Examkin

All practice questions

13931 questions

All types13,931Multiple choice7,139True / False771Numeric1,526Matching2,583Ordering631Fill in the blank1,223Short answer58
Question 3461Question →

Match each vocabulary word in the left column with its precise antonym (word opposite in meaning) in the right column.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

sagacious
alacrity
copious
gregarious

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct pairings are: sagacious matches with fatuous; alacrity matches with reluctance; copious matches with meager; gregarious matches with reclusive.
Each left term is paired with its exact opposite in meaning: wisdom vs. foolishness (sagacious/fatuous), prompt readiness vs. unwillingness (alacrity/reluctance), abundance vs. scarcity (copious/meager), and social behavior vs. solitary retreat (gregarious/reclusive).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define the target vocabulary words on the left
Identify that 'sagacious' relates to wisdom, 'alacrity' to eagerness/speed, 'copious' to abundance, and 'gregarious' to sociability.
Establishing clear definitions is necessary before finding antonyms.
2
Match each left term to its semantic opposite in the right column
Pair wise ('sagacious') with foolish ('fatuous'), eager promptness ('alacrity') with unwillingness ('reluctance'), abundant ('copious') with deficient ('meager'), and social ('gregarious') with solitary ('reclusive').
Direct semantic opposition defines the correct antonym pairings.

Key Concept

Identifying direct contextual antonyms for advanced English vocabulary.
Question 3462Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct prepositions to fill the blanks.

Fill in the blanks below

The legal auditor observed that the board's recent directives were tantamount a breach of contract and subversive established institutional regulations.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank requires the preposition 'to' and the second blank requires the preposition 'of'.
The correct completion uses 'to' for the first blank and 'of' for the second blank. The adjective 'tantamount' standardly governs the preposition 'to' when indicating equivalence (meaning 'equal in effect to'). The adjective 'subversive' standardly governs the preposition 'of' when describing actions that seek to weaken or destroy an established authority or rule.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head word preceding the first blank and determine its required prepositional complement.
The adjective 'tantamount' requires the preposition 'to' (tantamount to).
In standard English usage, 'tantamount' collocates specifically with 'to' to mean equivalent in seriousness, effect, or value.
2
Identify the head word preceding the second blank and determine its required prepositional complement.
The adjective 'subversive' requires the preposition 'of' (subversive of).
When 'subversive' functions adjectivally to show destruction or undermining of an established authority, system, or rule, it takes the preposition 'of'.

Key Concept

Dependent Prepositions and Fixed Prepositional Collocations
Question 3463Question →

The professor gave a lucid explanation of the complex economic theory, enabling all the students to understand the concept easily. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: clear

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'lucid' in this context is 'clear'.
The word 'lucid' in this sentence characterizes an explanation that is intelligible and easy to understand. Contextually, 'clear' is the word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context for clues regarding the target word
The clause 'enabling all the students to understand the concept easily' defines the nature of the professor's explanation.
Contextual clues indicate that 'lucid' signifies clarity and intelligibility.
2
Compare option meanings against the target word in context
'Clear' directly matches the contextual meaning of being easily understood.
'Clear' is the appropriate synonym for 'lucid' when describing explanations or communication.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonym Identification
Question 3464Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the word nearest in meaning that correctly fits the context.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite being an accomplished scholar, the guest speaker was surprisingly during public panel discussions, rarely uttering more than a few words unless directly prompted.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

reticent (or reserved, taciturn)
The correct response 'reticent' (or 'reserved' / 'taciturn') means disposed to be silent or not speak freely, perfectly aligning with the clue that the speaker 'rarely uttered more than a few words'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues within the sentence
The phrase 'rarely uttering more than a few words unless directly prompted' indicates a strong inclination toward silence or restraint in speech.
Contextual clues define the exact lexical meaning required to fill the blank.
2
Select a word nearest in meaning to describe a person who is disinclined to speak freely
The word 'reticent' (or its synonyms 'reserved' and 'taciturn') precisely describes someone who is habitually quiet or uncommunicative.
It accurately conveys the restrained verbal demeanor described in the passage.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Estimated Time:45s
Question 3465Question →

The investigative panel dismissed the report after discovering that it was based on SPURIOUS allegations. Which of the following options is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: authentic

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'spurious' is 'authentic'.
In the given sentence, 'spurious' means false, deceitful, or lacking genuine proof. The word 'authentic' means real, genuine, and verified, which serves as the exact opposite in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the target word in the sentence
The word 'SPURIOUS' describes allegations that led an investigative panel to dismiss a report, indicating the allegations were false, fake, or ungrounded.
Understanding the contextual meaning of the target word is essential before searching for its opposite.
2
Determine the antonym requirement
An antonym for 'spurious' must mean genuine, true, valid, or authentic.
The question asks for the word most nearly opposite in meaning.
3
Evaluate the choices against the required antonym
'Authentic' directly means genuine and true, making it the precise contextual antonym.
Words like 'counterfeit' and 'specious' share similar meanings with 'spurious', while 'superficial' refers to depth rather than truthfulness.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
Question 3466Question →

Despite repeated warnings from his doctor about his failing health, Chief Ojo continued to turn a deaf ear to all medical advice. Which of the following best explains the meaning of the underlined expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Refuse to listen to or ignore advice deliberately

Answer

Refuse to listen to or ignore advice deliberately
The idiom 'turn a deaf ear' means to purposefully ignore or refuse to pay attention to advice, requests, or warnings. In the sentence, Chief Ojo deliberately disregarded his doctor's health warnings.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the idiomatic expression in the sentence context
The expression is 'turn a deaf ear'.
Recognizing the phrase as an established idiom helps prevent a literal interpretation.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the expression within the context
To 'turn a deaf ear' means to deliberately refuse to listen, take notice of, or obey advice or warnings.
Idioms convey figurative meanings that differ from the literal definitions of their individual words.

Key Concept

Understanding and interpreting English idioms in context
Question 3467Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying a word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in context.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the fierce criticism from opponents, the minister remained adamant in her decision to reform the sector, proving to be completely throughout the deliberations.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'adamant' in this context is 'unyielding' (or 'resolute' / 'unwavering').
In formal English context, 'adamant' describes someone who maintains a firm, unshakeable stance despite pressure or opposition. Therefore, words like 'unyielding', 'resolute', or 'unwavering' convey the exact meaning needed to complete the sentence accurately.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues in the sentence
The sentence contrasts 'fierce criticism from opponents' with the minister's refusal to change her decision during deliberations.
The contextual contrast highlights a refusal to yield or compromise despite external pressure.
2
Identify the word nearest in meaning to 'adamant'
'Adamant' means refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind, making 'unyielding', 'resolute', or 'unwavering' the precise contextual synonym.
Matching the definition and formal register of the word within administrative/socio-political prose.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms in Lexis and Vocabulary
Question 3468Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the grammatically correct form of the verb to maintain proper subject-verb agreement.

Fill in the blanks below

The number of candidates registered for the national entrance examination increased significantly over the past three years.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct verb form to complete the sentence is 'has'.
In English grammatical concord, the expression 'The number of' is treated as a singular subject and takes a singular verb. Therefore, the singular present perfect auxiliary verb 'has' is required to agree with 'The number'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical subject of the sentence.
The subject noun phrase is introduced by 'The number of'.
The expression 'The number of' specifies a singular quantity or unit, making the noun phrase grammatically singular.
2
Distinguish between 'The number of' and 'A number of'.
'The number of' always takes a singular verb, whereas 'A number of' takes a plural verb.
Intervening plural nouns like 'candidates' do not alter the singular grammatical requirement of 'The number of'.
3
Select the appropriate auxiliary verb for singular subject concord in the present perfect tense.
The singular auxiliary verb 'has' correctly completes 'has increased'.
The singular subject demands the singular verb form 'has' rather than plural options like 'have'.

Key Concept

Concord with 'The number of' vs 'A number of'
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3469Question →

Select the appropriate word required to complete the established idiomatic expression in the passage below.

Fill in the blanks below

Following the high court's liquidation ruling, the receiver took possession of the insolvent company's entire enterprise lock, , and barrel.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

stock
The word 'stock' completes the fixed three-part idiomatic phrase 'lock, stock, and barrel', which means completely or entirely, including every single component.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contextual meaning and fixed structure of the idiom.
The sentence describes taking over an entire business completely and without exception.
English idiomatic expressions rely on fixed word combinations that cannot be altered arbitrarily.
2
Determine the exact word that forms the triad in the fixed idiom.
The phrase 'lock, stock, and barrel' originates from the constituent parts of a firearm, together signifying 'completely' or 'in its entirety'.
Inserting 'stock' correctly reconstructs the standard fixed idiom 'lock, stock, and barrel'.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 3470Question →

The newly appointed management board initiated a comprehensive restructuring plan _____ operational efficiency across all regional subsidiaries. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: with a view to improving

Answer

with a view to improving
The expression 'with a view to' is a fixed multi-word prepositional phrase meaning 'with the intention of'. In this idiom, 'to' is a preposition (not an infinitive marker), so it must be followed by a gerund ('improving'). Therefore, the phrase stating 'with a view to improving' is the only grammatically correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target idiomatic prepositional phrase required by the sentence context.
The intended meaning is 'with the intention or aim of', which corresponds to the fixed English complex preposition 'with a view to'.
Standard English grammar requires exact adherence to fixed multi-word prepositional expressions.
2
Determine the correct complement structure following 'with a view to'.
Since 'to' functions as a preposition within this specific phrase (and not as part of an infinitive verb), it must be followed by a noun phrase or a gerund ('improving').
Prepositions in English must take nominal complements, making the '-ing' form mandatory after prepositional 'to'.

Key Concept

Complex Prepositional Phrases and Prepositional 'To' with Gerunds
Question 3471Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct word needed to form the established idiomatic expression.

Fill in the blanks below

When confronted by the investigative committee, the accountant finally decided to bite the and admit his involvement in the financial scandal.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

bullet
The correct word is 'bullet', completing the established idiomatic expression 'to bite the bullet', which means to face a difficult situation with courage and accept the consequences.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contextual requirement of accepting an inevitable and unpleasant situation.
The phrase describes someone forcing themselves to perform a painful or difficult duty.
The accountant must confess to his involvement despite the undesirable consequences.
2
Recall the fixed idiomatic expression corresponding to this meaning.
The established idiom is 'bite the bullet'.
Idioms rely on specific fixed words that cannot be altered or substituted.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:45s
Question 3472Question →

The old manual typewriter has become completely obsolete with the widespread adoption of modern personal computers. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: outdated

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'obsolete' is 'outdated'.
In the given sentence, 'obsolete' refers to technology that is out of date and superseded by modern advancements. 'Outdated' captures this exact meaning of being no longer current or in use.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined word in context
The word 'obsolete' describes a typewriter being replaced by modern computers.
Context clues ('widespread adoption of modern personal computers') indicate something that is no longer useful or current.
2
Evaluate the choices for synonym match
'outdated' directly conveys the meaning of being no longer in present use or style.
An item becomes obsolete when modern alternatives make it out of date.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms in Lexis and Vocabulary
Estimated Time:45s
Question 3473Question →

During the parliamentary inquiry into municipal procurement, the auditor noted that the former director had sailed close to the wind throughout the contract negotiation process.

Which of the following options best captures the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: acted on the verge of illegal or unacceptable behavior

Answer

The expression 'sailed close to the wind' means acting on the verge of illegal, dangerous, or improper behavior.
The idiomatic expression 'sail close to the wind' originates from seamanship, referring to sailing as close as possible to the direction from which the wind blows, which carries high risk. Figuratively, it means acting on the edge of what is legal, moral, or acceptable, risking failure or penalty.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined idiomatic expression
The target idiom is 'sailed close to the wind'.
Understanding the figurative meaning requires recognizing the idiom as a fixed figurative phrase.
2
Analyze the figurative meaning of the idiom in context
Originally a nautical phrase describing a ship sailing very close to the direction of the wind at high risk, figuratively it means operating at the extreme margin of safety, law, or propriety.
Contextual usage in a governance audit scenario points toward taking legal or ethical risks.
3
Evaluate the choices against the established meaning
The option defining the action as operating on the verge of illegal or unacceptable behavior accurately matches the figurative definition.
Distractors confuse literal meanings, make excessive assumptions of overt crime, or invert the meaning entirely.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 3474Question →

Match each English word on the left with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbol on the right that represents its stressed monophthong (pure vowel) sound.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

colonel
sieve
bosom
clerk

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word 'colonel' matches /ɜː/, 'sieve' matches /ɪ/, 'bosom' matches /ʊ/, and 'clerk' matches /ɑː/.
Each word is matched to its true RP monophthong sound: 'colonel' contains /ɜː/ (as in 'first'), 'sieve' contains /ɪ/ (as in 'bit'), 'bosom' contains /ʊ/ (as in 'put'), and 'clerk' contains /ɑː/ (as in 'car').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the primary stressed syllable of each target word to isolate its pure vowel sound.
Identified stressed vowel positions: 'col-' in colonel, 'sieve' (monosyllabic), 'bos-' in bosom, and 'clerk' (monosyllabic).
Monophthong sound identification relies on acoustic realization rather than conventional spelling.
2
Determine the accurate Received Pronunciation (RP) IPA transcription for each word.
'colonel' = /ˈkɜːn.əl/, 'sieve' = /sɪv/, 'bosom' = /ˈbʊz.əm/, 'clerk' = /klɑːk/.
Exposing irregular spelling patterns reveals the precise monophthong quality for each word.
3
Pair each word with its correct IPA symbol.
'colonel' pairs with /ɜː/, 'sieve' pairs with /ɪ/, 'bosom' pairs with /ʊ/, and 'clerk' pairs with /ɑː/.
Completes the matching alignment between orthographic representations and phonetic monophthongs.

Key Concept

Phonetic realization of English monophthongs in deceptive orthographic environments
Question 3475Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the word nearest in meaning to describe keen, sharp judgment in the context provided.

Fill in the blanks below

The chief auditor's investigation uncovered subtle accounting discrepancies that had escaped the notice of previous inspectors.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word nearest in meaning that correctly completes the blank is 'astute' (or 'shrewd' / 'discerning' / 'meticulous').
In this context, the blank requires a word that means having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage, such as 'astute', 'shrewd', or 'discerning'. This fits the auditor's ability to uncover hidden discrepancies.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes an investigation by a chief auditor that successfully uncovered subtle financial errors missed by others.
Contextual clues ('uncovered subtle discrepancies', 'escaped notice of previous inspectors') demand an adjective that means sharp, perceptive, and thorough.
2
Identify the contextual synonym
'Astute', 'shrewd', or 'discerning' accurately expresses the idea of keen mental insight and sharp observation required in audit investigations.
These words appropriately describe an investigation driven by high acuity and thoroughness.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms in Professional Lexis
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3476Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the word nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite intense pressure from the governing council to compromise, the vice-chancellor remained obdurate, refusing to modify the university's admission policies. A word nearest in meaning to obdurate in this context is .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

unyielding (or obstinate, stubborn, adamant, inflexible)
In this context, 'obdurate' describes a person who steadfastly refuses to alter their position or yield to external pressure. Therefore, words like 'unyielding', 'obstinate', 'stubborn', 'adamant', or 'inflexible' serve as accurate synonyms.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the underlined word 'obdurate' in the sentence.
The sentence describes an administrator who refuses to compromise or modify established policies despite strong pressure.
Contextual analysis shows that the target word describes a firm, unbending, and resolute posture.
2
Determine the precise meaning of 'obdurate'.
'Obdurate' means stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.
Understanding the formal register and denotative meaning of the word helps identify suitable contextual equivalents.
3
Identify words nearest in meaning that complete the blank.
Terms such as 'unyielding', 'obstinate', 'stubborn', 'adamant', or 'inflexible' fit the context accurately.
These synonyms convey the exact idea of refusing to yield to persuasion or pressure.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and High-Level Lexis
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 3477Question →

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

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Call off
Put off
Carry out
Bring about

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Call off' matches 'To cancel a planned event', 'Put off' matches 'To postpone or delay an action', 'Carry out' matches 'To perform or execute a task', and 'Bring about' matches 'To cause something to happen'.
Each phrasal verb is accurately paired with its established idiomatic meaning according to Standard British English rules tested in JAMB UTME.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the meaning of 'Call off'
'Call off' signifies abandoning or cancelling a scheduled event.
The particle 'off' combined with 'call' creates the standard phrasal verb for cancellation.
2
Identify the meaning of 'Put off'
'Put off' signifies deferring an action to a future time.
The particle 'off' with 'put' forms the phrasal verb meaning to postpone.
3
Identify the meaning of 'Carry out'
'Carry out' signifies completing or executing an assignment.
The particle 'out' with 'carry' forms the phrasal verb meaning to perform a plan or command.
4
Identify the meaning of 'Bring about'
'Bring about' signifies causing a change or result.
The particle 'about' with 'bring' forms the phrasal verb meaning to cause.

Key Concept

Contextual Meanings of Common Phrasal Verbs
Question 3478Question →

From the options provided, choose the word that has the same pure vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letters in s<u>ou</u>thern.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: blood

Answer

The word 'blood' contains the same pure vowel sound /ʌ/ as the underlined part in 'southern'.
The underlined letters 'ou' in 'southern' are pronounced as the short monophthong /ʌ/. The word 'blood' shares this exact monophthong sound (/blʌd/), making it the correct choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target monophthong sound in the underlined letters.
The underlined letters 'ou' in 'southern' (/ˈsʌðən/) produce the short open-mid central monophthong sound /ʌ/.
English phonetic rules specify a vowel shift from the base noun 'south' (/saʊ��/) to the adjective 'southern' (/ˈsʌðən/).
2
Analyze the vowel sound in each option.
'blood' = /blʌd/ (monophthong /ʌ/); 'south' = /saʊθ/ (diphthong /aʊ/); 'soup' = /suːp/ (long monophthong /uː/); 'course' = /kɔːs/ (long monophthong /ɔː/).
Comparing International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcriptions reveals which option shares the target monophthong.
3
Match the target sound to the correct option.
'blood' matches the monophthong /ʌ/ found in 'southern'.
Both words feature the identical short pure vowel /ʌ/ despite having different spelling patterns ('ou' vs 'oo').

Key Concept

Phonetic identification of the short monophthong /ʌ/ across varied orthographic spellings ('ou', 'oo').
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3479Question →

After months of intense disagreement among board members over the proposed corporate restructuring, the chief executive officer sought to pour oil on troubled waters during the emergency press conference. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: soothe anger and restore harmony in a contentious situation

Answer

soothe anger and restore harmony in a contentious situation
The idiom 'pour oil on troubled waters' means to say or do something to make an angry or difficult situation calm. In the sentence, the chief executive officer attempted to settle the dispute and soothe the board members' anger.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context in which the expression is used in the sentence.
The CEO is addressing severe disagreement and tension among board members during a press conference.
Contextual clues point toward an effort to calm a public and internal dispute.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of 'pour oil on troubled waters'.
The established idiom means to act as a peacemaker or do something to calm an angry or difficult situation.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally word-by-word; their established metaphorical meanings must be applied.
3
Match the figurative definition with the provided choices.
The option stating 'soothe anger and restore harmony in a contentious situation' is the precise definition.
It directly reflects the action of bringing peace and resolution to a conflict.

Key Concept

Contextual Interpretation of Idiomatic Expressions
Question 3480Question →

Which word opposite in meaning to the capitalized word correctly completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

While the lead forensic examiner was extraordinarily PUNCTILIOUS in gathering crime scene evidence, his inexperienced assistant proved to be surprisingly during the initial inspection.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word required is 'careless' (or valid antonyms such as 'negligent', 'perfunctory', 'sloppy', or 'remiss').
The capitalized word 'PUNCTILIOUS' describes someone who pays strict attention to detail and correct behavior. The sentence construction ('While... proved to be...') signals a contrast between the examiner and the assistant. Therefore, the blank must be filled with a word opposite in meaning, such as 'careless', 'negligent', or 'perfunctory'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the target word 'PUNCTILIOUS' in context.
'PUNCTILIOUS' means showing great attention to detail, being extremely meticulous, precise, or careful.
Identifying the baseline definition of the target word is essential before determining its opposite.
2
Analyze the syntactic structure of the sentence to identify the semantic relationship.
The subordinating conjunction 'While...' sets up a direct contrast between the examiner's thoroughness and the assistant's flaw.
The sentence demands an antonym that expresses a lack of care or attention to detail.
3
Select an appropriate word opposite in meaning.
'Careless' or 'negligent' directly opposes 'punctilious'.
These terms describe an attitude lacking precision and thoroughness.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
PreviousPage 174 / 697Next
All practice questions — JAMB UTME | Examkin