Use Of English 2017 Jamb Examination

The original sentence 'The letter was being written by the principal' is in the past continuous passive voice. In English grammar, the past continuous passive is formed using 'was/were + being + past participle'. To convert this into the active voice while maintaining the same tense and meaning, we use the past continuous active form, which is 'was/were + present participle (-ing)'. Therefore, 'was being written' (passive) corresponds directly to 'was writing' (active). Option B correctly reflects this ongoing action in the past, whereas 'had been written' is past perfect, 'wanted to write' changes the intent, and 'wrote' is simple past.

The idiom 'knocking your head against a brick wall' is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to achieve something that is hopeless or impossible because of someone else's obstinacy or the nature of the task itself. Just as a physical wall will not move no matter how much force you apply with your head, the person being advised is so stubborn that the advice will have no effect. Thus, the sentence conveys that attempting to change Olu's habit is a futile exercise or an attempt at the impossible.

This sentence requires a participial phrase to explain the reason for the main clause. The present participle 'Being' acts as a causative marker here, effectively meaning 'Because he was a good boy'. In English, we use the '-ing' form of the verb 'to be' at the start of such clauses to describe a state or quality of the subject. 'To being', 'Been', and 'To been' are grammatically incorrect structures in this context as they do not properly form the required adverbial participle clause.

The word 'doting' describes someone who is extremely fond of someone; it implies showing excessive love or fondness. In the context of parents, doting parents are those who shower their children with affection and attention. Therefore, 'loving' is the nearest synonym. 'Nagging' means constantly complaining or urging, 'humble' refers to having a low estimate of one's importance, and 'docile' refers to being submissive or ready to accept control, none of which capture the affectionate nature of a doting person.

This question tests the distinction between 'censure' and 'censor'. To 'censor' means to examine books, films, or newspapers and suppress or delete parts that are considered unacceptable, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security. This is the specific term used when a government restricts the freedom of the press. 'Censure', on the other hand, means to express severe disapproval of someone or something, typically in a formal statement. While a government might censure the press, it is the act of 'censoring' (removing content or stopping publication) that directly removes their freedom.

This question tests both spelling and vocabulary. An event that occurs every two years (once in two years) is described as 'biennial'. Note the spelling: 'bi-' (meaning two) and '-ennial' (from the Latin 'annus' for year). It is often confused with 'biannual', which actually means twice in one year. Options A and D are incorrect spellings. Since the requirement specifies 'every two years', 'biennial' is the correct term and correct spelling.

The sentence explains that Mr Collins prefers to remain anonymous despite his philanthropic acts. This implies that he has a strong dislike for public attention or being in the spotlight. The verb 'detests' means to dislike intensely or hate. This fits the context perfectly, as someone who hates publicity would not want their name published. 'Wields' means to hold or use, 'lacks' means to not have, and 'defines' means to state the meaning of, none of which explain why he would refuse to have his name published.

The idiomatic expression 'to catch someone's eye' means to attract someone's attention, specifically in a way that makes them interested or attracted to you. In the context of beauty, if Ngozi's beauty caught Paul's eye, it means she visually attracted him and gained his immediate attention and admiration. It does not imply prior recognition, surprise, or that the admiration was mutual at that moment.

strange - /streɪndʒ/
vague - /veɪɡ/
mirage - /mɪˈrɑːʒ/
logic - /ˈlɒdʒ.ɪk/
legume - /ˈleɡ.juːm/
The underlined letters 'ge' in the word 'strange' represent the voiced postalveolar affricate sound /dʒ/. In 'vague' and 'legume', the 'g' represents the voiced velar plosive /ɡ/. In 'mirage', the 'ge' represents the voiced postalveolar fricative /ʒ/. The word 'logic' contains the same /dʒ/ sound as found in 'strange'. Therefore, 'logic' is the correct option.

In a financial or administrative context, to 'freeze' something like grants, wages, or prices means to fix them at their current level or, more commonly, to stop the flow or payment of those funds temporarily or permanently. It implies a suspension of activity. Therefore, if the government freezes grants, it means they intend to stop the current payment or issuance of those grants. It is not a reduction, a resumption, or a request for repayment, but a cessation of the out-going funds.