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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 421Question →

During the annual general meeting, when the aggrieved shareholders pressed for a clear account of the missing funds, the managing director attempted to __________ evasive excuses instead of presenting the audited statement. Which phrasal verb correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: fob them off with

Answer

fob them off with
The expression 'fob someone off with something' is the established phrasal verb pattern used when a person attempts to appease or evade persistent questioning by offering unsatisfactory or evasive excuses. In this context, the managing director is attempting to satisfy questioning shareholders with evasive excuses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual and syntactic requirements of the sentence stem.
The sentence requires a three-part phrasal-prepositional structure where a personal pronoun ('them', referring to shareholders) is the direct object, followed by a preposition introducing the instrument of evasion ('evasive excuses').
The scenario describes an executive attempting to pacify persistent interrogators using inadequate explanations.
2
Evaluate the precise idiomatic meaning of 'fob off'.
'Fob someone off with something' specifically denotes turning away or appeasing someone by offering deceptive or superficial excuses.
Standard British English usage requires 'fob [person] off with [excuse]' when addressing persistent inquiries.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs with Double Objects and Specific Prepositional Complements
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 422Question →

Read the sentence below and fill in the blank with a word that is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word.

Fill in the blanks below

While the lead negotiator remained completely OBDURATE throughout the discussions, his deputy proved surprisingly and open to compromise.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to OBDURATE in this context is 'compliant' (or acceptable synonyms such as 'pliant', 'yielding', 'flexible', or 'accommodating').
In formal English, 'OBDURATE' describes someone who is stubbornly unyielding and resistant to persuasion. The sentence contrast introduced by 'While' requires a word in the blank that expresses the opposite trait. Words such as 'compliant', 'pliant', 'yielding', 'flexible', or 'accommodating' accurately convey a willingness to compromise, making them valid contextual antonyms.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the capitalized target word in context.
The word 'OBDURATE' means stubborn, unyielding, or refusing to alter one's opinion or position despite persuasion.
Understanding the precise contextual definition of the target word is necessary before selecting its antonym.
2
Identify the contrast pattern established by the sentence structure.
The introductory conjunction 'While' establishes a direct contrast between the lead negotiator's stance and his deputy's behavior.
Sentence structure cues signal that the word completing the blank must be antithetical to 'OBDURATE'.
3
Determine an appropriate contextual antonym for the blank.
The opposite of being obdurate (stubborn/unyielding) when dealing with negotiations is being compliant, pliant, or flexible.
A compliant or yielding individual is willing to adapt, listen, and reach agreement with others.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms in Sentence Completion
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 423Question →

During the forensic audit, it was revealed that the chief executive officer had been sailing under false colours throughout his tenure at the firm. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Deceiving others by concealing his true character and intentions

Answer

Deceiving others by concealing his true character and intentions
The idiomatic expression 'sailing under false colours' originates from nautical practices where ships displayed flags of other nations to deceive observers. Figuratively, it means to act under false pretenses or disguise one's true character and motives. Therefore, the option describing deception by concealing true character and intentions is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined idiomatic expression and analyze its figurative usage in the sentence.
The idiom is 'sailing under false colours'. Historically derived from pirate ships flying friendly flags to deceive targets, its established figurative meaning is to pretend to be something one is not or to conceal one's true nature and intentions.
Idioms in Use of English assessments must be interpreted based on their conventional figurative sense rather than literal word meanings.
2
Evaluate the options against the contextual figurative meaning.
The choice stating 'Deceiving others by concealing his true character and intentions' precisely matches the figurative meaning of the idiom.
It accurately reflects the deceptive nature implied by the expression within a corporate context.

Key Concept

Contextual Interpretation of Idioms
Question 424Question →

Which word completes the idiomatic expression meaning to initiate conversation and relieve social tension in a new group?

Fill in the blanks below

At the beginning of the orientation session, the coordinator told an amusing story to break the among the quiet participants.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word that completes the expression is 'ice', giving the standard fixed idiom 'break the ice'.
The correct phrase is 'break the ice', a well-established idiom that means to relieve initial social tension or awkwardness when people meet for the first time.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the intended idiomatic meaning.
The sentence describes an action taken to make people feel comfortable and relaxed at the start of a gathering.
The fixed idiomatic expression used to describe overcoming initial shyness or tension in a social setting is 'break the ice'.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:45s
Question 425Question →

Although Chidi is tall like his father, he seems to ________ his mother in character and artistic expression. Which phrasal verb correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: take after

Answer

The correct phrasal verb is 'take after'.
The phrasal verb 'take after' means to resemble a parent or older family member in character, features, or behavior, perfectly matching the context of expressing shared traits with his mother.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning required by the sentence.
The sentence describes how Chidi shares traits in character and artistic expression with his mother.
Phrasal verbs must be selected based on the specific semantic relationship required by the context.
2
Identify the phrasal verb that denotes personal resemblance to a relative.
The verb phrase 'take after' specifically means to resemble an older relative in disposition, appearance, or talent.
Combining 'take' with the particle 'after' yields the required meaning of inherited family resemblance.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs denoting Resemblance
Question 426Question →

During a severe storm at sea, the captain ordered the crew to cast heavy cargo overboard in order to lighten the vessel and prevent it from capsizing. Which technical maritime term refers to this action?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: jettison

Answer

jettison
The term 'jettison' is the precise nautical register word for deliberately throwing cargo, equipment, or ballast overboard from a vessel to lighten it during an emergency.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of casting cargo overboard to lighten a ship in distress.
The target action involves the voluntary emergency disposal of cargo into the sea.
Specialized registers require technical terms matching exact professional actions.
2
Distinguish between specialized maritime terms.
'Jettison' specifically denotes throwing goods overboard to lighten a ship, unlike 'scuttle' (sinking the ship) or 'flotsam' (unintentional floating debris).
Selecting the term with the exact register definition ensures accuracy.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Nautical/Maritime)
Question 427Question →

Pair each formal vocabulary word listed in Column A with its precise antonym in Column B based on standard English usage.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Pusillanimous
Alacrity
Ephemeral
Parsimonious

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Pusillanimous pairs with Courageous; Alacrity pairs with Reluctance; Ephemeral pairs with Perpetual; Parsimonious pairs with Extravagant.
Each target word in Column A is matched to its exact antonym in Column B based on standard tertiary-level English vocabulary definitions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the precise meaning of each target lexical item in Column A.
Pusillanimous denotes cowardice; Alacrity denotes eager readiness; Ephemeral denotes short-lived duration; Parsimonious denotes miserliness.
Determining the literal and contextual definition of each word is necessary to identify its correct antonym.
2
Match each word in Column A with its exact antonym from Column B.
Pusillanimous matches Courageous; Alacrity matches Reluctance; Ephemeral matches Perpetual; Parsimonious matches Extravagant.
Connecting each term to the word expressing the diametrically opposite meaning satisfies the matching requirement.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms and words opposite in meaning for formal English lexis
Question 428Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct preposition to form an appropriate prepositional verb.

Fill in the blanks below

During the tribunal hearing, the defense counsel argued that the witness's reckless statements bordered perjury and should be expunged from the record.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The sentence requires the preposition 'on' (or 'upon') to form the prepositional verb 'border on / border upon'.
The verb 'border', when used figuratively to mean verging on or approaching a specific quality, behavior, or state (such as perjury), strictly requires the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence and the meaning of the verb stem.
The verb 'border' is used figuratively to convey that the witness's statements came dangerously close to or verged on committing perjury.
Determining the required idiomatic prepositional verb structure based on contextual meaning.
2
Identify the standard preposition that collocates with 'border' in this figurative sense.
In standard English grammar, 'border' requires the preposition 'on' or 'upon' when used to mean 'verge on' or 'approach near to'.
'Border on' and 'border upon' are the only idiomatically correct prepositional verb combinations in this context.

Key Concept

Prepositional Verbs and Fixed Verb-Preposition Collocations
Question 429Question →

The temporary financial assistance provided to the affected small business owners was barely sufficient to __________ until the main reconstruction grant was released. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: tide them over

Answer

tide them over
The phrasal verb 'tide (someone) over' correctly expresses the meaning of providing temporary financial support to help someone survive a lean period until further funds are made available.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the sentence
The sentence refers to providing short-term financial aid to help business owners manage until a permanent grant arrives.
Understanding the context clarifies that a phrasal verb meaning 'to assist temporarily through a difficult period' is required.
2
Select the appropriate phrasal verb and particle
The correct idiom is 'tide (someone) over'.
'Tide over' specifically denotes sustaining someone temporarily until additional help or resources become available.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 430Question →

During the national briefing on security measures, the minister gave a LACONIC speech that failed to provide the detailed explanations citizens expected.

Which of the following options is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: verbose

Answer

verbose
The word 'laconic' means using very few words, being terse or concise. In the sentence context, the minister's speech was brief and lacked detail. The word 'verbose' means using or expressed in more words than are needed (wordy/prolix), which is the exact contextual opposite of 'laconic'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in its sentence context
In the context of giving a brief speech that 'failed to provide detailed explanations', 'laconic' describes a style that is extremely brief, terse, or using very few words.
Contextual clues in JAMB UTME vocabulary questions determine the exact sense in which the target word is used.
2
Identify the required relation (OPPOSITE in meaning)
The question requires finding an antonym—a word that means wordy or using excessive words.
Distinguishing between synonym and antonym instructions is essential to avoid prompt inversion errors.
3
Evaluate the options against the required antonym meaning
'Verbose' means using far more words than necessary, which directly contrasts with the brief, few-word nature of 'laconic'.
Choosing 'verbose' provides the exact contextual opposite of 'laconic'.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms (Lexis and Vocabulary)
Question 431Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the most appropriate specialized occupational term.

Fill in the blanks below

Before a deceased person's property can be legally distributed according to their written instructions, the court must first grant to validate the document and authorize the executor.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

probate
In legal terminology, 'probate' refers to the official process by which a court proves and validates a deceased person's will, empowering the appointed executor to manage and distribute the estate.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes the legal process required for a court to officially validate a deceased person's will and authorize an executor to administer the estate.
Identifying the legal context narrows down the appropriate occupational register term.
2
Identify the correct specialized register term
The term is 'probate'.
In legal administration, 'probate' is the specific legal procedure and certificate confirming that a will is valid and giving the executor authority to act.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Legal/Probate Terminology)
Question 432Question →

The financial controller was warned that in attempting to minimize corporate tax liabilities through legal loopholes, he was sailing close to the wind.

Which of the following best conveys the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression as used in the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: acting in a manner that borders on illegal or dangerous conduct

Answer

acting in a manner that borders on illegal or dangerous conduct
The idiomatic expression 'sailing close to the wind' originates from nautical sailing (sailing as close to the wind direction as possible without stalling). Figuratively, it describes behaving in a manner that comes close to breaking the law, violating rules, or causing danger.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined idiomatic expression and its contextual usage.
The idiom is 'sailing close to the wind' used in a corporate tax compliance context.
Analyzing the sentence context helps isolate the intended figurative sense.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom.
'Sailing close to the wind' means taking risks by acting on the extreme edge of what is legal, safe, or acceptable.
The sentence describes exploiting legal loopholes to reduce tax liabilities, which pushes the boundaries of legality.
3
Match the figurative definition with the provided options.
The option stating 'acting in a manner that borders on illegal or dangerous conduct' accurately captures this meaning.
It correctly identifies the risk-taking behavior near legal boundaries without assuming outright criminal theft.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 433Question →

Before a newly accepted book goes into final mass publication, the editor and author must carefully review the initial uncorrected typeset pages to identify formatting errors and misprints. Which specialized publishing term refers to these preliminary trial prints?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: galley proofs

Answer

Galley proofs refer to the preliminary, uncorrected typeset versions of a manuscript produced for authorial and editorial review prior to mass publication.
The term 'galley proofs' denotes the trial versions of set type created in printing and publishing for editorial proofreading and correction before final press runs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context presented in the stem
The context describes preliminary, uncorrected typeset prints of a book created specifically for detecting formatting errors and misprints prior to mass production.
Specialized occupational registers depend on identifying the exact technical stage of a production process.
2
Evaluate the specialized register options within publishing terminology
'Galley proofs' precisely describes trial typeset pages; 'manuscripts' precede typesetting; 'blurbs' are promotional summaries; 'colophons' are publication markers.
Matching each term to its specific operational definition pinpoints the correct register item.

Key Concept

Occupational Register: Publishing and Printing Terminology
Question 434Question →

Complete the sentence by filling in the blank with the appropriate phrasal verb.

Fill in the blanks below

The doctor advised the patient to rest until the effects of the painkiller begin to .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

wear off
The phrasal verb 'wear off' means to gradually decrease in intensity, potency, or effect, which correctly fits the context of medication losing strength.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The sentence discusses a medication (painkiller) whose effectiveness or feeling gradually decreases over time.
Identifying the contextual meaning helps determine the correct particle to combine with the verb 'wear'.
2
Select the phrasal verb that means to diminish or fade in intensity.
'wear off' is the correct phrasal verb.
'Wear off' specifically denotes a sensation, feeling, or drug effect gradually losing its potency.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs - Meaning and Particle Selection
Estimated Time:45s
Question 435Question →

Which word correctly completes the idiomatic expression in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Despite their intense personal and political grievances, the two factional leaders agreed to bury the for the peace and progress of the community.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word that correctly completes the idiomatic expression is 'hatchet'.
The complete idiomatic expression is 'bury the hatchet', which means to end a dispute, quarrel, or conflict and resume friendly relations. In the context of the sentence, the two leaders agreed to put aside their past disagreements for communal peace.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of the required idiomatic phrase.
The sentence describes two opposing leaders choosing to stop fighting and settle their quarrel for the public good.
Contextual clues like 'despite their intense... grievances' and 'peace and progress' indicate an idiom about making peace.
2
Recall the fixed idiomatic structure for ceasing hostilities.
The standard English idiom is 'bury the hatchet'.
Idioms are fixed lexical items; 'bury the hatchet' specifically means to cease fighting and become friendly.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions - Making Peace
Estimated Time:45s
Question 436Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct preposition to form an appropriate prepositional verb.

Fill in the blanks below

The success of the proposed educational reform will ultimately hinge the government's commitment to funding public schools adequately.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The sentence requires the preposition 'on' (or 'upon') to complete the prepositional verb 'hinge on' (or 'hinge upon'), which means to depend entirely on a particular condition or factor.
The prepositional verb 'hinge on' (or 'hinge upon') means to depend contingent upon or turn on a central factor. In this context, the success of the reform depends entirely on the commitment to funding.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main verb stem and determine the intended meaning of the sentence.
The verb stem is 'hinge', and the context indicates that the outcome of the educational reform depends directly on government funding.
Understanding the sentence context clarifies that a preposition expressing dependency is required.
2
Select the correct preposition that standard English requires after 'hinge' to mean 'depend on'.
The prepositions 'on' or 'upon' correctly complete the fixed prepositional verb phrase 'hinge on/upon'.
Prepositions such as 'to', 'at', 'with', or 'for' do not form valid collocations with 'hinge' in this context.

Key Concept

Prepositional Verbs and Standard Collocations
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 437Question →

After hours of tense deliberation, the community leaders eventually managed to __________ the youth leader to withdraw his petition and seek an amicable settlement. Which of the following prepositional verbs correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: prevail upon

Answer

prevail upon
The prepositional verb 'prevail upon' (also written as 'prevail on') means to persuade or induce someone to do something. In this sentence, the community leaders successfully persuaded the youth leader to withdraw his petition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning required by the sentence stem
The sentence requires a verb phrase meaning 'to persuade or convince someone to take a specific course of action'.
The context describes community leaders convincing a youth leader to drop a petition.
2
Analyze the semantic differences among prepositional verbs formed with 'prevail'
'Prevail upon/on' indicates successful persuasion, whereas 'prevail over' and 'prevail against' signify overcoming or defeating an adversary.
Selecting the correct preposition requires distinguishing between persuasion and victory.
3
Select the option that conforms to standard British English grammar and context
'Prevail upon' fits both grammatically and idiomatically in the pattern 'prevail upon someone to do something'.
It accurately completes the statement with the intended meaning.

Key Concept

Prepositional Verb Particle Selection and Meaning
Question 438Question →

Match each formal English word in Column A with its exact antonym in Column B.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Pusillanimous
Sanguine
Inimical
Perfidious

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Pusillanimous matches Intrepid; Sanguine matches Despondent; Inimical matches Auspicious; Perfidious matches Steadfast.
Each word in Column A is correctly paired with its exact semantic antonym in Column B: 'Pusillanimous' (cowardly) opposes 'Intrepid' (fearless); 'Sanguine' (optimistic) opposes 'Despondent' (disheartened); 'Inimical' (hostile/harmful) opposes 'Auspicious' (favorable/promising); and 'Perfidious' (treacherous) opposes 'Steadfast' (unwaveringly loyal).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the core meaning of each word in Column A.
Pusillanimous denotes cowardice or timidity; Sanguine denotes optimism; Inimical denotes hostility or adversity; Perfidious denotes betrayal or disloyalty.
Defining the target words precisely is essential before evaluating potential opposites.
2
Evaluate the terms in Column B to locate their exact semantic antonyms.
Intrepid signifies fearlessness (opposite of Pusillanimous); Despondent signifies gloom and hopelessness (opposite of Sanguine); Auspicious signifies favorable circumstances (opposite of Inimical); Steadfast signifies unyielding loyalty (opposite of Perfidious).
Matching each term to its direct opposite ensures complete conceptual alignment.

Key Concept

Identifying Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 439Question →

Match each specialized occupational term on the left with its correct professional definition or context on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Triage
Fallow
Manuscript
Jettison

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Triage pairs with prioritizing medical patients; Fallow pairs with unseeded farmland left to restore fertility; Manuscript pairs with an author's original written work for publication; and Jettison pairs with throwing cargo overboard to lighten a ship.
Each occupational term is correctly matched to its specific domain: Triage belongs to Medicine, Fallow to Agriculture, Manuscript to Publishing, and Jettison to Nautical/Maritime operations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the medical term
Triage corresponds to the process of assessing medical urgency in emergency rooms.
It is a specialized medical register term derived from French, meaning to sort.
2
Identify the agricultural term
Fallow corresponds to leaving land unplanted to replenish natural soil fertility.
It is a standard agricultural term used in crop rotation discussions.
3
Identify the publishing term
Manuscript corresponds to the text submitted by an author for publishing.
It is the recognized register in literature and publishing for unprinted authorial work.
4
Identify the nautical term
Jettison corresponds to throwing items overboard to lighten a vessel.
It is an established maritime vocabulary item regarding emergency cargo disposal.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 440Question →

During the protracted leadership tussle in the cabinet, the minister was accused of trying to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. Which of the following best explains the meaning of the underlined expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: try to stay on friendly terms with two opposing factions simultaneously

Answer

try to stay on friendly terms with two opposing factions simultaneously
The idiomatic expression 'run with the hare and hunt with the hounds' means attempting to maintain a relationship or allegiance with two conflicting parties at the same time.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the idiomatic expression in context
The phrase 'run with the hare and hunt with the hounds' is a recognized idiom in English.
Idioms cannot be understood by taking the literal meanings of individual words.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom
The expression refers to trying to remain allied or friendly with two mutually hostile or opposing sides.
A person cannot genuinely hunt with dogs while simultaneously fleeing alongside the prey without being double-faced.

Key Concept

Interpretation of English Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
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