Use Of English 2017 Jamb Examination

The term 'watershed' is used figuratively to describe a turning point or a significant event that marks a change in a situation. It represents a defining moment in history or the development of something. In this context, a 'landmark' refers to an event or discovery marking an important stage or turning point in something. Therefore, 'landmark' is the closest in meaning. 'Blot' and 'stain' carry negative connotations of disgrace, while 'publicity' refers to media attention, none of which capture the essence of a pivotal turning point.

This question tests the rule of subject-verb agreement regarding titles of games or singular entities that appear plural. Although 'Snakes and ladders' ends in 's' and consists of two nouns, it is the name of a single game. In English grammar, names of games (like Billiards, Darts, or Snakes and Ladders) are treated as singular subjects. Therefore, they require a singular verb. In the present simple tense, the singular verb form for the third person is 'makes'. 'Make' would be for plural subjects, and 'made' indicates a past tense which does not fit the 'these days' context.

In the context of a workplace or a social environment, the word 'atmosphere' refers to the pervading tone or mood of a place. When describing an office where people interact well and the environment feels welcoming, 'atmosphere' is the most idiomatic and appropriate choice. 'Condition' usually refers to physical states or contractual terms, 'air' is too literal or refers to a personal demeanour, and 'situation' refers to a set of circumstances or a location, none of which perfectly describe the 'feeling' of the office environment.

The word 'consultation' involves the process of discussing something with someone in order to get their advice or opinion, or to reach an agreement through peaceful dialogue. The sentence structure 'rather than' implies that the missing word should be an opposite or a contrasting action to peaceful discussion. 'Confrontation' refers to a hostile or argumentative situation or meeting between opposing parties. While 'conflict' is a general state of disagreement, 'confrontation' specifically describes the active, face-to-face clash that stands as the direct opposite of seeking counsel through consultation.

This question concerns the use of compound adjectives. When a measurement (like two hours) is used as an adjective to modify a noun (like break), the measurement is joined by a hyphen and stays in the singular form. Therefore, 'two-hour' acts as a single unit modifying 'break'. In English, we do not pluralise the unit of measurement in this compound form; we say 'a five-mile walk' not 'a five-miles walk'. Thus, 'a two-hour break' is the only grammatically correct structure.

The idiom 'to get on someone's nerves' means to annoy or irritate someone significantly. While it can lead to being offended, the primary meaning is rooted in irritation and provocation of anger. Among the options, 'made me angry' is the closest interpretation of the emotional state caused by being constantly irritated by another person's behaviour. It describes the psychological effect the brother's habit had on the speaker.

To 'seal off' a building means to close it up so that people cannot enter or leave it, often for legal or safety reasons. The logical opposite of closing a building to the public or for use is to make it accessible again. 'Re-opened' directly signifies the reversal of the sealing process, allowing entry and use once more. 'Rebuilt', 're-roofed', and 'restored' refer to physical construction or repairs, which do not necessarily mean the house was previously 'sealed off' in a legal or restrictive sense.

Judiciary - /dʒuːˈdɪʃ.ər.i/
The word 'judiciary' is a four-syllable word. In United Kingdom English, the primary stress falls on the second syllable. Breaking the word down: ju-DI-cia-ry. Syllables ending in 'ary' or 'ery' often see the stress shifted toward the beginning of the word, and in this specific case, the emphasis is placed firmly on the 'di' sound. Therefore, the pattern juDIciary is the correct representation of the word's natural rhythm and stress.

The word 'outspoken' describes someone who expresses their opinions frankly and directly, even if they are shocking or controversial. The sentence uses the conjunction 'but' to indicate a contrast between the son and the father. We need a word that describes someone who is reserved or says very little. 'Taciturn' specifically describes a person who is reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little. While 'silent' means making no sound at all, 'taciturn' is a personality trait that serves as the direct professional antonym to 'outspoken' in describing character.

To 'outshine' someone means to be much better or more impressive than them. The sentence structure 'instead of being...' requires a word that would be the consequence of the opposite situation (if the brother had been better than Benjamin). If someone outshines you, you are 'overshadowed' by them. 'Overshadowed' means to appear much less prominent or important than something else. This maintains the 'light/shine' metaphor used in the original word. 'Defeated' and 'demoted' are more specific to competitions or jobs and don't fit the 'shine' metaphor as neatly.