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JAMB 2020

2020 JAMB English Language Past Questions and Answers

The 2020 JAMB English Language past questions with answers: 58 objective questions from the 2020 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.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   All the people in the bus died in that _________  accident

    1. A.serious
    2. B.reckless
    3. C.fatal
    4. D.dangerous
    Show answer

    Answer: C. fatal

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  2. 2.

    This question is based on Bolaji Abdullahi's Sweet Sixteen   KOTL means ___________

    1. A.Kiss on the lips
    2. B.Kiss on the lab
    3. C.kiss on-top the lips
    4. D.Kiss on-top the legs
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Kiss on the lips

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  3. 3.

    The writer advocates for multiple sources of university funding in order to ______

    1. A.enhance university autonomy
    2. B.reduce dependence on the government
    3. C.ensure that the numerous needs of the universities are met
    4. D.maintain acceptable levels of infrastructural development
    Show answer

    Answer: A. enhance university autonomy

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  4. 4.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   Many countries no longer have _______ punishment as the penalty for murder

    1. A.mortal
    2. B.corporal
    3. C.capital
    4. D.fatal
    Show answer

    Answer: C. capital

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  5. 5.

    In each of the following questions, the main or primary stress is indicated by writing the syllable on which it occurs in capital letters. From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress   Expenditure

    1. A.EX-pen-di-ture
    2. B.ex-PEN-di-ture
    3. C.ex-pen-DI-ture
    4. D.ex-pen-di-TURE
    Show answer

    Answer: B. ex-PEN-di-ture

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  6. 6.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   What a ________! the more you look, the less you see

    1. A.wonder
    2. B.miracle
    3. C.challenge
    4. D.paradox
    Show answer

    Answer: D. paradox

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  7. 7.

    One of the reasons why theatre is unpopular in modern Africa is that it_________

    1. A.is regarded as not being of much use
    2. B.only deals with culture and tradition
    3. C.lacks scientific and academic bases
    4. D.is always funny and looked down upon
    Show answer

    Answer: C. lacks scientific and academic bases

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

  9. 9.

    Theatre was popular in Africa because__________

    1. A.was traditional and simple in nature
    2. B.dealt with the political, social, and economic problems of the society
    3. C.was a source of fun
    4. D.was communal and reflected the common concerns of the people
    Show answer

    Answer: C. was a source of fun

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  10. 10.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    God opposes the proud and rewards the _________

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.poor
    2. B.honest
    3. C.humble
    4. D.faithful
    Show answer

    Answer: C. humble

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  11. 11.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    The pilot says that it is easier to take off from the airport than to ___________ on the tarmac

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.land
    2. B.come down
    3. C.alight
    4. D.drop
    Show answer

    Answer: A. land

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  12. 12.

    This question is based on Bolaji Abdullahi's Sweet Sixteen How old was Aliya in the Novel?

    1. A.16
    2. B.18
    3. C.17
    4. D.19
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 16

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  13. 13.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    I thought that the comments made by the Manager were quite innocuous but the chairman considered them __________

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.polite
    2. B.inappropriate
    3. C.antagonistic
    4. D.harmful
    Show answer

    Answer: D. harmful

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  14. 14.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence   I went through his work; it was gibberish

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.meaningless
    2. B.meaningful
    3. C.brutal
    4. D.too simple
    Show answer

    Answer: A. meaningless

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  15. 15.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    Although Chide's manners are quite refined , his colleagues are rather ___________

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.bold
    2. B.crude
    3. C.hostile
    4. D.rash
    Show answer

    Answer: B. crude

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  16. 16.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    The University has a large intake, very few ________ take place

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.turnouts
    2. B.rejections
    3. C.explusions
    4. D.obstructions
    Show answer

    Answer: B. rejections

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  17. 17.

    In each of the following questions, the main or primary stress is indicated by writing the syllable on which it occurs in capital letters. From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress   Criticism

    1. A.cri-ti-ci-SM
    2. B.cri-ti-CI-sm
    3. C.cri-TI-ci-sm
    4. D.CRI-ti-ci-sm
    Show answer

    Answer: D. CRI-ti-ci-sm

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  18. 18.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   The soldiers pledge their ________ loyalty to the new government

    1. A.enduring
    2. B.tireless
    3. C.complete
    4. D.questionable
    Show answer

    Answer: C. complete

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  19. 19.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   My father _______ on the floor

    1. A.has lied
    2. B.have lied
    3. C.have laid
    4. D.has lain
    Show answer

    Answer: D. has lain

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  20. 20.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. Mr Cham will never tell you everything, he is very ________

    1. A.secretive
    2. B.quiet
    3. C.reserved
    4. D.realistic
    Show answer

    Answer: A. secretive

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  21. 21.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence   Our chief is very intelligent but he could be parochial in his judgements

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.deep
    2. B.broad
    3. C.narrow-minded
    4. D.kind-hearted
    Show answer

    Answer: C. narrow-minded

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

  23. 23.

    After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of all or part of the sentences is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.   Muiz does not let the grass grow under his feet. This means that Muiz _________

    1. A.does not waste time in doing things
    2. B.is a very wicked man
    3. C.cuts the grass in his field regularly
    4. D.cares about himself
    Show answer

    Answer: A. does not waste time in doing things

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  24. 24.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   The soldier _________ his gun on the wall after the armed robber______

    1. A.hang/has been hung
    2. B.hung/had been hanged
    3. C.hanged/has been hanged
    4. D.hung/ has been hunged
    Show answer

    Answer: B. hung/had been hanged

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  25. 25.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   Before I arrived, the choir _______ the hymn

    1. A.have sing
    2. B.has sing
    3. C.had sung
    4. D.have sang
    Show answer

    Answer: C. had sung

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  26. 26.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    Rather than make derogatory remarks about the host, a guest should make ________ ones

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.polite
    2. B.complimentary
    3. C.interesting
    4. D.honest
    Show answer

    Answer: B. complimentary

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  27. 27.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    The policies of this government favour the elite rather than the _______________

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.masses
    2. B.oppressed
    3. C.public
    4. D.unemployed
    Show answer

    Answer: A. masses

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  28. 28.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   The man, as well as the woman ________ arrested

    1. A.have been
    2. B.has been
    3. C.is been
    4. D.are being
    Show answer

    Answer: B. has been

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  29. 29.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   You need to __________your points

    1. A.expanciate
    2. B.expaciate
    3. C.expatiate
    4. D.expantiate
    Show answer

    Answer: C. expatiate

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  30. 30.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence   Coming late to work, according to Leonard, is inimical to the progress of the company

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.harmful
    2. B.predominat
    3. C.unavoidable
    4. D.inevitable
    Show answer

    Answer: A. harmful

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  31. 31.

    This question is based on Bolaji Abdullahi's Sweet Sixteen   Mr Bello is a/an _______ by profession in the novel?

    1. A.accountant
    2. B.engineer
    3. C.nurse
    4. D.journalist
    Show answer

    Answer: D. journalist

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

  33. 33.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   __________ packages should always be handled with care

    1. A.Insecure
    2. B.Fragile
    3. C.Weak
    4. D.Boxed
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Fragile

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  34. 34.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   It is you that __________ to write the letter

    1. A.is suppose
    2. B.is supposed
    3. C.are suppose
    4. D.are supposed
    Show answer

    Answer: D. are supposed

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

  36. 36.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    The exotic bird looked resplendent; its bright plumage contrasted with the rather _________ undergrowth

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.immobile
    2. B.foreign
    3. C.bright
    4. D.drab
    Show answer

    Answer: D. drab

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  37. 37.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   This class __________students and teachers

    1. A.comprise
    2. B.comprises
    3. C.comprise of
    4. D.comprises of
    Show answer

    Answer: B. comprises

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  38. 38.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   Many a ____________ to understand me

    1. A.man fail
    2. B.man fails
    3. C.men fail
    4. D.men fails
    Show answer

    Answer: B. man fails

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  39. 39.

    This question is based on Bolaji Abdullahi's Sweet Sixteen   _________almost fainted when he heard that some students were caught on the school's basketball court at night having sex.

    1. A.Mr James
    2. B.Aliya
    3. C.Mr Bello
    4. D.Bolaji
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Mr Bello

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  40. 40.

    It is important for university to be independent so that they can________

    1. A.attract funds from industries
    2. B.determine their goals
    3. C.be left to expand without any hindrances
    4. D.carry out effective research
    Show answer

    Answer: B. determine their goals

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  41. 41.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   Because of the hard times, workers live in ___________ poverty

    1. A.repulsive
    2. B.ridiculous
    3. C.abject
    4. D.unpardonable
    Show answer

    Answer: C. abject

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  42. 42.

    This question is based on Bolaji Abdullahi's Sweet Sixteen   Adoringly, Aliya was referred to as ________

    1. A.Journalist
    2. B.Sex addict
    3. C.Beautiful lady
    4. D.First lady
    Show answer

    Answer: D. First lady

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  43. 43.

    By the expression "climb down", the author implies that modern playwrights should _______

    1. A.be simplistic in the use of language
    2. B.not move up
    3. C.use language that is most appreciated by the people
    4. D.wait for the community to catch up with them
    Show answer

    Answer: B. not move up

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  44. 44.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. After interrogation, the police ______ the information from the suspect.

    1. A.exposed
    2. B.wrung
    3. C.received
    4. D.obtained
    Show answer

    Answer: B. wrung

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  45. 45.

    After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of all or part of the sentences is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.   The appearance which the famous actor made last month was his swan song. This meant that_________

    1. A.the actor sang beautifully during the play
    2. B.the play was postponed because of the actor's non-appearance
    3. C.the play was the actor's last appearance before he died
    4. D.the last play was the actors best performance
    Show answer

    Answer: C. the play was the actor's last appearance before he died

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  46. 46.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   My brother graduated from university last year; he will soon_________

    1. A.convocate
    2. B.convoke
    3. C.convoce
    4. D.matriculate
    Show answer

    Answer: A. convocate

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  47. 47.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    I am quite outspoken but my brother is __________

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.dumb
    2. B.indolent
    3. C.taciturn
    4. D.modest
    Show answer

    Answer: C. taciturn

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  48. 48.

    In the following options lettered A to D, all the words except one have the same stress pattern. Choose the one with the different stress pattern

    1. A.commit
    2. B.compare
    3. C.complete
    4. D.column
    Show answer

    Answer: D. column

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  49. 49.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   All the ________ were stolen by the thieves

    1. A.arm and ammunition
    2. B.arms and ammunition
    3. C.arm and ammunitions
    4. D.arms and ammunitions
    Show answer

    Answer: B. arms and ammunition

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  50. 50.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    After Ade had listened to some advice, his rigid ideas became more ______________

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.friendly
    2. B.compromising
    3. C.flexible
    4. D.democratic
    Show answer

    Answer: C. flexible

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  51. 51.

    The expression "intricate issues of special concern" means________

    1. A.important policy statements
    2. B.interwoven topics of significance
    3. C.complex matters requiring careful thoughts
    4. D.knotty problems that concern everybody
    Show answer

    Answer: C. complex matters requiring careful thoughts

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  52. 52.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    My uncle is a prosperous businessman, my aunt, unfortunately, is quite ________

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.unskillful
    2. B.domestic
    3. C.unsuccessful
    4. D.unqualified
    Show answer

    Answer: C. unsuccessful

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  53. 53.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    The economist argued that the apparently inconsequential rise in the price of petrol had a _________ effect on the cost of living

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.capricious
    2. B.frivolous
    3. C.dangerous
    4. D.bright
    Show answer

    Answer: D. bright

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  54. 54.

    In each of the following questions, the main or primary stress is indicated by writing the syllable on which it occurs in capital letters. From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress   Calculator

    1. A.CAL-cu-la-tor
    2. B.cal-CU-la-tor
    3. C.cal-cu-LA-tor
    4. D.cal-cu-la-TOR
    Show answer

    Answer: A. CAL-cu-la-tor

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  55. 55.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence   If he declines the offer, it will be better for him.

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.ignores
    2. B.denies
    3. C.snubs
    4. D.rejects
    Show answer

    Answer: D. rejects

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  56. 56.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    Our mechanised services contrast sharply with the _________ operative we had before

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.electrical
    2. B.controlled
    3. C.original
    4. D.manual
    Show answer

    Answer: D. manual

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  57. 57.

    From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence.    The Major demanded an unalloyed and not a __________ loyalty from his soldiers

    This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.

    1. A.strict
    2. B.wavering
    3. C.clumsy
    4. D.alterable
    Show answer

    Answer: B. wavering

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  58. 58.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences.   Thank you for the __________ of presenting my paper.

    1. A.privelege
    2. B.priviledge
    3. C.privilege
    4. D.preveledge
    Show answer

    Answer: C. privilege

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