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JAMB 2016

2016 JAMB English Language Past Questions

The 2016 JAMB English Language past questions with answers: 75 objective questions from the 2016 paper in the DeeepSolve question bank, each with its answer behind "Show answer". Try each question before you check, then practise the paper as a timed JAMB-style CBT.

Past questions © the examination body (JAMB/WAEC/NECO). DeeepSolve is not affiliated with them. Rights holders: see /copyright.

Questions

  1. 1.

    Choose the most appropriate option for the gap labelled [....20.....] above

    1. A.career
    2. B.calling
    3. C.vacation
    4. D.routine
    Show answer

    Answer: B. calling

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  2. 2.

    For this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics It is Iudicrous to suggest that she was a government agent

    1. A.odd
    2. B.exciting
    3. C.farcical
    4. D.sensible
    Show answer

    Answer: D. sensible

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  3. 3.

    For these questions, choose the option that best complete the gap(s) It is impossible to say whether ......Ola and her sister will be offered jobs by the firm.

    1. A.both
    2. B.either
    3. C.each
    4. D.neither
    Show answer

    Answer: A. both

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  4. 4.

    Jimi was very prominent in Forcados High School because he was

    1. A.the son of a great scholar
    2. B.the only child of his parents
    3. C.one of the school prefects
    4. D.noted for his good paintings
    Show answer

    Answer: C. one of the school prefects

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  5. 5.

    For these questions, choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the ones represented by the letter (s) underlined ''reprieve''

    1. A.rich
    2. B.police
    3. C.queer
    4. D.probity
    Show answer

    Answer: B. police

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  6. 6.

    Choose the most appropriate option for the gap labelled [....16.....] above

    1. A.underrates
    2. B.overrates
    3. C.outclassess
    4. D.outfits
    Show answer

    Answer: C. outclassess

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  7. 7.

    For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the question. These job cuts are just the thin end of the wedge

    1. A.Job cuts are very rampant
    2. B.Job cuts are the inconclusive
    3. C.Job cuts are the beginning of unpleasant situations
    4. D.Job cuts are the beginning of healthy rivalries
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Job cuts are the beginning of unpleasant situations

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  8. 8.

    The words in capital letters have the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates. The car CRUSHED him.

    1. A.Who did the car crush?
    2. B.Did a car crush him?
    3. C.What crushed him?
    4. D.Did the car injure him?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Did the car injure him?

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  9. 9.

    For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the question. Olu and Ado are about to come to blows.

    1. A.They are about to agree with each other
    2. B.They are about to accept other people's opinion
    3. C.They are about to hit each other
    4. D.They are about to disagree with other people's
    Show answer

    Answer: C. They are about to hit each other

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  10. 10.

    For this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics The idea makes me cringe

    1. A.quiver
    2. B.tremble
    3. C.resolute
    4. D.writhe
    Show answer

    Answer: C. resolute

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  11. 11.

    The words in capital letters have the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates. My house is a BUNGALOW

    1. A.Is my house a terrace ?
    2. B.was my house a bungalow?
    3. C.Is my house the bungalow?
    4. D.Is his house a bungalow?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Is my house a terrace ?

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  12. 12.

    According to the novel, Efua was in Forcados High School because

    1. A.her stepfather was a board member
    2. B.of her former principal's recommendation
    3. C.the school needed her mother's support
    4. D.of aunt Moni's gift to the school
    Show answer

    Answer: B. of her former principal's recommendation

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  13. 13.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.

  14. 14.

    The author uses the novel to portray some of the

    1. A.NGO's activities only
    2. B.environment conditions
    3. C.feelings of teachers only
    4. D.societal problems
    Show answer

    Answer: B. environment conditions

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  15. 15.

    For this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics The film was shot in decrepit police station.

    1. A.an improved
    2. B.a damaged
    3. C.an impoverished
    4. D.a dilapidated
    Show answer

    Answer: A. an improved

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  16. 16.

    .........rich has its own problem

    1. A.Being
    2. B.Been
    3. C.On being
    4. D.On been
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Being

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  17. 17.

    For this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics Jumoke is fond of carping her sister

    1. A.praising
    2. B.joking with
    3. C.complaining about
    4. D.faulting
    Show answer

    Answer: A. praising

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  18. 18.

    For these questions, choose the option that best complete the gap(s) The officer ....that he was not supposed to talk to the press on the matter

    1. A.could have known
    2. B.shall know
    3. C.should have known
    4. D.will know
    Show answer

    Answer: C. should have known

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  19. 19.

    For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the question. By refusing the offer, he has just cut down his own throat

    1. A.He has made a big mistake
    2. B.He has made the right decision
    3. C.He has given up on his idea
    4. D.He has used the Knife on his throat
    Show answer

    Answer: A. He has made a big mistake

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  20. 20.

    For these questions, choose the option that have the same consonant sound as the ones represented by the letter (s) underlined ''choice''

    1. A.schedule
    2. B.teach
    3. C.leisure
    4. D.machine
    Show answer

    Answer: B. teach

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  21. 21.

    For this question, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics Mr. Ojo has a fickle character.

    1. A.a genuine
    2. B.a stable
    3. C.an imperfect
    4. D.an unpredictable
    Show answer

    Answer: D. an unpredictable

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  22. 22.

    For this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics It is important not to let mistakes blight your life

    1. A.damage
    2. B.impart
    3. C.improve
    4. D.ruin
    Show answer

    Answer: C. improve

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  23. 23.

    For these questions, choose the option that best complete the gap(s) With strong determination, Adamu was able to .... the problem

    1. A.surmount
    2. B.surpass
    3. C.defend
    4. D.know
    Show answer

    Answer: A. surmount

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  24. 24.

    Choose the most appropriate option for the gap labelled [....14.....] above

    1. A.assailants
    2. B.disputants
    3. C.contestants
    4. D.brawlers
    Show answer

    Answer: D. brawlers

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  25. 25.

    For these questions, choose the most appropriate stress pattern from the options. The Stressed syllable are written in capital letter (s) inoffensive

    1. A.inOFfensive
    2. B.inoffenSIVE
    3. C.inofFENsive
    4. D.INoffensive
    Show answer

    Answer: C. inofFENsive

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  26. 26.

    For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the question. Mr. Rufus bore the brunt in the last promotion examination.

    1. A.Mr Rufus failed the examination woefully
    2. B.Mr Rufus excelled in the examination
    3. C.Mr. Rufus was excited about the examination
    4. D.Mr. Rufus toyed with the examination
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Mr Rufus failed the examination woefully

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  27. 27.

    The words in capital letters have the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates. Lamide is VERY hostile?

    1. A.Is Lamide so hostile?
    2. B.Is Lamide friendly?
    3. C.Was Lamide very hostile?
    4. D.Who is hostile?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Is Lamide so hostile?

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  28. 28.

    The author seems to suggest that curiosity is

    1. A.misleading
    2. B.inborn
    3. C.learned
    4. D.acquired
    Show answer

    Answer: C. learned

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  29. 29.

    Choose the most appropriate option for the gap labelled [....15.....] above

    1. A.levelled
    2. B.groomed
    3. C.sparred
    4. D.staged
    Show answer

    Answer: D. staged

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  30. 30.

    For these questions, choose the option that best completes the gap(s) After too much exercise, some people suffer from cramp which is caused by the ......... of the muscles

    1. A.contraction
    2. B.restriction
    3. C.conscription
    4. D.relaxation
    Show answer

    Answer: A. contraction

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  31. 31.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.

  32. 32.

    Efua's guarded and hostile attitude towards boys could be traced to

    1. A.the teachings she had from her cleric
    2. B.stories she had heard from her aunt
    3. C.the experience she had with her stepfather
    4. D.her innate sense of justice
    Show answer

    Answer: C. the experience she had with her stepfather

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  33. 33.

    For these questions, choose the option that best complete the gap(s) ......lawyers enrolled at the Nigerian Bar last year....this year.

    1. A.Very many/than
    2. B.Same/as
    3. C.More/than
    4. D.As/ much
    Show answer

    Answer: C. More/than

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  34. 34.

    For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the question. He suddenly found himself in the thick of the situation

    1. A.He did not agree with the situation
    2. B.He used his experience to settle the sitution
    3. C.He saved himself out of the situation
    4. D.He found himself deeply involved in the situation
    Show answer

    Answer: D. He found himself deeply involved in the situation

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  35. 35.

    Students refused to sympathize with Efua when drinks spilled on her because

    1. A.she would not accept their sympathy
    2. B.she was Jimi's only girlfriend
    3. C.they planned it to disgrace her
    4. D.they felt she was arrogant
    Show answer

    Answer: D. they felt she was arrogant

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  36. 36.

    Choose the most appropriate option for the gap labelled [....19.....] above

    1. A.barrage
    2. B.clutter
    3. C.rattle
    4. D.racket
    Show answer

    Answer: B. clutter

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  37. 37.

    For these questions, choose the option that rhyme with the given words. crowd

    1. A.crow
    2. B.bard
    3. C.aloud
    4. D.crawl
    Show answer

    Answer: C. aloud

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  38. 38.

    Jimi and Efua, there's something fishy going on there.... From the exercept above, the expression...something fishy refers to

    1. A.Nene's fear that Efua and Jimi were no longer going out
    2. B.Nene's fear that Jimi was not determined to jilt Efua
    3. C.Nene's annoyance that Efua might snatch Jimi from her
    4. D.Nene's suspicion that Jimi and Efua were having a relationship
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Nene's suspicion that Jimi and Efua were having a relationship

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  39. 39.

    Mama Shilifat had an affection for Jimi because she always gave him

    1. A.money to buy chewing gum
    2. B.advice against bad students
    3. C.the courage to do well in his class
    4. D.the largest pieces of puff-puff
    Show answer

    Answer: D. the largest pieces of puff-puff

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  40. 40.

    Seyi Lawal, the head boy of the school was described as someone who

    1. A.loved his job
    2. B.hated Physics practical
    3. C.loved interacting with girls
    4. D.hated hard-work
    Show answer

    Answer: B. hated Physics practical

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  41. 41.

    For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the question. The retired army officer did a yeoman's service to the nation

    1. A.His activity brought disrepute to the nation
    2. B.His service to the nation was not exemplary
    3. C.He was showered with the responsibilty of the yeoman
    4. D.He was very loyal to the nation
    Show answer

    Answer: D. He was very loyal to the nation

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  42. 42.

    For these questions, choose the option that have the same consonant sound as the ones represented by the letter (s) underlined 'yet'''

    1. A.bury
    2. B.way
    3. C.vessel
    4. D.europe
    Show answer

    Answer: D. europe

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  43. 43.

    For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the question. My friend is well off nowadays

    1. A.My friend is financially sound
    2. B.My friend is well known to people
    3. C.My fiend is now well
    4. D.My friend has lost focus
    Show answer

    Answer: A. My friend is financially sound

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  44. 44.

    For these questions, choose the most appropriate stress pattern from the options. The Stressed syllable are written in capital letter (s) obligation

    1. A.obliGAtion
    2. B.OBligation
    3. C.obligaTION
    4. D.obLIgation
    Show answer

    Answer: A. obliGAtion

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  45. 45.

    For these questions, choose the option that have same vowel sound as the ones represented by the letter (s) underlined ''famous''

    1. A.soup
    2. B.cook
    3. C.pilot
    4. D.colonel
    Show answer

    Answer: A. soup

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  46. 46.

    For these questions, choose the option that best complete the gap(s) He decided to wait for the bus because he had..........

    1. A.many luggages
    2. B.plenty luggages
    3. C.a lot of luggage
    4. D.too many luggage
    Show answer

    Answer: C. a lot of luggage

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  47. 47.

    Mr Solade sent Jimi to Ibadan for the holidays in order to

    1. A.save Jimi from Wole's bad influence
    2. B.heed Jimi's request to stay with his friends
    3. C.allow Jimi spend some time with his friends
    4. D.allow Jimi to know more about Ibadan
    Show answer

    Answer: A. save Jimi from Wole's bad influence

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  48. 48.

    The speculation amongst the students of Forcados High School was that Jimi was dating

    1. A.Risikat
    2. B.Joke
    3. C.Caro
    4. D.Efua
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Efua

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  49. 49.

    For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the question. Her death was a bolt from the blue to us

    1. A.Her death bolted us together
    2. B.Her death caused confusion
    3. C.Her death sealed our hopes
    4. D.Her death was unexpected
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Her death was unexpected

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  50. 50.

    These questions are based on A.H. Mohammed's The Last Days at Forcados High School. At the end of term in Forcados High School. Nene was saddled with the responsibility of

    1. A.leading her house in the race
    2. B.packaging the gifts for presentation
    3. C.arranging the school hall for dinner
    4. D.organizing the carol night
    Show answer

    Answer: B. packaging the gifts for presentation

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  51. 51.

    Choose the most appropriate option for the gap labelled [....17.....] above

    1. A.by knock-out
    2. B.by a knock down
    3. C.by a punch-up
    4. D.by a punch down
    Show answer

    Answer: C. by a punch-up

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  52. 52.

    For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the question. The students were nosing around.

    1. A.They were roaming about
    2. B.They were searching for information
    3. C.They were playing around
    4. D.They were disseminating information
    Show answer

    Answer: B. They were searching for information

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  53. 53.

    For this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics A cup of coffee invigorated him

    1. A.destroyed
    2. B.energized
    3. C.angered
    4. D.debilitated
    Show answer

    Answer: D. debilitated

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  54. 54.

    For this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics He walks in a gawky way

    1. A.suitable
    2. B.clumsy
    3. C.lumbering
    4. D.graceful
    Show answer

    Answer: D. graceful

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  55. 55.

    For these questions, choose the option that have the same consonant sound as the ones represented by the letter (s) underlined tasked

    1. A.bagged
    2. B.floored
    3. C.laughed
    4. D.shouted
    Show answer

    Answer: C. laughed

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  56. 56.

    Choose the most appropriate option for the gap labelled [....12.....] above

    1. A.stage
    2. B.circle
    3. C.track
    4. D.ring
    Show answer

    Answer: D. ring

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  57. 57.

    For this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics Our son was highly active and exuberant

    1. A.subdued
    2. B.fulsome
    3. C.lively
    4. D.bright
    Show answer

    Answer: A. subdued

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  58. 58.

    For this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics His book was one of those that galvanized democracy

    1. A.stimulated
    2. B.encouraged
    3. C.dissauded
    4. D.promoted
    Show answer

    Answer: C. dissauded

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  59. 59.

    Which of the following best describes Mr Mallum?

    1. A.He was a fat, tall man with wimpish behaviour
    2. B.He was a tall, wiry man with good diction
    3. C.He was crude, rash and impatient
    4. D.He was a small, wiry man with odd accent
    Show answer

    Answer: D. He was a small, wiry man with odd accent

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  60. 60.

    For these questions, choose the option that have same vowel sound as the ones represented by the letter (s) underlined ''Door''

    1. A.food
    2. B.cough
    3. C.sure
    4. D.board
    Show answer

    Answer: D. board

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  61. 61.

    Ansa licked his lips and said furtively, look this is between you and me. Jimi would be angry if i told you but his brother is ---- well, we suspect he sometimes sells drugs and...' From the excerpt above, Ansa was talking to

    1. A.Risikat and Nene
    2. B.Novi
    3. C.Caro
    4. D.Efua and Nene
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Efua and Nene

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  62. 62.

    Choose the most appropriate option for the gap labelled [....18.....] above

    1. A.drain
    2. B.fatigue
    3. C.damage
    4. D.sprain
    Show answer

    Answer: A. drain

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  63. 63.

    Choose the most appropriate option for the gap labelled [....13.....] above

    1. A.bout
    2. B.match
    3. C.performance
    4. D.contest
    Show answer

    Answer: D. contest

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  64. 64.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.

  65. 65.

    For these questions, choose the option that rhyme with the given words. ''terror''

    1. A.tenor
    2. B.warrior
    3. C.error
    4. D.furrow
    Show answer

    Answer: C. error

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  66. 66.

    Efua was not in the good books of teachers at Forcados High School because

    1. A.the students of Forcados did not like her
    2. B.she was expelled from her previous school
    3. C.she bribed the principal before she was admitted
    4. D.her admission into senior class was unusual
    Show answer

    Answer: D. her admission into senior class was unusual

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  67. 67.

    For these questions, choose the option that best complete the gap(s) He said, ' We shouldn't do it ........?

    1. A.should we
    2. B.should be
    3. C.didn't we
    4. D.said he
    Show answer

    Answer: A. should we

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  68. 68.

    For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the question. Jumai will do well if she was given a fair crack of the whip.

    1. A.She would do well if she was given a fair whip
    2. B.She would excel if she used the whip well
    3. C.She would do well if she was given equal opportunity
    4. D.She would do well if she was made to cry
    Show answer

    Answer: C. She would do well if she was given equal opportunity

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  69. 69.

    For these questions, choose the option that best complete the gap(s) The doctor listened to my heartbeat with a .........

    1. A.cardiograph
    2. B.stethoscope
    3. C.chromometer
    4. D.microscope
    Show answer

    Answer: B. stethoscope

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  70. 70.

    Bola takes......his father both in appearance and his manner

    1. A.On
    2. B.from
    3. C.after
    4. D.upon
    Show answer

    Answer: C. after

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  71. 71.

    Choose the most appropriate option for the gap labelled [....11.....] above

    1. A.agitators
    2. B.witnesses
    3. C.congregations
    4. D.spectators
    Show answer

    Answer: A. agitators

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  72. 72.

    In the novel, Ansa looked around glumly when Jimi was engrossed in laughter and chatter because he was

    1. A.neglected by Jimi
    2. B.anxious to go home
    3. C.distracted by a band playing on the field
    4. D.given twelve strokes of the cane by the principal
    Show answer

    Answer: A. neglected by Jimi

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  73. 73.

    For these questions, choose the most appropriate stress pattern from the options. The Stressed syllable are written in capital letter (s) disagreement

    1. A.disAgreement
    2. B.disaGREEment
    3. C.DISagreement
    4. D.disagreeMENT
    Show answer

    Answer: B. disaGREEment

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  74. 74.

    For these questions, choose the option that rhyme with the given words. risen

    1. A.prison
    2. B.motion
    3. C.portion
    4. D.rising
    Show answer

    Answer: A. prison

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  75. 75.

    For this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics The nation is in a period of economic flux

    1. A.modification
    2. B.change
    3. C.fluidity
    4. D.stability
    Show answer

    Answer: D. stability

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