10 questions from the JAMB 2020 English paper, with answers and explanations. Tap "Show answer" under each one when you are ready.
JAMB 2020Question 1 · Lexis and Structure
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. The man, as well as the woman ________ arrested
A.have been
B.has been
C.is been
D.are being
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Answer: B. has been
'As well as' does not change the subject's number; 'the man' (singular) takes 'has been'.
JAMB 2020Question 2 · Lexis and Structure
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. This class __________students and teachers
A.comprise
B.comprises
C.comprise of
D.comprises of
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Answer: B. comprises
'Comprises' (without 'of') correctly means 'consists of/is made up of'.
JAMB 2020Question 3 · Lexis and Structure
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. My brother graduated from university last year; he will soon_________
A.convocate
B.convoke
C.convoce
D.matriculate
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Answer: A. convocate
'Convocate' (attend the graduation/convocation ceremony) fits the next step after graduating.
JAMB 2020Question 4 · Lexis and Structure
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. The soldiers pledge their ________ loyalty to the new government
A.enduring
B.tireless
C.complete
D.questionable
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Answer: A. enduring
'Enduring loyalty' (lasting, unwavering) fits pledging loyalty to a new government.
JAMB 2020Question 5 · Lexis and Structure
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. __________ packages should always be handled with care
A.Insecure
B.Fragile
C.Weak
D.Boxed
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Answer: B. Fragile
'Fragile' packages require careful handling.
JAMB 2020Question 6 · Lexis and Structure
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence If he declines the offer, it will be better for him.
A.ignores
B.denies
C.snubs
D.rejects
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Answer: D. rejects
'Declines' means turns down, nearest in meaning to 'rejects'.
JAMB 2020Question 7 · Lexis and Structure
From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence. The economist argued that the apparently inconsequential rise in the price of petrol had a _________ effect on the cost of living
A.capricious
B.frivolous
C.dangerous
D.bright
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Answer: C. dangerous
'Inconsequential' means insignificant; the contrast in the sentence requires 'dangerous' (a significant/serious effect).
JAMB 2020Question 8 · Lexis and Structure
From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence. The University has a large intake , very few ________ take place
A.turnouts
B.rejections
C.explusions
D.obstructions
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Answer: B. rejections
A large intake (many accepted) contrasts with few 'rejections'.
JAMB 2020Question 9 · Lexis and Structure
From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence. God opposes the proud and rewards the _________
A.poor
B.honest
C.humble
D.faithful
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Answer: C. humble
'Proud' contrasts with 'humble', as commonly paired in this well-known saying.
JAMB 2020Question 10 · Oral English
In the following options, lettered A to D, all the words except one have the same stress pattern. Choose the one with the different stress pattern.
A.commit
B.compare
C.complete
D.column
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Answer: D. column
'Column' is stressed on the first syllable, unlike 'commit', 'compare', and 'complete' which are stressed on the second.
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