Use Of English 2016 Jamb Examination

Cringe (verb) - /krɪndʒ/
In this context, to 'cringe' means to experience an inward feeling of embarrassment, disgust, or fear, often causing a physical reaction of shrinking back or cowering. Options A (quiver), B (tremble), and D (writhe) all describe physical movements often associated with discomfort, fear, or pain, making them somewhat similar in nature to the physical aspect of cringing. The word 'resolute' refers to being admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering. While 'cringe' implies a lack of confidence or a shrinking away from something, being 'resolute' implies standing firm and showing great determination. Therefore, 'resolute' serves as the best antonym in this set.

Galvanized (verb) - /ˈɡæl.və.naɪzd/
To 'galvanize' someone into action means to shock or excite them into taking a particular course of action. In a political context, a book that galvanizes democracy is one that stimulates, encourages, and promotes democratic ideals and participation. Therefore, options A, B, and D are synonyms of the word as used in this sentence. The word 'dissuaded' (spelled 'dissauded' in the original prompt) means to persuade someone not to take a particular course of action. Since 'galvanize' is to spur into action and 'dissuade' is to discourage or turn someone away from an action, 'dissuaded' is the direct antonym.

Gawky (adjective) - /ˈɡɔː.ki/
The word 'gawky' is used to describe someone who is nervously awkward or ungainly in their movements. It is often associated with tall, thin people who do not seem comfortable in their own bodies. Options B (clumsy) and C (lumbering) are synonyms that describe a similar lack of coordination or elegance in movement. Option A (suitable) is contextually irrelevant to a style of walking. The word 'graceful' describes someone who moves with elegance, poise, and smoothness. Since 'graceful' is the standard descriptor for the opposite of awkward or ungainly movement, it is the correct antonym.

Flux (noun) - /flʌks/
The term 'flux' refers to a state of continuous change, motion, or transition. In an economic sense, a period of flux is one where prices, policies, or market conditions are shifting constantly. Options A (modification), B (change), and C (fluidity) all describe various aspects of this lack of permanency. The word 'stability' refers to the state of being firm, steady, and not likely to change or fail. In economics, stability is the goal when trying to move away from a period of flux. Because 'stability' represents a fixed and unchanging state, it is the direct opposite of 'flux'.

Exuberant (adjective) - /ɪɡˈzjuː.bər.ənt/
The word 'exuberant' describes someone who is full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness. It is often used to describe children who are lively and uninhibited in their joy. Options C (lively) and D (bright) are positive attributes that align with the meaning of exuberance. Option B (fulsome) refers to something that is excessive to the point of being distasteful, often used regarding praise. The word 'subdued' describes a person who is quiet, restrained, or lacking in spirit and energy. Since 'subdued' represents the absence of the very energy and liveliness that defines 'exuberant', it is the correct antonym.

Fickle (adjective) - /ˈfɪk.əl/
The word 'fickle' is used to describe someone who changes their mind, interests, or loyalties frequently and without a clear reason. In the context of character, it suggests a lack of constancy or reliability. Option A (genuine) refers to being honest or authentic. Option B (stable) is the direct antonym, referring to someone who is steady and unchanging. Option C (imperfect) is too broad, as many character traits are imperfect without being fickle. Option D (unpredictable) accurately captures the essence of being fickle, as you cannot rely on or predict the future actions or feelings of such a person because they change so often.

Take after (phrasal verb) - /teɪk ˈɑːf.tər/
In United Kingdom English, the phrasal verb 'take after' is specifically used to describe a situation where a person resembles an older relative in appearance, personality, or behaviour. The other options do not form the correct idiomatic expression for this context. 'Take on' means to accept a challenge or employ someone. 'Take from' means to subtract or derive. 'Take upon' is usually used in the phrase 'take it upon oneself' (to assume responsibility). Therefore, to say Bola resembles his father in looks and mannerisms, the preposition 'after' is the only grammatically and idiomatically correct choice.

Being (gerund) - /ˈbiː.ɪŋ/
This sentence requires a gerund as the subject of the verb 'has'. A gerund is the '-ing' form of a verb that functions as a noun. In this case, 'Being rich' describes the state or condition of wealth. 'Been' is the past participle of the verb 'to be' and cannot function as a subject on its own. Options C and D introduce unnecessary prepositions that make the sentence grammatically clunky and incorrect for a simple subject-predicate structure. Thus, 'Being' is the only form that correctly allows the state of wealth to act as the subject of the sentence.

Stethoscope (noun) - /ˈsteθ.ə.skəʊp/
A stethoscope is a medical instrument used by healthcare professionals to listen to the internal sounds of a body, specifically the heart and lungs. While a 'cardiograph' is a machine that records the electrical activity of the heart (producing an ECG), it is not used to 'listen' directly in the same way. A 'chromometer' (or chronometer) is an instrument for measuring time, and a 'microscope' is used for viewing very small objects that are not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, the stethoscope is the specific tool required for the action of listening to a heartbeat during a physical examination.

Surmount (verb) - /səˈmaʊnt/
The verb 'surmount' means to overcome a difficulty or an obstacle. It is perfectly suited for this context because it implies that there was a challenge (the problem) that required effort and determination to move past. 'Surpass' means to exceed or do better than someone else. 'Defend' means to protect against attack, and 'know' simply refers to having information. When dealing with a 'problem' in an aspirational or determined sense, 'surmount' is the most sophisticated and accurate lexical choice to describe the act of overcoming that hurdle.