Use Of English 2015 Jamb Examination

Literally (adverb) - /ˈlɪt.ər.əl.i/
In this context, the sentence describes someone failing to understand the intended meaning of a statement because they interpreted it exactly as the words were written or spoken, without considering any figurative, metaphorical, or idiomatic nuance. In United Kingdom English, the correct spelling is 'literally'. Option B is a phonetic misspelling. Option C, 'literary', is an adjective relating to books and literature, which does not fit the adverbial role needed here. Option D is an incorrect spelling of 'unilaterally', which refers to an action performed by one side only. Therefore, the person missed the underlying point by focusing solely on the 'literal' surface meaning.

Worst - /wɜːst/
A rhyme is established when the terminal sound sequence, starting from the last stressed vowel, is identical in both words. 'Worst' ends with the long mid-central vowel /ɜː/ followed by the consonant cluster /st/.
burst - /bɜːst/
haste - /heɪst/
guessed - /ɡest/
perched - /pɜːtʃt/
The word 'burst' shares the exact same /ɜːst/ ending as 'worst', making them a perfect rhyme. While 'guessed' ends in a /st/ sound, its vowel is the short /e/, and 'haste' uses the diphthong /eɪ/. 'Perched' ends in a completely different consonant cluster /tʃt/. In British English, 'worst' and 'burst' are phonetically matched in their terminal sound structure.

Owl - /aʊl/
The underlined 'ow' in 'owl' represents the diphthong /aʊ/, which is a gliding vowel sound.
bowl - /bəʊl/ (contains the diphthong /əʊ/)
tow - /təʊ/ (contains the diphthong /əʊ/)
howl - /haʊl/ (contains the diphthong /aʊ/)
route - /ruːt/ (contains the long /uː/ sound)
The word 'howl' is the correct phonetic match as it contains the same /aʊ/ diphthong found in 'owl'. It is a common mistake in English to assume all 'ow' spellings result in the same sound; however, 'bowl' and 'tow' represent the /əʊ/ sound (like in 'go'). 'Howl' and 'owl' share both the vowel sound and the terminal /l/ consonant.

In A.H. Mohammed's novel, *The Last Days at Forcados High School*, Mr Solade (Papa Solade) is a very strict disciplinarian who had forbidden Jimi from having any contact with his wayward older brother, Wole. When he discovers that Jimi has been disobeying this order and meeting Wole in secret, his reaction is severe and physical. Rather than just verbal discipline, he resorts to corporal punishment and flogs Jimi. This event is a turning point in the novel that illustrates the harsh domestic environment Jimi faces and the deep-seated animosity his father feels toward Wole's influence on the family.

In the novel, 'Jims' is a friendly nickname used for the protagonist, Jimi Solade. The person who addresses him this way and informs him about an upcoming administrative duty is Seyi Lawal. Seyi Lawal is the Head Boy of Forcados High School and works closely with Jimi, who is also a student leader. Since both are involved in the prefectship, it is Seyi's responsibility to coordinate with the other prefects for meetings with the Principal, Mr Mallum. This interaction shows the level of responsibility the boys carry and the casual yet professional relationship between the student leaders.

granite - /ˈɡræn.ɪt/
In United Kingdom English, the underlined 'i' in the word 'granite' is pronounced as the short /ɪ/ sound, much like the 'i' in 'bit' or 'fit'. It is a common mistake to assume it rhymes with 'light' because of the '-ite' spelling, but it is actually a short vowel.
lean - /liːn/ (long vowel /iː/)
sit - /sɪt/ (short vowel /ɪ/)
contrite - /kənˈtraɪt/ (diphthong /aɪ/)
light - /laɪt/ (diphthong /aɪ/)
Since 'sit' contains the same short /ɪ/ sound found in 'granite', it is the correct phonetic match. Options C and D use the long 'i' sound (diphthong), and option A uses a long 'e' sound.

In A.H. Mohammed's novel, *The Last Days at Forcados High School*, chapter two details the resumption of school activities. Following the formal proceedings of the national anthem and morning prayers during the assembly, the Principal, Mr Mallum, takes the stage. He is described as a small man who commands respect, and he delivers a welcoming address to both the new and returning students to mark the beginning of the new academic term. This setting establishes the school's atmosphere and introduces the administrative authority figures within the story.

Personal effects (noun) - /ˌpɜː.sən.əl ɪˈfekts/
In English, the term 'personal effects' refers to privately owned items (such as clothing or jewellery) that are regularly worn or carried on one's person. The word 'effects' in this context is a plural noun and therefore requires a plural verb ('were') to maintain subject-verb agreement. Option B is incorrect because 'affects' is primarily a verb meaning to influence. Option C is incorrect because 'was' is a singular verb. Option D, 'defects', refers to flaws or imperfections and does not fit the context of stolen property. Thus, 'effects were' is the grammatically correct choice.

In the novel, Jimi Solade is portrayed as a very active and popular student at Forcados High School. Due to his responsible nature and influence among his peers, he is appointed as the Health Prefect. While Seyi Lawal holds the position of Head Boy, Jimi's role involves overseeing health-related matters and sanitation within the school community. This position allows the author to showcase Jimi's leadership qualities and his commitment to his school duties, even while he navigates personal and family challenges.

In one of the scenes in *The Last Days at Forcados High School*, Jimi is interrupted while at home. After leaving his food and stepping outside his gate, he is met by his close friend, Ansa. Ansa is often depicted as the more introverted and observant friend who frequently visits Jimi. Their interactions outside the school environment provide deeper insight into their friendship and the personal lives of the characters away from the pressures of Forcados High School. In this instance, it is Ansa who seeks him out, leading to further dialogue between the two friends.