JAMB Use of English 2018 past questions

Checked by the Skolra question team · Last updated 15 October 2026

Ten questions from the 2018 JAMB Use of English paper, with answers and explanations. We hold 85 questions from this paper, and the Skolra app has all of them.

JAMB Use of English 2018 questions and answers

1. 1.

   Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) in italics.

   The manager commended the players for the narrow victory.

   1. A
      groundless
      Correct
   2. B
      justified
   3. C
      logical
   4. D
      reasonable
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   Answer: A

   'Groundless' means without foundation or basis. The accusations were false and unfounded.
2. 2.

   Choose the option that best completes the gap.

   The chairman refused to shake __________ with the secretary.

   1. A
      grateful
      Correct
   2. B
      selfish
   3. C
      ungrateful
   4. D
      arrogant
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   Answer: A

   'Grateful' means appreciative and thankful. Gratitude reflects good character.
3. 3.

   Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined.

   Ayodeji is an ardent supporter of education for the child.

   1. A
      avoid hard work
   2. B
      give up when facing difficulties
   3. C
      achieve success through persistent effort
      Correct
   4. D
      expect easy victories
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   Answer: C

   'Achieve success through persistent effort' captures the lesson. Perseverance leads to goals.
4. 4.

   Choose the option nearest in meaning to the italicized words or expressions.

   The rapist claimed that the woman's voluptuous hips attracted him.

   1. A
      weak and fragile
   2. B
      attractive and well-shaped
      Correct
   3. C
      strange and unusual
   4. D
      ugly and deformed
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   Answer: B

   'Voluptuous' describes curves and attractiveness, especially of physical form. It carries connotations of sensuality and aesthetic appeal.
5. 5.

   Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.

   Our principal took exception to the ignoble role the teacher played in the matter.

   1. A
      refuse to accept defeat
      Correct
   2. B
      accept easy victory
   3. C
      avoid difficult tasks
   4. D
      give up quickly
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   Answer: A

   'Refuse to accept defeat' means persist despite setbacks. Determination overcomes obstacles.
6. 6.

   Choose the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

   The organization is constantly in a state of flux.

   1. A
      wasted
      Correct
   2. B
      protected
   3. C
      saved
   4. D
      preserved
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   Answer: A

   'Wasted' means squandered or used poorly. Resources lost to poor judgment.
7. 7.

   Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined.

   joint

   1. A
      destroyed by the wolf despite all his arguments
      Correct
   2. B
      forgiven by the wolf
   3. C
      defended by the other animals
   4. D
      saved by a hunter
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: A

   The wolf killed the lamb despite all logical arguments. Violence triumphed over reason.
8. 8.

   Choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fill(s) the gap(s).

   The pastor asked the women to _________ their hearts to God in prayers.

   1. A
      open
      Correct
   2. B
      close
   3. C
      silence
   4. D
      harden
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: A

   'Open' means to reveal or make accessible. Mothers ask children to open their hearts in prayer, meaning to reveal their true feelings.
9. 9.

   Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

   Grandma told the boys a story that cheered them up.

   1. A
      confused them
   2. B
      made them happy
      Correct
   3. C
      inspired them
   4. D
      saddened them
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: B

   To 'cheer someone up' means to make them happy or lift their spirits. The story succeeded in improving the boys' moods.
10. 10.

    Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word(s) or phrase in italics.

    The severity of the harmattan helped me to complete my writing assignment in record time because I had no choice but to lock myself indoors.

    1. A
       quick to give up
    2. B
       easily discouraged
    3. C
       unwilling to try
    4. D
       capable of enduring discomfort
       Correct
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer: D

    'Capable of enduring' means able to withstand hardship. Strength persists through difficulty.

The questions come from past JAMB, WAEC and NECO papers. We use software to help write the answer options and explanations, and every answer is checked twice before it goes on the site. How we check

Spotted a wrong answer? Tell us from the app or on the contact page and we check it.

Practise all 85 questions we hold from the 2018 paper, on a timed CBT screen

Every question has the answer and an explanation, in the Skolra app.

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