JAMB 2011 English Language · Question 57

The secretary has no right to … my affairs?

Question

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s). The secretary has no right to ....... my affairs?

A.spy from
B.meddle in
C.toy at
D.complain into

Answer: B. meddle in

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question The sentence is "The secretary has no right to ....... my affairs." We need a verb plus preposition that fits with "affairs" and makes sense. This tests your knowledge of verb + preposition collocations.

Explain the concept In English, many verbs only work with certain prepositions. To "meddle in" something means to interfere in matters that do not concern you. It is the standard expression for interfering in someone's affairs.

Test each option

A. spy from: "Spy" takes on or on someone, not from. "Spy from my affairs" is wrong.
B. meddle in: "Meddle in my affairs" is correct and natural. It means to interfere in matters that are not your business.
C. toy at: The correct phrase is "toy with" (to treat something casually), not "toy at". It is also unnatural with "affairs".
D. complain into: This is not a valid English collocation. We say "complain about" or "complain of".

Answer The correct option is B. meddle in.

"The secretary has no right to meddle in my affairs."

Exam tip Learn these related collocations:

meddle in / with (interfere)
interfere in (affairs)
toy with (play with)
spy on (watch secretly)

When you see "affairs" in a gap, think of "interfere in" or "meddle in". Eliminating options with wrong prepositions often works fastest in JAMB Use of English.

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