Use Of English 2005 Jamb Examination

The sentence is a third conditional statement used to express a hypothetical past situation and its result. The structure 'If the rain hadn't fallen, we wouldn't have missed the match' means that the rain did fall, and as a result, they missed the match. Therefore, it refers to a past event that actually happened contrary to the condition. The event of missing the match occurred because the rain fell.

The expression 'jawing away' is an idiomatic phrase meaning talking continuously, often to the point of annoyance. The sentence means that the class was tired of the new boy because he would not stop talking. It does not relate to chewing, fighting, or causing trouble but rather excessive talking that irritated others.

The phrase 'pull together' means to work cooperatively toward a common goal. The sentence implies that the Headmaster wanted teamwork and unity among his staff. He hoped that everyone would support one another and collaborate for the success of the school. It does not refer to resignation, self-composure, or improvement of condition but mutual cooperation.

The expression 'not pruned down' means that the quantity of the order was not reduced. The sentence means that whenever the trader paid the complete amount, the goods he ordered were supplied fully without reduction. Therefore, full payment guaranteed that his order remained intact.

The expression 'pawns in someone else's political game' refers to people being manipulated or used to achieve another person's political aims. The negative form 'were not pawns' means they acted independently and were not being controlled by anyone. Therefore, the sentence conveys that the men acted based on their own decisions and not under anyone’s manipulation.

The sentence compares the end of the crisis to its sudden beginning, suggesting that it ended quickly and unexpectedly. The phrase 'as suddenly as it began' indicates a swift and abrupt end. The best interpretation is that the crisis stopped almost immediately after it began, showing both events were sudden.

The sentence means that there is no reason to complain about the job being dull or boring because it is full of excitement. The phrase 'not be complaining about a lack of excitement' implies the job is interesting and stimulating, not monotonous. Therefore, the job provides enough excitement to satisfy the speaker.

The word 'parried' means to ward off, evade, or skilfully avoid answering questions, usually to escape giving direct responses. The sentence indicates that the Governor cleverly avoided answering the journalist’s questions. It does not suggest he answered them, failed them, or mastered them, but rather that he sidestepped them intentionally.

 

The sentence implies that if the speaker visits England in the future, there is a possibility (but not a certainty) that they will go to Manchester City. Option A accurately captures this conditional statement.

The idiom 'put one's foot down' means to act firmly or assertively, especially when one is sure about something. The sentence conveys that the man stands his ground and shows determination whenever he believes in what he is doing. This indicates firmness of character, not oppression or self-importance.