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JAMB UTME 2017

JAMB English Language 2017 past questions

7 objective questions from the 2017 JAMB English Language paper. Answer each one, then reveal the answer and explanation.

All JAMB English Language past questions

  1. Question 1

    Concord

    Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Neither the teacher nor the students ___ in the classroom.

    1. Option A: is
    2. Option B: was
    3. Option C: has been
    4. Option D: are
    Show the answer to question 1

    Answer: D, are

    With neither … nor, the verb agrees with the nearer subject, "students".

  2. Question 2

    Antonyms

    Choose the option opposite in meaning to IGNORANT.

    1. Option A: unaware
    2. Option B: foolish
    3. Option C: knowledgeable
    4. Option D: illiterate
    Show the answer to question 2

    Answer: C, knowledgeable

    IGNORANT is the opposite of knowledgeable.

  3. Question 3

    Synonyms

    Choose the option nearest in meaning to EPHEMERAL.

    1. Option A: permanent
    2. Option B: enormous
    3. Option C: ancient
    4. Option D: short-lived
    Show the answer to question 3

    Answer: D, short-lived

    EPHEMERAL means short-lived.

  4. Question 4

    Lexis and structure

    Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: The book was ___ interesting that I read it twice.

    1. Option A: so
    2. Option B: very
    3. Option C: too
    4. Option D: such
    Show the answer to question 4

    Answer: A, so

    "So … that" shows a result.

  5. Question 5

    Concord

    Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Many a student ___ failed the test.

    1. Option A: have
    2. Option B: has
    3. Option C: are
    4. Option D: were
    Show the answer to question 5

    Answer: B, has

    "Many a" takes a singular noun and verb.

  6. Question 6

    Idioms

    Choose the option that best explains the expression "to bury the hatchet".

    1. Option A: to hide a weapon
    2. Option B: to make peace
    3. Option C: to dig a grave
    4. Option D: to start a fight
    Show the answer to question 6

    Answer: B, to make peace

    "To bury the hatchet" means to make peace.

  7. Question 7

    Synonyms

    Choose the option nearest in meaning to DEBILITATE.

    1. Option A: weaken
    2. Option B: strengthen
    3. Option C: heal
    4. Option D: encourage
    Show the answer to question 7

    Answer: A, weaken

    DEBILITATE means weaken.

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