The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian
entrance examination board for tertiary-level institutions. The board
conducts entrance examinations for prospective undergraduates into
Nigerian universities.
PASSAGE I
At this time, something like a thousand kinds of animals (vertebrate
animals) can be said to be in danger of extinction. A few of them have
been reduced to this precarious position by extensive killing but the
majority are disappearing only as fast as the particular kind of untry
they need for existence is itself disappearing: and all this at the
hands of man, as often as not bymistake.
There are three species of turtles whose future survival is menaced
by the demand for turtle soup, which would hardly justify the
extermination of a giant reptile whose family has existed for 200
million years. Leopards are in jeopardy because of the fashion for their
skins. As they get rarer, the prices rise and, as leopard skin coats
become more expensive, the demand increases.
No species can long survive the price of N60,000 which a half-grown
baby leopard now carries on its skin. And crocodiles, the longest
surviving reptiles, are now dwindling alarmingly as a result of the
fashion in crocodile skin for ladies’ handbags and men’s shoes.
The human population explosion spreads mankind across the land
surfaces of the earth at an alarming rate. There will be twice as many
of us before most of us are dead. Does this mean no room for wild
animals? Of course not. With ingenuity and forethought, a place can be
kept for them. To destroy their habitat is as unnecessary as it would be
to pull down a great cathedral in order to grow potatoes on the site. A
campaign to save what remains is the concern of a new kind of Noah’s
Ark – the World Wildlife Fund. It does not believe that all is lost.
1. The basic causes of the elimination of certain animals from the earth include
A. man’s decision to live in cities and the development of large farmlands
B. extensive killing of animals and the fast disappearance of their favourable habitats
C. man’s penchant for meat and the sale of animals for meat and hides
D. a deliberate battle against Nature and the quest for leopard skin.
2. From the passage, the attitude of the writer can be described as.
A. partial
B. optimistic
C. indifferent
D. pessimistic
3. The expression when man evolved a conscience means when
A. man developed an awareness of right and wrong
B. man’s intellect improved tremendously
C. man acquired new habits
D. man became a critical creature.
4. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
A. Man kills animals only when he can afford to do so.
B. Man cannot spare those animals that eat his kind.
C. Man eats all categories of animals.
D. Man poses the greatest threat to Nature.
5. The sentence there will be twice as many of us before most of us are dead means
A. some increase in human and animal population growth rates
B. mankind is fast spreading across the earth
C. many of us will die as a result of population explosion
D. the population growth rate will double before our death.
PASSAGE II
The 2002 World Cup Competition, also called Korea/Japan 2002, kicked
off with a match between the defending champions, France, and the
Senegalese national team from Africa.
Nobody had given the Senegalese any chance against the star-studded
defending champions but the 1-0 scoreline in favour of Senegal showed
that African football can no longer be taken for granted.
This shocking defeat of France had raised Africa’s hopes of going
beyond the first round of the tournament. So when the Super Eagles of
Nigeria filed out against Argentina on the morning of Sunday, June the
second, 2002, many Nigerian football enthusiasts delayed attending
church service to watch the match live on television. As expected, the
Super Eagles put up strong resistance to the Argentinian challenge and
the day would not have ended on a somber note for Nigerians if the
momentum had been sustained throughout the match.
The hope of going beyond the first round, though precarious, was very
much alive as the Eagles were expected to defeat their next opponents,
Sweden and England. But some shortcomings in the Nigerian national team
needed to be rectified to brighten their chances against their next
opponents.
First, the defence needed to be strengthened to prevent the opponents
from incessantly terrorizing the goalkeeper. Then the strikers also
needed to improve on their lackluster performance against Argentina,
since every Nigerian expected them to overwhelm their next opponents in
the opening rounds. Lastly, rather than gamble with unfit players, a
more creative use of the reserves would be necessary to smooth the way
to the next round.
If World Cup debutants, Senegal ,could nurse the hope of playing in
the knock-out stages of the tournament, then the Eagles should soar
instead of being intimidated by big names,
for no team is invincible.
6. Which of the following captures the writer’s suggestion on how the
Eagles could improve their performance in subsequent matches?
A. Better goalkeeping, a better attack and a stronger midfield.
B. Replacement of injured players, stronger attackers and a rugged defence.
C. Good coaching, more strikers and more defenders.
D. Fair officiating, good goalkeeping and fast players.
7. A suitable title for this passage is
A. African Teams in the 2002 World Cup
B. The FIFA Korea/Japan 2002
C. The Nigerian and the Senegalese Teams
D. The Eagles in World Cup 2002.
8. From the argument in the last paragraph, it can be concluded that the Eagles were
A. more experienced than the Senegalese team
B. not as strong as the Senegalese team.
C. more timid and goal-shy than their opponents
D. not sure of getting to the next round of the tournament.
9. The word debutants, as used in the passage, means
A. hard-fighters
B. under-dogs
C. first-timers
D. giant killers.
10. From the passage, it can be concluded that the writer
A. was optimistic about the chances of the Eagles
B. did not fancy the Eagles’ chances
C. was non-committal about the chances of the Eagles
D. was certain about the Eagles’ chances.
PASSAGE III
Attitudes towards the smoking of cigarettes and the consumption of
alcohol may be used to illustrate typical African ethics. Apart from the
fact that smoking has now been linked with lung cancer disease, the
African moralist has always regarded smoking as an indication of moral
degradation. A number of people have accepted the moralist idea on
smoking. Some have refrained from smoking, and those who could influence
others, such as parents and religious leaders, have also exerted their
influence to prevent others from smoking.
On the other hand, a good many people have remained indifferent to
the moralist view and have continued to smoke. The same argument has
been applied to the consumption of alcohol. The African moralist, basing
his judgement on the behaviour of a few alcoholics, tends to regard the
habit of taking alcohol as a sign of wretchedness.
The moralist holds the view that anybody who forms the habit of
consuming alcohol will never do well in live. While this may be true in
respect of a few people in the society, the fear of the moralist has not
been justified. However, the economics is primarily interested in the
habit of smoking and the consumption of alcohol in so far as they give
satisfaction to smokers and drinkers and so generate supply of and
demand for tobacco and alcohol. The economist is interested in knowing
how many packets of cigarettes are consumed and to what extent an
increase or fall in consumption could affect production that is, supply.
Similarly, he is interested in how much beer is consumed and how the
supply of beer will adjust to the demand for it. He examines the habits
and the pressures which can lead to the readjustment of wants and the
reallocation of resources to cover the wants. Some moral principles
associated with religion tend to lead on to economic problems.
Followers of certain religions are expected not to consume pork, take
alcohol or smoke tobacco. Devotees of some religious groups, on the
other hand, can eat pork while others are expected to abstain from
alcohol and smoking. Strict observance of these moral rules could
cripple the breweries, the cigarette factories and some businesses.
However, there seems to be a growing number of alcohol consumers and
cigarette smokers – a development which should be of interest to the
economist.
11. The positions maintained by the moralist and the economist can be described as being
A. at variance
B. very agreeable
C. quite indifferent
D. very passionate
12. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
A. People who drink or smoke surely die of cancer.
B. Everyone ignores the moralist view on drinking and smoking.
C. Smoking and drinking may have positive effects on the economy.
D. Total abstinence from drinking and smoking is a religious obligation.
13. It can be concluded from the passage that morality, religion and economy are
A. clearly interconnected
B. certainly different
C. somewhat interconnected
D. certainly unrelated.
14. The view expressed by the writer in the last paragraph is that
A. the number of alcoholics and smokers is certainly increasing
B. more people now abstain from drinking and smoking
C. more people appear to take to drinking and smoking
D. sales of alcohol and tobacco products have improved tremendously.
15. According to the passage, the moralist idea is that
A. it is typically African not to smoke cigarettes
B. people should accept a point of view only when they are convinced
C. smoking is not good but a little alcohol may be permitted
D. the smoking of cigarettes is bad and unacceptable.
PASSAGE IV
The passage below has gaps numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following
each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option
for each gap. A prepared speech is not easy to deliver, especially if it
is not written by the presenter. A …16…(A. document B. free C.
manuscript D. quantum) delivery is one in which the speech has been
written out word for word and is read to …17…(A. a gathering B. a
conference C. a congregation D. an audience). This kind of delivery is
usually reserved for very …18… (A. formal B. genuine C. impromptu D.
guaranteed) occasions when exact wording is …19…(A. conclusive B.
critical C. reportive D. speculative), such as the State of the Union
Address or speeches before the United Nations General …20…(A.
Negotiation B. Organization C. Assembly D. Audience). The primary
advantage is that the speech may be highly …21…(A.polished B. advanced
C. analogous D. discreet) 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 …22…(A.
anticipatory B.profuse C. bifocal D. vocal) 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 …23… (A. interactive B. restrictive C. positive D. decisive) effects
created by the carefully chosen …24… (A. language B.slang C. dialect D.
rhetoric) Lack of familiarity with the …25… (A. exchange B. text C.
note D. context) could also prevent the speaker from maintaining eye
contact with people being addressed.
LEXIS, STRUCTURE AND ORAL FORMS
In each of questions 26 to 30, select the option that
best explains the information conveyed in the sentence. Each question
carries.
26. In spite of his humble beginning, Audu now throws his weight around.
A. Audu is arrogant despite his simple upbringing.
B. Despite his obvious poverty, Audu is a proudman.
C. His noble birth notwithstanding, Audu is a corrupt man.
D. From his poor background, Audu is now a rich man.
27. Ngozi has always considered her father to be an impassioned man.
A. Her father is a very lively man.
B. Her father is an emotional man.
C. Her father is a disciplined man.
D. Her father is a very strict man.
28. The elders rebuked Olu for taking issue with his principal.
A. Olu was cautioned for shouting at his principal.
B. Olu was scolded for acting in collusion with his principal.
C. Olu was reprimanded for arguing with his principal.
D. Olu was blamed for issuing a statement denying his principal.
29. The manager paid us in hard currency.
A. We were paid in new notes.
B. We were paid in foreign currency.
C. We were paid in dollars and pound sterling.
D. We were paid in a strong and stable currency.
30. If he went to London, he would see the Queen.
A. When he goes to London, he will see the Queen.
B. He did not go to London and did not see the Queen.
C. He did not see the Queen when he went to London.
D. He would like to see the Queen when he goes to London.
(
Questions 31 to 100 carry 1 mark each.)
In each of questions 31 to 45, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.
31. Only those who are gullible fall victim to his trickery.
A. saucy B. devastated C. courteous D. astute
32. He is well known for his inordinate ambition.
A. excessive B. passionate C. moderate D. sound
33. Students could be timid.
A. friendly B. bold C. covetous D. pugnacious
34. The witness decided to conceal the evidence.
A. divulge B. hide C. destroy D. pugnacious
35. The members of the congregation were inspired by the sermon.
A. bewitched B. enthralled C. disenchanted D. disorientated
36. Agbenu was ecstatic about her result.
A. dispassionate B. sad C. pessimistic D. mad
37. The labour leader’s recalcitrant stance was applauded.
A. stubborn B. flexible C. uncompromising D. well-informed
38. A cool bath in a hot weather can be truly invigorating.
A. devastating B. unpalatable C. debilitating D. disgusting
39. I am loath to do the assignment.
A. willing B. unwilling C. waiting D. dying
40. Toyin is married to an impatient, self-centered man.
A. a fretful B. a tolerant C. an edgy D. a tolerable
41. Gregarious animals can be found in the zoo.
A. Various B. Wild C. Lonely D. Tame
42. The doctor examined the patient painstakingly.
A. perfunctorily B. professionally C. painfully D. carefully
43. The company has continued to monopolize the distribution of the products.
A. centralize B. specialize C. liberalize D. regularize
44. A conservative estimate put the number of missing persons at forty.
A. A rough B. An accurate C. A primitive D. An incorrect
45. The agency has sworn to deal with all the apostles of confederation.
A. proponents B. protagonists C. apostates D. opponents.
In each of questions 46 to 60, choose the option nearest in meaning to word(s) or phrase in italics.
46. The leader has the unstinting support of his party.
A. unsparing B. laudable C. uninspiring D. cautious.
47. The party supporters vilified the Chairman for the role he played in the crisis that rocked the party.
A. elected. B. challenged C. condemned D. impeached
48. The company is to shed three thousand staff this year.
A. demote B. lay off C. throw up D. placate
49. There was a glut of oil on the market.
A. a variety of B. an accumulation of C. an abundance of D. an increase in
50. A few years ago, nobody would have believed that the economy would turn around.
A. deteriorate B. improve C. stagnate D. change
51. Before announcing his retirement, Ochima resolved to settle on account with the bank.
A. pay back all he owes B. close his account with C. retire his loans from D. get back at
52. The boys knew that a storm was imminent.
A. possible B. impending C. threatening D. encroaching
53. The nurse was in favour of voluntary euthanasia.
A. a painless death B. a simple operation C. a sleeping pill D. a major operation
54. The cynics feared that the nation’s nascent democracy would fail.
A. pessimists B. delinquents C. critics D. illusionists
55. The essence of governance is to seek the good and well-being of the majority of the people.
A. importance B. goal C. characteristic D. secret
56. From what she said, one may infer that she does not like the course.
A. suppose B. realize C. deduce D. agree
57. He shared his room with a person whose behavior was quite nauseating.
A. disrespectful B. disgraceful C. discouraging D. disgusting
58. The carpenter built a commodious wardrobe.
A. gigantic B. small C. spacious D. wide
59. Publishing as a business venture has become a hot potato in Nigeria.
A. unpleasant B. profitable C. unacceptable D. expensive
60. The man’s story sounded plausible to his audience.
A. fantastic B. credulous C. credible D. entertaining
In each of questions 61 to 85, fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided.
61. ‘I can’t stand people prying into my private life’, Ladi said.
‘…,’ (A. Me neither B. Me too C. I also D. Likewise myself) agreed
Agbenu.
62. The sergeant spoke to me in a … (A. coerce B. coarse C. course D. causal) manner.
63. The reason why he was not offered admission was …(A. because B.
that C. when D. owning to) his results could not be found.
64. Adika… (A. receive B. receives C. has received D. had received) a message from the club regularly.
65. Three quarters of the people in the village … killed but only half of their huts … ( A.
were/was B. were/were C. was/was) affected.
66. If you saw the photograph of the man, … (A. can B. will C. would D. could) you be able to identify him?
67. It is bad to take… (A. someone else’s B. someone’s else C.
someone’s else’s D. someone elses’) property without permission.
68. As Obande does not know anyone in this city, he hopes that some kind… (A. men B.
individuals C. man D. inhabitants) will put him up for the night.
69. Be careful not to… (A lose B. loose C. loss D. lost) this money.
70. How is the new editor… (A. pushing B. going C. getting D. moving) on with his work?
71. Nowadays, many graduates are not well disposed to teaching,… (A. do they? B. they are? C. aren’t they? D. are they?)
72. The armed robbers went into the house and robbed the three… (A. women’s occupants B.
women occupants C. woman occupants D. woman’s occupants).
73. It is often… that inflation… (A. say/resulted B.
said/result C. said/results D. say/result) from too much money
chasing very few goods.
74. If you would do me this favour, I … (A. will B. shall C. would D. should) be very grateful.
75. I have the … (A. privilege B. priviledge C. privilege D. privilege) of meeting the President.
76. My classmate,… (A. that B. whose C. whom D. which) I haven’t seen for years, wrote to me last week.
77. Four weeks… (A. has been B. are C. were D. is) enough for the police to conclude their investigation.
78. The woman is one of the … (A. elitists B. elites C. elite D. elitist) of the society.
79. The doctor asked the patient what … (A. is the problem B. the problem was C. the problem is D. is your problem).
80. He put… (A. a white dozen eggs B. dozen white eggs C. a dozen white eggs D. white dozen eggs) in a basket.
81. Idakwo ran… (A. lest he almost B. lest he will C. lest he should. D. lest he may) miss the train.
82. Course … (A. material B. materials C. material’s D. materials’) writers are to reflect local colour.
83. It was a free-for-all and the students were blamed for taking the
law… (A. into their hands B. in their hands C. into their own hands D.
in their own hands).
84. Ali plays… (A. their B. some C. a D. the) violin with remarkable skill.
85. The candidate’s charisma should be a…(A. determinable B.
determining C. determinant D. determinate) factor in winning the
election.
In each of questions 86 to 88, choose the option that has
the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s)
underlined.
86. colonel
A. gaol B. colony C. golden D. girl
87. tend
A. jeopardy B. turned C. earned D. caned
88. market
A. get B. mortgage C. enter D. bachelor
In each of questions 89 to 91, choose the option that has a different vowel sound from the others.
89. A dear B. fair C. bear D. there
90. A. hope B. cost C. coast D. won’t
91. A. naught B. north C. spot D. law
In each of questions 92 to 94, choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined.
92. concrete
A. attend B. anxious C. concern D. consider
93. chalet
A. college B. chemical C. chairman D. champagne
94. teeth
A. though B. taught C. thought D. tank
In each of questions 95 and 96, choose the option that has a different consonant sound from the others.
95. A. shoe B. ocean C. chef D. chief
96. A. laugh B. off C. wife D. of
In each of questions 97 and 98, choose the option that has the same stress pattern as the given word.
97. cement
A. employ (noun) B. interest C. perfect (adjective) D. include
98. typist
A. rebel (verb) B. superb C. refuse (noun) D. propose
In each of questions 99 and 100, the word in capital
letters has the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the sentence
relates.
99. My MOTHER served rice and fresh fish stew for dinner.
A. What of kind of meal did your mother serve for dinner?
B. Did your mother serve rice and fresh fish stew for lunch?
C. What kind of stew did your mother serve for dinner?
D. Who served rice and fresh fish stew for dinner?
100. The President SPOKE to the press.
A. Who spoke to the press? B. to? C. Did the President speak to the press? D. Did the President write to the press?
