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JAMB UTME 2021

JAMB English Language 2021 past questions

8 objective questions from the 2021 JAMB English Language paper. Answer each one, then reveal the answer and explanation.

All JAMB English Language past questions

  1. Question 1

    Idioms

    To "bury the hatchet" means to

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

    Answer: B, make peace

    The idiom means to end a quarrel and make peace.

  2. Question 2

    Synonyms

    Choose the option nearest in meaning to NOVICE.

    1. Option A: expert
    2. Option B: veteran
    3. Option C: beginner
    4. Option D: master
    Show the answer to question 2

    Answer: C, beginner

    NOVICE means beginner.

  3. Question 3

    Oral English

    Which of these words is stressed on the third syllable?

    1. Option A: photograph
    2. Option B: educate
    3. Option C: university
    4. Option D: interesting
    Show the answer to question 3

    Answer: C, university

    u-ni-VER-si-ty; the others are stressed on the first syllable.

  4. Question 4

    Synonyms

    Choose the option nearest in meaning to RESILIENT.

    1. Option A: easily broken
    2. Option B: slow to heal
    3. Option C: quick to recover
    4. Option D: unwilling to change
    Show the answer to question 4

    Answer: C, quick to recover

    RESILIENT means quick to recover.

  5. Question 5

    Concord

    Choose the option that best completes the sentence: A number of students ___ absent today.

    1. Option A: are
    2. Option B: is
    3. Option C: was
    4. Option D: has been
    Show the answer to question 5

    Answer: A, are

    "A number of" means "many" and takes a plural verb.

  6. Question 6

    Idioms

    Choose the option that best explains the expression "to be at loggerheads".

    1. Option A: to be close friends
    2. Option B: to be very busy
    3. Option C: to be confused
    4. Option D: to be in strong disagreement
    Show the answer to question 6

    Answer: D, to be in strong disagreement

    "To be at loggerheads" means to be in strong disagreement.

  7. Question 7

    Lexis and structure

    Fill the gap with the most appropriate option: I prefer rice ___ beans.

    1. Option A: to
    2. Option B: than
    3. Option C: over
    4. Option D: from
    Show the answer to question 7

    Answer: A, to

    "Prefer" takes "to".

  8. Question 8

    Antonyms

    Choose the option opposite in meaning to SUPERIOR.

    1. Option A: better
    2. Option B: higher
    3. Option C: greater
    4. Option D: inferior
    Show the answer to question 8

    Answer: D, inferior

    SUPERIOR is the opposite of inferior.

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