99 JAMB English Language 2011 questions with verified answers and worked explanations. Here are the first 10 — sign up free to practise the full paper.
In 1962, a team of scientists produced a special radio station that had a range of fifteen moles. Even though communication was being accomplished in space at a range of more than a million times this distance, the new radio station caused more excitement among scientists. The reason: its power supply was ‘battery ‘made of bacteria. For the first time, practical amounts of electricity were being produced by a form of life and put to use.
‘biocell’, the new power supply had a liquid fuel containing tiny forms of life that changed the fuel directly into electric energy. This was far more than an interesting experiment. The biocell is being developed as producer of electricity for radios, for signals to guide ships, for lighting and for other uses. Thought the working biocell is only a few years old, some scientists feel that it will one day produce power cheaply as is now being done by other methods, and that the biocell will use materials that would otherwise be considered a waste. Early biocells were powered with sugar, but a wide range of fuels can be used. Work is being done using sea water to feed the bacteria.
Electricity from living cells is no new idea. Man experienced the strange ‘shock ‘produced by some fish even before electricity was really discovered. Then in time, there were other discoveries. Benjamin Franklin found that lightning in the sky was electricity. Lulgi Galvani found some electricity in the muscles and nerves of animals. Bust the African catfish produces far more electricity than most other living creatures. And another fish, the electric eel, well named, for it has an even greater electric charge. Research works also discovered that even humans produce small amounts of electricity in their bodies. Our hearts produce a very small amount that can be measured, so do our brains. The biocell is completely new in the field of power production and, as yet, no mass-produced models have begun to replace the older types of batteries. It might be wondered, and then what the excitement is all about.
A suitable title for the passage is
This question requires you to find the main idea of the passage and choose the best title that represents it. While the passage mentions other discoveries, its main focus is on the biocell's potential for the future, such as producing cheap power and using waste materials. The excitement described in the text is all about these future possibilities, making 'The Biocell's Future' the most suitable title.
Common mistake: Students often choose a broader option like 'Electricity and Living Creatures' because the passage mentions electric eels, but this is a supporting detail, not the central theme which is the biocell's future.
In 1962, a team of scientists produced a special radio station that had a range of fifteen moles. Even though communication was being accomplished in space at a range of more than a million times this distance, the new radio station caused more excitement among scientists. The reason: its power supply was ‘battery ‘made of bacteria. For the first time, practical amounts of electricity were being produced by a form of life and put to use.
‘biocell’, the new power supply had a liquid fuel containing tiny forms of life that changed the fuel directly into electric energy. This was far more than an interesting experiment. The biocell is being developed as producer of electricity for radios, for signals to guide ships, for lighting and for other uses. Thought the working biocell is only a few years old, some scientists feel that it will one day produce power cheaply as is now being done by other methods, and that the biocell will use materials that would otherwise be considered a waste. Early biocells were powered with sugar, but a wide range of fuels can be used. Work is being done using sea water to feed the bacteria.
Electricity from living cells is no new idea. Man experienced the strange ‘shock ‘produced by some fish even before electricity was really discovered. Then in time, there were other discoveries. Benjamin Franklin found that lightning in the sky was electricity. Lulgi Galvani found some electricity in the muscles and nerves of animals. Bust the African catfish produces far more electricity than most other living creatures. And another fish, the electric eel, well named, for it has an even greater electric charge. Research works also discovered that even humans produce small amounts of electricity in their bodies. Our hearts produce a very small amount that can be measured, so do our brains. The biocell is completely new in the field of power production and, as yet, no mass-produced models have begun to replace the older types of batteries. It might be wondered, and then what the excitement is all about.
The writer's posture, as conveyed in the statement Electricity from living cells is no new idea, can be described as
The question requires you to understand the writer's attitude from a statement within the passage. The writer makes the statement 'Electricity from living cells is no new idea' to provide background information. However, this does not reduce the main point about the excitement and novelty of the biocell. Since the statement fails to change the overall argument that the biocell is a major breakthrough, its role is considered 'ineffectual'.
Common mistake: Students often choose 'logical' because the statement is a logical way to introduce historical context, but the question is about its overall impact on the passage's main argument, which is very small.
In 1962, a team of scientists produced a special radio station that had a range of fifteen moles. Even though communication was being accomplished in space at a range of more than a million times this distance, the new radio station caused more excitement among scientists. The reason: its power supply was ‘battery ‘made of bacteria. For the first time, practical amounts of electricity were being produced by a form of life and put to use.
‘biocell’, the new power supply had a liquid fuel containing tiny forms of life that changed the fuel directly into electric energy. This was far more than an interesting experiment. The biocell is being developed as producer of electricity for radios, for signals to guide ships, for lighting and for other uses. Thought the working biocell is only a few years old, some scientists feel that it will one day produce power cheaply as is now being done by other methods, and that the biocell will use materials that would otherwise be considered a waste. Early biocells were powered with sugar, but a wide range of fuels can be used. Work is being done using sea water to feed the bacteria.
Electricity from living cells is no new idea. Man experienced the strange ‘shock ‘produced by some fish even before electricity was really discovered. Then in time, there were other discoveries. Benjamin Franklin found that lightning in the sky was electricity. Lulgi Galvani found some electricity in the muscles and nerves of animals. Bust the African catfish produces far more electricity than most other living creatures. And another fish, the electric eel, well named, for it has an even greater electric charge. Research works also discovered that even humans produce small amounts of electricity in their bodies. Our hearts produce a very small amount that can be measured, so do our brains. The biocell is completely new in the field of power production and, as yet, no mass-produced models have begun to replace the older types of batteries. It might be wondered, and then what the excitement is all about.
The inventors of biocell justified the need for it by saying that it would
This question requires you to find the reason given in the passage for developing the biocell. The passage states that scientists feel the biocell 'will one day produce power cheaply'. The word 'cheaply' means at a low cost or without spending much money. Therefore, the correct option B, 'yield a source of energy without much spending', directly matches this information from the text.
Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option D because the passage mentions using biocells for 'signals to guide ships', but this is just one example of its use, not the main economic reason for its development.
In 1962, a team of scientists produced a special radio station that had a range of fifteen moles. Even though communication was being accomplished in space at a range of more than a million times this distance, the new radio station caused more excitement among scientists. The reason: its power supply was ‘battery ‘made of bacteria. For the first time, practical amounts of electricity were being produced by a form of life and put to use.
‘biocell’, the new power supply had a liquid fuel containing tiny forms of life that changed the fuel directly into electric energy. This was far more than an interesting experiment. The biocell is being developed as producer of electricity for radios, for signals to guide ships, for lighting and for other uses. Thought the working biocell is only a few years old, some scientists feel that it will one day produce power cheaply as is now being done by other methods, and that the biocell will use materials that would otherwise be considered a waste. Early biocells were powered with sugar, but a wide range of fuels can be used. Work is being done using sea water to feed the bacteria.
Electricity from living cells is no new idea. Man experienced the strange ‘shock ‘produced by some fish even before electricity was really discovered. Then in time, there were other discoveries. Benjamin Franklin found that lightning in the sky was electricity. Lulgi Galvani found some electricity in the muscles and nerves of animals. Bust the African catfish produces far more electricity than most other living creatures. And another fish, the electric eel, well named, for it has an even greater electric charge. Research works also discovered that even humans produce small amounts of electricity in their bodies. Our hearts produce a very small amount that can be measured, so do our brains. The biocell is completely new in the field of power production and, as yet, no mass-produced models have begun to replace the older types of batteries. It might be wondered, and then what the excitement is all about.
According to the passage, electricity was first discovered in
The question asks you to find what the passage says was the first way man discovered electricity. The passage states that 'Man experienced the strange ‘shock ‘produced by some fish even before electricity was really discovered.' This shows that the encounter with fish happened before other discoveries like lightning or electricity in animal muscles were made.
Common mistake: Students may wrongly select 'lightning' because Benjamin Franklin's discovery is famous, but they miss the key phrase 'even before' which places the experience with fish as the earliest one mentioned in the passage.
Though assumption is the lowest level of knowledge; it is still form of knowledge, and knowledge is key. Assumptions are the foundation upon which interpretation and conclusion are built. Everything in life operates under certain assumptions.
We make management decisions based on the assumptions we hold about how management ought to function and how people ought to be governed. For some of us, we consciously imbibe assumptions and principles about life and consciously decide based on them; for others, it is unconsciously but potent all the same. Our assumptions will either drown us or help us soar through life.
We have always seen life as an immense mansion with many rooms. Some rooms lead to wealth, others to the opposite. Ultimately, we decide where we end up; and life, thus far, has proved that not everyone of us decides well, we all behave differently where we have different levels of understanding, and behave the way where our understanding is the same. We eat because we all understand the consequences of not eating. We all wear clothes because each of us comprehends lunacy.
The list goes on and on. It is inevitable that some of us will make choices that get and keep us on the lower rung of the ladder by reason of exposure, training or some others variables. Life is about role playing. We choose our roles wisely or foolishly, consciously or unconsciously. Some of us get wiser to new levels of self- awareness enough to redefine our roles, others make no effort to build further capacity and therefore remain where they are. It is based on those realities that we draw the conclusion that not everyone will be wealthy in life. We lead, inspire and motivate people to strive and succeed. It is also important that we paint the full and true picture of life so that we can discourage vain pursuits. Balance must be enthroned as a critical component of truth, and people know, for instance, that ‘the top’ is not a place that all must ascend. Our greatest consolation lies in our deep conviction that true prosperity is in fulfillment through hard work than in intangible acquisition. There are set roles that some of us have been wired up to play in life but which we are not content enough to play because society esteems such roles to be inferior. Take the almost scared office of a teacher for instance; there are people who have the natural gifts and inclinations to be school teacher. But teaching profession, as it is, does not appear to be lucrative. So we have people who could have been more fulfilled and effective working as school teacher serving in banks.
Which of the following represents the writer's view in the passage?
This question tests your ability to read a passage and understand the author's main point or opinion. To answer correctly, you must identify the central argument the writer is making throughout the text. The question requires you to go beyond single sentences and grasp the overall message of the passage.
Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose an option that is mentioned in the passage but is not the writer's main view or central argument.
Though assumption is the lowest level of knowledge; it is still form of knowledge, and knowledge is key. Assumptions are the foundation upon which interpretation and conclusion are built. Everything in life operates under certain assumptions.
We make management decisions based on the assumptions we hold about how management ought to function and how people ought to be governed. For some of us, we consciously imbibe assumptions and principles about life and consciously decide based on them; for others, it is unconsciously but potent all the same. Our assumptions will either drown us or help us soar through life.
We have always seen life as an immense mansion with many rooms. Some rooms lead to wealth, others to the opposite. Ultimately, we decide where we end up; and life, thus far, has proved that not everyone of us decides well, we all behave differently where we have different levels of understanding, and behave the way where our understanding is the same. We eat because we all understand the consequences of not eating. We all wear clothes because each of us comprehends lunacy.
The list goes on and on. It is inevitable that some of us will make choices that get and keep us on the lower rung of the ladder by reason of exposure, training or some others variables. Life is about role playing. We choose our roles wisely or foolishly, consciously or unconsciously. Some of us get wiser to new levels of self- awareness enough to redefine our roles, others make no effort to build further capacity and therefore remain where they are. It is based on those realities that we draw the conclusion that not everyone will be wealthy in life. We lead, inspire and motivate people to strive and succeed. It is also important that we paint the full and true picture of life so that we can discourage vain pursuits. Balance must be enthroned as a critical component of truth, and people know, for instance, that ‘the top’ is not a place that all must ascend. Our greatest consolation lies in our deep conviction that true prosperity is in fulfillment through hard work than in intangible acquisition. There are set roles that some of us have been wired up to play in life but which we are not content enough to play because society esteems such roles to be inferior. Take the almost scared office of a teacher for instance; there are people who have the natural gifts and inclinations to be school teacher. But teaching profession, as it is, does not appear to be lucrative. So we have people who could have been more fulfilled and effective working as school teacher serving in banks.
Which of the following statement represent the view expressed by the writer in the first paragraph?
The question asks for the writer's view in the first paragraph. The last sentence of that paragraph states, 'Our assumptions will either drown us or help us soar through life.' The word 'drown' here means to be ruined or destroyed, which is a fatal consequence. This directly supports the idea in the correct option that negative or 'evil' thoughts (assumptions) can lead to terrible results.
Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option D because the passage mentions that some people 'consciously decide' on their assumptions, but this is a supporting detail, not the main point about the powerful and potentially fatal consequences of those assumptions.
Though assumption is the lowest level of knowledge; it is still form of knowledge, and knowledge is key. Assumptions are the foundation upon which interpretation and conclusion are built. Everything in life operates under certain assumptions.
We make management decisions based on the assumptions we hold about how management ought to function and how people ought to be governed. For some of us, we consciously imbibe assumptions and principles about life and consciously decide based on them; for others, it is unconsciously but potent all the same. Our assumptions will either drown us or help us soar through life.
We have always seen life as an immense mansion with many rooms. Some rooms lead to wealth, others to the opposite. Ultimately, we decide where we end up; and life, thus far, has proved that not everyone of us decides well, we all behave differently where we have different levels of understanding, and behave the way where our understanding is the same. We eat because we all understand the consequences of not eating. We all wear clothes because each of us comprehends lunacy.
The list goes on and on. It is inevitable that some of us will make choices that get and keep us on the lower rung of the ladder by reason of exposure, training or some others variables. Life is about role playing. We choose our roles wisely or foolishly, consciously or unconsciously. Some of us get wiser to new levels of self- awareness enough to redefine our roles, others make no effort to build further capacity and therefore remain where they are. It is based on those realities that we draw the conclusion that not everyone will be wealthy in life. We lead, inspire and motivate people to strive and succeed. It is also important that we paint the full and true picture of life so that we can discourage vain pursuits. Balance must be enthroned as a critical component of truth, and people know, for instance, that ‘the top’ is not a place that all must ascend. Our greatest consolation lies in our deep conviction that true prosperity is in fulfillment through hard work than in intangible acquisition. There are set roles that some of us have been wired up to play in life but which we are not content enough to play because society esteems such roles to be inferior. Take the almost scared office of a teacher for instance; there are people who have the natural gifts and inclinations to be school teacher. But teaching profession, as it is, does not appear to be lucrative. So we have people who could have been more fulfilled and effective working as school teacher serving in banks.
From the argument in the second paragraph, it can be concluded that evil thoughts control the lives of people who
The question requires you to draw a conclusion from the arguments presented in the passage. The passage explains that our lives are shaped by the choices and assumptions we focus on. Therefore, it can be concluded that evil thoughts would control people who actively choose to 'treasure and ruminate' on them, giving those thoughts power over their lives.
Common mistake: Students might wrongly choose option B, confusing general idleness with the specific mental act of dwelling on thoughts which is what gives them power.
Though assumption is the lowest level of knowledge; it is still form of knowledge, and knowledge is key. Assumptions are the foundation upon which interpretation and conclusion are built. Everything in life operates under certain assumptions.
We make management decisions based on the assumptions we hold about how management ought to function and how people ought to be governed. For some of us, we consciously imbibe assumptions and principles about life and consciously decide based on them; for others, it is unconsciously but potent all the same. Our assumptions will either drown us or help us soar through life.
We have always seen life as an immense mansion with many rooms. Some rooms lead to wealth, others to the opposite. Ultimately, we decide where we end up; and life, thus far, has proved that not everyone of us decides well, we all behave differently where we have different levels of understanding, and behave the way where our understanding is the same. We eat because we all understand the consequences of not eating. We all wear clothes because each of us comprehends lunacy.
The list goes on and on. It is inevitable that some of us will make choices that get and keep us on the lower rung of the ladder by reason of exposure, training or some others variables. Life is about role playing. We choose our roles wisely or foolishly, consciously or unconsciously. Some of us get wiser to new levels of self- awareness enough to redefine our roles, others make no effort to build further capacity and therefore remain where they are. It is based on those realities that we draw the conclusion that not everyone will be wealthy in life. We lead, inspire and motivate people to strive and succeed. It is also important that we paint the full and true picture of life so that we can discourage vain pursuits. Balance must be enthroned as a critical component of truth, and people know, for instance, that ‘the top’ is not a place that all must ascend. Our greatest consolation lies in our deep conviction that true prosperity is in fulfillment through hard work than in intangible acquisition. There are set roles that some of us have been wired up to play in life but which we are not content enough to play because society esteems such roles to be inferior. Take the almost scared office of a teacher for instance; there are people who have the natural gifts and inclinations to be school teacher. But teaching profession, as it is, does not appear to be lucrative. So we have people who could have been more fulfilled and effective working as school teacher serving in banks.
The expression Think of the devil and he will appear... as used in the passage, suggest that
The question asks for the meaning of the idiom 'Think of the devil and he will appear'. This expression figuratively means that if you focus your thoughts on something, especially something bad, it is more likely to happen. Therefore, having 'uncontrolled evil thoughts' (thinking of the devil) can lead to 'evil deeds' (the devil appearing), making option C the correct interpretation.
Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option A because it presents a moral lesson derived from the idiom, rather than explaining the direct figurative meaning of the expression itself.
Though assumption is the lowest level of knowledge; it is still form of knowledge, and knowledge is key. Assumptions are the foundation upon which interpretation and conclusion are built. Everything in life operates under certain assumptions.
We make management decisions based on the assumptions we hold about how management ought to function and how people ought to be governed. For some of us, we consciously imbibe assumptions and principles about life and consciously decide based on them; for others, it is unconsciously but potent all the same. Our assumptions will either drown us or help us soar through life.
We have always seen life as an immense mansion with many rooms. Some rooms lead to wealth, others to the opposite. Ultimately, we decide where we end up; and life, thus far, has proved that not everyone of us decides well, we all behave differently where we have different levels of understanding, and behave the way where our understanding is the same. We eat because we all understand the consequences of not eating. We all wear clothes because each of us comprehends lunacy.
The list goes on and on. It is inevitable that some of us will make choices that get and keep us on the lower rung of the ladder by reason of exposure, training or some others variables. Life is about role playing. We choose our roles wisely or foolishly, consciously or unconsciously. Some of us get wiser to new levels of self- awareness enough to redefine our roles, others make no effort to build further capacity and therefore remain where they are. It is based on those realities that we draw the conclusion that not everyone will be wealthy in life. We lead, inspire and motivate people to strive and succeed. It is also important that we paint the full and true picture of life so that we can discourage vain pursuits. Balance must be enthroned as a critical component of truth, and people know, for instance, that ‘the top’ is not a place that all must ascend. Our greatest consolation lies in our deep conviction that true prosperity is in fulfillment through hard work than in intangible acquisition. There are set roles that some of us have been wired up to play in life but which we are not content enough to play because society esteems such roles to be inferior. Take the almost scared office of a teacher for instance; there are people who have the natural gifts and inclinations to be school teacher. But teaching profession, as it is, does not appear to be lucrative. So we have people who could have been more fulfilled and effective working as school teacher serving in banks.
Which of the following statements summarizes the argument of the last paragraph?
This question asks you to find the statement that best summarises the main argument of the last paragraph. The last paragraph explains that true prosperity is found in fulfillment from doing work one is naturally gifted for, even if society sees it as inferior. It contrasts a fulfilling but low-paying job like teaching with a lucrative but unfulfilling one like banking, arguing that people should embrace their natural roles.
Common mistake: A common mistake is to choose an option that is mentioned in the passage but is not the main idea of the specific paragraph the question asks about.
Like a clock with the pendulum in full swing, the mind moves as fast as time. But we ought to mind our thoughts, for if they turn to be our enemies. They will be too many for us and will drag us down to ruin.
But some people may say that they cannot help having bad thought even though they sting like vipers. That may be true, but the question is do they hate them or not? We cannot keep thieves from looking in at our windows, but if we open our doors to them and receive them joyfully, we are bad as they. We cannot help the birds flying over our heads; but we may keep them from building their nests in our hair. Vain thoughts will knock at the door but we must not open to them.
Though bad and evil thoughts rise in our hearts, they must not be allowed to reign. He who turns a morsel over and over in his mouth does so because he likes the flavours, and he who meditates upon evil, loves it, and is ripe to commit it. think of the devil, and he will appear, turn your thoughts towards will and your hands will soon follow. Snails leave their slime behind them, and so do vain thoughts. An arrow may fly through the air, and level no trace, but an evil thought always leaves a trail like serpent.
Where there is much traffic of bad thinking, there will be much mire and dirty. Every wave of wicked thought adds something to the corruption which rots upon the shore of life. It is dreadful to think that a vile imagination. Once indulged, gets the key of our minds, and get in again very easily, whether or not we let it in, and what may follow, no one knows,. Nurse evil on the laps of thought, and it will grow into a giant.
Therefore, there is wisdom in watching every day, the thoughts and imaginations of our hearts. Good thoughts are blessed guests and should be welcomed, well fed, and much sought after, but bad thoughts must fly out as swiftly as they moved in.
According to the writer, people lead and motivate others because they want to
This question is fundamentally flawed as the provided passage discusses the control of personal thoughts and makes no mention of leadership or motivation. There is no logical basis in the text for any of the options, including the 'correct' one. An examiner would likely discard this question due to its complete disconnect from the reading material.
Common mistake: Since the question is invalid, any choice made by a student would be a guess; there is no correct reasoning path to follow from the text.
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