10 questions from the JAMB 1990 English paper, with answers and explanations. Tap "Show answer" under each one when you are ready.
JAMB 1990Question 1 · General Past Questions
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap : A number of teachers in secondary schools are not so well disposed to .... these days, .... they?
A.teach/aren't
B.teaching/are
C.teach/do
D.teach/are
Show answer
Answer: B. teaching/are
'Disposed to' takes the gerund 'teaching', and the negative plural statement takes the positive tag 'are they?'
JAMB 1990Question 2 · Lexis and Structure
In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the word Underlined :For millions years, the worlds's resources have remained boundless
A.unlimited
B.scarce
C.indomitable
D.limited
Show answer
Answer: D. limited
Boundless means having no limit, making limited its direct opposite.
JAMB 1990Question 3 · Lexis and Structure
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word underlined : My plans are still up in the air
A.being publicised
B.uncertain
C.uncovered
D.unprotected
Show answer
Answer: B. uncertain
Plans that are 'up in the air' remain unsettled or uncertain.
JAMB 1990Question 4 · Lexis and Structure
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined : The secretary was advised to put on a cheerful disposition whenever the manager arrives.
A.a good dress
B.a smiling face
C.a happy look
D.good make-up
Show answer
Answer: C. a happy look
Disposition refers to an outward mood or manner, so a cheerful disposition is a happy look or demeanour.
JAMB 1990Question 5 · Lexis and Structure
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap : After months of tedious climbing, the team reached the .... of the mountain
A.end
B.summit
C.height
D.terminal
Show answer
Answer: B. summit
The summit is the highest point reached after climbing a mountain.
JAMB 1990Question 6 · Lexis and Structure
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap : I could have agreed with your action if i .... not .... you promised to increase the worker's salaries
A.have/heard
B.had/heard
C.were/hearing
D.was/hearing
Show answer
Answer: B. had/heard
The unreal past condition requires the past perfect: 'if I had not heard'.
JAMB 1990Question 7 · Lexis and Structure
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap : Now, i am used .... bread without butter.
A.to eat
B.in eating
C.of eating
D.to eating
Show answer
Answer: D. to eating
'Be used to' takes a noun or gerund, so the correct construction is 'used to eating'.
JAMB 1990Question 8 · Lexis and Structure
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap : If it had rained, we would have had to postpone the concert. It didn't rain, so ....
A.we won't have to
B.we would have had to
C.we wouldn't have to
D.we didn't have to
Show answer
Answer: D. we didn't have to
Because the condition did not occur, postponement was unnecessary in the completed past: 'we didn't have to'.
JAMB 1990Question 9 · Lexis and Structure
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s) : Bola broke .... when he heard the news of the arrest of his twin brother
A.up
B.of
C.away
D.down
Show answer
Answer: D. down
To break down on hearing distressing news is to lose emotional control.
JAMB 1990Question 10 · Lexis and Structure
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s) : Let's have a cup of coffee, ....
A.shall we?
B.will we?
C.should we?
D.could we?
Show answer
Answer: A. shall we?
A suggestion beginning with 'Let's' conventionally takes the question tag 'shall we?'
Practise all 69 JAMB 1990 English questions free
Answer them on Acelume, timed like the CBT, see the answer straight away and get a list of the topics you need to work on.