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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 601Question →

Select the option that appropriately completes the fixed collocational phrase in the following sentence:

"During the parliamentary debate, the opposition leader was cautioned by the Speaker for attempting to ________ aspersions on the integrity of the electoral commission."

Show answer & explanation

Answer: cast

Answer

cast
In standard English, the fixed idiom/collocation is 'cast aspersions on', which means to make damaging or derogatory remarks about someone's reputation or character.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head noun and prepositional context in the sentence
The target phrase is '__ aspersions on'
Recognizing the fixed phrase context helps determine which specific verb collocates with 'aspersions'.
2
Select the idiomatic verb that naturally pairs with 'aspersions'
The verb 'cast' forms the standard English collocation 'cast aspersions on'.
Collocations rely on conventional word pairings established in formal usage.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Collocations
Question 602Question →

Match each specialized occupational term on the left with its corresponding technical definition in its respective field of register on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Debenture
Prognosis
Kernel
Colophon

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Debenture pairs with the long-term unsecured corporate debt instrument (Banking/Finance); Prognosis pairs with the medical forecast of disease course (Medicine); Kernel pairs with the core operating system component (ICT); Colophon pairs with the publication and printing statement at the end of a text (Publishing).
Each technical term is accurately matched to its domain-specific definition: 'Debenture' is a financial debt instrument without collateral backing; 'Prognosis' is a medical prediction of patient recovery; 'Kernel' is the master control component of an operating system; and 'Colophon' is an inscription containing production and typographic data at the back of a published work.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the occupational domain associated with each term on the left.
Debenture belongs to Banking/Finance; Prognosis belongs to Medicine; Kernel belongs to ICT/Computer Science; Colophon belongs to Publishing/Printing.
Understanding the professional field of each word isolates the domain of its definition.
2
Match each term with its exact technical meaning from the right column.
Debenture matches the long-term unsecured debt instrument definition. Prognosis matches the forecast of disease progression definition. Kernel matches the core operating system software module. Colophon matches the publication and typography note at the end of a volume.
Precision in specialized register vocabulary requires differentiating formal definitions from informal or general usage.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 603Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the contextually and grammatically correct words in the blanks.

Fill in the blanks below

The board of directors requested an independent consultant to the market value of the newly acquired subsidiary and keep the shareholders adequately of any structural changes.
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Answer

The correct word for the first blank is 'appraise' and the correct word for the second blank is 'apprised'.
The verb 'appraise' specifically means to evaluate or judge the quality, value, or importance of something (such as estimating market value). The verb 'apprise' (in its participle form 'apprised') means to inform or notify someone about a matter. Thus, 'appraise' and 'apprised' correctly complete the sentence both semantically and contextually.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the required meaning for the first blank.
The first blank requires a verb meaning 'to estimate, evaluate, or set a monetary value on something'.
The sentence context involves determining the 'market value' of a company subsidiary.
2
Differentiate between the paronyms 'appraise' and 'apprise'.
'Appraise' means to assess or evaluate value, whereas 'apprise' means to inform or notify.
Therefore, 'appraise' is the exact fit for the first blank.
3
Analyze the semantic and grammatical requirement for the second blank.
The second blank requires the past participle form 'apprised' to complement 'keep the shareholders adequately... of'.
The idiomatic structure 'to apprise someone of something' means to keep them informed or updated.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between the confused paronyms 'appraise' (evaluate/assess value) and 'apprise' (inform/notify)
Question 604Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word opposite in meaning to the capitalized word.

Fill in the blanks below

While the director was lauded for his MAGNANIMOUS treatment of the defeated competitors, his deputy was widely criticized for being surprisingly .
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Answer

A word opposite in meaning to 'magnanimous', such as 'petty', 'vindictive', or 'spiteful'.
The target word 'magnanimous' refers to being noble, forgiving, and generous toward others. The contrasting clause introduced by 'While' demands a word that expresses the opposite trait. Words like 'petty', 'vindictive', or 'spiteful' accurately convey small-mindedness and malice, creating the required opposition in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contextual meaning of the emphasized target word 'MAGNANIMOUS'.
'Magnanimous' means generous, noble-minded, or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful.
Establishing the precise definition of the target word is necessary before determining its opposite.
2
Analyze the sentence structure for contrast clues.
The word 'While' at the beginning of the sentence sets up a direct contrast between the director's behavior and his deputy's behavior.
Syntactic contrast signals that the missing word must be an antonym of 'magnanimous'.
3
Determine the appropriate antonym that fits grammatically and semantically.
Words such as 'petty', 'vindictive', or 'spiteful' describe small-minded, unforgiving, or mean behavior, providing an exact contextual opposite.
These terms precisely counter the noble generosity implied by 'magnanimous'.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms in Compound and Complex Sentences
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 605Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blanks with the contextually appropriate words. Which words correctly complete the statement?

Fill in the blanks below

The regulatory agency moved to the unauthorized sale of dangerous chemicals, while public health officers worked to strict safety guidelines for chemical storage.
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Answer

The first blank requires 'proscribe' (to ban, forbid, or outlaw) and the second blank requires 'prescribe' (to lay down as a rule, direct, or order).
The verb 'proscribe' derives from Latin meaning to publish in writing a prohibition, perfectly matching the action of banning unauthorized chemical sales. The verb 'prescribe' means to lay down authoritatively a rule or direction, which correctly fits establishing safety guidelines.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the semantic requirement of the first blank in relation to unauthorized sales.
The context requires a verb meaning to officially forbid, ban, or outlaw, which corresponds to 'proscribe'.
'Proscribe' specifically means to prohibit or condemn an illegal or harmful action.
2
Analyze the semantic requirement of the second blank regarding health officers issuing safety guidelines.
The context requires a verb meaning to recommend, direct, or lay down as a rule, which corresponds to 'prescribe'.
'Prescribe' refers to laying down rules, directions, or medical courses of action.

Key Concept

Distinction between paronyms: 'proscribe' (to ban/forbid) versus 'prescribe' (to direct/recommend)
Question 606Question →

During a routine livestock evaluation on the farm, the manager advised that all non-productive and sick cattle should be __________ to reduce feed expenses and maintain herd quality. Which of the following specialized agricultural terms correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: culled

Answer

The term 'culled' correctly completes the sentence as it is the precise agricultural register for removing unproductive or diseased livestock from a herd.
In the register of agriculture and animal husbandry, to 'cull' means to select and separate unwanted, unproductive, or diseased livestock from a herd to optimize farm efficiency and health.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The scenario describes a farm management decision involving the systematic selection and removal of non-productive or unhealthy livestock to reduce maintenance costs.
Understanding the professional context helps identify the required specialized field.
2
Evaluate the specialized register terms against the context
'Culled' is the specific term used in animal husbandry for removing unwanted or unproductive animals from a breeding stock or herd.
Occupational register requires selecting the precise technical term appropriate for animal husbandry.

Key Concept

Agricultural Register (Animal Husbandry Terminology)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 607Question →

Which word correctly completes the standard English fixed phrase in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Before signing the agreement, the committee members decided to discuss the matter in ______ detail.
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Answer

great
The adjective 'great' forms a natural and standard collocation with 'detail' in the idiomatic expression 'in great detail', meaning thoroughly or comprehensively.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the context of the sentence and the noun phrase 'in ______ detail'.
The sentence requires a standard modifier that pairs with 'detail' inside the prepositional phrase 'in ... detail'.
In standard English usage, the adjective 'great' naturally collocates with 'detail' to form the fixed expression 'in great detail'.

Key Concept

Adjective-Noun Collocations
Question 608Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct word formed by applying the appropriate prefix and suffix to the root word in brackets.

Fill in the blanks below

The constitutional court reaffirmed the of fundamental human rights, declaring that no executive order could breach or diminish them.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

inviolability
The correct answer is 'inviolability'. It is formed by attaching the negative prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') to the root base 'violate', followed by the complex suffix '-ability' (derived from '-able' + '-ity') to form an abstract noun representing the state or quality of being immune to breach or infringement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the syntactic slot and determine the required part of speech.
The blank follows the definite article 'the' and precedes the preposition 'of', indicating that an abstract noun is required.
Grammatical context mandates a noun derived from the verb root 'violate'.
2
Select the correct negative prefix for the Latinate root.
The Latinate root 'viol-' takes the negative prefix 'in-' rather than 'un-' or 'dis-'.
Morphological rules in English specify that words of Latin origin typically take Latinate prefixes such as 'in-' to denote negation.
3
Combine the prefix, root, and adjectival/nominal suffixes to complete word formation.
Combining 'in-' + 'violate' + '-able' + '-ity' produces the noun 'inviolability', meaning the quality of being safe from infringement.
The suffix '-ability' converts the base into an abstract noun signifying the capacity or state of being impossible to violate.

Key Concept

Word Formation: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 609Question →

In English morphology, prefixes are attached to the beginning of root words to alter their meanings. Which of the following best describes the meaning of the Latin prefix 'extra-' in the word 'extraordinary'?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Beyond or outside

Answer

Beyond or outside
The prefix 'extra-' is derived from Latin and signifies 'outside' or 'beyond'. Therefore, something described as 'extraordinary' is beyond what is usual or ordinary.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the constituent parts of the word
The word 'extraordinary' is formed by combining the prefix 'extra-' with the base adjective 'ordinary'.
Isolating the prefix allows us to analyze its specific etymological contribution.
2
Determine the precise meaning of the prefix 'extra-'
The Latin prefix 'extra-' denotes 'outside', 'beyond', or 'exceeding the scope of'.
Applying morphological knowledge identifies the core function of 'extra-' in forming derived adjectives.

Key Concept

Prefix Morpheme Meanings
Question 610Question →

The recent audit report appears to ________ doubt on the credibility of the company's financial statements. Which word best completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: cast

Answer

The word 'cast' correctly completes the standard collocation 'cast doubt on'.
The expression 'cast doubt on' is an established English collocation meaning to cause something to be questioned or doubted.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target fixed phrase context in the sentence
The sentence requires a verb that conventionally pairs with the noun 'doubt' followed by the preposition 'on'.
English vocabulary relies on established collocational patterns where specific verbs combine with abstract nouns.
2
Evaluate the options against standard English collocational usage
'Cast' is the natural verb used with 'doubt' to mean making something seem uncertain or unreliable.
Near-synonyms like 'throw' or 'place' do not form standard fixed expressions with 'doubt'.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Phrases
Question 611Question →

The managing director's obdurate refusal to compromise during labor negotiations ultimately led to a prolonged strike. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: stubborn

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'obdurate' is 'stubborn'.
In the given context, 'obdurate' describes a person who stubbornly refuses to alter their position or reach a compromise. Therefore, 'stubborn' is the word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The phrase 'refusal to compromise... led to a prolonged strike' demonstrates that the managing director remained unyielding and steadfast in position.
Contextual clues in the sentence indicate an unbending and inflexible stance.
2
Identify the word among the options that means unyielding or inflexible.
'Stubborn' shares the exact meaning of refusing to yield or change one's course.
A contextual synonym must mirror the precise sense of the target word as used in the passage.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonym Identification
Question 612Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct word in the blank.

Fill in the blanks below

After completing the piano solo, the young musician was delighted to receive a polite on her performance from the chief judge.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

compliment
The word 'compliment' is correct because it functions as a noun meaning a remark expressing praise, respect, or admiration, which fits the judge praising the musician's performance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the required meaning in the sentence context.
The context describes a judge expressing praise or admiration to a musician for her performance.
The sentence needs a noun denoting an expression of praise.
2
Compare the confused homophones 'compliment' and 'complement'.
'Compliment' (with an 'i') means an expression of praise or admiration. 'Complement' (with an 'e') means a thing that completes or brings something to perfection.
The spelling with 'i' accurately expresses praise in this sentence.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between homophones: compliment (praise) vs. complement (completion)
Estimated Time:45s
Question 613Question →

Which word correctly completes the fixed English collocation in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Although the corporation claims to prioritize employee welfare, critics argue that management merely pays service to environmental safety regulations.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

lip
The expression 'pay lip service to' is a well-established fixed collocation in English meaning to approve of something verbally without backing it up with meaningful action.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contextual meaning of the sentence.
The sentence describes expressing agreement or support in words only, without taking genuine action.
Understanding the context points directly to the fixed idiom 'pay lip service to'.
2
Determine the exact word required to complete the fixed collocation.
The noun 'lip' correctly combines with 'pay' and 'service'.
Substituting other speech-related nouns like 'mouth', 'tongue', or 'vocal' creates an ungrammatical or unnatural pairing in standard English.

Key Concept

Fixed Idiomatic Collocations
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 614Question →

Which verb correctly completes the fixed English collocation in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

The executive committee was severely criticized for attempting to roughshod over the fundamental rights of the union members during the negotiations.
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Answer

The correct verb required to complete the collocation is 'ride'.
The verb 'ride' forms the standard English fixed expression 'to ride roughshod over', meaning to treat someone or something with arrogant disregard. No other verb correctly completes this established idiomatic structure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence and identify the target phrase.
The sentence requires a verb that forms a fixed idiomatic collocation with 'roughshod over'.
English idiomatic expressions rely on fixed lexical pairings that cannot be altered or substituted with near-synonyms.
2
Recall the established fixed phrase in standard English usage.
The correct fixed expression is 'to ride roughshod over', which means to act imperiously without considering the wishes, rights, or feelings of others.
Only 'ride' conventionally collocates with 'roughshod over' to carry this specific figurative meaning.

Key Concept

Fixed Idiomatic Collocations
Question 615Question →

Which of the following pairs of words correctly completes the sentence below?

Although the executive continued to ________ corporate regulations by operating unapproved offshore accounts, he presented an ________ defense to the board, claiming total ignorance of financial protocols.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: flout / ingenuous

Answer

flout / ingenuous
The correct answer combines 'flout' and 'ingenuous'. The verb 'flout' accurately describes disregarding or violating regulations, while 'ingenuous' accurately captures an artless, naive, or innocent defense in which the executive claims complete ignorance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank to determine the correct verb choice between 'flout' and 'flaunt'.
The clause describes breaking or defying corporate regulations by running unapproved accounts. 'Flout' means to openly mock, disregard, or defy a rule, whereas 'flaunt' means to display something ostentatiously. Thus, 'flout' is required.
Choosing the correct verb requires distinguishing paronyms based on exact semantic definitions in legal and corporate contexts.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank to determine the correct adjective choice between 'ingenuous' and 'ingenious'.
The defense relied on claiming 'total ignorance of financial protocols', which portrays a persona of innocence, artlessness, or naivety. 'Ingenuous' means innocent, naive, or unpretentious, whereas 'ingenious' means highly clever or inventive. Thus, 'ingenuous' is required.
Matching the adjective to the context of feigned innocence requires distinguishing between phonetically similar words with opposing connotations.

Key Concept

Words Commonly Confused and Homonyms (Flout vs Flaunt; Ingenuous vs Ingenious)
Question 616Question →

To avoid incurring heavy __________ charges, the shipping agency ensured that the cargo vessel was completely unloaded before the expiration of the stipulated laytime.

Which of the following specialized maritime register terms correctly completes the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: demurrage

Answer

The word 'demurrage' correctly completes the sentence as it is the precise nautical/maritime register term for liquidated damages payable for exceeding stipulated laytime during loading or discharge.
In maritime law and shipping logistics, 'demurrage' is the exact technical term for the financial charge incurred when a vessel is detained by the charterer beyond the allowed time (laytime) for loading or discharging cargo.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and identify the occupational domain.
The context involves shipping, cargo vessels, and 'laytime', placing the context squarely in maritime logistics and shipping register.
Specialized terms must match the specific domain and operational situation described.
2
Define the contextual requirement of the blank.
The blank requires a term for a financial penalty paid when a cargo vessel is delayed beyond its allowed unloading time ('laytime').
Understanding the precise relationship between 'laytime' and delay penalties narrows down the candidate vocabulary.
3
Evaluate the option terms against the context.
'Demurrage' is the technical maritime term specifically denoting charges incurred for exceeding laytime.
Other options refer to general pier usage fees (wharfage), cargo weight deductions (tare), or maritime loan pledges (bottomry).

Key Concept

Maritime and Shipping Logistics Register
Question 617Question →

Despite repeated warnings from the municipal board, the developer continued to ________ safety regulations and ________ his wealth by constructing an unapproved complex. Which pair of words contextually completes the sentence correctly?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: flout / flaunt

Answer

The pair 'flout / flaunt' correctly completes the sentence.
The correct answer provides 'flout' for the first blank because one flouts (openly disregards) rules or regulations, and 'flaunt' for the second blank because one flaunts (shows off) wealth or possessions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank
The first blank requires a verb that means to openly defy, disregard, or break safety regulations. The correct term is 'flout'.
'Flout' specifically collocates with rules, laws, authority, and regulations.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank
The second blank requires a verb that means to show off or ostentatiously exhibit wealth. The correct term is 'flaunt'.
'Flaunt' means to draw attention to something proudly or showily.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between commonly confused paronyms 'flout' (to defy rules) and 'flaunt' (to show off).
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 618Question →

While the veteran elephant proved to be TRACTABLE during daily training sessions, the younger calf resisted every command from the handlers. Which of the following words is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: stubborn

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'tractable' is stubborn.
In the given sentence, 'tractable' characterizes an animal that is easily managed, docile, and obedient. The word 'stubborn' means obstinate and refractory, making it the exact opposite in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the capitalized word in the sentence.
In the sentence, 'tractable' describes an animal that is docile, obedient, and easy to train or manage.
Establishing the precise contextual meaning of the target word is essential before searching for its antonym.
2
Evaluate each option to locate the true antonym.
'Stubborn' means obstinate, unyielding, and resistant to control, which directly opposes 'tractable'.
An antonym must convey the opposite quality of the target word within the given context.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms in JAMB Use of English vocabulary items
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 619Question →

Instead of addressing the substantive arguments raised in the petition, the defense counsel chose to ________ the integrity of the key witnesses during cross-examination. Which of the following phrases correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: cast aspersions on

Answer

The phrase 'cast aspersions on' is the correct fixed collocation that fits the sentence contextually and idiomatically.
The expression 'cast aspersions on' is a well-established fixed collocation in standard English meaning to criticize or attack someone's character or reputation. In formal and legal registers, 'aspersions' specifically collocates with the verb 'cast' and takes the preposition 'on'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and required meaning.
The context requires a formal idiom/collocation meaning to attack or disparage someone's character or integrity.
The sentence describes legal cross-examination where a lawyer attempts to discredit witnesses.
2
Evaluate the idiom 'cast aspersions on'.
Confirm that 'cast aspersions on' is a recognized, fixed verb-noun-preposition combination in standard English.
'Aspersions' strictly pairs with the verb 'cast' and preposition 'on'.
3
Eliminate non-standard or improperly paired distractor options.
'throw suspicions at', 'heap allegations over', and 'hurl accusations to' are rejected due to incorrect prepositional use or unnatural lexical coupling.
English collocations require specific verb-noun and noun-preposition pairings.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun-Preposition Collocations
Question 620Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct particle to form the appropriate phrasal verb.

Fill in the blanks below

The suspect attempted to pass the forged certificate as an authentic document issued by the university.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

off
The particle 'off' combines with 'pass' to form the phrasal verb 'pass off (as)', which means to fraudulently present a counterfeit or fake item as genuine.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the required meaning of the phrasal verb.
The sentence describes an act of deception where a fake document is presented falsely as genuine.
Phrasal verb meanings are determined by combining the verb stem with the appropriate prepositional or adverbial particle.
2
Identify the particle that completes 'pass' to express fraudulent representation.
The particle 'off' forms 'pass off (as)', which means to falsely represent or misrepresent something fraudulently.
Standard British English usage required by JAMB mandates 'pass off as' in contexts of deceitful substitution.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
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