2023 JAMB English Language Past Questions and Answers

Questions 1–50

1. 1.

   Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s) Repugnant rules in the society should be repealed.

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

   1. A.Enacted
   2. B.Exemplary
   3. C.Abhorrent
   4. D.Justified

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   Answer: C. Abhorrent

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2. 2.

   The Athenians were__________ by some soldiers who arrived at Plataea

   1. A.held
   2. B.strengthened
   3. C.welcomed
   4. D.captured

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   Answer: C. welcomed

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3. 3.

   Choose the word that does not have the same vowel sound as the others

   1. A.shun
   2. B.son
   3. C.sun
   4. D.short

   Show answer

   Answer: D. short

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4. 4.

   This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel. Dr. Samuel Johnson is also known as_____

   1. A.SamJson
   2. B.Samjohn
   3. C.all of the above
   4. D.Johnsam

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   Answer: B. Samjohn

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5. 5.

   Athens had _________ the Greek-states against Persians.

   1. A.refused to help
   2. B.wanted to fight
   3. C.intervened on behalf
   4. D.given orders to fight

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   Answer: B. wanted to fight

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6. 6.

   Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s) When night fell, we had to hasten to the motor park.

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

   1. A.disperse
   2. B.averse
   3. C.hurry
   4. D.return

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   Answer: C. hurry

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7. 7.

   The 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. presidency

   1. A.pre-SI-den-cy
   2. B.pre-si-den-CY
   3. C.pre-si-DEN-cy
   4. D.PRE-si-den-cy

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   Answer: D. PRE-si-den-cy

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8. 8.

   From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that rhymes with the given word below. Pitch

   1. A.Witch
   2. B.Lease
   3. C.Bleach
   4. D.Bite

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   Answer: A. Witch

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9. 9.

   The people of Delos did not want to __________ the conquest of Greece

   1. A.think about
   2. B.end
   3. C.encourage
   4. D.daydream about

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   Answer: C. encourage

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10. 10.

    In this question, fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided. To check desertification in the arid zones, ...... trees should be planted

    1. A.drought-resisting
    2. B.drought-resistant
    3. C.drought-effective
    4. D.drought-proof

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    Answer: B. drought-resistant

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

12. 12.

    In this question, choose the option that best completes the gap(s). The proprietor of our school with his administrator ------------ expected yesterday.

    1. A.are
    2. B.is
    3. C.was
    4. D.were

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    Answer: C. was

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13. 13.

    From the options lettered A-D, choose the option that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word. My father is parsimonious.

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

    1. A.thrifty
    2. B.frugal
    3. C.generous
    4. D.ungenerous

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    Answer: C. generous

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14. 14.

    This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel. Whose reticent nature while growing up earned him the title: "The quiet one".?

    1. A.Talle
    2. B.Bint
    3. C.Omar
    4. D.Ummi

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    Answer: A. Talle

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15. 15.

    Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence. What I told you is the gospel truth. This means that the information is

    1. A.unconfirmed
    2. B.partly true
    3. C.false
    4. D.completely true

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    Answer: D. completely true

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16. 16.

    Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word in each sentence. The abeyance of school activities last semester was a reason for concern.

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

    1. A.continuance
    2. B.collapse
    3. C.reduction
    4. D.intensity

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    Answer: A. continuance

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17. 17.

    This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel. In Lafayette, before a stranger is hosted or accommodated, permission must be requested and granted by_______

    1. A.the Hakimi
    2. B.the high priest
    3. C.the governor
    4. D.community oracle

    Show answer

    Answer: A. the Hakimi

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

19. 19.

    This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel. How old is Bint?

    1. A.5years old
    2. B.10years old
    3. C.8years old
    4. D.7years old

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    Answer: A. 5years old

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20. 20.

    Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided. We had to ..... the group headed by Taiwo.

    1. A.sell out
    2. B.sell off
    3. C.sell up
    4. D.selled

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    Answer: A. sell out

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21. 21.

    Choose the word with the same vowel sound as the one in bracket. Band[a]ge

    1. A.cacophony
    2. B.says
    3. C.cage
    4. D.kite

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    Answer: B. says

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22. 22.

    This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel. What were Ummi's children waiting for when Bint narrates her encounter with Mr. Salihu?

    1. A.Their father
    2. B.Lesson Teacher
    3. C.Dinner
    4. D.Arabic Teacher

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    Answer: A. Their father

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23. 23.

    From the options lettered A-D, choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word. I have an aversion for war movies.

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

    1. A.dislike
    2. B.addiction
    3. C.preference
    4. D.bitterness

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    Answer: A. dislike

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24. 24.

    Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s) No one would complain if you emulate good behaviour

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

    1. A.differentiate
    2. B.condemn
    3. C.imitate
    4. D.exhibit

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    Answer: C. imitate

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25. 25.

    Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. Only two ministers survived the recent cabinet reshuffle.

    1. A.In recent changes in government, all but two ministers retained their posts
    2. B.In the recent changes in government, all but two ministers remained alive
    3. C.In recent changes in government, all but two ministers were sacked
    4. D.In the recent changes in government, only two ministers were sacked

    Show answer

    Answer: C. In recent changes in government, all but two ministers were sacked

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26. 26.

    This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel. Bint was encouraged to take French at the primary level because _____

    1. A.Her parents believed that language acquisition at an early age is relatively easy
    2. B.she would want to be a French mistress when she grows up
    3. C.all of the above
    4. D.it will be useful for her when she travels to France

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    Answer: A. Her parents believed that language acquisition at an early age is relatively easy

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27. 27.

    Pick out the option with a different rhyme

    1. A.Roar
    2. B.Four
    3. C.Growl
    4. D.Bore

    Show answer

    Answer: C. Growl

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

29. 29.

    Choose the appropriate stress pattern from the options.The stressed words are in capital letter(s) Fluency

    1. A.flu-EN-cy
    2. B.flu-en-CY
    3. C.flu-en-cy
    4. D.FLU-en-cy

    Show answer

    Answer: D. FLU-en-cy

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30. 30.

    This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel. Why did Habib call Tomiwa instead of Salma that he gave a ride?

    1. A.Because Tomiwa is a Muslim and Salma is not
    2. B.Because Salma gave him Tomiwa's number instead of hers
    3. C.All of the above
    4. D.Because Habib likes Tomiwa more than Salma

    Show answer

    Answer: B. Because Salma gave him Tomiwa's number instead of hers

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31. 31.

    In each of the questions, the word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates.A good description INCLUDES specific nouns.

    1. A.Does a good description exclude specific nouns?
    2. B.Does a good description include specific verbs?
    3. C.Does a good description include obscure nouns?
    4. D.Does a poor description include specific nouns?

    Show answer

    Answer: A. Does a good description exclude specific nouns?

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32. 32.

    Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. The conference is biennial.

    1. A.The conference lasts for two years
    2. B.The conference is held once every other year
    3. C.The conference is held twice every year
    4. D.The conference is held twice in two years

    Show answer

    Answer: B. The conference is held once every other year

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33. 33.

    The words in capital letter have the emphatic stress. Choose the options to which the given sentences relate. I bought my WIFE a red dress

    1. A.Did I buy my husband a red dress?
    2. B.Did I buy my wife a red shoe?
    3. C.Did he buy my wife a red dress?
    4. D.Did I buy my wife a black dress?

    Show answer

    Answer: A. Did I buy my husband a red dress?

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34. 34.

    Choose the word that has the same consonant sound as the one in bracket. Smoo[th]

    1. A.worth
    2. B.dress
    3. C.brother
    4. D.wealthy

    Show answer

    Answer: C. brother

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35. 35.

    Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined casualty

    1. A.sure
    2. B.amateur
    3. C.juice
    4. D.aesthetic

    Show answer

    Answer: A. sure

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36. 36.

    Choose the word that has the same rhyme scheme. laugh

    1. A.life
    2. B.half
    3. C.ghost
    4. D.light

    Show answer

    Answer: B. half

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37. 37.

    Choose the option that has the same stress pattern as the given word. Student

    1. A.Propose
    2. B.Superb
    3. C.Refuse(N)
    4. D.Rebel(V)

    Show answer

    Answer: C. Refuse(N)

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38. 38.

    Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter[s] underlined. naked

    1. A.friend
    2. B.bead
    3. C.fed
    4. D.bid

    Show answer

    Answer: D. bid

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39. 39.

    Choose the options to which the given sentence relate. Spain won their last friendly FOOTBALL match

    1. A.Who won their last friendly football match?
    2. B.Did Spain win their last competitive football match
    3. C.Did Spain lose their last competitive football match
    4. D.Did Spain win their last friendly basketball match?

    Show answer

    Answer: D. Did Spain win their last friendly basketball match?

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40. 40.

    Choose the word that has the same rhyme scheme as the following word: battle

    1. A.raffle
    2. B.latter
    3. C.bitter
    4. D.kettle

    Show answer

    The answer for this question isn't available yet.

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41. 41.

    Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s) After thousands of years of existing, elephants still remain extant.

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

    1. A.subdued
    2. B.pulverized
    3. C.strong
    4. D.enduring

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    Answer: D. enduring

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42. 42.

    This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel. Ummi is an Arabic word that is directly translated to mean_____

    1. A.My mom
    2. B.My mother
    3. C.grandmother
    4. D.Godmother

    Show answer

    Answer: B. My mother

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43. 43.

    This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel. Where did the police apprehend Talle?

    1. A.at the village stream
    2. B.at his residence
    3. C.at the palace of Hakimi
    4. D.at the village square

    Show answer

    Answer: C. at the palace of Hakimi

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44. 44.

    In each of the following sentences, the word that resolves the emphatic stress is written in capital letters. From the options letters A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. Daddy plays TENNIS on Saturday afternoons

    1. A.Does mummy play tennis on Saturday afternoons?
    2. B.Does daddy play tennis on Sunday afternoons?
    3. C.Does daddy play tennis on Saturday morning?
    4. D.Does daddy play cricket on Saturday afternoon?

    Show answer

    Answer: D. Does daddy play cricket on Saturday afternoon?

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45. 45.

    Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word in each sentence. During the maths test, some students got an approximate score of 20.

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

    1. A.a frank
    2. B.a measured
    3. C.a precise
    4. D.an inaccurate

    Show answer

    Answer: C. a precise

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46. 46.

    This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel. Who among Salma's roommate was reserved and withdrawn yet generous to a fault?

    1. A.Ngozi
    2. B.Tomiwa
    3. C.Ada
    4. D.none of them

    Show answer

    Answer: A. Ngozi

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47. 47.

    This question is based on "The Life Changer" novel. why did Omar say he passed his SSCE by no means a small feat?

    1. A.all of the above
    2. B.because he failed other subjects but passed maths and English
    3. C.because he registered with one of the miracle centers
    4. D.Because he passed excellently on his first attempt

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    Answer: D. Because he passed excellently on his first attempt

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48. 48.

    Choose the word that has the same CONSONANT SOUND as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. marks

    1. A.exhaust
    2. B.axe
    3. C.mosque
    4. D.exist

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    Answer: B. axe

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49. 49.

    Choose the word that has the same rhyme scheme. sweet

    1. A.twice
    2. B.sweat
    3. C.suite
    4. D.suit

    Show answer

    Answer: C. suite

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50. 50.

    In this question, identify the word that has the stress on the first syllable.

    1. A.confirm
    2. B.intact
    3. C.resist
    4. D.salon

    Show answer

    Answer: D. salon

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