Use Of English 2020 Jamb Examination

To 'expatiate' means to speak or write at length or in detail about a subject. It is the correct word to use when advising someone to elaborate on their points. The spelling is 'expatiate'. Options A, B, and D are incorrect spelling variations that incorrectly incorporate elements of the word 'expand' or 'space'.

In the context of accidents and medicine, the word 'fatal' is used specifically to describe an occurrence that results in death. While an accident might be 'serious', 'reckless', or 'dangerous', the outcome of death for all passengers makes 'fatal' the most accurate and appropriate adjective in this register.

The term for weapons is collectively known as 'arms' (always plural in this context). The word 'ammunition' is an uncountable (mass) noun in English, meaning it does not take a plural '-s' even when referring to many bullets or shells. Therefore, the correct idiomatic and grammatical combination is 'arms and ammunition'.

A 'paradox' is a statement or situation that may be true but seems impossible or difficult to understand because it contains two opposite facts or characteristics. The phrase 'the more you look, the less you see' is a classic example of a paradoxical statement, as it contradicts common logic where increased observation should lead to seeing more.

When pledging loyalty, especially in a military or formal political context, the adjective 'enduring' is used to signify that the loyalty is long-lasting, permanent, and will survive through difficulties. While 'complete' is plausible, 'enduring loyalty' is a stronger and more standard collocation for a formal pledge of allegiance.

In the context of an interrogation, where information is often difficult to get and requires intense questioning or pressure, the verb 'wrung' (the past tense of 'wring') is the most appropriate metaphorical choice. To 'wring' information out of someone implies a forceful extraction, much like wringing water out of a cloth. While 'obtained' or 'received' are grammatically possible, they do not capture the specific intensity associated with the 'interrogation' process described in the sentence. 'Exposed' would imply the information was already there and merely revealed, rather than extracted from the individual.

The sentence describes a person who intentionally withholds information ('will never tell you everything'). The adjective 'secretive' specifically refers to a person who has a habit of keeping their thoughts, intentions, or actions hidden from others. While 'reserved' means someone who is slow to reveal emotions or opinions, and 'quiet' refers to a lack of noise or talkativeness, 'secretive' best fits the active concealment of information suggested by the phrase 'never tell you everything'.

The term 'capital punishment' is the standard legal expression for the death penalty. It refers to the execution of an offender sentenced to death after conviction by a court of law for a criminal offence. 'Corporal punishment' refers to physical punishment like caning or flogging, while 'mortal' and 'fatal' describe things that cause death but are not used to describe the legal penalty itself in this specific colocation.

The word 'fragile' is the standard adjective used to describe objects that are easily broken or damaged, such as glass or delicate instruments. Because these items are easily destroyed, they require 'careful handling'. While a package might be 'weak' (lacking strength) or 'insecure' (not fixed properly), 'fragile' is the specific term used in shipping and handling to denote the need for caution.

The phrase 'abject poverty' is a common English colocation used to describe the most extremely low and miserable state of being poor. 'Abject' emphasizes the complete lack of resources and the degradation of the human condition. While 'repulsive' (disgusting) or 'ridiculous' (absurd) might describe feelings about the situation, they are not the standard idiomatic modifiers for 'poverty'.