JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2009

JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2009 – Introduction

Are you preparing for the JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) exam and searching for reliable past questions and answers to boost your performance? You’ve come to the right place! On Eduonwheels, we provide JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2009 — a comprehensive, easy-to-access study resource designed to help Nigerian students master the Use of English section with confidence.

This 2009 JAMB English past question compilation includes objective questions, answers, and explanations covering essential topics such as comprehension, lexis and structure, oral forms, and summary writing. Whether you’re a student in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Ibadan, or anywhere across Nigeria, our free download and online access make exam preparation simple, fast, and convenient.

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JAMB UTME Use of English Past Questions and Answers Free – 2008

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JAMB UTME Use of English Past Questions and Answers Free – 2006

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JAMB UTME Use of English Past Questions and Answers 2004 – Free

JAMB UTME Use of English Past Questions and Answers Free – 2003

JAMB UTME Use of English Past Questions and Answers Free – 2002

JAMB UTME Use of English Past Questions and Answers Free – 2001

JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2009 – Question Key

Questions: 1 – 100

COMPREHENSION

PASSAGE I

Nigeria is currently faced with two major problems which necessitate the use of the broadcast media to satisfy the ever-increasing demand for qualitative education in the country. These are population explosion and debilitating mass poverty. Population explosion in the country has greatly increased the need for more schools so much that demand now far outstrips provision of education opportunities, particularly at the post-secondary level. In addition, the Nigerian society is currently handicapped by a crippling economic crisis which has forced many people out of school as a result of growing inability to meet the cost of training, like tuition fees and board charges.

A way out of these problems lies in the provision of educational opportunities through the use of radio and television broadcast. Only when radio and television are fully utilized for teaching and learning can the foundation be laid for mass education in the country. Besides, using radio and television to transmit educational programmes can cut the cost of education as boarding and tuition will become unnecessary for most beneficiaries. At the moment, many Nigerians are unable to enrol or stay on in school because of the high cost of education and because government is unable to provide the staggering amount needed to finance mass education via the traditional school system.

Also of importance is the fact that radio and television will offer good opportunities for the standardization of education in the country. At the moment, the best schools in terms of facilities and qualified teachers are concentrated in the urban centres to the detriment of the rural areas. This has given rise to imbalance and uneven distribution of qualitative education in the country, so much so that experienced and qualified teachers often reject posting to rural schools, while over-concentration leads to under-utilization of capable hands in urban schools. Since educational broadcasting involves the best brains producing and broadcasting educational materials from one central location and reaching out simultaneously to scattered audience in the rural and urban areas, the quality of educational provision will be made even throughout the country.

The usual argument against the use of radio and television for teaching is the absence of immediate feedback which is thought to be essential for learning. But this handicap is more than compensated for by the listener’s or watcher’s ability to record and play back as often as he or she likes, any part of the lesson he or she may find confusing or difficult to understand. Besides, support facilities like telephone and postal services may be used to clarify difficulties or answer students’ questions. In addition, since Nigeria is still largely an orate society, using radio and television for direct teaching will not pose a serious communication problem. A beginning must therefore be made to promote aggressive school broadcast in the country.

Questions: 1 – 5

1. The passage suggests that the greatest problems of mass education in Nigeria are

A. the absence of educational broadcasts and underutilization of urban teachers

B. the reluctance of most teachers to work in rural areas and the fact that Nigeria is an orate society

C. the absence of immediate feedback in the teaching process and lack of teaching facilities

D. widespread penury and ever-increasing demand for formal education

2. Which of the following can be concluded from the passage?

A. the Nigerian government does not use radio and television for teaching

B. telephone and postal services are inimical to effective school broadcasting

C. the formal education system is more expensive than the non-school type

D. Nigerians reject teaching and learning through radio and television because of lack of immediate feedback

3. According to the passage, the major advantages of educational broadcasts may be summarized as

A. mass outreach, reduced costs and equal educational opportunities

B. mass education, reduced poverty level and qualitative education

C. mass access to qualitative education and reduction of the crippling economic crisis

D. increased number of schools, reduced cost of schooling and enhanced mass education

4. From the last sentence of the passage, it can be deduced that educational broadcasting is

A. unknown in Nigeria

B. rarely used in Nigeria

C. often used in Nigeria

D. randomly used in Nigeria

5. A suitable title for this passage is

A. the role of radio and television in Nigeria Education

B. why Nigerian teachers should use radio and television for teaching

C. the need to promote teaching and learning through radio and television in Nigeria

D. Enhancing school broadcasting for effective teaching and learning in Nigeria

PASSAGE II

The standardization processes of Nigerian pidgin seem to have started during the post-colonial period. Naturally, Nigerian pidgin appears to be the first choice of most Nigerians in informal situations, especially when they are among those from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. Thus, the selection process has tactically taken place. Among all the languages used in Nigeria today, English inclusive, Nigerian pidgin could be said to be the most widely spoken. Evidence abounds in motor parks, parties, congregations and most social occasions. There is also ample evidence in the electronic and print media, especially in political propaganda, campaigns and product advertisement. Thus, in terms of spread and extensive use, Nigerian pidgin could rightly be called a national lingua franca.

The use of Nigerian pidgin in contemporary Nigeria could be described as most productive, extensive and complex. It appears that the standardization processes—selection, codification, elaboration of functions and acceptance—which started in the post-colonial era, are now being completed in contemporary Nigeria. The reason for this assumption is simple—apart from its complex use as a lingua franca, language of media advertisement, social interaction, unofficial military training and limited literary output, Nigerian pidgin has attained widespread acceptability in the media, political propaganda and campaigns as well as soap operas. It is also the language of radio and television jingles. Most electronic media now use appreciable percentage of their airtime to cast news and give reports in Nigerian pidgin. Even though its use in some newspaper columns has declined, especially with the demise of the ‘Waka About’ column in the Daily Times, it is however found extensively in some newspaper advertisements.

In places like Warri, Sapele and Port Harcourt, there were reports that teachers at lower primary level taught their pupils in Nigerian pidgin. This unofficial adoption of the Nigerian pidgin as the language of the lower primary education by those teachers is justifiable considering the provision in the National Policy on Education, which states that in addition to English, the major language in the child’s environment could be used at the elementary level of education. Similarly, Nigerian pidgin has become a language of religious preaching, especially Christianity. In most rural and even urban centres where congregations are not all very well-educated, pastors resort to the use of Nigerian pidgin.

The use of the Nigerian pidgin as a literary language tends to have started in the sixties with the work of Achebe, Soyinka and others. But it is in the contemporary times that it has become most widespread. The number of poems, novels and plays written and published in Nigerian pidgin is growing even more rapidly. Many more literary writers now attempt to experiment with the language. Therefore, the evidence of codification and elaboration of functions and the partial or tactical acceptance of Nigerian pidgin are clearly visible.

Questions: 6 – 10

6. The reference to the National Policy on Education in the passage implies that

A. the government recognizes Nigerian pidgin

B. pidgin will continue to enjoy acceptance by many Nigerians

C. it is simple to understand

D. Nigerian pidgin is used at all levels

7. From the passage, which of the following is the most important reason why Nigerian pidgin is popular?

A. it is used in social occasions

B. it has no ethnic affiliation

C. it is extensively used along the coast

D. it is used by many creative writers

8. The style of this passage could best be described as

A. narrative only

B. narrative and expository

C. persuasive and argumentative

D. descriptive only

9. According to the passage, the phrase ‘lingua franca’ means

A. Nigerian pidgin

B. common language

C. second language

D. mother tongue

10. The fact that Nigerian pidgin is used in primary education in places like Warri, Sapele and Port Harcourt suggests that it is

A. universally accepted

B. a lingua franca

C. a language of instruction

D. Nigeria’s second lingua franca

PASSAGE III

Millions of people today are in serious ‘debt’. This can be a major factor in wrecking their careers, damaging their careers and even ruining their marriages. It can adversely affect their health and lifespan. It is a deficit that contributes to immune suppression, creating susceptibility to various infections. Conditions as different as diabetes, heart diseases, and extreme obesity, as well as other health problems have been linked to it. Yet, most victims are oblivious of this debt. The debtor is the one who does not have enough sleep needed for well-being. This can be caused by voluntary sleep deprivation resulting from a person’s lifestyle or by involuntary sleep deprivation because of illness and other causes. Medical researchers estimate that the earth’s population is now getting on the average an hour less sleep per night than a generation ago. This has prompted researchers to look into both the variety of sleep-related illnesses and their impact on the quality of life.

The medical world once viewed the chronic inability to sleep as just one disorder, commonly called insomnia. However, a commission created by the U.S. Congress recognized 17 distinct sleep disorders. At any rate, insomnia has so many causes that it is often considered to be a symptom of other problems, much as fever suggests some sort of infection. Even occasional deprivation of sleep can be disastrous. Consider the case of Tom. Although an experienced truck driver, he plunged his 18-wheel vehicle over an embankment, spilling 400 litres of sulphuric acid onto a major highway. Tom admits: ‘I fell asleep.’ Studies of two U.S. highways estimated that drowsy drivers caused some 50 per cent of the fatal crashes.

With hundreds of thousands of sleep-related auto and other accidents happening annually, the worldwide cost to productivity and family is enormous. What factors may contribute to lack of sleep? One is the social phenomenon often called 24/7—operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The newspaper, USA Today, described this as a cultural earthquake that is changing the way we live, noting that a new wave of round-the-clock retailers and services is profiting by mocking the clock. In many lands, people watch all-night television programmes and access the internet when they should be sleeping. Then there is the toll taken by emotional disorders, often involving anxieties heightened by stress occasioned by the pace of life. Also, there are a variety of physical diseases that can contribute to lack of sleep.

Many doctors note how difficult it is to get their patients to take sleep seriously. One doctor complained that chronic fatigue is even considered ‘a status symbol’ by some. And because their condition often worsens very gradually, victims of sleep deprivation may not recognize that they suffer from a serious sleep disorder. Many of them reason, ‘I’m just getting old’ or ‘I can’t cope with life, so I tend to shut down’ or ‘I’m tired all the time because I can never get the long rest I need.’ Reversing this sleep debt is a complex challenge. But understanding how a healthful sleep cycle works and learning to identify the signs of sleep debt can provide the motivation to change. Recognizing the symptoms of a serious sleep disorder can save lives and this should be a warning to many Nigerians, particularly those who engage in long night journeys.

Questions: 11 – 15

11. Which of the following is true according to the passage?

A. lack of sleep is caused by either a person’s lifestyle or involuntary sleep and not by both

B. voluntary sleep deprivation can be attributed to the way in which an individual lives

C. some illnesses cause sleep disorder which can be both voluntary and involuntary

D. healthful sleep is needed only for one’s well-being

12. The passage suggests that

A. medical doctors have found 17 distinct sleep disorders

B. inability to sleep was once considered to be chronic

C. insomnia and fever are medical conditions that are indicative of other problems

D. the U.S. Congress has recognized that insomnia is a symptom of other problems

13. The expression ‘mocking the clock’ as used in the passage, captures the

A. phenomenon of retailers making a lot of profit because they operate at night

B. fact that retail business is a waste of time

C. total disregard of time by retailers and services

D. fact that the time available to retailers and services is not enough to do good business

14. In the first sentence of the passage, the word ‘debt’ is quoted because

A. it has been used for a special effect

B. it has been used in the first sentence

C. of the seriousness of the matter it addresses

D. it is capable of destroying people

15. From the passage, doctors find it hard to convince their patients of the gravity of lack of sleep because

A. it is caused by a variety of reasons

B. the patients are often tired and cannot get enough sleep

C. people believe that it enhances one’s personality

D. its impact on the patient is slow

CLOZE

PASSAGE IV

The passage below has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Business executives selling industrial and high price-tag customer goods have come to the……16……that there should be a better approach to buyer-seller……17……. In Nigeria, a new brand of salesmanship is emerging. Today, such……18……as consultative selling, relationship marketing and value-added selling have become common catchphrases with professional salespeople. Salespeople are now….19……from pushy, hard-selling to consultations, playing business advisory and problem-solving roles for their customers. Customers ….20……has assumed a higher dimension. Salespeople and their companies are beginning to realize that the only way to stay in business and possibly be ahead of….21……is to give adequate attention to the needs of customers. Salespeople and business executives are beginning to understand that customer….22……is what ensures a robust bottom line. The only way to do this is to give special attention to the needs of customers. First time purchase is the beginning of a relationship. We now have a very…..23……marketplace in which people feel a need for personal intimacy and excellent service. In fact, some customers want to be pampered. They want customized service. They want a salesperson who comes to them with a…..24……knowledge of their needs and has ready-made solutions to their problems. The ability to….25……the needs of the customer and provide adequate information that helps the customer to make informed purchase decisions are attributes that the modern customer respects and appreciates.

16. [A. realization B. conclusion C. level D. point]

17. [A. relationship B. existence C. agreement D. friendship]

18. [A. concepts B. words C. clauses D. definitions]

19. [A. emerging B. reversing C. dangling D. shifting]

20. [A. interest B. awareness C. view D. service]

21. [A. distribution B. competition C. consumption D. production]

22. [A. respect B. dignity C. loyalty D. obedience]

23. [A. tangible B. rowdy C. sensitive D. desirable]

24. [A. prior B. full C. biased D. simple]

25. [A. analyse B. present C. organize D. discuss]

SENTENCE INTERPRETATION

Choose the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

26. It was our collective idea but Ado was doing everything to steal the show.

A. Ado was not part of the planning but he tried to rob us of the benefit of it

B. We planned the show together but Ado was trying to abort it

C. It was a joint project but Ado is trying to attract the most attention

D. We collated the idea for the show but Ado was trying to steal the programme

27. As we watched, he just popped along to the shop for some bread.

A. He has walked slowly to the shop

B. He stole some bread from the shop but we could not stop him

C. He broke into the bread shop before our very eyes

D. He went quickly to the shop for some bread

28. In all ramifications, Chief Adeyemi was a successful principal of the school.

A. He was partly a failure and partly a success

B. Everyone admitted that he was largely successful during his tenure

C. He was not totally successful in the school

D. His tenure witnessed a huge success

29. I couldn’t buy the biscuit because of the hold-up in the supermarket.

A. The shop had not opened

B. The attendant was slow

C. Armed robbers were there

D. There was nobody to attend to me

30. You could have heard sound, if you weren’t asleep.

A. You were not asleep so you heard the sound

B. You were asleep so you did not hear the sound

C. You heard the sound though you were asleep

D. You did not hear the sound though you were not asleep

31. Musa will not do the job well because he has an itching palm.

A. He has rashes in his palm

B. He is always looking for something to touch

C. He is always ready to accept bribes

D. He is tapping people on the back

32. Emeka was always conspicuous by his absence when it came to attending lectures.

A. That Emeka always attended lectures at school

B. Emeka’s absence from lectures was all too glaring

C. It was obvious that Emeka was not present at lectures

D. What made Emeka conspicuous was his occasional absence from school

33. He was injured by a friendly fire.

A. He was wounded in a war by a friend of his who fired a shot mistakenly

B. He was injured by a gun shot that was fired by a friend

C. He was hit in a war by a weapon fired by his own side

D. It was a war and he was hit by a bomb fired by an unknown soldier

34. Kola visits us on occasions, and I don’t like that.

A. I do not like Kola because he visits us only when an event is being celebrated

B. I hate the fact that Kola only visits us when something is being celebrated

C. That Kola does not visit us often is something I object to

D. Kola seldom visits us and that is because he is a fair-weather friend

35. At the time I arrived, Olu was lying in third place.

A. Olu’s third position coincided with my arrival

B. When I arrived, Olu was sleeping in the space reserved for him

C. It was a competition and Olu was in third position when I arrived

D. On my arrival at the competition, Olu went to sleep

ANTONYMS (OPPOSITE IN MEANING)

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) [in brackets and italics].

36. We had difficulty eating the meat because it was [leathery].

A. bitter

B. stringy

C. tough

D. tender

37. The boy is too [indolent] to do well at school.

A. intelligent

B. industrious

C. inactive

D. slothful

38. Salasi’s [tremendous] effort has yielded results.

A. absolute

B. insignificant

C. unimpressive

D. gregarious

39. The computerized service of the new bank is [heart-warming].

A. absolute

B. insignificant

C. unimaginable

D. prohibitive

40. Life has become a [misery] for many owing to the harsh economic condition in the country.

A. drudgery

B. ridicule

C. ritual

D. comfort

41. The company director has a [vivacious] personality.

A. a positive

B. an unmanageable

C. an unimpressive

D. a gregarious

42. Young people have a [penchant] for fast cars.

A. likeness

B. passion

C. madness

D. dislike

43. Most of the latest actions are [militant] in nature.

A. commanding

B. civil

C. zealous

D. passionate

44. His ideas sounded quite [palatable] yet they were jettisoned by the group.

A. accepted

B. dumped

C. denied

D. criticized

45. The compulsory leave made her feel [listless].

A. restful

B. great

C. fat

D. energetic

46. ‘A novel is an [embellished] falsehood’, said the teacher.

A. enriched

B. exaggerated

C. adorned

D. obliterated

47. I have had enough of your [impudence].

A. politeness

B. incivility

C. arrogance

D. boldness

48. We were [collectively] responsible for keeping the machine in good shape.

A. jointly

B. severally

C. dutifully

D. socially

49. His comment was not [printable].

A. punishable

B. suitable

C. offensive

D. unfair

50. [Curiously], he escaped unhurt.

A. interestingly

B. unsurprisingly

C. annoyingly

D. unusually

SYNONYMS (NEAREST IN MEANING)

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) [in brackets and italics].

51. Agwube’s explanation of her poor performance at the examination only [begged the question].

A. delayed her punishment

B. sounded quite convincing

C. did not address the issue

D. over flogged the matter

52. We have every need to preserve some of our national monuments for [posterity].

A. prosperity

B. future

C. national pride

D. collective gain

53. He [commands] the confidence and respect of all his subordinates.

A. requests

B. enjoins

C. enforces

D. conjures

54. The president has mapped out some many [laudable] projects to embark upon.

A. laughable

B. good

C. praiseworthy

D. valuable

55. Adamu’s father is a [stern] man.

A. wicked

B. strict

C. playful

D. conservative

56. Nobody knew the source of the [altercation] between the couple.

A. alter ego

B. quarrel

C. deep love

D. wealth

57. His poetry is said to be [inscrutable].

A. ludicrous

B. unlearnable

C. inseparable

D. mysterious

58. Hers was a [specious] argument about the government of the day.

A. misleading

B. precious

C. spacious

D. true

59. The Lagos bus conductor wore his professional [livery].

A. badge

B. shoe

C. uniform

D. cap

60. If Joy hadn’t been [tripped up] halfway through the race, she would have come first.

A. discouraged

B. disqualified

C. interrupted

D. exhausted

61. There must be something [sinister] about her late arrival.

A. reasonable

B. joyful

C. hopeful

D. ominous

62. The [unification] of the country has brought about great technological advancement.

A. restoration

B. agreement

C. cohesion

D. stability

63. His [amnesia] has affected his career.

A. loss of focus

B. loss of sight

C. loss of memory

D. loss of direction

64. Idris’ [forbearance] endeared him to us.

A. hard work

B. patience

C. wisdom

D. good manners

65. They hated the police and, [by implication], me.

A. extension

B. inference

C. examination

D. application

SENTENCE COMPLETION

Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).

66. He is really very mean. He …… not lend me the money I wanted.

A. should

B. could

C. would

D. won’t

67. When the cashier told him to join the queue, he considered it ……. his dignity.

A. a drawback to

B. an affront on

C. withdrawal from

D. a strain on

68. If anyone greets you, it is only polite to return…… greeting.

A. your

B. their

C. anyone’s

D. one’s

69. Amina lives ……. campus.

A. in the

B. on

C. at the

D. inside

70. An acceptance of the offer would be a departure from the several rejections that ……. .

A. had taken place

B. have taken place

C. will take place

D. took place

71. The ……. part of a new book is often written by a more experienced writer than the author.

A. foreward

B. foreword

C. forward

D. forword

72. The officer acted in ……. the instructions.

A. accordance by

B. accordance to

C. accordance of

D. accordance with

73. The bomb was …… .

A. detonated

B. dismantled

C. deactivated

D. depleted

74. If you want to succeed in life, don’t be envious ……… other people’s achievements.

A. of

B. to

C. with

D. on

75. They are taught to value honour …….. their lives.

A. from

B. in

C. than

D. above

76. I missed the match though it was shown on television on two …… nights.

A. concurrent

B. consistent

C. concrete

D. consecutive

77. The company paid some money to Abu to …….him for losses he suffered during the accident.

A. indemnify

B. condole with

C. settle

D. recompense

78. Our plan for the trip fell ……. when the rich man did not give us a lift.

A. off / boat

B. through / line

C. down / jacket

D. in / help

79. Government has frowned upon politicians who are out to …… wealth.

A. gain

B. amass

C. steal

D. waste

80. You are just the hat on …….. .

A. don’t you

B. isn’t it

C. aren’t you

D. not so

81. He was determined to ……. all opposition into submission.

A. push

B. cow

C. box

D. pound

82. I tried to discourage him, but he persisted …….. revealing the secret of his son.

A. for

B. in

C. on

D. to

83. I am told that the market is …… in to the interests of people from all …….. of life.

A. tuned / walks

B. constructed / places

C. designed / places

D. set / works

84. Uche has been in …… with his pen pal for years.

A. exchange

B. correspondence

C. favor

D. cord

85. Abba became …… about his inability to pass the examination.

A. despondent

B. disenchanted

C. dogmatic

D. joyful

PHONETICS – VOWEL SOUND

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) [in brackets and italics].

86. C[au]ght

A. hot

B. water

C. sup

D. wrong

87. C[ou]ntry

A. worry

B. courteous

C. bought

D. poultry

88. Tr[a]p

A. wonder

B. because

C. plait

D. quantity

89. R[e]st

A. result

B. show

C. unasked

D. wise

90. J[oi]nt

A. dagger

B. advantage

C. guardian

D. mightier

91. Th[ou]ght

A. taught

B. weather

C. theatre

D. fate

RHYMING WORDS

Choose the option that rhymes with the given word.

92. Sheer

A. dear

B. shirt

C. spare

D. shade

93. Great

A. creek

B. crate

C. knit

D. treat

94. Own

A. brown

B. frown

C. gown

D. phone

STRESS PATTERN

Choose the appropriate stress pattern from the options. The syllables are written in capital letters.

95. Ceremoniously

A. CEremoniously

B. CeREmoniously

C. CereMOniously

D. CeremoNIously

96. Understandable

A. UnDERstandable

B. UnderstandABLE

C. UNderstandable

D. UnderSTANDable

97. Management

A. MAnagement

B. MANagement

C. manAGEment

D. manageMENT

98. LAM called Uche a pilot.

A. What did Lam call Uche?

B. Did Okoro call Uche a pilot?

C. Did Lam call Uche a driver?

D. Did Lam wish Uche to be a pilot?

99. The girl DANCED in the village square.

A. Who danced in the village square?

B. Is this the village square where the girl danced?

C. Did the girl dance in the village square?

D. Did the girl sing in the village square?

100. My father READ the newspaper.

A. Did my father steal the newspaper?

B. Who read the newspaper?

C. What did my father read?

D. Whose father read the newspaper?

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JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2009 – Answer Key

Answers: 1 – 100

1. D
2. C
3. A
4. B
5. C
6. A
7. B
8. B
9. B
10. C
11. B
12. C
13. C
14. A
15. D
16. A
17. A
18. A
19. D
20. D
21. B
22. C
23. C
24. B
25. A
26. C
27. D
28. B
29. C
30. B
31. C
32. B
33. C
34. C
35. C
36. D
37. B
38. B
39. D
40. D
41. C
42. D
43. B
44. A
45. D
46. D
47. A
48. B
49. B
50. B
51. C
52. B
53. B
54. C
55. B
56. B
57. D
58. A
59. C
60. C
61. D
62. C
63. C
64. B
65. B
66. C
67. B
68. B
69. B
70. A
71. B
72. D
73. C
74. A
75. D
76. D
77. D
78. B
79. B
80. C
81. B
82. B
83. A
84. B
85. A
86. B
87. A
88. C
89. C
90. B
91. A
92. A
93. B
94. D
95. D
96. D
97. A
98. B
99. D
100. C

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JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2009 – Answer Explanation Key

Answer Explanations: 1 – 100

1. D – The passage states in the first paragraph that Nigeria faces “population explosion and debilitating mass poverty,” and that “many Nigerians are unable to enrol or stay on in school because of the high cost of education.” This indicates widespread penury (poverty) and ever-increasing demand for formal education.

2. C – The passage mentions that “using radio and television to transmit educational programmes can cut the cost of education as boarding and tuition will become unnecessary,” suggesting that the formal/traditional school system is more expensive.

3. A – The passage highlights three major advantages: reaching scattered audiences in rural and urban areas (mass outreach), cutting costs of education by eliminating boarding and tuition (reduced costs), and standardizing education throughout the country (equal educational opportunities).

4. B – The last sentence states “A beginning must therefore be made to promote aggressive school broadcast,” implying that educational broadcasting exists but is not widely used, meaning it is rarely used.

5. C – The passage focuses on arguing for the promotion of teaching and learning through radio and television in Nigeria to address educational challenges.

6. A – The reference to the National Policy on Education, which allows the use of major languages in a child’s environment at the elementary level, implies government recognition of Nigerian pidgin as a legitimate educational language.

7. B – The passage emphasizes that Nigerian pidgin is popular because it serves as a neutral language among “those from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds,” meaning it has no ethnic affiliation.

8. B – The passage narrates the history and development of Nigerian pidgin while also explaining its characteristics, functions, and usage, making it both narrative and expository.

9. B – The passage describes Nigerian pidgin as a “national lingua franca” in the context of being widely used for communication, indicating it means a common language.

10. C – The passage states that teachers use Nigerian pidgin to teach pupils, making it a language of instruction in those areas.

11. B – The passage clearly states “This can be caused by voluntary sleep deprivation resulting from a person’s lifestyle,” confirming that voluntary sleep deprivation is attributed to how an individual lives.

12. C – The passage states “insomnia has so many causes that it is often considered to be a symptom of other problems, much as fever suggests some sort of infection,” drawing a parallel between insomnia and fever as indicators of other problems.

13. C – The phrase “mocking the clock” is used to describe round-the-clock retailers and services operating 24/7, showing a total disregard for traditional time boundaries.

14. A – The word ‘debt’ is placed in quotation marks in the first sentence to create a special effect, as it is being used metaphorically to refer to sleep deprivation rather than financial debt.

15. D – The passage states “because their condition often worsens very gradually, victims of sleep deprivation may not recognize that they suffer from a serious sleep disorder,” indicating the impact is slow.

16. A – “Realization” is the most appropriate word meaning the act of becoming aware or understanding something, which fits the context of executives understanding the need for a better approach.

17. A – “Relationship” best describes the connection between buyers and sellers in a business context.

18. A – “Concepts” (ideas or principles) is appropriate for describing consultative selling, relationship marketing, and value-added selling as business ideas.

19. D – “Shifting” means moving or changing from one thing to another, which fits the context of salespeople changing from hard-selling to consultative approaches.

20. D – “Customer service” is a standard business term that makes sense in the context of assuming a higher dimension.

21. B – “Competition” is the logical word in business context—staying ahead of competition.

22. C – “Customer loyalty” is what ensures continued business success and a robust bottom line.

23. C – “Sensitive” describes a marketplace where people are aware of and responsive to personal needs.

24. B – “Full knowledge” means complete understanding of customer needs.

25. A – “Analyse” means to examine in detail, which is appropriate for understanding customer needs.

26. C – “Steal the show” is an idiom meaning to attract the most attention, even though it was a collective effort.

27. D – “Popped along” is an informal expression meaning to go quickly or briefly to a place.

28. B – “In all ramifications” means in every aspect or way, indicating he was largely successful in his role.

29. C – “Hold-up” in the context of a supermarket typically refers to an armed robbery.

30. B – This is a conditional sentence expressing that being asleep was the reason for not hearing the sound.

31. C – “Itching palm” is an idiom meaning someone who is eager to accept bribes or money corruptly.

32. B – “Conspicuous by his absence” means his absence was very noticeable or glaring.

33. C – “Friendly fire” is a military term referring to weapon fire coming from one’s own side that accidentally hits one’s own forces.

34. C – “On occasions” means occasionally or not often, and the speaker objects to this infrequent visiting.

35. C – “Lying in third place” in a competitive context means occupying third position.

36. D – “Leathery” means tough and hard like leather, so the opposite is “tender” (soft and easy to chew).

37. B – “Indolent” means lazy, so the opposite is “industrious” (hardworking).

38. B – “Tremendous” means very large or great, so the opposite is “insignificant” (small or unimportant).

39. D – “Heart-warming” means causing feelings of happiness and pleasure, while “prohibitive” means discouraging or preventing (especially due to cost).

40. D – “Misery” means suffering or unhappiness, so the opposite is “comfort” (ease and contentment).

41. C – “Vivacious” means lively and animated, so the opposite is “unimpressive” (dull or uninspiring).

42. D – “Penchant” means a strong liking or preference, so the opposite is “dislike.”

43. B – “Militant” means aggressive or combative, so the opposite is “civil” (peaceful and orderly).

44. A – “Jettisoned” means discarded or rejected, so the opposite is “accepted.”

45. D – “Listless” means lacking energy or enthusiasm, so the opposite is “energetic.”

46. D – “Embellished” means decorated or enhanced, so the opposite is “obliterated” (destroyed or removed completely).

47. A – “Impudence” means rudeness or disrespect, so the opposite is “politeness.”

48. B – “Collectively” means as a group or together, so the opposite is “severally” (individually or separately).

49. B – “Not printable” means not suitable for publication, so the opposite is “suitable.”

50. B – “Curiously” means in a strange or unusual way, so the opposite is “unsurprisingly” (as expected).

51. C – “Begged the question” in this context means failed to address the real issue or avoided the main point.

52. B – “Posterity” means future generations or the future.

53. B – “Commands” in this context means to inspire or enjoin (encourage) confidence and respect.

54. C – “Laudable” means deserving praise, which is synonymous with “praiseworthy.”

55. B – “Stern” means strict, serious, and demanding discipline.

56. B – “Altercation” means a heated argument or quarrel.

57. D – “Inscrutable” means difficult to understand or mysterious.

58. A – “Specious” means superficially plausible but actually wrong or misleading.

59. C – “Livery” means a special uniform worn by members of an organization or profession.

60. C – “Tripped up” means interrupted, hindered, or caused to stumble.

61. D – “Sinister” means suggesting evil, harm, or danger, which is synonymous with “ominous.”

62. C – “Unification” means the process of bringing together or cohesion (unity).

63. C – “Amnesia” is loss of memory.

64. B – “Forbearance” means patience and self-control, especially in difficult situations.

65. B – “By implication” means by inference or as a logical consequence.

66. C – “Would not” expresses refusal or unwillingness, fitting the context of someone being mean.

67. B – “An affront on his dignity” means an insult or offense to his dignity.

68. B – “Their greeting” is the correct pronoun to refer back to “anyone.”

69. B – “On campus” is the correct prepositional phrase for living at a university.

70. A – “Had taken place” is the correct past perfect tense to describe actions completed before another past action.

71. B – “Foreword” is the correct spelling for an introductory section of a book.

72. D – “In accordance with” is the correct prepositional phrase meaning in agreement with.

73. C – “Deactivated” means made inactive or neutralized, which is appropriate for a bomb.

74. A – “Envious of” is the correct prepositional phrase.

75. D – “Above their lives” means to value honor more than life itself.

76. D – “Consecutive” means following one after another in sequence.

77. D – “Recompense” means to compensate someone for loss or harm suffered.

78. B – “Fell through” is an idiom meaning failed, and “lifeline” (though split as “life” in the option) fits contextually, though the full phrase should be examined.

79. B – “Amass wealth” is the correct collocation meaning to accumulate wealth, often excessively.

80. C – “Aren’t you” is the correct question tag for “You are.”

81. B – “Cow into submission” is an idiom meaning to intimidate someone into surrendering.

82. B – “Persisted in” is the correct preposition with “persist” when followed by a gerund.

83. A – “Tuned in to” and “walks of life” are the correct phrases meaning designed for people from all backgrounds.

84. B – “In correspondence with” means exchanging letters or messages with someone.

85. A – “Despondent” means discouraged or dejected, fitting someone who cannot pass an examination.

86. B – “Caught” has the /ɔː/ sound (as in “aw”), which is the same vowel sound as in “water.”

87. A – “Country” has the /ʌ/ sound, which is the same as in “worry.”

88. C – “Trap” has the /æ/ sound, which is the same as in “plait.”

89. C – “Rest” has the /e/ sound, which is the same as in “unasked.”

90. B – “Joint” has the /ɔɪ/ diphthong, which is the same as in “advantage” (in some pronunciations).

91. A – “Thought” has the /ɔː/ sound, which is the same as in “taught.”

92. A – “Sheer” rhymes with “dear” (both have the /ɪə/ sound).

93. B – “Great” rhymes with “crate” (both have the /eɪ/ sound).

94. D – “Own” rhymes with “phone” (both have the /əʊ/ sound).

95. D – “Ceremoniously” has stress on the fourth syllable: cere-mo-NI-ous-ly.

96. D – “Understandable” has stress on the third syllable: un-der-STAND-able.

97. A – “Management” has stress on the first syllable: MAN-age-ment.

98. B – The stress on “LAM” (the name) would prompt a question about whether it was indeed Lam or someone else like Okoro who called Uche a pilot.

99. D – The stress on “DANCED” would prompt a question about whether the girl danced or did something else like sing.

100. C – The stress on “READ” would prompt a question about what the father read (the newspaper or something else).

‘JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2009’