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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 741Question →

During the press conference regarding the delayed transit project, the commissioner was accused of passing the buck when he attributed the operational failures entirely to his predecessor. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Shifting responsibility or blame to another person

Answer

Shifting responsibility or blame to another person
The idiomatic expression 'pass the buck' means to transfer responsibility or blame for something to another person in order to avoid taking accountability oneself. In the context of the sentence, the commissioner avoids taking responsibility for operational delays by blaming his predecessor.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The commissioner is deflecting criticism by blaming his predecessor for project failures.
Contextual clues indicate an act of evading personal blame by attributing fault to someone else.
2
Identify the figurative meaning of the idiom 'pass the buck'
The expression figuratively means to evade responsibility by passing it on to another party.
Idioms cannot be decoded through literal word meanings; their established figurative senses must be recognized.

Key Concept

Meaning of the idiom 'pass the buck'
Question 742Question →

After several attempts to resolve the land boundary dispute amicably failed, the trial judge issued a court order restraining both parties from carrying out further construction on the contested site until the final determination of the lawsuit. Which specialized legal register term best describes this court order?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: an injunction

Answer

The correct term is 'an injunction'.
The correct term is 'an injunction' because in legal terminology, an injunction is an order issued by a court of law that compels a party to refrain from doing a specified act (such as proceeding with building on disputed land) until the rights of the parties have been fully determined.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the judicial action described in the sentence.
The court is issuing a formal order that halts or restrains construction activities pending a final judgment.
Identifying the specific legal function of the order helps select the correct specialized legal term.
2
Evaluate the specialized meanings of the legal terms provided.
'An injunction' specifically refers to a judicial order restraining a party from executing a particular act or preserving the status quo.
Distinguishing between court orders, witness summons, sworn statements, and criminal charges ensures precise register selection.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Legal Terminology)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 743Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the correct word to form a standard fixed phrase.

Fill in the blanks below

The financial statements presented by the outgoing treasurer were found to be completely at with the actual audit report submitted by the independent firm.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

variance
The correct completion is 'variance'. The idiom 'at variance with' is a standard fixed prepositional phrase in English meaning to be in conflict, contradiction, or discrepancy with established facts or statements.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the fixed prepositional frame 'at _____ with' in the context of conflicting financial records.
The word 'variance' completes the idiomatic expression 'at variance with', which means in total disagreement or inconsistency with something.
Standard English lexis mandates specific noun completions for prepositional frames; 'variance' is the only accepted noun that forms this specific fixed phrase.

Key Concept

Fixed Prepositional Collocations: 'at variance with'
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 744Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Whereas the senior auditor maintained METICULOUS financial records for the firm, his junior associate was surprisingly in documenting daily transactions.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

careless (or negligent / sloppy / remiss / lax)
The capitalized word 'METICULOUS' means showing great attention to detail, being extremely careful and precise. Because the sentence begins with the contrastive conjunction 'Whereas', the word completing the sentence must express the exact opposite quality. The word 'careless' (or 'negligent', 'sloppy', 'lax') serves as the direct contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence and the capitalized target word.
The word 'METICULOUS' means extremely careful, precise, and paying scrupulous attention to detail.
Understanding the precise meaning of the target word is essential before determining its contextual opposite.
2
Identify the contrastive clue in the sentence structure.
The sentence begins with the subordinating conjunction 'Whereas', indicating a direct contrast between the senior auditor's habit and the junior associate's habit.
Contrast indicators signal that the missing word must express the opposite trait of the target word.
3
Select a suitable antonym that fits syntactically and semantically into the blank.
Words such as 'careless', 'negligent', 'sloppy', or 'lax' directly contradict 'meticulous'.
These words describe a lack of attention to detail, fulfilling the required antonym relationship in this sentence context.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 745Question →

Despite the committee's persistent appeal for a lenient sanction, the chairman remained inexorable in enforcing the established disciplinary regulations. Which of the following words is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: unyielding

Answer

unyielding
In this context, the word 'inexorable' describes a person who cannot be moved or persuaded by entreaties, remaining firm and steadfast. Therefore, 'unyielding' is the word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues in the sentence.
The phrase 'Despite the committee's persistent appeal for a lenient sanction' indicates that the chairman refused to soften his stance.
Contextual clues reveal the specific nuance of the target word.
2
Determine the contextual meaning of the underlined word 'inexorable'.
'Inexorable' means impossible to stop, alter, or persuade by entreaty; adamant and unbending.
Defining the target word in context allows precise matching with the options.
3
Evaluate the options to find the word nearest in meaning.
'Unyielding' directly mirrors the sense of remaining firm and unbending.
Selecting the option that preserves contextual meaning yields the correct answer.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms in formal written English
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 746Question →

During the peer review of the cosmological research paper, the lead astrophysicist remained ________ regarding the anomalous signal data, insisting on further empirical verification before accepting the discovery of a new celestial body. Which word, derived from the Latin root *cred-* ('to believe'), correctly completes the sentence to describe a person who is skeptical or unwilling to believe easily?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: incredulous

Answer

The correct option is 'incredulous' because it accurately combines the negative prefix 'in-', the root 'cred-', and the adjectival suffix '-ulous' to describe an individual who exhibits skepticism.
The word 'incredulous' correctly applies the prefix 'in-' (not), the Latin root 'cred-' (believe), and the suffix '-ulous' (inclined to) to form an adjective that describes a person who is skeptical or doubtful. In this context, it properly modifies the subject 'astrophysicist'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the syntactic slot and semantic context
The blank follows the linking verb 'remained' and describes the attitude of the astrophysicist towards unexpected data, requiring a predicate adjective meaning 'skeptical' or 'unbelieving'.
Determines the necessary part of speech and specific semantic nuances.
2
Deconstruct morphological affixes and roots
Root *cred-* ('believe') + prefix *in-* ('not') + suffix *-ulous* ('disposed to') = *incredulous* (disposed to not believe / skeptical).
Synthesizes the precise affixation required for the contextual definition.
3
Differentiate from paronyms and incorrect grammatical forms
'Incredible' (-ible = capable of being) describes an unbelievable phenomenon, not a person's state of mind. 'Incredulity' (-ity = noun state) creates a syntactic error.
Eliminates distractors based on paronym confusion and suffix/category mismatch.

Key Concept

Morphological Derivation and Paronym Differentiation (Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots)
Question 747Question →

Match each specialized occupational term on the left with its correct technical definition or usage on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Cantilever
Imposition
Demurrage
Prognosis

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Cantilever pairs with the structural beam supported at one end; Imposition pairs with the page arrangement on a printing sheet; Demurrage pairs with the penalty fee for delayed cargo loading; Prognosis pairs with the medical forecast of a disease outcome.
Each specialized term corresponds precisely to its occupational field: Cantilever in civil engineering/architecture describes a single-supported beam; Imposition in pre-press printing describes page layout arrangement; Demurrage in maritime shipping describes cargo delay fees; Prognosis in medical science describes the projected course of an illness.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the register domain for each term on the left
Cantilever belongs to Architecture/Engineering, Imposition to Printing/Publishing, Demurrage to Shipping/Commerce, and Prognosis to Medicine.
Identifying the field of occupation helps isolate the technical meaning of each specialized term.
2
Match each term to its specific technical definition on the right
Cantilever matches the projecting structural beam fixed at one end; Imposition matches page ordering on a printer's sheet; Demurrage matches penalty for laytime extension in maritime logistics; Prognosis matches disease outcome prediction.
Verifying precise technical definitions prevents misapplication across overlapping general language senses.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 748Question →

Despite the minister's eloquent speech promising swift anti-corruption reforms, civic groups criticized the administration for merely paying _______ to the proposed accountability policies. Which word correctly completes the fixed phrase in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: lip

Answer

The word 'lip' correctly completes the fixed expression 'pay lip service to'.
The idiom 'pay lip service to' specifically means to express approval or support for something without taking any meaningful action. In the sentence context, civic groups accuse the government of only talking about reforms without executing them.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence contrasts an eloquent speech of promises with a lack of practical action by the administration.
Understanding context helps identify the intended figurative expression meaning insincere or superficial verbal support.
2
Identify the standard English fixed phrase
The established idiom for giving insincere verbal agreement without real action is 'pay lip service to'.
Fixed idioms and collocations require specific word combinations that cannot be substituted with near-synonyms.

Key Concept

Fixed Idiomatic Expressions and Collocations
Question 749Question →

Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the bolded idiomatic expression in the sentence below.

During the prolonged labor dispute between the university management and the staff union, the Vice-Chancellor decided to extend an olive branch by offering an immediate review of work conditions.

What did the Vice-Chancellor do?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Made an overture of peace and reconciliation to end the ongoing hostility

Answer

The Vice-Chancellor made an overture of peace and reconciliation to end the ongoing hostility.
The idiomatic expression 'to extend an olive branch' means to make an offer or gesture of peace and reconciliation, especially to end a period of conflict or disagreement. In the given sentence, the Vice-Chancellor sought to resolve the labor dispute amicably by offering to review work conditions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the idiomatic expression in the sentence stem.
The target expression is 'extend an olive branch'.
Recognizing the phrase as a fixed idiomatic unit is essential prior to contextual interpretation.
2
Determine the figurative sense of the idiom.
Historically and conventionally, to extend an olive branch means to make an offer of peace or reconciliation to a rival or aggrieved party.
Idiomatic meanings cannot be derived from literal definitions of individual constituent words.
3
Match the figurative sense with the correct option.
Making an overture of peace aligns precisely with the Vice-Chancellor's initiative to resolve the dispute amicably.
This selection represents the accurate semantic equivalent of the idiom in context.

Key Concept

Interpretation of English Idiomatic Expressions in Context
Question 750Question →

Below is a list of formal vocabulary terms alongside potential antonyms. Match each word on the left to the word on the right that is most nearly opposite in meaning.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Superfluous
Intrepid
Ostentatious
Volatile

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Superfluous matches with Essential; Intrepid matches with Timid; Ostentatious matches with Unassuming; Volatile matches with Stable.
Each vocabulary word on the left is accurately paired with its semantic opposite on the right: 'Superfluous' (unnecessary/redundant) pairs with 'Essential'; 'Intrepid' (fearless) pairs with 'Timid'; 'Ostentatious' (showy) pairs with 'Unassuming'; and 'Volatile' (unpredictable/changeable) pairs with 'Stable'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the core definition of each word in the left column.
'Superfluous' refers to excess; 'Intrepid' refers to bravery; 'Ostentatious' refers to showiness; 'Volatile' refers to instability.
Determining exact meanings is required to find precise opposite terms.
2
Evaluate the terms in the right column to locate their exact semantic opposites.
Essential contrasts with Superfluous; Timid contrasts with Intrepid; Unassuming contrasts with Ostentatious; Stable contrasts with Volatile.
Antonyms must exhibit opposite semantic polarity.

Key Concept

Identifying Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 751Question →

Match each Latin or Greek affix or root morpheme on the left with its corresponding morphological meaning on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Prefix "ante-"
Root "graph-" / "-gram"
Suffix "-cide"
Prefix "trans-"

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Prefix "ante-" matches with "Before, preceding, or prior in time or position"; Root "graph-" / "-gram" matches with "Written, drawn, recorded, or graphic representation"; Suffix "-cide" matches with "Action of killing, destruction, or an agent that kills"; Prefix "trans-" matches with "Across, beyond, through, or on the other side of".
Each morpheme is correctly mapped to its classical root/affix meaning: "ante-" means before or prior; "graph-" / "-gram" means writing or drawing; "-cide" means killing or killer; and "trans-" means across or beyond.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the prefix "ante-"
Identify that "ante-" is a Latin prefix denoting priority in time or space.
Words like "antedate" (date before) and "anteroom" (room before) demonstrate this meaning.
2
Analyze the root "graph-" / "-gram"
Identify that "graph-" / "-gram" is a Greek root referring to writing or drawing.
Words like "telegraph" (written at a distance) and "diagram" (drawn figure) showcase this root function.
3
Analyze the suffix "-cide"
Identify that "-cide" is a Latin-derived nominal suffix meaning killing or killer.
Words like "pesticide" (substance that kills pests) and "patricide" (killing of a father) confirm this semantic link.
4
Analyze the prefix "trans-"
Identify that "trans-" is a Latin prefix meaning across or beyond.
Words like "transcontinental" (across continents) and "transform" (change across forms) demonstrate this meaning.

Key Concept

Morphological derivation and semantic identification of Greek and Latin prefixes, roots, and suffixes.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 752Question →

Read the context provided in the sentence below. Which word nearest in meaning to cheerful readiness or prompt eagerness correctly completes the blank?

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the daunting challenges ahead, the newly appointed envoys embraced their diplomatic mission with .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word that correctly completes the sentence is 'alacrity' (or synonyms such as 'eagerness' or 'promptness').
The term 'alacrity' signifies lively, cheerful readiness or promptness, which fits the sentence structure describing a team willingly taking up an assignment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues in the sentence stem.
The phrase 'embraced their diplomatic mission' signals a positive, proactive, and willing attitude toward undertaking a duty.
Understanding the surrounding context determines the required semantic tone and meaning of the missing noun.
2
Select the noun nearest in meaning to cheerful promptness and eagerness.
'Alacrity' refers to brisk and cheerful readiness or prompt eagerness, perfectly aligning with the formal register and contextual meaning of the sentence.
JAMB UTME lexis assessment tests precise contextual vocabulary application within formal writing.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and Lexical Selection
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 753Question →

During the Senate committee hearing on infrastructure development, the minister attempted to ________ the obvious structural defects in the project proposal rather than address the panel's specific concerns. Which of the following phrasal verbs best completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: gloss over

Answer

'gloss over' is the correct phrasal verb to complete the sentence.
The phrasal verb 'gloss over' correctly conveys the intention to minimize, ignore, or cover up serious faults or defects to avoid difficult discussion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The minister is trying to minimize or treat the structural defects as unimportant rather than facing direct questions.
Understanding the context determines the required idiomatic meaning of the phrasal verb.
2
Evaluate the phrasal verb options for contextual fit and correct particle usage
The phrasal verb 'gloss over' means to deliberately treat a serious fault or defect as minor or inconsequential.
Standard British English requires the particle 'over' with the verb 'gloss' to express this specific meaning.

Key Concept

Meaning and prepositional particle selection for phrasal verbs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 754Question →

When the severe economic recession struck the nation, low-income households were forced to _______ the brunt of the escalating inflation. Which of the following words correctly completes the fixed verb-noun collocation in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: bear

Answer

bear
In standard English usage, the verb 'bear' naturally pairs with the noun phrase 'the brunt of' to mean enduring the chief stress, force, or impact of an unpleasant situation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target noun phrase in the sentence structure.
The target noun phrase following the blank is 'the brunt of'.
Recognizing the head noun phrase helps determine the standard fixed verb pairing in English.
2
Select the verb that conventionally collocates with 'the brunt of'.
The established standard English expression is 'to bear the brunt of'.
English collocations are fixed pairings established by usage; 'bear' is the only verb that forms this idiomatic collocation.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Collocations
Estimated Time:45s
Question 755Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct specialized publishing register term for the blank.

Fill in the blanks below

Before a book is approved for final press printing, the publisher prints a preliminary typeset copy known as a proof to detect typographical and formatting errors.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct specialized term is 'galley'.
In the publishing and printing trade, 'galley' (or galley proof) is the exact occupational register term for the preliminary typeset copy printed for proofreading and correcting errors before final publication.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the relevant professional register.
The scenario describes the printing and publishing industry, specifically the pre-press stage of inspecting typeset material.
Specialized vocabulary must match the specific domain described.
2
Identify the precise register term for a preliminary typeset proof copy.
In printing and publishing, a 'galley' (or galley proof) is the technical term for the preliminary version created for proofreading before final layout and press execution.
Terms such as 'manuscript' or 'draft' refer to earlier un-typeset texts created by the author, whereas 'galley' refers specifically to the typeset pre-press proof.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 756Question →

The presiding magistrate was praised for her ________ handling of the volatile proceedings, maintaining order while upholding justice without partiality. Which word best completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: judicious

Answer

The correct option is 'judicious', which is an adjective derived from the root 'judic-' with the suffix '-ious', meaning showing good judgment or discretion.
The adjective 'judicious' is formed from the Latin root 'judic-' (judge/judgment) and the suffix '-ious' (characterized by). It means showing sound judgment and wise discretion, which accurately describes the magistrate's praised handling of the court case.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the grammatical category required by the blank
The blank appears directly before the noun 'handling', requiring an adjectival modifier.
Understanding the syntactic structure of the sentence.
2
Analyze the morphological components of the target word
The root 'judic-' relates to judgment. Adding '-ious' creates an adjective meaning 'wise or prudent' ('judicious'), while adding '-ial' creates an adjective meaning 'pertaining to courts' ('judicial').
Differentiating between paronyms derived from the same base root using suffix rules.
3
Match the word meaning to sentence context
Praising a magistrate for maintaining order and upholding justice requires a word meaning prudent and wise, which is 'judicious'.
Selecting the semantically and grammatically accurate word form.

Key Concept

Paronym Affix Differentiation and Word Formation
Question 757Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct preposition to complete the prepositional verb.

Fill in the blanks below

The long-term viability of the community health initiative will ultimately hinge the continuous support of local healthcare professionals.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct preposition to fill the blank is 'on' (or 'upon').
The prepositional verb 'hinge on' (or 'hinge upon') means to depend entirely on something as a central factor or condition. In this context, the success and viability of the program depend on the support of healthcare professionals.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the base verb and the intended meaning of the sentence.
The verb is 'hinge', and the context implies that the viability of the initiative depends on continuous support.
Prepositional verbs require specific standard prepositions to express particular relations such as dependency.
2
Determine the correct fixed preposition that collocates with 'hinge'.
'Hinge' combines with 'on' or 'upon' to mean 'to depend or turn on a critical factor'.
Prepositions like 'at', 'with', or 'to' do not form a grammatically valid prepositional verb with 'hinge' to denote dependence.

Key Concept

Prepositional Verb Collocation (hinge on / hinge upon)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 758Question →

During the sensitive bilateral summit, the chief negotiator's remarks were criticized for being inappropriately dictatorial and admitting no possibility of refusal or debate. Which of the following words, derived from the Latin prefix *per-* (meaning 'thoroughly' or 'utterly') and the root *emere* (meaning 'to take or obtain'), correctly describes such a command or remark?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: peremptory

Answer

peremptory
The word 'peremptory' is formed from the prefix 'per-' (thoroughly) and the root 'emere' (to take/obtain). In English lexis, it describes an insistence, tone, or command that is absolute, final, and dictatorially binding, leaving no room for refusal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the prefix and root requirements in the stem
The target word requires the Latin prefix 'per-' (thoroughly) combined with the root 'emere' (to take/obtain).
Etymological analysis isolates words formed by specific morphological components.
2
Evaluate candidate words for morphological alignment and contextual definition
The word 'peremptory' originates from Latin *peremptorius* (from *per-emere*, meaning to take away entirely or destroy/settle decisively), denoting a command or manner that is final and imperious.
Matches both the requested classical root elements and the contextual meaning of admitting no refusal.

Key Concept

Morphological derivation and paronym differentiation using Latin prefixes and roots
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 759Question →

Despite several attempts by the board of directors to reconcile the two executive leaders, the CEO and the Managing Director remain at loggerheads over the strategic direction of the company. Which of the following options best conveys the meaning of the idiomatic expression *at loggerheads* as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: In sharp disagreement and persistent conflict

Answer

In sharp disagreement and persistent conflict
The idiom 'at loggerheads' means to be involved in a strong dispute, quarrel, or stubborn disagreement with someone. In the context of the sentence, the phrase 'despite several attempts to reconcile' reinforces that the two leaders are in persistent conflict.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context surrounding the idiomatic expression
The phrase 'despite several attempts... to reconcile' indicates an ongoing state of conflict or dispute between the two individuals.
Contextual clues in JAMB idiom questions reveal whether the situation is positive, negative, or adversarial.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom 'at loggerheads'
The idiom 'at loggerheads' figuratively means to be in strong, head-to-head dispute or quarrel with someone.
Idioms cannot be decoded literally from their component words; their established figurative meaning must be applied.
3
Select the option that matches this figurative meaning
The option stating 'In sharp disagreement and persistent conflict' accurately conveys this meaning.
It directly reflects the adversarial relationship established by both context and definition.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Interpretation in Context
Estimated Time:50s
Question 760Question →

Fill in the blank with the word that correctly completes the fixed collocation in the sentence below.

Fill in the blanks below

Rather than relying on outdated management techniques, the new corporate board decided to place a high on innovation and technological advancement.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word that correctly completes the collocation is 'premium'.
The word 'premium' completes the fixed idiomatic collocation 'to place a premium on', which means to attach high value or importance to something. In this sentence, prioritizing innovation over outdated techniques requires this exact phrase.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The sentence contrasts outdated techniques with placing high value/importance on innovation.
Understanding the context helps determine the required semantic meaning of the missing word.
2
Identify the standard fixed collocational pattern.
The established fixed expression is 'to place a premium on something'.
In standard English register, 'place a premium on' means to highly value, prioritize, or regard something as exceptionally important.

Key Concept

Fixed Collocations: Verb + Noun + Preposition ('place a premium on')
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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