2010 JAMB English Language Past Questions

PASSAGE I

One of the interesting things to me about our spaceship is that it is a mechanical vehicle, just as is an automobile. If you own a car, you realize that you must put oil and gas into it, and you must put water in the radiator and take care of the car as a whole. You begin to develop quite a little thermodynamic sense. You know that you are either going to have to keep the machine in good order or it is going to be in trouble and fail to function. We have not been seeing our Spaceship Earth as an integrally-designed machine which to be persistently successful, must be comprehended and serviced in total.

Now there is one outstanding important fact regarding Spaceship Earth, and that is that no instruction book came with it. I think it is very significant that there is no instruction book, for successfully operating our ship, in view of the infinite attention to all other details displayed by our ship. It must be taken as deliberate and purposeful that an instruction book was omitted. Lack of instruction has forced us to find out that there are two kinds of mangoes -unripe mangoes that will kill us and ripe mangoes which will nourish us. And we had to find out ways of telling which- was -which mangoes before we ate it or otherwise we would die. So we were forced, because of this to devise scientific experimental procedures and to interpret effectively the significance of the experimental findings. Thus, because the instruction manual was missing, we are learning how we can safely survive on the planet.

Quite clearly, all living beings are utterly helpless at the moment of birth. The human child stays helpless longer than the young of any species. Apparently, it is part of the ‘invention’ that man is meant to be utterly helpless through certain anthropological phases. When he begins to be able to get on a little better, he is meant to discover some of the physical principles inherent in the universe as well as the many resources around him which will further multiply his knowledge. Designed into this Spaceship Earth’s total wealth was a big safety factor. This allowed man to be very ignorant for a long time until he had amassed enough experiences from which to extract progressively the system of generalized principles governing the increase of energy. The designed omission of the instruction book forced the man to discover retrospectively just what his most important capabilities are. He learned to generalize the fundamental principles of the universe.

Adapted from Oluikpe, B.O. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 2, Onitsha: AFP

According to the writer, the exciting thing about Spaceship Earth is that it

PASSAGE I

One of the interesting things to me about our spaceship is that it is a mechanical vehicle, just as is an automobile. If you own a car, you realize that you must put oil and gas into it, and you must put water in the radiator and take care of the car as a whole. You begin to develop quite a little thermodynamic sense. You know that you are either going to have to keep the machine in good order or it is going to be in trouble and fail to function. We have not been seeing our Spaceship Earth as an integrally-designed machine which to be persistently successful, must be comprehended and serviced in total. 

Now there is one outstanding important fact regarding Spaceship Earth, and that is that no instruction book came with it. I think it is very significant that there is no instruction book, for successfully operating our ship, in view of the infinite attention to all other details displayed by our ship. It must be taken as deliberate and purposeful that an instruction book was omitted. Lack of instruction has forced us to find out that there are two kinds of mangoes -unripe mangoes that will kill us and ripe mangoes which will nourish us. And we had to find out ways of telling which- was -which mangoes before we ate it or otherwise we would die. So we were forced, because of this to devise scientific experimental procedures and to interpret effectively the significance of the experimental findings. Thus, because the instruction manual was missing, we are learning how we can safely survive on the planet.

Quite clearly, all living beings are utterly helpless at the moment of birth. The human child stays helpless longer than the young of any species. Apparently, it is part of the ‘invention’ that man is meant to be utterly helpless through certain anthropological phases. When he begins to be able to get on a little better, he is meant to discover some of the physical principles inherent in the universe as well as the many resources around him which will further multiply his knowledge. Designed into this Spaceship Earth’s total wealth was a big safety factor. This allowed man to be very ignorant for a long time until he had amassed enough experiences from which to extract progressively the system of generalized principles governing the increase of energy. The designed omission of the instruction book forced the man to discover retrospectively just what his most important capabilities are. He learned to generalize the fundamental principles of the universe.

Adapted from Oluikpe, B.O. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 2, Onitsha: AFP

The absence of the instruction manual in Spaceship Earth has 

PASSAGE I

One of the interesting things to me about our spaceship is that it is a mechanical vehicle, just as is an automobile. If you own a car, you realize that you must put oil and gas into it, and you must put water in the radiator and take care of the car as a whole. You begin to develop quite a little thermodynamic sense. You know that you are either going to have to keep the machine in good order or it is going to be in trouble and fail to function. We have not been seeing our Spaceship Earth as an integrally-designed machine which to be persistently successful, must be comprehended and serviced in total. 

Now there is one outstanding important fact regarding Spaceship Earth, and that is that no instruction book came with it. I think it is very significant that there is no instruction book, for successfully operating our ship, in view of the infinite attention to all other details displayed by our ship. It must be taken as deliberate and purposeful that an instruction book was omitted. Lack of instruction has forced us to find out that there are two kinds of mangoes -unripe mangoes that will kill us and ripe mangoes which will nourish us. And we had to find out ways of telling which- was -which mangoes before we ate it or otherwise we would die. So we were forced, because of this to devise scientific experimental procedures and to interpret effectively the significance of the experimental findings. Thus, because the instruction manual was missing, we are learning how we can safely survive on the planet.

Quite clearly, all living beings are utterly helpless at the moment of birth. The human child stays helpless longer than the young of any species. Apparently, it is part of the ‘invention’ that man is meant to be utterly helpless through certain anthropological phases. When he begins to be able to get on a little better, he is meant to discover some of the physical principles inherent in the universe as well as the many resources around him which will further multiply his knowledge. Designed into this Spaceship Earth’s total wealth was a big safety factor. This allowed man to be very ignorant for a long time until he had amassed enough experiences from which to extract progressively the system of generalized principles governing the increase of energy. The designed omission of the instruction book forced the man to discover retrospectively just what his most important capabilities are. He learned to generalize the fundamental principles of the universe.

Adapted from Oluikpe, B.O. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 2, Onitsha: AFP

From the passage, it can be deduced that man 

PASSAGE I

One of the interesting things to me about our spaceship is that it is a mechanical vehicle, just as is an automobile. If you own a car, you realize that you must put oil and gas into it, and you must put water in the radiator and take care of the car as a whole. You begin to develop quite a little thermodynamic sense. You know that you are either going to have to keep the machine in good order or it is going to be in trouble and fail to function. We have not been seeing our Spaceship Earth as an integrally-designed machine which to be persistently successful, must be comprehended and serviced in total. 

Now there is one outstanding important fact regarding Spaceship Earth, and that is that no instruction book came with it. I think it is very significant that there is no instruction book, for successfully operating our ship, in view of the infinite attention to all other details displayed by our ship. It must be taken as deliberate and purposeful that an instruction book was omitted. Lack of instruction has forced us to find out that there are two kinds of mangoes -unripe mangoes that will kill us and ripe mangoes which will nourish us. And we had to find out ways of telling which- was -which mangoes before we ate it or otherwise we would die. So we were forced, because of this to devise scientific experimental procedures and to interpret effectively the significance of the experimental findings. Thus, because the instruction manual was missing, we are learning how we can safely survive on the planet.

Quite clearly, all living beings are utterly helpless at the moment of birth. The human child stays helpless longer than the young of any species. Apparently, it is part of the ‘invention’ that man is meant to be utterly helpless through certain anthropological phases. When he begins to be able to get on a little better, he is meant to discover some of the physical principles inherent in the universe as well as the many resources around him which will further multiply his knowledge. Designed into this Spaceship Earth’s total wealth was a big safety factor. This allowed man to be very ignorant for a long time until he had amassed enough experiences from which to extract progressively the system of generalized principles governing the increase of energy. The designed omission of the instruction book forced the man to discover retrospectively just what his most important capabilities are. He learned to generalize the fundamental principles of the universe.

Adapted from Oluikpe, B.O. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 2, Onitsha: AFP

The writer’s mood in the passage is that of 

PASSAGE II

Stress is by far the most common cause of ill health in our society, and maybe the underlying cause of as many as 70-80% of all visits to family doctors. It is also a problem that every doctor shares with patients. Experts note that stress is an issue everyone can relate to experientially. By studying and having a better understanding of stress, we can derive personal as well as professional benefits.

Stress can be overcome without undergoing duress. They often say anyone who wants to help someone deals with his/her stress should learn to handle his/hers first. The manifestations of stress are legion. It can contribute to or mimic just about any symptom you cart think of. However, the main symptoms are physical, mental, emotional and behavioural. The causes of stress are multiple and varied but they can be classified into external and internal. External stressors can include relatively getting sick or dying, jobs being lost or people criticizing or one becoming angry. However, most of the stress people experience is self-generated.

Experts tell us that we create the majority of our upsets indicating that because we cause most of our own stress, we can do something about it. This gives us a measure of choice and control that we do not always have when outside forces act on us. This also leads to a basic premise of stress reduction. To master stress-change, you have to figure out what you are doing that is contributing to your problem and change it. These changes fall into behaviour, thinking, lifestyle choices and/or situations you are in. By getting to the root causes of your stress, you can prevent recurrences.

As a way of draining off stress-energy, nothing beats aerobic exercise. To understand why we need to review what stress is. People often think of stress as the pressure at work, a demanding boss, a sick child or rush-hour traffic. These may be triggers but stress is actually the body’s reaction to factors such as these. Stress is the fight-or-flight response in the body, mediated by adrenaline and other stress hormones, and comprised such physiologic changes as increased heart rate and blood pressure, faster breathing, muscle tension, dilated pupils, dry mouth and increased blood sugar. In other words, stress is the state of increased arousal necessary for an organism to defend itself at a time of danger.

Exercise is the most logical way to dissipate excess energy. It is what our bodies are trying to do when we pace around or tap our legs and fingers, it is much better to channel it into a more complete form of exercise like a brisk walk, a run, a bike ride, or a game of squash.

Just as we are all capable of mounting up and sustaining a stress reaction, we have also inherited the ability to put our bodies into a state of deep relaxation called the ‘relaxation response’. In this state, all the physiologic events in the stress reaction are reversed. Pulse slows, blood pressure falls, breathing slows and muscles relax.

Adapted from VANGUARD, 19th March 2008

The expression…. ‘stress is an issue everybody can relate to experientially’, means that

PASSAGE II

Stress is by far the most common cause of ill health in our society, and maybe the underlying cause of as many as 70-80% of all visits to family doctors. It is also a problem that every doctor shares with patients. Experts note that stress is an issue everyone can relate to experientially. By studying and having a better understanding of stress, we can derive personal as well as professional benefits.

Stress can be overcome without undergoing duress. They often say anyone who wants to help someone deals with his/her stress should learn to handle his/hers first. The manifestations of stress are legion. It can contribute to or mimic just about any symptom you cart think of. However, the main symptoms are physical, mental, emotional and behavioural. The causes of stress are multiple and varied but they can be classified into external and internal. External stressors can include relatively getting sick or dying, jobs being lost or people criticizing or one becoming angry. However, most of the stress people experience is self-generated.

Experts tell us that we create the majority of our upsets indicating that because we cause most of our own stress, we can do something about it. This gives us a measure of choice and control that we do not always have when outside forces act on us. This also leads to a basic premise of stress reduction. To master stress-change, you have to figure out what you are doing that is contributing to your problem and change it. These changes fall into behaviour, thinking, lifestyle choices and/or situations you are in. By getting to the root causes of your stress, you can prevent recurrences.

As a way of draining off stress-energy, nothing beats aerobic exercise. To understand why we need to review what stress is. People often think of stress as the pressure at work, a demanding boss, a sick child or rush-hour traffic. These may be triggers but stress is actually the body’s reaction to factors such as these. Stress is the fight-or-flight response in the body, mediated by adrenaline and other stress hormones, and comprised such physiologic changes as increased heart rate and blood pressure, faster breathing, muscle tension, dilated pupils, dry mouth and increased blood sugar. In other words, stress is the state of increased arousal necessary for an organism to defend itself at a time of danger.

Exercise is the most logical way to dissipate excess energy. It is what our bodies are trying to do when we pace around or tap our legs and fingers, it is much better to channel it into a more complete form of exercise like a brisk walk, a run, a bike ride, or a game of squash.

Just as we are all capable of mounting up and sustaining a stress reaction, we have also inherited the ability to put our bodies into a state of deep relaxation called the ‘relaxation response’. In this state, all the physiologic events in the stress reaction are reversed. Pulse slows, blood pressure falls, breathing slows and muscles relax.

Adapted from VANGUARD, 19th March 2008

Which of the following is true about the passage?

PASSAGE II

Stress is by far the most common cause of ill health in our society, and maybe the underlying cause of as many as 70-80% of all visits to family doctors. It is also a problem that every doctor shares with patients. Experts note that stress is an issue everyone can relate to experientially. By studying and having a better understanding of stress, we can derive personal as well as professional benefits.

Stress can be overcome without undergoing duress. They often say anyone who wants to help someone deals with his/her stress should learn to handle his/hers first. The manifestations of stress are legion. It can contribute to or mimic just about any symptom you cart think of. However, the main symptoms are physical, mental, emotional and behavioural. The causes of stress are multiple and varied but they can be classified into external and internal. External stressors can include relatively getting sick or dying, jobs being lost or people criticizing or one becoming angry. However, most of the stress people experience is self-generated.

Experts tell us that we create the majority of our upsets indicating that because we cause most of our own stress, we can do something about it. This gives us a measure of choice and control that we do not always have when outside forces act on us. This also leads to a basic premise of stress reduction. To master stress-change, you have to figure out what you are doing that is contributing to your problem and change it. These changes fall into behaviour, thinking, lifestyle choices and/or situations you are in. By getting to the root causes of your stress, you can prevent recurrences.

As a way of draining off stress-energy, nothing beats aerobic exercise. To understand why we need to review what stress is. People often think of stress as the pressure at work, a demanding boss, a sick child or rush-hour traffic. These may be triggers but stress is actually the body’s reaction to factors such as these. Stress is the fight-or-flight response in the body, mediated by adrenaline and other stress hormones, and comprised such physiologic changes as increased heart rate and blood pressure, faster breathing, muscle tension, dilated pupils, dry mouth and increased blood sugar. In other words, stress is the state of increased arousal necessary for an organism to defend itself at a time of danger.

Exercise is the most logical way to dissipate excess energy. It is what our bodies are trying to do when we pace around or tap our legs and fingers, it is much better to channel it into a more complete form of exercise like a brisk walk, a run, a bike ride, or a game of squash.

Just as we are all capable of mounting up and sustaining a stress reaction, we have also inherited the ability to put our bodies into a state of deep relaxation called the ‘relaxation response’. In this state, all the physiologic events in the stress reaction are reversed. Pulse slows, blood pressure falls, breathing slows and muscles relax.

Adapted from VANGUARD, 19th March 2008

According to the passage, the major step in controlling stress is 

PASSAGE II

Stress is by far the most common cause of ill health in our society, and maybe the underlying cause of as many as 70-80% of all visits to family doctors. It is also a problem that every doctor shares with patients. Experts note that stress is an issue everyone can relate to experientially. By studying and having a better understanding of stress, we can derive personal as well as professional benefits.

Stress can be overcome without undergoing duress. They often say anyone who wants to help someone deals with his/her stress should learn to handle his/hers first. The manifestations of stress are legion. It can contribute to or mimic just about any symptom you cart think of. However, the main symptoms are physical, mental, emotional and behavioural. The causes of stress are multiple and varied but they can be classified into external and internal. External stressors can include relatively getting sick or dying, jobs being lost or people criticizing or one becoming angry. However, most of the stress people experience is self-generated.

Experts tell us that we create the majority of our upsets indicating that because we cause most of our own stress, we can do something about it. This gives us a measure of choice and control that we do not always have when outside forces act on us. This also leads to a basic premise of stress reduction. To master stress-change, you have to figure out what you are doing that is contributing to your problem and change it. These changes fall into behaviour, thinking, lifestyle choices and/or situations you are in. By getting to the root causes of your stress, you can prevent recurrences.

As a way of draining off stress-energy, nothing beats aerobic exercise. To understand why we need to review what stress is. People often think of stress as the pressure at work, a demanding boss, a sick child or rush-hour traffic. These may be triggers but stress is actually the body’s reaction to factors such as these. Stress is the fight-or-flight response in the body, mediated by adrenaline and other stress hormones, and comprised such physiologic changes as increased heart rate and blood pressure, faster breathing, muscle tension, dilated pupils, dry mouth and increased blood sugar. In other words, stress is the state of increased arousal necessary for an organism to defend itself at a time of danger.

Exercise is the most logical way to dissipate excess energy. It is what our bodies are trying to do when we pace around or tap our legs and fingers, it is much better to channel it into a more complete form of exercise like a brisk walk, a run, a bike ride, or a game of squash.

Just as we are all capable of mounting up and sustaining a stress reaction, we have also inherited the ability to put our bodies into a state of deep relaxation called the ‘relaxation response’. In this state, all the physiologic events in the stress reaction are reversed. Pulse slows, blood pressure falls, breathing slows and muscles relax.

Adapted from VANGUARD, 19th March 2008

The experts feel one can control one’s stress because 

PASSAGE II

Stress is by far the most common cause of ill health in our society, and maybe the underlying cause of as many as 70-80% of all visits to family doctors. It is also a problem that every doctor shares with patients. Experts note that stress is an issue everyone can relate to experientially. By studying and having a better understanding of stress, we can derive personal as well as professional benefits.

Stress can be overcome without undergoing duress. They often say anyone who wants to help someone deals with his/her stress should learn to handle his/hers first. The manifestations of stress are legion. It can contribute to or mimic just about any symptom you cart think of. However, the main symptoms are physical, mental, emotional and behavioural. The causes of stress are multiple and varied but they can be classified into external and internal. External stressors can include relatively getting sick or dying, jobs being lost or people criticizing or one becoming angry. However, most of the stress people experience is self-generated.

Experts tell us that we create the majority of our upsets indicating that because we cause most of our own stress, we can do something about it. This gives us a measure of choice and control that we do not always have when outside forces act on us. This also leads to a basic premise of stress reduction. To master stress-change, you have to figure out what you are doing that is contributing to your problem and change it. These changes fall into behaviour, thinking, lifestyle choices and/or situations you are in. By getting to the root causes of your stress, you can prevent recurrences.

As a way of draining off stress-energy, nothing beats aerobic exercise. To understand why we need to review what stress is. People often think of stress as the pressure at work, a demanding boss, a sick child or rush-hour traffic. These may be triggers but stress is actually the body’s reaction to factors such as these. Stress is the fight-or-flight response in the body, mediated by adrenaline and other stress hormones, and comprised such physiologic changes as increased heart rate and blood pressure, faster breathing, muscle tension, dilated pupils, dry mouth and increased blood sugar. In other words, stress is the state of increased arousal necessary for an organism to defend itself at a time of danger.

Exercise is the most logical way to dissipate excess energy. It is what our bodies are trying to do when we pace around or tap our legs and fingers, it is much better to channel it into a more complete form of exercise like a brisk walk, a run, a bike ride, or a game of squash.

Just as we are all capable of mounting up and sustaining a stress reaction, we have also inherited the ability to put our bodies into a state of deep relaxation called the ‘relaxation response’. In this state, all the physiologic events in the stress reaction are reversed. Pulse slows, blood pressure falls, breathing slows and muscles relax.

Adapted from VANGUARD, 19th March 2008

From the passage, it can be deduced that stress is 

PASSAGE III

There are many indicators with which to assess or measure corruption. One of them is the affluent living habit of the public official compared to his/her income. Corruption occurs when a public official expects to be induced to perform an act which that public official is ordinarily required to do by law.

Corruption can slow down development. One of the most widely discussed consequences of corruption is the distortion of governmental expenditure. This often results in public money being wasted on white elephant projects, rather than people-oriented services such as health and education. As a result, more opportunities are presented for corrupt use or diversion of funds. Raising the ethical standards of governance can lead to many benefits, especially for the economic, political and social development of a country.

Fighting corruption and promoting governance is therefore crucial to developing an environment that facilitates the social, political and economic development of the people. However, while there are often general statements made about the effect of corruption on poverty and development, there is not an explicit recognition that corruption is more than just wealth misappropriation or abuse of power. Corruption impoverishes countries and deprives their citizens of good governance. It destabilizes economic systems. When organized crime and other illegal activities flourish, basic public functions are eroded and the quality of life of the people is reduced. Bribery, for example, is universally regarded as a crime, but it also reflects socio-economic problems that require broad-based preventive measures and the involvement of the society at large.

Another implication of global measures against corruption is making government work better by improving the economy. Finally, redesigning political and regulatory structures will reduce corruption and other anti-system players that encourage corrupt practices.

Adapted from This Day Newspaper 28th, October 2007

According to the writer, corruption is triggered off by

PASSAGE III

There are many indicators with which to assess or measure corruption. One of them is the affluent living habit of the public official compared to his/her income. Corruption occurs when a public official expects to be induced to perform an act which that public official is ordinarily required to do by law.

Corruption can slow down development. One of the most widely discussed consequences of corruption is the distortion of governmental expenditure. This often results in public money being wasted on white elephant projects, rather than people-oriented services such as health and education. As a result, more opportunities are presented for corrupt use or diversion of funds. Raising the ethical standards of governance can lead to many benefits, especially for the economic, political and social development of a country.

Fighting corruption and promoting governance is therefore crucial to developing an environment that facilitates the social, political and economic development of the people. However, while there are often general statements made about the effect of corruption on poverty and development, there is not an explicit recognition that corruption is more than just wealth misappropriation or abuse of power. Corruption impoverishes countries and deprives their citizens of good governance. It destabilizes economic systems. When organized crime and other illegal activities flourish, basic public functions are eroded and the quality of life of the people is reduced. Bribery, for example, is universally regarded as a crime, but it also reflects socio-economic problems that require broad-based preventive measures and the involvement of the society at large.

Another implication of global measures against corruption is making government work better by improving the economy. Finally, redesigning political and regulatory structures will reduce corruption and other anti-system players that encourage corrupt practices.

Adapted from This Day Newspaper 28th, October 2007

PASSAGE III

There are many indicators with which to assess or measure corruption. One of them is the affluent living habit of the public official compared to his/her income. Corruption occurs when a public official expects to be induced to perform an act which that public official is ordinarily required to do by law.

Corruption can slow down development. One of the most widely discussed consequences of corruption is the distortion of governmental expenditure. This often results in public money being wasted on white elephant projects, rather than people-oriented services such as health and education. As a result, more opportunities are presented for corrupt use or diversion of funds. Raising the ethical standards of governance can lead to many benefits, especially for the economic, political and social development of a country.

Fighting corruption and promoting governance is therefore crucial to developing an environment that facilitates the social, political and economic development of the people. However, while there are often general statements made about the effect of corruption on poverty and development, there is not an explicit recognition that corruption is more than just wealth misappropriation or abuse of power. Corruption impoverishes countries and deprives their citizens of good governance. It destabilizes economic systems. When organized crime and other illegal activities flourish, basic public functions are eroded and the quality of life of the people is reduced. Bribery, for example, is universally regarded as a crime, but it also reflects socio-economic problems that require broad-based preventive measures and the involvement of the society at large.

Another implication of global measures against corruption is making government work better by improving the economy. Finally, redesigning political and regulatory structures will reduce corruption and other anti-system players that encourage corrupt practices.

Adapted from This Day Newspaper 28th, October 2007

Who, according to the writer, should prevent corruption? 

PASSAGE III

There are many indicators with which to assess or measure corruption. One of them is the affluent living habit of the public official compared to his/her income. Corruption occurs when a public official expects to be induced to perform an act which that public official is ordinarily required to do by law.

Corruption can slow down development. One of the most widely discussed consequences of corruption is the distortion of governmental expenditure. This often results in public money being wasted on white elephant projects, rather than people-oriented services such as health and education. As a result, more opportunities are presented for corrupt use or diversion of funds. Raising the ethical standards of governance can lead to many benefits, especially for the economic, political and social development of a country.

Fighting corruption and promoting governance is therefore crucial to developing an environment that facilitates the social, political and economic development of the people. However, while there are often general statements made about the effect of corruption on poverty and development, there is not an explicit recognition that corruption is more than just wealth misappropriation or abuse of power. Corruption impoverishes countries and deprives their citizens of good governance. It destabilizes economic systems. When organized crime and other illegal activities flourish, basic public functions are eroded and the quality of life of the people is reduced. Bribery, for example, is universally regarded as a crime, but it also reflects socio-economic problems that require broad-based preventive measures and the involvement of the society at large.

Another implication of global measures against corruption is making government work better by improving the economy. Finally, redesigning political and regulatory structures will reduce corruption and other anti-system players that encourage corrupt practices.

Adapted from This Day Newspaper 28th, October 2007

PASSAGE III

There are many indicators with which to assess or measure corruption. One of them is the affluent living habit of the public official compared to his/her income. Corruption occurs when a public official expects to be induced to perform an act which that public official is ordinarily required to do by law.

Corruption can slow down development. One of the most widely discussed consequences of corruption is the distortion of governmental expenditure. This often results in public money being wasted on white elephant projects, rather than people-oriented services such as health and education. As a result, more opportunities are presented for corrupt use or diversion of funds. Raising the ethical standards of governance can lead to many benefits, especially for the economic, political and social development of a country.

Fighting corruption and promoting governance is therefore crucial to developing an environment that facilitates the social, political and economic development of the people. However, while there are often general statements made about the effect of corruption on poverty and development, there is not an explicit recognition that corruption is more than just wealth misappropriation or abuse of power. Corruption impoverishes countries and deprives their citizens of good governance. It destabilizes economic systems. When organized crime and other illegal activities flourish, basic public functions are eroded and the quality of life of the people is reduced. Bribery, for example, is universally regarded as a crime, but it also reflects socio-economic problems that require broad-based preventive measures and the involvement of the society at large.

Another implication of global measures against corruption is making government work better by improving the economy. Finally, redesigning political and regulatory structures will reduce corruption and other anti-system players that encourage corrupt practices.

Adapted from This Day Newspaper 28th, October 2007

The essence of fighting corruption, according to the passage, is to

PASSAGE IV

Drought is a word that invokes strong emotions. This is not surprising as the… 15… is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant developments. These developments have ….16…. for all citizens, starting from the peasant farmers to the state and federal governments which may be plunged into emergency and crisis situations which, if not successfully ….17 …. could result in social unrest.

The timeliness of the onset of the rains in various regions of the country and their adequate distribution thereafter have become… 18… of considerable anxiety to all people, The fact, however, is that periodic reduction in the normal… 19 … of rainfall in the country is not new.

Since large areas of the country are drought-prone, the consequences are … 20… Dry spells could be very severe. There are two aspects of coping with drought. One has to do with emergency measures and the other with … 21… measures. An immediate consequence of any drought would be famine. In addition, where whole populations are forced to abandon their lands or pastures in search of food, there are bound to be other lasting and….22…. consequences such as distress, sales of cattle by livestock owners in order to buy food.

The government should provide farmers with agricultural inputs and ensure that they have easy access to these inputs under the relief …23… Emergency measures will be much more …24.. if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought

Adapted from Qluikpe, B.Q.A. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: AFP

In question number 15 above, choose the best option that best completes the gap.

PASSAGE IV

Drought is a word that invokes strong emotions. This is not surprising as the… 15… is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant developments. These developments have ….16…. for all citizens, starting from the peasant farmers to the state and federal governments which may be plunged into emergency and crisis situations which, if not successfully ….17 …. could result in social unrest.

The timeliness of the onset of the rains in various regions of the country and their adequate distribution thereafter have become… 18… of considerable anxiety to all people, The fact, however, is that periodic reduction in the normal… 19 … of rainfall in the country is not new.

Since large areas of the country are drought-prone, the consequences are … 20… Dry spells could be very severe. There are two aspects of coping with drought. One has to do with emergency measures and the other with … 21… measures. An immediate consequence of any drought would be famine. In addition, where whole populations are forced to abandon their lands or pastures in search of food, there are bound to be other lasting and….22…. consequences such as distress, sales of cattle by livestock owners in order to buy food.

The government should provide farmers with agricultural inputs and ensure that they have easy access to these inputs under the relief …23… Emergency measures will be much more …24.. if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought

Adapted from Qluikpe, B.Q.A. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: AFP

In question number 16 above, choose the best option that best completes the gap.

PASSAGE IV

Drought is a word that invokes strong emotions. This is not surprising as the… 15… is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant developments. These developments have ….16…. for all citizens, starting from the peasant farmers to the state and federal governments which may be plunged into emergency and crisis situations which, if not successfully ….17…. could result in social unrest.

The timeliness of the onset of the rains in various regions of the country and their adequate distribution thereafter have become… 18… of considerable anxiety to all people, The fact, however, is that periodic reduction in the normal… 19 … of rainfall in the country is not new.

Since large areas of the country are drought-prone, the consequences are … 20… Dry spells could be very severe. There are two aspects of coping with drought. One has to do with emergency measures and the other with … 21… measures. An immediate consequence of any drought would be famine. In addition, where whole populations are forced to abandon their lands or pastures in search of food, there are bound to be other lasting and….22…. consequences such as distress, sales of cattle by livestock owners in order to buy food.

The government should provide farmers with agricultural inputs and ensure that they have easy access to these inputs under the relief …23… Emergency measures will be much more …24.. if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought

Adapted from Qluikpe, B.Q.A. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: AFP

In question number 17 above, choose the best option that best completes the gap.

PASSAGE IV

Drought is a word that invokes strong emotions. This is not surprising as the… 15… is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant developments. These developments have ….16…. for all citizens, starting from the peasant farmers to the state and federal governments which may be plunged into emergency and crisis situations which, if not successfully ….17 …. could result in social unrest.

The timeliness of the onset of the rains in various regions of the country and their adequate distribution thereafter have become… 18… of considerable anxiety to all people, The fact, however, is that periodic reduction in the normal… 19 … of rainfall in the country is not new.

Since large areas of the country are drought-prone, the consequences are … 20… Dry spells could be very severe. There are two aspects of coping with drought. One has to do with emergency measures and the other with … 21… measures. An immediate consequence of any drought would be famine. In addition, where whole populations are forced to abandon their lands or pastures in search of food, there are bound to be other lasting and….22…. consequences such as distress, sales of cattle by livestock owners in order to buy food.

The government should provide farmers with agricultural inputs and ensure that they have easy access to these inputs under the relief …23… Emergency measures will be much more …24.. if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought

Adapted from Qluikpe, B.Q.A. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: AFP

In question number 18 above, choose the best option that best completes the gap.

PASSAGE IV

Drought is a word that invokes strong emotions. This is not surprising as the… 15… is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant developments. These developments have ….16…. for all citizens, starting from the peasant farmers to the state and federal governments which may be plunged into emergency and crisis situations which, if not successfully ….17 …. could result in social unrest.

The timeliness of the onset of the rains in various regions of the country and their adequate distribution thereafter have become… 18… of considerable anxiety to all people, The fact, however, is that periodic reduction in the normal… 19… of rainfall in the country is not new.

Since large areas of the country are drought-prone, the consequences are … 20… Dry spells could be very severe. There are two aspects of coping with drought. One has to do with emergency measures and the other with … 21… measures. An immediate consequence of any drought would be famine. In addition, where whole populations are forced to abandon their lands or pastures in search of food, there are bound to be other lasting and….22…. consequences such as distress, sales of cattle by livestock owners in order to buy food.

The government should provide farmers with agricultural inputs and ensure that they have easy access to these inputs under the relief …23… Emergency measures will be much more …24.. if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought

Adapted from Qluikpe, B.Q.A. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: AFP

In question number 19 above, choose the best option that best completes the gap.

PASSAGE IV

Drought is a word that invokes strong emotions. This is not surprising as the… 15… is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant developments. These developments have ….16…. for all citizens, starting from the peasant farmers to the state and federal governments which may be plunged into emergency and crisis situations which, if not successfully ….17 …. could result in social unrest.

The timeliness of the onset of the rains in various regions of the country and their adequate distribution thereafter have become… 18… of considerable anxiety to all people, The fact, however, is that periodic reduction in the normal… 19 … of rainfall in the country is not new.

Since large areas of the country are drought-prone, the consequences are … 20… Dry spells could be very severe. There are two aspects of coping with drought. One has to do with emergency measures and the other with … 21… measures. An immediate consequence of any drought would be famine. In addition, where whole populations are forced to abandon their lands or pastures in search of food, there are bound to be other lasting and….22…. consequences such as distress, sales of cattle by livestock owners in order to buy food.

The government should provide farmers with agricultural inputs and ensure that they have easy access to these inputs under the relief …23… Emergency measures will be much more …24.. if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought

Adapted from Qluikpe, B.Q.A. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: AFP

In question number 20 above, choose the best option that best completes the gap.

PASSAGE IV

Drought is a word that invokes strong emotions. This is not surprising as the… 15… is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant developments. These developments have ….16…. for all citizens, starting from the peasant farmers to the state and federal governments which may be plunged into emergency and crisis situations which, if not successfully ….17 …. could result in social unrest.

The timeliness of the onset of the rains in various regions of the country and their adequate distribution thereafter have become… 18… of considerable anxiety to all people, The fact, however, is that periodic reduction in the normal… 19 … of rainfall in the country is not new.

Since large areas of the country are drought-prone, the consequences are … 20… Dry spells could be very severe. There are two aspects of coping with drought. One has to do with emergency measures and the other with … 21… measures. An immediate consequence of any drought would be famine. In addition, where whole populations are forced to abandon their lands or pastures in search of food, there are bound to be other lasting and….22…. consequences such as distress, sales of cattle by livestock owners in order to buy food.

The government should provide farmers with agricultural inputs and ensure that they have easy access to these inputs under the relief …23… Emergency measures will be much more …24.. if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought

Adapted from Qluikpe, B.Q.A. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: AFP

In question number 21 above, choose the best option that best completes the gap.

PASSAGE IV

Drought is a word that invokes strong emotions. This is not surprising as the… 15… is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant developments. These developments have ….16…. for all citizens, starting from the peasant farmers to the state and federal governments which may be plunged into emergency and crisis situations which, if not successfully ….17 …. could result in social unrest.

The timeliness of the onset of the rains in various regions of the country and their adequate distribution thereafter have become… 18… of considerable anxiety to all people, The fact, however, is that periodic reduction in the normal… 19 … of rainfall in the country is not new.

Since large areas of the country are drought-prone, the consequences are … 20… Dry spells could be very severe. There are two aspects of coping with drought. One has to do with emergency measures and the other with … 21… measures. An immediate consequence of any drought would be famine. In addition, where whole populations are forced to abandon their lands or pastures in search of food, there are bound to be other lasting and ….22…. consequences such as distress, sales of cattle by livestock owners in order to buy food.

The government should provide farmers with agricultural inputs and ensure that they have easy access to these inputs under the relief …23… Emergency measures will be much more …24.. if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought

Adapted from Qluikpe, B.Q.A. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: AFP

In question number 22 above, choose the best option that best completes the gap.

PASSAGE IV

Drought is a word that invokes strong emotions. This is not surprising as the… 15… is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant developments. These developments have ….16…. for all citizens, starting from the peasant farmers to the state and federal governments which may be plunged into emergency and crisis situations which, if not successfully ….17 …. could result in social unrest.

The timeliness of the onset of the rains in various regions of the country and their adequate distribution thereafter have become… 18… of considerable anxiety to all people, The fact, however, is that periodic reduction in the normal… 19 … of rainfall in the country is not new.

Since large areas of the country are drought-prone, the consequences are … 20… Dry spells could be very severe. There are two aspects of coping with drought. One has to do with emergency measures and the other with … 21… measures. An immediate consequence of any drought would be famine. In addition, where whole populations are forced to abandon their lands or pastures in search of food, there are bound to be other lasting and ….22…. consequences such as distress, sales of cattle by livestock owners in order to buy food.

The government should provide farmers with agricultural inputs and ensure that they have easy access to these inputs under the relief …23… Emergency measures will be much more …24.. if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought

Adapted from Qluikpe, B.Q.A. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: AFP

In question number 23 above, choose the best option that best completes the gap.

PASSAGE IV

Drought is a word that invokes strong emotions. This is not surprising as the… 15… is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant developments. These developments have ….16…. for all citizens, starting from the peasant farmers to the state and federal governments which may be plunged into emergency and crisis situations which, if not successfully ….17 …. could result in social unrest.

The timeliness of the onset of the rains in various regions of the country and their adequate distribution thereafter have become… 18… of considerable anxiety to all people, The fact, however, is that periodic reduction in the normal… 19 … of rainfall in the country is not new.

Since large areas of the country are drought-prone, the consequences are … 20… Dry spells could be very severe. There are two aspects of coping with drought. One has to do with emergency measures and the other with … 21… measures. An immediate consequence of any drought would be famine. In addition, where whole populations are forced to abandon their lands or pastures in search of food, there are bound to be other lasting and….22…. consequences such as distress, sales of cattle by livestock owners in order to buy food.

The government should provide farmers with agricultural inputs and ensure that they have easy access to these inputs under the relief …23… Emergency measures will be much more …24.. if a mechanism is established to ensure adequate preparedness and defence against the occurrence of drought

Adapted from Qluikpe, B.Q.A. et al (2005) Intensive English for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: AFP

In question number 24 above, choose the best option that best completes the gap.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. [Each question carries 2 marks]

Though Mr Iro is our new chairman, he views other members with a jaundiced eye

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. [Each question carries 2 marks]

People are not interested in who rules 

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. [Each question carries 2 marks]

 It is always good to steer a middle course in whatever one does. 

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. [Each question carries 2 marks]

The witness said he had no axe to grind with his brothers.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. [Each question carries 2 marks]

The footballers moved with their tails between their legs.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. [Each question carries 2 marks]

The headmaster managed to talk his way out of having to give a speech.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. [Each question carries 2 marks]

As regards the matter, we have crossed the rubicon.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. [Each question carries 2 marks]

Uche is full of himself 

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. [Each question carries 2 marks]

As debutants in that tournament, the Super Eagles were up against their first opponents by three goals to nil. 

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. [Each question carries 2 marks]

The woman was mournful as her husband was found dead drunk 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

I am optimistic about the interview though it was a mind-bending exercise. 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

The trader was amused by the cut-throat rush for the goods 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

The teacher said that Ali’s essay was full of many redundant details 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

His father surmounted the myriad of obstacles on his way 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

Her ingenuous smile drew our attention 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

Ndeni gave a flawless speech at the party 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

Beneath Ado’s gruff exterior, he’s really very kind-hearted.

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

The captain says sports is being debased by commercial sponsorship 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

Governing a country is not always as straightforward as people sometimes imagine: 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

The crowd was very receptive to the speaker’s suggestion 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

There was a general acquiescence on the new drug law 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

Aisha seems to feel ambivalent about her future       

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

The report of the committee contained a plethora of details 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

The weather was still very heavy and sultry 

In the question below choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

Ada gave her husband a look that made words superfluous

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

A political impasse does not offer the best opportunity for merrymaking 

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

 We were all enthusiastic as we awaited the result of the election 

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The uniform makes the guards look absurd

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The law is often tardy in reacting to changing attitude

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

 Isa and llu ate sumptuous meals on their brother’s wedding day 

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

 Kaltume crouched over the papers on her desk 

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

 The panacea for a country’s economic mess lies in systematic planning and hardwork 

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

Thousands of workers have been victims of retrenchment since the military came back to power.

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The principal gave his speech offhand at the sports meeting 

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

 Jankoli was dressed in an old assortment of clothes

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The girl’s father was astounded to see her appear from the shrine 

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

The director’s remark was extremely opposite to the issue being discussed

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

 Her reputation is without a blemish

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

Ugo is eligible for the post of secretary 

In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).

 This is an abridged version of No Longer at Ease

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

Lemoti………as a painter, but also as a sculptor 

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

He can recall the important dates in the nation’s history, it is interesting to listen as he rattles ………

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

The boy told his mother………?          

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

Last Monday his father asked me, ……?      

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

His wife was badly injured in the fracas, but I think she will pull ……?

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

A wide range of options ……. made available to students in their final year last year 

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

One of the women who …. in the premises …. been ordered to quit

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

The new trade agreement should facilitate…. ?

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

The principal said that he was pleased…. my effort. 

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

Paper is made…. wood pulp 

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

Long after everyone… the hall, Obi still sat inside.

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

They are the …..dresses 

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

The politician was sent…..exile. 

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

When we looked up, We……….the plane some miles away.

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

Vital… is still spread…. word of mouth in most villages in Africa. 

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

Western education is one of the…..of colonial rule.

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

The Federal Government has…. child trafficking

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

The man was happy that his son confessed his guilt and so the others were….. 

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

Based on the facts before me, I have no alternative…… to hold you responsible 

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

Many people would always find reasons to ……… that law.

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letters.

coup 

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letters.

indict

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letters.

 roared 

Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the underlined letters.

sheath 

Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the underlined letters.

high

Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the underlined letters.

of course 

Choose the option that rhymes with the given word.

 boys 

Choose the option that rhymes with the given word.

 shine 

Choose the option that rhymes with the given word.

Seer 

Choose the most appropriate stress pattern from the options. The stressed syllable is written in capital letters(s).

political 

Choose the most appropriate stress pattern from the options. The stressed syllable is written in capital letters(s).

satisfactory 

Choose the most appropriate stress pattern from the options. The stressed syllable is written in capital letters(s).

captivity 

The word in capital letters has emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given relates.

EMEKA finished his home work yesterday 

The word in capital letters has emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given relates.

Taiwo SAILED to London

The word in capital letters has emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given relates.

My bag is made of LEATHER