English Language 2011 JAMB Past Questions

English Language 2011 JAMB Past Questions

1.Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

Since its inception 1983, the newspaper has attracted thousands of readers?

• A. renaissance
• B. coming
• C. commencement
• D. publication

Correct Answer: Option C

2. Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

Mrs. Asio wanted her sister to stop being so detached?

• A. friendly
• B. careless
• C. indifferent
• D. passionate

Correct Answer: Option C

3. Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

Lantana dwelt in a ruined cottage on the hillside?

• A. sat
• B. worked
• C. slept
• D. lived

Correct Answer: Option D

4.Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The mistake brought the show to an ignominious end?

• A. a good
• B. a palatable
• C. a disgraceful
• D. a satisfactory

Correct Answer: Option C

5. Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

He compliments me on my way of doing things?

• A. complements
• B. imitates
• C. disgusts
• D. praises

Correct Answer: Option D

6. Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The girl is angry with her friend who had ensnared her into this relationship?

• A. tricked
• B. encourage
• C. forced
• D. enslaved

Correct Answer: Option A

7. Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

Their new house was roofed with corrugated sheets?

• A. folded
• B. iron
• C. aluminium
• D. corrupted

Correct Answer: Option A

8.Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The stockbroker said it was an astute move to sell the shares then?

• A. a bad
• B. a shrewd
• C. an unprofitable
• D. an insincere

Correct Answer: Option B

9. Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The principal described Oche as the most tactful person he had ever worked with?

• A. passionate
• B. discreet
• C. hard-working
• D. innovative

Correct Answer: Option B

10.Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The old woman is suffering from dementia?

• A. lucidity
• B. senility
• C. insanity
• D. sagaccity

Correct Answer: Option C

11. Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

Some drugs have a deleterious effect on a child's development?

• A. debilitating
• B. helpful
• C. harmful
• D. healing

Correct Answer: Option C

12. Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

Fila has always been described as belligerent?

• A. beautiful
• B. attractive
• C. combative
• D. innocent

Correct Answer: Option C

13. Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

Laraba saw a forlorn little figure sitting outside the class?

• A. wise and intelligent
• B. lonely and unhappy
• C. smart and healthy
• D. short and ugly

Correct Answer: Option B

14. Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The circular
supersedesall previous correspondence on the matter?

• A. supports
• B. displaces
• C. eliminates
• D. circumvents

Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation

for something to ''supersede'' it means to take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use); supplant.
synonymes; replace · supplant · take the place of · take over from · substitute for · displace · oust · overthrow · remove · unseat · override · succeed · come after · step into the shoes of · crowd out · fill someone's boots.
the closest in meaning in the above options is ''displace'' which means take over the place, position, or role of.

15. Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

Her problem was exacerbated by the loss of her father?

• A. exaggerated
• B. solved
• C. aggravated
• D. infuriated

Correct Answer: Option C

 

16. Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

If he were here, could be more fun?

• A. He was expected but did not show up to make the occasion lively
• B. There was no fun because he was not present
• C. He did not show up so the occasion lacked much fun
• D. He was being expected to supply more fun

Correct Answer: Option C

17. Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

The secretary said that the postponement of the meeting was due to unforeseen circumstances?

• A. The date of the meeting was shifted as a result of unexpected reasons
• B. The meeting's date was off for strange reasons
• C. The meeting was called as a result of obstacles hitherto unknown
• D. The meeting broke off as a bird's eye closely

Correct Answer: Option A

18. Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

The hunter has a bird's eye view of the animals.

• A. He views animals from a high position
• B. He views the bird's eye
• C. He views the bird on the tree with one eye
• D. He watches animals and bird's closely

Correct Answer: Option A

19. Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

Even though Susan was the last in the examination, her result wasn't too different from what had been expected.

• A. Her result was poor
• B. Her result was a dissapointment
• C. Her result was as expected
• D. She had not been serious with her studies

Correct Answer: Option C

20. Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

Mrs. Adamu does all her work with more haste, less speed.

• A. She accept whatever she does with more haste and speed
• B. She approaches whatever she does hurriedly
• C. She addresses everything she does very quickly to avoid mistakes
• D. She does everything carefully to avoid mistakes 

Correct Answer: Option D

21. Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

She stopped her education as her uncle left her in the lurch?

• A. Her uncle deceived her
• B. Her uncle disinherited her
• C. Her uncle refused to help her
• D. Her uncle disrespected her

Correct Answer: Option C

22. Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

The plan to upgrade the dispensary to a general hospital did not materialized?

• A. The plan did not meet the required specifications
• B. The arrangement did not work out as wished
• C. It was difficult to obtain the materials
• D. The materials purchased were not the right ones

Correct Answer: Option B

23.Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

Okon's company took a hit last year?

• A. His company improved last year
• B. His company made a huge success last year
• C. His company was badly damaged last year
• D. His company was established last year

Correct Answer: Option C

24.Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

The warring communities were coerced into negotiating a settlement?

• A. driven
• B. compelled
• C. persuaded
• D. pressured

Correct Answer: Option C

25.Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

His father served as a mercenary in the army?

• A. preacher
• B. regular
• C. recruit
• D. officer

Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation

a mercenary is a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army.
while a recruit is a person newly enlisted in the armed forces and not yet fully trained