UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL

TEST OF ENGLISH FOR HIGHER DEGREE

ADMISSIONS:
SAMPLE QUESTIONS

May, 2013.

CONTENTS
Foreword

Syllabus

General Information

Waivers

Section A: Parallelism

Section B: Discourse Reference

13

Section C: Stylistic Variation

16

Section D: Concord

21

Section E: Mechanics

25

Section F: Vocabulary Choices, Collocations

Sense Relations and Tenses
27
Recommended Reading:

33

Answers:

34

FOREWORD
Test of English for Higher Degree Admissions: Sample Questions is a
text specially prepared for applicants to the different Master degree
programmes of the University of Ibadan. It is meant to intimate
them with the level of English to be considered in examining them
for qualification for admission or interactive sessions/entrance
examinations leading to final admission. Thus, the text represents
the nature of the questions to be asked in the examination.
The test, as shown in the samples in this publication, will
cover aspects of English grammar, vocabulary choices (for general
and professional purposes) and acceptable style of writing. This
design has been informed by the extremely low level of English
language competence observed among our graduate students, a
number of whom could not construct the simplest intelligible
sentence of English after completing their programmes. If this
happens at the University of Ibadan in spite of the rigorous and
intensive programmes that we run, then it should be worse in most
other universities. Given that all universities source students from
the same public pool, it is not exaggerative to say that the Nigerian
university system may fail to achieve its goals if this situation is not
remedied.
Against the above background, the University of Ibadan has
decided to sort out the issue of linguistic expressivity right from the
entry point into the universitys higher degree programmes. In other
words, it is only those who could communicate effectively in English
at the level required of a graduate student that WILL be considered
for admission processing.
It should be understood that the test is not with the intention
to deliberately and uncritically weed off candidates. Rather, it is
designed to improve the quality of our graduates and brighten their
chances in society. Hence, the sample questions, with their answers,
in this text, are to assist them to understand what is expected of
them in the examination. The syllabus is provided for them to be
informed about the extent of the preparation they have to make.
Applicants may consult the recommended texts and other standard
books that adequately treat the topics listed in the syllabus.
As you will be instructed presently in this publication, you
could practise the questions as many times as possible, scoring and

rating yourself in each attempt. These efforts are expected to be

complemented with hands on tasks undertaken through practices
indicated in standard and relevant books.
The road to a reputable graduate programme is not a smooth
one, but its end product is fulfilling, rewarding and distinctive. We
all must strive towards putting the University of Ibadan
Postgraduate School on this pedestal, where it has always been.
.
I wish you all the best of luck in the test.
Thank you.
Prof. Abel Olorunnisola,
Dean,
The Postgraduate School,
University of Ibadan.

SYLLABUS
1. PARALLELISM:
CONCEPT, NATURE AND MANIFESTATIONS
2. SENTENCE AND IDEA CONNECTION:
COHESION AND COHERENCE
3. STYLISTIC VARIATION:
WORD CHOICE AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
LEXICAL VARIANTS AND EXPRESSION OF IDEAS
4. CONCORD
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT
- WITH AGREEMENT
RULE OF PROXIMITY
CONCORD AND ANOMALY
5. MECHANICS
SPELLING
CAPITALISATION
PUNCTUATION
6. VOCABULARY CHOICES, COLLOCATION, SENSE
RELATIONS AND TENSES
REGISTERS: TECHNICAL LANGUAGE/JARGON OF
DISCIPLINES, E.G. THE SOCIAL SCIENCES,
AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY, SCIENCES, PHARMACY,
MEDICINE, THE HUMANITIES, TECHNOLOGY, ETC.
SYNONYMY
ANTONYMY
POLYSEMY
AMBIGUITY
TENSE AND ASPECT

GENERAL INFORMATION
There are 150 questions in all, set on all the units included in
the syllabus. Answers to all questions have been provided in the last
pages of this publication. You are advised to do the following:
1. Study the instructions on each section carefully and
attempt the questions within 60 minutes as many times as
you can.
2. Convert your mark to 100%.
3. Rate your performance at each attempt, using the
following scales:
A. Highly proficient:
85-100
B. Proficient:
70-84
C. Fairly proficient:
60-69
D. Scarcely proficient: 50-59
E. Not proficient:
40-49
F. Illiterate:
0-39
*Note that none of the questions in this text will be
included in the examination that you will write.
Consequently, you are expected to read and practise
widely, using the samples only as a guide and standard.

WAIVERS
Waivers are allowed only for candidates who had attempted and
passed the General Paper of the British Graduate Record
Examination (GRE). This should be at a level commensurate with the
cut-off point considered for admission into the departments/units
such candidates have applied to. The candidates will request the
examination body to officially send their results, before the date
scheduled for the Universitys Test of English for Graduate Students,
to:
The Secretary
Postgraduate School
University of Ibadan
Ibadan, Nigeria.
.

SECTION A
PARALLELISM
Choose from the options written against letters a-d the expression that
represents the most standard/acceptable structure:
1. (a) The lady likes singing and cooking.
(b) The lady likes singing and to cook.
(c) The lady likes to always sing and cooking.
(d) The lady likes singing and to be cooking.
2. (a) Dr Ogunmola admires people with character and who seem to
have integrity.
(b) Dr Ogunmola admires people who have character as well as
people with integrity.
(c) Dr Ogunmola admires people who have character and
integrity.
(d) Dr Ogunmola admires people with character and who have
integrity.
3. (a) I like to listen, to speak, to read and to do some writing.
(b) I like listening, speaking, reading and writing.
(c) I like listening, speaking, to read, and do writing.
(d) I like listening, speaking, reading, writing.
4 (a) He was bruised for our iniquities and crushed for our
transgressions.
(b) He showed forgiveness for our iniquities, he was crushed for
our transgressions.
(c) He was bruised for our iniquities, and they were always
crushing him for all our transgressions.
(d) He was bruised for our iniquities, and was also to be crushed
for our transgressions.
5 (a) The writing of a good student should be precise and original.
(b) The writing of a good student should be precise and show
originality.

(c) The writing of a good student should be full of precision and be

original.
(d) The writing of a good student should be full of precision and
originally correct.
6 (a) The king was flattered by the chiefs, praised by his family but
the people hated him.
(b) The king was flattered by the chiefs, his family praised him but
the people hated him.
(c) The king was flattered by the chiefs, praised by his family but
hated by the people.
(d) The kings chiefs flattered him, praised by his family but hated
by the people.
7 (a) Industry is good but to be lazy is bad.
(b) Industry is good but laziness is bad.
(c) Industry is good but being lazy is bad.
(d) Industry is good but doing something lazily is bad.
8 (a) Yesterday, I went to school, shopped at Idea Konsult and
lunched at Tantalizers.
(b) Yesterday, I went to school, shopping at Idea Konsult and
lunched at Tantalizers.
(c) Yesterday, I went to school, shopped at Idea Konsult and
lunching at Tantalizers.
(d) Yesterday, I went to school, shopped at Idea Konsult and eating
at Tantalizers.
(9) (a) The prophet predicted that he would become governor; that he
would meet a beautiful stranger and that his first son would
become president.
(b) The prophet predicted that he would become governor; a
beautiful stranger will meet him and that his first son would
become president.
(c) The prophet predicted that he would become governor; he
would meet a beautiful stranger; his first son would become
president.
(d) The prophet predicted that he would become governor; a
beautiful stranger, will meet him; his son, to become a future
president.

10. (a) I was writing the letter when she lays the table for breakfast.
(b) I was writing the letter when she laid the table for breakfast.
(c) I was writing the letter while she lay the table for breakfast.
(d) I was writing the letter while she was laying the table for
breakfast.
11 (a) The girl was asked to buy some fish and that she should return
to the village.
(b) The girl was asked to buy some fish and then to return to the
village.
(c) The girl was asked to buy some fish and then, return back to
the village.
(d) The girl was asked to buy some fish and ordered, go back to
the village?
12 (a) Saying is one thing; to do it is another.
(b) Saying is one thing; doing is another.
(c) Saying is one thing; to have done it is another.
(d) Saying is one thing, do it is another.
13 (a) What Ade needs is a doctor and rest cure.
(b) What Ade needs is a doctor and to rest cure.
(c) What Ade needs is a doctor and a rest cure.
(d) What Ade needs is a doctor and enough rest cure.
14 (a) He believes that courage is better than fear, and that faith is
truer than doubt.
(b) He believes that courage is better than fearing and that faith is
truer than doubt.
(c) He believes that courage is better than fear and that
faithfulness is truer than to doubt.
(d) He believes that courage is better than fear and that faith is
truer than doubting.
15 (a) The man was not only a politician in a skillful way but also an
able artist.
(b) The man was not only a skilful politician but also an art man.
(c) The man was not only a politician skillfully but also an able
artist.

10

(d) The man was not only a skilful politician but also an able
artist.
16 (a) When Bayo grows up, either he wants to be a business tycoon
or actor.
(b) Bayo wants to be either a business tycoon or an actor when he
grows up.
(c) Bayo wants to be either a business tycoon or do acting job when
he grows up.
(d) Bayo wants to be either a business tycoon or act on stage when
he grows up.
17 (a) They could not decide whether to go to church or travelling.
(b) They could not decide whether to go to church or to begin
travelling.
(c) They could not decide whether to go to church or to travel.
(d) They could not decide whether going to church or to travel.
18 (a) She swam with swiftness and gracefully.
(b) She swam swiftly and gracefully.
(c) She swam swiftly and with grace.
(d) She swam swiftly and with much graciousness.
19 (a) The man closed the door, opened the windows and threw
himself on the couch.
(b) The man closed the door, opened the windows and was
wanting to throw himself on the couch.
(c) The man closed the door, was opening the windows and threw
himself on the couch.
(d) The man was closing the door, was opening the windows and
threw himself on the couch.
20 (a) The manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately
and with thoroughness.
(b) The manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately
and thoroughly.
(c) The manager was asked to write his report quickly, with
accuracy and thoroughly.
(d) The manager was asked to write his report quickly, with
accuracy and with thoroughness.

11

21 (a) The woman advised the boys to get a lot of sleep and to eat
little.
(b) The woman advised the boys to get a lot of sleep and that they
should not eat much.
(c) The woman advised the boys that they should get a lot of sleep
and to eat little.
(d) The woman advised the boys that they should get a lot of sleep
and not to be eating much.
22. (a) The dictionary can be used to find word meanings,
pronunciations and looking up spellings.
(b) The dictionary can be used to find: word meanings, checking
how to pronounce words and spellings.
(c) The dictionary can be used to find word meanings,
pronunciations and to check for spellings.
(d) The dictionary can be used to find word meanings,
pronunciations and spellings.
23. (a) Mr Johnson bought a car for his wife and gave it to her on her
birthday.
(b) Mr. Johnson bought a car for his wife to give her on her
birthday.
(c) Mr. Johnson bought a car for his wife and would like to have it
given to her on her birthday.
(d) Mr. Johnson bought a car for his wife, gave it to her on her
birthday.
24 (a) He was given the flag after he was taking the oath.
(b) He was given the flag after he had taken the oath.
(c) He was giving the flag after taking the oath.
(d) He was given the flag after he takes the oath.
25 (a) James loves to eat rice on Sundays and to eat beans only on
Saturdays.
(b) James loves eating rice on Sundays and to eat beans only on
Saturdays.
(c) James loves to be eating rice on Sundays and eat beans only on
Saturdays.

(d) James loves to have to eat rice on Sundays and eating beans
only on Saturdays.

12

SECTION B:
DISCOURSE REFERENCE
From the options indicated against letters a-d, identify the
words/expressions that the underlined words connect with in each of
the sets of sentences below:
26.

Spiritual growth is not physical growth. No one sees one, but

all see the other
a. physical growth.
b. growth.
c. spiritual growth.
d. spirit growth.

27.

Jordan just bought a fridge. The door fell down.

a. The door of the house.
b. The door of the fridge.
c. The door being repaired.
b. The door just repaired.

28.

Ronke: I know the meaning of the word voodoo.

Verena: I do too
a. know.
b. know it.
c. know the meaning of the word voodoo.
d. will know.

29.

He was charged with the following offences: sleeping with his

neighbour, his secretary, his niece and his guards daughter.
People condemned him for the incest than for the rest.
a.
b.
c.
d.

Sleeping with his neighbour.

Sleeping with his secretary.
Sleeping with his niece.
Sleeping with his guards daughter.

13

30.

Two things are involved in this matter: dealing with

individuals who do not like music and coping with a war-bent
society. Philistinism is more important here.
a. Coping with a war-bent society.
b. Dealing with individuals who do not like music.
c. Not like music.
d. A war-bent society.

31.

Tell me your plans, and I will give you some money.

a. When you have done so.
b. After you have told me your plans.
c. After you have let me know your plans.
d. If you let me know your plans.

32.

Insert the disk into the player. Then, press the play button.
a.
b.
c.
d.

33.

34.

He said I will marry you if you want. But I felt his condition
was discouraging.
a. I will marry you.
b. If.
c. If you want.
d. If you prefer that I marry you.
This examination is meant to determine the level of English
language competence of applicants. This is because coping in
higher degree classes requires being able to use the English
Language effectively.
a.
b.
c.
d.

In the course of that.

After that.
If you have done that.
Do it and after that.

This examination.
Conducting the examination.
Determining the English Language competence
applicants.
Conducting this examination for applicants.

14

of

35.

The University of Ibadan is the first and the best University

in Nigeria. No one denies that.
a. The fact that the university is the best.
b. The fact that UI is the first and the best.
c. The fact that the University of Ibadan is the first and best
university in Nigeria.
d. The fact that the University of Ibadan is the first and the
best University in Nigeria.

36. Discourse analysis is the study of language used by members of a

speech community. It looks at both language form and language
function and includes the study of both spoken interaction and
written texts.
a. The study of language.
b. Discourse studies.
c. Discourse analysis.
d. Language function.
37.
a.
b.
c.
d.

I am presently in South Africa. I wont deceive you, I like it.

South Africa.
Life in South Africa.
Eating.
Being in South Africa.

38. Laide, why did you take her money. Thats shameful.
a. Taking her money.
b. Stealing her money.
c. Keeping her money.
d. Seizing her money.

15

SECTION C:
STYLISTIC VARIATION
Instruction 1:
Choose from the options written against letters a-d the items
that could be most appropriately used in a letter to the
Head of your institution or organisation.
39. a.
b.
c.
d.

He wasnt a member of the committee.

He was not a member of the committee.
He wasnt a member of the committee.
He was not member of the committee.

40. a.
b.
c.
d.

The Vice-chancellor was not on seat.

The Vice Chancellor was not available in the office.
The Vice-chancellor was not present in the office.
The Vice Chancellor was not in his seat.

41. a.
b.
c.
d.

I had a dash for the service.

I had a kickback for the service.
I had a settlement for the service.
I had something for the service.

42. a.
b.
c.
d.

Its such a comfortable place.

It is such a comfy place.
Its such a comfy place.
It is such a comfortable place.

43. a. It amounts to putting the hand of the clock back.

b. It amounts to putting the clock back.
c. It amounts to putting back the clock.
d. It amounts to putting the clock backward.
44. a. Discourage drinking hot drinks during working hours.
b. Discourage drinking spirits during working hours.
c. Discourage drinking tipsy drinks during working hours.
d. Discourage drinking peppery drinks during working hours.
45. a. I seek for approval for the results presented.
b. I ask for approval for the results presented.

16

c. I seek approval of the results presented.

d. I seek approval for the results presented.
46. a.
b.
c.
d.

I informed the Board about the development.

I told the Board about the development.
I talked to the Board about the development.
I gisted the Board about the development.

47.a.
b.
c.
d.

Some of our students were arrested at the beer parlour.

Some of our students were arrested at the pub.
Some of our students were arrested at the drinking joint.
Some of our students were arrested at the drinking place.

48. a. The audience rose on their feet when the commissioner entered
the hall.
b. The audience rose to their feet when the commissioner
entered the hall.
c. The audience rose at their feet when the commissioner
entered the hall.
d. The audience rose for their feet as the commissioner entered
the hall.
49. a.
b.
c.
d.

I spoke with Dr. Lawanson.

I spoke with Dr Lawanson.
I spoke with Dc Lawanson.
I spoke with Doc. Lawanson.

50. a.
b.
c.
d.

Tell Prof. Adewole to see the Vice-chancellor.

Tell Prof. Adewole to see the VC.
Tell Prof. Adewole to see the Vice Chancellor.
Tell Profess Adewole to see the Vice Chancellor.

51. a.
b.
c.
d.

I cannot crack my brain over such terrible issues.

I cannot rack my brain over such terrible issues.
I cannot bother my brain over such terrible issues.
I cannot overload my brain over such terrible issues.

17

52. a. The case will not scale through at the Executive

meeting.
b. The case will not sail through at the Executive
meeting.
c. The case will not scale up at the Executive
meeting.
d. The case will not sail over at the Executive
meeting.
53. a.
b.
c.
d.

Committee
Committee
Committee
Committee

The College takes a deep interest in the matter.

The Colleges has interest in the matter.
The College expresses deep interest in the matter.
The College feels deep interest in the matter.
Instruction 2:

From the items written against letters a-d in each question below,
select an option that best represents the Standard/British
English version of each underlined word or expression.
54. My father is an academician.
a. academics b. academic c. academician d. academia
55. Those boys have assassinated my character.
a. injured my name.
b. spoilt my name.
c. injured my reputation.
d. damaged my reputation.
56. The brain behind the conspiracy has been apprehended.
a. The main person who caused.
b. The chief offender in respect of.
c. The instigator of.
d. The cause of.
57. The tree has been burnt to ashes.
a). burnt fully.
b). burnt to the ground.
c). burnt completely.
d). burnt beyond recognition.

18

58. This is a very cheap paper.

a). simplified b). easy c). simple d). non-complex
59. Chief Owosebi is the cog in the wheel of this club
a). craft b). clog c). encumbrance d). disturbance
60. The chief donor has just been invited to the high table to make
his speech.
a). podium b). raised plat form c). entitled seat d). lectern.
61. Its strange the reclusive old man now cracks jokes.
a). talks b). makes jokes c) uses jokes d). smiths jokes
62. My friend is very diplomatic in answering questions from his
girlfriend.
a). careful b). tactical c). tactful d). selective.
63. There was a fatal accident at the UI gate last week.
a). disastrous b). serious c). deadly d). calamitous.
64. I like to have bread and fried egg for breakfast.
a). mixed egg b). scrambled egg c). shaken egg d). omellete.
65. Goodygy lacks home training.
a. Goodygy is not well trained by her parents.
b. Goodygy is not well taught.
c. Goodygy is not well brought up.
d. Goodygy is not well mentored.
66. If care is not taken, you may not complete the assignment.
a. If proper care is not taken.
b. If proper precautions are not taken.
c. If you are not careful.
d. If no precaution is applied.
67. I was in the managers office last week Friday.
a). last Friday b). Friday of last week c). Friday week d). Friday
for last week.

19

68. My mother put the shoe in a nylon bag.

a). leather bag b). cellophane bag c). non-leather bag d). syntectic
bag
69. I should enjoy national cake; I am a Nigerian.
a). national values b). national privileges c). national advantages
d). national opportunities
70. I just picked race when I saw my father.
a). disappeared b). broke into a run c). started with a run d).
decided to run away.
71. God so good, I remember the Standard English word for hot
drinks.
a). I am lucky b). I thank my star c). Thank God d). To God be the
glory.

20

SECTION D: CONCORD
Fill in the blank space in each of the following sentences with the
most suitable word from the options written against letters a-d.
72. Chief Owonikoko as well as his men ____________ arrived.
a). have
73.

b). are

c). is

b). does

d). been

c). has

d). has

Either my friends or my brother ________ taken the car out.

a). have

76.

d). were

Julius Berger and Associates ________ not employ technicians.

a). do

75.

c). are

The man with his wives __________ coming.

a). were

74.

b). has

b). has

c). was

d) were

I was still sleeping when the national news _________ this

morning.
a). were broadcasted b). was broadcasted c). was broadcast
d). were broadcast

77.

The man, not his workers, ___________ to blame.

a). are

78

b). has

c). is

d). were

b). has

c). are

d). were

The number of women ________ more than that of men in

every society.
a). are

d). them

His wife and comforter _________ arrived.

a). have

80.

c). were

The hunter with the dogs _________ coming.

a). are

79.

b). is

b). is

c). were

21

d). been

81. It is on record that more than one person _________ in road

accidents in Nigeria every day.
a). die

b). dying

c). dies

d). dead

82. The ten minutes I spent reading ________ not wasted.

a). were

b). was

c). have

d). been

83. So far, five days ________ been spent on this job.

a). has

b). have

c). were

d). haven

84. Either the chief or his wives __________ expected at the meeting.
a). was

b). are

c). is

d). been

85. The store, in addition to the secretarys office, ________ damaged.

a). were

b). was

c). are

d). have

86.
The minutes of the meeting _________ adopted without any
correction.
a). was
87.

d). been

b). is

c). were

d). been

b). being

c). were

d). am

b). having

c). has

d). am

Rice and beans ________ delicious.

a). are

c). are

You and I __________ done the best that we could.

a). have

91.

b). was

Either you or I ________ wrong.

a). is

90.

d). been

The new army barracks ________ at Eleyele.

a). are

89.

c). have

Each boy and girl __________ given an award.

a). were

88.

b). were

b). were

c). is

22

d). being

92. The report, and this is a common feature of all the reports sent by
those agencies, --- to have been written in a hurry.
A. appear
B. appearing
C. appears
D.
apparently
93. Medical research shows that mumps --- a person only once in a
lifetime.
A. attack
B. attacks
C. attacked
D.
attacking
94. None of the respondents --- strongly convinced by the message of
the posters.
A. was
B. have
C. were
D. has
95. Macaroni and cheese --- all I have had today.
A. are
B. is
C. was

D. were

96. Ms Ayo Obe --- one of those lawyers who --- that the legal system
should serve humanity at all times.
A. remain/believes
B. remains/believes C. remain/believe
D. remains/believe
97. "Stay off infidelity; many a home --- being destroyed by it".
A. have
B. has
C. is
D. are
98. The series of experiments that we conducted --- successful.
A. was
B. were
C. where
D. might
99. In a civilised country, the police do not stand by and watch people
slaughter ---.
A. themself B. themselves
C. themselves
D. one
another
100. The truth is Danladi knows the course better than ---, but
please let this be between you and --- .
A. me/I
B. I/me
C. I/I
D. me/me

23

101. As an intending husband, James --- to show kindness to his

fiance.
A. supposes
B. supposed
C. suppose
D. is
supposed

24

SECTION E:
MECHANICS
Select the most appropriate form of the words (in terms of spelling
(103-120) or capitalisation (121-126) from each of the groups of items
listed below:
Spellings
102. A. Prevailent (B) Prevalient (C) Prevalent (D) Privalent
103. A. priviledge B) Previlege C) Previlege D) Privilege
104. A) Gonorhea B) Gonoreah C) Gonorrhea D) Gonoraeh
105. A) Acommodation B)Accomodation C)Accommodation D)
Acoommodation
106. A) Querry B) Query C) Queri D) Quary
107 A) Strenous B) Strainuous C) Stranuous D) Strenuous
108. A) Occassion B) Occasion C) Ocassion D) Ocaassion
109. A) Grievious B) Grevus C) Greivious D) Grievous
110. A) Convinient B) Convenient C) Convinent D) Convinent
111. A) Heamoglobin B) Hemoglobine C) Hemoglobine D)
Haemoglobin
112. A) Greatful B) Graetful C) Grateful D) Graetful
113. A) Arguement B) Agurment C) Argueiment D)Argument
114. A) Maintanance B) Maintainance C) Maintenance D)
Maintinance
115. A) Modern B) Mordarn C) Mordern D) Murdern
116. A.) Permmission B) Permission C) Permision D) Permision
117. A.) Michevious B) Mischievous C) Mischeivious D) Mischievious

25

118. A) Desentry B) Dysentry C) Dycentery D) Dysentery

119. (A) Receive B) Recive C) Recieve D) Recevie
Capitalisations
120. A. Vice-chancellor B) Vice Chancellor C. Vice-Chancellor D.
Vice-Chancelor
121. A) south-western Nigeria b. south-Western Nigeria C.
southwestern Nigeria D. Southwestern Nigeria
122. A. He is rather lordy B. He is rather Lordy C. He is rather the
lord D. He is rather the lordy.
123. A. either Christianity or Islam B. either christianity or islam C.
either Christianity or islam D. either christianity or Islam
124. A. He is King James, a real king B. He is King James, a real
King C. He is King James, a Real King D. He is King James,
a Real king
125. A. The Internet is Worldwide B. The internet is worldwide C.
The Internet is worldwide D. The internet is Worldwide

26

SECTION F: VOCABULARY CHOICES, COLLOCATIONS,

SENSE RELATIONS AND TENSES
Instruction 1:
Choose from options A-D to fill the gaps in passages 1-2 below:
Passage I
Writing Today
In my former life, I often taught first-year composition: a course that
supposedly taught students the writing126. they needed for
college. The main focus of the course was the college essay. Now,
freshmen usually had no127 with the form of the essay; they just
struggled with the128. Grammar issues aside these would
usually work themselves out during the term the main focus
would be129.... an argument in a logical way. This fact usually
separates the high-school essay from the college one: the amount of
analysis130to an argument.
By Gerald Lucas: http://grlucas.net/2012/05/12/writing-today/
126. A. skills

B. prowess

C. power

D. system

127. A. hasles

B. trouble

C. difficulty

D. palaver

128. A. style

B. theme

C. content

D. subject matter

129. A. pushing

B. producing

C. composing

D. creating

130. A. pushed

B. dictated

C. alloted

D. devoted

27

Passage 2
Chemical Substance
Chemical substances (also called pure ..131..) may well be
defined as "any material with a definite chemical composition".
According to this definition, a chemical substance can either be a
pure chemical element or a pure chemical ..132.. But, there are
exceptions to this definition; a pure substance can also be defined as
a form of .133.that has both definite composition and distinct
properties. The chemical substance index published by CAS also
includes several alloys of uncertain composition. Non-134
compounds are a special case (in inorganic chemistry) that
..135 the law of constant composition, and for them, it is
sometimes difficult to draw the line between a mixture and a
compound, as in the case of palladium hydride.
131. A. materials B. substances C. elements D. purifiers
132. A. compound B. sulphur C. material D. combined compound
133. A. life B. matter C. content D. chemical
134. A. Combined B. stoichiometric C. physical D. chemical
135. A. disobeys B. violates C. flouts D. disregards

Instruction 2:
In each of the questions below, choose the option that is opposite in
meaning to the word(s) or phrase in bold face:
136. Ossified is nearly opposite in meaning to.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Durable
Dainty
Flexible
Contumacious
Pragmatic

28

137. Mr Akindele is the most disingenuous person I have ever seen.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Transparent
Parched
Blank
Ingratiating
sincere

138. I felt enervated by the strain of moving.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Idyllic
Grandiose
Decorous
Frustrated
energised

139. Adeola is very brash and unprepossessing.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Ugly
Arrogant
Clever
Didactic
Pleasing

140. Joyce can be obstreperous at times.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Placid
Stubborn
Raucous
Febrile
Amicable

29

Instruction 3:
In each of questions below, choose the option, from the items listed
against letters a-e that is similar in meaning to the word or
phrase in bold face.
141. Periphrastic is almost similar in meaning to.
a. Concise
b. Circular
c. Comprehensive
d. Ardent
e. Junior
142. His walk to the stage was brisk and sprightly.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Nimble
Sluggish
Hurried
Genuine
Energetic

143. His essays are long and prolix.

a. Antediluvian
b. Terse
c. Belligerent
d. Wordy
e. Awkward
144. Bukola Smith won plaudits for her skillful handling of the
research.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Denunciation
Pleasure
Recognition
Disgrace
Diffidence

30

145. The soldiers were subjected to desultory fire from the enemy
position.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Salacious
Cursory
Assiduous
Random
Asinine

146. The drug is used for prophylactic purposes.

a. curative
b preventive
c. recuperative
d. healing
147. The chairmans remark is germane to the issue under
discussion.
a. redundant
b. relevant
c. irrelevant
d. crucial
148. It is unfortunate that his loss can no longer be redeemed.
a. recovered
b. revamped
c. reclaimed
d. reconsidered.
149. He has been handicapped by the managers comments.
a. prevented
b. incapacitated
c. debarred
d. stopped
150. The range of options provided is not clear.
a. limitation
b. scope
c. length
d. breadth

31

Recommended Reading
1.

Banjo, Ayo. 1996. Making a Virtue of necessity: An Overview of

English language in Nigeria. Ibadan: Ibadan University Press.

2.

Jowitt, David. 1991. Nigerian English Usage. Lagos: Learn

Africa.

3.

Leech, Geoffrey. 2006. A Glossary of English Grammar.

Edinburg: Edinburg University Press.

4.

Odebunmi, Akin. 2006. Meaning in English: An Introduction.

Ogbomoso: Critical Sphere.

5.

ODell, Felicity and McCarthy, Michael. 2008. English

Collocations in Advanced Use. Cambridge: Macmillan.

6.

Quirk, Randolph and Greenbaum, Sidney. 1973. A University

Grammar of English. England: Longman.

32

ANSWERS
1. A
2. C
3. B
4. A
5. A
6. C
7. B
8. A
9. A
10. D
11. B
12. B
13. C
14. A
15. D
16. B
17. C
18. B
19. A
20. B
21. A
22. D
23. A
24. B
25. A
26. C
27. B
28. C
29. C
30. B
31. B
32. B
33. C

41. B
42. D
43. B
44. B
45. D
46. A
47. B
48. B
49. B
50. C
51. B
52. B
53. A
54. B
55. C
56. C
57. B
58. B
59. B
60. A
61. B
62. C
63. C
64. B
65. C
66. B
67. A
68. B
69. B
70. B
71. C
72. B

80. B
81. C
82. B
83. A
84. B
85. B
86. B
87. B
88. B
89. D
90. A
91. C
92. C
93. B
94. A
95. B
96. D
97. C
98. A
99. D
100. B
101. D
102. C
103. D
104. C
105. C
106. B
107. D
108. B
109. D
110. B
111. D
112. C

33

120. B
121. D
122. A
123. A
124. A
125. C
126. A
127. B
128. A
129. C
130. D
131. B
132. A
133. B
134. B
135. B
136. C
137. A
138. E
139. E
140. A
141. B
142. E
143. D
144. C
145. D
146. B
147. B
148. A
149. B 150. B

34. C
35. D
36. C
37. A
38. A
39. B
40. B

73. C
74. B
75. B
76. C
77. B
78. C
79. B

113. D
114. C
115. A
116. B
117. B
118. D
119. A

34