JAMB 2010 English Language · Question 78

Ugo is eligible for the post of secretary?

Question

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s). Ugo is eligible for the post of secretary?

In the original paper part of this question is underlined. The underline isn't shown here: see the explanation below.

A.nominated
B.invited
C.qualified
D.intelligent

Answer: C. qualified

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to "eligible" in the sentence "Ugo is eligible for the post of secretary."

Explain the concept: "Eligible" means having the right or meeting the necessary conditions to be chosen for or to do something. If you are eligible for a job, you satisfy the requirements for it (age, certificates, experience, etc.). It does not mean you have been chosen or invited, only that you are allowed or fit to be considered.

Step-by-step solution:

A. nominated means formally put forward as a candidate. Being eligible does not mean you have already been put forward. ✗
B. invited means asked to come or take part. Eligibility has nothing to do with receiving an invitation. ✗
C. qualified means having the required skills or credentials. Ugo meets the requirements for the post of secretary. ✓
D. intelligent means clever. A person can be intelligent but still not meet the requirements for a job. ✗

Answer: The option nearest in meaning to "eligible" is **C.

Exam tip: Link eligible with entitled or qualified. Do not confuse it with illegible (cannot be read) or elegible, which is a misspelling. A quick test is to ask, "Does this word describe meeting the conditions?" If yes, it is probably the answer.

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