Lexis and Structure | Jamb Use of English Past Questions and Answers

JAMB UTME English Language questions focused on choosing the word opposite in meaning to the bold word or phrase.

1. The doctor advised him to adhere strictly to the diet plan.
   A. comply
   B. disobey
   C. follow
   D. respect
   Answer: B. disobey

2. The manager's decision was spontaneous and not well thought out.
   A. immediate
   B. impromptu
   C. deliberate
   D. sudden
   Answer: C. deliberate

3. The suspect gave a vague response to the police’s questions.
   A. clear
   B. obscure
   C. ambiguous
   D. hazy
   Answer: A. clear

4. Despite her humble beginnings, she became very successful.
   A. poor
   B. arrogant
   C. simple
   D. modest
   Answer: B. arrogant

5. The boy’s docile nature made him easy to teach.
   A. stubborn
   B. obedient
   C. gentle
   D. calm
   Answer: A. stubborn

6. The teacher’s explanation was explicit enough for everyone to understand.
   A. detailed
   B. confusing
   C. elaborate
   D. precise
   Answer: B. confusing

7. His apathy towards politics surprised his friends.
   A. enthusiasm
   B. indifference
   C. ignorance
   D. disinterest
   Answer: A. enthusiasm

8. The army launched a covert operation to capture the terrorists.
   A. secret
   B. open
   C. hidden
   D. classified
   Answer: B. open

9. His meticulous approach to work earned him a promotion.
   A. careless
   B. precise
   C. detailed
   D. thorough
   Answer: A. careless

10. The young woman was apprehensive about moving to a new city.
    A. anxious
    B. fearful
    C. confident
    D. nervous
    Answer: C. confident

11. She wore a gaudy dress to the party.
    A. flashy
    B. simple
    C. colorful
    D. excessive
    Answer: B. simple

12. His concise speech conveyed the message effectively.
    A. short
    B. lengthy
    C. brief
    D. summarized
    Answer: B. lengthy

13. The soldier remained resolute despite the threats.
    A. determined
    B. weak
    C. firm
    D. steadfast
    Answer: B. weak

14. The politician gave a candid response to the journalist’s question.
    A. honest
    B. insincere
    C. frank
    D. direct
    Answer: B. insincere

15. The crowd was boisterous during the match.
    A. lively
    B. calm
    C. noisy
    D. rowdy
    Answer: B. calm

16. He was reluctant to share his plans with us.
    A. eager
    B. hesitant
    C. unwilling
    D. uncertain
    Answer: A. eager

17. The meager salary could barely cover his expenses.
    A. small
    B. substantial
    C. insufficient
    D. poor
    Answer: B. substantial

18. The principal reprimanded the student for being late.
    A. scolded
    B. punished
    C. praised
    D. warned
    Answer: C. praised

19. The witness provided an authentic account of the event.
    A. real
    B. false
    C. genuine
    D. credible
    Answer: B. false

20. The man gave a generous donation to the orphanage.
    A. kind
    B. stingy
    C. abundant
    D. large
    Answer: B. stingy

JAMB UTME English Language questions focused on choosing the word nearest in meaning to the bold word or phrase.

1. The president's speech was concise and straight to the point.
   A. detailed
   B. brief
   C. ambiguous
   D. lengthy
   Answer: B. brief

2. The man gave a vivid description of the accident.
   A. clear
   B. dull
   C. obscure
   D. vague
   Answer: A. clear

3. The workers decided to terminate their contract with the company.
   A. extend
   B. end
   C. suspend
   D. improve
   Answer: B. end

4. The politician gave a candid response to the journalist’s question.
   A. honest
   B. deceitful
   C. uncertain
   D. reserved
   Answer: A. honest

5. The children were elated after hearing the good news.
   A. excited
   B. discouraged
   C. sad
   D. tired
   Answer: A. excited

6. The company's decision was irrevocable despite numerous appeals.
   A. unchangeable
   B. flexible
   C. weak
   D. unstable
   Answer: A. unchangeable

7. The culprit’s account of the event was dubious.
   A. unreliable
   B. convincing
   C. truthful
   D. honest
   Answer: A. unreliable

8. The teacher was adept at handling difficult students.
   A. unskilled
   B. skilled
   C. careless
   D. reluctant
   Answer: B. skilled

9. His speech was filled with redundant phrases.
   A. unnecessary
   B. useful
   C. relevant
   D. direct
   Answer: A. unnecessary

10. The scientist made a notable discovery.
    A. unimportant
    B. remarkable
    C. questionable
    D. ordinary
    Answer: B. remarkable

11. The students were attentive during the lecture.
    A. careless
    B. alert
    C. distracted
    D. uninterested
    Answer: B. alert

12. He is an ardent supporter of human rights.
    A. passionate
    B. indifferent
    C. neutral
    D. passive
    Answer: A. passionate

13. His attitude toward work is laudable.
    A. commendable
    B. regrettable
    C. terrible
    D. questionable
    Answer: A. commendable

14. The police officer remained vigilant throughout the night.
    A. watchful
    B. careless
    C. inattentive
    D. sleepy
    Answer: A. watchful

15. The old man’s strength was deteriorating with age.
    A. weakening
    B. improving
    C. growing
    D. stabilizing
    Answer: A. weakening

16. The sparse population in the village worried the government.
    A. scattered
    B. dense
    C. large
    D. thick
    Answer: A. scattered

17. His response to the accusation was feeble.
    A. weak
    B. strong
    C. forceful
    D. aggressive
    Answer: A. weak

18. The movie was captivating from start to finish.
    A. boring
    B. fascinating
    C. predictable
    D. confusing
    Answer: B. fascinating

19. The trader was accused of fraudulent activities.
    A. dishonest
    B. legal
    C. trustworthy
    D. authentic
    Answer: A. dishonest

20. The general’s command was imperative.
    A. optional
    B. mandatory
    C. insignificant
    D. unnecessary
    Answer: B. mandatory

Jamb UTME use of English focused on differentiating between correct and incorrect spellings;

1. Identify the correctly spelled word.

2. Choose the correctly spelled word.

3. Select the correctly spelled word.

4. Identify the correctly spelled word.

5. Which of the following words is correctly spelled?

6. Choose the word that is spelled incorrectly.

7. Identify the correct spelling.

8. Choose the correctly spelled word.

9. Which word is incorrectly spelled?

10. Select the correctly spelled word.

11. Which of these words is correctly spelled?

12. Identify the correctly spelled word.

13. Which of these is incorrectly spelled?

14. Identify the correctly spelled word.

15. Which word is incorrectly spelled?

16. Select the correctly spelled word.

17. Which of these is correctly spelled?

18. Choose the correctly spelled word.

19. Which of these words is spelled incorrectly?

20. Identify the correct spelling.

JAMB UTME Use of English questions focusing on clauses and sentence patterns.

1. Identify the main clause in the sentence below:
   Although it was raining, we decided to play outside.
   A. Although it was raining
   B. We decided to play outside
   C. Although it was raining, we
   D. It was raining
   Answer: B. We decided to play outside

2. Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence:
   I will go to bed after I finish my assignment.
   A. I will go to bed
   B. After I finish my assignment
   C. My assignment
   D. I finish my assignment
   Answer: B. After I finish my assignment

3. What type of clause is underlined in the sentence below?

4. Identify the sentence pattern:

5. Which of these sentences follows the SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) pattern?
   A. The boy ran quickly.
   B. She gave him a gift.
   C. They bought a new car.
   D. He is happy.
   Answer: C. They bought a new car.

6. What type of sentence is this?

7. Identify the relative clause in the sentence:

8. What sentence pattern is used here?

9. Identify the noun clause in the sentence:

10. Which sentence is complex?
    A. She ran and fell.
    B. He was late but still attended the class.
    C. Since she was sick, she stayed at home.
    D. I like coffee.
    Answer: C. Since she was sick, she stayed at home.

11. What type of clause is underlined?
    paragraph
    The man who stole my phone has been arrested.
    A. Noun clause
    B. Relative clause
    C. Adverbial clause
    D. Main clause
    Answer: B. Relative clause

12. Identify the adverbial clause in the sentence:
    paragraph
    
    We left the house when the rain started.
    A. We left the house
    B. When the rain started
    C. The rain started
    D. Left the house
    Answer: B. When the rain started

13. Identify the sentence pattern:
    paragraph
    
    The dog barked loudly.
    A. SVC (Subject-Verb-Complement)
    B. SVO (Subject-Verb-Object)
    C. SVA (Subject-Verb-Adverbial)
    D. SV (Subject-Verb)
    Answer: C. SVA (Subject-Verb-Adverbial)

14. Identify the simple sentence:
    
    paragraph
    A. He studied because he wanted to pass.
    B. I ate rice and drank water.
    C. If she calls, tell her I am not home.
    D. Although it was late, he continued reading.
    Answer: B. I ate rice and drank water.

15. What is the function of the clause underlined?
    paragraph
    The teacher asked why I was late.
    A. Adverbial clause
    B. Noun clause
    C. Relative clause
    D. Main clause
    Answer: B. Noun clause

16. Identify the sentence pattern:
    
    paragraph
    She became a doctor.
    A. SVO
    B. SVC
    C. SVA
    D. SV
    Answer: B. SVC

17. Identify the sentence type:
    paragraph
    
    Because he was sick, he did not attend school.
    A. Simple sentence
    B. Complex sentence
    C. Compound sentence
    D. Compound-complex sentence
    Answer: B. Complex sentence

18. Which of the following is a compound-complex sentence?
    paragraph
    A. I went to the market, and I bought some food.
    B. The teacher left because the students were rude.
    C. He studied hard, but he failed because he was nervous.
    D. She came early.
    Answer: C. He studied hard, but he failed because he was nervous.

19. What type of clause is underlined?
    
    paragraph
    I know where she lives.
    A. Adverbial clause
    B. Noun clause
    C. Relative clause
    D. Main clause
    Answer: B. Noun clause

20. What type of sentence is this?

Mood

1. Which of the following sentences is in the imperative mood?
   A. If I were you, I would apologize.
   B. Please, close the door.
   C. He may arrive late.
   D. She sings beautifully.
   Answer: B
2. The subjunctive mood is used to express
   A. Commands and requests
   B. Hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations
   C. Statements of fact
   D. Actions in progress
   Answer: B
3. Identify the sentence in the indicative mood:
   A. I wish I were taller.
   B. Be quiet!
   C. He plays football every weekend.
   D. If she were here, we would start.
   Answer: C
4. "May you live long!" is an example of a sentence in the
   A. Imperative mood
   B. Subjunctive mood
   C. Indicative mood
   D. Interrogative mood
   Answer: B
5. Which sentence is in the subjunctive mood?
   A. I will travel tomorrow.
   B. She is studying for the exam.
   C. If he were here, he would help us.
   D. They play football every Sunday.
   Answer: C

Tense

6. The sentence "She writes a letter." is in which tense?
   A. Past tense
   B. Present continuous tense
   C. Present simple tense
   D. Future tense
   Answer: C
7. Which of these sentences is in the past continuous tense?
   A. I was reading a novel.
   B. She reads a lot of books.
   C. He had written the letter.
   D. They have finished the assignment.
   Answer: A
8. Identify the sentence in the future perfect tense:
   A. I will be studying all night.
   B. He will have completed the project by tomorrow.
   C. She is writing a letter.
   D. They had left before we arrived.
   Answer: B
9. Which of the following sentences is in the past perfect tense?
   A. They have completed the work.
   B. He had eaten before I arrived.
   C. She will finish her assignment soon.
   D. We are watching a movie.
   Answer: B
10. The present perfect tense is used to describe
    A. A completed action at a specific time in the past
    B. An action that started in the past and is still relevant in the present
    C. An ongoing action in the present
    D. An action that will take place in the future
    Answer: B

Aspect

11. Which of the following is an example of the progressive aspect?
    A. She has eaten her lunch.
    B. He is playing football.
    C. They completed their assignments.
    D. We will visit them soon.
    Answer: B
12. The perfect aspect expresses
    A. Actions that are ongoing
    B. Actions that are habitual
    C. Actions completed before a specific time
    D. Actions that will happen in the future
    Answer: C
13. Identify the sentence in the perfect progressive aspect:
    A. He has been working on the project.
    B. They will go to the market.
    C. She completed her assignment.
    D. He writes every morning.
    Answer: A
14. Which of these sentences is in the simple aspect?
    A. She was singing a song.
    B. I have finished my homework.
    C. They play football every weekend.
    D. He had been sleeping for hours.
    Answer: C
15. The difference between progressive aspect and perfect aspect is that
    A. Progressive aspect describes completed actions, while perfect aspect describes ongoing actions.
    B. Perfect aspect expresses completion, while progressive aspect expresses continuity.
    C. Progressive aspect describes habitual actions, while perfect aspect describes past actions.
    D. There is no difference between them.
    Answer: B

Number

16. Identify the plural form of the word "child":
    A. Childs
    B. Childrens
    C. Children
    D. Childes
    Answer: C
17. Which of these words is singular?
    A. Mice
    B. Teeth
    C. Goose
    D. Feet
    Answer: C
18. Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
    A. The news are interesting.
    B. Mathematics are my favorite subject.
    C. The police are investigating the case.
    D. She bought two furnitures.
    Answer: C
19. The plural of "ox" is
    A. Oxen
    B. Oxes
    C. Oxs
    D. Oxies
    Answer: A
20. Choose the correct sentence:
    A. The scissors is on the table.
    B. My trousers is too tight.
    C. The cattle is grazing in the field.
    D. The audience was excited about the show.
    Answer: D

Agreement/Concord

1. Identify the grammatically correct sentence:
   A. The boy and the girl is playing outside.
   B. The boy and the girl are playing outside.
   C. The boy and the girl was playing outside.
   D. The boy and the girl am playing outside.
   Answer: B
2. The subject and verb must agree in number and person. Identify the correct sentence:
   A. She go to school every day.
   B. She goes to school every day.
   C. She gone to school every day.
   D. She going to school every day.
   Answer: B
3. Choose the correct option to complete the sentence:
   Either of the students _____ willing to help.
   A. is
   B. are
   C. were
   D. have
   Answer: A
4. Identify the correct sentence:
   A. Neither of the boys like football.
   B. Neither of the boys likes football.
   C. Neither of the boys liking football.
   D. Neither of the boys liked footballs.
   Answer: B
5. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
   The principal, as well as the teachers, _____ in the meeting.
   A. were
   B. are
   C. is
   D. have
   Answer: C

Degree (Positive, Comparative, and Superlative)

6. Choose the correct form of the adjective:
   This is the _____ movie I have ever watched.
   A. good
   B. better
   C. best
   D. well
   Answer: C
7. Which of the following is in the comparative degree?
   A. He is the tallest boy in the class.
   B. She is more beautiful than her sister.
   C. This is a big house.
   D. They are happy children.
   Answer: B
8. Identify the correct sentence:
   A. This book is more interesting than the other one.
   B. This book is most interesting than the other one.
   C. This book is interestinger than the other one.
   D. This book is interestinger than the other one.
   Answer: A
9. Choose the sentence in the positive degree:
   A. This road is wider than that one.
   B. This is the widest road in town.
   C. This road is wide.
   D. This road is more wide than that one.
   Answer: C
10. Identify the superlative degree of the adjective "tall":
    A. Taller
    B. Tallest
    C. Most tall
    D. More taller
    Answer: B
11. Which of the following sentences is incorrect?
    A. She is more clever than her brother.
    B. This is the most beautiful painting here.
    C. He is the best among his peers.
    D. She is the most cleverer of the two.
    Answer: D
12. The comparative form of "bad" is
    A. Worse
    B. Baddest
    C. More bad
    D. Most bad
    Answer: A
13. Fill in the blank with the correct form of the adjective:
    Among the three boys, John is the _____
    A. taller
    B. tallest
    C. most tall
    D. more taller
    Answer: B
14. Which sentence is in the positive degree?
    A. This book is interesting.
    B. This book is more interesting than the other one.
    C. This book is the most interesting in the library.
    D. This book is interestinger than the other one.
    Answer: A

Question Tags

15. Complete the sentence with the correct question tag:
    She sings beautifully, _____?
    A. doesn’t she
    B. don’t she
    C. isn’t she
    D. hasn’t she
    Answer: A
16. Choose the correct question tag:
    You haven’t eaten yet, _____?
    A. have you
    B. hasn’t you
    C. aren’t you
    D. don’t you
    Answer: A
17. Identify the correct question tag:
    They will come to the party, _____?
    A. will they
    B. won’t they
    C. wouldn’t they
    D. shall they
    Answer: B
18. Choose the correct question tag:
    Let’s go for a walk, _____?
    A. will we
    B. shall we
    C. won’t we
    D. don’t we
    Answer: B
19. Fill in the correct question tag:
    I am your best friend, _____?
    A. amn’t I
    B. aren’t I
    C. is not I
    D. do I
    Answer: B
20. Select the correct question tag:
    She hardly comes here, _____?
    A. does she
    B. doesn’t she
    C. isn’t she
    D. has she
    Answer: A

Mechanics (Punctuation, Capitalization, and Spelling)

1. Identify the sentence with correct punctuation:
   A. The boy's book is on the table.
   B. The boys book is on the table.
   C. The boys' book is on the table.
   D. The boys books is on the table.
   Answer: A
2. Choose the correctly capitalized sentence:
   A. my brother and i will travel to lagos next week.
   B. My brother and i will travel to Lagos next week.
   C. My brother and I will travel to Lagos next week.
   D. My Brother and I will Travel to Lagos next Week.
   Answer: C
3. Choose the sentence with correct punctuation:
   A. She said "I will be there soon".
   B. She said, "I will be there soon."
   C. She said, "I will be there soon".
   D. She said, "i will be there soon."
   Answer: B
4. Which of the following words is correctly spelled?
   A. Accomodation
   B. Accommmodation
   C. Accomodetion
   D. Accommodation
   Answer: D
5. Choose the sentence with the correct use of the apostrophe:
   A. The students' books were missing.
   B. The student's books were missing.
   C. The students books were missing.
   D. The students book's were missing.
   Answer: A

Ordinary Usage (Standard Meaning of Words and Expressions)

6. Choose the correct sentence:
   A. He took a decision to travel.
   B. He made a decision to travel.
   C. He did a decision to travel.
   D. He performed a decision to travel.
   Answer: B
7. Which sentence is grammatically correct?
   A. I prefer rice than beans.
   B. I prefer rice to beans.
   C. I prefer rice over beans.
   D. I prefer rice with beans.
   Answer: B
8. Choose the most appropriate word:
   He was _____ about the upcoming examination.
   A. anxious
   B. afraid
   C. scared
   D. worried
   Answer: A
9. Choose the correct sentence:
   A. She congratulated me for passing the exam.
   B. She congratulated me on passing the exam.
   C. She congratulated me of passing the exam.
   D. She congratulated me about passing the exam.
   Answer: B
10. Identify the correctly used word:
    A. The teacher emphasized on the importance of reading.
    B. The teacher emphasized the importance of reading.
    C. The teacher emphasized about the importance of reading.
    D. The teacher emphasized with the importance of reading.
    Answer: B

Figurative Usage (Metaphors, Similes, and Personification)

11. The phrase "as white as snow" is an example of a
    A. Metaphor
    B. Simile
    C. Hyperbole
    D. Irony
    Answer: B
12. Which of the following is a metaphor?
    A. She is as fast as a cheetah.
    B. The world is a stage.
    C. He is like a lion in battle.
    D. She sings like a bird.
    Answer: B
13. "The wind whispered through the trees." This is an example of
    A. Simile
    B. Hyperbole
    C. Personification
    D. Metaphor
    Answer: C
14. Identify the figurative expression in the sentence:
    "Time is a thief."
    A. Simile
    B. Metaphor
    C. Hyperbole
    D. Irony
    Answer: B
15. "He has the heart of a lion." This means
    A. He is strong and brave.
    B. He is weak and fearful.
    C. He is an animal lover.
    D. He is cruel.
    Answer: A

Idiomatic Usage (Common Idioms and Phrasal Verbs)

16. The idiom "to spill the beans" means
    A. To waste food
    B. To reveal a secret
    C. To mess up a plan
    D. To cook something
    Answer: B
17. "To turn a deaf ear" means
    A. To become deaf
    B. To listen carefully
    C. To ignore something
    D. To agree with someone
    Answer: C
18. What does the idiom "once in a blue moon" mean?
    A. Very rarely
    B. Very frequently
    C. Every day
    D. Occasionally
    Answer: A
19. "He kicked the bucket last night." What does this mean?
    A. He won a lottery.
    B. He traveled to another country.
    C. He passed away.
    D. He quit his job.
    Answer: C
20. Choose the correct meaning of the phrasal verb "put up with":
    A. To tolerate
    B. To set up a business
    C. To increase something
    D. To organize an event
    Answer: A

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