2010 - WAEC English Past Questions & Answers - page 3

21

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
My book has become dog-eared through use. This means that

A
the corners of the pages of my book are crumpled
B
my book is designed like dog's ears
C
my book is torn
D
my book is indispensable
CORRECT OPTION: a

Fold down the corner of (a page of a book or magazine)

22

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
Musa does not believe that there is poverty in Africa; he is a dyed-in-the-wool capitalist. This means that Musa is

A
a kind capitalist
B
a thoughtful capitalist
C
an old capitalist
D
an unbending capitalist
CORRECT OPTION: d

unchanging in a particular belief or opinion

23

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
Whenever my cousin comes to realize that I am telling the truth, she will eat the humble pie. This means that my cousin will

A
respect me
B
hate herself
C
apologize
D
be ashamed
CORRECT OPTION: c

make a humble apology and accept humiliation.

24

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
I had dinner with Tony and Nick and they talked shop the whole time. This means that they talked

A
about buying things from the shop
B
about their job
C
all the time
D
about taking me to shop
CORRECT OPTION: b

To discuss one's trade or job in depth, especially with someone who is in the same profession

25

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
His decision to reconcile with his former agent paid off. This means that the reconciliation

A
yieled positive results
B
cost him a lot of money
C
was unsuccessful
D
caused him some trouble
CORRECT OPTION: a

yield good results; succeed.

26

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
The beauty of Bimpe's garden shows that she has green fingers. This means that Bimpe

A
always paints her finger green
B
is good at growing plants
C
turns everything she touches to green
D
likes keeping green objects
CORRECT OPTION: b

If someone has green fingers, they are very good at gardening and their plants grow well.

27

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
I would have visited you but for my father's ill health. This means that my

A
father's ill health would have made me to visit you
B
father's ill health prevented me from visting you
C
father's threatened to fall ill if I visited you
D
father did not fall ill, so I couldn't visit you
CORRECT OPTION: b

He couldn't visit because of his father's ill health

28

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
Her husband's death has forced her to tighten her belt. This means that she has

A
become more economical
B
adjusted her belt
C
become very aggressive
D
become very greedy
CORRECT OPTION: a

To cut one's expenditure; live more frugally.

29

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.
Some candidates takes examinations in their stride.This means that they

A
prepare hard for them
B
do not worry about them
C
find them insurmountable
D
are familiar with them
CORRECT OPTION: b

Taking something in someone's stride basically means to ​deal with a ​problem or ​difficulty ​calmly and not to ​allow it to ​influence what you are doing:
 

30

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The provocation had an instantaneous effect on him.

A
a lasting
B
an immediate
C
a terrifying
D
a momentous
CORRECT OPTION: b

Instantaneous; occurring or done instantly 

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