Use Of English 2008 Jamb Examination
Use Of English 2008 Jamb Examination
Question 21
Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.
The speaker was rather bold in his presentation of the case?
The speaker was rather bold in his presentation of the case?
Bold means confident or courageous in behaviour or speech.
The opposite of being bold is being reserved, which means shy or restrained in expressing one’s opinions or feelings.
Therefore, 'reserved' is the antonym of 'bold'.
The opposite of being bold is being reserved, which means shy or restrained in expressing one’s opinions or feelings.
Therefore, 'reserved' is the antonym of 'bold'.
Not clear enough?
Question 22
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The doctor tried to soothe the patient before the operation?
The doctor tried to soothe the patient before the operation?
To soothe means to calm or comfort someone who is anxious or in pain.
Among the options, 'calm' means to make peaceful or relaxed, which is closest in meaning to 'soothe'.
Among the options, 'calm' means to make peaceful or relaxed, which is closest in meaning to 'soothe'.
Not clear enough?
Question 23
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The charge brought against my brother was hardly tenable?
The charge brought against my brother was hardly tenable?
The word tenable means something that can be defended or justified, especially an argument or opinion.
Thus, 'defensible' has the closest meaning to 'tenable'.
Thus, 'defensible' has the closest meaning to 'tenable'.
Not clear enough?
Question 24
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The man described his son as a wilful character?
The man described his son as a wilful character?
The term wilful refers to someone who is stubborn or determined to have their own way.
'Obstinate' means stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, making it the closest in meaning.
'Obstinate' means stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, making it the closest in meaning.
Not clear enough?
Question 25
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
Our teacher described Agbo's story as a phantom?
Our teacher described Agbo's story as a phantom?
The word phantom refers to something imaginary or unreal.
'Fanciful' means existing only in imagination and not based on reality.
Therefore, 'fanciful' is nearest in meaning to 'phantom'.
'Fanciful' means existing only in imagination and not based on reality.
Therefore, 'fanciful' is nearest in meaning to 'phantom'.
Not clear enough?
Question 26
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
I find the way she approaches her customers quite repugnant?
I find the way she approaches her customers quite repugnant?
The word repugnant means extremely distasteful or unacceptable.
'Unpleasant' conveys a similar idea of causing discomfort or dislike.
Hence, 'unpleasant' is the nearest in meaning to 'repugnant'.
'Unpleasant' conveys a similar idea of causing discomfort or dislike.
Hence, 'unpleasant' is the nearest in meaning to 'repugnant'.
Not clear enough?
Question 27
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
Participation in the programme is optional?
Participation in the programme is optional?
Optional means something that is not compulsory but left to personal choice.
'A matter of choice' expresses the same idea, indicating that participation is voluntary.
'A matter of choice' expresses the same idea, indicating that participation is voluntary.
Not clear enough?
Question 28
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
Scientists have invented ways of preserving fruits much longer?
Scientists have invented ways of preserving fruits much longer?
To invent means to create or design something new through thought or experimentation.
'Devised' means to plan or invent by careful thought, making it the closest in meaning to 'invented'.
'Devised' means to plan or invent by careful thought, making it the closest in meaning to 'invented'.
Not clear enough?
Question 29
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The attempt to count the population was largely successful?
The attempt to count the population was largely successful?
The adverb largely means mostly or to a great extent.
Hence, 'mostly' best captures the meaning of 'largely' in this context.
Hence, 'mostly' best captures the meaning of 'largely' in this context.
Not clear enough?
Question 30
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The governor has approved the award of the contract?
The governor has approved the award of the contract?
To approve means to officially accept or agree to something.
'Endorsed' means to give support or approval to an action or proposal.
Thus, 'endorsed' is the nearest in meaning to 'approved'.
'Endorsed' means to give support or approval to an action or proposal.
Thus, 'endorsed' is the nearest in meaning to 'approved'.