JAMB English 1991 Past Questions & Explanations
Try 20 of 73+ JAMB English 1991 questions as a free quiz — select your answers, submit, and see your score with a full explanation for every one.
- 1.
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in underlined:
Whether the village head should identify himself with the activities of religious demonstrations has remained a burning question.
Show explanation
The phrase 'burning question' refers to a topic that is hotly debated, urgent, and controversial. Option C, 'a matter of serious controversy,' best captures this meaning. A 'burning question' is one that generates significant debate and disagreement. Option B (perennial issue) suggests it recurs but lacks the intensity. Option A (subject of discord) is close but less precise than C. Option D (sensitive matter) is too mild for the intensity implied by 'burning.' - 2.
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in underlined:
I would rather not attend the party.
Show explanation
'Would rather not' expresses a preference or reluctance—it indicates a lack of enthusiasm or willingness, not an absolute prohibition or hatred. Option B correctly captures this nuanced meaning of preferring to avoid something without the intensity of 'detest.' Option A overstates the feeling. Option C incorrectly suggests obligation or prohibition. Option D misses the implicit preference against attending. - 3.
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in underlined:
If Garba had listened to advice, he would not have had to be rushed to the hospital.
Show explanation
This is a conditional statement using 'would not have had to,' indicating a hypothetical situation where following advice could have prevented the outcome. Option B correctly interprets this as Garba being in a position to prevent the hospital visit through his own actions (listening to advice). Option A contradicts the logic. Option C is irrelevant to the conditional structure. Option D is nonsensical in context. - 4.
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in underlined:
Aduke: Ngozi, let's visit the market. Ngozi: If you insist.
Show explanation
The phrase 'If you insist' is a polite but reluctant acceptance. It suggests Ngozi is willing to go only if pressured, implying a lack of enthusiasm or keenness. Option C accurately reflects this reluctance. Option A contradicts the hedging language. Option B misinterprets consent as obligation. Option D adds an unnecessary layer of pretense not clearly supported by the text. - 5.
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in underlined:
The new leader hands out an olive branch.
Show explanation
'Handing out an olive branch' is an idiom meaning to offer peace or reconciliation. The olive branch is a traditional symbol of peace. Option A, 'sues for peace,' captures this figurative meaning. Option B interprets it literally and incorrectly. Option C contradicts the peaceful intent. Option D is unrelated to the idiom's meaning. - 6.
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics:
When you go to a foreign country to study, you will discover that life is not a bed of roses.
Show explanation
'Life is not a bed of roses' is an idiom meaning life is not as pleasant, easy, or comfortable as one might hope or expect. Option A, 'as pleasant as one thought,' correctly captures this meaning—life will not be as pleasant as imagined. Option B is a literal, incorrect interpretation. Option C is too extreme; the phrase suggests mixed difficulties, not total disappointment. Option D ignores the negative comparison implied. - 7.
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in underlined:
Because our representative is immature and biased, he takes a jaundiced view of our problem.
Show explanation
'A jaundiced view' is an idiom meaning a view colored by prejudice, bitterness, or cynicism. It derives from jaundice, a medical condition that makes things appear yellowish, and metaphorically refers to seeing things negatively or with bias. Given the context that the representative is 'immature and biased,' Option C, 'prejudiced,' is the best fit. Options A and B refer to lack of clarity. Option D implies pessimism but lacks the element of bias central to the idiom. - 8.
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in underlined:
The president has sent his regrets. He is unable to attend the meeting.
Show explanation
The phrase 'sent his regrets' is an idiom meaning to formally express apologies or express regret for not being able to attend. In formal contexts, 'regrets' refers to polite expressions of apology or regret. Option D, 'apologies,' captures this sense. Option A is incorrect. Option B and C misinterpret 'regrets' as emotional states rather than formal expressions. - 9.
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in underlined:
The woman acted courageously when she was attacked by thieves.
Show explanation
'Courageously' means with courage, bravery, and boldness in the face of danger or fear. Option B, 'fearlessly,' is the closest synonym as it conveys acting without fear and with bravery. Option A (shyly) and C (timidity) are antonyms of courageous. Option D (carelessly) is unrelated to courage. - 10.
In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in underlined:
We all have both good and bad characteristics. Either is, however, easily manifested in times of crisis.
Show explanation
'Manifested' means to reveal, display, or show clearly. In context, characteristics are 'easily manifested' (clearly shown) in times of crisis. Option B, 'highlighted,' best conveys this sense of making something prominently visible or evident. Option A is incorrect. Option C contradicts the meaning. Option D, while related to causation, doesn't capture the sense of revealing. - 11.
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills(s) the gap(s):
The sea wave continues to ____ the cliff on the west coast constantly.
Show explanation
Sea waves continuously wear away cliff surfaces through a process called erosion, where rock is gradually worn down by water and friction. Option D, 'erode,' is the precise geological term for this process. Option A (impair) means to damage or weaken but is less specific. Option B (rub) and C (knock) are too vague or gentle for the sustained geological action of waves on cliffs. - 12.
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills(s) the gap(s):
The college bus was travelling at high ____ when the accident occurred.
Show explanation
While 'velocity' is technically precise in physics, 'speed' is the most common and natural term for how fast something is moving in everyday language. Option D is the most appropriate for the casual context of a bus accident. 'Velocity' (A) is correct but overly technical. 'Acceleration' (B) refers to change in speed, not current speed. 'Rapidity' (C) is less commonly used in this context than 'speed.' - 13.
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills(s) the gap(s):
Note that only senior members of staff have the ____ of using the toilet upstairs.
Show explanation
The sentence indicates an exclusive right granted to senior members—something they have that others do not. Option C, 'privilege,' denotes a special right or advantage granted to a select group. Option A (permission) is too general and doesn't convey exclusivity. Option B (occasion) refers to an event or opportunity, not a right. Option D (habit) is a repeated behavior, not an exclusive right. - 14.
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills(s) the gap(s):
The chief priest will ____ the men into the cult today.
Show explanation
To initiate means to formally admit someone into a group, society, or organization, often through a ceremonial process. In the context of a cult and a chief priest, 'initiate' is the standard term. Option A (indoctrinate) emphasizes teaching ideology. Option B (usher) means to guide or escort. Option C (convert) means to change religion or belief. Option D is most precise for the formal admission into a cult. - 15.
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills(s) the gap(s):
Jimoh is noted for his ____ attitude to his seniors at school.
Show explanation
The sentence implies a positive attitude toward seniors. Option B, 'respectful,' means showing respect or deference—the appropriate attitude to display toward seniors. Option A (receptive) means open to ideas, not directly related to seniors. Option C (respective) means separately belonging to each, which is grammatically incorrect here. Option D (respectable) means worthy of respect, but doesn't describe an attitude directed toward seniors. - 16.
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills(s) the gap(s):
The girl that my brother introduced to us last week is pretty ____ ill-mannered.
Show explanation
The sentence presents a contrast: the girl is pretty (positive) but also ill-mannered (negative). Option B, 'but also,' correctly shows this contradiction and addition. Option A (and) would suggest both are equally presented without contrast. Option C (as well as) also suggests addition without strong contrast. Option D (respectable) is unrelated to the sentence structure needed. - 17.
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills(s) the gap(s):
The police report was ____ to that of the eyewitness.
Show explanation
When two accounts don't align or match, they are 'inconsistent'—not in harmony or agreement. Option B is the most precise term for accounts that contradict or don't match each other. Option A (contrary) suggests direct opposition but is slightly less precise. Option C (different) is too vague. Option D (congruent) means they match, which contradicts the implied problem. - 18.
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills(s) the gap(s):
The African extended family system gives security to ____ members.
Show explanation
'The African extended family system' is a singular noun (the system), requiring a singular pronoun. Option C, 'its,' is the correct singular possessive pronoun. Options A and B are gender-specific and singular but don't fit a non-personal noun. Option D ('their') is plural and incorrect for a singular antecedent. - 19.
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills(s) the gap(s):
I know I ____ read more, but I am tired.
Show explanation
The sentence expresses an acknowledgment of duty or obligation that conflicts with present circumstances. Option B, 'ought to,' conveys moral or practical obligation—'I should read more, but I'm tired.' Option A (may) suggests permission. Option C (would) is conditional. Option D (could) suggests ability. 'Ought to' best captures the sense of recognized obligation despite an obstacle. - 20.
In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills(s) the gap(s):
Insects can become ____ to insecticides.
Show explanation
When insects develop the ability to withstand or not be affected by insecticides, they become 'resistant'—having built-in defenses or tolerance. Option B is the correct biological term. Option A (immunized) refers to immune systems, more relevant to diseases. Option C (reticent) means unwilling to speak, unrelated to the context. Option D (immobilized) means unable to move, contradicting the meaning needed.