All practice questions

13931 questions

Question 3121Question

Which pronoun correctly fills the blank in the sentence: 'After the final whistle blew, every player on the boys' soccer team gathered _____ equipment from the bench'?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: his

Answer

The pronoun 'his' correctly completes the sentence because the antecedent 'every player' is singular and refers to a member of a male team.
The quantifier 'every' makes the noun phrase 'every player' grammatically singular. Since the sentence specifies a male athletic team, the singular masculine possessive pronoun 'his' maintains strict pronoun-antecedent agreement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the antecedent of the missing pronoun.
The antecedent is 'every player'.
The pronoun in the blank indicates ownership of the equipment belonging to each player.
2
Determine the grammatical number and gender of the antecedent.
The determiner 'every' specifies a singular noun phrase ('every player'), and 'boys' soccer team' indicates male gender.
Indefinite determiners such as 'every' take singular pronoun agreement in standard formal English.
3
Select the pronoun that matches the antecedent in number, gender, and case.
The third-person singular masculine possessive pronoun 'his' is required.
It agrees with the singular antecedent in person, gender, and possessive case.

Key Concept

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement with Singular Indefinite Modifiers
Question 3122Question

Choose the option that accurately maintains subject-verb concord in the following sentence:

"Each of the structural engineers, along with the project supervisors, _____ required to sign the safety audit before construction can resume."

Which word correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: is

Answer

The correct option is 'is', because the singular indefinite pronoun 'Each' is the grammatical subject of the sentence.
The sentence head is the singular indefinite pronoun 'Each', which strictly requires a singular verb. The intervening phrase introduced by 'along with' is parenthetical and does not pluralize the subject. Therefore, the singular verb 'is' correctly fulfills the rule of subject-verb concord.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical head of the subject phrase.
The true subject is the singular indefinite pronoun 'Each'.
Indefinite pronouns such as 'Each', 'Every', and 'Either' function as singular head subjects.
2
Evaluate the effect of the intervening phrase.
The phrase 'along with the project supervisors' is a prepositional/parenthetical modifier and does not make the subject compound or plural.
Prepositional expressions like 'along with', 'as well as', and 'together with' do not join subjects conjunctively like 'and' does.
3
Select the singular verb form that matches the head subject.
The singular present tense verb 'is' establishes proper grammatical concord.
Singular subjects require singular verbs in present tense statements.

Key Concept

Subject-Verb Concord with Indefinite Pronouns and Intervening Parenthetical Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3123Question

"The evening gathering took place in the village square of Umuagu, beneath the ancestral silk-cotton tree where elders historically convened during times of communal crisis. As dry harmattan winds swept red dust across the gathering, the youth sat silently on low wooden stools, surrounding the chief whose traditional staff was planted firmly into the dry earth."

In the excerpt above, how does the physical and atmospheric setting primarily contribute to the overall narrative context?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It reinforces the solemnity of a traditional communal crisis through symbolic cultural and seasonal markers.

Answer

The physical and atmospheric setting primarily reinforces the solemnity of a traditional communal crisis through symbolic cultural and seasonal markers.
The correct answer accurately identifies how details such as the ancestral tree, the chief's staff, the silent gathering during a crisis, and the dry harmattan atmosphere establish a solemn tone rooted in traditional communal authority.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the physical location and historical setting markers.
The village square, ancestral silk-cotton tree, and chief's staff establish a traditional, culturally significant environment where critical elders' meetings occur.
Setting elements often signal thematic weight and societal structures in prescribed prose texts.
2
Examine the atmospheric and weather conditions.
Dry harmattan winds and red dust create a harsh, tense atmosphere complementing the 'communal crisis' context.
Environmental cues parallel narrative tension and emotional tone.
3
Synthesize setting features with narrative purpose.
The combination of ancestral symbols and harsh seasonal weather emphasizes the seriousness and solemn nature of the meeting.
Setting acts as a structural backdrop that mirrors the narrative condition.

Key Concept

Function of Physical and Atmospheric Setting in Prescribed Text
Question 3124Question

During the department debrief, the supervisor noted that the administrator's MERCURIAL temperament often left staff uncertain about how he would react to routine workplace updates. Which word is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to MERCURIAL as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: predictable

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'mercurial' is 'predictable'.
In the context of the sentence, 'mercurial' describes someone whose mood or temperament changes suddenly and unpredictably. The word 'predictable' means constant and easy to anticipate, making it the precise antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the target word in the sentence.
The phrase 'left staff uncertain about how he would react' indicates that 'mercurial' describes an unpredictable, volatile, or changeable temperament.
Contextual clues clarify the specific trait being evaluated.
2
Identify the required relation (antonym).
We need a word that signifies steady, consistent, or foreseeable behavior rather than changeable behavior.
The question asks for the word opposite in meaning.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the correct antonym.
'Predictable' directly opposes 'mercurial' because it means reliable and constant in nature.
Selecting 'predictable' satisfies the requirement for an antonym.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms in Lexis and Vocabulary
Question 3125Question

Read the statement below regarding archival preservation. Which word nearest in meaning to 'meticulous' correctly completes the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

The archivist approached the restoration project with care, scrutinizing every fragile manuscript before cataloging it.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

painstaking (or fastidious / scrupulous / thorough)
The context describes an archivist scrutinizing delicate manuscripts with high precision. The words 'painstaking', 'fastidious', or 'scrupulous' directly express the concept of being extremely careful, thorough, and attentive to detail.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The archivist is scrutinizing fragile manuscripts before cataloging them, indicating extreme attention to detail.
Contextual clues like 'scrutinizing every fragile manuscript' indicate careful and precise effort.
2
Identify the word nearest in meaning to 'meticulous' that logically fits the grammatical slot
The words 'painstaking', 'fastidious', or 'scrupulous' mean showing great care and thoroughness.
These terms accurately convey the precise, diligent effort described in the sentence.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Question 3126Question

Match each literary excerpt on the left with the dominant textual tone, character mood, or scene atmosphere it conveys on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

"Shadows lengthen across the hollow moor,
Where no bird sings and cold winds creep;
The fog exhales a silent threat,
While ancient trees their secrets keep."
"Our esteemed leader spent three hours explaining how the collapse of the city bridge was actually a remarkable achievement in modern architecture."
"KAFO: Spare him! Take everything I own—my land, my title, my very life—but leave my son unharm'd! I beg you on my knees!"
"She held the faded photograph to her chest, recalling the golden afternoons of her childhood when laughter rang freely through her grandmother's courtyard."

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The poetic stanza describing creeping fog and silent threats matches an eerie and ominous atmosphere; the passage praising a collapsed bridge matches a sarcastic and satirical tone; the dramatic dialogue offering life for a son matches a desperate and anguished mood; and the reflection on a faded childhood photograph matches a nostalgic and wistful tone.
Each excerpt exhibits specific linguistic indicators matching its literary designation: environmental threats evoke an eerie atmosphere; ironic praise indicates a sarcastic tone; intense emotional pleas show an anguished mood; and fond reflection on the past conveys a nostalgic tone.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the poetic stanza regarding environmental description.
Phrases like 'silent threat' and 'cold winds creep' build dread, establishing an eerie and ominous atmosphere.
Setting descriptions that emphasize foreboding elements create scene atmosphere.
2
Examine the prose excerpt about the city bridge.
Praising a structural failure as a 'remarkable achievement' utilizes verbal irony, establishing a sarcastic and satirical tone.
Authorial or speaker stance that mocks through irony reflects tone.
3
Evaluate the character's speech in the dramatic snippet.
Begging on knees and offering all possessions conveys extreme distress, establishing a desperate and anguished mood.
Character dialogue and actions reveal internal emotional state (mood).
4
Assess the passage featuring the faded photograph.
Fond memories of past childhood laughter evoke a nostalgic and wistful tone.
Sentimental longing for the past defines nostalgia.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between authorial tone, character mood, and scene atmosphere in literary texts.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 3127Question

In Khadija Abubakar Jalli's *The Life Changer*, what is the primary structural function of Dr. Sam-Mensa during the examination malpractice proceedings?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: He presides over the disciplinary committee that enforces university regulations and decides Salma's expulsion.

Answer

Dr. Sam-Mensa presides over the disciplinary committee that enforces university regulations and decides Salma's expulsion.
In Khadija Abubakar Jalli's *The Life Changer*, Dr. Sam-Mensa is the head of the University Disciplinary Committee. His structural role in the plot is to uphold institutional standards by conducting the trial that ultimately leads to Salma's expulsion, marking a key crisis in her personal transformation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the minor character Dr. Sam-Mensa in the context of the novel.
Dr. Sam-Mensa is a lecturer who serves as the Chairman of the University Disciplinary Committee.
He appears in the narrative specifically during the formal investigation into Salma's examination malpractice.
2
Analyze his structural and thematic role in the plot.
His committee hears the case, evaluates the evidence against Salma, and issues the verdict of expulsion.
His function represents institutional justice and serves as the turning point that forces Salma to face the consequences of her moral compromises.

Key Concept

Minor Character Identification and Functions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3128Question

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the appropriate word to form the correct fixed collocation.

Fill in the blanks below

During the parliamentary debate, several opposition members were quick to exception to the minister's controversial remarks.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct word to complete the phrase is 'take'.
The verb 'take' correctly combines with 'exception to' to form the standard fixed expression 'take exception to', which means to object strongly or express disapproval.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target fixed phrase in the context of the sentence.
The sentence requires a verb that pairs specifically with the noun phrase 'exception to' to express objection or disagreement.
In formal English, the established fixed expression meaning 'to object to' or 'to take offense at' is 'take exception to'.
2
Verify grammatical agreement and collocational naturalness.
The base form 'take' follows the infinitive marker 'to'.
Collocations rely on specific lexical pairings; substituting other verbs creates an ungrammatical or unnatural expression.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Phrases
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3129Question

In Khadija Abubakar Jalli's prescribed novel *The Life Changer*, which minor character is Salma's hostel roommate from Benue State, best known for her generosity in sharing home-cooked food with her roommates?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Ada; Ada.

Answer

Ada
In *The Life Changer*, Ada is one of Salma's three hostel roommates at the university. Hailing from Benue State, she is characterized by her generosity and habit of bringing food items from home to share with her room members.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the character based on state of origin and behavioral details in the text.
Ada is identified as the roommate hailing from Benue State who frequently brings food to share in the hostel room.
In *The Life Changer*, the author highlights the harmonious relationship among Salma's diverse roommates, specifically noting Ada's food-sharing habit.

Key Concept

Minor Character Identification and Functions
Question 3130Question

Read the dramatic excerpt below carefully:

BISI: (Clenching her fists, eyes fixed on the empty vault) "They took the harvest, they took the titles, and now they dance upon our father's grave! But hear me, brother, as long as blood flows in these veins, no council of elders will sleep in peace!"
KUNLE: "Quiet, Bisi! The walls themselves have ears tonight."

Which of the following best describes the dominant tone of Bisi's speech?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Defiant and vengeful

Answer

Defiant and vengeful
Bisi's speech demonstrates explicit defiance and revenge. Her physical gesture of clenching her fists combined with declarations that the elders will not 'sleep in peace' emphasizes active resistance and retaliatory intent.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the speaker and evaluate word choice
Bisi uses strong, aggressive phrasing such as 'clenching her fists', 'no council of elders will sleep in peace', and 'as long as blood flows in these veins'.
Tone reflects the speaker's emotional attitude toward the subject matter through diction.
2
Distinguish speaker tone from surrounding scene atmosphere
While the scene carries a tense atmosphere due to Kunle's warning, Bisi's attitude remains resolute and retaliatory.
Tone belongs specifically to the speaker (Bisi), whereas mood or atmosphere reflects the overall environment or listener reaction.
3
Match diction with literary tone descriptors
'Defiant' captures her refusal to accept the elders' actions, and 'vengeful' matches her pledge to disturb their peace.
Selected descriptors must fully encapsulate both aspects of her expression.

Key Concept

Textual Tone, Mood, and Atmosphere
Question 3131Question

In a prescribed prose narrative centered on a rural district court's land survey dispute, which narrative event directly causes the presiding magistrate to suspend the demarcation proceedings?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The discovery of an older, registered boundary treaty inside the village chief's private records

Answer

The discovery of an older, registered boundary treaty inside the village chief's private records.
The uncovering of the historical boundary treaty presents decisive legal evidence that directly forces the presiding magistrate to halt the current survey until the newly discovered title can be authenticated.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the plot sequence and identify key turning points in the legal dispute.
Recognize that narrative cause-and-effect hinges on official legal documentation rather than peripheral civil unrest.
The magistrate acts specifically upon evidence that challenges the court's jurisdiction and previous survey boundaries.
2
Evaluate the direct cause of the magistrate's suspension order.
Confirm that uncovering the historical boundary treaty forces an immediate legal pause for document verification.
Narrative plot progression establishes a direct causal link between the treaty's unearthing and the court's formal adjournment.

Key Concept

Plot Summary and Narrative Events
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 3132Question

Match each phrasal verb on the left with its precise contextual meaning on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Paper over
Egg on
Saddle with
Claw back

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Paper over' pairs with 'Conceal superficial flaws or differences without resolving the root problem'; 'Egg on' pairs with 'Incite or encourage someone to commit a reckless or unwise action'; 'Saddle with' pairs with 'Burden a person or organization with an unwanted obligation or heavy task'; 'Claw back' pairs with 'Reclaim or retrieve funds, assets, or benefits previously granted'.
Each phrasal verb correctly corresponds to its standard idiomatic meaning: 'Paper over' denotes concealing underlying flaws superficially; 'Egg on' means inciting someone to act foolishly; 'Saddle with' signifies imposing an unwanted burden or debt; and 'Claw back' denotes retrieving previously distributed funds or privileges.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of 'Paper over'
'Paper over' refers to applying a superficial fix or disguise over serious flaws or disagreements, matching the definition of concealing superficial flaws without resolving the root problem.
Understanding the figurative origin (pasting wallpaper over cracks) clarifies its semantic focus on superficial concealment.
2
Determine the contextual meaning of 'Egg on'
'Egg on' functions as an idiomatic phrasal verb meaning to urge someone into risky behavior, matching the definition of inciting or encouraging a reckless action.
Distinguishing 'egg on' from neutral encouragement highlights its specific implication of provoking foolish or unwise acts.
3
Determine the contextual meaning of 'Saddle with'
'Saddle with' means placing a heavy responsibility on someone, matching the definition of burdening a person or organization with an unwanted obligation.
Recognizing the metaphor of mounting a heavy pack on an animal clarifies its meaning of imposing undesirable duties.
4
Determine the contextual meaning of 'Claw back'
'Claw back' refers to retrieving or reclaiming money or benefits previously distributed, matching the definition of retrieving previously granted funds or assets.
Identifying the formal economic and regulatory context of 'claw back' ensures correct alignment with asset retrieval.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 3133Question

Read the statement below carefully:

'When questioned about the sudden collapse of the regional healthcare initiative, the ministry official remarked that the project had merely undergone a minor operational realignment before being quietly terminated.'

Which figure of speech is illustrated by the phrase 'a minor operational realignment', and what is its intended communicative function?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Euphemism, used to obscure and soften the unpleasant reality of a complete project failure.

Answer

Euphemism, used to obscure and soften the unpleasant reality of a complete project failure.
The phrase 'a minor operational realignment' is a classic example of euphemism. It replaces a unpleasant, harsh, or damaging reality (the complete collapse and failure of a healthcare initiative) with an indirect, mild, and bureaucratic expression designed to minimize embarrassment and soften public reaction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the underlined/target expression in the sentence.
The context describes a 'sudden collapse' and quiet termination of a major healthcare initiative, which represents a public policy failure.
Understanding the surrounding context reveals the true severity of the event being described.
2
Examine the phrase 'a minor operational realignment' against the contextual reality.
The official uses polite, mild, and sanitized phrasing ('minor operational realignment') to replace a blunt, damaging fact ('sudden collapse' and failure).
Identifying the replacement of an unpleasant truth with an agreeable or harmless term isolates the figure of speech.
3
Classify the figure of speech and determine its function.
The substitution of a mild term for a harsh reality defines euphemism, intended here to downplay administrative failure and lessen public criticism.
Differentiating euphemism from hyperbole, metaphor, and synecdoche ensures accurate literary identification.

Key Concept

Euphemism and Contextual Connotation
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 3134Question

Consider the following sentence: 'Neither the principal researcher nor the field assistants _____ aware of the sudden change in protocol.' Which option provides the grammatically correct verb form to complete the sentence in accordance with the rule of concord?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: were

Answer

The verb form 'were' is correct because when two subjects are connected by 'neither ... nor', the verb must agree in number with the subject closest to it ('field assistants').
Under the rule of proximity concord in English grammar, when subjects of different numbers are linked by correlated conjunctions such as 'neither ... nor' or 'either ... or', the verb must agree in number with the noun phrase nearest to it. Here, the plural noun phrase 'the field assistants' is closest to the verb position, requiring the plural verb 'were'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the syntactic structure of the sentence subject.
The subject consists of two noun phrases ('the principal researcher' and 'the field assistants') connected by the correlated conjunction 'neither ... nor'.
Correlated conjunctions follow the principle of proximity concord.
2
Apply the rule of proximity concord.
The subject closer to the verb blank is 'the field assistants', which is plural.
When subjects connected by 'neither ... nor' differ in number, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
3
Select the matching plural past-tense verb form.
The plural past-tense verb form 'were' correctly completes the clause describing a past state of awareness.
Plural subject 'field assistants' requires plural verb agreement.

Key Concept

Proximity Concord with Correlated Conjunctions
Estimated Time:45s
Question 3135Question

Read the sentence below carefully. Which word nearest in meaning to 'short-lived' correctly completes the contextual blank?

Fill in the blanks below

The financial windfall from the speculative investment proved to be , disappearing completely within a matter of weeks.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

ephemeral (or transient / fleeting / temporary)
The sentence specifies that the windfall disappeared within weeks, requiring a term denoting a brief or temporary duration. 'Ephemeral', 'transient', 'fleeting', or 'temporary' all correctly express the concept of being short-lived in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The clause 'disappearing completely within a matter of weeks' defines the target property of the financial windfall as brief and brief-lived.
Context clues explicitly indicate that the phenomenon did not last long.
2
Identify the word nearest in meaning to 'short-lived'
'Ephemeral' (or 'transient'/'fleeting') means lasting for a very short time.
This word directly matches the contextual requirement of brief duration.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3136Question

Read the excerpt below and answer the question that follows:

"The dusty, sun-bleached market square of Oja-Oko had fallen unnaturally silent beneath the harsh midday glare. Dried cocoa beans lay spread across woven mats, their pungent fermentation mingling with the stale odor of diesel exhaust from stationary petrol generators. As tension mounted between the youth leaders and the traditional council inside the town hall, the oppressive heat outside seemed to stall all movement in the community, mirroring the deadlock within."

How does the physical and atmospheric setting of Oja-Oko serve a thematic function in the narrative?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: It mirrors the emotional stagnation and unresolved conflict between the traditional authority and the youth.

Answer

The setting mirrors the emotional stagnation and unresolved conflict between the traditional authority and the youth.
The passage explicitly connects the physical environment (oppressive heat stalling community movement) to the human situation (the deadlock inside the town hall between youth leaders and the traditional council). Therefore, the physical and atmospheric setting functions symbolically to reflect the emotional stagnation and unresolved socio-political tension.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify key physical and environmental descriptors in the excerpt.
The scene features harsh midday glare, oppressive heat, heavy pungent odors, and stalled movement across an unnaturally silent market square.
Establishing explicit setting features is essential before determining their thematic or symbolic purpose.
2
Analyze how the physical setting relates to the narrative action.
The passage explicitly notes that 'the oppressive heat outside seemed to stall all movement in the community, mirroring the deadlock within.'
Authors frequently use setting to physically externalize internal or socio-political conflicts within a narrative.
3
Determine the overarching thematic contribution of the setting.
The environmental conditions serve symbolically to emphasize the atmosphere of tension and political stalemate between the council and the youth.
Connecting environmental mood to narrative conflict identifies the setting's core literary function.

Key Concept

Setting, Context, and Environment in Prescribed Texts
Question 3137Question

During the annual budgetary review, the committee chairman emphasized that infrastructural development must _______ precedence over non-essential capital expenditure. Which word correctly completes the fixed expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: take

Answer

The word 'take' correctly completes the fixed expression 'take precedence over'.
The verb 'take' forms the fixed phrase 'take precedence over', which means to take priority or precedence over another item or concern.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and prepositional frame in the sentence.
The sentence requires a verb that collocates with the noun phrase 'precedence' followed by the preposition 'over'.
Fixed phrases and collocations in English require specific verb-preposition pairings to convey priority.
2
Evaluate the option verbs for idiomatic accuracy.
'Take' is the standard verb that pairs with 'precedence over' to express higher priority.
'Take precedence over' is the accepted idiomatic expression, whereas 'give' requires 'to' ('give precedence to') and 'make' or 'hold' do not collocate with 'precedence over'.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun-Preposition Collocations
Question 3138Question

When unexpected operational expenses threatened to derail the community infrastructure project, the committee had no option but to ________ their emergency reserve funds. Which of the following phrasal verbs best completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: fall back on

Answer

fall back on
The expression 'fall back on' correctly completes the sentence because it means to resort to or draw upon a reserve of money or support when faced with difficulty.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and required meaning
The context describes an organization facing unforeseen expenses and needing to use backup funds to sustain a project.
Determining the scenario establishes that the required verb must express resorting to or relying upon a reserve.
2
Evaluate the options against standard English phrasal verb definitions
'Fall back on' is the established phrasal verb meaning to turn to a reserve source for help or financial backing when primary means fail.
Matching the target meaning with the precise verb-particle combination ensures idiomatic accuracy.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 3139Question

During the bidding process for the municipal road construction project, the indigenous firm managed to steal a march on its foreign competitors by submitting their technical proposal ahead of the published deadline. Which of the following options best conveys the meaning of the idiomatic expression in bold?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: gained an unexpected advantage over

Answer

The correct option is the one stating 'gained an unexpected advantage over'.
The idiomatic expression 'steal a march on someone' means to gain an unexpected or secret advantage over a rival, especially by acting before they do. In the sentence, the indigenous firm secured an advantage over foreign rivals by submitting its proposal ahead of the deadline.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the idiomatic expression in context
The phrase 'steal a march on' describes acting early or quietly to gain a favorable position over a competitor.
Idioms cannot be understood through literal word-by-word translation; their established figurative meaning within the sentence must be identified.
2
Evaluate the options against the figurative meaning
The phrase 'gained an unexpected advantage over' matches the scenario of submitting a proposal ahead of rivals to outmaneuver them.
Submitting required documentation early to get ahead of competitors demonstrates gaining a head start or unexpected advantage.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 3140Question

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct word to complete the fixed prepositional collocation.

Fill in the blanks below

The regulatory agency warned that all manufacturing companies must operate in strict with environmental safety guidelines.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

compliance
The word 'compliance' completes the fixed prepositional phrase 'in strict compliance with', which is standard usage in formal and regulatory English contexts.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence frame and prepositions
Identified the structure 'in strict [noun] with'
English collocations mandate specific nouns to combine with fixed prepositional frames.
2
Select the correct noun matching 'in... with'
The word 'compliance' fits the fixed phrase 'in compliance with'
'Compliance' collocate natively with 'in' and 'with', whereas alternative synonyms like 'adherence' require 'to' (in adherence to) and 'accordance' requires 'with' but takes 'in accordance with' without 'strict' in the middle of this specific structure.

Key Concept

Fixed Prepositional Collocations
PreviousPage 157 / 697Next
All practice questions — JAMB UTME | Examkin