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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 621Question →

Match each specialized occupational term on the left with its corresponding technical definition on the right. Which sequence of pairs correctly connects each register term with its precise domain-specific meaning?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Subrogation
Telemetry
Epidemiology
Derivatives

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Subrogation matches the legal/insurance definition regarding insurer rights after settling claims; Telemetry matches the ICT/aerospace definition regarding automated remote data transmission; Epidemiology matches the medical definition concerning disease distribution in populations; and Derivatives matches the financial definition concerning securities derived from underlying assets.
Each specialized term accurately corresponds to its domain context: Subrogation represents legal substitution in insurance law, Telemetry signifies remote electronic data transmission in ICT and engineering, Epidemiology describes the medical study of population health trends, and Derivatives indicates specialized financial contracts contingent on underlying asset values.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary domain and technical register of each term on the left.
Subrogation is Legal/Insurance; Telemetry is ICT/Aerospace; Epidemiology is Medicine/Public Health; Derivatives is Banking/Finance.
Categorizing specialized terms by their professional field simplifies matching them to their exact definitions.
2
Analyze each definition on the right to pinpoint key domain markers.
Def 1 relates to population health/medicine; Def 2 relates to financial securities; Def 3 relates to legal rights/insurer claims; Def 4 relates to automated data transmission.
Domain markers distinguish technical terminology from general dictionary definitions.
3
Form the exact pairs based on precise technical alignment.
Subrogation → Legal insurer substitution (Right 3); Telemetry → Remote data transmission (Right 4); Epidemiology → Population disease study (Right 1); Derivatives → Underlying asset securities (Right 2).
Aligning specialized vocabulary demonstrates mastery of occupational registers tested in the JAMB UTME Use of English examination.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 622Question →

Read the following sentence:

'The witness maintained a deafening silence when questioned by the prosecutor in court.'

Which figure of speech is used in the expression deafening silence?

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Answer: Oxymoron

Answer

The correct figure of speech is Oxymoron because two opposite terms are placed side by side.
The correct option is Oxymoron because it brings together two contradictory concepts ('deafening' meaning intensely noisy and 'silence' meaning absolute absence of noise) to emphasize the heavy, noticeable quality of the witness's silence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the constituent words of the expression 'deafening silence'.
'Deafening' implies extremely loud noise, whereas 'silence' implies complete absence of sound.
Identifying the literal meanings of the two words reveals their directly opposite nature.
2
Identify the figure of speech that juxtaposes contradictory terms.
Juxtaposing two contradictory terms side-by-side to produce an emphatic or figurative effect defines an oxymoron.
Oxymoron specifically deals with contrasting word pairings placed together in a single phrase.

Key Concept

Oxymoron in Figurative Language
Question 623Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the contextually appropriate words for the blanks.

Fill in the blanks below

The committee spent several months navigating the diplomatic negotiations, while explicitly advising all delegates to remain regarding confidential cabinet deliberations.
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Answer

The first blank requires 'tortuous' (meaning full of twists and turns, highly complex or indirect) and the second blank requires 'discreet' (meaning prudent, cautious, or careful to keep matters confidential).
'Tortuous' correctly describes a complex, winding, or convoluted sequence of negotiations. 'Discreet' correctly describes maintaining prudent silence and confidentiality.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank describing 'diplomatic negotiations'.
The context requires an adjective denoting intricate, highly complex, or winding processes. The correct term is 'tortuous', distinguished from 'torturous' which pertains to severe physical pain or torture.
Differentiating paronyms based on exact semantic definitions in formal contexts.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank describing delegates' conduct regarding 'confidential cabinet deliberations'.
The context mandates an adjective meaning circumspect, secretive, or tactful. The correct word is 'discreet', distinguished from the homophone 'discrete' which means separate, distinct, or unattached.
Selecting the contextually appropriate homophone based on precise spelling and meaning.

Key Concept

Words Commonly Confused and Homonyms
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 624Question →

Complete the sentence below by identifying the word that forms the correct fixed English collocation.

Fill in the blanks below

The vehicular traffic on the busy expressway came to a complete after the heavy downpour.
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Answer

standstill
The noun 'standstill' correctly completes the fixed phrase 'come to a complete standstill', which is the standard English idiom used to describe movement or activity coming to an absolute stop.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and identify the pre-gap verb structure 'came to a complete'.
Determine that a noun is required to complete the idiomatic expression indicating a total stop in movement.
In standard English grammar and usage, the established fixed collocation meaning to cease movement entirely is 'come to a standstill'.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Phrases
Question 625Question →

During the parliamentary committee hearing on regional infrastructure, the chairperson warned the ministry delegates against putting the cart before the horse by releasing funds for construction prior to completing the feasibility study. What does the expression *putting the cart before the horse* mean in this context?

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Answer: Reversing the logical sequence of actions by addressing outcomes before preliminary requirements

Answer

Reversing the logical sequence of actions by addressing outcomes before preliminary requirements
The idiomatic expression 'putting the cart before the horse' means to do things in the wrong order or to reverse the logical sequence of events. In the context of the sentence, disbursing funds before completing the feasibility study is an example of acting out of proper sequence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The chairperson is warning against disbursing project money before conducting the prerequisite feasibility study.
Contextual clues indicate an improper order of events where later steps are taken before earlier ones.
2
Interpret the figurative meaning of the idiomatic expression 'putting the cart before the horse'
A horse normally pulls a cart; placing the cart in front reverses the proper functional order.
The idiom metaphorically means doing things in the wrong or reverse order.

Key Concept

Interpretation of English Idioms in Context
Question 626Question →

Match each formal English word in Column A with its exact antonym (word opposite in meaning) in Column B.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Pernicious
Surreptitious
Supercilious
Alacrity

Matches

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Answer

Pernicious matches Salutary; Surreptitious matches Overt; Supercilious matches Modest; Alacrity matches Apathy.
The correct pairings link each formal term to its exact antonym: 'Pernicious' (harmful) is opposite in meaning to 'Salutary' (beneficial); 'Surreptitious' (stealthy/secret) is opposite to 'Overt' (open/unconcealed); 'Supercilious' (arrogant) is opposite to 'Modest' (humble); and 'Alacrity' (eagerness) is opposite to 'Apathy' (indifference).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the precise meaning of each vocabulary word in the left column.
Pernicious means destructive/harmful; Surreptitious means secret/stealthy; Supercilious means arrogant/haughty; Alacrity means eagerness/readiness.
Accurate definitions are required before identifying contextual opposites.
2
Identify the corresponding word in the right column that expresses the exact semantic opposite.
Pernicious pairs with Salutary (beneficial); Surreptitious pairs with Overt (open); Supercilious pairs with Modest (humble); Alacrity pairs with Apathy (indifference).
Each selected pair forms a direct antonymic relationship in formal English usage.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 627Question →

Match each English prefix on the left with its correct morphological meaning on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

anti-
trans-
post-
sub-

Matches

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Answer

The correct pairing links each prefix directly to its precise morphological definition: 'anti-' matches 'against or opposing', 'trans-' matches 'across or beyond', 'post-' matches 'after or behind', and 'sub-' matches 'under or below'.
Each prefix is matched to its established literal definition in English word formation: 'anti-' denotes opposition, 'trans-' denotes passage across or beyond, 'post-' denotes occurring after, and 'sub-' denotes being under or beneath.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the morphological meaning of 'anti-'
Identified as meaning 'against' or 'opposing' (e.g., antiseptic, antibody).
Prefixes systematically modify the meaning of the base word to which they attach.
2
Determine the morphological meaning of 'trans-'
Identified as meaning 'across' or 'beyond' (e.g., transform, transatlantic).
Recognizing classical prefix origins reveals spatial or transitional concepts.
3
Determine the morphological meaning of 'post-'
Identified as meaning 'after' or 'behind' (e.g., post-war, postgraduate).
The prefix 'post-' indicates temporal or sequential placement following an event or state.
4
Determine the morphological meaning of 'sub-'
Identified as meaning 'under' or 'below' (e.g., subway, subterranean).
The prefix 'sub-' indicates positional beneathness or lower degree.

Key Concept

Morphological prefix meanings and derivation
Question 628Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the word that forms the correct fixed English collocation.

Fill in the blanks below

The severe tropical storm threatened to havoc on the coastal farming communities.
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Answer

The word that correctly completes the fixed collocation is 'wreak', forming the expression 'wreak havoc'.
In standard British English, the verb 'wreak' uniquely collocates with the noun 'havoc' to form the fixed phrase 'wreak havoc', which means to cause great damage, disruption, or destruction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key noun requiring a collocating verb in the sentence context.
The target noun is 'havoc', followed by the preposition 'on'.
In standard English, specific nouns combine with designated verbs to form fixed collocational patterns.
2
Select the standard verb that conventionally pairs with 'havoc'.
'Wreak' is the established verb that collocates with 'havoc' to mean causing widespread destruction or damage.
Using alternative verbs such as 'wreck', 'make', or 'raise' with 'havoc' creates unnatural or ungrammatical pairings in formal English.

Key Concept

Verb-Noun Collocations and Fixed Phrases
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 629Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the press secretary's persistent efforts to favor with the independent journalists, the media remained critical of the administration's policy reversal.
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Answer

curry
The standard fixed English idiom is 'to curry favor with', which specifically means to attempt to gain advantage or favor through deliberate ingratiation or flattery.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine the required idiomatic phrase.
The sentence describes an intentional effort to win over or ingratiate oneself with journalists.
Contextual clues indicate an expression meaning to seek approval or affection through deliberate flattery or effort.
2
Identify the standard English verb that pairs with 'favor with'.
The correct idiomatic verb required is 'curry'.
'Curry favor with' is a established fixed verb-noun collocation in standard English meaning to flatter someone in order to gain an advantage.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Collocations and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 630Question →

Despite managing a multi-million dollar corporation, the executive board was surprisingly PARSIMONIOUS when allocating funds for staff development and welfare packages.

Which of the following options is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: generous

Answer

The word opposite in meaning to 'PARSIMONIOUS' is 'generous'.
In the context of the sentence, 'parsimonious' means unwilling to spend money, stingy, or overly frugal. The word 'generous' denotes a willingness to spend or give abundantly, making it the true opposite in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in the sentence context
In the sentence, 'parsimonious' describes a corporation board that resists spending money on employee welfare despite having ample financial resources, indicating stinginess or extreme frugality.
Contextual clues like 'Despite managing a multi-million dollar corporation' contrast their large budget with their unwillingness to spend.
2
Determine the required lexical relationship
The question asks for a word opposite in meaning (antonym).
Antonym identification requires selecting a word expressing the contrasting semantic property.
3
Evaluate the options against the target definition
'Generous' means willing to give money or resources freely, which is the direct opposite of being stingy or parsimonious.
Comparing 'parsimonious' (unwilling to spend) with 'generous' (freely giving) establishes the exact antonymic relationship.

Key Concept

Identifying Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning in Context
Question 631Question →

By launching their innovative renewable energy software three months ahead of schedule, the technology startup managed to ________ a march on its main corporate rivals. Which verb correctly completes the fixed English collocation in this context?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: steal

Answer

The verb 'steal' correctly completes the fixed collocation 'steal a march on'.
The verb 'steal' is required to complete the recognized idiom 'steal a march on', which describes securing a competitive advantage by acting preemptively.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and identify the required idiomatic pattern.
The blank precedes 'a march on its main corporate rivals', indicating a fixed verb-noun-preposition collocation meaning to get ahead of competitors.
English collocations rely on exact, conventionalized word pairings that cannot be altered arbitrarily.
2
Evaluate the candidate options against standard English idiomatic usage.
The standard expression in British and international English is 'steal a march on'. Substitutions such as 'gain', 'make', or 'win' produce non-standard or unidiomatic phrasing.
Fixed phrases do not allow literal synonym replacements, even if the substituted word carries a similar general meaning.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Collocations and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 632Question →

During the university's annual commencement ceremony, the vice-chancellor praised the alumnus's endowment as a genuinely ________ act that actively funded housing and tuition for hundreds of underprivileged scholars. Which of the following words, formed from Latin affixes and roots, correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: beneficent

Answer

beneficent
The word 'beneficent' combines the root prefix 'bene-' (well) with the root '-fic-' (doing/making) and the adjectival suffix '-ent'. It accurately describes an action that consists of doing active good or charity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the required meaning and part of speech.
The blank modifies the noun 'act' and describes a person's deliberate execution of a charitable, philanthropic deed.
The surrounding context ('actively funded housing and tuition') indicates an active performance of good work.
2
Deconstruct the morphological components (prefixes, roots, and suffixes) of the option set.
'Bene-' means 'well/good'. The root '-fic-' (from Latin 'facere') means 'to do or make'. The root '-vol-' (from Latin 'velle') means 'to wish'. The suffix '-ary' forms a person-noun, while '-ial' and '-ent' form adjectives.
Understanding root origins helps distinguish between internal feelings, general outcomes, recipient status, and active deeds.
3
Differentiate between paronyms based on affixation.
'Beneficent' specifically signifies 'doing good deeds', whereas 'benevolent' signifies 'wishing good intent', 'beneficial' describes 'advantageous effects', and 'beneficiary' is a noun for the recipient.
Matching the precise morphological derivative to the context ensures semantic accuracy.

Key Concept

Morphological Derivation and Paronym Affix Differentiation
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 633Question →

Complete the sentence by supplying the correct word to complete the idiomatic expression. Which word correctly fills the blank?

Fill in the blanks below

Despite their initial setbacks during the contract negotiations, the diplomatic team managed to turn the on their opposing rivals by revealing key financial evidence.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

tables
The standard English idiomatic expression is 'to turn the tables on someone', which means to reverse a situation completely so that an individual or group gains an advantage over an adversary who previously held the upper hand.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The context describes a situation where a team reverses a disadvantageous position into a decisive advantage over rivals.
Understanding the context allows identification of the specific figurative concept being expressed.
2
Identify the standard idiomatic expression
The correct fixed idiomatic phrase is 'turn the tables on someone'.
'Tables' completes the expression meaning to reverse a situation so that one gains an advantage over a competitor.

Key Concept

Idiom completion and contextual usage
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 634Question →

During the annual symposium, the keynote speaker's address on renewable energy managed to ________ a sympathetic chord with the delegates. Which of the following verbs correctly completes the fixed collocation in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: strike

Answer

The verb 'strike' is the correct choice to complete the fixed idiom 'strike a chord with', meaning to evoke an emotional response or agreement.
The correct verb is 'strike' because 'strike a chord (with someone)' is a set idiomatic expression in standard English that signifies awakening a sense of sympathy, agreement, or emotional resonance in an audience.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes a speech that successfully resonated with or gained the emotional agreement of the delegates.
Identifying the intended figurative meaning is essential for selecting the appropriate idiom.
2
Identify the standard fixed collocation
The standard English fixed phrase meaning to cause someone to feel sympathy, emotion, or enthusiasm is 'to strike a chord'.
English collocations rely on fixed word pairings that cannot be altered even with close synonyms.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Idiomatic Collocations
Question 635Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct specialized occupational terms for each blank.

Fill in the blanks below

During the commercial property acquisition, the buyer deposited the required funds into an account to ensure secure settlement, while the financial consultant prepared a detailed schedule showing the gradual repayment of the loan principal through periodic payments.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank requires 'escrow' (a financial arrangement where a third party holds funds before closing a transaction), and the second blank requires 'amortization' (the gradual liquidation of a debt through regular installments).
In banking, finance, and real estate registers, an 'escrow' account is a designated account where funds are held by a neutral third party during a transaction until specific legal conditions are met. 'Amortization' refers to the process of spreading out a loan into a series of equal payments over time so that each payment contributes to both principal and interest.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank in relation to real estate and banking registers.
The phrase refers to a temporary holding account managed by a neutral third party until contractual conditions are fulfilled, which in financial and legal register is termed an 'escrow' account.
Specialized financial vocabulary specifies 'escrow' for secure conditional fund holding during commercial transactions.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank regarding mortgage loan repayment schedules.
The systematic paying off of a debt principal over time through scheduled regular payments is known as 'amortization'.
In banking and accounting registers, 'amortization' precisely describes the structured repayment process of loans or intangible assets.

Key Concept

Banking and Real Estate Register Terms
Question 636Question →

The committee rejected the proposed plan because it was deemed completely __________, as the project manager failed to account for basic safety standards. Which of the following words correctly completes the sentence using the appropriate negative prefix?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: irresponsible

Answer

irresponsible
The correct form is 'irresponsible'. In English morphology, the negative prefix 'in-' undergoes phonetic assimilation and becomes 'ir-' when combined with root words starting with the letter 'r'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the base root word and the required meaning shift.
The root word is 'responsible', and the context requires its negative adjective form.
The sentence states the plan was rejected due to a failure to meet safety standards.
2
Apply morphological prefix rules for negation.
The standard negative prefix 'in-' assimilates to 'ir-' when prefixed to words starting with the liquid consonant 'r'.
English morphological rules specify that 'in-' changes to 'ir-' before roots beginning with 'r' (e.g., relevant -> irrelevant, responsible -> irresponsible).

Key Concept

Prefix Assimilation in Word Formation
Question 637Question →

Which word correctly completes the sentence below to form a standard fixed collocation?

Fill in the blanks below

In corporate governance, adherence to ethical standards must take over short-term financial gains.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The noun 'precedence' correctly completes the fixed idiom 'take precedence over'.
The word 'precedence' forms the standard English fixed phrase 'take precedence over', which means to be considered more important than something else.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the verb and preposition surrounding the blank space.
The sentence frame is 'take [blank] over'.
Recognizing the fixed phrase structure determines which noun collocates naturally.
2
Select the correct noun that completes the fixed English collocation meaning to have higher priority or importance.
The standard fixed collocation in formal English is 'take precedence over'.
'Precedence' collocates naturally with 'take' and 'over' in formal and academic registers.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun-Preposition Collocations
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 638Question →

The defense counsel's perspicacious analysis of the circumstantial evidence convinced the jury of the defendant's innocence. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: perceptive

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'perspicacious' is 'perceptive'.
In the context of the sentence, 'perspicacious' means having or showing keen insight, discernment, and understanding. The word 'perceptive' accurately reflects this meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the underlined word in the sentence.
The word 'perspicacious' describes an analysis of circumstantial evidence that was insightful enough to convince a jury.
Contextual meaning determines which synonym fits best.
2
Identify the definition of 'perspicacious' and match it with the options.
'Perspicacious' means having keen judgment, discernment, or mental sharpness, which aligns directly with 'perceptive'.
Comparing core definitions against contextual usage pinpoints the accurate synonym.

Key Concept

Identifying synonyms based on contextual meaning and precise vocabulary knowledge.
Question 639Question →

During the crisis meeting between management and the labor union, the human resources director attempted to pour oil on troubled waters by addressing the workers' welfare grievances. What is the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: soothe anger and calm a tense situation

Answer

soothe anger and calm a tense situation
The idiom 'pour oil on troubled waters' means to say or do something to calm a disagreement or lessen anger in a difficult situation. In the given context, the director's actions were aimed at reducing tension with the labor union.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and identify the idiomatic phrase.
The phrase 'pour oil on troubled waters' is used in the context of an HR director dealing with a tense union dispute.
Contextual clues indicate an attempt to resolve conflict and restore harmony.
2
Differentiate between literal wording and figurative meaning.
Figuratively, oil smoothing rough waves symbolizes calming heated emotions or disputes.
Idioms in Use of English tests require figurative interpretation rather than word-for-word literal translation.

Key Concept

Interpretation of Idiomatic Expressions in Context
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 640Question →

Read the sentence below and answer the question that follows:

The senior editor advised the young columnist to evaluate the manuscript constructively rather than carping ________ minor stylistic flaws.

Which of the following prepositions correctly completes the prepositional verb in the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: at

Answer

The preposition 'at' correctly completes the prepositional verb 'carp at'.
The prepositional verb 'carp at' is the correct idiom in standard English, meaning to continually find fault or complain about trivial matters. Therefore, 'at' is the appropriate preposition to complete the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main verb and context of the sentence.
The verb is 'carping', used in the context of continually complaining or finding petty fault with minor flaws.
The sentence contrasts constructive evaluation with hypercritical complaining about trivial details.
2
Determine the standard preposition that collocates with 'carp' to express this meaning.
In Standard British English, the verb 'carp' specifically takes the preposition 'at' to form 'carp at'.
Prepositional verbs require specific prepositions fixed by idiom and standard usage.

Key Concept

Prepositional Verbs and Fixed Preposition Selection
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