10 questions from the JAMB 2012 English paper, with answers and explanations. Tap "Show answer" under each one when you are ready.
JAMB 2012Question 1 · Lexis and Structure
Answer the following question below and select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. Hardworking students must not have a finger in every pie at school.
A.Hardworking students must not have a role to play in most activities in the school
B.Only hardworking students must participate in all activities in the school
C.Hardworking students do not participate in all activities in the school
D.Hardworking students must ask others to participate in school activities
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Answer: A. Hardworking students must not have a role to play in most activities in the school
'A finger in every pie' means being involved in everything; hardworking students must not have a role to play in most activities.
JAMB 2012Question 2 · Lexis and Structure
Answer the following question below and select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. He could not speak out because he had a feet of clay.
A.His feet was muddy
B.He was weak and cowardly
C.He was clumsy and lazy
D.He was shy and timid
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Answer: B. He was weak and cowardly
'Feet of clay' is an idiom describing a hidden weakness or flaw in character, fitting being weak and cowardly.
JAMB 2012Question 3 · Lexis and Structure
Answer the following question below and choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase in. Dupe was promoted for her efficiency
A.ability
B.inconsistency
C.incompetence
D.rudness
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Answer: C. incompetence
'Efficiency' means competence; its opposite is 'incompetence'.
JAMB 2012Question 4 · Lexis and Structure
In the question below, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase underlined. The presidential system is an antidote to some political ailments.
A.an answer
B.an inquiry
C.a reply
D.an obstacle
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Answer: D. an obstacle
'Antidote' means a remedy/solution; its opposite is 'an obstacle' (a hindrance, not a solution).
JAMB 2012Question 5 · Lexis and Structure
Answer the following question below and choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase in. There are still virtuous women in our society today
A.clever
B.upright
C.devilsh
D.intelligent
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Answer: B. upright
'Virtuous' means morally good, nearest in meaning to 'upright'.
JAMB 2012Question 6 · Lexis and Structure
Answer the following question below and choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase in. The student's union leader delivered his speech extempore
A.out-of -hand
B.off the cuff
C.accurately
D.courageously
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Answer: B. off the cuff
'Extempore' means without preparation, nearest in meaning to 'off the cuff'.
JAMB 2012Question 7 · Lexis and Structure
Answer the following question below and choose the option that best completes the gap(s) He started his career as an..........teacher
A.auxilliary
B.auxiluryy
C.auxillary
D.auxiliary
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Answer: D. auxiliary
The correct spelling is 'auxiliary'.
JAMB 2012Question 8 · Lexis and Structure
Answer the following question below and choose the option that best completes the gap(s) The woman would not part with her..........pot
A.dicarded earthen black
B.discarded black earthen
C.earthen discarded black
D.black earthen discarded
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Answer: B. discarded black earthen
Correct adjective order places opinion/condition before colour before material: 'discarded black earthen' pot.
JAMB 2012Question 9 · Lexis and Structure
Answer the following question below and choose the option that best completes the gap(s) ...........she didn't trust him, she married him.
A.after
B.much as
C.since
D.though
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Answer: D. though
'Though' expresses the contrast between not trusting him and still marrying him.
JAMB 2012Question 10 · Oral English
Answer the following question below and choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter (s) underlined. edition
A.bash
B.catch
C.bastion
D.rating
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Answer: A. bash
The 'ti' in 'edition' is pronounced /ʃ/, matching the 'sh' sound in 'bash'.
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