Olumba removed a small black amulet from his neck and substituted a bigger one. The former was for general protection at home, the latter for protection and luck whilst travelling. Ready at last, he picked up his matchet and headed for the chief’s house with Ikechi behind him.
Olumba walked ahead looking upwards as usual. Just what he was searching for in the sky Ikechi couldn’t tell. Perhaps his shortness accounted for this habit, since he often had to look up into the faces of his taller companions. What he lacked in height he made up in solid muscle and he looked strong. His wrestling pseudonym was Agadaga, a name which meant nothing but which somehow conveyed an impression of strength.
EzeDiali, the chief, sat at one end of his reception hall ringed by the village elders whom he had called to a meeting. The rest of the hall was filled with much younger men.
‘People of Chiolu’, the chief began, ‘I have learnt that poachers from Aliakoro will be at the Great Ponds tonight. There is no doubt they will try to steal from the Pond of Wagaba which, as you know, is rich in fish. Our plan for tonight is to bring one or more of these thieves home alive and ask for very large ransoms. This line of action will have two effects. Firstly, it will prove our charges of poaching against the people of Aliakoro, and secondly, the payment of a very large ransom will be a deterrent. We need seven men for this venture. I call for volunteers.’
‘Who will head this party?’ the chief asked, looking around. Chituru, one of the elders, said, ‘EzeDiali, let us not waste time, Olumba is the man for the job. We all know that he has led many exploits like this one.’
‘We still need six men’, EzeDiali said. Eager youths came surging forward. Their well-formed muscles rippled as they elbowed one another. It was difficult to choose. ‘I suggest Olumba should choose his men. He knows the boys very well and his judgment should be reliable.’ It was Wezume, another village elder, who spoke.
The chief called the meeting because
Explanation
The chief summoned the meeting because he had received information that poachers would come to the Great Ponds that night, and he needed volunteers for the plan to catch them and demand ransom as a deterrent.
Olumba wore amulets because he
Explanation
Olumba wore amulets because he believed they had protective power: a small one for general protection at home and a bigger one for protection and luck while travelling.
Why was Olumba chosen?
Explanation
Olumba was chosen because he was experienced and had led similar exploits successfully before, so the elders trusted his ability to lead the mission and capture thieves alive.
‘Poaching’ means
Explanation
In the passage, “poaching” refers to illegally taking what belongs to others (here, stealing fish from the pond), so it means stealing/illegal taking.
Olumba looked upward because
Explanation
Olumba was said to walk looking upward “as usual”; therefore he looked upward because it was his normal habit.
The passage below has gaps. For each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for gap 11.
A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. _11_ delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to _12_. This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very _13_ occasions when exact wording is _14_, such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General _15_. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly _16_ in terms of word choice, turns of phrase and development of ideas.
The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful _17_ inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any _18_ effects created by the carefully chosen _19_. Lack of familiarity with the _20_ could also stop the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.
Explanation: The speech is read word-for-word from a written script; this type of delivery is called manuscript delivery.
The passage below has gaps. For each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for gap 12.
A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. _11_ delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to _12_. This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very _13_ occasions when exact wording is _14_, such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General _15_. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly _16_ in terms of word choice, turns of phrase and development of ideas.
The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful _17_ inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any _18_ effects created by the carefully chosen _19_. Lack of familiarity with the _20_ could also stop the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.
Explanation: A speech read aloud is read to listeners; the correct collective term for listeners is an audience.
The passage below has gaps. For each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for gap 13.
A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. _11_ delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to _12_. This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very _13_ occasions when exact wording is _14_, such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General _15_. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly _16_ in terms of word choice, turns of phrase and development of ideas.
The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful _17_ inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any _18_ effects created by the carefully chosen _19_. Lack of familiarity with the _20_ could also stop the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.
Explanation: Such speeches are reserved for important official events; therefore, they are used for very formal occasions.
The passage below has gaps. For each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for gap 14.
A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. _11_ delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to _12_. This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very _13_ occasions when exact wording is _14_, such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General _15_. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly _16_ in terms of word choice, turns of phrase and development of ideas.
The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful _17_ inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any _18_ effects created by the carefully chosen _19_. Lack of familiarity with the _20_ could also stop the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.
Explanation: In this context, “critical” means extremely important or essential. On formal occasions like state addresses or UN speeches, exact wording is critical because every word must be precise.
The passage below has gaps. For each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for gap 15.
A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. _11_ delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to _12_. This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very _13_ occasions when exact wording is _14_, such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General _15_. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly _16_ in terms of word choice, turns of phrase and development of ideas.
The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful _17_ inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any _18_ effects created by the carefully chosen _19_. Lack of familiarity with the _20_ could also stop the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.
Explanation: “General Assembly” is the correct phrase (United Nations General Assembly), so “assembly” completes the expression.
The passage below has gaps. For each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for gap 16.
A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. _11_ delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to _12_. This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very _13_ occasions when exact wording is _14_, such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General _15_. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly _16_ in terms of word choice, turns of phrase and development of ideas.
The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful _17_ inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any _18_ effects created by the carefully chosen _19_. Lack of familiarity with the _20_ could also stop the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.
Explanation: A manuscript speech can be carefully refined in wording and structure, so it may be highly polished.
The passage below has gaps. For each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for gap 17.
A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. _11_ delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to _12_. This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very _13_ occasions when exact wording is _14_, such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General _15_. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly _16_ in terms of word choice, turns of phrase and development of ideas.
The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful _17_ inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any _18_ effects created by the carefully chosen _19_. Lack of familiarity with the _20_ could also stop the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.
Explanation: “Meaningful vocal inflection” means using the voice to show emphasis and meaning (changing tone, stress, and pitch appropriately) while reading the speech aloud.
The passage below has gaps. For each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for gap 18.
A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. _11_ delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to _12_. This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very _13_ occasions when exact wording is _14_, such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General _15_. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly _16_ in terms of word choice, turns of phrase and development of ideas.
The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful _17_ inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any _18_ effects created by the carefully chosen _19_. Lack of familiarity with the _20_ could also stop the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.
Explanation: Poor delivery can ruin the good effects created by careful wording; “positive effects” is the natural collocation here (not “interactive effects”).
The passage below has gaps. For each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for gap 19.
A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. _11_ delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to _12_. This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very _13_ occasions when exact wording is _14_, such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General _15_. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly _16_ in terms of word choice, turns of phrase and development of ideas.
The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful _17_ inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any _18_ effects created by the carefully chosen _19_. Lack of familiarity with the _20_ could also stop the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.
Explanation: The “effects” are produced by the carefully chosen words/expressions, so “language” fits as the set of words used in the speech.
The passage below has gaps. For each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for gap 20.
A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it is not written by the presenter. _11_ delivery is one in which the speech has been written out word for word and is read to _12_. This kind of delivery is usually reserved for very _13_ occasions when exact wording is _14_, such as the State of the Union Address or speeches before the United Nations General _15_. The primary advantage is that the speech may be highly _16_ in terms of word choice, turns of phrase and development of ideas.
The main disadvantage is that this type of delivery is difficult to do well. Reading aloud with meaningful _17_ inflection requires the speaker to be very familiar with the text. If not, the words will come out in a choppy, expressionless way. Such poor delivery could destroy any _18_ effects created by the carefully chosen _19_. Lack of familiarity with the _20_ could also stop the speaker from maintaining eye contact with the people being addressed.
Explanation: If the speaker is not familiar with the text, it becomes hard to maintain eye contact; therefore “text” fits the idea of the written speech.
What lesson does Bepo learn from Jare and Hope’s experiences?
(No explanation provided)
What grammatical issue did Bepo raise about Beesway Group of School's name?
Explanation:
Bepo pointed out that the school’s name should be “Beesway Group of Schools” rather than “Beesway Group of School” to reflect proper grammar and plurality. He repeatedly raised this issue, but the director refused to change it, claiming the name was divinely inspired.
Who accompanied the principal to his home on the day of the crying incident?
Explanation:
After the crying incident at the assembly, the Managing Director decided it was safest for Mr. Bepo to be sent home. She instructed the school’s guidance counsellor to escort him home, ensuring his safety and well-being, while Pastor Wande had already tried and failed to counsel him.
The students’ reaction when they visited Mushin and Ajegunle was mainly one of
(No explanation provided)
Who instructed the Chemistry teacher to conclude the assembly after Mr Bepo burst into tears?
Explanation:
After Mr. Bepo broke down during the morning assembly, Mrs. Grace Apeh, the Vice Principal, stepped forward and instructed the Chemistry teacher, Mr. Justus Anabel, to conclude the assembly and dismiss the students to their classes.
Why was Mr Bepo moved during his visit to the Black Heritage Museum?
(No explanation provided)
The principal was nicknamed "The Lekki Headmaster" because...
Explanation:
In Chapter One, Mr. Bepo is nicknamed “The Lekki Headmaster” because of his humorous imitations of characters from the old television drama Village Headmaster during his time as headmaster of Stardom Kiddies.
How much does Mr. Bepo earn monthly in the UK?
(No explanation provided)
What lesson does Hope’s story about relocating to the UK teach?
Explanation:
Hope, an accountant, relocated to the UK with his wife, funding his Master’s degree. After a few months, his wife decided to stop supporting him, leaving him in a difficult position. This story illustrates that relying entirely on others for financial support abroad can be risky, and migrants need financial support abroad can be risky, and migrants need financial independence and careful planning to succeed.
What is the purpose of the screening panel for prefect candidates?
(No explanation provided)
In the question below, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
He was building a castle in the air.
Explanation: ‘Castle in the air’ is an idiom meaning unrealistic or impractical dreams or plans.
In the question below, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
Whoever would have thought that he would lose the presidential election?
Explanation: The expression shows surprise at his losing, meaning people expected him to win rather than lose.
Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
The politician was pilloried by the press for his inflammatory remarks.
Explanation: To be “pilloried” means to be publicly attacked, condemned, or strongly criticized. Since the press reacted to his inflammatory remarks, the best interpretation is that he was criticized by the press.
In the question below, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
A state of mutual hatred existed for years between the two villages of Umuna and Ogboma.
Explanation: ‘Mutual hatred’ means the hatred was shared by both sides; each hated the other. captures that reciprocity, best expressed by "Umuna and Ogboma hated each other.."
Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
There should be a level playing field for women entering politics.
Explanation: A “level playing field” is an idiom meaning equal opportunities and fair conditions. So the statement means women should compete on equal terms with men in politics.
In the question below, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined.
The Governor declined to give audience to the journalist.
Explanation: “Declined” means refused. The opposite is “accepted”, meaning agreed to receive or allow.
Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.
Some equatorial areas have a sultry climate.
Explanation: 'Sultry' describes weather that is hot and humid. The opposite climate condition would be mild and moderate, which is described as temperate.
In the question below, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined.
Mary complained that she slept on the coarse floor.
Explanation: Coarse describes a rough texture; its opposite is smooth, meaning even and free from roughness.
In the question below, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined.
The lotion recommended by the doctor soothed Okon's aching tooth.
Explanation: To “soothe” means to relieve pain or calm. The opposite is “worsened”, meaning made the pain/problem worse.
Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics
Life has become a misery for many owing to the harsh economic condition in the country
Explanation: “Misery” means great suffering/unhappiness; the opposite is “comfort,” meaning ease and relief from hardship.
For the question below, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics.
The exhibition was an eye opener to all.
Explanation: An “exhibition” is an event where items or works are publicly shown for people to see. The nearest meaning among the options is “display”.
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics.
The president has mapped out so many laudable projects to embark upon
Explanation: Laudable means deserving praise or admiration. The nearest meaning is praiseworthy.
Choose the option which has the nearest meaning to the underlined word or words in the sentence.
His wife for ten years refused point-blank to leave her matrimonial home.
Explanation: Point-blank means in a direct and firm manner without hesitation. The nearest meaning is bluntly.
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in bold.
In spite of her grim situation, the young widow smiled dutifully at the visitor’s pleasantries.
Explanation: “Pleasantries” are polite, light, often humorous remarks in conversation. The nearest meaning is “jocular remarks”.
In the question below, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italic.
Agwube’s explanation of her poor performance at the examination only begged the question.
Explanation: Begged the question means raised an unresolved issue.
Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s)
If you want a successful marriage, you ……….. pray for it.
Explanation: The correct expression for giving strong advice is “had better.” We say, “If you want a successful marriage, you had better pray for it.” The form “better” alone is informal and not appropriate in standard written English.
Fill the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list.
By the end of this month, …………..
Explanation: The phrase “by the end of this month” refers to a point in the future, so the future perfect continuous tense is required to show an action continuing up to that future time. “I will have been studying” correctly expresses this. The other options are present continuous, simple future, and past perfect continuous, which do not match the future time reference.
Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).
If you want to succeed in life don't be envious ______ other people’s achievements.
Explanation: The correct preposition is “envious of.” You are envious of another person’s achievements.
Complete the sentence by choosing the option that most suitably fills the space;
Although he is in all respects a poor student, he has managed to buy a tape recorder to improve his …………. of French.
Explanation: “Mastery” means a good command/complete knowledge of a subject. A tape recorder can help improve mastery of French.
Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.
_________ you come early to the new house, clean up my flat.
Explanation: “Should you come early…” is an inversion meaning “If you come early…”. It is used to make a polite/conditional request. Hence, “should” is correct.
In the question below, choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s).
Gone are the days when he …………… enjoy patronage.
Explanation: Used to describes past habits or states that no longer exist.
Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).
I missed the match though it was shown on television on two _____ nights.
Explanation: “Consecutive” means following one after the other with no break. Therefore, “two consecutive nights” is correct.
In the question below, choose the word(s) or phrase which best fills the gap(s).
No wonder those plants are dying. They …...... any water for ages!
Explanation: “For ages” suggests a situation that started in the past and continues up to now, so the present perfect is correct: “haven’t had”.
In the question below, choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills the gap(s).
The drummers struck their drums with great efforts, and the surging crowds of dancers ….......… and ….......…. the grounds around the palace.
Explanation: “Kicked” and “stamped” describe dancers striking the ground forcefully, matching the energetic drumming and surging crowd.
Choose the option that best completes the gap(s).
My father has just bought __________
Explanation: The correct adjective order is: determiner + opinion/quality + proper noun/type. So “a brand new Peugeot” is correctly arranged.
Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined.
Head
Explanation: The underlined “ea” in head is pronounced /e/ (as in /hed/). “Said” is pronounced /sed/ and contains the same /e/ vowel sound.
Choose the word that does not have the same vowel sound as the others.
Explanation: Bale, saint and gate commonly have /eɪ/. ‘Plait’ is pronounced /plæt/ in standard BrE, with /æ/, so it differs, best expressed by "plait."
Choose from the options the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined.
Research
Explanation: The target vowel sound in ‘research’ (as in the ‘search’ part) is /ɜː/. ‘Disturb’ also has /ɜː/, while the others have different vowel sounds.
Choose the word that does not have the same vowel sound as the others.
Explanation: ‘wind’ /wɪnd/ has /ɪ/, whereas the others have the long /iː/ vowel.
Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined.
wash
Explanation: The ‘sh’ in ‘wash’ is /ʃ/. ‘nation’ has the same /ʃ/ sound.
Choose from the options the word that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined.
Church
Explanation: The underlined ‘ch’ in ‘church’ is /tʃ/. ‘Feature’ contains /tʃ/ (‘fea-ture’), while the others contain /ʃ/. , best expressed by "feature."
Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined.
mother
Explanation: The ‘th’ in ‘mother’ is voiced /ð/. ‘breathe’ has the same /ð/ sound.
Choose the appropriate stress pattern from the options. The syllables are written in capital letters.
ceremoniously
Explanation: In “ceremoniously,” the primary stress falls on “MO” (cereMOniously), so that is the correct stress pattern.
Choose the option that has a different stress pattern from the others.
Explanation: 'Secondment' is stressed on the second syllable, while the others generally have stress on the third syllable.
In the question below, the word in capital letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the options to which the given sentence relates.
Adamu is leaving a CAR behind.
Explanation: The emphatic stress is on “CAR”, so the sentence answers a question about the thing being left behind: “What is Adamu leaving behind?”
