Use Of English 2013 Jamb Examination
Use Of English 2013 Jamb Examination
Question 21
Select the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
The exhibition was an eye opener to all.
The exhibition was an eye opener to all.
Exhibition (noun) - /ˌek.sɪˈbɪʃ.ən/
In this context, an exhibition refers to a public event where items such as works of art, historical objects, or manufactured goods are presented for people to view. A 'display' is a synonymous term that describes the act of showing or exhibiting something to the public. The phrase 'eye opener' implies that the event provided new and surprising information, but the core noun 'exhibition' is best matched by 'display'.
In this context, an exhibition refers to a public event where items such as works of art, historical objects, or manufactured goods are presented for people to view. A 'display' is a synonymous term that describes the act of showing or exhibiting something to the public. The phrase 'eye opener' implies that the event provided new and surprising information, but the core noun 'exhibition' is best matched by 'display'.
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Question 22
Select the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
As a journalist, Bala has always had a nose for stories.
As a journalist, Bala has always had a nose for stories.
Nose (noun) - /nəʊz/
The idiom 'to have a nose for something' means to have a natural ability to find or detect things, especially something interesting or important. In journalism, this refers to a reporter's 'instinct' or 'flair' for discovering news. It suggests an intuitive sense rather than a formal command or a specific type of statement. Therefore, 'an instinct' is the most appropriate replacement.
The idiom 'to have a nose for something' means to have a natural ability to find or detect things, especially something interesting or important. In journalism, this refers to a reporter's 'instinct' or 'flair' for discovering news. It suggests an intuitive sense rather than a formal command or a specific type of statement. Therefore, 'an instinct' is the most appropriate replacement.
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Question 23
Choose the option that best completes the gap:
The girl says she is averse ___ what others admire.
The girl says she is averse ___ what others admire.
Averse (adjective) - /əˈvɜːs/
The word 'averse' is an adjective used to describe a strong feeling of opposition or dislike toward something. In English grammar, the adjective 'averse' is conventionally followed by the preposition 'to'. Therefore, 'averse to' is the correct collocation to indicate that the girl has a distaste for things that others find admirable.
The word 'averse' is an adjective used to describe a strong feeling of opposition or dislike toward something. In English grammar, the adjective 'averse' is conventionally followed by the preposition 'to'. Therefore, 'averse to' is the correct collocation to indicate that the girl has a distaste for things that others find admirable.
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Question 24
Choose the option that best completes the gap:
Our teacher defined ___ in his introductory lesson.
Our teacher defined ___ in his introductory lesson.
Onomatopoeia (noun) - /ˌɒn.əˌmæt.əˈpiː.ə/
This question tests the ability to correctly spell complex literary terms. Onomatopoeia refers to the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g., cuckoo, sizzle). The correct spelling requires the sequence 'o-e-i-a' at the end, following the Greek root 'poiein' meaning 'to make'. Option A is the only correctly spelled version.
This question tests the ability to correctly spell complex literary terms. Onomatopoeia refers to the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g., cuckoo, sizzle). The correct spelling requires the sequence 'o-e-i-a' at the end, following the Greek root 'poiein' meaning 'to make'. Option A is the only correctly spelled version.
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Question 25
Choose the option that best completes the gap:
The philanthropist devoted himself ___ the poor.
The philanthropist devoted himself ___ the poor.
Devoted (verb/adjective) - /dɪˈvəʊ.tɪd/
The verb 'devote' is used with the reflexive pronoun (himself/herself) followed by the preposition 'to'. In this structure, 'to' is a preposition, not part of an infinitive, which means it must be followed by a noun or a gerund (an '-ing' verb acting as a noun). Thus, 'devoted himself to helping' is the grammatically correct construction to show total commitment to an activity.
The verb 'devote' is used with the reflexive pronoun (himself/herself) followed by the preposition 'to'. In this structure, 'to' is a preposition, not part of an infinitive, which means it must be followed by a noun or a gerund (an '-ing' verb acting as a noun). Thus, 'devoted himself to helping' is the grammatically correct construction to show total commitment to an activity.
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Question 26
Select the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
The athlete is proud to be in the vanguard of sports development.
The athlete is proud to be in the vanguard of sports development.
Vanguard (noun) - /ˈvæn.ɡɑːd/
The 'vanguard' refers to a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas, or the foremost part of an advancing army. Being in the vanguard of sports development means the athlete is at the forefront or in a 'leading position' regarding progress and innovation in that field. It represents the most advanced or leading part of a movement.
The 'vanguard' refers to a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas, or the foremost part of an advancing army. Being in the vanguard of sports development means the athlete is at the forefront or in a 'leading position' regarding progress and innovation in that field. It represents the most advanced or leading part of a movement.
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Question 27
Select the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
Nwankwo was on the verge of signing a two year contract with the club.
Nwankwo was on the verge of signing a two year contract with the club.
Verge (noun) - /vɜːdʒ/
To be on the 'verge' of something means to be very close to experiencing it or to the point where something is about to happen. 'Brink' (/brɪŋk/) is a direct synonym used in the same context (e.g., 'on the brink of a discovery'). 'Summit' and 'height' refer to the top or peak of something, which does not fit the temporal context of being 'about to' do something.
To be on the 'verge' of something means to be very close to experiencing it or to the point where something is about to happen. 'Brink' (/brɪŋk/) is a direct synonym used in the same context (e.g., 'on the brink of a discovery'). 'Summit' and 'height' refer to the top or peak of something, which does not fit the temporal context of being 'about to' do something.
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Question 28
Select the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
The lamb is a feeble little animal.
The lamb is a feeble little animal.
Feeble (adjective) - /ˈfiː.bəl/
The word 'feeble' describes someone or something that lacks physical strength, especially as a result of age, illness, or nature. In the context of a small animal like a lamb, 'weak' (/wiːk/) is the most accurate synonym. It characterizes a lack of power or vigor, contrasting with words that describe personality (loving) or physical size (fat).
The word 'feeble' describes someone or something that lacks physical strength, especially as a result of age, illness, or nature. In the context of a small animal like a lamb, 'weak' (/wiːk/) is the most accurate synonym. It characterizes a lack of power or vigor, contrasting with words that describe personality (loving) or physical size (fat).
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Question 29
Select the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
I am tired of your eternal argument.
I am tired of your eternal argument.
Eternal (adjective) - /ɪˈtɜː.nəl/
While 'eternal' literally means lasting or existing forever, in a colloquial or hyperbolic sense (as used here regarding an argument), it refers to something that seems never-ending or happens repeatedly. 'Constant' (/ˈkɒn.stənt/) is the nearest meaning, as it describes something that occurs continuously over a period of time without stopping.
While 'eternal' literally means lasting or existing forever, in a colloquial or hyperbolic sense (as used here regarding an argument), it refers to something that seems never-ending or happens repeatedly. 'Constant' (/ˈkɒn.stənt/) is the nearest meaning, as it describes something that occurs continuously over a period of time without stopping.
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Question 30
Select the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
The actress screamed when she noticed an object behind her.
The actress screamed when she noticed an object behind her.
Screamed (verb) - /skriːmd/
To scream is to give a long, loud, piercing cry expressing extreme emotion, fear, or pain. 'Wailed' (/weɪld/) is the closest synonym among the options, as it means to make a long, high-pitched cry, typically out of grief or pain. While screaming is usually sharper, both involve loud vocal expressions of distress triggered by a sudden realization or feeling.
To scream is to give a long, loud, piercing cry expressing extreme emotion, fear, or pain. 'Wailed' (/weɪld/) is the closest synonym among the options, as it means to make a long, high-pitched cry, typically out of grief or pain. While screaming is usually sharper, both involve loud vocal expressions of distress triggered by a sudden realization or feeling.
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