Use Of English 2007 Jamb Examination

Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king’s own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ___ 16. A. lied B. lay C. lain D. laid eyes on him for a long time.

The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ___ 17. A. were gathered B. gather C. to be gathering D. gathers in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ___ 18. A. booms B. shoots C. knocks D. bangs repeatedly. Rich ___ 19. A. vibration B. gyration C. explosion D. percussion from the royal musicians fills the air.

The Igwe emerges like the rising sun ___ 20. A. royally B. resplendent C. dazzled D. surrounded in white-bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the ___ 21. A. traditional B. social C. royal D. cultural dance with his wife.

Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ___ 22. A. from the cheers B. at the cheer C. with the cheers D. to the cheers and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his person begins to ___ 23. A. pay their respects B. spray him with gifts C. observe his steps D. pay their tolls.

‘Igweee! You will live long ___ 24. A. at the throne B. on the throne C. by the throne D. in the throne,’ they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe ___ 25. A. answers B. responds C. acknowledges D. replies their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk.

Exhausted, the Igwe rises. ‘Igweeee,’ the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.