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JAMB English Language Past Questions

Real JAMB English Language past questions, each with the correct answer and a worked solution. Below are 8 to work through free — no account needed.

8 JAMB English Language questions with answers

Question 1

Carefully read the sentence below and answer the question that follows: "Although the teacher announced a surprise test, the students were prepared, so no one complained." Which of the following best describes the function of the word 'although' in the sentence?

  1. a.It introduces a contrast between the teacher's action and the students' preparedness.
  2. b.It signals a reason why the students did not complain.
  3. c.It emphasizes the unexpected outcome of the event.
  4. d.It joins two equal ideas about the students' preparation.

Solution

The word 'although' introduces a contrast between the expectation set by the surprise test and the reality of the students being prepared, which is why option 1 is correct. Option 2 is tempting, but 'although' does not give a reason—it merely contrasts two situations.

Question 2

Read the passage and answer the question. 'Although Mr. Okoro arrived early at the office, he did not start any work until his supervisor came in. As soon as the supervisor entered, Mr. Okoro appeared busy, shuffling papers and typing quickly.' What aspect of Mr. Okoro's character does the writer imply through this description?

  1. a.He is diligent only when supervised.
  2. b.He is an efficient worker.
  3. c.He is always punctual and hardworking.
  4. d.He is resourceful in managing his tasks.

Solution

The passage shows that Mr. Okoro delays work until his supervisor arrives, suggesting he only works well under supervision. The most tempting option, 'He is efficient,' is incorrect because there is no evidence he actually accomplishes work efficiently—only that he appears busy in the presence of his supervisor.

Question 3

Read the following sentence and choose the word that is an adjective: "The smart girl answered the question quickly."

  1. a.smart
  2. b.girl
  3. c.answered
  4. d.quickly

Solution

The correct answer is 'smart' because it describes the noun 'girl' and tells us what kind of girl she is, which is the function of an adjective. The most tempting wrong answer is 'quickly,' but this is an adverb because it describes how the question was answered, not a noun.

Question 4

Read the passage and answer the question: At the market, Tunde saw three women arguing loudly over the freshness of some tomatoes. The vendor, unbothered, continued arranging her goods, only glancing at the group occasionally. What does the statement 'the vendor, unbothered, continued arranging her goods, only glancing at the group occasionally' mainly suggest about the vendor's attitude?

  1. a.She is unconcerned and not disturbed by the customers' argument.
  2. b.She is upset and wants to end the argument quickly.
  3. c.She is afraid the argument will scare away other buyers.
  4. d.She plans to secretly increase the price of the tomatoes.

Solution

The phrase 'unbothered' suggests the vendor is unconcerned by the argument, as indicated by her calm actions. Option 2 is tempting, but 'only glancing' does not show upset or eagerness to intervene—it shows indifference.

Question 5

Read the following passage: By the time Chika arrived at the station, the last bus had already left. Disappointed, she checked her watch and wondered how she would get home. Just then, a friendly neighbour offered her a ride. Which literary device is illustrated by the neighbour's timely arrival in the passage above?

  1. a.Irony
  2. b.Foreshadowing
  3. c.Flashback
  4. d.Deus ex machina

Solution

The neighbour's sudden arrival resolves Chika's problem in an unexpected and convenient way, exemplifying 'deus ex machina.' Many students might choose 'foreshadowing,' but there is no prior hint or warning about help arriving, so it is incorrect.

Question 6

Read the passage and answer the question. "After spending several years abroad, Chinedu returned to his village hoping to inspire others with what he had learnt. However, he was disappointed when his ideas were treated with suspicion and resentment by the elders, who valued tradition over change." What is the dominant mood expressed in the passage?

  1. a.Chinedu's optimism turning into disillusionment
  2. b.The elders' excitement about new ideas
  3. c.The villagers' eager acceptance of change
  4. d.Chinedu's relief at being home

Solution

Chinedu initially returns with hope but becomes disappointed—this shift shows optimism turning into disillusionment. The most tempting wrong answer is 'The elders' excitement about new ideas', but in the passage, they respond with suspicion and resentment, not excitement.

Question 7

Read the following sentence carefully: "Although it was raining heavily, Ada kept her promise to visit her grandmother." What does the word 'Although' show in this sentence?

  1. a.It presents a situation that contrasts with Ada's action.
  2. b.It tells us the exact reason why Ada visited her grandmother.
  3. c.It introduces the main event of the sentence.
  4. d.It explains the time when Ada visited her grandmother.

Solution

The word 'Although' is a conjunction used to introduce a contrast or exception to the main idea—in this case, it contrasts the heavy rain with Ada still visiting. The most tempting wrong answer is option 2, but 'Although' does not provide a reason; instead, it shows contrast, not causation.

Question 8

Read the following sentence and choose the most appropriate synonym for the word in bold: 'The student gave a succinct answer to the question.'

  1. a.brief
  2. b.detailed
  3. c.repetitive
  4. d.vague

Solution

The word 'succinct' means brief and clearly expressed, so 'brief' is the correct synonym. 'Detailed' is a tempting option but is the opposite of 'succinct', as it means providing many details rather than being concise.

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