10 questions from the JAMB 2014 English paper, with answers and explanations. Tap "Show answer" under each one when you are ready.
JAMB 2014Question 1 · Lexis and Structure
Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. The minister considered the ministry's budget to be a drop in the ocean in view of the number of projects in the pipeline.
A.The pipeline project across the ocean will be abandoned unless budgetary allocation improves
B.The amount available may be inadequate for projected expenditure
C.The minister may be dropped for failing to complete a number of projects
D.The money approved cannont complete the pipeline project acorss the ocean
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Answer: B. The amount available may be inadequate for projected expenditure
'A drop in the ocean' means an insignificant amount relative to what is needed, so the budget may be inadequate.
JAMB 2014Question 2 · Lexis and Structure
Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. Adeola doesn't have to go to the farm today.
A.Adeola may go to the farm today if he so wishes.
B.Adeola ought not to have gone to the farm today.
C.Adeola must not go to the farm today.
D.Adeola should not go to the farm today.
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Answer: A. Adeola may go to the farm today if he so wishes.
'Doesn't have to' expresses lack of obligation (not prohibition), meaning he may go if he wishes.
JAMB 2014Question 3 · Lexis and Structure
Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase. Musa is a gifted but erratic player.
A.Unstable.
B.Strong.
C.Regular.
D.Unpredictable.
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Answer: C. Regular.
'Erratic' means unpredictable/inconsistent; its opposite is 'regular'.
JAMB 2014Question 4 · Lexis and Structure
Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase. As a student, Isa tied communal living for a few years.
A.Private.
B.Collective.
C.General.
D.Shared.
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Answer: A. Private.
'Communal' means shared/collective; its opposite is 'private'.
JAMB 2014Question 5 · Lexis and Structure
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase. They accused him of fomenting political unrest.
A.Guiding.
B.Inciting.
C.Discouraging.
D.Preventing.
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Answer: B. Inciting.
'Fomenting' means instigating/stirring up, nearest in meaning to 'inciting'.
JAMB 2014Question 6 · Lexis and Structure
Choose the option that best complete the gap. You may have the pencil, but you can't have the ballpoint ________.
A.As well.
B.Either.
C.Futhermore.
D.Also.
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Answer: B. Either.
'Either' is used to extend a negative statement to include an additional item.
JAMB 2014Question 7 · Lexis and Structure
Choose the option that best complete the gap. The words _____ divided between the end of one line.
A.Has being.
B.Have been.
C.Have being.
D.Has been.
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Answer: B. Have been.
Plural subject 'words' with present perfect passive requires 'have been'.
JAMB 2014Question 8 · Lexis and Structure
Choose the option that best complete the gap. The clock _____ 12 o'clock two hours ago.
A.Striking.
B.Strikes.
C.Strike.
D.Struck.
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Answer: D. Struck.
A completed past action requires simple past tense: 'struck'.
JAMB 2014Question 9 · Oral English
Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter underlined. Palm.
A.Plait.
B.Ranch.
C.Florid.
D.Launch.
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Answer: B. Ranch.
The 'a' in 'palm' has the broad /ɑː/ sound, matching the British pronunciation of 'ranch'.
JAMB 2014Question 10 · Oral English
Choose the option that rhymes with the given word. Tax.
A.Ask.
B.Box.
C.Lacks.
D.Back.
Show answer
Answer: C. Lacks.
'Tax' /tæks/ rhymes with 'lacks' /læks/.
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