10 questions from the JAMB 2023 English paper, with answers and explanations. Tap "Show answer" under each one when you are ready.
JAMB 2023Question 1 · Lexis and Structure
In this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. If he were here, it could be more fun.
A.He did not show up and so the occasion lacked much fun
B.He was expected but did not show up to liven up the occasion
C.There was no fun because he was not present
D.He was being expected to supply more fun
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Answer: A. He did not show up and so the occasion lacked much fun
The conditional 'If he were here...' implies he is absent, so the occasion lacked much fun because he did not show up.
JAMB 2023Question 2 · Lexis and Structure
Fill in the gap in the sentence below with the appropriate option: Peter and Jane love each other ...... the difficulties they face.
A.therefore
B.despite
C.however
D.besides
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Answer: B. despite
'Despite' expresses the contrast between the difficulties faced and their continued love.
JAMB 2023Question 3 · Lexis and Structure
In this question, fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided. We are all hungry; we ...... anything to eat since morning.
A.hadn't had
B.never had
C.haven't had
D.didn't have
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Answer: C. haven't had
An action continuing from the past to the present (negative) requires present perfect: 'haven't had'.
JAMB 2023Question 4 · Lexis and Structure
Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s) Repugnant rules in the society should be repealed.
A.Enacted
B.Exemplary
C.Abhorrent
D.Justified
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Answer: C. Abhorrent
'Repugnant' means offensive/distasteful, nearest in meaning to 'abhorrent'.
JAMB 2023Question 5 · Lexis and Structure
Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s) No one would complain if you emulate good behaviour
A.differentiate
B.condemn
C.imitate
D.exhibit
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Answer: C. imitate
'Emulate' means to imitate in order to match or exceed, nearest in meaning to 'imitate'.
JAMB 2023Question 6 · Oral English
Choose the word that has the same rhyme scheme as the following word: battle
A.raffle
B.latter
C.bitter
D.kettle
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Answer: A. raffle
'Battle' shares the /æ/ vowel sound with 'raffle', the closest rhyme match among the options.
JAMB 2023Question 7 · Oral English
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined below. Pin
A.Psychology
B.Pneumonia
C.Pseudonym
D.Pragmatic
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Answer: D. Pragmatic
The 'p' in 'pin' is pronounced /p/, matching 'pragmatic'; the other options all have a silent 'p'.
JAMB 2023Question 8 · Oral English
The primary stress is indicated by writing the syllable on which it occurs in capital letters. From the words lettered A to D choose the one that has the correct stress. category
A.cat-e-GO-ry
B.CAT-e-go-ry
C.cat-e-go-RY
D.cat-E-go-ry
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Answer: B. CAT-e-go-ry
'Category' is correctly stressed on the first syllable: CAT-e-go-ry.
JAMB 2023Question 9 · Oral English
Identify the option with a different stress pattern
A.reservoir
B.contribute
C.importance
D.deposit
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Answer: A. reservoir
'Reservoir' is stressed on the first syllable, unlike 'contribute', 'importance', and 'deposit' which are stressed on the second.
JAMB 2023Question 10 · Oral English
In this question, the word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates. EMEKA finished his homework yesterday.
A.Who finished his home work yesterday?
B.When did Emeka finish his home work?
C.Did Emeka do his home work yesterday?
D.Was Emeka helped to do his home work?
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Answer: A. Who finished his home work yesterday?
Emphatic stress on 'EMEKA' (the subject) corresponds to a question asking who finished his homework yesterday.
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