Use Of English 2009 Jamb Examination
Use Of English 2009 Jamb Examination
Question 1
Choose the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
It was our collective idea but Ado was doing everything to steal the show.
It was our collective idea but Ado was doing everything to steal the show.
The expression 'to steal the show' means to attract the most attention or praise, especially in a performance or collective effort.
Ado, though part of the group, was trying to make himself appear as the main contributor or star of the project.
Ado, though part of the group, was trying to make himself appear as the main contributor or star of the project.
Not clear enough?
Question 2
Choose the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
As we watched, he just popped along to the shop for some bread.
As we watched, he just popped along to the shop for some bread.
The phrase 'popped along' means to go somewhere briefly or quickly.
The sentence implies he went quickly to the shop for some bread, not that he stole or broke in.
The sentence implies he went quickly to the shop for some bread, not that he stole or broke in.
Not clear enough?
Question 3
Choose the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
In all ramifications, Chief Adeyemi was a successful principal of the school.
In all ramifications, Chief Adeyemi was a successful principal of the school.
The expression 'in all ramifications' means 'in every respect' or 'in all aspects'.
Therefore, Chief Adeyemi was completely successful in all areas of his duty.
This is best expressed by 'His tenure witnessed a huge success.'
Therefore, Chief Adeyemi was completely successful in all areas of his duty.
This is best expressed by 'His tenure witnessed a huge success.'
Not clear enough?
Question 4
Choose the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
I couldn't buy the biscuit because of the hold-up in the supermarket.
I couldn't buy the biscuit because of the hold-up in the supermarket.
The word 'hold-up' in this context refers to a delay or obstruction, not a robbery.
It means there was a long queue or delay in service, likely because the attendant was slow.
It means there was a long queue or delay in service, likely because the attendant was slow.
Not clear enough?
Question 5
Choose the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
You could have heard the sound if you weren't asleep.
You could have heard the sound if you weren't asleep.
The sentence expresses an unreal condition in the past.
It means because you were asleep, you missed hearing the sound.
Thus, the correct meaning is that you were asleep, so you did not hear the sound.
It means because you were asleep, you missed hearing the sound.
Thus, the correct meaning is that you were asleep, so you did not hear the sound.
Not clear enough?
Question 6
Choose the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
Musa will not do the job well because he has an itching palm.
Musa will not do the job well because he has an itching palm.
The idiom 'itching palm' refers to a person who is greedy for money or eager to collect bribes.
This means Musa is corrupt or expects a bribe before doing any work properly.
This means Musa is corrupt or expects a bribe before doing any work properly.
Not clear enough?
Question 7
Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
Emeka was always conspicuous by his absence when it came to attending lectures.
Emeka was always conspicuous by his absence when it came to attending lectures.
The expression 'conspicuous by his absence' means someone is noticeably missing.
Therefore, it was obvious that Emeka was not present at lectures, as his absence was always noticeable.
Therefore, it was obvious that Emeka was not present at lectures, as his absence was always noticeable.
Not clear enough?
Question 8
Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
He was injured by a friendly fire.
He was injured by a friendly fire.
The phrase 'friendly fire' refers to accidental injury caused by weapons fired by one's own side during battle.
It does not mean a friend personally shot him but that it came from allied forces.
It does not mean a friend personally shot him but that it came from allied forces.
Not clear enough?
Question 9
Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
Kola visits us on occasions, and I don't like that.
Kola visits us on occasions, and I don't like that.
The phrase 'on occasions' means 'occasionally' or 'not frequently'.
The speaker dislikes that Kola does not visit often, not that he visits only during celebrations.
The speaker dislikes that Kola does not visit often, not that he visits only during celebrations.
Not clear enough?
Question 10
Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
At the time I arrived, Olu was lying in third place.
At the time I arrived, Olu was lying in third place.
The phrase 'lying in third place' refers to someone's position in a race or competition.
The sentence means Olu was in third position at the time of the speaker’s arrival.
The sentence means Olu was in third position at the time of the speaker’s arrival.
Not clear enough?
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