After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. A good friend is supposed to be with you through thick and thin. This means that a good friend should

B. stand by you in good times and bad times

A. be prepared for any eventuality

B. stand by you in good times and bad times

C. accompany you everywhere you go

In each of the following sentences, the word that receives the emphatic stress is written in capital letters. From the questions lettered A-D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. The United States will host the next FIFA football competition.

B. Will Nigeria host the next FIFA football competition?

A. Will the United States host the next CAF football competition?

B. Will Nigeria host the next FIFA football competition?

C. Will the United States fund the next EIEA football competition?

D. Will the United States fund the next FIFA basketball competition?

In each of the following sentences, the word that receives the emphatic stress is written in capital letters. From the questions lettered A-D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. Ahmed greeted AKIN at the party.

C. Did Ahmed greet James at the party?

A. Did Ahmed ignore Akin at the party?

B. Did Peter greet Akin at the party?

C. Did Ahmed greet James at the party?

D. Did Ahmed greet Akin at the park?

WAEC (WASSCE) 2024 · Part 1 of 2

2024 WAEC (WASSCE) English Language Past Questions and Answers

The 2024 WAEC (WASSCE) English Language past questions with answers: 136 objective questions from the 2024 paper in the DeeepSolve question bank, each with its answer behind "Show answer". This is part 1 of 2: questions 1 to 68. Try each question before you check, then practise the paper as a timed WAEC-style CBT.

Practise this paper as a timed WAEC-style CBT All WAEC (WASSCE) English Language years

Questions 1–68

1.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. ploy
1. A.plough
2. B.law
3. C.noise
4. D.sort
Show answer
Answer: C. noise
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The word "ploy" is given, and we need to find the option with the same vowel sound as the underlined letters. The underlined part is probably "oy", but it isn't shown here. In "ploy" the vowel sound is the diphthong /ɔɪ/.
Concept: A diphthong is a vowel sound that glides from one sound to another. The sound /ɔɪ/ is usually spelt "oy" or "oi", as in boy, toy, coin, voice.
Step by step:
ploy → /plɔɪ/, with the diphthong /ɔɪ/
A. plough → /plaʊ/, with the diphthong /aʊ/ (as in cow). Not a match.
B. law → /lɔː/, with the long vowel /ɔː/. This is a pure vowel, not a diphthong, so it is not a match.
C. noise → /nɔɪz/, with the diphthong /ɔɪ/. This is a match.
D. sort → /sɔːt/, with the long vowel /ɔː/. Not a match.
Answer: C. noise
Tip: Don't be misled by spelling. "Plough" looks like it might sound like other "ou/ow" words, and "law" and "sort" have an "o"-type sound, but only "oy" and "oi" spellings give /ɔɪ/. When you see "oy" or "oi", think of boy, coin, noise, toy. Always say the words aloud to compare their sounds.
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2.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. In spite of their shortcomings, we cannot _____ admire them.
1. A.yet
2. B.though
3. C.but
4. D.however
Show answer
Answer: C. but
AI explanation
Analyze the question The sentence is "In spite of their shortcomings, we cannot _ admire them." We need a word that completes an idiom.
Explain the concept The expression "cannot but + verb" means "cannot help but" or "have no choice except to." For example:
"I cannot but laugh." (I can't help laughing.)
"We cannot but agree with you."
Here, "but" works like "except" or "otherwise." The phrase therefore carries a double-negative sense that is still correct in formal English.
Step-by-step solution
The blank sits between "cannot" and the verb "admire."
The pattern is: cannot + ___ + base verb, which matches "cannot but admire."
Test the options: • A. "cannot yet admire" means we are not able to admire them so far. This does not fit the meaning "in spite of their shortcomings." • B. "cannot though admire" is ungrammatical. • C. "cannot but admire" means we have no choice except to admire them. This fits the contrast with "in spite of their shortcomings." • D. "cannot however admire" is awkward and does not make sense here.
So the sentence means: Despite their flaws, we have to admire them.
Answer: C. but
Exam tip Memorize the phrase "cannot but + infinitive" (also written "cannot help + -ing"). WASSCE, NECO and JAMB often test this idiom. Look for a blank right after "cannot" and before a verb, and think "but."
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3.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. scion
1. A.cars
2. B.barks
3. C.sure
4. D.zoo
Show answer
Answer: B. barks
AI explanation
The underlined letter(s) aren't visible in the question, but in "scion" the likely underlined part is s (sc-ion), which is pronounced /s/, as in /ˈsaɪən/.
Step 1: Analyze the question We need to find the word whose consonant sound matches the underlined part of "scion". Scion is pronounced /ˈsaɪ.ən/. The "sc" together makes a single /s/ sound, because the "c" is silent here (like in "scene" or "science").
Step 2: Find the sound in each option
A. cars: the final "s" is pronounced /z/ (/kɑːz/)
B. barks: the final "s" is pronounced /s/ (/bɑːks/)
C. sure: the "s" is pronounced /ʃ/ (/ʃʊə/)
D. zoo: the "z" is pronounced /z/
Step 3: Match The /s/ sound in "scion" appears in "barks", where "ks" ends with /s/ after the voiceless /k/.
Answer: B (barks)
Cars and zoo both have /z/, and sure has /ʃ/, so only barks has /s/.
Why the final "s" in "barks" is /s/: When a plural or verb ending "s" follows a voiceless consonant (p, t, k, f, th), it is pronounced /s/. After a vowel sound (as in "cars") or a voiced consonant, it is /z/.
Exam tip: For sound questions, ignore the spelling and say each word aloud. Remember the rule: voiceless consonant plus "s" gives /s/, and a vowel or voiced consonant plus "s" gives /z/. Also, "sc" before e, i, or y (scene, science, scissors, scion) is pronounced /s/.
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4.
In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. The driver believed he would be castigated by all the passengers but he was ______.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.encouraged
2. B.exonerated
3. C.commended
4. D.released
Show answer
Answer: C. commended
AI explanation
Analyze the question We need a word that (1) is opposite in meaning to "castigated" and (2) fits grammatically and logically in the gap: "he would be castigated by all the passengers but he was __."
Explain the concept "Castigate" means to criticise or reprimand severely. Its opposite is to praise, so we look for a word meaning "praise" that also fits the sentence.
Step-by-step solution
A. encouraged: This means given support or confidence. It is not the direct opposite of harsh criticism, and it is weaker in meaning.
B. exonerated: This means cleared of blame. It is opposite to "blamed" or "accused", not to "criticised or reprimanded". It is close, but "castigate" is about harsh criticism rather than formal guilt.
C. commended: This means praised. It is the direct antonym of "castigated" (to rebuke or criticise vs. to praise), and it fits well: "he was commended by the passengers."
D. released: This means set free. It has no connection to castigation.
Answer The best antonym that also fits the sentence is commended, option C.
Tip In antonym questions with a gap, first define the underlined word (castigate = punish or criticise severely), then pick the opposite (praise). Be careful with "exonerated", which is a tempting distractor. It relates to blame or guilt, whereas castigate and commend are both about verbal judgement (criticism vs. praise).
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5.
From the words lettered A-D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /ə/
1. A.age
2. B.argue
3. C.about
4. D.active
Show answer
Answer: C. about
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6.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. Everything would be _____ cheaper in the sales.
1. A.greatly
2. B.considerably
3. C.strongly
4. D.most
Show answer
Answer: B. considerably
AI explanation
Analyze the question You need an adverb that fits the comparative "cheaper" and collocates naturally with it. The sentence is: "Everything would be _ cheaper in the sales."
Explain the concept Words that modify a comparative adjective (cheaper, bigger, better) are called degree modifiers. Only certain adverbs are used with comparatives, such as much, far, a lot, slightly, significantly, considerably, substantially. Others do not pair naturally with them, even if they sound similar in meaning.
Test each option
A. greatly cheaper: "Greatly" is normally used with verbs (greatly improved, greatly appreciated) or with some past participles. It is not idiomatic before a comparative adjective like "cheaper."
B. considerably cheaper: "Considerably" is a standard collocation with comparatives (considerably cheaper, considerably better, considerably larger). It fits perfectly.
C. strongly cheaper: "Strongly" goes with words like recommend, believe, oppose, disagree. It does not describe a price difference.
D. most cheaper: This is wrong because "cheaper" is already comparative. It is a double comparative (like "more better"), which is ungrammatical. The correct superlative would be "cheapest."
Answer The correct sentence is: *Everything would be considerably cheaper in the sales.
Tip When a blank comes right before a comparative adjective (-er or "more ..."), think of "much, far, slightly, considerably, significantly." Also, eliminate "most" or "more" immediately, because double comparatives are always wrong in WASSCE.
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7.
In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. The boy may be culpable but his brother is surely ______.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.innocent
2. B.ignorant
3. C.accountable
4. D.honest
Show answer
Answer: A. innocent
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The underlined word is culpable, and you need the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning and that also fits the gap logically.
Explain the concept
Culpable means deserving blame, guilty, or responsible for a wrong act. Its antonym is a word meaning "not guilty" or "free from blame."
Work through the options
A. innocent: means not guilty, free from blame. This is a direct opposite of culpable, and it fits the sentence: "The boy may be culpable but his brother is surely innocent."
B. ignorant: means lacking knowledge. This is not related to guilt.
C. accountable: means answerable or responsible. This is close to culpable in meaning, so it is a synonym, not an opposite.
D. honest: means truthful. It is not a true opposite of culpable, because an honest person can still be at fault in a particular matter.
Answer
The word that is opposite in meaning to culpable and also completes the sentence correctly is innocent.
Exam tip
In "opposite and fill the gap" questions, first find the meaning of the underlined word. Then eliminate any option that is a synonym (like accountable here). The word culpable shares its root with culprit, so think "culprit = guilty," and the opposite is "innocent."
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8.
In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. While Ade is ______, his wife is quite self-effacing.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.aggressive
2. B.lousy
3. C.conceited
4. D.unfriendly
Show answer
Answer: C. conceited
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is "While Ade is __, his wife is quite self-effacing." The word "While" signals a contrast. So the gap needs a word that is opposite in meaning to "self-effacing" and also fits the sentence.
Step 2: Understand the concept "Self-effacing" means modest, not drawing attention to yourself, and not boasting about your abilities or achievements.
The opposite is someone who thinks too highly of himself, who is proud and boastful.
Step 3: Test each option
A. aggressive: This means forceful or hostile. It is not the direct opposite of modest. A person can be aggressive and still be modest, so it is wrong.
B. lousy: This means poor in quality. It has no connection with modesty.
C. conceited: This means excessively proud of oneself. It is the direct opposite of self-effacing and fits the contrast with "his wife is quite self-effacing."
D. unfriendly: This describes a lack of warmth, not a lack of modesty, so it is not the opposite.
Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. conceited. It is the antonym of "self-effacing" and makes the sentence read correctly: "While Ade is conceited, his wife is quite self-effacing."
Exam tip: In antonym-with-gap questions, look for contrast words such as "while," "but," "although," and "whereas." They tell you the missing word must be the opposite of the underlined word. Also remember that "effacing" comes from "efface," meaning to erase, so a self-effacing person "erases" themselves from the spotlight. The opposite is someone who puts themselves in it, like a conceited person.
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9.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that rhymes with the given word. aisle
1. A.isle
2. B.bail
3. C.fly
4. D.real
Show answer
Answer: A. isle
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You need the word that rhymes with "aisle". Rhyming depends on sound, not spelling.
Explain the concept: Words rhyme when their vowel sound and ending sound match. English spelling can mislead, so always say the word aloud and use its phonetic form.
Show the solution:
aisle is pronounced /aɪl/ (like "ile" in "mile").
A. isle is pronounced /aɪl/. It has the same sound as "aisle", so the two are homophones. This is a perfect rhyme.
B. bail is /beɪl/ (rhymes with "mail"). The vowel is different.
C. fly is /flaɪ/. It has the same vowel sound but no "l" ending, so it is not a full rhyme.
D. real is /rɪəl/ or /riːl/. The vowel is different.
Answer: The word that rhymes with "aisle" is isle, option A.
Tip: In rhyme questions, ignore spelling and listen for the vowel plus the final consonant sound. Watch for silent letters, such as the "s" in aisle and isle. Words like these (aisle, isle, I'll) are homophones, so they rhyme perfectly. Don't be tempted by "fly", which only matches half of the sound.
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10.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. Don't judge the boy ______ his past.
1. A.from
2. B.at
3. C.by
4. D.for
Show answer
Answer: C. by
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence is "Don't judge the boy __ his past." We need the preposition that correctly follows the verb judge in this meaning.
Explain the concept: The verb judge often takes the preposition by when we mean "to form an opinion about someone based on something." For example:
"Don't judge a book by its cover."
"People should be judged by their actions, not their appearance."
Here, by shows the standard or basis used to form the opinion.
Check each option:
A. from: "judge from" can be used in the sense of "judging from the evidence" (a phrase meaning "based on"), but it doesn't fit with a direct object like the boy.
B. at: Not used with judge in this sense.
C. by: Correct. "Judge the boy by his past" means to form an opinion about him based on his past.
D. for: "judge for" appears in "judge for yourself," but it doesn't fit here. (Note that you can be judged for a specific offence, but "judge the boy for his past" is less idiomatic than "by" when the sense is "on the basis of.")
Answer: The correct option is **C.
Tip: Remember the fixed phrase "judge by" (judge by appearance, judge by results, judge by one's past). If you see judge followed by a blank in an exam and the sense is "on the basis of," choose by.
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11.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. Maria ______ tears when she was told that she failed the final examination.
1. A.broke to
2. B.broke up
3. C.broke with
4. D.broke into
Show answer
Answer: D. broke into
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence needs a phrasal verb that fits with "tears" and describes a sudden reaction to bad news.
Explain the concept: The phrasal verb "break into" has several meanings. One of them is to suddenly begin doing something, usually an emotional expression. Common examples:
break into tears
break into laughter
break into song
break into a run
Check each option:
A. broke to: not a standard phrasal verb, so it doesn't work here.
B. broke up: means to end a relationship, to disperse, or to separate into pieces. We don't say "broke up tears."
C. broke with: means to end an association (e.g., "broke with tradition"). It doesn't fit.
D. broke into: means to suddenly start something. "Broke into tears" is the correct idiom.
Correct sentence: Maria broke into tears when she was told that she failed the final examination.
Exam tip: Remember the pattern "break into + sudden emotion or action" (tears, laughter, song, a run). Also keep in mind "break down in tears" is a related idiom, but "break into tears" is the form that fits the options here.
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12.
What option best completes the gap labelled 80?
1. A.chosen
2. B.appointed
3. C.announced
4. D.called
Show answer
Answer: C. announced
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13.
After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. A good friend is supposed to be with you through thick and thin. This means that a good friend should
1. A.be prepared for any eventuality
2. B.stand by you in good times and bad times
3. C.accompany you everywhere you go
4. D.always advise you
Show answer
Answer: B. stand by you in good times and bad times
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14.
After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. Willy has been under the weather for some days. This means that Willy has been
1. A.sad
2. B.ill
3. C.in the rain
4. D.outside the country
Show answer
Answer: B. ill
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15.
In the following options lettered A to D, all the words except one have the same stress pattern. Identify the one with the different stress pattern.
1. A.couture
2. B.cowshed
3. C.forest
4. D.gadget
Show answer
Answer: A. couture
AI explanation
Analyze the question: We need three words with the same stress pattern and one odd one out.
Concept: In two-syllable words, stress falls on either the first syllable (e.g., TA-ble) or the second (e.g., be-LOW). Compound nouns like cowshed usually take stress on the first element.
Step-by-step:
A. couture /kuːˈtjʊə(r)/ (or /kuːˈtʃʊə/): borrowed from French, stress falls on the second syllable: cou-TURE.
B. cowshed /ˈkaʊʃed/: stress on the first syllable: COW-shed.
C. forest /ˈfɒrɪst/: stress on the first syllable: FOR-est.
D. gadget /ˈɡædʒɪt/: stress on the first syllable: GAD-get.
B, C and D are all stressed on the first syllable. Only couture has second-syllable stress, so it is the odd one out.
Answer: A. couture
Tip: French loanwords ending in -ure, -ette, -eur and similar patterns (e.g., brochure, cigarette, amateur) often keep stress toward the end of the word, unlike typical native English two-syllable nouns. Also remember that compound nouns (cowshed, blackboard) are normally stressed on the first part.
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16.
In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence Our class teacher used to be rigid in his opinions but he is now ______ of other people's views
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.wary
2. B.critical
3. C.apprise
4. D.tolerant
Show answer
Answer: D. tolerant
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You need a word that (1) is opposite in meaning to "rigid" and (2) fits the gap grammatically and logically: "he is now __ of other people's views."
Explain the concept: "Rigid" means inflexible, stubborn, unwilling to change or accept other ideas. Its opposite is something like flexible, open-minded, or accepting. Because the gap is followed by "of," the word must also collocate with "of."
Step-by-step solution:
A. wary: means cautious or suspicious. "Wary of other people's views" fits grammatically, but it is not the opposite of rigid. Someone who is wary of others' views is actually closed-minded, which is close to rigid.
B. critical: "critical of other people's views" fits grammatically, but it means finding fault, which does not contrast with rigidity.
C. apprise: means to inform someone. It is a verb, not an adjective, and "apprise of" does not fit the gap (you "apprise someone of" something). It is also not the opposite of rigid.
D. tolerant: means willing to accept views and behaviour different from your own. "Tolerant of other people's views" fits perfectly, and it is the opposite of rigid.
The sentence reads: "Our class teacher used to be rigid in his opinions but he is now tolerant of other people's views." The word "but" signals a contrast, which confirms the answer.
Answer: D. tolerant.
Exam tip: In opposite-meaning questions with a gap, check two things: the meaning (antonym) and the grammar (the word after the gap, like "of"). Linking words like "but," "although," and "however" signal contrast, so they can help you eliminate wrong options quickly.
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17.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. Deficiency ____ just one essential vitamin may cause illness.
1. A.on
2. B.in
3. C.from
4. D.for
Show answer
Answer: B. in
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence is "Deficiency ____ just one essential vitamin may cause illness." We need the correct preposition to follow the noun deficiency.
Explain the concept: In English, some nouns are followed by specific prepositions. This is called a dependent preposition. The noun deficiency takes in when we name what is lacking:
a deficiency in iron
a deficiency in vitamin C
a deficiency in protein
Check each option:
A. on: "deficiency on" is not idiomatic.
B. in: "deficiency in" is the standard collocation. ✔
C. from: we say "suffer from a deficiency", but the noun itself is not followed by from.
D. for: "deficiency for" is not used to name the missing substance.
Solution: The correct sentence is: "Deficiency in just one essential vitamin may cause illness."
Tip: Learn noun and preposition pairs as fixed chunks. For example, deficiency in, lack of, shortage of, excess of, increase in, demand for. When you see "deficiency," think "deficiency in." Note that "suffer from a deficiency" is a different structure, because there the preposition follows the verb suffer.
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18.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that rhymes with the given word. plaque
1. A.lake
2. B.lark
3. C.luck
4. D.plague
Show answer
Answer: B. lark
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19.
From the words lettered A-D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /i:/
1. A.pit
2. B.exile
3. C.regal
4. D.serve
Show answer
Answer: C. regal
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word containing the long vowel sound /i:/, the sound in "see", "meat" and "machine".
Concept: /i:/ is a long, tense vowel. It is different from /ɪ/, the short vowel in "sit". Always go by how the word is pronounced, not how it is spelled.
Check each option:
A. pit is /pɪt/. It has the short /ɪ/, so it is not correct.
B. exile is /ˈeksaɪl/ or /ˈegzaɪl/. The vowels are /e/ and /aɪ/, so it has no /i:/.
C. regal is /ˈri:gl/. The first syllable "re" is pronounced /ri:/, with a long /i:/ sound as in "reed". This is the one we want.
D. serve is /sɜ:v/. It has the long central vowel /ɜ:/, not /i:/.
Answer: Only regal contains /i:/, so the answer is C.
Tip: In WASSCE sound questions, say each word aloud and listen to the vowel. Don't be fooled by the letter "e" or "i" in the spelling. "Exile" and "serve" both have an "e", but neither one gives /i:/. Note that "regal" is the only option where the "e" says its own long name.
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20.
From the words lettered A-D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /ɜː/
1. A.heart
2. B.floor
3. C.herb
4. D.fork
Show answer
Answer: C. herb
AI explanation
Analyze the question You are asked to find the word containing the vowel sound /ɜː/. This is the long central vowel heard in "bird," "girl," "nurse," and "her."
Explain the concept /ɜː/ is usually spelled with er, ir, ur, or(w)or- (as in "word," "work"), and ear (as in "learn," "earth"). Each option should be matched with its sound:
Check each option
A. heart is /hɑːt/. The "ear" here gives /ɑː/, not /ɜː/.
B. floor is /flɔː/. This has the /ɔː/ sound.
C. herb is /hɜːb/ in British English, which is the standard for WASSCE. The "er" spelling gives /ɜː/. (In American English it is /ɜrb/ or /ɝb/, which also has the r-coloured version of the same vowel.)
D. fork is /fɔːk/. This has /ɔː/ again.
Answer Only herb has the /ɜː/ sound, so the answer is C.
Tip "er, ir, ur" almost always give /ɜː/: her, bird, turn. Be careful with "ear," which can be /ɜː/ (earth, learn), /ɑː/ (heart), or /ɪə/ (hear). Also watch out for "or" and "oor," which are usually /ɔː/ (fork, floor).
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21.
In each of the following questions, the main/ primary stress is indicated by writing the syllables on which it occurs in capital letters. From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress. collocation
1. A.COLL-o-ca-tion
2. B.coll-O-ca-tion
3. C.coll-o-CA-tion
4. D.coll-o-ca-TION
Show answer
Answer: C. coll-o-CA-tion
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You are asked to choose the option that shows the correct primary stress in the word collocation.
Explain the concept: In English, words ending in -tion usually carry the primary stress on the syllable just before the suffix. Examples:
edu-CA-tion
com-mu-ni-CA-tion
pro-nun-ci-A-tion (here the stress falls on the vowel directly before -tion)
So the stress falls on the syllable immediately before -tion, not on -tion itself.
Solution:
Break the word into syllables: col-lo-ca-tion (4 syllables).
The suffix is -tion, so the stress goes on the syllable before it, which is ca.
The word is pronounced /ˌkɒləˈkeɪʃn/, with the main stress on "KAY".
Checking the options:
A. COLL-o-ca-tion: stress on the first syllable. Wrong.
B. coll-O-ca-tion: stress on the second syllable. Wrong.
C. coll-o-CA-tion: stress on the third syllable, right before -tion. Correct.
D. coll-o-ca-TION: stress on the suffix. Wrong, since -tion is never stressed in this pattern.
Answer: C
Tip: Remember the rule "the stress is on the syllable before -tion, -sion, -ic, -ity". Words like education, location, vacation, collocation all follow it. When you see a word ending in -tion, count one syllable back and stress that one.
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22.
From the words lettered A-D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentences. The new shopping mall is on the fringe of the town.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.limit
2. B.outside
3. C.middle
4. D.edge
Show answer
Answer: D. edge
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is fringe, in the sentence: "The new shopping mall is on the fringe of the town." We need the word closest in meaning as used here.
Step 2: Explain the concept "Fringe" (noun) means the outer edge or border of an area. In this sentence it describes where the mall is located: at the outer part of the town, not in the center.
Step 3: Test each option
A. limit: This means a boundary or maximum point. It suggests a cut-off line, not a place you can be "on." "On the limit of the town" sounds unnatural.
B. outside: This means beyond the town. The mall is on the fringe, which is still part of the town's outer area, so "outside" is not accurate.
C. middle: This is the opposite of fringe.
D. edge: This means the outer border or margin of something. "On the edge of the town" matches "on the fringe of the town" closely.
Step 4: Answer The best synonym is edge, which is option D.
Tip: In "nearest in meaning" questions, put each option into the sentence and see which sounds most natural while keeping the same meaning. Remember that fringe = edge = margin = periphery.
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23.
From the words lettered A-D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /ʌ/
1. A.comfort
2. B.music
3. C.ozone
4. D.food
Show answer
Answer: A. comfort
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word that contains the vowel sound /ʌ/. This is the short "uh" sound, as in cup, love, sun.
Concept: /ʌ/ is a short central vowel. It is often spelled with u (cut, bus) or o (come, love, money, some).
Check each option:
A. comfort is /ˈkʌmfət/. The first syllable has /ʌ/, the same sound as in come. ✔
B. music is /ˈmjuːzɪk/. The vowel is /juː/, so there is no /ʌ/. ✘
C. ozone is /ˈəʊzəʊn/. It has the diphthong /əʊ/. ✘
D. food is /fuːd/. It has the long vowel /uː/. ✘
Tip: The letter o often sounds like /ʌ/ in common words, such as come, some, love, month, monkey, mother, money, comfort. When you see "u" in music or "oo" in food, expect a different sound, usually a long /uː/.
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24.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. He claimed to be an expert, but he knew next to ______ about it.
1. A.anything
2. B.nothing
3. C.something
4. D.everything
Show answer
Answer: B. nothing
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The sentence is: "He claimed to be an expert, but he knew next to __ about it." The word "but" shows contrast. He claimed to be an expert, yet his knowledge was very limited. We need a word that fits the idiom "next to ___."
Explain the concept
"Next to nothing" is a fixed idiom meaning "almost nothing" or "very little." "Next to" here means "almost." Examples:
"She earned next to nothing." (almost nothing)
"The old man ate next to nothing." (almost nothing)
The idiom "next to" is normally paired with nothing, not anything, something, or everything.
Step-by-step solution
The contrast "claimed to be an expert, but..." means his knowledge was actually poor.
Test each option: • A. next to anything: not a standard idiom, and it doesn't fit the meaning. • B. next to nothing: correct idiom, meaning "almost nothing." It fits the contrast perfectly. • C. next to something: illogical and not idiomatic. • D. next to everything: it would suggest he knew almost everything, which contradicts "but."
Option B is the only one that is both idiomatic and logical.
Answer: B. nothing
The sentence reads: "He claimed to be an expert, but he knew next to nothing about it."
Exam tip
Learn common idioms with "next to":
next to nothing = almost nothing
next to impossible = almost impossible
When a WASSCE or JAMB question has a fixed phrase, spot the idiom first, because it often gives you the answer straight away.
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25.
In each of the following sentences, the word that receives the emphatic stress is written in capital letters. From the questions lettered A-D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. The United States will host the next FIFA football competition.
1. A.Will the United States host the next CAF football competition?
2. B.Will Nigeria host the next FIFA football competition?
3. C.Will the United States fund the next EIEA football competition?
4. D.Will the United States fund the next FIFA basketball competition?
Show answer
Answer: B. Will Nigeria host the next FIFA football competition?
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26.
What option best completes the gap labelled 75?
1. A.suffrage
2. B.right
3. C.charter
4. D.declaration
Show answer
Answer: C. charter
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27.
What option best completes the gap labelled 76?
1. A.recommended
2. B.approved
3. C.eligible
4. D.suitable
Show answer
Answer: A. recommended
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28.
From the words lettered A-D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. The first storey building in Nigeria stands as a historic _______
1. A.effigy
2. B.artefact
3. C.monument
4. D.edifice
Show answer
Answer: C. monument
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence is "The first storey building in Nigeria stands as a historic ___." We need the word that best describes a building that is preserved for its historical importance.
Explain the concepts (the meanings of each option):
Effigy: a sculpture or model of a person (for example, a burnt effigy). It cannot describe a building.
Artefact: a small, portable man-made object of historical or cultural interest, such as a pot, tool or ornament. A building is not usually called an artefact.
Monument: a structure, building or site preserved because of its historical importance or to commemorate a person or event. "Historic monument" is a very common collocation.
Edifice: a large, imposing building. It describes size and grandeur, not historical significance. It would also be repetitive, since the subject is already a building.
Step-by-step solution:
The subject is a building: "the first storey building in Nigeria".
The phrase "stands as a historic ___" means it serves as a lasting reminder of the past.
Effigy and artefact are ruled out because they do not describe a building.
Edifice does mean a building, but it does not carry the idea of commemorating history. The sentence would also be redundant: "a building stands as a historic building".
Monument fits best because it is a structure preserved for its historical value. This is the case with the Badagry first storey building, which is a national historic monument.
Correct answer: C. monument
Tip: When a question asks about something "historic" that "stands as" a reminder, think monument. Remember: artefact = small object, effigy = statue or likeness of a person, edifice = big impressive building, monument = a structure preserved for history.
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29.
From the words lettered A-D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /aʊ/
1. A.howl
2. B.law
3. C.flow
4. D.note
Show answer
Answer: A. howl
AI explanation
Analyze the question You are asked to find the word that contains the diphthong /aʊ/. This is the vowel sound in words like "cow," "now," and "house."
Explain the concept A diphthong is a vowel sound that glides from one vowel quality to another within a single syllable. The /aʊ/ sound starts open, like "ah," and glides toward "oo." Different spellings can produce it, such as "ow" (cow), "ou" (out), and "ow" in "howl."
Be careful with "ow." It can be pronounced in two ways:
/aʊ/ as in now, cow, howl
/əʊ/ as in flow, know, show
Step-by-step solution
A. howl is pronounced /haʊl/. It contains /aʊ/. ✔
B. law is pronounced /lɔː/. It has a long vowel, not a diphthong. ✘
C. flow is pronounced /fləʊ/. It has the diphthong /əʊ/, not /aʊ/. ✘
D. note is pronounced /nəʊt/. It also has /əʊ/. ✘
Answer: A (howl)
Tip: The spelling "ow" can be tricky, so say the word aloud. If your mouth starts wide open, as when a doctor says "open wide," it is likely /aʊ/ (cow, howl, now). If your lips round to "oh," it is /əʊ/ (flow, show, note). A rhyme check also helps: howl rhymes with "growl" and "owl," while flow rhymes with "go."
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30.
What option best completes the gap labelled 77?
1. A.booths
2. B.boxes
3. C.stations
4. D.compartments
Show answer
Answer: C. stations
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31.
What option best completes the gap labelled 73?
1. A.promise
2. B.speech
3. C.mandate
4. D.manifestoes
Show answer
Answer: B. speech
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32.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. coarse
1. A.coax
2. B.chore
3. C.road
4. D.rod
Show answer
Answer: B. chore
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The word is "coarse" (underlined part is likely "oar"). It is pronounced /kɔːs/, so the vowel sound is the long /ɔː/ (as in "door" or "more"). We need the option with the same vowel sound.
Check each option:
A. coax is /kəʊks/. The vowel is the diphthong /əʊ/, which is different.
B. chore is /tʃɔː/. The vowel is /ɔː/, which is the same as in "coarse".
C. road is /rəʊd/. The vowel is the diphthong /əʊ/, which is different.
D. rod is /rɒd/. The vowel is the short /ɒ/, which is different.
Concept: Spelling can mislead you. "oa" can be pronounced /ɔː/ (coarse, roar, board) or /əʊ/ (road, coax, boat). Always say the word aloud and listen for the sound. The "-ore" and "-oar" endings usually give /ɔː/ (chore, more, roar).
Answer: B, chore.
Tip: Group words by sound, not spelling. Words like "coarse, chore, sore, pour, door, law" all share /ɔː/. Compare "coarse" with "course" and "source", which sound the same.
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33.
After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. That nonchalant attitude of Jonah irks me. This means that Jonah's attitude
1. A.baffles me
2. B.irritates me
3. C.amazes me
4. D.amuses me
Show answer
Answer: B. irritates me
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34.
After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. Our school is the last but one on that road. This means that the school is
1. A.the very last building
2. B.one of the last buildings
3. C.the one after the last
4. D.the one before the last
Show answer
Answer: D. the one before the last
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The phrase "last but one" is an idiom. You are asked what position it describes.
Explain the concept: "Last but one" means "last except one", so it is the second from the end. It is also called the penultimate position. The word "but" here means "except".
Examples:
"The last but one chapter" = the second-to-last chapter.
"Last but two" = third from the end.
Solution: Imagine the buildings on the road, numbered from the end:
Last building = position 1 (the very last)
Last but one = position 2 (the one just before the last)
Checking the options:
A. "The very last building": this is simply "the last", so it is wrong.
B. "One of the last buildings": too vague, and it does not give an exact position, so it is wrong.
C. "The one after the last": nothing comes after the last, so this makes no sense.
D. "The one before the last": this is the second from the end, so it is correct.
Answer: D, the school is the one before the last.
Tip: Read "last but one" as "last, except one". Take away the final item and the next one is your answer. Remember that penultimate = last but one = second from the end. Don't confuse it with "the last one".
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35.
What option best completes the gap labelled 78?
1. A.endorsement
2. B.accreditation
3. C.validation
4. D.approval
Show answer
Answer: C. validation
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36.
From the words lettered A-D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. The incumbent chairman won the election by a ______ of twenty votes.
1. A.surplus
2. B.concensus
3. C.space
4. D.margin
Show answer
Answer: D. margin
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The sentence is "The incumbent chairman won the election by a __ of twenty votes." We need the word that correctly describes the difference between the winner's votes and the runner-up's votes.
Explain the concept
In elections, the phrase "win by a margin of..." is the standard collocation. A margin is the amount by which one candidate beats another.
Check each option
A. surplus means an excess or leftover amount, such as a budget surplus. We don't say "won by a surplus of votes."
B. concensus is a misspelling of consensus, which means general agreement. It doesn't describe a numerical difference in votes, and it doesn't fit "by a ___ of twenty votes."
C. space refers to room or an area, so it doesn't fit.
D. margin means the difference between the winning and losing scores or votes. It fits perfectly: "won by a margin of twenty votes."
Answer
The correct option is D. margin.
Tip
Memorize these common collocations: "win by a margin of...", "a narrow/wide margin", and "a majority of...". In exams, when a word follows "by a ___ of" in an election or contest, think margin first. Also remember that consensus is spelled with only one "c" in the middle, and it means agreement, not a number.
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37.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. passage
1. A.message
2. B.package
3. C.mortar
4. D.partner
Show answer
Answer: B. package
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38.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. dumb
1. A.comb
2. B.pupil
3. C.urban
4. D.month
Show answer
Answer: D. month
AI explanation
Analyze the question: "dumb" has the vowel sound /ʌ/ (as in "cup"). The "b" is silent. We need the word whose vowel sound is also /ʌ/.
Explain the concept: Vowel sounds depend on pronunciation, not spelling. The letter "u" and "o" can both produce /ʌ/ in different words.
Check each option:
A. comb - /kəʊm/. The vowel is /əʊ/ (as in "home"). Not a match.
B. pupil - /ˈpjuːpl/. The vowel is /juː/ (as in "cube"). Not a match.
C. urban - /ˈɜːbən/. The vowel is /ɜː/ (as in "bird"). Not a match.
D. month - /mʌnθ/. The vowel is /ʌ/, the same as in "dumb" /dʌm/. This is a match.
Answer: D. month
Tip: In English, the letter "o" often sounds /ʌ/ in words like month, son, come, love, money, some, done. Don't be misled by spelling. Say the word aloud and focus on the sound. Also, "comb" has a silent "b" like "dumb" does, which is a common distractor in this kind of question.
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39.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. You _______ have walked home alone so late at night.
1. A.would not
2. B.might not
3. C.ought not to
4. D.need not to
Show answer
Answer: C. ought not to
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The sentence is: "You ___ have walked home alone so late at night." It uses a modal verb followed by "have + past participle" (have walked). This structure refers to a past action and expresses criticism, advice, or regret about it.
Explain the concept
Modal perfect forms express judgments about past events:
ought not to have + past participle means it was wrong or unwise to do something, but it was done. For example, "You ought not to have lied."
should not have + past participle has a similar meaning.
need not have + past participle means something was unnecessary, but it was done. Note that "need" here takes no "to" after it.
Check each option
A. would not have walked: This expresses a hypothetical, such as "I would not have walked home alone." It doesn't fit as advice or criticism directed at "you" in this way.
B. might not have walked: This expresses possibility, such as "You might not have walked, so we don't know." It doesn't give the sense of disapproval.
C. ought not to have walked: This is correct. It expresses disapproval, meaning it was unwise or wrong to walk alone so late at night.
D. need not to have walked: This is grammatically wrong. The correct form is "need not have walked," with no "to."
Answer
The correct option is C. ought not to. The full sentence is "You ought not to have walked home alone so late at night."
Exam tip
Remember that "ought" is always followed by "to", while "need" as a modal is never followed by "to." When a sentence has "have + past participle" and expresses disapproval of a past action, look for should not / ought not to.
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40.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. Parents should create an environment _____ their children can grow.
1. A.in which
2. B.what
3. C.from where
4. D.in that
Show answer
Answer: A. in which
AI explanation
Analyze the question The sentence is: "Parents should create an environment _ their children can grow." We need a connector that links the noun "environment" to the clause "their children can grow."
Explain the concept This is a relative clause. When a relative clause describes a place or setting, we use a preposition and a relative pronoun, such as "in which." The verb "grow" needs the preposition "in" to show where the growth happens: children grow in an environment.
Step-by-step solution
The noun being described is "environment."
The clause "their children can grow" is complete, so it needs a link that carries the preposition "in."
Rebuild the sentence: "Their children can grow in the environment." Joining the two parts gives "an environment in which their children can grow."
Check the options
A. in which: correct, a preposition plus a relative pronoun referring to "environment."
B. what: wrong, because "what" doesn't introduce a relative clause after a noun.
C. from where: wrong, because children don't grow from an environment in this sense, and the phrase is awkward.
D. in that: wrong, because "in that" means "because" and is not used as a relative phrase here.
Answer: A. in which
Exam tip When a blank follows a noun and the clause after it lacks a place or time phrase, test it by restoring the preposition: "grow in the environment." If it fits, use "preposition + which" (for example "in which," "on which," "with which"). This pattern appears often in WASSCE and JAMB Use of English.
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41.
From the words lettered A-D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentences. Some believe it is ominous for the owl to perch on the roof of a house.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.forbidden
2. B.portentous
3. C.prophetic
4. D.suspicious
Show answer
Answer: B. portentous
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42.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that rhymes with the given word. potter
1. A.porters
2. B.pear
3. C.otter
4. D.rotten
Show answer
Answer: C. otter
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43.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. Everybody should treat their parents with respect, _______?
1. A.should they
2. B.shouldn't they
3. C.shouldn't we
4. D.should we
Show answer
Answer: B. shouldn't they
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question This tests question tags. A question tag is a short question added to the end of a statement. The tag must agree with the statement in two ways:
Polarity: a positive statement takes a negative tag, and a negative statement takes a positive tag.
Subject and auxiliary: the tag uses the same auxiliary verb as the statement, with a pronoun that matches the subject.
Step 2: Apply the rules
Statement: "Everybody should treat their parents with respect."
The statement is positive, so the tag must be negative. This eliminates A and D, which are both positive.
The auxiliary verb is should, so the tag is shouldn't.
The subject is everybody. In question tags, indefinite pronouns such as everybody, everyone, somebody, someone, nobody, no one take the pronoun they. This is why the sentence itself uses "their".
So the tag is shouldn't they?
Step 3: Check the other options
A. should they: positive tag after a positive statement, so it is wrong.
C. shouldn't we: the polarity is right, but "we" does not match the subject "everybody".
D. should we: wrong polarity and wrong pronoun.
Complete sentence: Everybody should treat their parents with respect, shouldn't they?
Answer: B
Exam tip: For tags, check two things in order:
Flip the polarity (positive becomes negative, and the reverse).
Match the pronoun to the subject. Remember that everybody, everyone, somebody, nobody all take they, and nothing, something, everything take it.
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44.
From the words lettered A-D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /dʒ/
1. A.regime
2. B.gutter
3. C.gender
4. D.design
Show answer
Answer: C. gender
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word that contains the sound /dʒ/. This is the "j" sound, as in judge or jam. It is a voiced affricate, a blend of /d/ and /ʒ/.
Explain the concept: In English, the letter g can be pronounced in different ways:
hard /g/ as in gate and gutter
soft /dʒ/ as in gender and giant
/ʒ/ as in regime (the "zh" sound, like the s in measure)
Solution, word by word:
A. regime is /reɪˈʒiːm/. The g here is /ʒ/, not /dʒ/. This is a common trap because it looks similar, but /ʒ/ lacks the "d" beginning.
B. gutter is /ˈɡʌtə/. The g is the hard /g/ sound.
C. gender is /ˈdʒendə/. It starts with /dʒ/, the "j" sound. ✔
D. design is /dɪˈzaɪn/. The g is silent, and the s is pronounced /z/.
Correct answer: C. gender
Tip: Do not confuse /dʒ/ with /ʒ/. For /dʒ/, say "d" and "zh" quickly together, as in judge. For /ʒ/, there is no "d" at the start, as in vision, measure and regime. Also, g before e, i or y often sounds soft (/dʒ/), as in gender, giant and gym, though there are exceptions like get and give.
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45.
In each of the following questions, the main/ primary stress is indicated by writing the syllables on which it occurs in capital letters. From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress. embodiment
1. A.EM-bod-i-ment
2. B.em-BOD-i-ment
3. C.em-bod-I-ment
4. D.em-bod-i-MENT
Show answer
Answer: B. em-BOD-i-ment
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46.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. manure
1. A.party
2. B.search
3. C.again
4. D.bad
Show answer
Answer: A. party
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47.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. This is the ______ he has submitted his assignment since joining the class.
1. A.early
2. B.later
3. C.earliest
4. D.lately
Show answer
Answer: C. earliest
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The sentence is: "This is the __ he has submitted his assignment since joining the class." The blank comes after "the" and before a clause ("he has submitted..."). So we need a word that works after "the" and describes how early the submission is compared with all the others.
Explain the concept
The definite article "the" is followed by a superlative when we compare one occasion with all the others: the best, the most, the earliest. The pattern is:
This is the + superlative + (that) + subject + present perfect...
Examples: "This is the fastest he has ever run." "This is the latest she has come to school."
Check each option
A. early is a base adjective/adverb. "The early he has submitted" is ungrammatical, because "the" needs a superlative here.
B. later is a comparative. "The later he has submitted" does not fit, since there is no "the... the..." comparison structure.
C. earliest is a superlative. "This is the earliest he has submitted his assignment since joining the class" is correct. It means that out of all the times since joining, this is the earliest.
D. lately is an adverb meaning "recently". It cannot follow "the" in this way.
Answer
The correct option is C. earliest.
Tip: When you see "the ___ (that) he has ever/since...", think superlative. Words like since joining, ever, and so far often signal a comparison against all previous occasions. Also remember that "the" followed by a gap before a clause usually means a superlative is needed.
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48.
From the words lettered A-D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentences. It is apparent that John damaged the desk.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.noticed
2. B.evident
3. C.recognised
4. D.acknowledged
Show answer
Answer: B. evident
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is "apparent" in the sentence: "It is apparent that John damaged the desk." We need the word closest in meaning.
Step 2: Explain the concept "Apparent" has two common meanings:
Clearly seen or understood, meaning obvious or plain.
Seeming real but maybe not (e.g., "apparent winner").
In the structure "It is apparent that...", it means obvious or clear.
Step 3: Test each option
A. noticed: This means "observed." It describes an action someone does, not a state of being clear. "It is noticed that..." changes the meaning, so it doesn't fit.
B. evident: This means clear, plain, obvious. "It is evident that John damaged the desk" keeps the meaning exactly. ✔
C. recognised: This means identified or acknowledged as known. It doesn't fit as a description of a fact being obvious.
D. acknowledged: This means admitted or accepted. It suggests John admitted it, which is not what "apparent" says.
Step 4: Answer The best synonym is B. evident.
Tip: In "Nearest in meaning" questions, substitute each option into the sentence and check that the meaning and grammar still work. Useful synonym groups: apparent = evident = obvious = clear = plain.
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49.
From the words lettered A-D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /v/
1. A.of
2. B.few
3. C.off
4. D.photo
Show answer
Answer: A. of
AI explanation
Analyze the question You are asked to find the word that contains the consonant sound /v/ (the voiced labiodental fricative, the sound at the start of "van" and "very").
Explain the concept In English, the letter "f" is usually pronounced /f/, but there is one very common exception: the word "of". It is pronounced /ɒv/, not /ɒf/. The letter "f" is also silent in some words, and "ph" normally gives /f/.
Solution: check each option
A. of is pronounced /ɒv/. It contains /v/. ✔
B. few is pronounced /fjuː/. It begins with /f/, so there is no /v/. ✘
C. off is pronounced /ɒf/. It ends in /f/, which is the voiceless counterpart of /v/. ✘
D. photo is pronounced /ˈfəʊtəʊ/. "ph" gives /f/. ✘
Answer The word containing /v/ is "of", which is option A.
Exam tip Remember the pair of /ɒv/ and off /ɒf/. They look almost the same but sound different. The voiced /v/ makes your vocal cords vibrate. Put your fingers on your throat and say "of" and "off" to feel the difference. WAEC often tests this contrast.
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50.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. indict
1. A.pack
2. B.listen
3. C.fiction
4. D.till
Show answer
Answer: D. till
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51.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. He said that they ______ painting the house by then.
1. A.will have finished
2. B.would have finished
3. C.will finish
4. D.would finish
Show answer
Answer: B. would have finished
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The sentence is in reported speech: "He said that they __ painting the house by then." The reporting verb "said" is in the past tense, and "by then" points to a future time relative to that past moment. The blank needs a form that fits both.
Explain the concept
Direct speech: "We will have finished painting the house by then" (future perfect).
When the reporting verb is in the past (said), "will" shifts to "would" (backshift).
So "will have finished" becomes "would have finished" (future perfect in the past).
"By then" signals completion before a certain time, which fits the perfect form ("have finished").
Step by step
Reporting verb "said" is in the past, so "will" must change to "would". This eliminates A and C.
"By then" indicates an action completed before a point in time, which needs the perfect aspect: "would have finished".
D, "would finish", lacks the perfect aspect, so it does not express completion by a given time.
Answer: B. would have finished
Complete sentence: He said that they would have finished painting the house by then.
Tip: When you see "by then" or "by + time" in a sentence with a past reporting verb, think "would have + past participle". In direct speech it is "will have + past participle", and the backshift changes "will" to "would".
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52.
From the words lettered A-D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentences. The supervisor spurned the offer of help from the cleaner.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.rebuffed
2. B.denied
3. C.defied
4. D.refuted
Show answer
Answer: A. rebuffed
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is spurned. We need the option closest in meaning to it in the sentence: "The supervisor spurned the offer of help from the cleaner."
Step 2: Explain the concept To spurn means to reject something with disdain or contempt, usually an offer, advance, or proposal. The key idea is rejecting an offer.
Step 3: Test each option
A. rebuffed: means to reject or snub someone's offer or advance bluntly. This matches "spurned" very closely, as in "She rebuffed his offer of help."
B. denied: means to state that something is untrue, or to refuse to give something. It does not fit with rejecting an offer.
C. defied: means to openly resist or disobey authority or a rule. An offer of help is not an order, so it does not fit.
D. refuted: means to prove a statement or claim to be false. It applies to arguments, not offers.
Step 4: Answer The best synonym is A. rebuffed.
Tip: Link the word spurn with the idea of "kicking away" an offer, since it is related to the old word for kicking. Other synonyms to remember are reject, snub, rebuff, scorn. Words like refute go with arguments or claims, and defy goes with orders or rules.
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53.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. viscount
1. A.scent
2. B.car
3. C.race
4. D.vital
Show answer
Answer: D. vital
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54.
In each of the following questions, the main/ primary stress is indicated by writing the syllables on which it occurs in capital letters. From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress. manifesto
1. A.MA-ni-fes-to
2. B.ma-ni-fes-TO
3. C.ma-NI-fes-to
4. D.ma-ni-FES-to
Show answer
Answer: D. ma-ni-FES-to
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55.
From the words lettered A-D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. The doctor's _____ was that the patient was suffering from cancer.
1. A.prediction
2. B.prescription
3. C.diagnosis
4. D.analysis
Show answer
Answer: C. diagnosis
AI explanation
Analyze the question: We need the word that best fits the sentence: "The doctor's _ was that the patient was suffering from cancer." The blank needs a noun meaning the doctor's conclusion about what illness the patient has.
Explain the concept: These four words are easy to confuse, so let's separate them:
Prediction: a statement about what will happen in the future (e.g., a weather prediction).
Prescription: a written order for medicine or treatment given by a doctor.
Diagnosis: the identification of a disease or illness from its symptoms and tests.
Analysis: a detailed examination of something's parts or structure. It is general and not specific to naming an illness.
Solution:
The sentence says the doctor concluded the patient was suffering from cancer. This is naming the illness.
Identifying an illness is exactly what a diagnosis is.
Checking the others: • Prediction would be about the future, not the patient's present condition. • Prescription would be about medicine, and "a prescription was that the patient was suffering from cancer" makes no sense. • Analysis is too general. A lab might do an analysis of blood, but the doctor's conclusion about the illness is a diagnosis.
Reading it back: "The doctor's diagnosis was that the patient was suffering from cancer." This is correct and natural.
Answer: C. diagnosis.
Tip: Link the three medical words to their jobs:
Diagnosis = Discovering the disease.
Prescription = Provides the pills.
Prediction = Peeks into the future.
When you see "the doctor's ___ was that the patient had (a disease)," think diagnosis.
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56.
In each of the following sentences, the word that receives the emphatic stress is written in capital letters. From the questions lettered A-D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. Ahmed greeted AKIN at the party.
1. A.Did Ahmed ignore Akin at the party?
2. B.Did Peter greet Akin at the party?
3. C.Did Ahmed greet James at the party?
4. D.Did Ahmed greet Akin at the park?
Show answer
Answer: C. Did Ahmed greet James at the party?
AI explanation
Analyze the question This is an emphatic stress question (Oral English). The word in capitals, AKIN, carries the stress. That word is the new or corrective information in the answer. So the question it answers must have gotten the person greeted wrong or be asking about that person.
The concept Emphatic stress highlights the part of the sentence that corrects or answers the specific point in the question. The rest of the sentence repeats information already known from the question.
The answer sentence is: Ahmed greeted AKIN at the party.
Check each option
A. Did Ahmed ignore Akin at the party? The point being questioned is the action (ignore vs. greet). The answer would stress GREETED, not Akin. ✗
B. Did Peter greet Akin at the party? The point being questioned is who did the greeting. The answer would stress AHMED. ✗
C. Did Ahmed greet James at the party? The question gets the person greeted wrong (James). The answer corrects it: "Ahmed greeted AKIN at the party." The stress falls on AKIN. ✓
D. Did Ahmed greet Akin at the park? The point being questioned is the place. The answer would stress PARTY. ✗
Answer: Option C. In this question, Ahmed, the greeting and the party are all correct. Only the person (James) is wrong, so AKIN is the word that gets the emphasis.
Exam tip: Find the word in the question that differs from the answer sentence. The stressed word in the answer replaces it. Here, James → AKIN.
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57.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. If I _____ an eagle, I would fly to distant lands.
1. A.was
2. B.were
3. C.am
4. D.be
Show answer
Answer: B. were
AI explanation
Analyze the question The sentence is "If I _ an eagle, I would fly to distant lands." It is about something impossible and imaginary, because a person cannot actually be an eagle.
Explain the concept: the subjunctive mood (second conditional) When we talk about unreal, hypothetical, or impossible situations in the present, we use the past subjunctive. In this form, "were" is used for all subjects, including I, he, she, and it.
Structure: If + subject + were, + subject + would + base verb
Examples:
If I were a millionaire, I would build a hospital.
If she were here, she would help us.
Step-by-step solution
The clause "I would fly" uses would, which signals a hypothetical situation.
So the "if" clause must express an unreal condition, which needs the subjunctive "were".
Check the options: • A. was: common in casual speech, but not accepted as standard in formal exams for unreal conditions. • B. were: correct subjunctive form. • C. am: used for real, present situations, so it doesn't fit with would. • D. be: wrong form; it doesn't fit the grammar of this sentence.
Answer: The correct option is B. were.
Exam tip If you see "If I ___" followed by "would" in the main clause, choose were. Remember the phrase: "If I were you..." It is the classic example, and WASSCE, NECO, and JAMB love testing it.
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58.
In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. The baby who had all along been calm suddenly became _________
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.restless
2. B.hungry
3. C.angry
4. D.cheerful
Show answer
Answer: A. restless
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The question asks for a word that does two things:
It is opposite in meaning to the underlined word. The underlined word isn't visible here, but the sentence says the baby had been "calm", so "calm" is almost certainly the underlined word.
It correctly fills the gap in the sentence.
Explain the concept
This is an antonym question with a sentence-context check. The word must contrast with "calm" and still make sense after "suddenly became __."
"Calm" means quiet, peaceful, and undisturbed. Its opposites include agitated, restless, disturbed, and unsettled.
Work through the options
A. restless: Means unable to stay still or relax, so it is the direct opposite of calm. It fits the sentence: "The baby who had all along been calm suddenly became restless." ✔
B. hungry: Describes a need for food, not a state of calmness, so it is not an antonym.
C. angry: It contrasts with calm to some degree, but it is a strong emotion that is not the nearest opposite. Babies are more naturally described as restless or fretful. "Angry" is a distractor.
D. cheerful: Means happy. A cheerful baby can also be calm, so it is not the opposite.
Answer
The word that is most nearly opposite to "calm" and fits the gap is restless, which is option A.
Tip
In antonym-plus-gap questions, first find the underlined word's exact meaning, then test each option in the sentence. Choose the nearest opposite, not just any contrasting word. "Calm" pairs with "restless" or "agitated", while "angry" is a looser contrast.
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59.
After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. The new shopping plaza is easy on the eye. This means that the shopping plaza is
1. A.grandiose
2. B.cool
3. C.attractive
4. D.expensive
Show answer
Answer: C. attractive
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60.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. suture
1. A.chalet
2. B.badge
3. C.chalk
4. D.city
Show answer
Answer: A. chalet
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61.
From the words or group of words lettered A-D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. To be healthy, we need to eat a _______ diet every day.
1. A.balanced
2. B.complete
3. C.mixed
4. D.delicious
Show answer
Answer: A. balanced
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is: "To be healthy, we need to eat a ___ diet every day." We need an adjective that describes the kind of diet that promotes good health.
Step 2: Explain the concept This question tests collocation, which means words that naturally go together in English. In health and nutrition, the standard phrase is "balanced diet", meaning a diet with the right proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. You will also see this in Nigerian Home Economics, Biology, and Agricultural Science.
Step 3: Test each option
A. balanced: Correct. "A balanced diet" is the established phrase, and it matches the idea of being healthy.
B. complete: "Complete diet" is not a standard collocation. It sounds unnatural here.
C. mixed: A diet can include different foods, but "mixed diet" does not carry the health meaning of having all the nutrients in the right proportions.
D. delicious: Food can taste good without being healthy, so this does not fit the purpose "to be healthy."
Step 4: Answer The correct answer is A. balanced.
The sentence reads: "To be healthy, we need to eat a balanced diet every day."
Step 5: Exam tip For "fill in the blank" questions, think about fixed phrases first. Memorize common collocations like balanced diet, heavy rain, strong tea, make a decision, and take a chance. If one option forms a phrase you have heard many times, it is usually the answer. Also check that the word fits the context clue, which here is "to be healthy."
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62.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. edit
1. A.many
2. B.earthy
3. C.forte
4. D.meaty
Show answer
Answer: C. forte
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63.
After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. Amina was completely swept off her feet the first time she met Gabriel. This means that she
1. A.fell deeply in love
2. B.was pleasantly surprised
3. C.trusted him completely
4. D.became utterly confused
Show answer
Answer: A. fell deeply in love
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence uses the idiom "swept off her feet." You are asked to choose the meaning that best fits it in context.
Explain the concept: An idiom's meaning is not found by reading the words literally. "To sweep someone off their feet" means to impress or attract them so strongly that they quickly become romantically infatuated. The phrase usually appears in romantic contexts, as in "He swept her off her feet with his charm."
Step-by-step solution:
The sentence says Amina was completely swept off her feet the first time she met Gabriel. This describes a strong, immediate emotional reaction to a person.
Check each option: • A. fell deeply in love. This matches the idiom's usual meaning of being overwhelmed by romantic attraction. • B. was pleasantly surprised. She may have been, but this is too mild and misses the romantic sense. • C. trusted him completely. Trust is not what the idiom expresses, and trusting someone on a first meeting is not implied. • D. became utterly confused. Confusion is a negative state, but the idiom is positive.
Option A is the best fit.
Correct answer: A. fell deeply in love
Tip: In idiom questions, ask yourself: "Is the idiom positive or negative, and what feeling does it express?" "Swept off her feet" is strongly positive and romantic. Also watch the words around the idiom. "The first time she met Gabriel" points to a person and a sudden attraction.
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64.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. escape
1. A.lacks
2. B.exact
3. C.scene
4. D.school
Show answer
Answer: C. scene
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65.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. helped
1. A.moved
2. B.banded
3. C.risked
4. D.begged
Show answer
Answer: C. risked
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The underlined part of "helped" is most likely the final "-ed" (the underlining didn't show, but this is the usual pattern). In "helped", the "-ed" is pronounced /t/, so we need the option whose "-ed" ending is also pronounced /t/.
Concept: how "-ed" is pronounced The past tense ending "-ed" has three sounds, depending on the sound before it:
/t/ after voiceless consonants (/p/, /k/, /f/, /s/, /ʃ/, /tʃ/)
/d/ after voiced consonants and vowels (/b/, /g/, /v/, /z/, /m/, /n/, etc.)
/ɪd/ after /t/ or /d/
Step-by-step solution
helped → /helpt/. The "p" is voiceless, so "-ed" = /t/.
A. moved → /muːvd/. After the voiced /v/, "-ed" = /d/. ✗
B. banded → /bændɪd/. After /d/, "-ed" = /ɪd/. ✗
C. risked → /rɪskt/. The "k" is voiceless, so "-ed" = /t/. ✓
D. begged → /begd/. After the voiced /g/, "-ed" = /d/. ✗
Answer: C. risked
Tip: Use the "voiceless test". Put your fingers on your throat. If there's no vibration on the sound before "-ed" (p, k, f, s, sh, ch), the ending is /t/. If there is vibration, it's /d/. If the word already ends in t or d, the ending is /ɪd/.
A handy phrase to remember the voiceless sounds is "Kate's push fix chips" (k, t, s, p, sh, f, ks, ch).
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66.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. peasant
1. A.lacy
2. B.passion
3. C.loser
4. D.leisure
Show answer
Answer: C. loser
AI explanation
The question doesn't show which letter(s) are underlined in "peasant". In this standard question the underlined letter is s (peasant, with the "s" underlined), so I'll work with that.
Step 1: Find the sound In "peasant" /ˈpeznt/, the "s" is pronounced /z/ (as in "pez-ant").
Step 2: Find the sound in each option
A. lacy /ˈleɪsi/: the "c" gives /s/
B. passion /ˈpæʃn/: the "ss" gives /ʃ/
C. loser /ˈluːzə/: the "s" gives /z/
D. leisure /ˈleʒə/: the "s" gives /ʒ/
Step 3: Match Only loser has the /z/ sound, the same as the "s" in "peasant".
Answer: C. loser
Tip: In these questions, write the phonetic sound of the underlined letter first, then check each option for that sound only. Beware of /z/ and /ʒ/: "leisure" tempts students, but its sound is /ʒ/ (as in "vision"), not /z/.
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67.
In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. Abdul's contribution at the meeting was seen by many as invaluable but the chairman said it was _________
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.insincere
2. B.useless
3. C.impossible
4. D.preposterous
Show answer
Answer: B. useless
AI explanation
Analyze the question
You need a word that (1) is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word "invaluable" and (2) fits the gap in the sentence logically and grammatically.
Explain the concept
"Invaluable" does not mean "not valuable". It means extremely valuable, so precious that its worth cannot be measured. Its opposite is therefore a word meaning worthless or of no use. This is a common trap, because the prefix "in-" makes students think the word is negative.
Show the solution
Check each option against the sentence "Abdul's contribution... was seen by many as invaluable but the chairman said it was __":
A. insincere means not genuine or not honest. It describes attitude, not value, so it is not an opposite of invaluable.
B. useless means having no use or value. This is a direct opposite of "invaluable" (extremely useful or valuable), and it fits the contrast set up by "but".
C. impossible means cannot be done. It has no connection to value and makes little sense for a contribution.
D. preposterous means absurd or ridiculous. It is an insult, but not the opposite of "invaluable".
So the best choice is useless.
Identify the answer
useless**.
Tip
In opposite-meaning questions, first find the real meaning of the underlined word. Do not be misled by prefixes like "in-". Invaluable means very valuable, not "without value". Also watch for linking words such as "but", which signal contrast and tell you the missing word must be the opposite idea.
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68.
What option best completes the gap labelled 71?
1. A.period
2. B.reign
3. C.tenure
4. D.era
Show answer
Answer: D. era
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2024 WAEC (WASSCE) English Language Past Questions and Answers

Questions 1–68

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