Use Of English 2018 Jamb Examination

To be a candidate for an examination means to be officially registered to take it. In English, the specific phrasal verb used for the act of registering or signing up for an exam is 'enter for'. While 'go into' can mean to enter a room or start a profession, 'enter for' is the technical and idiomatic term for becoming a candidate for a formal assessment. Therefore, 'Enter for' is the closest in meaning to the state of being a candidate for the examination.

This question tests the knowledge of the phrase 'look forward to'. In this construction, the word 'to' is a preposition, not part of an infinitive verb. In English grammar, prepositions must be followed by a noun or a gerund (the -ing form of a verb). Therefore, the correct form following 'look forward to' is 'hearing'. Using the base form 'hear' is a common grammatical error. The sentence structure 'We look forward to hearing from you' is the standard way to express anticipation in both formal and informal United Kingdom English.

In the context of languages (tongues), the word 'strange' often refers to something that is unfamiliar, unknown, or from outside one's own culture. Since French is a language from another country, the students viewed it as a 'foreign' tongue. While 'strange' can sometimes mean odd or 'funny', when applied to a language being learned, it primarily emphasizes its status as an alien or foreign mode of communication. 'Awkward' and 'uninteresting' do not capture this specific sense of being unfamiliar or external to one's native experience.

The word 'unique' means being the only one of its kind; it implies something special, rare, or distinctive. To find the opposite, we look for a word that describes something that is found everywhere or is ordinary. 'Common' refers to something that occurs frequently or is shared by many, making it the direct antonym of unique. 'Uncommon' is a synonym of unique, 'offensive' refers to something causing resentment, and 'sufficient' refers to having enough of something. Thus, 'common' is the correct opposite.

This question tests the spelling of the word 'commission'. The word is derived from the Latin 'commissio'. In English, it is correctly spelt with a double 'm' and a double 's'. Common spelling errors include using a single 'm' or a single 's'. Therefore, 'Commission' is the only correctly spelt option. In this context, it refers to an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group.

This question tests the ability to distinguish between homophones and identify correct spelling. To 'seize' means to take hold of something suddenly and forcibly, or to take legal possession of something. The past tense is 'seized' (s-e-i-z-e-d). 'Ceased' means to bring to an end or come to a halt. 'Siezed' and 'Seased' are incorrect spellings. Since the principal took the phones away as a form of authority or punishment, 'seized' is the correct word and spelling.

The sentence uses a common idiomatic structure 'too... for...'. When something is described as 'too much for words', it means it is so extreme or intense that it cannot be adequately described. In this context, 'too' acts as an intensifier indicating an excessive degree. 'Way' is informal, 'very' does not fit the 'for words' construction as naturally, and 'so' would typically require a 'that' clause (e.g., 'so much that...'). 'Too' is the grammatically appropriate intensifier here.

The adjective 'mettlesome' describes someone who is full of spirit and courage. It is derived from 'mettle', which refers to a person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way. Therefore, 'courageous' is the nearest synonym. 'Hardworking' refers to diligence, 'hardhearted' refers to a lack of empathy, and 'weak' is the antonym. A 'mettlesome' athlete is one the coach would find promising due to their bravery and spirit.

This question tests the distinction between 'precede' and 'proceed' as well as their correct spellings. 'Precede' means to come before something in time or order. 'Proceed' means to begin or continue a course of action. In the context of starting a presentation, the intended meaning is to go ahead or continue. The correct spelling for this action is 'proceed' with a double 'e'. 'Preceed' and 'Procede' are common misspelt forms. Therefore, 'Proceed' is the correct choice.

The word 'abundance' refers to a very large quantity of something; a state of having plenty. To find the opposite, we need a word that signifies a very small amount or a scarcity. 'Paucity' means the presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts. This makes it the direct antonym of abundance. 'Quantity' is a neutral term for an amount, 'quality' refers to the standard of something, and 'nature' refers to the essence of something. Thus, 'paucity' is the correct opposite.