UTME Practice Questions (Use of English)

UTME Practice Questions (Use of English)

Read passages I, II and III carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Passage I (2020)

We knew early in our life that the atmosphere in our home was different from that in many other homes, where husbands and wives quarrel and where was drunkenness, laziness or indifference — things we never saw in our family. We chafed and grumbled at the strictness of my father’s regime. We went to hide whenever we broke the rules too visibly. We knew, nevertheless, that our parents wanted good things for us. Some of these, such as the insistence on our going to school and never missing a day, we accepted readily enough, although, like most other children, we occasionally yielded to the temptation to play truant. However, in other cases such as their effort to keep us out of contact with the difficult life- the drinking and fighting and beer-brewing and gambling- their failure was inevitable. They could not keep us insulated. By the time we move about, we were already seeing things with eyes and judging things by the standards we had absorbed from them.

  It was borne in on me and my brothers at a very early age that our father was an uncommon man. for one thing, in most African families, work around the home was women’s work. So we were vastly impressed by the fact that whenever my mother was away, my father could and did do all her jobs-cooking, cleaning and looking after us. We lived in this way in a community in which housework was regarded as being beneath male dignity. Even in families which, like ours, produced boy after boy-our sister came fifth-it simply meant that the mother carried a greater and greater burden of work. In our family, nevertheless; the boys did girls ‘work and my father did it with us.

  One of the prime chores of life in the family was fetching water from the pump down the street, some two hundred metres from our door. Since the pump was not unlocked until six in the morning and there was always crowding, a system had developed whereby you got out before dawn, placed your twenty-litre tin in line, and then went home, returning latter to take your place. Often, of course, tins would be moved back in line, and others moved ahead. This could be corrected if none of these in front were too big a challenge.

  When taps were substituted for the pumps, the first one installed was nearly a kilometre away from our house and we had to make the trek with the water tins balanced on our heads — an indignity because this was the way girls, not proud males, carried their derisive laughter. We did our jobs doggedly, that notwithstanding, because our father and mother expected it of us. Out of choice, our father did everything we did, including fetching water on occasion, and commanded us by sheer force of his example.

1. The word atmosphere, as used in the first paragraph of the passage means: (a) pattern (b) preference (c) unity (d) disposition

2. Which of the following statements captures the family approach to house work? (a) the boys were not allowed to do boys work (b) the mother did the cooking and cleaning willingly (c) no job was reserved for anyone on the basis of gender (d) the water needed was provided by everyone

3. Which of the following describes the father's role in the family? (a) being too hard on the children (b) serving the children (c) leading by example (d) usurping his wife's role in the family

4. By describing his father as an uncommon man the writer means that he is (a) strict (b) kind (c) amenable (d) remarkable

5. A suitable title for the passage is (a) the unusual parent (b) a village life (c) an experience in early life (d) the problem of water

Passage II (2003)

The 2002 World Cup Competition, also called Korea/Japan 2002, kicked off with a match between the defending champions, France, and the Senegalese nation team from African. Nobody had given the Senegalese any chance against the star-studded defending champions but the 1-0 score line in favour of Senegal showed that African football can no longer be taken for granted. .

  This shocking defeat of France had raised Africa’s hopes of going beyond the first round of the tournament. So when the Super Eagles of Nigeria filed out against Argentina on the morning of Sunday, June the second, 2002, many Nigeria football enthusiasts delayed attending church service to watch the match live on television. As expected, the Super Eagles put up strong resistance to the Argentinian challenge and the day would not have ended on a sombre note for Nigerians if the momentum had been sustained throughout the match. .

  The hope of going beyond the first round, though precarious, was very much alive as the Eagles were expected to defeat their next opponents, Sweden and Eagles. But some shortcomings in the Nigerian national team needed to be rectified to brighten their chances against their next opponents. .

  First, the defence needed to be strengthened to prevent the opponents from incessantly terrorizing the goalkeeper. Then the strikers also needed to improve on their lacklustre performance against Argentina, since every Nigerian expected them to overwhelm their next opponents in the opening rounds. Lastly, rather that gamble with unfit players, a more creative use of the reserves would be necessary to smooth the way to the next round. .

  If World Cup debutants, Senegal, could nurse the hope of playing in the knock-out stages of the tournament, then the Eagles should soar instead of being intimidated by big names, for no team is invincible.

6. Which of the following captures the writer's suggestion on how the eagles could improve their performance in subsequent matches (a) Good coaching, more strikers and more defenders (b) better goal keeping, a better attack, and a strong midfield (c) fair officiating, good goalkeeping and fast players (d) replacement of injured players,stronger attackers and a rugged defence

7. A suitable title for this passage is (a) The Eagles in World Cup 2002 (b) The Nigerians and the Senegalese Teams (c) The FIFA Korea/Japan 2002 (d) African Teams in the 2002 World Cup

8. From the passage it can be concluded that the writer (a) did not fancy the Eagle's chances (b) was non-committal about the chances of the Eagles (c) was certain about the Eagle's chances (d) was optimistic about the chances of the Eagles

9. From the argument in the last paragraph, it can be concluded that the Eagles were (a) more timid and goal-shy than their opponents (b) not sure of getting to the next round of the tournament (c) not as strong as the Senegalese team (d) more experienced than the Senegalese team

10. The word debutants as used in the passage means (a) first-timers (b) giant killers (c) hard-fighters (d) under-dog

Passage III (2009)

The standardization processes of Nigerian pidgin seems 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 background. 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 Nigerian 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 as now being completed in contemporary Nigeria. The reason for this assumption is simple-apart from its complex use as a lingua franca, languages of media advertisement, social interaction, unofficial military training and limited literary output, Nigerian pidgin gas 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 Nigeria 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 congregation 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.

11. 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

12. 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 writer's

13. The style of this passage is (a) narrative only (b) narrative and expository (c) persuasive and argumentative (d) descriptive only

14. According to the passage, the phrase lingua franca means (a) Nigerian pidgin (b) common language (c) second language (d) mother tongue

15. 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) Nigerian second lingua franca.

Passage IV

The passage below has gaps numbered 16 to 24. Immediately following each gap, four options re provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king’s own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ....16.... [A. lied B. lay C. lain D. laid] eyes on him for a long time. The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ....17.... [A. were gathered B. gather C. to be gathering D. gathers] in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ....18.... [A. booms B. shoots C. knocks D. bangs] repeatedly. Rich .... 19 .... [A vibration B gyration C explosion D percussion] from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun ....20.... [A royally B resplendent C dazzled D surrounded] in white —bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the....21.... [A traditional B social C royal D cultural] dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ....22.... [A from the cheers B at the cheer C with the cheers D to the cheers] and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his person begins to ....23.... [A pay their respects B Spray him with gifts C observe his steps D pay their tolls]. ‘Igweee! You will live long ....24.... [A t the throne B on the throne C by the throne D in the throne]

Lexis, Structure and Oral Forms

In each of questions 25-35, choose the option that best completes the gap(s)

25. I shall find the time for my ---- when I get ----(a) past- time/over (b) pass-time/over (c) pass-time/through (d) past-time/through 

26. The hospital was closed -----because there were no beds to put patients.... (a) again/upon (b) off/on

(c) down/at (d) up/in

27.The judge with his son..... (a)  were (b) shall (c) is (d) are travelling to Lagos now.

28. A university teacher is an.... (a) academic (b)academics (c) academician (d) academia

29. The adventurers ran into many...... (a) dear (b) dears (c) deer (d) der in the forest.

30. The argument between the two neighbours degenerated into...... (a) a free for all (b) a free fight

(c) a flee for all (d) a free for all fight

31. The class.... (a) comprised of (b) comprises of (c) comprise (d) comprises more girls that boys this

session.

32. The tourist bought (a) a brown small Nigerian earten pot (b) a small brown Nigerian earthen pot

(c) an earthen brown small Nigerian pot (d) a Nigerian small brown earthen pot.

33. I have already... (a) hanged (b) hunged (c) hang (d) hung the picture on the sitting-room wall.

34. Most of us will attend the conference... (a) holding

(b) held (c) being held (d) to hold at Ibadan later this year.

35. I shall work hard so that I can... (a) secure (b) make (c) receive (d) grub a distinction in English..

In each of questions 36 to 46, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word underlined.

34. Ayo takes his studies rather lightly (a) humorously (b)  tediously (c)  carefully (d)  seriously.

35. The doctor was very gentle with his patients in the examining room (a)  harsh (b)  rude (c)  rough (d) unkind

36. I am happy to inform you that your boys are conscientious (a)  industrious (b)  carefree (c)  careful (d)  corrupt

37. My father is a very prosperous businessman. (a) ungrateful (b)  unscrupulous (c)  unskillful (d) unsuccessful

38. The hostess greeted her guests in a very relaxed manner (a)  energetic (b)  athletic (c)  stiff (d) perplexed.

39. The judge blamed the plaintiff for misleading the court. (a)  defendant (b)  complainant (c)  accused (d) prosecution

40. The weather condition now prevailing in the town is unbearable (a) widespread (b) dominant (c) uncommon (d) uncontrollable

41. The plan to merge the two local government areas has met with much apathy (a)  hospitality (b) criticism (c) consideration (d) enthusiasm

42.The speaker was rather bold in his presentation of the case (a) unfair (b) reserved (c) ashamed (d) formal

43. Disgruntled people are indifferent to any plans to rid the society of evil (a) different from (b) different about (c) in agreement with (d) interested in

44. This card entitles you to attend the film show (a) disqualifies (b) discourages (c) satisfied (d) disenchants

45. Dupe was promoted for her efficiency (a) ability (b) incompetence (c) inconsistency (d) rudeness

46. He was very much respected; though he had no temporal power (a) spiritual (b) mundane (c) permanent (d) ephemeral

In each of the questions 47-55, choose the option nearest in meaning to the words or phrases in italics

47. Funny enough, the priest prayed for the robber who shot him (a) timidly (b) unexpectedly (c) disappointingly (d) fearlessly

48. The school's badge is the insignia for all the prefects in the school  (a) power (b) symbol (c) seal (d) recognition

49. There has been a downturn in the affairs of the company  (a) a massive increase (b) a turn-around (c) little progress (d) a decline

50. Mary is jealous of her sister's progress  (a) suspicious (b) bitter (c) envious (d) mindful

51. In some parts of India, people are ostracised  simply because of her ancestry  (a) abandoned (b) shut off from society (c) refused Education (d) rendered unhappy

52. The move to expel the chairman was sanctioned  by members of the party  (a) unleashed (b) opposed (c) supported (d) initiated

53. The chairman advised the participants to follow convention in stating their points  (a) eloquence (b) advice (c) prudence (d) tradition

54. Adamu is rather meddlesome in dealing with his friends.  (a) impertinent (b) intimidating (c) quarrelsome (d) uncaring

55. I am yet to write the penultimate paragraph of my essay  (a) last but one (b) third to the last (c) second (d) concluding

56. To be above board is to be  (a) afloat (b) on top of a plank (c) above suspicion (d) raised above a board

In each of questions 56 to 60, select the option A to D that best explain the information conveyed in the sentence.

56.People may not pick flowers in this park (a)  people can pick flowers in this park (b)  people may not wish to pick flowers in this park (c)  People are prohibited from picking flowers in this park (d)  People cannot pick flowers from this park

57. Tom ought not to have told me (a)  Tom did not tell me but he should (b)  Perhaps Tom was wrong to have told me (c)  Tom told me but it was wrong of him (d)  it was necessary for Tom not to tell me

58. He can't be swimming all day (a)  It's possible he is not swimming now (b)  Its very likely he is swimming now (c)  He does not have the ability to swim all day (d) He would not like to swim all day.

59.Bolade would make a mess of cooking the rice (a)  It was typical of Bolade to make a mess of things (b)  Bolade cannot cook (c)  Bolade will not cook the rice well (d)  Bolade does not like cooking rice

60. If I were the captain, I would have led the team to victory (a)  I was not the captain but I led the team to victory (b)  I was the captain but I did not lead the team to victory (c)  I was not the captain and I did not lead the team to victory (d)  I was the captain and I led the team to victory.