JAMB 2013 English Language · Question 38

LEXIS, STRUCTURE AND ORAL FORMS In each of this question select the option that best explains the information…

Question

LEXIS, STRUCTURE AND ORAL FORMS In each of this question select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. As the drama unfolded, Olatinuke was advised to keep her shirt on

A.she was advised to commit herself
B.she was advised to stay calm
C.she was advised to join the club
D.she was advised to wear her shirt

Answer: B. she was advised to stay calm

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The sentence uses an idiom: "keep your shirt on." You are asked to pick the option that best explains what the idiom means in context.

Explain the concept: "Keep your shirt on" is an informal English idiom meaning stay calm, don't lose your temper, or be patient. It is not about clothing. The literal meaning (option D) is the trap.

Step-by-step solution:

The sentence says "as the drama unfolded," which suggests a tense or exciting situation.
In such a situation, people are usually advised to stay calm and not overreact. This fits the idiom.
Check the options: • A. "commit herself" has nothing to do with the idiom. • B. "stay calm" matches the idiomatic meaning exactly. • C. "join the club" is unrelated. • D. "wear her shirt" is the literal reading, which is wrong for an idiom.

Answer: B. She was advised to stay calm.

Tip: When an English question says "best explains the information conveyed" and the phrase sounds odd when taken literally, it is probably an idiom. Reject the literal option, which is usually the distractor. Similar idioms to remember are "hold your horses" (be patient) and "keep your hair on" (stay calm).

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