is the brightest. 3. Thewriter’s argument that it is foolhardy to offer one’s serviceswhere such are apparently not required implies that in Nigeria A. the authorities do not solicit for the services of the citizens B. mediocrity is the order of the day C. the authorities are indifferent to offers of help from the citizens D. to offer to serve the country is dangerous. 4. The writer’s posture as to who caused the problems in his country can be described as A. indifferent B. unpatriotic C. self-righteousness D. logical. 5. The last paragraph of the passage reveals that A. the writer is a member of the elite which alone indulges in this king of thinking B. people in the country only end up arguing among themselves, while nobody does anything about the situation C. the majority of citizens in the country do not possess the ability to argue the way the writer does D. deciding to leave the country is as bad as deciding to stay. PASSAGEII The development of science and technology in this century had led men intomany inventions and discoveries. For nearly a century, men were content with the use of railways, carriages and cars. Another chapter opened when steamships and airplanes were invented. Thus, through technology, man conquered the land, the water and the airspace. But there was one area left unconquered by man: outer space. In fact, outer space --- planets, stars and the galaxies --- was known only through magnifying lenses. Thus, man operated on mere conjectures as far as knowledge of these things was concerned. Consequently, there was no scientific certainty, only hypotheses. But today, man has penetrated outer space. It is true that science and technology have developed tremendously in this century. In the field of engineering, for example, the automobile has been invented as a means of easier, more comfortable and fastermovement fromone place to another. Apart from that, methods and instruments for diagnosing diseases and promoting hygiene and sanitation have helped to reducemortality rate and improve living conditions. In the field of electronics, the invention of the computer is a remarkable achievement. The use of computers in economic activities, education, administration and business has helped to reduce the exertion of human energy as more activities can be carried out faster and more effectively. However, in spite of the laudable contributions and lofty accomplishments of technology, it has, nevertheless, succeeded in introducing several anomalies and, in some cases, reduced the value attached to human life. In our age, social life has been greatly altered by technological changes such as the invention of nuclear energy. Those who support the invention of nuclear energy claim that the onlyway to maintain peace is to be battle-ready. Humanity is greatly threatened and terrorized by the invention of the nuclear warhead. People now live in dread of the hour, as no one knows when a conflict may arise between nations, which may lead to the use of the nuclear bomb assumed to possess the capacity of wiping out humanitywithin the twinkling of an eye. 6. The phrase ‘For nearlya century’ implies that the events described happened A. after the present century B. before the present century C. at a time that includes the present century D. before the development of science and technology. 7. The words ‘conjectures’ and ‘hypotheses’ mean A. guess-work B. prediction D. understanding D. conclusion 8. The inventors of nuclear energy justify the need for it by saying that it will A. make people fear war and thus create peace B. enable wars to be fought more effectively C. provide a balance of power between war and peace D. balanced society in the world. 9. The conclusion one can draw from the passage is that the direction of the development of science and technology A. has continued to be of benefit to humanity B. leaves nothing more to be invented or discovered C. may lead man back to the early periods D. has assumed some negative dimensions. 10. The title that best reflects the contents of the passage is A. Man, Science and the Environment B. Technology in the Service of Man C. Science and Technology through the Centuries D. Science, Technology and Human Existence. PASSAGEIII Standard English refers to the authoritative and correct usage of the language, the mediumof expression for government and education. Its opposite is a dialectal variant of the language, that is, accepted and recognized words, expressions and structures peculiar to a smaller group of language users who are generally set apart from standard usage by cultural group or geographical region. For example, Nigerian,American, Irish and British English differ from one another in many respects and each is identifiable, yet in every case the standard variety approaches a single and hypothetical classification known as international English. As one moves towards informality and away from the observance of strict rules, emphasis falls on the differences between dialects. In addition to American English being distinguishable from British English, it is also true that British English is not uniform within the United Kingdom. The level of formality is determined by education and aspiration, while dialects vary from region to region. [The Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, IIe-Ife: Theuse of English Text (1980)] 11. The author refers to standard English as A. a dialectal variant of language B. an authoritative style of usage C. the orthodox and accurate usage of the language D. the accepted and recognized words, expressions and structures, peculiar to a smaller group of language users. 12. Onecharacteristicofa dialectasmentioned in thepassage is A. informality B. possession of various forms C. distinction from British English D. restricted area of usage. 13. According to the author, Nigerian,American, Irish and British English can be regarded as A. registers B. standards C. styles D. languages. 14. According to the passage, international English is A. a kind of arbitrary classification B. an imaginary classification C. an informal standard D. a recognized formal standard. 15. The observance of strict rules is a feature of A. formality B. dialects C. languages D. unconventionality Use the passage below to answer question 16 to 25. The passage has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap. ManyNigerians are yet to appreciate the importance of …16…[A. consuming B. eating C. swallowing D. taking] good food. The major reason for this lack of …17… [A. awareness B. seriousness C. sense of responsibility D. determination] is to be …18…[A. seen B. acknowledged C. discovered D. found] in the pattern of spending ...19... [A. recurring B. usual C. frequent D. common] among the people of this country. This pattern is characterized by lack of …20…[A. thinking B. saving C. planning D. controlling], which is evident in the wasteful spending habit of Nigerians, a good number ofwhom are quite …21… [A. arrogant B. stingy C. crazy D. extravagant] when it comes to buying clothes. This …22… [ A. desire B. anticipation C. aversion D. regret] for expensive clothes has been brought about by the belief that it is appearance that …23… [A. produces B. records C. determines D. decides] the type of person one is. But it is important to realize that good food…24… [A. lends B. gives C. makes D. rewards] one …25…[A. immunization B. immunity C. release D. retreat] fromdiseases. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE In each of questions 26 to 30, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. 26. Most of the time, their presence is a menace. A. Their presence is alwaysmeaningful B. Their presence is seldom a bother C. Their presence is usually of great concern D. Their presence is frequently a threat. 27. My son, who is in the U.S.A., is studying Engineering. A. My only son is in the U.S.A. studying Engineering. B. One of my sons is in the U.S.A. studying Engineering. C. My sons are in the U.S.A. but only one is studying Engineering. D. Onlymy son is in the U.S.A. studying Engineering. 28. I was one of those who actively believed in his development programmes. A. I was part of those who renounced the programmes. B. I was the originator of the programmes. C. I was one of the peoplewho embraced the programmes. D. I was one of the great number who developed his programmes actively. 29. The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small. A. God has a mill where everymaterial in life is thoroughly ground. B. God may seem slow in action, but He adequately rewards every bit of injustice. C. The world is like a food factorywhere God takesHis time in grinding all rawmaterials properly. D. Even though God is never in a hurry, He achievesall things. 30. People are not interested in who rules A. People who rule are not interested in the ruled B. The rulers are not indifferent about the people C. People are indifferent about the rulers D. People are not ruled by the people they are interested in. In each of questions 31 to 50, choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics. 31. Good students can easily identify spurious arguments. A. genuine B. interesting C. false D. illogical. 32. Eze’s skin now looks flabby as a result of his changed circumstances. A. neat B. firm C. weak D. oily. 33. He and his lieutenants have been accused of remaining intransigent. A. rigid B. stubborn C. compromising D. popular. 34. In the opinion ofmost observers, it was a disinterested decision. A. neutral B. impartial C. biased D. candid. 35. We watched in wonder as she rattled away in the esoteric language. A. inscrutable B. familiar C. secret D. obscure. 36. She was asked to swallow her pride and get busy. A. be more realistic B. eat up her own pride C. be more insistent C. be less proud. 37. Many species in creation have mutated over the years into newforms of life. A. stabilized B. manifested C. transformed D. standardized. 38. His textile business deals are in gross. A. wholesale B. imported C. retailed D. exported. 39. The government is initiating new effective programmes to boost production. A. ending/enhance B. reviewing/renew C. rearranging/increase D. terminating/reduce. 40. The culprit unwittingly subjected himself to great humiliation. A. cunningly B. curiously C. foolishly D. subtly 41. The masses are controlled by the whims and caprices of their rulers. A. wish B. parochialism C. will power D. level-headedness 42. In his quest for solidarity, the party leader undertook a nation-wide tour. A. unity B. resistance C. mobilization D. re-organization 43. Our party is wielding potent political power. A. assuming B. renouncing C. restoring D. reappraising. 44. The ruler expects full allegiance from his subjects at all times. A. obedience B. homage C. disloyalty D. disapproval. 45. In spite ofmany days of fasting,Musa is still fastidious about his food. A. particular B. undecided C. indifferent D. unmindful. 46. The leader called for concerted efforts in order to get over the problems. A. combined B. definite C. disparate D. isolated. 47. The video tape recorder was made obsolete by the introduction of the satellite dish. A. antiquated B. useless C. fashionable D. functional. 48. Segun is somebodywho always follows his own inclinations. A. impulses B. aversions C. dispositions D. deviations 49. The poor man is compelled to languish in his povertystricken situation. A. luxuriate in B. deteriorate in C. suffer in D. laugh at 50. The engineers have been urged to make a prototype of the long-awaited Nigeria car. A. specimen B. original C. copy D. drawing. In each of the questions 51 to 67, choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics. 51. The young man’s behaviour showed that he was at the top of the tree. A. at the highest position in his profession B. confused C. at a point of preparedness to show good example D. arrogant. 52. The chairman’s reaction was a storm in a tea cup. A. suitable for the occasion B. less serious than it appeared to be C. more serious than necessary D. greatly diminished in scope. 53. Do this job while I am away, but take your time. A. be careful B. be thorough C. be fast D. don’t be in a hurry. 54. The judge took issue with the counsel who complained of double standards. A. agreed with B. argued with C. criticized D. supported. 55. I shuddered in revulsion as I watched the snake slowly swallowthe struggling rat. A. was fascinated B. was repelled C. was interested D. was distressed. 56. At that point, the speaker went off at a tangent. A. started to run away like a mad person B. took a lashing out at the audience C. began to discuss unrelated matters D. chose to recall previous decision. 57. The enemy interestingly proved a real bulwark on that memorable day. A. protecting force B. source of trouble C. troubleshooter D. tribulation. 58. It was evident to whoever listened to his speech that he also had an axe to grind. A. an account to settle with someone B. a tool or something to sharpen C. a bone to pick with someone D. a personal objective to achieve. 59. He might be compelled to make a momentous decision. A. a voluntary B. a spontaneous C. an important D. an involuntary. 60. The Principal advised the students to bear with him in their present situation since every cloud has asilver lining. A. every school has its problem B. every bad situation has something good C. good things always bring problems D. difficulties often bring good things. 61. Uche’smother advised him to talk very little because still waters run deep. A. his enemiesmay be listening B. there is no pride in talking toomuch C. there is wisdom in silence D. talking toomuch could lead him into trouble. 62. Akin made such a dog’s breakfast of his home work. A. an excellent job B. a brilliant attempt C. a mess D. a poor performance. 63. The confuses student found himself in a spot A. in a particular place B. in a normal situation C. in a pleasant situation D. in a difficult situation. 64. The man who gave the closing remarks at the party spoke tongue in cheek. A. ironically B. wisely C. profusely D. eloquently. 65. Newcompanies in the country always put up classified advertisements in the dailies A. secret B. small C. outrageous D. expensive 66. TheDoctor insisted on giving all of us prophylactic drugs. A. curative B. preventive C. routine D. special. 67. The delegates to the Constitutional Conference have mooted that funding of universities be transferred to states where they are located. A. said B. agreed C. proposed D. legislated. In each of question 68 to 100, fill the gap (s) with the most appropriate option fromthe list following the gaps (s) 68. The workers suffered a lot, toiling… [A. in B. under C. underneath D. inside] the sun. 69. Either Ekaete or you… [A.wasB. are C. hasD. is] togo. 70. She has the… [A. elision B. illusion C. delusion D. allusion] of being intelligent when in fact she is not. 71. … [A. A 90-year-old B. A 90-year-old C. A 90- year-old D. 90-year-old] women was attacked by a group of bandits. 72. He was angrywith me… [A. on B. for C. of D. at] being treated nonchalantly. 73. The teacher with his wife… [A. were B. were to be C. are D. was] here. 74. … [A. if he did this B. if he could do this C. if he were doing thisD. if he had done this] he would have been convicted. 75. What saved her was that she… [A. had clinged B. clung C. clinged D. clang] to the side of the boas. 76. She has been here… [A. since B. for C. from D. in] the past three years. 77. He was…weak [A. so/that B. too/that C. very/that D. so/when] he could not climb the stairs. 78. The hospital can now boast ofmore… [A. women doctor B. woman doctors C. women doctors D. woman’s doctors]. 79. He is one of those who… [A. teachers B. is teaching. C. are teaching D. teach] in my school. 80. The director, no less than his workers… [A. is B. are C. were D. ought] to blame. 81. The principal askedme … [ A. what is my name B. whatwasmy name C. whatmy name was D. what my name should be]. 82. He did not explain what happened… [A. eitherB. never C. neither D. rather] did she. 83. Did the boy enjoy …[A. each other B. one another C. themselves D. theirselves] when they went on vacation? 84. It’s time the room… [A. is redecorated B. was been redecorated C. is being redecorated D. has been redecorated] it looks awful. 85. Her mother said to her ‘I …[A. would rather you cooked B. would rather you cook. C. would rather you not cook D. would rather you have cooked] the dinner now. 86. The driver of the car admitted… [A. to not have B. not having C. to not having D. not to have] a licence. 87. The panel’s… [A. credit B. credence C. credibility D. credulity] was stretched to the limit bywhat they heard. 88. The poor man was pleased to find…[A. a rubber old discarded B. an old discarded rubber C. a discarded rubber old D. an old rubber discarded] type 89. Theminister can’t come today because he has… [A. a former B. a preceding C. a prior D. an advance] engagement. 90. The policemen pointed out a …[A. discrepancy B. discord C. distinction D. disagreement] between Mr. Ogene’s two account of the incident. 91. The …[A. cite B. sight C. site D. side] engineer was unhappy with the shoddywork done by the contractors. 92. During the examination, a student… [A. requested B. requested for C. requests for D. request] more answer sheets. 93. It was an…moment for us to be [A. opportune/ privileged B. opportune/privileged C. opportune/ privileged D. opportuned/opportune] to welcome the newVice-Chancellor. 94. You must study hard this semester in order to avoid being made… [A. an object of B. an object for C. a subject for D. an subject with] ridicule. 95. One of the three candidates contesting the union election was obliged to …[A. step down B. stand down C. step out D. stand out] in favour of his friend. 96. The fact that Olu was able to guess correctly some of the questions that were asked, made him… [A. have the edge on B. obtain a edge over C. have an edge over D. obtain the edge with] the other candidates. 97. This is to congratulate you on your success in the last examination and towish you… [A. more grease to your elbow B. more power to your elbow C. some grease on your elbow D. some power to your elbow]. 98. One ot the vice …[A. president acts B. president acts C. president’s acts D. presidents acts] in an interim capacity. 99. The development is to be carried to the ... [A. grass root B. grassroots C. grassroots D. grass-root] level. 100. Avery popular rules is at the… [A. helms of affair B. helm of affair C. reaim of affair D. helm of affairs]. Use of English 1997 COMPREHENSION Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Chikemust have passed the house five times. And yet he was still not sure. Was this the house he had visited so often in the past? The house he used to visit was a bungalow. This house, too, was a bungalow. The old house was situated between two-storeyed building: this one toowas so situated. But in spite of this feeling of certainty, chike had a vague suspicion that the house he had passed so often that day might be the wrong house after all. Could an absence of two years have blurred his memory so badly? After a fewmoments’ hesitation, Chike began tomove towards the house and then stopped, as if held back by an invisible hand. His attention had been attracted by a girl of about twenty-four, whowas tripping along the pavement to his right. He turned and advanced towards her, and was about to call her bywhat he felt was her name when he discovered that he had made a mistake in respect of her identity. Just as Chike turned fromthe girl to continue his quest, he heard voices shouting, ‘thief! thief!’ and saw a crowd materialize in seconds.At thehead of this justice-impelled rabble, was a ludicrously fat woman who, in spite of her size, bounced along with the agility of a prize athlete. This barrel bellowed loudest and clapped her hands vigorously to punctuate her outburst. And as she did so the surplus flesh on her pudgy arms quivered. ‘They are all the same’, this woman screamed, addressing nobody in particular. ‘they dress gorgeously, but underneath they are rogues.’ Again, she clapped her hands and again, there was a quivering of loose flesh. Chike was so busily occupied with watching the antics of this woman that he did not notice at first that the object of her venom was the girl he had seen earlier. It was this girl that was now surrounded by the crowd, with many people groaning. Sighing and hissing in unison. Chike relaxed, and prepared towatch the drama unfolding before him. 1. The expression, ‘blurred hismemory’means A. confused him B. erased his memory C. damaged his brain D. distorted his thoughts. 2. Chike left the girl alone because he A. discovered that she was a thief B. was afraid of the fat woman C. did not known her D. did not like her. 3. Many people in the crowd groaned, sighed and hissed because they were A. angrywith the girl B. sorry for the girl C. sorry for the fat woman D. angry that the woman had lied against the girl. 4. The expression, ‘justice-impelled’ in the passage refers to the desire of the crowd to A. see that the case was taken before a judge B. take the thief to the police station C. try the thief immediately D. see that there was fair play. 5. The impression one has of the fat woman described in the passage is that she is A. the thief B. a good person C. overzealous D. domineering. PASSAGEII Theatre in the recent past used to be a very popular art in traditionalAfrican society. It used to be a point of intersection where members of the community not only come to entertain themselves, but ‘join heads together’. In the traditional context African drama therefore, Theatre was a popular and respectable institution, which preserved the people’s culture and tradition. Theatre was popular with the people because it emphasized community participation, peace and progress. The presentations focused on the people’s lives, their aspirations, fears and hopes. But today, the situation is different. Theatre is becoming very unpopular. Africa of the present age is pre-occupied with many problems yearning for immediate solutions. The continent is facing hydra-headed challenges --- challenges on the political, social and economic scenes. In a world where science and technology are seen as the solutions to these problems, little attention is paid to the arts. Literature generally, and drama in particular, is often rated very low on the utility scale. Many in Africa today look at drama and theatre as a mere thing of fun, a joke so to say. Elitism is another barrier that militates against the appreciation of theatre as a communal art. Folk theatre is appreciated by a negligible number of people. Contemporary focus is on literary theatre. Unfortunately. Literary theatre only pretends to serve the interest of its societywhile in reality it has a foreign audience in mind. The use of Europeans and American theatrical conventions by our academic playwrights can bear witness to this anomaly. The popularity of the literary African theatre is further marred by the mediumof communication asmost literary dramas in Africa are written in foreign languages, which are not understood by many Africans. The question often asked is whether the artist should climb down to the level of his community or stay at his exalted height and wait for the community to graduallymove up to him. 6. Theatre was popular in Africa because it A. was traditional and simple in nature B. dealtwith the political, social and economic problem of the society C. was a source of fun D. was communal and reflected the common concerns of the people. 7. One of the reasons why theatre is unpopular inmodern Africa is that it A. is regarded as not being of much use B. only deals with cultural and tradition C. lacks scientific and academic bases D. is always funny and looked down upon. 8. In the passage the terms ‘theatre’ and ‘drama’ are used A. differently B. concurrently C. interchangeable D. sparingly. 9. One of the arguments in the passage is that academic playwrights A. express themselves only in foreign languages B. serve as a catalyst in the society’s appreciation of theatre C. work against the common man’s appreciation of theatre D. make theatre popular in traditional societies. 10. By the expression ‘climb down’, the author implies that modern playwrights should A. be simplistic in the use if language B. not move on C. use language that ismost appreciated by the people D. wait for the community to catch up with them PASSAGEIII The financing of the university will always be a vexatious problem not only because of the need for it tomaintain a level of independence that allows for the thriving of intellectual pursuit but also for the size of funding that is required tomaintain an acceptable level of infrastructure in a modern university. The experience of theNigerian university in recent years has in this regard, been almost alarming. The funding level required constitute sufficient reasons for diversifying the sources. Even if government was in a position on its own to meet all of the university’s financial requirements. I consider it desirable that every effort bemade to reduce such contribution in the interest of university autonomy. I also hold the view that the university should seek to become dependent, in a substantial way, on funds generated from within. In other words the sources of funding the university should be diversified as much as possible. Based on this principle, we can identify four sources— government, industry, students and individual philanthropists. I must add quickly that each source has its own set of problems in its continuing interaction with the university, which ought to be addressed here. Of all the four major sources of financing university education mentioned above, contribution through fees from the students involves instricate issues of special concern, if government gives as an expression of its obligation to promote general welfare of society, if industry gives in order to enhance its chances of procurement of needed human, information and material resources, as well as enhance its social responsibility. If the general public gives as an indication of voluntary support for a worthy social cause, students (and by inference their parents) should give in order to purchase an economic good for meeting their own felt need in the expectation that they will be satisfied with the product purchased. [Adapted from Onosode, G. O. :‘The Politics of Managing People Prospects and Poverty The Role of the University’, 1009 OAU Convocation] 11. It is important for Universities to be independent so that they can A. attract funds from industries B. determine their goals C. be left to expand without any hindrance D. carry out effective research. 12. The writer advocates for multiple sources of university funding in order to A. enhance university autonomy B. reduce dependence on government C. ensure that the numerous needs of the universities aremet D. maintain acceptable levels of infrastructural development. 13. The expression ‘intricate issues of special concern’ means A. important policy statements B. interwoven topics of significance C. complex matters requiring careful thought D. knotty problems that concern everybody. 14. The word ‘diversified’ as used in the passagemeans A. differentiated B. varied C. diffused D. widened. 15. The source of university funding emphasized in the passage is A. government B. industry C. the general public D. student PASSAGEIV The passage below has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, for option are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap. In today’s society, fewpeople at home need feel…16…[A. estrangedB. discouraged C. bad D. intrigued] from other people and…17…[A. cut out B. offC. cut awayD. cut down] fromthe world about them. Telephone, television, car, common, social and educational …18…[A. interest B. associations C. interests C. activity D. escapapades] with other parents, all keep married couples in living …19…[A. contact B. contract C. activity D. together] with the rest of the community. If a person feels…20…[A. deprived B. isolated C. neglected D. cheated], it may be that he of she has allowed himself of herself to become so. The person who…21…[A. administersB. runsC. orders D. arranges] the home is the master of the immediate environment and is free to plan the daily…22…[A. chores B. timetable C. organization D. routing] to allowfor time off, or for reading, or cultural or social activities, much more so than the worker in a factory of office. In fact, in the case of a full-time housewife and mother, if she uses her time to good effect, she could develop…23…[A. mentally B. physically C. economically D. intelligently] by reading or home study as well as enrich herself with the ameliorating experience denied to a working woman, namelyloving daily contactwith her children…24…[A. Bearing B. Dressing up C. Washing up D. Bringing up] children is regarded by many people as a rewarding…25…[A. activity B. experience C. promotion D. engagement] and a labour of love. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE In each of questions 26 to 30, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. 26. The stadium had a capacity crowd in spite of the weather. A. The weather favoured the crowd at the stadium. B. The crowd defied the weather to fill the stadium. C. The stadium was not filled because of the weather. D. The crowd loved the weather at the stadium. 27. Imona couldn’t have attended lectures yesterday. A. It was possible that Imona attended lectures yesterday. B. It was possible that Imona didn’t attend lecturer yesterday. C. It was impossible that Imona attended lectures yesterday. D. It was impossible that Imona didn’t attend lectures yesterday. 28. The conference is biennial. A. The conference is held twice every year. B. The conference is held twice every two years C. The conference is held once every other year. D. The conference lasts for two years. 29. Only twoministers survived the recent cabinet reshuffle. A. In the recent changes in government, only twoministers were sacked. B. In the recent changes in government, all but twoministers remained alive. C. In the recent changes in government, all but two ministers retained their posts. D. In the recent changes in government, all but two ministers were sacked. 30. Bassey is as hard as nail A. Bassey is very strong B. Bassey is very brave C. Bassey is determined D. Bassey is unsympathetic In each of questions 31 to 50 choose themost appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics. 31. He gave a painstaking account of his account of his encounter with the ghost of his father A. sordid B. fearful C. half- hearted D. tender-hearted. 32. Bala was put off by Lanre’s conquettish behaviour towards him. A. unfriendly advantage B. inviting and friendly advances C. quarrel some attitude D. interesting attitude. 33. Since mortality is the lot of man argued the preacher, we must all accept death with equanimity. A. concern B. uncertainty C. serenity D. anxiety. 34. We admire the minister’s passionate and dynamic characteristics. A. cruel and passive B. kind and forceful C. passive and charmless D. charmless and cruel. 35. I was advised to stay away from cities that are ravaged by crime. A. spoilt by B. free from C. suffering from D. haven of. 36. You can use lethal means if necessary to stop dangerous characters from molesting innocent citizens A. fatal B. cruel C. harmless D. soft 37. His intention was not actually to punish the villagers, and in any case he is nowmakingmoves to pacify them A. placate B. ridicule C. appease D. annoy. 38. If you are really keen on immediate results, you just have to adopt this pragmatic approach A. practical B. unrealisticC. opportunisticD. sensible. 39. My friend was reduced to beggary by various illadvised business deals. A. affluence B. penury C. influence D. poverty. 40. Measures were taken to authenticate the number of the booklets received. A. reaffirm B. discredit C. discountenance D. count 41. He urged other progressives in the country to join forces with his association A. radicals B. conservatives C. pessimists D. activists 42. Adama’s father simply condoned her bad habits instead of punishing her appropriately A. opposed B. blamed C. accepted D. forbade. 43. The undesirable elements who perpetuate these vices are never detected. A. aggravate B. overlook C. discontinue D. encourage. 44. Some travellers unwittingly render themselves open prey to questionable character. A. genuinely B. wholesomely C. knowingly D. inadvertently. 45. His father is a shrewd businessman A. gullible B. orderly C. reliable D. resourceful. 46. Many people have raised the issued about the need for an equitable distribution of our wealth A. a fair B. an even C. an unjust D. an undue. 47. The pastor decided to exorcise the evil spirit as the afflictedmember of his congregation cried for help. A. expel B. dive C. invite D. charm. 48. He mumbled a few words at the trial and then cried A. shouted B. murmured C. charm D. invite. 49. There are many areas of convergence between male and female behaviour. A. concomitance B. concordance C. incompatibility D. incomparability. 50. The greenhouse effect is beginning to abate in Europe A. intensify B. extenuate C. surface D. ameliorate In each of questions 51 to 70 choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phase in italics. 51. Adebayo’s plans for the future are in the air. A. suspended B. uncertain C. empty D. floating 52. The group of performers thrilled the audience with its peculiar choreography. A. form of dancing B. art of theatrics C. type of costuming D. mode of singing 53. Our local paper is noted for its incisive editorials on local politics. A. sarcastic B. penetrating C. decisiveD. destructive. 54. The criminal didn’t bat an eyelid when the judge pronounced the sentence. A. displayed no understanding whatsoever B. didn’t shed a single tear C. moved none of his eyelids D. showed no emotion or surprise. 55. The rally was attended only by people who were apolitical. A. full of political fervour B. antagonistic to politicians C. new-breed politicians D. not interested in politics. 56. Smilling broadly, she explained why she always took exception to being referred to as his wife A. objected to B. preferred verymuch C. felt specially honoured by D. liked nothing excepts. 57. In those days an ordinary school drop-out would come around putting on airs. A. trying to impress people B. trying to oppress people C. wearing flashy clother D. dresses in light materials. 58. Many Nigerian have inured themselves to hardship A. subjected B. submitted C. accustomed D. endeared. 59. There are many venal judges in our law courts today A. Qualified B. professional C. corrupt D. honest. 60. He is bound to exposes himself by his nefarious activities A. kind B. disreputable C. despicable D. nocturnal. 61. In this house, children are supposed to be in bed by ten o’clock. A. just before B. not before C. about D. not later than. 62. You don’t have to agree with our producers. A. shouldn’t disagree B. must not agree C. may disagree if you don’t wish D. may not disagree if you don’t wish. 63. The new Vice-Chancellor’s immediate concern was to tide over the major difficulties of themoment A. temporarily accommodate B. permanently handle C. decisively solve D. pretend to solve. 64. The minister’s anger was aggravated by the news of the disaster. A. abated B. magnified C. intensifies D. impeded. 65. The lawyer gave evasive answers to all the questions. A. Unintelligent B. ineffective C. unreliable D. equivocal. 66. Their strength is their staggering capacity to reproduce. A. unstable mutiplying power B. unreliable attacking power C. qualitativemultiplying power D. overwhelmingmultiplying power. 67. The sales were lively; the upset price in each case was fair. A. price that was the highest in the sales B. price that upset every other buyer C. highest amount for a bidder to offer D. lowest selling price of each item. 68. The cleaner resigned from his job which he said had become a trivial round. A. unrewarding B. too routine C. rather degrading D. unattractive 69. The island becomes more enchanting at night A. attractive B. delightful C. accommodating D. livery 70. For a long time, the robber defied police warnings as if he was inculnerable. A. perfectly justifiable B. difficult to catch C. impossible to harm D. indifferent to danger. In each of questions 71 to 100 fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap. 71. He was…[A. assisted B. duped C. cajoled D. encouraged] by the trickster. 72. When the soldiers saw that resistance was…[A. inadequate B. inefficient C. futile D. successful] they stopped fighting. 73. you should read all the…[A. brochuresB. prospectuses C. tickets D. handouts] carefully before you decide where to go on holiday. 74. TheEmir and conqueror of the enemy territories…[A. arrives B. are to arrive C. arrive D, are arriving] next week. 75. We ought to have visited theGovernor…[A. isn’t it B. oughtn’t we C. shouldn’t we D. haven’t we]? 76. He didn’t sense Obi’s presence in the room did he? … [A. yes, he didB. No, he didC. yes, he didn’tD. No, he didn’t]. 77. You can stay here…[A. as long B. so long C. in as much D. for as long ] as you are quiet. 78. Where… buses… [A. does these/go B. do this/goes C. do these/go D. does these/ goes]? 79. Ours…[A. are a resource B. is a resource C. are resources D. is a resourced] based venture. 80. Wale: do you knowwheremy chemistry book is? Tom: [A. Toyin is with it B. it is with Toyin C. Toyin has it D. Toyin lent it]. 81. The accident occurred when the driver of the car…[A. reversed towards B. reversed into C. reversed to D. reversed back into] the lorry. 82. …[A. Has it been that you asked me B. Had it been that you asked me C. if you have asked me. D. if you had asked me] I would have helped you. 83. Thosemen helpedDupe and… [A. myself B. I C. me D. we]. 84. The principal warned the students not to take the … [A. law into their B. laws into their C. law into their own D. laws into their own] hands. 85. I had hardly… [A. lay B. lied C. lain D. laid] down to sleep when I heard the gunshot. 86. My shoes are worn out; I must see my… [ A. grocer B. tanner C. cobbler D. hosier]. 87. Kunle was annoyed for arriving late… [A. alsoKemi’s rather insolentmanner B. also that Kemi’s insolent manner C. and Kemi’s rather insolent manner also D. and Kemi is also insolent which] put him out of temper. 88. A sterile range of mountains, broken at intervals by deep ravines…[A. enclose B. encloses C. cover D. covers] almost the whole of this small state. 89. Theprotestersunabletopulldownthestatus…[A.wrenched B. pushed C. towed D. burnt] it from its fixtures. 90. …[A. there’s B. theres’ C. theirs’ D. their’s] been no officail reaction to your request yet. 91. Hislooksportendthat… [A. somenews B. anew C.news D. the news] would be unpleasant. 92. By January 1999 I… [A. should have been B. would be C. can be D. must be] ten years in the service of this institution. 93. The accused is optimistic of regaining his freedom because there is nowitness to [A. correct B. challenge C. corroborate D. contradicts] his story. 94. Don’t… [A. prevaricate B. predicate C. precipitate D. be pejorative] said the leader Iwant a decision now. 95. Most of themissing jewelrywere…[A. found B. taken C. kept D. recovered] by the police. 96. All the cattle on Lamidi’s farm… [A. is tick free B. are tick-free C. is ticks-free D. are ticks-free]. 97. He saw the play and so … [A. was she B. had she C. should she D. did she]. 98. The… [A. fragrance B. scent C. aroma D. smell] of what she was cooking filled the whole company. 99. I hope I have not… [A. invaded B. encroached C. intruded D. trespassed] toomuch on your time. 100. The exercise presented us with a lot of problems but later it was all … [A. plain B. smooth C. rough D. tough] sailing. Use of English 1998 COMPREHENSION Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow PASSAGE I Those who have visited the city of Jos in Nigeria attest to its uniqueness. The first striking thing to notice, perhaps, is the benevolence of the climate. It will be no exaggeration to say that in no other Nigerian city does one feel somuch at peace, so relaxed, with the climate as in Jos. When people say that Jos is cool, the remark is always a compliment, referring to the cool, serene feeling of being at peace with nature, which one experiences in the city. This feeling is topographicallysymbolized by the surrounding rocky hills, which adorn the horizon from every angle of the city. These hills remind you of castles, excepts that whereas castles are man-made, the hills of Jos are natural edifices in which themaster mason who had delicately laid those stones one upon another is no other than God Himself. The sun of Jos shines without malice, and even in February and March, when it is scorching hot in most parts ofNigeria, the heat of Jos dances charmingly on the surface of the skin, as if afraid of hurting the organs beneath. It is as if fromabove a soft protective layer of blanket intercedes between the heat of the sun and the inhabitants of the city. Compared to what obtains in most other Nigerian cities, the inhabitants of Jos are openly warm. They are relaxed, and there is the absence of that suffocating feeling, with which a place likes Lagos is associated, of a people madly rushing to their graves. The groceries operating at all nooks and crannies of the city give the impression of a great abundance of a variety of food items. It is almost as if some unseen hands are responsible for the presence of these varieties of edible items. The truth of course is that, in Jos, people - civil servants, farmers and traders – are sociallywell-disposed to the influx of the new settlers and novel ideas and this ensures an apparent high degree of selfsufficiency. You may be hungry in Jos, but you need not be angry. If other parts of Nigeria had been like Jos, surely the colonialists would never have left the country without a good fight. Many monuments abound in the city, which tell tales of theWhiteman’s love for this city of solid minerals. 1. The presence of a wide variety of edible items in Jos suggests that A. the inhabitants are great farmers and innovators B. the soil is extremely fertile and receptive C. there is a high influx of traders and farmers from other places D. it rains all the year round in the city and its environs 2. The benevolence of Jos climate is reflected in the A. feeling of peace and harmonywith nature which the city evokes B. cold climate of the citywhich makes people always dress warmly C. fact that the inhabitants of Jos do not need to work hard D. average life-span of the inhabitants of Jos, which is high. 3. One distinctive ecological feature symbolizing the close intimacy between Jos and nature, is the A. brighthorizon adorningthe cityfromeveryangle B. rocky hills standing at various points of the city likecastles C. sun which shines over Jos with benevolence D. cloudswhich spread a blanket of protection between the sun and the earth. 4. The last paragragh of the passage suggests that A. the colonialists left Jos only after a fight B. the colonialists left Jos reluctantly C. Jos could not contain the many colonialists D. Nigeria’s independence forced many colonialists out of Jos. 5. ‘The heat of Jos dances caressingly on the surface of the skin as if afraid to hurt the organs beneath’ this means in Jos it is A. never hot B. always cold C. never uncomfortable D. always warm. PASSAGEII Population has at last made the grade and emerged as a world problem. Unfortunately, most of those who speak or write about it persist in thinking of it in terms of a race between human numbers and world resources especially of food - a kind of competition between production and reproduction. Certainly, the statistics churned out are important revealing that indeed, there is a population explosion. But the real explosion is a twentieth centuryphenomenon, due primarily to the spectacular development in medicine and hygiene. This has drastically cut down death rates without any corresponding reduction in birth rates; death control without birth control. World population we are told has more than doubled since 1900 andwill certainly reach well over 5½billion and possibly 7 billion by themagical year 2000. The population has brought us up against a number of tough ecological facts.Man is at last pressing hard on his spatial environment - there is little leeway left for his colonization of new areas of the world’s surface… What are people for? Surely people do not exist just to provided ‘ bomb-fodder’ for an atomic bonfire or ‘religious fodder’ for rival religion sects or ‘cannon-fodder’ for rival national armies or rival political parties or even consumer-fodder’ for profit making systems. It cannot be their aim just to eat, drink and be merry and to hell with posterity nor to live out their undernourished lives in some squalidAsian or African village. Man’s dominant aim must be to increase in quality-quality of human personality, of achievement, of inner experience, quality of life and of living in general. Fulfillment is probably the embracing word; more ‘fulfillment’ more satisfaction and less frustration for more Homo sapiens. Man wantsmore varied and fuller achievement in the society as opposed to drabness and shrinkages. We want more knowledge and more interest as against ignorance and apathy. Then would we know that the spatial environment is not as small as we think. 6. The theme of the passage is A. population explosion and development in medicine B. man in a deprived world C. development in medicine and hygiene D. population and theneed for qualitativedevelopment. 7. Population explosion is as a result of A. cut down in death rates and birth rates B. lack of birth control and child welfare C. development in environmental sanitation D. imbalance between death control and birth control. 8. According to the passage, population explosion has brought man up against the ecological facts of A. man’s inhumanity toman, hunger and deprivation B. pressing hard on the little available space C. little leeway of man’s colonization of people D. squalidAfrican villages. 9. According to the passage, the main purpose of human existences is A. for procreation B. to provide cannon-fodder C. to live perpetually in penury D. to live a life of fulfillment. 10. ‘Little leeway’ can be replaced with A. not much extra space B. no extra space C. plenty of space D. scarcely any space. PASSAGEIII There is another interesting fact about eyemovement. If you record the eye movements of someone who is reading you will notice that from time to time the reader goes back and looks again at something he has read before; in other words, he regresses to an earlier part of the text probably because he realises he does not understand the passage properly. Then he comes back to where he left off and continues reading. At one time, it was thought that regression was a fault, but it is a fact a very necessary activity in efficient reading. There are several different kinds of fault in reading, which are usuallymore exaggerated with foreign learners. The most common one is that most people read more slowly than they should. There is no rate at which people ought to read of course; it depends on your purpose in reading, how difficult the language is, howunfamiliar the material is and so on. But most people read everything at the same slow speed and do not seem to realise that they can read faster or slower as required. Other people say the words to themselves or move their lips - these habits slow the reader down to something near speaking speed, which is of course much slower than reading speed. Another habit which can slow you down is following the line with your finger, or with a pen. If you want to be able to read faster the secret is simply to practise under timed conditions. This means that you should give yourself a certain amount of time to read with understanding then check your time when you have finished. Students who have practised fast reading even for only an hour a week, have shown average improvements of over 50% over a term of ten weeks’ duration. Reading fast does not necessarilymean reading with less comprehension - in fact students usually show small increase in comprehension as well as a dramatic increase in speed. [Wallace, M.C: Study Skills in English, C.U.P. 1980] 11. The expression ‘There is no rate at which people ought to read of course... is used to A. justify regression in reading B. condemn slow reading habits C. justify a variety of reading speeds D. recommend regression in reading. 12. According to the passage, the reader regresses so that he can A. look again at what he has read before B. appreciatewhat he is reading C. make sense of what he is reading D. remember what he is reading. 13. For effective reading, the writer implies that speaking speed is A. normal B. inadequate C. necessary D. significant 14. The word ‘exaggerated’ as used in the passage, means A. pronounced B. problematic C. falsified D. compounded 15. Thewriter implies that when you read unfamiliarmaterial, your reading speed will be A. faster B. regular C. irregular D. slower. PASSAGE IV The passage below has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap. On the 21st of June 1994, theDirector – General received in his office a visitor, the first of its kind in his life. Even though he really could not make any meaning out of his name, the visitor’s second statement that he was a court …16… [A. bailiff B. messenger C. litigant D. clerk] readily gave the Director - General a clear picture of the man’s purpose. He immediately gave to the Director- General two sets of papers. The first was a …17… [A. writ of summonsB. subpoenaC. call notice D. letter] which was to notify the Director- General that he and the agency he represented were being sued for …18…[A. battery B. slander C. libel D. contempt] and that he should seek the services of a lawyer who would appear for him on the 6th of July when the case was for mention. The second paper was on a motion of …19…[ A. summons B. order C. decision D. interlocutory injunction] which, if granted by the court would restrain the Director – General or the …20…[A.defender B. defedant C. litigant D. prosecution] from publishing further anything on the staff of the ministry or the …21…[A. witness B. exhibits C. plaintiffs D. perjurer]. The motion was also slated for 6th July. On the day of the mention and the motion, the court became alive as early as 8.30 a.m as the …22…[A. presiding judge B. court clerk C. justice D. prosecutor] was known for his punctuality. He would sit at exactly 9 a.m . The plaintiffs and their counsel were the first to come into the court room, then came the defence counsel. At the dot of the hour, three bangs were heard, immediately after which the court clerk announced the presence of the judge. In no time the court clerk read out the case and both counsels announced their …23…[A. presence B. appearances C. arrivals D.interests] . The counsel to the plaintiffs moved his motion relying on a six- paragraph…24…[A. oathB. affidavit C. presentation D. arguments ] which contained the facts of the case. In response, the defence counsel argued on the premise of an eigth- paragraph …25…[A. counter affidavit B. declaration C. submission D. summons]. Themotion was granted according to themerit of the argument of the first lawyer. LEXISANDSTRUCTURE In each of questions 26 to35, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence . 26. IfIleft thecountry,Iwould arrangeformyfamilytojoinme. A. He left the country and his family joined him B. In the event of his leaving the country, his familywould join him. C. He did not leave the country and his family did not join him. D. He may not leave the country. 27. A state ofmutual hatred existed for years between the two villages ofUmuna and Ogboma . A. Umuna hated Ogboma. B. Ogboma hated Umuna. C. Ogboma and Umuna hated themselves D. Umuna and Ogboma hated each other. 28. The painting in the museum was beautifully faked. A. The painting was a good deceptive replica. B. The painting was well-framed and displayed. C. The painting was deceptively decorated in themuseum. D. The painting was carefully hung in museum. 29. Ade: Do you mind if I sit down here? Bola: well, yes I do actually. A. Bola is reluctantly granting the request. B. Bola is willingly accepting the request. C. Bola is certainly rejecting the request. D. Bola is objecting to the request. 30. The President held forth for severalminutes on the need for patriotism. A. The President was silent for some minutes when patriotism was being discussed. B. The President whispered a few things about patriotism. C. The President spent time saying a few things about patriots. D. The President gave a rather long speech on the importance of patriotism. 31. The slide in the price ofgold in theworldmarket has left the industry reeling. A. The gradual fall in gold price is making the industry unstable. B. The stability in gold price is making the industry stagnant. C. The decline in gold price is making the industry redundant. D. The increase in gold price ismaking the industry to boom. 32. Fabricated statements published as truths amount to an abuse of press freedom. A. To make known what is not true is aggressive to press freedom. B. Publishing formulated untruths is misused press freedom. C. Unplanned publicized untruths are a misuse of the freedom of the press. D. Press freedom is based on published untruths. 33. The expected guests arrived at the eleventh hour. A. The guests arrived at the last minute. B. The guests arrived a 11 o’ clock. C. The guests arrived at the expected time. D. The guests arrived eleven hours behind schedule. 34. After addressing the court for two hours, the defence counsel rested her case. A. The defence counsel was tired after speaking for two hours, so she took a break. B. The judge adjourned the defence counsel’s case after listening for two hours. C. The defence counsel concluded her defence after speaking for two hours. D. The judge advised the defence counsel to rest after two hours of address. 35. Benjamin exclaimed, ‘If it isNapoleon who said it, itmust be right.’ A. Benjamin never believes what Napoleon says. B. Benjamin does not know what is right unless Napoleon says it. C. Napoleon always says what Benjamin believes to be right. D. Benjamin thinks that Napoleon always says the right thing. In each of questions 36 to 53, choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics. 36. The chairman’s verdict redressed the injustice meted out by the secretary. A. corrected B. restored C . aggravated D. addressed 37. Uche could not travel last December because of the severity of the harmattan. A. cold B. mildness C. warmth D. moderation 38. Traveling in the night can be an ordeal. A. a great exercise B. a great fear C. a great endurance D. moderation 39. Mrs. Kofi is very provocative in her style of dressing. A. modest B. happy C. angry D. beautiful. 40. Akoso thought that her father was very callous. A. indifferent B. compassionate C.wicked D. careless. 41. ‘The Lions of Cameroun’ is really an indomitable team A. a powerful B. a prominent C. aweak D. a cowardly 42. To almost everyone in the little village,Ada’s behaviour was most odious A. repulsive B. difficult C. attractive D. charming. 43. Aduma was so vociferous during the meeting of the congregation that he succeeded in incurring the wrath of the chairman. A. anger B. admiration C. displeasure D. sympathy. 44. It was an inopportune moment for you tomake that suggestion. A. an ideal B. a wrong C. an exact D. a sad . 45. He devoted too much time to the peripheral aspects A. unimportant B. superficial C. minor D. main. 46. The climate of Nigeria is an enervating one A. a weakening B. an energy sapping C. an invigorating D. a sluggish. 47. The girl’s idiosyncrasywas a passion for bread and butter. A. stupid outburst B. general tendency C. singular characteristic D. occupational calling. 48. Once he has decided that something needs doing, my brother is very unswerving of purpose. A. erratic B. tenacious C. stubborn D. simple. 49. Those were the days of the fallacy that some languages are primitive while others are not A. argument B. excuse C. misconception D. truth 50. She is immune to the flattery of young men. A. resistant B. susceptible C. insensible D. unresponsive 51. Events inSouthAfricaindicateakind ofpolitical renascence.A. rejuvenation B. decline C. turbulence D. upheaval. 52. If we must live together as one people, wemust learn to tolerate disparate dispositions. A. converging B. accommodating C. conflicting D. opposing. 53. Thepresidential aspirantwarnedof thepolitical catastrophe that would follow if the election were rigged. A. problem B. turmoil C. success D.conflagration. In each of questions 54 to 73, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word (s) or phrases in italics 54. The material in the book is presented within an eclectic framework. A. simple B. a broad C. a restricted D. clumsy. 55. Ohiokhen had a brainwave as to how she could deal with the problem. A. an imagination B. a desire C. a headache D. anidea. 56. Surely,Ahmed isa ball of fire. A. quarrelsome person B. a hot-headed activist C. a fiery speaker or writer D. a very energetic person. 57. This time, she will be competing with a dark horse. A. a weak and low- spirited person B. a person about whom little is known C. an unpopular candidate D. a person as strong as a horse. 58. In answer to the question as to how life is treating him, the stranger said ‘it never rains but it pours’. A. the blessings of life shower on him like heavy rain B. he is contented with his improved fortunes C. things are getting decidedly worse D. his financial status is deteriorating. 59. After many years of struggle as a trader he struck gold A. became quite rich B. won a big contract C. became a goldminer D. became a goldsmith. 60. One significant characteristics of the jet age is that it encourages people to cut corners. A. not to face all problems B. to want to become rich quickly C. to want to avoid necessary hardships D. not to do the proper thing at the right time. 61. Any student found guilty of examination malpractice should be allowed to stew in his own juice. A. taste a repeat of the examination B. suffer the consequences of his action C. bear the burnt of the disgrace D. forfeit the opportunity of further education. 62. The lady who won the beauty contest had a good gait A. stature B. figure C. elegance D. carriage. 63. It would need a high flyer to make a first class degree in the university. A. a smart performer B. an outright genius C. an outstanding scholar D. an unmitigated swot. 64. What you will find in the book is a bird’s eye view of the subject. A. a detailed account B. a balanced discussion C. a biased treatment D. a general survey. 65. Hers was a chequered career A. an interesting and successful career B. a career full of sorrowand tears C. a bright and memorable career D. a career full of ups and downs. 66. If experience is anything to go by, this action will prove a political minefield. A. a sources of political benefits B. a way out of political trouble C. a causes for political joy D. an invitation to political problems 67. In my view, the play didn’t come off. A. succeed B. fail C. attract applause D. take place 68. When the chips are down, we will know those who have the courage to stand. A. When we get to a crisis point B. In the final analysis C. When the blocks are lowered D. When we get to the end of the road. 69. She said boxing is in fact her pet aversion. A. something she likes verymuch B. something she dislikes verymuch C. a hobby she loves to pursue D. one thing she can’t miss 70. The gateman does his work perfunctorily. A. without commitment B. with speed C. grudgingly D. ethusiastically 71. Members of the panel were working at cross purposes. A. in harmony B. in disunity C. for selfish purpose D. for selfless purposes 72. The youngman who distributed political pamphlets on campus was promptly repudiated. A. disowned B. arrested C. warned D. killed 73. Adayi is a die-hard criminal. A. hard to kill B. hard to arrest C. remorseless D. resentless In each of questions 74 to 100, fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap. 74. In moments of serious economic hardship, manypeople are…[A. concernedB. inclinedC. disposedD. propensed] to turn to God. 75. We cannot all wear expensive shoes in situation of … [A. divergent demand and supply B. uneven wear and tear C.differing purchasing power D. unpredictable national income]. 76. That center-forward was… [A. in an off-side position B. very well positioned C. a brilliant player D. the captain of the team]; consequently the goal was not disallowed. 77. AIDS is… [A. too much a deadly B. very deadly C. so deadly a D. such deadly a] disease that it kills slowly but surely. 78. We had a dull evening because… [A. hardly the talk had begun when the lights went off B. hardly had the talk begun when the lights went off C. the talk had hardly begun when the lights had gone out D. the lights had hardly gone out when the talk began]. 79. Soyinka’s masterful… [A. evocation B. invocation C. convocation D. revocation] of the atmosphere of his childhood helped tomake his book,Ake, an outright success. 80. Students will always blame their teachers when examination results are unfavourable… [A. won’t they B. wouldn’t they C. isn’t it D. can’t they] 81. Okonkwo is a stubborn man; hewill never…[ A. chew B. spit C. eat D. bite] his words. 82. Kindly…me your book because my friend has … [A. borrow/borrowed B. borrow/lent C. lend/lent D. lend/borrowed] mine. 83. Three-quarters of the church… [A. were B. was C. is D. are] painted bymembers the previous day. 84. Two young boys have been caught with parts of the stolen machine but …[A. neither of them has B. neither of them have C. none of them has D. none of them have] admitted stealing it. 85. Watching carefully, I could see the fish… [A. doting B. crawling C. diving D. darting] along the bottom. 86. Emeka is now a…student but it took him years to … [A. matured/mature B. mature/mature C. mature/ matured D. matured/ matured]. 87. The rebels will soon fight back.We have been informed …their… [A. of/predicament B. about/indulgence C. on/rearmament D. as for/advancement]. 88. Ali was honest and quiet as a schoolboy, but toomuch drinking has now changed his…and… [A. temperature/injured B. character/tightened C. temperament/loosened D. innocence/worsened] his tongue. 89. The hospital was closed…because there were no beds to put patients ... [A. again/upon B. off/on C. down/ at D. up/in]. 90. The judgewith his son… [A. were B. shall C. is D. are] traveling to Lagos now. 91. A university teacher is an… [A. academic B. academics C. academician D. academia]. 92. The adventurers ran intomany… [A. dear B. dears C. deers D. deer]. 93. The argument between the two neighbours degenerated into …[A. a free to all B. a free fight C. a flee for all D. a free for all fight]. 94. The class… [A. comprised of B. comprises of C. comprise D. comprises] more girls than boys this session. 95. The tourist bought… [A. a brown small Nigerian earthen pot B. a small brown Nigerian earthen pot C. an earthen brown small Nigerian pot D. a Nigerian small brown earthen pot]. 96. I have already… [A. hanged B. hunged C. hang D. hung] the picture on the sitting room wall. 97. Most of us will attend the conference… [A. holding B. held C. being held D. to hold] at Ibadan later this years. 98. I shall work hard so that I can… [A. secure B. make C. receive D. grab] a distinction in English. 99. The babywas rather… [A. muchmore troublesome B. much too troublesome C. so much troublesome D. very much troublesome] than I could bear. 100. Students were forbidden …[A. from joining B. in joining C. to join D. on joining] any secret society. Use of English 1999 COMPREHENSION Read passages, I, II & III carefully and answer the questions that follow. Each question carries 3 marks. PASSAGE I If present trends continue, theworldwould face a major crisis by the end of this century: insufficient cheap, convenient energy. For without such energy, industrial production will fall, agricultural output will drop, transport will be restricted and standard of living in developed countries will plummet. At present, almost all our energy comes from fossil fuels. The earth’s reserves of fossil fuels have been formed from organic matter subjected to enormous heat and pressure for millions of years. But such reserves are finite. Because power demand is increasing very rapidly, fossil fuels will be exhausted within a relatively short time.We can estimate the amount of recoverable fuel under the surface of the earth and we knowthe rate at which it is being extracted. Fairly simple calculations can therefore determine its remaining life. If present trends continue, gas and oil reserves will be exhausted by the middle of the 21st century – about 70 years from now. Similar estimates for coal and wood reserves suggest a projected supply of 250-300 years. Of course, long before fossil fuels are exhausted, demand will greatly exceed supply. For too many years, the world has consumed fossil fuels with little thought for the future. In fact, world energy consumption increased almost 600% between 1900 and 1965 and it is projected to increase by another 450% between 1965 and the year 2000. Crude oil has been pumped out of the ground for about 100 years, but over half of it has been consumed in the past 18 years. Coal has been mined for over 800 years, but over a half of it has been extracted in the past 37 years. In sum,most of the world’s consumption of energy from fossil fuels throughout history, has taken placewithin livingmemory. 1. Fromthewriter’s description oftheworld energysituation, we may conclude that A. developing nations will soon experience poverty B. demand for recoverable fuel will plummet C. consumption has not affected production D. decline has not affected demand. 2. Thewriter seems to suggest that developed nations should A. always calculate a fossil fuel’s remaining life B. reduce industrial and agricultural production C. reduce dependence on fossil fuels D. review industrial dependence on energy. 3. Thewriter warns that the world could A. lose all its oil reserves in a mater of years B. face energy crisis soon if production is not stepped up C. experience scarcity and low energy price soon D. face low energy supply and poor agricultural output. 4. The expression, standard of living in developed countries will plummet, means A. the economy of rich nations will stagnate B. economic life will improve in rich nations C. purchasing power will decline sharply in rich nations D. people in developed nations will experience boom. 5. Fossil fuels are used in the passage include A. wood, kerosene and natural gas B. oil, coal and natural gas C. lignite, butane and charcoal D. wood, coal and oil. PASSAGEII When Thomas Jefferson wrote in theAmerica Declaration of Independence that ‘all men are created equal’, he was not seeking to describe men’s endowments, but their political and legal rights. He was not saying that men do not differ from one another in the powers and dimensions of their bodies, minds and characters. He was asserting that, despite variations and differences, they all possessed the right to equal political and legal treatment. We must, however, ask of what real value are political and legal equality to a man who has no bread to eat, no clothes to wear, no roof to shelter him, no chance to earn a livelihood? What we understand as democratic society must provide for its citizen’s minimum status as a member of that society, that keeps him frombecoming a beggar, outcast or outlaw and that offers him some protection in his deprivation, losses and fears. In our time, the nations of the democratic world have installed elaborate systems of social security and welfare, ranging from compensation for industrial accidents to subsidized housing, unemployment insurance, old age pensions, to provide against the characteristic losses and disasters of human life. The evolving status of the Negro in America is attracting the attention of the champions of equality. Much has been written on the wrongs, injustices and inequalities of the coloured citizen of theUSAand much remains to be said, because the history of this struggle for human rights is still unfolding. [John Coghlan] 6. It could be deduced from the passage that A. citizenshaveequal politicalandlegaltreatment inAmerica B. the nations of the democraticworld have no political and legal hierarchy C. democratic nations are expanding the provision of social welfare. D. equality obliterates differences and variations among races and nations. 7. According to the passage, a democratic nation is onewhich A. arranges welfare packages for every citizen B. absorbs the negro into its political structure C. grants equality to all citizens D. ensures socio-political and legal equalityfor everycitizen. 8. One of the social services provided by democratic nations is A. catering for beggars and outcasts B. social welfare schemes C. protection from human rights abuses D. security against national disasters. 9. From the passage, it is obvious that A. there is a hierarchy of rights B. allmen possess the right to equal political affiliations C. there is deprivation in the society D. the negro in America are champions of equality. 10. A suitable title for the passage is A. Democracy B. Discrimination C. Equality D. Freedom PASSAGEIII In many places in the world today, the poor are getting poorer while the rich are getting richer, and the programmes of development planning and foreign aid appear to be unable to reverse this trend. Nearly all the developing countries have a modern sector, where the patterns of living and working are similar to those in developed countries. But they also have a non-modern sector, where the patterns of living andworking are not only unsatisfactory, but in many cases are even getting worse. What is the typical condition of the poor in developing countries? Their work opportunities are so limited that they cannot work their way out of their situation. They are underemployed, or totally unemployed; when they do find occasional work, their productivity is extremely low. Some of them have land, but often too little land. Many have no land, and no prospect of ever getting any. There is no hope for them in the rural areas and so, theydrift into the big cities. But there is no work for them in the big cities either -- and of course no housing. All the same, they flock into the cities because their chances of finding some work appear to be greater there than in the villages – where they are nil. Rural unemployment, then, produces mass-migration into the cities; rural unemployment becomes urban unemployment. The problem can be stated quite simply: what can be done to promote economic growth outside the big cities, in the small towns and villages, which still contain 80 to 90% of the total population? The primary need is work places, literally millions of workplaces. 11. The expression ‘work their way out of their situation’ means. A. walk from one village to another B. migrate from village to city C. work their way out of their village D. change their circumstances. 12. Where are the rich getting richer and the poor poorer? A. In nearly all developing countries. B. In a majority of countries in the world. C. In developing countries with modern sectors. D. In countries with non-modern sectors. 13. Underemployment among the villagers refers to A. lack of sufficient land for everyone B. lowproductivitywhen working C. fewer people for many jobs D. more people for fewer jobs. 14. The gap between the rich and the poor widens because there A. are no jobs in the rural areas B. are no employment opportunities in the city C. is no work in the village and the city D. is lowgrowth rate in productivity. 15. Migration to the city among villagers is caused by A. attractions of the city B. lowproductivity in the village C. inadequate job opportunities in the village D. shortage of land for cultivation. PASSAGEIV The passage below has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose themost appropriate option for each gap. Each question carries 2marks. Publishing is a fast growing business in Nigeria and there are therefore, many publishing houses all over the country. When …16…(A. an article B. an essay C. a book D. amanuscript) is submitted by an author, the publisher sends it …17… (A. an assessor B. an evaluator C. a checker d. an examiner) to know if it is actually publishable. This step is important because the publisher wants to make sure that the book catches the…18… (A. market B. audience C. students D. shops) when it is eventually published. In a good publishing house, there is …19… (A. an error-proof B. an editorial C. lithographic D. an evaluation) section which is concerned with …20… (A. proof-readingB. reading over C.scanning overD. skimming over) themanuscript and correcting both the spelling and typing errors. After this, the manuscript is …21…(A. typewritten B. typeset C. double-spaced D. single-spaced) in readiness for …22…(A. photocopying B. xeroxingC. filming D. printing). The printed…23…(A. itemsB. bulletin C. copiesD. specimen) are then stored in the warehouse and a fewof them may be sent to the author as …24…(A. complementary B. complimentary C. acknowledgement D. sample) copies. Since it is not just the aim of the publisher to offset the cost of production but also to make some gains, there is a strong marketing division which promotes sales. A certain percentage of the cover price of the book is paid to the author as …25.. (A. royalty B. honorarium C. dividend D. interest) LEXISANDSTRUCTURE In each of questions 26 – 30, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.Each questioncarries 2 marks. 26. The horizon may not be clear now, but the troubled spots have certainly been noted. A. The horizon is dependent on the troubled spots. B. Clarity of the horizon is dependent on the perception of the troubled spots. C. Thetroubled spots aremore perceptible than the horizon. D. Horizon, clarity of the troubled spots and certainty are remarkably noted. 27. The crowd in the hall is intimidating. A. The crowd is frightening. B. The crowd is angry C. The crowd is overwhelming. D. The crowd is riotous. 28. The manager said that the new loaf was the last word in bakery. A. The loaf was the best ever baked. B. The loaf was the last to be baked. C. The loaf was the worst to have been baked. D. The loafwas the last in the baker’s directory. 29. Hundreds of used items will go under the hammer during the weekend. A. Unserviceable goods will be publicly destroyed at the weekend. B. Impounded household items will be sold to the public before the weekend. C. Damaged items will be sold next weekend. D. Many old items will be auctioned this weekend. 30. The reformists say elections cannot be free and fair unless a number of constitutional changes are effected. A. Reformation depends on constitutional changes. B. Free and fair elections depend on lawreforms. C. Free and fair elections are the primary concern of the reformists. D. Effecting constitutional changes is dependent on electoral reforms. In each of questions 31 to 49, choose the option opposite in meaning to theword(s) or phrase in italics. 31. After the surgical operation, the doctor gave the indication that Mr. Idogo will pull through. A. be maimed B. survive C. die D. be revived. 32. His cruelty to his mother defies logical explanation. A. demands B. offers C. projects D. precludes. 33. The tennis player surreptitiously swapped rackets after the first set. A. openly retained B. overtly exchanged. C. quietly surrendered D. violently swung 34. They attacked all regulations designed to emasculate student militancy. A. condone B. isolate C. punish D. strengthen 35. There is no point dissipating energy on a useless argument. A. destroying B. conserving C. marshalling D. storing 36. Thesecretary runsdownanybodythatdoesnot singhispraises. A. hates B. pleases C. honours D. discredits 37. Everyone, including the Principal, believed that he was a very assiduous student. A. assertive B. industrious C. aggressive D. casual 38. The dancing troupe put up a flawless performance. A. an interesting B. an imperfect C. a satisfactory D. a careless 39. My brother married a loquacious woman. A. quiet B. noisy C. talkative D. beautiful 40. My eldest brother is now faced with the vicissitudes of married life. A. amazement B. sweetness C. amiability D. stability 41. My father’s advice to me was quite invaluable. A. useless B. useful C. helpful D. unsolicited 42. The Minister has finally been dropped from the present cabinet because of his ignoble act. A. criminal B. ignorant C. honourable D. selfish 43. There is much indifference in his behaviour A. concern B. nonchalance C. willingness D. inconsistency 44. Most warring countries end up in a state of satiation. A. hunger B. thirst C. danger D. famine 45. The officer asked for a more temperate assessment of thematter. A. extreme B. moderate C. radical D. human 46. The lecturers were advised to carry out a cursory survey ofNigerian languages. A. detailed study B. careful teaching C. careful description D. partial consideration 47. Musa hates Hadiza for her constant bellicose behaviour. A. violent B. gentle C. meek D. troublesome 48. Abdul is fond of his teacher though he sometimes makes derogatory remarks about him. A. unpleasant B. complimentary C. expressive D. inconsiderate 49. Orinya balances the pail on her head with accustomed ease. A. convincing B. surprising C. unwary D. unusual In each of questions 50 to 64, choose the option nearest in meaning to theword(s) or phrase in italics. 50. They have tried to circumvent the restriction on the importation of the commodities. A. bypass B. confront C. oppose D. challenge 51. It was surprising how we took to the stranger at once. A. talked so long with B. introduced ourselves to C. formed a liking for D. started fighting 52. The government is not opening up to the unions in the negotiations; it must have something up its sleeve. A. be nursing a hidden agenda B. be hoping to trap them C. be hiding a last minute package D. be intending to dissolve the unions 53. The College Officer insisted that I show him my credentials before I could be registered. A. papers B. qualifications C. testimonials D. identities 54. Even though there is no obvious riot on the campus, the atmosphere is restive. A. quiet B. chaotic C. restless D. tense 55. When he found himself in a difficult situation, he tried to double-talk his way through. A. talk to two people to help him. B. mix up issues to sound nervous C. mix up facts to confuse people D. talk twice to gain sympathy 56. Mr. Dzokoto plays the piano with great dexterity. A. wisdom B. power C. force D. skill 57. Amina said she married a doting husband. A. a loving B. a fun-loving C. an uncaring D. a nagging 58. Adamuwoke upwith a start and took to his heels, claiming that something was on his trail. A. in his food B. giving him the chase C. hiding near the bed D. staring at him 59. The man preaches egalitarianism without matching it up with action. A. salvation B. dedication C. kindness D. equality 60. The prosecutor was accused of obstructing justice. A. hindering B. retarding C. impending D. interrupting 61. The Federal Government approved a new salary structure as an incentive for the Nigerian workers. A. a reward B. an encouragement C. a package D. an advance 62. Before embarking on his current research, the professor carried out a feasibility study of the area. A. thorough B. perfectibility C. complete D. practicability 63. It was a spending spree for all of us when daddy hit the jackpot. A. cashed his cheque B. received his salary C. found money in a pot D. won a lot ofmoney 64. All the accident victims are bleeding profusely. A. slowly B. excessively C. diffusely D. clearly In questions 65 to 89, fill each gap with the most appropriate option fromthe list provided. 65. It was late when we decided to get…. the train A. off B. down C. out of D. out from 66. The accident was due to… driving by the defendant. A. negligence B. negligible C. negligent D. neglectable 67. My friend and I have been quarrelling since yesterday and we haven’t…yet. A. made it out B. made out C. made it D. made it up 68. He is so credulous… my story about the ghost. A. to believe B. that he believes C. in order to believe D. since he believes 69. The group never felt strong enough to act in the open; hostilitywas the hallmark of their resistance. A. covert B. overt C. vicious D. erratic 70. The freed robber expressed his gratitude in a…prayer of thanksgiving. A. spurious B. spasmodic C. spontaneous D. sporadic 71. He boasts so much about his high scores and he... at the efforts of others. A. scorns B. sneers C. grins D. smiles 72. The visitor was very uncomfortable because of his…nose. A. runny B. running C. watery D. flowing 73. Although theOfficer wanted a…report on the matter, he got… account. A. truthful/an uninteresting B. factual/an unpleasant C. genuine/a ridiculous D. painstaking/a half-hearted 74. Immediately I entered the house, I could…. the smell of gas from the kitchen. A. feel B. hear C. detect D. smell 75. I am…admission to the university this year. A. seeking on B. seeking for C. seeking at D. seeking 76. Some robbers are on the prowl, wemust be … A. alert B. at alert C. on the alert D. for alert 77. Mrs. Ojowas one of…in my village. A. the first two enlightened young ladies B. the two first enlightened young ladies C. the two first young enlightened ladies D. the first two young enlightened ladies. 78. My friend’s car has…to a halt. A. grinded B. grounded C. ground D. grind 79. By twelve midnight, we will be…en route for Britain. A. airbourned B. airborne C. air borned D. airbourne 80. The old man’s speech has become completely… A. uncomprehensible B. uncomprehensive C. incomprehensive D. incomprehensible 81. His chances in the games…seriously jeopardized. A. havebeen B. has been C. havebeing D. hasbeing 82. We found it difficult to identify him as the crowd was… around him. A. head to head B. head above head C. shoulder from shoulder D. shoulder to shoulder 83. The Principal expressed his…when the students broke the rules…and he didn’t know how to stop them. A. anger/everyday B. frustration/time and again C. disappointment/understandably D. powerlessness/occasionally 84. Theywere all behaving like a bunch of…children. A. querulous B. querulous C. querrullous D. quarrelous 85. Our economic programme is…commitment toNigeria’s economic growth. A. deeply root in B. root in deep C. rooted in a deep D. deeply rooted in deep 86. Youwould be well…to listen towhat the teachers says. A. informed B. advised C. reminded D. warned 87. Ndem was suspended from work because he showed no…in dealing with the customers. A. love B. interest C. character D. finesse 88. Aggrieved persons are free to seek…in the court of law. A. reparation B. redress C. consolation D. acquittal 89. After two years of courtship, Jide is finally…Ngozi next Sunday. A. being married to B. marrying C. married to D. being married by In questions 90 and 91, identify the word that hasa different stress pattern from the others. 90. A. Interlocutor B. Opportunity C. Ambiguity D. Actualization 91. A. Interrupt B. Contribute C. Harmattan D. Entertain In each of questions 92 to 94, the word in capital letters has an emphatic stress. Choose the option that best fits the expression in the sentence. 92. The fire destroyed MANY lives. A. Did the fire destroy the village? B. Did the fire destroy some houses? C. Did the fire destroy any lives? D. Did the fire spare any lives? 93. The accused hasn’t even been TRIED yet. A. Was the accused sentenced to life imprisonment? B. Has the suspect been apprehended? C. Why hasn’t the accused been tried yet? D. Was the accused handed over to the police? 94. The electricity in OUR premises comes from a generator. A. Is the electricity in your compound supplied by a generator? B. Is the electricity in your neighbour’s premises supplied by a generator? C. Does the electricity in your premises come fromNEPA? D. Does everybody in your street receive electricity from generators? In each of questions 95 to 97, choose fromthe options the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. 95. Rust A. loud B. touch C. bought D. march 96. Research A. disturb B. comfort C. affair D. carry 97. Plateau A. wanted B. below C. holiday D. haunted. In each of questions 98 to 100, choose the word that does not have the same vowel sound as the others. 98. A. deep B. lease C. meet D. lace 99. A. loot B. boot C. rout D. route 100. A. sun B. shun C. son D. short COMPREHENSION Read passages I, II & II carefully and answer the questions that follow. Each question carries 3 marks. PASSAGE I Time was when boys used to point toy guns and say ‘Bang!’Now, they aim real guns and shoot one another. Nearly 4,200 teenagerswere killed byfirearms in 1990.Onlymotor vehicle accidents kill more teenagers than firearms and the firearms figures are rising. The chance that a black male between the ages of 15 and 19will be killed by a gun has almost tripled since 1985 and almost doubled for white males, according to the National Centre for Health Statistics. Who could disagree with Health and Human Services Secretary, Donna Shalala, when she pronounced these statistics ‘frightening and intolerable?’ In the shameful light of this ‘waste of young lives’ in Ms. Shalala’s words, an often-asked question seems urgently due to be raised again: Would less violence on television – the surrounding environment for most children and young adults – make violence in actual life less normal, less accepted, less horrifying? It may be difficult to prove an exact correlation between the viewer of fantasized violence and the criminal who acts out violence after turning off the set. But if the premise of education is granted – that good models can influence the young – then it follows that bad models can have an equivalent harmful effect. This is the reasonable hypothesis held by 80 percent of the respondents to a recent TimesMirror poll who think that violent entertainment is ‘harmful’ to society. Witness enough mimed shootouts, see enough ‘corpses’ fall across the screen, and the taking of a human life seems no big deal. Even if a simple causal relationship cannot be established between watching violence and acting it out, is not this numbed sensitivity reason enough for cutting back on the overkill in films and TV? From: The Christian Science Monitor, April 16 – 22, 1993, p. 20, CSPS, Boston, MA, USA. 1. The writer uses ‘numbed sensitivity’ to refer to A. deadening of the capacity to feel B. objectionable behaviour C. heartlessness on the part of actors. D. unreasonable violence. 2. What will actually be proved ‘if the premise of education is granted’? A. Entertainment on television is harmful to society. B. Violence on television encourages violence in real life. C. Good models can influence the young. D. The viewer of fantasized violence is the criminal who acts out violence. 3. From the passage, it can be inferred that since 1985 A. more black males between the ages of 15 and 19 havebeen killing one another with guns. B. more black males between the ages of 15 and 19 have been getting killed by guns. C. more white than blackmales have been getting killed by guns. D. more black than white males have been killing one another with guns. 4. The writer says ‘the firearms figures are rising’ because A. more teenagers are now getting killed by firearms than bymotor vehicle accidents B. firearms nowhave figures that are terribly high C. more teenagers now carry fire arms than used to be the case D. more teenagers are now getting killed by firearms than used to be the case. 5. In SecretaryDonna Shalala’s view, the situation depicted by the statistics is A. tense and reassuring B. topical and intimidating C. alarming andunbearable D. disturbing andconducive. PASSAGEII You would think that the common cold should be easy enough to study, but it is not so easy as it looks. Colds often seem to spread fromone person to another, so it is often assumed that the cold must be infectious, but there are some puzzling observations which do not fit in with this theory. An investigator in Holland examined some eight thousand volunteers from different areas and came to the conclusion that in each group the colds all appeared at the same time – transfer of infection from case to case could not account for that. Yet at the Common Cold Research Unit in Salisbury the infection theory has been tested out; two series of about two hundred people each were inoculated, one with salt water and the other with secretions from known cold victims. Only one of the salt-water group got a cold, compared with seventy-three in the other group. In the British Medical Journal the other day, there was a report of a meeting, ‘The Common Cold -- Fact and Fancy’, at which one of the speakers reported a study of colds made in Cirencester over the last five years. Three hundred and fifty volunteers had kept diary records of their colds and on an average each had seven every year, with an annual morbidity of seventy days. So nearly one-fifth of our lives is spent in more or less misery, coughing and sneezing. Some widely held beliefs about the common cold have turned out not to be true. It seems that old people are just as liable to colds as the young. Sailors in isolated weather ships have just as many colds while on board and not in contact with the outside world as when on shore. It is a truism that common illnesses pose more problems than the rare. The rare disease is by comparison much easier to handle. There are not so many cases and all of them have been intensively studied. Someone has read up all the literature about the disease and published a digest of it. There will be more facts and fewer fancies. Miles Howard: ‘The Spectator’ 6. Which of the following statements can be implied from the passage? A. People catch more colds in winter. B. The origin of colds is inconclusive. C. People catch more colds in warm weather. D. People catch cols equally in warmand coldweather. 7. A rare disease can be more easily dealt with than the common cold because A. medical experts are fed up with the rampant cases of common colds B. people easilydevelop resistance to the common colds C. a dequate research exists to uncover facts bout such Use of English 2000 rare diseases D. common colds are easily not he province of the orthodoxmedical experts. 8. According to the writer, some widely held beliefs about the common colds are: A. inevitable B. irreconcilable C. fallacious D. societal 9. From the information in the passage, there is evidence. A. against the theory that the common cold is infectious B. for the theory that the common cold is indeed infectious C. that old people are immune against the common cold D. thatmedical reports are silent on facts about common colds. 10. The Cirencester volunteers kept a record of their colds through A. the BritishMedical Journal B. morbidity rates C. temperature recordings. D. personal diaries. PASSAGEIII Young men have strong passions, and tend to gratify them indiscriminately. Of the bodily desires, it is the sexual by which they aremost swayed and in which they show absence of self-control. They are changeable and fickle in their desires, which are violent while they last, but quicklyover: their impulses are keen but not deep-rooted, and are like sick people’s attacks of hunger and thirst. They are hot-tempered and quick-tempered, and apt to give way to their anger; bad temper often gets the better of them, for owing to their love of honour they cannot bear being slighted, and are indignant if they imagine themselves unfairly treated. While they love honour, they love victory still more, for youth is eager for superiority over others, and victory is one form of this. They love both more than they love money, which indeed they love very little, not having yet learnt what it means to be without it. They look at the good side rather than the bad, not having yet witnessed many instances of wickedness. They trust others readily, because they have not yet been cheated. They are sanguine; nature warms their blood as though with excess of wine; and besides that, they have as yet met with fewdisappointments. Their lives are mainly spent not in memory but in expectation, for youth has a long future before it and a short past behind it: on the first day of one’s life one has nothing at all to remember, and can only look forward. They are easily cheated owing to the sanguine disposition just mentioned. Their hot tempers and hopeful dispositions make them more courageous than older men are; the hot temper prevents fear, and the hopeful disposition creates confidence; we cannot feel fear so long as we are feeling angry, and any expectation of good makes us confident. Aristole’s Youth and Old-Age, p. 197 11. The expression, ‘not in memory but in expectation’, as used in the passage, implies A. innocence, not experience B. future, not present C. past, not present D. hopelessness, not hopefulness. 12. The statement, ‘nature warms their blood as though with excess of wine’, as used in the text, means A. act with considerable confidence and trust. B. respond with suspicion and alertness C. behave shamelessly like a drunkard D. move with care and self-control. 13. The analogy between young men and sick people is that A. they are easily swayed by emotions B. they are easily controlled by hunger and thirst C. their emotions are active but short-lived D. they are apt to give way to anger. 14. According to the passage, young men are A. violent when they have sexual desires B. active and restive until they satisfy their desires C. indignant and fickle in satisfying their sexual desires D. hot-tempered when they are hungry or thirsty. 15. The writer says that young people are optimistic in their dealings with people because they are. A. steadfast B. courageous C. discreet D. reckless. PASSAGEIV The passage below has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose themost appropriate option for each gap. Each question carries 2marks. With the most profound respect to the members of the Senate, I do not think that it is within the competence of that …16…(A. executiveB. judicialC. administrativeD. legislative) body to pass amotion to …17…(A. enforce B. nullify C. modify D. order) the executive action of the President. The Senate is …18…(A. a wing B. a portion C. an anchor D. an arm) of the National Assembly. But it is not by itself alone the National Assembly. One can imagine the confusion, which would be created if the …19…(A. House of Representatives B. Judiciary C. National Assembly D. Executive Council) were to take a view diametrically opposed to that reflected in the Senate resolution. The strongest objection to the action of the Senate in passing the resolution is the fact that it constituted itself the…20…(A. litigant B. defendant C. plaintiff D. attorney) as well as the judge of the constitutionality of the action of the President. The function of the Senate is to …21… (A. enact B. create C. compose D. annul) laws. But the Senate has no authority or …22… (A. might B. power C. dynamism D. strength) to control the President in the exercise of his …23… (A. official B. authoritative C. judicial D. executive) powers. It cannot by a mere resolution or motion give any directive to the President regarding the exercise of his powers nor can it undo what the President has done in the exercise of those powers. The onlyway in which the exercise of the powers of the President can be…24… (A. modified B. standardized C. regulated D. ordered) is by …25…(A. an Act B. a Decree C. a motion D. a bill) of the National Assembly. Adapted from The Guardian of July 8, 1999, p. 8 LEXIS,STRUCTUREANDORALFORMS (Questions 26 to 62 carry 1 mark each.) In each of the questions 26 to 30, choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letters underlined. 26. boat A. board B. bought C. go D. glory 27. air A. heir B. her C. hear D. fire 28. pleasure A. pliable B. pleat C. plenary D. jeopardy 29. thunder A. prefer B. differ C. confer D. defer 30. tear (noun) A. dare B. care C. here D. wear In questions 31 and 32, choose fromthe options the word that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letters underlined. 31. thought A. theatre B. taught C. weather D. fate 32. caliph A. presently B. perhaps C. powerful D. opponent In each of questions 33 to 36, select theword that has the same pattern of stress as the given word. 33. ENORMOUS A. interest B. solution C. stupidly D. character 34. HONOUR A. hotel B. hyena C. human D. humane 35. QUALITY A. guarantee B. accepted C. bachelor D. relation 36. EDUCATION A. duplicity B. economics C. elaborate D. conjectural In questions 37 and 38, identify the word that has the stress on the second syllable. 37. A. reproduce B. always C. result D. understand 38. A. tomato B. photograph C. yesterday D. tranquil In questions 39 and 40, identify the word that has a different stress pattern from the others. 39. A. integral B. intimate C. discourse D. accelerate 40. A. navigate B. envelop C. legislate D. liberate In each of questions 41 to 62, fill each gap with the most appropriate option fromthe list provided. 41. Without our relentless campaigns, we might…sure of victory in the race for the NationalAssembly. A. never have been B. have never be C. never had been D. be never 42. We are all hungry; we…anything to eat sincemorning. A. didn’t have B. hadn’t had C. haven’t had D. never had 43. To check desertification in the arid zones, … trees should be planted. A. drought-proof B. drought-resisting C. drought-effective D. drought-resistant 44. The loquacious young lad reeled off all the names of the players… A. off head B. offhand C. at heart D. at hand 45. I like the character that played the role of a political…at the last convention of our party. A. thorncoat B. torncoat C. turncoat D. turnedcoat 46. All the traders in the market sawthe woman buy... the imported suits. A. up B. off C. over D. out 47. The man declared his intention from the … A. outset B. inset C. onset D. offset 48. The Team Manager told us that the race could only be won by the… A. flat-footed B. bare-footed C. swift-footed D. fore-footed 49. TheGovernor rejected the bill and withheld his… A. accent B. assent C. access D. ascent 50. The new school is not provided with …for science practical. A. enough equipment B. equipments C. an equipment D. enough equipments 51. Much as I would love to visit him, I’m afraid ... A. Iwon’t B. I can’t C. I can’t be able D. of visiting him 52. Ilesa witnessed the largest ... ofwriters at any convention in recent times. A. turn-around B. turnover C. turn-out D. turn-on 53. The warring factions need words of… A. advise B. adverse C. advises D. advice 54. The politicians were…by the press. A. marooned B. ridiculed C. eclipsed D. ostracized 55. There are many…to her personality. A. moods B. styles C. facets D. faces 56. There are several…in the farmyard. A. sheep B. ewe C. lamb D. goat 57. Audu fought with his…brother. A. senior B. older C. bigger D. elder 58. TheDark Continent was an…for Africa. A. abuse B. enigma C. eclectic D. epithet 59. He arrived…to see his family leave for the countryside. A. in time B. timely C. late D. with time. 60. You can travel on your own, A. isn’t it B. wouldn’tyou. C. can’t you D. shouldn’t you. 61. Our culture does not allow one to…when an elderly person is speaking. A. cut of B. cut off C. cut in D. cut on 62. Raffle draws like gambling often end in a…forme. A. lost B. loss C. loose D. lose In each of questions 63 to 67, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. Each question carries 2marks. 63. If he were here it could bemore fun. A. Hedidnot showup andsotheoccasion lackedmuch fun. B. He was being expected to supplymore fun. C. There was no fun because he was not present. D. Hewas expected but did not showup to liven up the occasion. 64. Though he is our elected representative, he often takes a rather jaundiced viewof our problems. A. He takes a rather hazy view of our problems. B. He takes an unfavourable position concerning our problems. C. He takes a rather forceful view of our problems. D. He takes a sickly view of our problems. 65. When I visited James I only gave him a congratulatory card on account of his promotion. A. The only person I visited was James and nobody else. B. It was onlyJames that I gave a congratulatory card to. C. All I gave James when I visited him was a congratulatory card. D. All I did when I visited James was given a congratulatory card. 66. The events of last Friday show that there is no love lost between the Principal and theVice-Principal. A. They like each other B. Theywork independently. C. They cannot part company D. They dislike each other. 67. Thepolitician’sinflammatoryremarkswereheavilycriticized. A. The politician’s rude remarks were heavily criticized. B. The politician’s provocative remarks were heavily criticized. C. The politician’s bombastic remarks were heavily criticized. D. The politician’s tribalistic remarks were heavily criticized. (Questions 68 to 100 carry 1 mark each) In each of questions 68 to 84, choose the option nearest in meaning to theword(s) or phrase in italics. 68. TheGovernor told the chief that hewas onlyona routine tour. A. normal and regular visit B. unplanned encounter C. surpriseandimpromptucheck D. workingvisitandhomage. 69. The boy was told that he would need several more pints of blood if he was to survive. A. many B. much C. some D. plenty 70. The Principal told the teacher to stop browbeating the children. A. pampering B. bullying C. deceiving D. caning 71. Some actions of theNigerian youth have alienated them from those who were sympathetic to their cause. A. endeared/kindly B. confronted/ill disposed C. separated/opposed D. estranged/well disposed. 72. The essay topic is nebulous. A. vague B. incorrect C. distinct D. clear 73. The man was able to persuade his willful and obstinate daughter to follow the career he chose for her. A. intelligent but arrogant B. unyielding and obdurate C. obscure and odious D. hardworking and intelligent 74. Mr. Okon has been described as an eagle-eyed editor. A. a short-sighted B. a clear-sighted C. a long-sighted D. a quick-sighted. 75. Inspite of her grim situation, the young widowsmiled dutifully at the visitor’s pleasantries. A. unkind comments B. sad stories C. condolencemessages D. jocular remarks 76. I have always believed that my mother is a very impassioned woman. A. emotive B. impartial C. impassive D. emotional 77. The party gathering was thrown into a state of euphoria after the election result was announced. A. pleasure B. sadness C. excitement D. confusion 78. The family discussed the crime committed and resolved to nail the lie to the counter. A. expose it publicly. B. bury it in a coffin. C. defer action on it D. seek more advice. 79. My father was at the apogee of his career when he was retired. A. terminal point B. highest point C. least productive stage D. redundant stage 80. Though David’s condition is serious, his life is not in immediate danger. A. nasty B. hypertensive C. dangerous D. grave 81. That punch by the young boxer proved to be fatal. A. effective B. hard C. deadly D. belated. 82. The presence of the securitymen in the area will provide a moment of respite for the residents. A. soothing relaxation B. enduring reprieve C. lasting security D. temporary relief 83. It is time for all concerned to first pick to pieces the strike action before proffering solutions. A. embrace joyfully B. critically analyse C. stop abruptly D. commend highly 84. The new ruler is big-hearted in his dealings with the people A. generous B. cruel C. soft D. proud In each of questions 85 to 100, choose the option opposite in meaning to theword(s) or phrase in italics. 85. The teacher announced that the class would bemaking a fleeting visit to the zoo. A. routine B. brief C. long D. guided 86. The project is designed to alleviate poverty in the country. A. tackle B. exacerbate C. eradicate D. assuage 87. Civil engineering is predominantly a male profession. A. absolutely B. essentially C. generally D. seldom 88. The officer said that he knewnothing to the detriment of the applicant. A. damage B. disfavour C. advantage D. background 89. When the driver applied the brakes, they acted up A. failed B. responded well C. were sluggish D. jammed 90. The striking workers have vowed not to return to work until the decision is rescinded. A. changed B. dismissed C. implemented D. incorporated 91. It is rare for a leader and his deputy to see eye to eye. A. disagree B. respect each other C. be of one mind D. reproach each other 92. Common sense requires that one should be decorous at formal gatherings. A. courteous B. impolite C. incurious D. careful 93. The diminutive figure bounces over the track with unfathomable lightness. A invigorating B. irresistible C. predictable D. impressive 94. I’m not interested in buying that shirt. I think it is overpriced. A. too expensive B. overrated C. priceless D. cheap 95. Despite his laxity in other matters, Ojo’s father drewthe line at truancy. A. favoured B. rejected. C. Emphasized D. Ignored. 96. The string was taut. A. loose B. firm C. stretched D. tight 97. Hypertension is a debilitating disease that everyone should prevent. A. a mortal B. an enervating C. an energizing D. a horrible 98. The Permanent Secretary left his job under a cloud. A. on a cloudy day B. with a clear record C. in disgrace D. on a sunny day 99. We intend to make the reception a diurnal event. A. a nightly B. a weekly C. a short D. an annual 100. It is surprising that this politician has now turned renegade. A. militant B. corrupt C. loyal D. quiet COMPREHENSION Read passages I & II carefully and answer the questions that follow. Each question carries 3 marks. PASSAGE I The emergence of a standard dialect produces thephenomenon known as “accent” which is quite different from dialect. In the process of learning a foreign language, it is normal to transfer the patterns of an indigenous language to those of the foreign language. With time, however, those of form and most of those of orthography and phonology gradually get eliminated. This is because these can easily be identified and corrected. They are easy to correct because they do not involve patterns of muscular movement. It is also necessary to correct thembecause otherwise they could seriously impair intelligibility. With phonetic patterns, on the other hand, there is a Use of English 2001 great deal of intelligibility tolerance becausemuscular patterns are involved, thus making corrections difficult when observed. Besides, phonetic patterns do not impair intelligibilitymuch. Hence the transference of phonetic habits from one language to another is both easier to tolerate and more difficult to avoid than transference at the lexico-grammatical level. It follows that a speaker who is learning a second dialect does so with an accent since the muscles of his speech organs would have crystallized in response to the phonetics of his native language which he learnt first. The speaker therefore speaks the second dialect with the phonetic features of his native dialect. The learning of a standard language is simply the learning of a second dialect – that which has been standardized. Members of a language community control at least two dialects and use both dialects in different situations. In the rural areas, the native dialect is used in most situations since there is less movement. Therefore, rural dwellers tend to be parochial and maintain the homogeneity of their dialect. In the urban community, on the other hand, there is more demand on the standard dialect than on the rural one. This is because people from different regions converge here. In order to ensure mutual intelligibility resulting from the pressure of communication, a great deal of demand is made on the standard dialect which now becomes the lingua franca amongst them. 1. Members of a language community control at least two dialects because A. the convergence of people from disparate regions results in the pressure of communication. B. there is little demand for the indigenous dialects. C. theywant a lingua franca which is produced bymutual intelligibility. D. they are made up of both rural and urban dwellers. 2. According to the passage, A. a foreign language produces the transference of the correct patterns of dialect features. B. speechorgans areshapedbyindigenouslanguages. C. a lingua franca is the consequence of a standard dialect. D. mutual intelligibility is the consequence of the pressure of communication. 3. An appropriate title for this passage is A. The Emergence of a Standard Language B. The Phenomenon of Accent C. The Quest for a Lingua Franca D. Members of a Language Community 4. The word those, as used in the passage, refers to A. indigenous languages B. forms of orthography and phonology C. foreign languages D. patterns of an indigenous language. 5. Phonetic patterns allowfor intelligibilitytolerance because A. transference is both difficult to avoid and easy to tolerate B. they are involved and difficult to avoid C. they give rise to the phenomenon of accent which is easy to tolerate D. theyinvolvemuscular patternswhich later crystallize. PASSAGEII It is possible to have a glimpse of life after death. Man has always believed in an afterlife, but only today do we have scientific reports of people who seem to have experienced the sensation of dying but lived to tell about it. Ongoing research is documenting hundreds of cases each year of the near –death experience (NDE), and scientists think they are finding a clearly identifiable pattern: usually a man is dying and, as he reaches the point of greatest physical distress, he hears himself pronounced dead by his doctor. He begins to hear an uncomfortable noise, a loud ringing or buzzing, and at the same time feels himselfmoving very rapidly through a long dark tunnel. After this he suddenly finds himself outside of his own physical body, but still in the immediate physical environment, and he sees his own body from a distance, as though he is a spectator. He watches the resuscitation attempt from this unusual vantage point and is in a state of emotional upheaval. After a while, he collects himself and becomes accustomed to his odd condition. He notices that he still had a ‘body’, but one of a very different nature and with very different powers from the physical body he has left behind. Soon after, things begin to happen. Others come to meet and to help him. He glimpses the spirits of relatives and friends who have already died, and a loving, warmspirit of a kind he has never encountered before- a being of light – appears before him. This being asks hima question, nonverbally– tomake him evaluate his life – and helps him along by showing him a panoramic instantaneous playback of the major events of his life. Then he finds that he must go back to the earth that the time for his death has not yet come. At this point he resists, for by now he is taken up with his experiences in the afterlife and does not want to return. He is overwhelmed by intense feelings of joy, love and peace. Despite his attitude, though, he somehow reunites with his physical body and lives. Adapted from Moody, R. A. (1975) Life after Life 6. TheNDE man appears to be a spectator in the flurry of activities around him because A. his new ‘body’ would not allow him to participate. B. he is moving rapidly through a long dark tunnel. C. he can only watch as the events unfold D. he is now a dead man. 7. According to the passage, scientific evidence has made it possible A. to make conjectures about what happens after death B. to know a little about what happens in the world of the dead C. for one to experience the sensation of dying and living again D. for the dead to return and tell their experiences. 8. The expression as he reaches the point of greatest physical distress, as used in the passage, means when A. the man’s system finally collapses B. the sick man finally stops breathing C. his doctor is ready to pronounce him dead D. his condition seems to get worse. 9. A suitable title for the passage is A. AGlimpse into theWorld of theDead B. Visions of anAfterlife C. Research into the Lives of the Dead D. The Sensation ofDeath and theAfterlife. 10. That the man was shown a panoramic instantaneous playback of the major events of his life suggests that A. he needs to be entertained to take his mind away from the noise around him B. he needs to see the difference between his past life and his newlife C. there are video machines in the world beyond D. he has to assess his deeds in life. PASSAGEIII The passage below has gaps numbered 11 to 20. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose themost appropriate option for each gap. Each question carries 2marks. Before any detailed analysis begins, the first thing to do with the raw data is to check through the field record books and questionnaires for any …11.. (A. mistakes B. events C. records D. odds), inconsistencies and incompleteness. In some cases, it may be possible to correct any discovered shortcomings.When it is not possible to carry out these …12… (A. plans B. corrections C. expectations D. possibilities), a visit to the field may even be necessary. It should however be realized that it is not very often that a revisit is possible. In most scientific…13… (A. questionnaires B. data C. experiments D. conclusions) such revisits are clearly impossible. This is true of many surveys too. A road traffic survey…14.. (A. classified B. precoded C. conducted D. experimented) to find out the amount and frequency of daily traffic between two towns cannot be expected to be ...15... (A. observed B. produced C. undertaken D. reproducible). There is no way of going back to check whether the number of vehicles reported for any particular hour is correct or not.With open-ended questions the …16…(A. method B. responses C. errors D. conclusions) have to be classified into relatively small number of groups. The process of classifying answers and of sometimes identifying them by number and letter is called…17.. (A. encoding B. recording C. coding D. recoding). When closed-ended questions are used, it is possible to code all the possible answers before they are actually received. This is called…18.. (A. recoding B. coding C. precoding D. encoding). What is done, a check through the answers for proper classification, numbering and lettering is still called for at this stage. This whole process of checking through questionnaires and notebooks is called …19.. (A. listing B. posting C. editing D. auditing). Collected data will eventually have to be used in drawing …20.. (A. analogies B. examples C. references D. conclusions) and writing a report about the population from which it came. Read the passage belowcarefully and answer the questions that follow. Each question carries 3marks. PASSAGEIV By 1910, the motorcar was plainly conquering the highway. The private car was now part of every rich man’s establishment, although its prices made it as yet an impossible luxury for most of the middle class. But for the adventuresome youth, there was themotorcycle, a fearsome invention producing accidents and ear –splitting noises. Already, the dignified carriages and smart pony-traps were beginning to disappear from the roads, and coachmen and grooms, unlessmechanically minded, were finding it more difficult to make a living. The roads, which had gone to sleep since the coming of the railway, nowawoke to feverish activity. Cars andmotorcycles dashed along them at speeds which rivaled those of the express trains, and the lorry began to appear. Therefore, the road system was compelled to adapt itself to a volume and speed of traffic for which it had never been intended. Its complete adaptation was impossible; but the road surface was easily transformed and, during the early years of the century, the dustiness and greasiness of the highways were lessened by tar-spraying. To widen and straighten the roads and get rid of blind corners and every steep gradient were tasks which had scarcely been tackled before 1914. The situation was worst of all in towns where not only was any large scheme of road widening usually out of the question, but also where crowding and danger were all too frequently increased by the short-sighted eagerness of town authorities in laying down tramlines. Yet it was not only the road system that was in need of readjustment; the nervous system of those who used and dwelt by the roads suffered. The noises caused by the conversion of the roads into speedways called for a corresponding tightening up of the nerves; and, especially in the towns, the pedestrians whowished to preserve life and limb was compelled to keep his attention continually on the stretch, to practise himself in estimates of the speed of approaching vehicles and to run or jump for his life if he ventured off the pavement. Adapted from Rachel Carson: The Advent of the Motor Car 21. The writer seems to suggest that A. the volume and speed of traffic on the roads increased with the advent of cars, motor cycles andlorries B. there were no roads before the advent of cars and motorcycles and so people had to be mechanicallyminded C. coachmen andgroomswerenotmechanically minded D. the roads that existed were dormant. 22. The writer uses the expression unless mechanically minded to refer to A. town authorities laying down tramlines B. coachmen and grooms who chose to become mechanics C. coachmen and grooms adaptable to the new technology D. those amenable to change and development. 23. The statement By 1910, the motor car was plainly conquering the highway means that A. highway codes for motor cars came into effect by 1910 B. by 1910 motor cars became a common sight on the highways C. themotor car was invented in 1910 D. by 1910 many people knew how to drive motorcars. 24. From the passage, it is obvious that A. the motorcar and the lorry came to displace the train traffic B. motorcarswere mere luxuries which many people tried desperately to acquire C. themotorcar was invented before the express trains D. the train was the fastest means of transport beforethe motorcar and the lorry. 25. One of the following statements can be deducted from the passage. A. Significantimprovementoccurredinroadtransportsince theadvent ofmotorcars, lorries andmotorcycles. B. People no longer used trains with the advent of cars and lorries. C. Societywould be better offwithout the chaoticvolume and speed ofmotor cars, lorries andmotorcycles. D. Human society was static without the express speed of cars and motorcycles. LEXIS,STRUCTUREANDORALFORMS (Questions 26 to 80 carry 1 mark each.) In questions 26 and 27, identify the word that has a different stress pattern from the others. 26. A. administrative B. circulation C. temperamental D. consideration 27. A. classroom B. programme C. brother D. July In each of questions 28 to 31, choose the word that does not have the same vowel sound as the others. 28. A. bale B. plait C. saint D. gate 29. A. rice B. fight C. granite D. die 30. A. wind B. people C. even D. key 31. A. enjoy B. log C. toil D. rejoice In each of questions 31 to 56, fill each gap with the most appropriate option fromthe list provided. 32. … (A. Have being B. Having been C. Having being D. Have I been) told of his impending arrival, I worked hard to make his short stay very comfortable. 33. The weather is probably…appealing for people who live in Jos… (A. no less/thanB.more/as C. asmuch/as D. at least as/but) for foreigners. 34. Ado tried to… (A. recall B. obliterate C. eulogize D. obstruct) all memory of his dead father. 35. This imposing edifice… (A. had costed B. costed C. cost D. have cost) a fortune to build. 36. Three quarters of the hostel…been painted and three quarters of the students … (A. has/has B. have/has C. have/have D. has/have)moved in. 37. Theylet himgo in… (A. respect B. regard C. disregard D. consideration) of his age. 38. …(A. While B. By chance C. Should D. Should in case) you come early to the new house, clean up my flat. 39. These villagers… (A. used B. are used C. were used D. use) to growrice. 40. WhenAjikemet her… (A. strange B. loving C. caring D. estranged) husband at the party, she felt like reconcilingwith him. 41. He does not seem to know how to solve the problem, … (A. does not he B. does he C. does he not D. doesn’t he)? 42. Some scientists are trying to… (A. imitate B. implicate C. replicate D. fabricate) human beings in their laboratories. 43. A wide range of options…. (A. is B. was C. were D. are) made available to the political parties during the recently concluded elections. 44. Themeeting was called to…(A. re-presentB. reconstitute C. reconcile D. recommend) divergent views on the subject of a national conference. 45. Thepolice cameearlyenough to…(A. detonateB. insulate C. diffuse D. defuse) the bomb planted by the rioters. 46. The government which…recruiting… (A. is/their B. were/ their C. was/its D. are/its) workers suddenly stopped doing so. 47. They had to… (A. resort to B. switch on C. light up D. fall back on) the generator when the electricity failed. 48. I do not think any sane person would have acted in such a… (A. rational B. cruel C. secret D. composed)manner. 49. NeitherAgbonor his parents… (A. has attended B. attend C. attends D. attended) the meetings now. 50. Modern dancing has become rather scientific and so requires… (A. a rapping voice. B. bizarre costuming C. immense instrumentationD. some choreographic skill). 51. Of course, we all saw the culprit … (A. approaching B. approaches C. approached D. approach) and hit theman 52. The CompanyDirector showed the contractor a … (A. photocopy B. photograph C. prototype D. microfilm) of the proposed office complex. 53. Had he considered his public image carefully, he … (A. would have stood down B. might have stood aside C. should have stepped down D. would have stepped aside) for his opponent in the election. 54. The editor was not happy that the Nigerian press was hemmed… (A. up B. across C. in D. over) 55. More… (A. energy B. power C. effort D. grease) to your elbow as you campaign for press freedom! 56. A child that shows mature characteristics at an early age may be described as… (A. precocious B. ingenuous C. premature D. preconceived). In questions 57 and 58, identify the word that has the stress on the first syllable. 57. A. misread B. resign C. competent D. compel 58. A. resist B. intact C. confirm D. salon In each of questions 59 to 62, choose fromthe options the word that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. 59. Past A. pasture B. castle C. wrestle D. preached. 60. Church A. feature B. chauffeur C. ocean D. machine 61. Sure A. charlatan B. church C. cheer D. cheap 62. Thank A. Thomas B. though C. Thames D. thought In each of questions 63 to 77, choose the option opposite in meaning to theword(s) or phrase in italics. 63. Amina’s performance in the examination surpassed my expectations. A. amazed everyone B. lackedmerit C. was extraordinary good D. was disappointing 64. As these boys never act in public, the police are now worried about their covert activities. A. evil B. open C. cryptic D. ignoble 65. The town was all agog at his unexpected return. A. unexcited B. excited C. on fire D. surprised 66. Some equatorial areas havea sultry climate. A. a hot B. an inclement C. a temperate D. a stable 67. The journalist’s write-up contained a plethora of detail. A. simplicity B. shortage C. complexity D. spectrum 68. In the latter part of his life, the famous soldier showed signs of youthfulness. A. bravery B. vitality C. energy D. senility 69. It is inconceivable that the rat devoured the cat. A. contestable B. credible C. incomprehensible D. unimaginable 70. Ali wondered why the principal was ambivalent about the students’ future. A. inconsiderate B. decisive C. anxious D. ambitious 71. The teacher taught the rudiments of Chemistry to the first grade. A. elements B. fundamentals C. basics D. stupidity 72. In his naivety, he believed all the stories his friend told him. A. artlessness B. friendliness C. incredulity D. stupidity 73. Updating the Board’s brochure is an arduous task. A. a regular B. an annual C. a difficult D. an easy 74. The lecture seemed interminable. A. brief B. interesting C. boring D. unending 75. Had I known about their plan much earlier, I would have nipped it in the bud. A. promoted it B. squashed it C. initiated it D. stopped it 76. What a harmless thought he has! A. pleasant B. perfect C. pernicious D. pertinent 77. There is much apathy towards reading among students nowadays. A. indecision B. enthusiasm C. indifference D. disinclination In each of questions 78 to 80, the word in capital letters has an emphatic stress. Choose the option that best fits the expression in the sentence. 78. YOUR sister should come with us tomorrow. A. Should your brother come with us tomorrow? B. Should our brother come with us tomorrow? C. Should Ado’s sister come with us tomorrow? D. Shouldmy sister come with us tomorrow? 79. They FLEWtoAbuja. A. Where did they fly to? B. Did they go to Abuja by road? C. How will they get toAbuja? D. Did they fly to Jos? 80. My neighbour BRUISED his thigh while playing football. A. Did your neighbour fracture his thigh while playing football? B. Did your neighbour break his leg while playing tennis? C. Did your neighbour play football yesterday? D. Was your neighbour involved in an accident? In each of questions 81 to 85, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. Each question carries 2marks. 81. Adawo is an imp. A. Adawo behaves badly. B. Adawo behaves decently. C. Adawo behaves differently. D. Adawo behaves queerly. 82. The solution lies in choosing between various negative alternatives. A. The solution lies in choosing between the positive and the negative. B. The solutions aremany. C. The solution can be found in one of the negativeoptions. D. The solution is a negative one. 83. You must not attend the end-of-year party. A. You do not have to decide whether to attend the party or not. B. You have to decide whether to attend the party or not. C. It is necessary that you do not attend the party. D. It is necessary that you attend the party. 84. Theman reasonedthatthereought tobealimit tosycophancy. A. Sycophants need not talk all the time. B. There can be no favour beyond a reasonable point. C. Sycophants should know when to grant people’s request. D. People should know when not to use flattery. 85. Oche’s chief idiosyncrasy is a passion for pounded yam. A. Oche hates pounded yam. B. Oche’s chief hates pounded yam. C. Oche’s chief likes pounded yam. D. Oche has a penchant for pounded yam. (Questions 86 to 100 carry 1 mark each.) In each of questions 86 to 100, choose the option nearest in meaning to theword(s) or phrase in italics. 86. The professor discussed a number of abstruse topics. A. irrelevant B. useful C. esoteric D. relevant. 87. Tade became timorous when she was asked to give the valedictory speech. A. excited B. aggressive C. nervous D. happy 88. Themen were tardy in offering help. A. generous B. quick C. brave D. slow 89. Ugo has often been described as belligerent. A. attractive B. combative C. innocent D. patient 90. The coalescence of the groups created additional problems. A. union B. fighting C. proscription D. disbandment 91. Funmi is just being facetious about her marrying a soldier. A. unfaithful B. serious C. crazy D. unserious 92. The village girl wore sumptuous clothes. A. loose-fitting B. cheap C. faded-looking D. expensive 93. Any chief executive of an organization would find radical changes blocked at every turn. A. ideas B. innovations C. developments D. suggestions 94. I cannot understand whyAli should serve in that moribund administration. A. crumbling B. purposeless C. prodigal D. oppressive 95. Bose was angry because her friend called her a pilferer. A. liar B. hypocrite C. criminal D. thief 96. While the hooligans exchanged blows, we looked on complacently. A. questioningly B. sorrowfully C. dejectedly D. contentedly. 97. The player kept on gamely to the end of the match. A. courageously B. skillfully. C. amateurishly D. stubbornly 98. Art lies in cherishing the initiative and creative power of each person. A. gift B. strength C. potential D. mind 99. As the triumphant rebels were returning to their base, theymet with a serious reverse. A. an enemy B. an army C. a victory D. a defeat 100. The Conference Centre caters for transients only. A. permanent guests B. professionals C. novices D. temporary guests COMPREHENSION Read passages I, II&III carefully and answer the questions that follow. Each question carries 3 marks. PASSAGE I If our thought is to be clear and we are to succeed in communicating it to other people, wemust have some method of fixing the meaning of the words we use. When we use a word whosemeaning is not certain, we may well be asked to define it. There is a useful traditional device for doing this by indicating the class to which whatever is indicated by the term belongs, and also the particular property which distinguishes it from all other members of the same class. Thus wemaydefine a whale as a marine animal that spouts’. ‘Marine animal’ in this definition indicates the general class to which the whale belongs, and ‘spouts’ indicates the particular property that distinguishes Use of English 2002 whales from other such marine animals as fishes, seals, jellyfish and lobsters. In the same way, we can define an even number as a finite integer divisible by two, or a democracy as a system of government in which the people themselves rule. There are other ways, of course, of indicating the meanings ofwords.We may, for example, find it hard to make a suitable definition of theword ‘animal’, sowe say that an animal is such a thing as a rabbit, dog, fish or goat. Similarly, we may say that religion is such a system as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism. This way of indicating themeaning of a term by enumerating examples ofwhat it includes is obviously of limited usefulness. If we indicated our use of the word ‘animal’ as above, our hearers might, for example, be doubtful whether a seaanemone or a slug was to be included in the class of animals. It is, however, a useful way of supplementing a definition if the definition itself is definite without being easily understandable. Failure of an attempt at definition to serve its purpose may result from giving as distinguishing mark one which either does not belong to all the things the definition is intended to include, or does belong to some members of the same general class which the definition is intended to exclude. Adapted from Straight and Crooked Thinking, by R. H. Thouless 1. The expression we may well be asked as used in the passage means A. it is quite likely that we will be asked B. we cannot escape being asked C. the listener is always justified to ask questions D. it is inconceivable that we will be asked. 2. From the passage, which of these is a disadvantage of defining by enumeration. A. The words or objects listed may not all share similar characteristics. B. Enumeration always leaves doubts in themind of the speaker. C. The property and examples enumerated may not be all-inclusive. D. Many important members of the group may be left out of the enumeration. 3. One of these summarizes the approaches to definition discussed in the passage. A. Specifying clearlywhat distinguishes a particular word or object from its traditional groups. B. Indicating the class of a word and mentioning its general propertywith examples. C. Giving general and specific features followed by examples of what the object or word includes. D. Mentioning the class of a word or object with its specific property. 4. The writer uses the expression fixing the meaning of the words we use tomean A. getting even with the people who always ask for definitions B. using definitions to help build up their vocabulary C. repairing the damage done by inadequate definition during communication D. using definitions to help people communicate their thoughts and argue logically. 5. Which of the following statements can be deduced from the passage? A. There are both traditional andmodern methods of defining words. B. Definitions aid communication when enumeration is accurately handled. C. Every speaker or writer has a method of defining words. D. Accurate definition is invaluable to communication but difficult to achieve. PASSAGEII Those who have been following the arguments for and against the deregulation of the oil industry in Nigeria may have got the impression that deregulation connotes lack of control or indifference on the part of the Government. But there is nothing so far from official quarters to suggest that deregulation will cause the Government to relinquish its control of the oil industry because the absence of direct control does not mean that it will surrender all its rights to the entrepreneurs who may want to participate in the industry. Yet the opposition expressed so far against deregulation stems from the fear that the Government would leave Nigerians at the mercy of a heartless cartel who would command the heights of the oil industry and cause the pump price of fuel to rise above the means ofmost Nigerians. As a result of such fears, manyNigerians have become resentful of deregulation and, in fact, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to ‘deregulate’ theGovernment if it should go ahead with the deregulation plan. But Nigerians have not fared any better with the economy totally in Government control. Until recently, themost important sectors of the economy were in the hands of the Government. Today, the deregulation of some of these sectors has broken its monopoly and introduced healthy competition to make things a little easier for Nigerians. A good example is the breaking of the stifling monopoly of Nigeria Airways. Today, the traveler is king at the domestic airports as opposed to the struggle that air travels used to be under Nigeria Airways monopoly. Before, it was almost easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for travellers to board a plane. Following from this, the apostles of deregulation rightly heap all the blame for the problems associated with petroleum products distribution in this country squarely on the Government, which owns all the refineries and which sells fuel to local consumers through its agency, the Nigerian National PetroleumCorporation (NNPC). In the sameway, theGovernment argues that if the current NNPC monopolywere broken with the introduction of entrepreneurs to the refining and sale of petroleum products in the country, the Nigerian people would be all the better for it. It stands to reason that once theGovernment continues to fix maximum prices for petroleum products in this country, the deregulation of the oil sector should bring some relief to the people by ensuring that wastage, corruption and inefficiency are reduced to the minimum. Consumers will also have the last laugh because competition will result in the availability of the products at reasonable prices. This appears to be the sense in deregulation. 6. An appropriate title for this passage is A. The Advantages of a Deregulated Economy B. Highlighting theDangers ofDeregulation C. Making a Case for Deregulation D. The problems of the NNPC 7. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage? A. The opposition to the deregulation of the oil industry is not unanimous. B. The Nigeria Labour Congress has been able to prevent the Government from deregulating the economy. C. The introduction of entrepreneurs to the oil industry will make life easy only for a few Nigerians. D. A better life for all Nigerians is conditional upon the deregulation of the economy. 8. The writer seems to suggest that A. Nigerians do not understand the sense in deregulation. B. a deregulated economywill cause the Government to be indifferent to the plight of ordinaryNigerians. C. only a heartless cartel will benefit by the deregulation of the oil industry. D. the anxiety caused by the deregulation question is groundless. 9. Which of the following conclusions can be reached from the passage? A. Nigerians cannot buy fuel at exorbitant prices. B. The deregulation of the oil industry does not precludetheGovernmentfromexertingitsinfluence. C. The deregulation of the economy will solve all the problems of petroleum products distribution. D. TheGovernment is hell-bent on leaving Nigerians at themercy of a heartless cartel. 10. Which of these correctly summarizes the arguments adduced by the advocates of deregulation? A. Deregulating the economywill make the NNPC more efficient and less wasteful. B. Competition in the oil industrywill be beneficia to several Nigerians. C. Competition should be allowed in the production and distribution of petroleum products. D. The Government should deregulate every aspect of the Nigerian economy. PASSAGEIII Recognizing the need for objectivity in their work, the early report writers worked to develop a writing style which would convey this attitude. They reasoned that the source of the subjective quality in a report is the human being. And they reasoned that objectivity is best attained by emphasizing the factual material of a report rather than the personalities involved. So they worked to remove the human being from their writing. Impersonal writing style was the result. By impersonal writing is meant writing in the third person – without I’s, we’s or you’s. In recent years, impersonal writing has been strenuously questioned by many writers. These writers point out that personal writing is more forceful and direct than is impersonal writing. They contend that writingwhich brings both reader and writer into the picture ismore like conversation and therefore more interesting. And they answer to the point on objectivity with a reply that objectivity is an attitude of mind and not a matter of person. A report, they say, can be just as objective when written in personal style as when in impersonal style. Frequently, they counter with the argument that impersonal writing leads to an overuse of passive voice and a generally dull writing style. This last argument, however, lacks substance. Impersonal writing can and should be interesting. Any dullness it may have is wholly the fault of the writer. As proof, one has only to look at the lively styles used by the writers for newspapers, news magazines and journals.Most of this writing is impersonal – and usually it is not dull. As in most cases of controversy, there is some merit to the arguments on both sides. There are situations in which personal writing is best. There are situations in which impersonal writing is best. And there are situations in which either style is appropriate. The writer must decide at the outset of his work which style is best for his own situation. His decision should be based on the circumstances of each report situation. First, he should consider the expectations or desires of those for whom he is preparing the report. More than likely hewill find a preference for impersonal style, for, like most human beings, businessmen have been slow to break tradition. Next, the writer should consider the formality of the report situation. If the situation Is informal, aswhen the report is really a personal communication of information between business associates, personal writing is appropriate. But if the situation is formal, as is the case with most reports, the conventional impersonal style is best. Lesikar, R. V.: Report Writing for Business 11. One argument given in support of personal writing is that it A. has informal featureswhich make it more diverting than impersonal writing B. makes writers more focused and less boring C. can bemore objective than impersonal writing D. is the style to use in all situations involving businessmen. 12. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage? A. The impersonal style helps to achieve a measure of objectivity in report writing. B. The impersonal style has been widely acclaimed. C. Most report writing is characterized by the sparing use of the impersonal style. D. Most writers use the impersonal style to achieve objectivity in their reports. 13. According to the passage, most of the writing in newspapers, news magazines and journals A. personal and uninteresting B. personal and interesting C. impersonal and interesting D. impersonal and uninteresting. 14. Fromthe passage, what determines the appropriateness of a style is the A. theme B. reader C. writer D. situation 15. Which of the following best describes the writer of the passage? A. He recognizes the need to be critical of report writing. B. He cannot be said to be objective. C. He is being unnecessarily analytic. D. He is completely non-committal. PASSAGEIV The passage below has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose themost appropriate option for each gap. Each question carries 2marks. It is the business of the scientist to accumulate knowledge about the universe and all that is in it, and to find, if he is able, common …16… (A. approaches B. instruments C. factors D. experiments) which underlie and account for the facts that he knows. He chooses, when he can, the method of the controlled …17… (A. experiment B. respondent C. data D. system). If he wants to find out the effect of light on growing plants, he takesmanyplants, as alike as possible. Some he stands in the sun, some in the shade, some in the dark; all the time keeping all other …18… (A. procedures B. conditions C. studies D. objects) (temperature, moisture, nourishment) the same. In thisway, by keeping other variables…19… (A. dark B. constant C. good D. natural), and by varying the light only, the effect of light on plants can be clearly seen. This …20… (A. method B. research C. tool D. rationale) of using ‘controls’ can be applied to a variety of situations, and can be used to find the answers to questions as widely different as ‘must moisture be present …21… (A. bar B. gold C. iron D. an alloy) is to rust?’ and ‘which variety of beans gives the greatest yield in one…22.. (A. period B. season c. climate D. weather)?’ In the course of his…23… (A. inquiries B. findings C. queries D. experiment), the scientistmay find what he thinks is one common explanation for an increasing number of facts. The explanation, if it seems consistently to fit the various facts, is called ..24… (A. a principle B. a thesis C. a hypothesis D. an antithesis). If this continues to stand the test of numerous experiments and remainsunshaken, it becomesa …25… (A.notion B. deduction C. law D. thesis). LEXIS,STRUCTUREANDORALFORMS (Questions 26 to 75 carry 1 mark each) In each of questions 26 to 50, fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided. 26. …(A. In spite of B. Given C. BarringD. In case of) any problems, I shall travel toLondon tomorrowon a business trip. 27. Musa has lived here for five years but he does not seem able to get over the enormously… (A. bizarre B. intricate C. absurd D. fantastic) and elaborate rules that govern the society. 28. The match gave the team a chance to show their… (A. mettle B. worth C. position D. prowess) 29. These…must have … A. analysis/attracted B. analyses/attract C. analyses/attracted D. analysis/attract) theWorld Bank officials. 30. The highly appreciative audience clapped… hands and showered…(A. its/encomiumsB. its/invectives C. their/ encomiums D. their/invectives) on the lecturer. 31. The members elected Baba… (A. to be a chairman B. chairman C. their chairman D. to become chairman) of the committee. 32. The officer described the comment as… (A. dangerous B. sad C. ludicious D. libellous) because it was very amusing. 33. The newmanager was responsible for the… (A. uplifting B. lifting C. uplift D. upliftment) of the organization. 34. He is…Kaduna… (A. at/in B. at/forC. in/on D. for/in) an official assignment. 35. The future of the company is…though many seem … (A. promising/nostalgic B. dicy/unsatisfied C. okay/optimistic D. rosy/pessimistic) about it. 36. The army officer said thatmore… (A. geurrilas B. guerrilas C. geurrillas D. guerrillas) would be needed to prosecute the war. 37. The quality of your questions which…always attracted attention… (A. has/have B. have/have C. has/has D. have/ has) never been in doubt. 38. Despite all preparations, the wedding did not… (A. come on B. come up C. come along D. come off). 39. Didn’t… (A.somebodyB.someoneC.anyoneD.everyone) draw your attention to the entry requirements? 40. You are free to solicit… (A. financial B. by financial C. f or financial D. a financial) support from the Board. 41. As election day draws near, the party looks… because many of its members have… (A. cheerless/crosscarpeted from B. cheerful/moved to C. vulnerable/ defected to D. successful/declared for) other parties. 42. Ali has been cured of his amnesia; he no longer suffers from… (A. rounds of anxiety B. bouts ofmalaria C. pains in his arms D. loss of memory). 43. By this time next year, I… (A. will have been B. would have been C. could have been D. will be) twenty years old. 44. The operations of the bank…not… (A. do/cover B. did/covered C. does/cover D. does/covered) cottage and small-scale industries. 45. We did not understand what the magistrate said about…. (A. assault B. touching C. acid D. insult) and battery. 46. Whenever we have….(A together a good long talk B. a long good talk together C. together a long good talk D. a good long talk together), we feel better. 47. The members of the other team agree… (A. onB. by C. to D. with) all the terms of the contract. 48. One advantage of the English language in Nigeria is that it puts everyone…a common…(A. in/advantage B. in/ standing C. on/footing D. at/equality). 49. If one perseveres,… (A. she B. they C. one D. he) will surely succeed. 50. …a motor can be harmful… (A. To ride/with B. To ride/ for C. Riding/to D. Riding/for) your health. In each of questions 51 to 53, choose the option that has a different vowel sound from the others. 51. A. mere B. weird C. hear D. tear (verb). 52. A. does B. son C. flood D. world 53. A. cough B. rough C. rot D. dog In each of questions 54 to 56, choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. 54. preached A. lotion B. castle C. question D. past 55. business A. eyes B. grace C. rice D. sink 56. cough A. thoroughly B. of C. trophy D. though In each of questions 57 and 58, choose the word that has a different stress pattern from the others. 57. A. convenient B. contribute C. embarrass D. madam 58. A. suffer B. blackboard C. success D. calendar In each of questions 59 to 73, choose the option nearest in meaning to theword(s) or phrase in italics. 59. Iwonderwhatwill be left ofhis essaywhen the extraneous material is deleted. A. main B. relevant C. erroneous D. superfluous 60. Tortoises need cool climates and must have places where they can hibernate. A. sleep deeply B. relax C. reproduce D. hide at night 61. They are considered to be legal luminaries. A. experts B. practitioners C. directors D. powers 62. Practisingmedicine is not as lucrative asmany people think. A. know B. assume C. consider D. understand 63. The manager made disparaging remarks about the retiring officer. A. parochial B. cynical C. derogatory D. rude 64. Theteacher’s apparentnonchalantattitudewas misconstrued by his students. A. condoned B. misquoted C. misinterpreted D. misrepresented. 65. Let us not indulge in recrimination. A. unfounded allegation B. counter-accusation C. accusation D. indictment. 66. Teachers of music believe in its therapeutic effect. A. lyrical B. healing C. sound D. rhythmic 67. Theman outran hiswifewhen they heard the eerie sound. A. hissing B. harsh C. scary D. loud 68. His success may be described as a pyrrhic victory. A. a deserving victory B. costly C. indecisive D. an easy victory 69. The Executive Secretary has just assumed office. A. resumed work B. been sworn in C. started work D. returned 70. The warring tribes have been told to parley with each other. A. hold talks B. observe a truce C. suspend hostilities D. sign a treaty. 71. He is a stringer for a newspaper. A. a financier of B. a reporter for C. an editor of D. a freelancer for 72. Adigun’s jokes are always puerile. A. entertaining B. empty C. childish D. amusing 73. I wish the commander were less adamant about his proposed reprisal attack on the enemy. A. unyielding about/retaliatory B. tolerant of /surprise C. sentimental about/rehearsed D. supportive of /retributive In each of questions 74 and 75, identify theword that has the stress on the first syllable. 74. A. comment B. dismiss C. intact D. confuse 75. A. commute B. import (verb) C. intend D. export (noun) In each of questions 76 to 80, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. Each question carries 2marks. 76. The organization is constantly in a state of flux. A. The organization ismoribund. B. The organization is experiencing good times. C. The organization is facing a difficult period. D. There are periodic changes in the organization. 77. His meteoric rise to fame surprised everyone. A. People were amazed at his rapid success. B. He rose to the top quite unexpectedly. C His rise to fame was only temporary. D. He became successful very suddenly. 78. The politician was pilloried by the press for his inflammatoryremarks. A. The politician was closely questioned by the press for his remarks. B. The politician was criticized by the press for his remarks. C. The politician was ridiculed by the press for his remarks. D. The politician was snubbed by the press for his remarks. 79. Audu was taken bad in the middle of the night. A. He was ill B. He was caught. C. He was drunk D. He was robbed. 80. After the successful operation, he recovered by leaps and bounds. A. His well-bound wounds aided his recovery. B. He did a lot of keep-fit exercises. C. He used to jog regularly. D. He got well very rapidly. (Questions 81 to 100 carry 1 mark each.) In each of questions 81 to 85, the word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option that best fits the expression in the sentence. 81. The university has been TEMPORARILYclosed. A. Has the university been permanently open? B. Has the campus been permanently closed? C. Has the college been temporarily closed? D. Has the university been permanently closed? 82. The king RAN to the palace. A. Where did the king run to? B. Did the queen run to the palace? C. Did the king walk to the palace? D. Who ran to the palace? 83. He travelledONLY20 kilometres beforehis car stopped. A. Did he travel only 20 kilometres after his car stopped? B. Didhetravel exactly20kilometresbeforehis car stopped? C. Did he travel more than 20 kilometres before his car stopped? D. Did you walk only 20 kilometres before the vehicle stopped? 84. Theman BOUGHT the newspaper. A. What did the man buy? B. Is this the newspaper which the man bought? C. Who bought the newspaper? D. Did the man read the newspaper? 85. MyUNCLE retired fromthe police. A. Did your brother retire from the police? B. Did your brother resign from the police? C. Did your uncle retire from the army? D. Did your sister resign from the police? In each of questions 86 to 100, choose the option opposite in meaning to theword(s) or phrase in italics. 86. The Governor’s visit is an unprecedented event in the history of he social club. A. an unnecessary B. a momentous C. a perfect D. an insignificant 87. He gave an unsatisfactory excuse but the boss swallowed it hook, line and sinker. A. completely B. with a pinch of salt. C. entirely D. without mincingwords. 88. The principal took exception to the ignoble role the teacher played in thematter. A. dishonourableB. extraordinary C. honourable D. embarrassing 89. The hardline posture of the labour leader has not helped matters. A. imposing B. difficult C. compromising D. uncompromising 90. The high cost of living these days calls for a lot of frugality. A. economy B. recklessness C. prudence D. extravagance 91. The evidence the leader gave was incontrovertible. A. logical B. indubitable C. practicable D. contestable 92. Tunde’s reaction underscores the point I was making. A.contradicts B. justifies C.summarizesD. emphasizes 93. Everyone admired the manager’s adroit handling of the crises in he company. A. clever B. clumsy C. skilful D. tactless 94. The chairman’s conduct redounds to the image of the company. A.contributesto B.detracts from C.assists in D.reflectson. 95. Her phlegmatic temperament endears her to her friends. A. cold B. stoic C. lively D. irritable. 96. The President gave another extemporaneous speech last Friday. A. fascinating B. unfavourableC. unprepared D. planned. 97. The witness averred that she had seen Dosun at the scene of the crime. A. confirmed B. argued C. affirmed D. denied 98. The workers suddenly became restive. A. fidgety B. calm C. disorderly D. submissive 99. The athlete has unexpectedly become indomitable. A. unruly B. unconquerable C. weak D. disoriented. 100. He is notorious for his drunkenness. A. known B. renowned C. popular D. well known COMPREHENSION Read passages, I, II and III carefully and answer the questions that follow. Each question carries 3 marks. PASSAGE I When man evolved a conscience, his basic relationship with the other animals began to change. Until then, they were broadly divided into those which ate him when they got the chance, those which he ate when he got the chance, and a third group which competed with him for food, or was otherwise a nuisance to him in the business of keeping alive. In the primitive situation,man was, therefore, basically against Nature but, as the battle was progressively won, conscience crept in; the awareness of responsibility, and a failure to meet it, produced feelings of guilt. Those who live in cities and need no longer do battle against Nature are nowadays most actively for Nature. Use of English 2003 At this time, something like a thousand kinds of animals (vertebrate animals) can be said to be in danger of extinction. A few of them have been reduced to this precarious position by extensive killing but the majority are disappearing only as fast as the particular kind of country they need for existence is itself disappearing: and all this at the hands of man, as often as not by mistake. There are three species of turtles whose future survival is menaced by the demand for turtle soup, which would hardly justifythe extermination of a giant reptilewhose family has existed for 200 million years. Leopards are in jeopardy because of the fashion for their skins.As they get rarer, the prices rise and, as leopard skin coats becomemore expensive, the demand increases. No species can long survive the price of N60,000 which a halfgrown baby leopard nowcarries on its skin.And crocodiles, the longest surviving reptiles, are now dwindling alarmingly as a result of the fashion in crocodile skin for ladies’ handbags and men’s shoes. The human population explosion spreads mankind across the land surfaces of the earth at an alarming rate. There will be twice as many of us beforemost of us are dead. Does this mean no room for wild animals? Of course not.With ingenuity and forethought, a place can be kept for them. To destroy their habitat is as unnecessary as it would be to pull down a great cathedral in order to grow potatoes on the site. A campaign to savewhat remains is the concern of a newkind of Noah’sArk – theWorldWildlife Fund. It does not believe that all is lost. Adapted from Peter Scott’s article in Sunday Times 1. The basic causes of the elimination of certain animals from the earth include A. man’s decision to live in cities and the development of large farmlands B. extensivekilling ofanimals and thefast disappearance of their favourable habitats C. man’s penchant for meat and the sale of animals for meat and hides D. a deliberate battle againstNature and the quest for leopard skin. 2. From the passage, the attitude of the writer can be described as. A. partial B. optimistic C. indifferent D. pessimistic 3. The expression when man evolved a conscience means when A. man developed an awareness of right and wrong B. man’s intellect improved tremendously C. man acquired new habits D. man became a critical creature. 4. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage? A. Man kills animals onlywhen he can afford to do so. B. Man cannot spare those animals that eat his kind. C. Man eats all categories of animals. D. Man poses the greatest threat to Nature. 5. The sentence There will be twice as many of us before most of us are dead means A. some increase in human and animal population growth rates B. mankind is fast spreading across the earth C. many of us will die as a result of population explosion D. the population growth ratewill double before our death. PASSAGEII The 2002 World Cup Competition, also called Korea/ Japan 2002, kicked off with a match between the defending champions, France, and the Senegalese national team fromAfrica. Nobody had given the Senegalese any chance against the starstudded defending champions but the 1-0 scoreline in favour of Senegal showed that African football can no longer be taken for granted. This shocking defeat of France had raised Africa’s hopes of going beyond the first round of the tournament. So when the Super Eagles ofNigeria filed out againstArgentina on the morning of Sunday, June the second, 2002, many Nigerian football enthusiasts delayed attending church service to watch the match live on television. As expected, the Super Eagles put up strong resistance to the Argentinian challenge and the day would not have ended on a somber note for Nigerians if the momentum had been sustained throughout the match. The hope of going beyond the first round, though precarious, was verymuch alive as the Eagles were expected to defeat their next opponents, Sweden and England. But some shortcomings in the Nigerian national teamneeded to be rectified to brighten their chances against their next opponents. First, the defence needed to be strengthened to prevent the opponents from incessantly terrorizing the goalkeeper. Then the strikers also needed toimprove on their lackluster performance against Argentina, since every Nigerian expected them to overwhelm their next opponents in the opening rounds. Lastly, rather than gamble with unfit players, a more creative use of the reserves would be necessary to smooth the way to the next round. If World Cup debutants, Senegal ,could nurse the hope of playing in the knock-out stages of the tournament, then the Eagles should soar instead of being intimidated by big names, for no team is invincible. 6. Which of the following captures thewriter’s suggestion on how the Eagles could improve their performance in subsequent matches? A. Better goalkeeping, a better attack and a stronger midfield. B. Replacement of injured players, stronger attackers and a rugged defence. C. Good coaching, more strikers andmore defenders. D. Fair officiating, good goalkeeping and fast players. 7. A suitable title for this passage is A. African Teams in the 2002World Cup B. The FIFAKorea/Japan 2002 C. The Nigerian and the Senegalese Teams D. The Eagles inWorld Cup 2002. 8. From the argument in the last paragraph, it can be concluded that the Eagles were A. more experienced than the Senegalese team B. not as strong as the Senegalese team. C. more timid and goal-shy than their opponents D. not sure of getting to the next round of the tournament. 9. The word debutants, as used in the passage, means A. hard-fighters B. under-dogs C. first-timers D. giantkillers. 10. From the passage, it can be concluded that the writer A. was optimistic about the chances of the Eagles B. did not fancy the Eagles’ chances C. was non-committal about the chances of the Eagles D. was certain about the Eagles’ chances. PASSAGEIII Attitudes towards the smoking of cigarettes and the consumption of alcohol may be used to illustrate typicalAfrican ethics. Apart from the fact that smoking has now been linked with lung cancer disease, the African moralist has always regarded smoking as an indication of moral degradation. A number of people have accepted the moralist idea on smoking. Some have refrained from smoking, and those who could influence others, such as parents and religious leaders, have also exerted their influence to prevent others from smoking. On the other hand, a good many people have remained indifferent to the moralist view and have continued to smoke. The same argument has been applied to the consumption of alcohol. The African moralist, basing his judgement on the behaviour of a few alcoholics, tends to regard the habit of taking alcohol as a sign of wretchedness. Themoralist holds the viewthat anybody who forms the habit of consuming alcohol will never do well in live. While this may be true in respect of a few people in the society, the fear of themoralist has not been justified. However, the economics is primarily interested in the habit of smoking and the consumption of alcohol in so far as they give satisfaction to smokers and drinkers and so generate supply of and demand for tobacco and alcohol. The economist is interested in knowing howmany packets of cigarettes are consumed and to what extent an increase or fall in consumption could affect production, that is, supply. Similarly, he is interested in how much beer is consumed and howthe supply of beer will adjust to the demand for it. He examines the habits and the pressures which can lead to the readjustment of wants and the reallocation of resources to cover the wants. Some moral principles associated with religion tend to lead on to economic problems. Followers of certain religions are expected not to consume pork, take alcohol or smoke tobacco. Devotees of some religious groups, on the other hand, can eat pork while others are expected to abstain from alcohol and smoking. Strict observance of these moral rules could cripple the breweries, the cigarette factories and some businesses. However, there seems to be a growing number of alcohol consumers and cigarette smokers – a development which should be of interest to the economist. 11. The positionsmaintained by themoralist and the economist can be described as being A. at variance B. very agreeable C. quite indifferent D. very passionate 12. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage? A. Peoplewho drink or smoke surely die of cancer. B. Everyone ignores the moralist view on drinking and smoking. C. Smoking and drinking may have positive effects on the economy. D. Total abstinence from drinking and smoking is a religious obligation. 13. It can be concluded from the passage that morality, religion and economy are A. clearly interconnectedB. certainlydifferent C. somewhat interconnected D. certainly unrelated. 14. The viewexpressed by the writer in the last paragraph is that A. the number of alcoholics and smokers is certainly increasing B. more people nowabstain from drinking and smoking C. more people appear to take to drinking and smoking D. sales of alcohol and tobacco products have improved tremendously. 15. According to the passage, the moralist idea is that A. it is typicallyAfrican not to smoke cigarettes B. people should accept a point of view only when they are convinced C. smoking is not good but a little alcohol may be permitted D. the smoking of cigarettes is bad and unacceptable. PASSAGEIV The passage below has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose themost appropriate option for each gap. Each question carries 2marks. Aprepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter.A …16… (A. document B. free C. manuscript D. quantum) delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to ...17... (A. a gathering B. a conference C. a congregation D. an audience). This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very …18… (A. formal B. genuine C. impromptu D. guaranteed) occasions when exact wording is …19… (A. conclusive B. critical C. reportive D. speculative), such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General …20… (A. Negotiation B. Organization C. Assembly D. Audience). The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly …21… (A. polished B. advanced C. analogous D. discreet) in terms of word choice, turns of phrase, and development of ideas. The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful …22… (A. anticipatory B. profuse C. bifocal D. vocal) inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the wordswill come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any …23… (A. interactive B. restrictive C. positive D. decisive) effects created by the carefully chosen …24… (A. language B. slangC. dialect D. rhetoric) Lack of familiaritywith the …25… (A. exchange B. text C. note D. context) could also prevent the speaker from maintaining eye contact with people being addressed. Adapted from Phillips, G. M. et al (1985), Speaking in Public and Private, Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill LEXIS,STRUCTUREANDORALFORMS In each of questions 26 to 30, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. Each question carries 2marks. 26. In spite of his humble beginning, Audu now throws his weight around. A. Audu is arrogant despite his simple upbringing. B. Despite his obvious poverty,Audu is a proud man. C. Hisnoble birth notwithstanding,Audu is acorrupt man. D. Fromhis poor background,Audu is nowa rich man. 27. Ngozi has always considered her father to be an impassionedman. A. Her father is a very livelyman. B. Her father is an emotional man. C. Her father is a disciplined man. D. Her father is a very strict man. 28. The elders rebuked Olu for taking issue with his principal. A. Olu was cautioned for shouting at his principal. B. Olu was scolded for acting in collusion with his principal. C. Oluwas reprimanded for arguingwith his principal. D. Olu was blamed for issuing a statement denying his principal. 29. The manager paid us in hard currency. A. We were paid in new notes. B. We were paid in foreign currency. C. We were paid in dollars and pound sterling. D. We were paid in a strong and stable currency. 30. If he went to London, he would see the Queen. A. When he goes to London, he will see the Queen. B. He did not go to London and did not see the Queen. C. He did not see the Queen when he went to London. D. He would like to see the Queen when he goes to London. (Questions 31 to 100 carry 1 mark each.) In each of questions 31 to 45, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics. 31. Only those who are gullible fall victim to his trickery. A. saucy B. devastated C. courteous D. astute 32. He is well known for his inordinate ambition. A. excessive B. passionate C. moderate D. sound 33. Students could be timid. A. friendly B. bold C. covetous D. pugnacious 34. The witness decided to conceal the evidence. A. divulge B. hide C. destroy D. pugnacious 35. Themembers of the congregation were inspired by the sermon. A. bewitched B. enthralled C. disenchanted D. disorientated 36. Agbenu was ecstatic about her result. A. dispassionate B. sad C. pessimistic D. mad 37. The labour leader’s recalcitrant stance was applauded. A. stubborn B. flexible C. uncompromising D. wellinformed 38. A cool bath in a hot weather can be truly invigorating. A. devastating B. unpalatable C. debilitating D. disgusting 39. I am loath to do the assignment. A. willing B. unwilling C. waiting D. dying 40. Toyin is married to an impatient, self-centered man. A. a fretful B. a tolerant C. an edgy D. a tolerable 41. Gregarious animals can be found in the zoo. A. Various B. Wild C. Lonely D. Tame 42. The doctor examined the patient painstakingly. A. perfunctorily B. professionally C. painfully D. carefully 43. The company has continued to monopolize the distribution of the products. A. centralize B. specialize C. liberalize D. regularize 44. A conservative estimate put the number ofmissing persons at forty. A.Arough B.An accurate C.Aprimitive D.An incorrect 45. The agency has sworn to deal with all the apostles of confederation. A. proponents B. protagonists C. apostates D. opponents. In each of questions 46 to 60, choose the option nearest in meaning toword(s) or phrase in italics. 46. The leader has the unstinting support of his party. A. unsparing B. laudable C. uninspiring D. cautious. 47. The party supporters vilified the Chairman for the role he played in the crisis that rocked the party. A. elected. B. challenged C. condemned D. impeached 48. The company is to shed three thousand staff this year. A. demote B. lay off C. throw up D. placate 49. There was a glut of oil on the market. A. a variety of B. an accumulation of C. an abundance of D. an increase in 50. A few years ago, nobody would have believed that the economy would turn around. A. deteriorate B. improve C. stagnate D. change 51. Before announcing his retirement, Ochima resolved to settle on account with the bank. A. pay back all he owes B. close his account with C. retire his loans from D. get back at 52. The boys knew that a storm was imminent. A. possible B. impending C. threatening D. encroaching 53. The nurse was in favour of voluntary euthanasia. A. a painless death B. a simple operation C. a sleeping pill D. a major operation 54. The cynics feared that the nation’s nascent democracy would fail. A. pessimists B. delinquents C. critics D. illusionists 55. The essence of governance is to seek the good and well-being of the majority of the people. A. importance B. goal C. characteristic D. secret 56. From what she said, one may infer that she does not like the course. A. suppose B. realize C. deduce D. agree 57. He shared his room with a person whose behaviour was quite nauseating. A. disrespectful B. disgraceful C. discouraging D. disgusting 58. The carpenter built a commodious wardrobe. A. gigantic B. small C. spacious D. wide 59. Publishing as a business venture has become a hot potato in Nigeria. A. unpleasant B. profitable C. unacceptable D. expensive 60. The man’s story sounded plausible to his audience. A. fantastic B. credulous C. credible D. entertaining In each of questions 61 to 85, fill each gap with the most appropriate option fromthe list provided. 61. ‘I can’t stand people prying intomy private life’, Ladi said. ‘...,’ (A. Me neither B. Me too C. I also D. Likewise myself) agreed Agbenu . 62. The sergeant spoke to me in a… (A. coerce B. coarse C. course D. causal)manner. 63. The reason why he was not offered admission was … (A. because B. that C. when D. owning to) his results could not be found. 64. Adika…(A. receive B. receives C. has received D. had received) a message from the club regularly. 65. Three quarters of the people in the village…killed but onlyhalf of their huts…(A. were/was B. were/were C. was/was) affected. 66. If you saw the photograph of the man, …(A. can B. will C. would D. could) you be able to identify him? 67. It is bad to take…(A. someone else’s B. someone’s else C. someone’s else’s D. someone elses’) propertywithout permission. 68. As Obande does not knowanyone in this city, he hopes that some kind… (A. men B. individuals C. man D. inhabitants) will put him up for the night. 69. Be careful not to…(A lose B. loose C. loss D. lost) this money. 70. Howis theneweditor… (A. pushing B. going C. getting D. moving) on with his work? 71. Nowadays, many graduates are not well disposed to teaching,…(A. do they? B. they are? C. aren’t they? D. are they?) 72. The armed robbers went into the house and robbed the three…(A. women’s occupants B. women occupants C. woman occupants D. woman’s occupants). 73. It is often…that inflation…(A. say/resulted B. said/ result C. said/results D. say/result) from toomuch money chasing very few goods. 74. If you would dome this favour, I… (A. will B. shall C. would D. should) be very grateful. 75. I have the…(A. privilege B. priviledge C. privelege D. previlege) ofmeeting the President. 76. My classmate,…(A. that B. whose C. whom D. which) I haven’t seen for years, wrote to me last week. 77. Four weeks…(A. has been B. are C. were D. is) enough for the police to conclude their investigation. 78. Thewoman is one of the…(A. elitists B. elites C. elite D. elitist) of the society. 79. The doctor asked the patient what…(A. is the problem B. the problem was C. the problem is D. is your problem). 80. He put…(A. a white dozen eggs B. dozenwhite eggs C. a dozenwhite eggs D. white dozen eggs) in a basket. 81. Idakwo ran…(A. lest he almost B. lest he will C. lest he should. D. lest he may)miss the train. 82. Course …(A. material B. materials C. material’s D. materials’) writers are to reflect local colour. 83. It was a free-for-all and the students were blamed for taking the law…(A. into their hands B. in their hands C. into their own hands D. in their own hands). 84. Ali plays…(A. their B. some C. a D. the)violin with remarkable skill. 85. The candidate’s charisma should be a… (A. determinable B. determining C. determinant D. determinate) factor in winning the election. In each of questions 86 to 88, choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. 86. colonel A. gaol B. colony C. golden D. girl 87. tend A. jeopardy B. turned C. earned D. caned 88. market A. get B. mortgage C. enter D. bachelor In each of questions 89 to 91, choose the option that has a different vowel sound fromthe others. 89. A dear B. fair C. bear D. there 90. A. hope B. cost C. coast D. won’t 91. A. naught B. north C. spot D. law In each of questions 92 to 94, choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. 92. concrete A. attend B. anxious C. concern D. consider 93. chalet A. college B. chemical C. chairman D. champagne 94. teeth A. though B. taught C. thought D. tank In each of questions 95 and 96, choose the option that has a different consonant sound from the others. 95. A. shoe B. ocean C. chef D. chief 96. A. laugh B. off C. wife D. of In each of questions 97 and 98, choose the option that has the same stress pattern as the given word. 97. cement. A. employ (noun) B. interest C. perfect (adjective) D. include 98. typist A. rebel (verb) B. superb C. refuse (noun) D. propose In each of questions 99 and 100, theword in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the sentence relates. 99. MyMOTHERserved rice and fresh fish stewfor dinner. A. What of kind of meal did your mother serve for dinner? B. Did your mother serve rice and fresh fish stewfor lunch? C. Whatkindofstewdidyourmother servefordinner? D. Who served rice and fresh fish stewfor dinner? 100. The President SPOKE to the press. A. Who spoke to the press? Use of English 2004 a lesser degree the sun, does cause the ocean tides because of their gravitational pull. But a common mistake of primitive people is to think that everything timed in the same rhythmas themoon is caused by it. All themoon gazing, probing andmeasuring has never solved the big problem: its origin. One theory is that it began as a planet, got too near the more massive earth, was ‘captured’ and turned into a satellite. Another is that the latter theory is true, scientists say, there would be two clues: the moon would consist of lighter material than the earth, and the earth would be left with a scar. As a matter of fact, the moon does weigh less. And the Pacific Ocean does have a scarlike bottom of basaltic rocks instead of the granite rocks usually found near the earth’s surface. But the assumption that, ifman can get to the moon, he’ll find the answer is unfounded. Man has been on the earth hundreds of thousands of years without determining the earth’s origin. Scientists, of course, will never give up either quest. Indeed, for thousands of years the moon has worked a spell of fascination over all the people on its near neighbour, the earth. The ancient worshipped this lamp in the sky and speculated about it endlessly. Modern astronomers continue to explore its mysteries almost every night of the year, and with reason. Ages ago, before artificial light was known, it was important as illumination at night.As everyone knows, themoon has no light of its own; it shines with the cold reflection of the distant sun, but actually themoon is a poor satellite with ‘earth light’ sixty times as bright as the best moonlight. That’s why we sometimes see the wholemoon faintlywhen the sun is lighting up only a narrow crescent. 1. The phrase near neighbour, as used in the passage, shows that A. moonlight generallysharesmanycharacteristics with‘earth light’ B. the earth is nearer to the moon than to the sun C. theearth actuallysharesboundarieswith themoon. D. Moonlight shines brighter on the earth’s surface than perhaps elsewhere. 2. The passage suggests that a blue moon is a A. rare phenomenon B. regular event C. trick of themoon D. life-long opportunity 3. The sentence over the centuries, magical powers have been attributed to the moon suggests that A. people perform magic with themoon B. it is a common belief that themoon has magical powers C. the moon actually possesses magical powers. D. Themoon reflectsmagical powers fromthe sun’s rays. 4. The expression either quest refers to the origin of A. the moon or the earth B. neither themoon nor the earth C. the moon D. the earth. 5. A suitable title for the passage is A. The Magical Powers of theMoon B. Facts about the Moon C. The Lunar Cycle D. Moon-Gazing. PASSAGEII The passage below has gaps numbered 6 to 15. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose themost appropriate option for each gap. Each question carries 2marks. Capitalism is an economic system which is founded on the principle of free enterprise and the private ownership of the means of production and distribution. The …6… (A. attorneys B. determiners C. antagonists D. protagonists) of capitalism claim that its essential characteristic is economic …7… ( A. freedom B. manoeuvring C. manipulation D. exploitation). The producer is free to produce whatever goods he ..8… (A. B. Are these the pressmen that the President spoke to? C. Did the President speak to the press? D. Did the President write to the press? COMPREHENSION Read the passage belowcarefully and answer the questions that follow. Each Question carries 3marks. PASSAGE I If, once in a lifetime, you see a blue moon, don’t think your eyes are playing tricks on you. It’s caused by dust in our upper atmosphere; ice crystals are what make you see rings round the moon. Over the centuries, magical powers have been attributed to the moon. It has been said to bring on lunacy, affect the growth of plants, eyes of cats, spots of panthers, functions of women and activities of ghosts. France once had a law against cutting timber except during a waning moon. Themoon, and to manufactures B. buys C. sells D. fancies); but the …9… (A. consumer B. customer C. marketer D. controller) is equally free to buywhat he wants. There is a market mechanism under this system which brings the producer and consumer together and tends to equate the supplies of the one to the demands of the other, and …10… (A. neutralize B. decide C. harmonize D. settle) the whims and caprice of both. It is this same …11… (A. controlling B. productionC. operational D.market)mechanism which determines what prices the consumers pay to the producers, as well as what share the total …12… (A. profit B. output C. dividends D. interest), in cash or kind, goes to each of the four recognized… 13… (A. factorsB. methodsC.managers D. agents) of production-land, labour, capital and organization. It is further claimed for this system that every person is capable ofwatching his or her own interest, and that whatever injustice is done by the …14… (A. pricing B. buyers and sellers C. managers D. operations) of the market mechanism, this mechanismtends to bring about a state of …15… (A. equilibrium B. equidistance C.. opprobrium D. conflict) between the producers and the consumers. Adapted from The Guardian, October 5, 2003, p. 10 Read passages III and IV carefully and answer the questions that follow. Each question carries 3marks. PASSAGEIII We knew early in our life that the atmosphere in our home was different from that in many other homes, where husbands and wives quarrel and where there was drunkenness, laziness or indifference – things we never sawin our family. We chafed and grumbled at the strictness ofmy father’s regime. We went to hide whenever we broke the rules too visibly. We knew, nevertheless, that our parents wanted good things for us. Some of these, such as the insistence on our going to school and never missing a day, we accepted readily enough, although, like most other children, we occasionally yielded to the temptation to play truant. However, in other cases such as their effort to keep us out of contact with the difficult life – the drinking and fighting and beer-brewing and gambling – their failure was inevitable. They could not keep us insulated. By the time we moved about, we were already seeing things with their eyes and judging things by the standards we had absorbed from them. It was borne in on me and my brother at a very early age that our father was an uncommon man. For one thing, in mostAfrican families, work around the home waswomen’swork. Sowe were vastly impressed by the fact that whenever mymother was away, my father could and did do all her jobs – cooking, cleaning and looking after us.We lived in thiswayin a community in which housework was regarded as being beneath male dignity. Even in families which, like ours, produced boy after boy – our sister came fifth – it simplymeant that themother carried a greater and greater burden ofwork. In our family, nevertheless, the boys did girl’s work andmy father did it with us. One of the prime chores of life in the familywas fetching water from the pump down the street, some two hundredmetres from our door. Since the pump was not unlocked until six in the morning and there was always crowding, a systemhad developed whereby you got out before dawn, placed your twenty-litre tin in line, and then went home, returning later to take your place. Often, of course, tins would be moved back in line and others moved ahead. This could be corrected if none of those in front were too big a challenge. When taps were substituted for the pumps, the first one installed was nearly a kilometre away from our house and we had to make the treck with the water tins balanced on our heads -- and indignity because this was the waygirls, not proud males, carried their burdens. All the children in the neibghbourhood knew we did women’s work and I can still hear their derisive laughter. We did our jobs doggedly, that notwithstanding, because our father and mother expected it of us. Out of choice our father did everything we did, including fetching water on the occasion, and commanded us by sheer force of his example. 16. By describing his father as an uncommon man, the writer means that he is A. amenable B. remarkable C. strict D. kind 17. Which of the following describes the father’s role in the family? A. Being too hard on the children. B. Usurping his wife’s role in the family. C. Serving the children. D. Leading by example. 18. The word atmosphere, as used in the first paragraph of the passage, means A. pattern B. disposition C. preference D. unity 19. Which of the following statements captures the family’s approach to housework? A. No job was reserved for anyone on the basis of gender. B. Their mother did the cooking and cleaning willingly. C. The boys were not allowed to do girls work. D. The water needed was provided by everyone. 20. A suitable title for the passage is A. AVillage Life B. The Unusual Parent C. TheProblemofWater D. An Experience in Earlylife. PASSAGEIV AWolf, seeing a Lamb drinking from a river, wanted to find a pretext for devouring him. He stood higher up the stream and accused the lamb of muddying the water so that he could not drink. The lamb said that he drank onlywith tip of his tongue, and that in any case he was standing lower down the river, and could not possibly disturb the water higher up. When this excuse failed him, thewolf said: ‘Well, last year you insultedmy father.’ ‘I wasn’t even born then,’ replied the lamb. ‘You are good at finding answers, ‘said the wolf, ‘but what do youmean by taking up somuch of the path where I am walking? The lamb, frightened at the wolf’s angry tone and terrible aspect, told him, with all due submission, that he could not conceive how his walking on such a wide path could occasion him inconvenience. ‘What!’ exclaimed the wolf, seemingly in great anger and indignation. ‘You are as impudent as your father who seized me by the throat last year, and caused me to be kept in a cage for threemonths.’ ‘If you will believe me,’ said the lamb, ‘my parents are poor simple creatures who live entirely by green stuff; we are none of us hunters of your species.’ ‘Ah! I see it’s no use talking to you, ‘said the wolf, drawing up close to him. ‘It runs in the blood of your family to hate us wolves, and therefore, as we have come so conveniently together, I’ll just pay off a few of your forefathers’ scores before we part. ‘So saying, he leapt at the lamb frombehind and garroted him. 21. The charges levelled against the lamb are A. pollution, insolence, obstruction and aggression. B. exuberance, pollution,wickednessand stubbornness C. garrulity, loquacity, pride and arrogance D. greed, wandering, insolence and disrespect. 22. From theway the story ended, it can be concluded that the A. wolf and the lamb parted amicably B. lamb did not survive the encounter C. wolf had encountered the lamb’s parents D. lamb offended the wolf quite seriously. 23. Which ofthefollowingaptlydescribes themoral ofthestory? A. No matter how highly placed he is in society, the unmindful lawbreaker will always meet his nemesis. B. The lawis weak in defence of the poor against the rich andmighty. C. The sins of the forefathers are visited upon the children no matter how long it takes. D. If you have made up your mind to hang your dog, any rope will do for the purpose. 24. The expression when this excuse failed him suggests that the A. lambwas preparedfor thecharges levelledagainst him B. wolf was uncertain of the charges levelled againstthe lamb C. wolf onlymade up the charges levelled against the lamb D. lambwas more intelligent than the wolf. 25. The expression angry tone and terrible aspect refers to the wolf’s A. towering size and thunderous voice B. harsh voice and menacing posture C. sonorous voice and overbearing attitude D. loud voice and frettingmovement. LEXIS,STRUCTUREANDORALFORMS (Questions 26 to 59 carry I mark each.) In each of questions 26 and 27, choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. 26. bear A. rare B. fear C. beer D. steer 27. nine A. click B. gill C. pint D. pin In each of the questions 28 and 29, choose the appropriate stress pattern from the options. The syllables are written in capital letters. 28. expostulate A. exPOStulate B. exposTUlate C. expostuLATE D. EXpostulate 29. sufficiency A. sufficienCY B. suffiCIENcy C. sufFIciency D. SUFficiency In each of questions 30 to 54, choose the option that best completes the gap(s) 30. He isn’t coming home, is he?…(A. No B.Why C. Yes D. Now), he isn’t. 31. The poor widow who could not buy the clothes was seen …her wool into… (A. making/tailoring B. to spin/ yards C. spinning/yarn D. to spill/clothes) yesterday. 32. … (A. Referring to B. With reference to C. Due to D. Owning to) his illness, Muhammad could not come to school. 33. You may not have heard the last word on the matter, … (A. have youB.may you haveC. haven’t youD.mayn’t have you)? 34. Agbo says he is not afraid of… (A. no one B. nothing C. nobody D. anybody) 35. The city…as a federal capital only… (A. existed/over B. has existed/for C. was existing/from D. is existing in) the last twenty years. 36. He not only looked after the children when their parents died,… (A. also he B. also C. but also D. but he) sponsored their education to university. 37. After so many trials, the experiment… (A. paid up B. paid off C. paid out D. paid for). 38. His supporters rallied round him in moments of… (A. criticism B. disillusionment C. acrimony D. crisis) 39. One needs to exemplify or… (A. declare B. demonstrate C. satisfy D. supply) the aspect of the subject being discussed. 40. Actually, he forgot the one to…(A. whomever B. who C. whoever D. whom) the job was given. 41. The police claim that a number of stolen cars… (A. is being B. has being C. have been D. has been) recovered. 42. The storm… (A. did B. wreckedC. made D. wreaked) havoc on several buildings in the village. 43. People dislike Mariam because she is… (A trickful B. tricky C. a tricker D. trickish) 44. The chairman refused to shake … (A. hands. B. his hand C. hand D. his hands) with the secretary. 45. Ali goes to the stadium regularly, but he.. (A. didn’t go B. hasn’t been C. haven’t been D. hadn’t been) to the church for months. 46. No teacher of honour would subject his student to any form of … (A. harrassment B. harrasment C. harassement D. harassment). 47. The interpreter was wrong because he gave the congregation a… (A. unilateral B. literary C. literal D. lateral) translation of the pastor’s statement. 48. Each of the houses… (A. have got B. has C. have D. were given) a new look. 49. The reporter said that theHonourable Speaker… (A. is to be B. will have been C. might have been D. may have being) impeached. 50. It is … (A. their’s B. theirs’ C. theirs D. their) responsibility to look after their parents in old age. 51. I shall find time for my…when I get.. (A. pastime/ through B. pass-time/over C. passtime/through D. past-time/over) with this difficult assignment. 52. All God’s prophets were given the great… (A commition B. comission C. commission D. commision) to preach salvation to people. 53. Each producer is able to place a price on his product by considering its… (A assessment B. choice C. judgement D. worth) 54. The minister addressed the workers to boost their… (A. mural B. morale C. morality D. moral). In each of questions 55 to 57, choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one presented by the letter(s) underlined. 55. caused A. realized, B. frost C. released D. chanced 56. mischief A. champagne B. Christmas C. brochure D. ritual 57. judge A. pleasure B. camouflage C. spinach D. gear In each of questions 58 and 59, the word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates. 58. The student BOUGHT the book. A. Who bought the book? B. What did the student buy? C. How will the student get the book? D. Did the student steal the book? 59. The teacher wants MY pen. A. Does the teacher want your ruler? B. Who wants my pen? C. Does the teacher want his pen? D. What does the teacher want? In each of questions 60 to 64, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. Each question carries 2marks. 60. The investigators stated clearly that they had reached a dead end in their scrutiny of suspects in the murder case. A. The end had come for the suspects in themurder case. B. There was no further progress in the investigation of the murder suspects. C. The investigators did not know what to do with suspects’murder. D. The investigators had evidence to sentence the suspects to death in the end. 61. In many countries, democracy is ostensibly being practiced. A. Many countries have effective democracy. B. Democracy is indeed being practiced in many countries. C. Democracy is apparently practiced in many countries. D. Many countries have democracy in practise. 62. Adamu’s father is a key figure in that ministry. A. Adamu’s father’s position is essential in the ministry. B. Theministry trustsAdamu’s father as a central figure. C. Adamu’s father is a figurehead in theministry. D. Adamu’s father keeps the key to the ministry. 63. Everyone was ready to play the devil’s advocate in the impeachment controversy. A. Everyone was willing to fight for the defenceless citizens no matter the consequences. B. Everyone was willing to defend an unpopular point of view concerning the impeachment. C. Everyone was willing to speak against the impeachment to encourage discussion on it. D. Everyone was willing to be an evil genius in the controversy. 64. The government warns that drink-driving is punishable under the law. A. A drunkard driving can be punished. B. Drinking and driving is an offence. C. Drivingwhile drinking is an offence. D. Driving while drunk is an offence. (Questions 65 to 100 carry 1 mark each.) In each of questions 65 and 66, choose the option that has a different stress pattern from the others. 65. A. result B. ratify C.taxi D. famous 66. A. orthopaedicB. secondment C. photographicD. oriental In each of questions 67 and 68, choose the option that has a different vowel sound fromthe others. 67. A. pot B. hall C. water D. altar 68. A. tout B. foe C. foul D. owl In each of questions 69 to 83, choose the option nearest in meaning to theword or phrase in italics. 69. The presence of the captain makes the sailors ill at ease. A. impatient B. easily ill C. uncomfortable D. sickly 70. Ibro shows enough liberality with his meager income. A. insensitivity B. prodigality C. frugality D. generosity 71. It is a misnomer to call three thousand naira a living wage. A. a wrong description B. an incontrovertible assertion C. an appropriate term D. a mishmash 72. The press described the efforts of the government in pejorative terms. A. superlative B. palpable C. critical D. contemptible. 73. The town was in such a turmoil that the dance was called off. A. state of darkness B. state of confusion C. rainy state D. mourning state 74. The festivals create in the people a feeling of pride in their cultural heritage. A. legacy B. possession C. history D. heirloom 75. Okonkwo manages his household with a heavy hand. A. using the cane on every occasion B. without tolerating weaknesses C. like a powerful dictator. D. like a heavyweight champion. 76. In spite of constant financial support from his father, Udenyi treats his studies with considerable levity. A. lassitude B. wastefulness C. enthusiasm D. seriousness 77. The school’s badge is the insignia of office for all the prefects in the school. A. seal B. recognition C. power D. symbol 78. Funnily enough, the priest prayed for the robber who shot him. A. timidly B. fearlessly C. unexpectedly D. disappointingly 79. The mottled skin of a person with HIV indicates an advanced stage of its development. A. pimply B. scaly C. brown D. spotted 80. The prosecutor was fully able to substantiate the charge. A. expatiate on B. weaken C. prove D. dismiss 81. The manager’s knowledge of the strike is of the utmost importance A. basic B. genuine C. standard D. paramount 82. There has been a downturn in the affairs of the company. A. a turn-around B. a massive increase C. a decline D. little progress. 83. His plans boomeranged on him. A. catapulted B. backfired C. fell D. bounced. In each of questions 84 and 85, choose the option that has the stress on the first syllable. 84. A. condemn B. intact C. afternoon D. bachelor 85. A. impossible B. criticism C. eleven D. circulation In each of questions 86 to 100, choose the option opposite in meaning to theword or phrase in italics. 86. The noise of the fans unnerved the star player. A. calmed B. confused C. refreshed D. helped 87. We found a shady place for the display. A. an enclosed B. a stuffy C. an open D. an unsafe 88. The player writhed in pain after the fall A. cried out B. remained still C. walked out D. shook violently 89. The ship was imperilled by high winds. A. saved B. deceived C. destroyed D. piloted 90. The team got an ecstatic welcome from the crowd. A. a joyous B. an unexpected C. an expected D. a cold 91. Sailors are unusually dauntless in their exploits. A. excited B. ruthless C. frightened D. selfless 92. Beauty queens sometimes wear outlandish dresses. A. familiar B. flashy C. beautiful D. attractive 93. My father’s presentation was rather casual. A. divisive B. vital C. informal D. formal 94. The Flying Eagles put up a plucky defence against their opponents A. weak B. Strong C. careless D. tactful 95. The journalist said he was working freelance. A. satisfactorily B. without a pay C. dependently D. tirelessly 96. The injuredman isdetermined to get back at his assailant. A. visit B. forgive C. identify D. attack 97. The dictator wanted tractable men in his cabinet. A. tough B. intelligent C. unruly D. reliable 98. After the war, the victors became increasingly vindictive A. treacherous B. arrogant C. vociferous D. friendly 99. The potency of the drug has been acknowledged. A. action B. inefficacy C. power D. loss 100. The man who scared the girl was a bit deranged. A. crazy B. amorous C. dangerous D. sane