JAMB 2016 English Language · Question 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

Options

  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

Answer: D. He was very loyal to the nation

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence uses the idiom "a yeoman's service". We need the option that best explains what it means.

Step 2: Explain the concept A "yeoman" was historically a loyal, hardworking attendant or small landowner who served faithfully. So "yeoman's service" (or "yeoman service") means excellent, valuable, loyal and diligent work or service, usually done in a difficult or demanding situation.

Examples:

  • "The old generator did yeoman service during the blackout." (It worked very hard and reliably.)
  • "The teacher did yeoman service to the school." (She worked faithfully and effectively.)

Step 3: Evaluate the options

  • A. His activity brought disrepute to the nation. Wrong. "Yeoman's service" is praise, not criticism.
  • B. His service to the nation was not exemplary. Wrong. This is the opposite of the idiom's meaning, because the service was excellent.
  • C. He was showered with the responsibility of the yeoman. Wrong. This misreads the idiom literally, and it says nothing about the quality of his service.
  • D. He was very loyal to the nation. Best fit. It captures the ideas of faithful, dedicated and valuable service.

Step 4: Answer My own working agrees with it.

Tip: For idiom questions, first decide whether the phrase is positive or negative. "Yeoman's service" is positive, so you can eliminate A and B immediately. Then pick the option that suggests faithfulness or dedication.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.

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