Use Of English 2009 Jamb Examination
Use Of English 2009 Jamb Examination
Question 51
Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).
The company paid some money to Abu to ___ him for losses he suffered during the accident?
The company paid some money to Abu to ___ him for losses he suffered during the accident?
The correct option is 'recompense', which means to compensate or pay someone for loss, damage, or suffering. The sentence indicates that Abu suffered losses, and payment was made to make up for it. 'Indemnity' is a noun, not a verb; 'condole with' is used to express sympathy, and 'settle' is too general without implying compensation. Hence, 'recompense' accurately conveys the intended meaning.
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Question 52
Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).
Our plan for the trip fell ___ when the rich man did not give us a life ___?
Our plan for the trip fell ___ when the rich man did not give us a life ___?
The phrasal verb 'fell through' means that a plan or arrangement failed to happen. The phrase 'life line' means help or support given in a difficult situation. Therefore, 'fell through / line' fits perfectly to mean the trip failed because the rich man did not provide support. The other combinations do not make logical sense in English usage.
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Question 53
Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).
Government has frowned upon politicians who are out to ___ wealth?
Government has frowned upon politicians who are out to ___ wealth?
'Amass' means to gather or accumulate something, especially wealth, over time. The sentence refers to politicians trying to gather large amounts of wealth unlawfully. Although 'steal' may seem similar, the focus here is on greed and accumulation rather than theft. 'Gain' and 'waste' do not capture the sense of excessive accumulation. Thus, 'amass' is the most suitable word.
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Question 54
Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).
You are just putting the hat on ___ ?
You are just putting the hat on ___ ?
This question tests the correct use of question tags. The auxiliary verb 'are' in 'You are' takes the negative tag 'aren't you'. The rule in English grammar is that positive statements take negative tags and vice versa. Therefore, 'You are just putting the hat on, aren't you?' is correct. The other options break the grammatical rule for tag questions.
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Question 55
Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).
He was determined to ___ all position into submission?
He was determined to ___ all position into submission?
The verb 'cow' means to frighten or intimidate someone into submission. The sentence suggests that he wanted to make others yield or obey through fear or pressure. Therefore, 'cow' fits perfectly. The other words 'push', 'box', and 'pound' imply physical actions, not intimidation or coercion.
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Question 56
Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).
I tried to discourage him, but he persisted ___ revealing the secret of his son.
I tried to discourage him, but he persisted ___ revealing the secret of his son.
The correct preposition after 'persisted' is 'in'. The phrase 'persist in' means to continue firmly in an action despite difficulty or opposition. For example, 'He persisted in studying despite the noise'. The other prepositions 'for', 'on', and 'to' do not grammatically fit the verb 'persist'.
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Question 57
Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).
I am told that the market is ___ in to the interests of people from all ___ of life?
I am told that the market is ___ in to the interests of people from all ___ of life?
The correct expression is 'tuned in to' meaning adjusted or adapted to something. The phrase 'walks of life' refers to different social or professional backgrounds. Hence, 'tuned / walks' makes the sentence meaningful: 'The market is tuned in to the interests of people from all walks of life.' The other options misuse the idiomatic expressions.
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Question 58
Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).
Uche has been in ___ with his pen pal for years?
Uche has been in ___ with his pen pal for years?
The correct word is 'correspondence', which means the act of communicating through letters or emails. The sentence means Uche and his pen pal have been writing to each other for years. 'Exchange' does not fit grammatically, 'favour' changes the meaning entirely, and 'cord' is unrelated. Therefore, 'correspondence' is the only appropriate word.
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Question 59
Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).
Abba became ___ about his inability to pass the examination?
Abba became ___ about his inability to pass the examination?
'Despondent' means very sad or discouraged because of failure or disappointment. The context shows that Abba was upset about his inability to pass the exam, making 'despondent' the correct choice. 'Disenchanted' means losing faith or enthusiasm, 'dogmatic' means being rigid in opinion, and 'joyful' is the opposite of the intended meaning.
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Question 60
Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined.
Caught?
Caught?
The word 'caught' has the vowel sound /ɔː/ as in 'water'.
Phonetic transcriptions:
'caught' - /kɔːt/
'hot' - /hɒt/
'water' - /ˈwɔːtə/
'sup' - /sʌp/
'wrong' - /rɒŋ/
Among the options, 'water' shares the same vowel sound /ɔː/ as 'caught'. Therefore, 'water' is correct.
Phonetic transcriptions:
'caught' - /kɔːt/
'hot' - /hɒt/
'water' - /ˈwɔːtə/
'sup' - /sʌp/
'wrong' - /rɒŋ/
Among the options, 'water' shares the same vowel sound /ɔː/ as 'caught'. Therefore, 'water' is correct.
