eye opener test of english
TRANSCRIPT
Nigerians are some of the world’s most confident users of English as a second language. But their confidence does not eliminate some usage problems and confusion. Sometimes, their usage displays superficial meaning.
Well, here’s an opportunity to put your competence into practice.
The answers are discussed afterwards.(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 2
1. Our newspapers always publish short extracts from new novels to …… your appetite.
(a) wet (b) weight (c) whet
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 3
2. Our host told us that everybody would have to fend for ……
(a) him or herself. (b) his or her self. (c) himself or herself.
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 4
3.That woman must have been a beauty queen in her ……
(a) heyday (b) hay days
(c) hey days(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 5
4. X: When last did you see your dad? Y: Well, I haven’t seen him for ……(a) donkey years (b) donkey’s years (c) donkey year’s
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 6
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 7
5. I can’t visit him again when his wife is there with him; you know what they say, ………..
(a) once bitten, twice shy (b) once beaten, twice shy (c) one beaten, two’s shy
6. ……….. what this company wants to do is eradicate all honest work.(a) Majorly (b) In the main (c) From all intent and purposes
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 8
7. The former chairman did not do a proper ……….. of relevant documents.a) handover b) handing over c) handling over
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 9
8. The new road is so smooth you’d think you’re driving on glass. It was ……….. early this morning by the First Lady.a) commissioned b) contractedc) opened
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 10
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 11
9. Our party is only fighting ……..; we can never win in Lagos State.a) a lost battle b) a losing battle c) a loss battle
10. We were all disqualified; our scores were …….. the mark a) wide of b) wide off c) wide off of
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 12
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 13
11. I’m not surprised at his conduct; you know, he’s a …….. the old block.
a) chip of b) chip off c) chimp of
12. I have disowned my three sons. I can’t have any …….. under my roof.
a) ruffians b) roughians c) rouffians
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 14
13. All my ……….. are in one shady business or another.a) brother-in-laws b)brothers-in-law c) brothers-in-laws
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 15
14. The Manager gave all of us ………..a) twenty thousand naira per each person b) twenty-twenty thousand naira eachc) twenty thousand naira each
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 16
15. Have you ever ………. for anyone?
a) babysit b) babysittedc) babysat
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 17
16. Okay, let’s shake hands and ………..
a) let bygone be bygoneb) let bye-gone be bye-gone
c) let bygones be bygones(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 18
17. ……….. Chief Patrick Jabber the First.
a) My names areb) My name isc) What’s my name is
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 19
18. I’m told your husband is the …….. behind the Boko Haram.
(a) brains (b) brain (c) brain box
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 20
19. Sir, I think ‘paddle your own canoe’ means ‘……..’
(a) don’t meddle with anyone else’s business
(b) provide what you need by yourself
(c) don’t pokenose(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 21
20. Stop blaming your boss; the reason you were sacked is …….. Think about it, how could you …….. into the MD’s office like that?
(a) not so far-fetched / badge (b) self-evident / barge (c) too apparent / bardge
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 22
21. Have you heard? Our friend has …….. to APC.
(a) decamped(b) cross-carpeted(c) defected
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 23
22. …….., ……, nobody in this office has ever been dismissed for bad English.
(a) I stand to be corrected / As at today (b) I stand corrected / As of now (c) Correct me if I’m wrong / As of today
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 24
23. Brothers and sisters, our God is ……...
(a) ominiscience(b) a reknown god(c) omniscient
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 25
24. Darling, have you …….. a little time?
(a) got (b) gotten (c) get
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 26
25. Weren’t you …….. some minutes ago?
(a) on casual wear (b) on casuals(c) in casual clothes
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 27
26. He confirmed that my wife had not been …….…
(a) sexed before (b) disvirgined (c) deflowered
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 28
27. ……….., the goods will be here tomorrow.
(a) Rest assured (b) Be rest assured (c) You can be rest
assured(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 29
28. Waiter : Sir, would you like some coffee?
Guest : ........
(a) No, thanks.(b) I prefer beverage.(c) At all.
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 30
29. Kabiru says the carburettor is …..…..
(a) overfloating(b) doing
overfloating(c) flooding
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 31
30. I was greatly ........ last night when I saw my wife kissing the gardener.
(a) embarased (b) embarrassed (c) embarassed
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 32
31. I hadn’t even ........ the last bottle of beer when my wife came into the pub.
(a) drank(b) dranked(c) drunk
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 33
32. ……….. are too large for my face; I need to replace ………..
(a) this frame / it(b) these frames / it(c) these frames / them
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 34
33. I promise to repay the loan ........
(a) small small(b) in instalments(c) instalmentally
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 35
34. We’re suing the FG for not giving us …….. water.
(a) pottable(b) portable(c) potable
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 36
35. The lawyer will need to …… his time if he hopes to catch the witness …....
(a) bid / telling lies (b) bide / lying (c) bead / lyeing
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 37
36. Let’s ask that lunatic; she knows …….. of the town.
(a) the ins and outs(b) the nooks and corners
(c) the in and out(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 38
37. The new law will enable Nigerians ……….. to other countries more easily.
(a) travelling (b) travel(c) to travel
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 39
38. I visited his office ...... but he wasn’t there.(a) severally (b) numerous times (c) over one time
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 40
39. Your hair looks ……..; you need to ………..
(a) unkept / barb it(b) unkempt / have a haircut
(c) unkept / barb(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 41
40. Please type the letter on the company’s ……..
(a) letterheading(b) letterheaded paper(c) letterhead
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 42
41. A toast to the Directors for this programme ……..
(a) Hip, Hip, Hip, Hurray!(b) Hip, Hip, Hurray!(c) Hip, Hip, Hip, Hurrah!
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 43
42. You’d best stay with your husband and forget that neighbour. As they say, ………..
a) the devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know
b) choose the devil you know and not the angel
c) better the devil you know than the devil you don’t
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 44
43. If the topic isn’t clear to you, ask the teacher to ……….. on it.
a) expanciate b) expantiate c) expatiate
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 45
44. ……….. last week, it was reported that the man fell out of his chair and broke his neck.
(a) Sometimes (b) Sometime (c) Some times
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 46
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 47
45. Madam, shall I get you some salad or ……… ?
(a) cold slaw (b) coleslaw (c) Cole’s law
46. ………, do you think I should leave my husband and elope with the houseboy?
a) Between I and youb) Between you and Ic) Between you and me
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 48
47. ………, I wonder if life in this country is really worth anyone’s while.
a) many a timeb) many a timesc) many at times
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 49
48. All you ever do in this office is gossip: ……… did such and such.
a) so and so person b) so so personc) so and so
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 50
49. My house is within ……… from here.
a) a stone throwb) a stone’s throwc) stone throw
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 51
50. Your wife is so happy. She seems to have life handed to her ........
a) on a silver platter b) on a gold platterc) on a platter of gold
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 52
51. No one could finish the food served at the party. In fact, it was........
a) an apologyb) apologyc) an apology for a meal
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 53
52. She’s determined to have a car this year ..........
a) by hook or crookb) by hook or by crookc) by hook and crook
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 54
53. Thanks a lot; this room will ........
a) do for meb) do well for mec) do me
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 55
54. Now she knows she’s ........ than she can chew.
a) bite more b) bitten morec) bitten off more
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 56
55. As the teacher ........., if you want to pass the exam, you must read wide.
a) mentioned earlierb) mentioned earlier onc) mentioned earlier before
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 57
56. The man won’t resign ........ he’s forced to do so, ........ since he’s the MD’s son-in-law.
a) whereas / henceb) unless / especiallyc) except / more so
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 58
57. We’ll be moving house next month, ........
a) God’s willingb) God willingc) by God willing
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 59
58. This is the most ......... job I’ve ever had. There’s just no room to enjoy oneself.
a) taxingb) taskingc) tackling
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 60
59. Dad says he’ll see you as soon as he’s ..........
a) opportunedb) chancedc) able to
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 61
60. Bayo told us that his wife ........ yesterday.
a) put to bedb) bornc) was delivered of a baby
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 62
61. The foreman is a .......... He knows nothing about welfare.
a) a cog in the wheel of progress
b) sadistc) wicked
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 63
62. Don’t do any business with that handsome guy; he’s a ........
a) dupeb) duperc) con artist
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 64
63. Teacher : We say a person was killed in cold blood if ..........?
a) he was killed in his sleepb) his killer was not under any influence
c) the victim was unable to defend himself
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 65
64. The .......... for the dead man is this evening.
a) Christian wake-keepb) wake-keepingc) wake
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 66
65. She looks so gorgeous in her ......... dress.
a) lemon yellowb) lemon greenc) lemon and green
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 67
66. Hello, ..........?
a) may I be on to the CEOb) may I speak with the CEO
c) may I gain access to the CEO?
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 68
67. It looks rather primitive to put kola nuts on the ..........
a) centre tableb) central tablec) coffee table
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 69
68. None of us can go abroad without a valid ..........
a) international passportb) passportc) travelling passport
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 70
69. My neighbour’s husband eloped with the .......... two weeks after the girl was employed.
a) home helpb) house helpc) domestic helper
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 71
70. I saw a giant ......... in the room.
a) geckob) wall geckoc) room gecko
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 72
71. We’re going to make so much money that N50,000 will look like .........
a) chicken changeb) chicken saucec) chicken feed
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 73
72. I usually hang out with friends at the ......... down the street.
a) barber’sb) barbing saloonc) hair-port
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 74
73. What’s the meaning of this letter? Tell the secretary to see me ..........
a) at onceb) in a jiffyc) now now
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 75
74. This sort of thing cannot happen in this country; not by .........
a) any manner or meansb) any manner and means
c) any manner of means(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 76
75. Workers complain all the time about the ......... conditions of the factory.
a) straitjacketedb) straightjacketedc) strait-laced
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 77
76. I didn’t need to get a lawyer; the police released me on .........
a) personal recognitionb) my own recognitionc) my own recognizance
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 78
77. Amina, bring the ......... to dispose of these bits of tissue paper.
a) dustpanb) packing toolc) packer
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 79
78. Someone has lost the key and mum is .......... at me.
a) giving me the fingerb) pointing accusing fingersc) pointing an accusing finger
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 80
79. Now is the time for the government to evaluate these ..........
a) mushroom private universitiesb) mushrooming private universities
c) private mushroom universities
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 81
80. I’m disappointed in you. You ....... so uncaring.
a) didn’t used to beb) didn’t use to bec) weren’t used to being
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 82
81. I need someone that can recite all the three stanzas of the National Anthem ..........
a) offhead b) offheartc) by heart
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 83
83. Today is Monday. Let’s meet again on Wednesday; that’s ..........
a) two days’ timeb) next tomorrowc) day after tomorrow
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 85
84. Her stepfather is only ......... years old.
a) twenty and half b) twenty and the halfc) twenty and a half
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 86
85. In any quarrel between a husband and wife, it’s usually ..........
a) six and half a dozenb) six of one and half a dozen of the other
c) six and half a dozen – what’s the difference
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 87
86. Shortly after the church ceremony, .......... quickly got into their car and drove off.
a) the coupleb) the two couplec) the couples
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 88
87. The company has to increase wages ..........
a) across boardb) across boardsc) across the board
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 89
88. The government would not want this kind of bad publicity in the middle of an……….
a) election campaignb) electioneering campaignc) election campaigning
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 90
89. .......... being equal, we should have no problem with the equipment.
a) All thingsb) Most thingsc) Many things
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 91
90. The UN expects the former leader to explain his country’s foreign policy ..........
a) in detailsb) in detailedc) in detail
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 92
91. Sir, the MD would like you to give me ..........
a) a self-written noteb) a written notec) a note
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 93
92. She woke up rather late. So, she quickly .......... and ran out of the house.
a) dressed upb) got dressedc) got dressed up
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 94
93. The party is trying hard to keep its supporters within the brackets of civility, .........
a) so to sayb) so to talkc) so to speak
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 95
94. She has not been ......... with her mother for twenty years.
a) on talking termsb) on chatting termsc) on speaking terms
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 96
95. Olamide is a musician with real ..........
a) potentialsb) potentialitiesc) potential
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 97
96. The former President ………. and told me about some of the problems he was facing with the people around him.
a) took me into his confidenceb) took me to confidencec) put me into confidence
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 98
97. The Principal is rather short tempered; so, .......... whenever you’re with him.
a) be carefulb) take your timec) take time
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 99
98. The driver leaned out of the window and shouted at the lady, ………. twice, then drove on.
a) hornedb) pressed the hornc) sounded his horn
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 100
99. When my father was in the army, his batman .......... his shoes until the shoes ..........
a) shined / shoneb) shined / shinedc) shone / shone
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 101
100. The lady put a.......... in the teacher’s meal to make him fall in love with her.
a) portionb) potionc) concussion
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 102
101. My .......... left yesterday, so I have to do all my cleaning myself.
a) housegirl b) housemaidc) house servant
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 103
102. The bell had .......... ten times before the janitor heard. The boss simply brought out the register and ......... the man’s name in red.
a) rang / rangb) rung / ringedc) ringed / ringed
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 104
103. Don’t run away with your servant; it’s not .......... at all.
a) dignifyingb) dignifiedc) respective
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 105
1. – Only Miss Lagos won 50 million naira yesterday.
2. – Miss Lagos won only 50 million naira yesterday.
3. – Miss Lagos won 50 million naira only last week.
A. – But why does everybody think it’s more?
B. – How come she’s broke?
C. – Your sister didn’t even take the form, much less win anything!
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 106
1. Even the police asked my father to surrender his shoes.
2. The police asked even my father to surrender his shoes.
3. The police asked my father to surrender even his shoes
A) But that’s an unkind thing to do to an old man.
B) Despite all that you’d lost?
C) And they tell us the police is your friend!
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 107
1. Kàkó? That doesn’t sound like an American name.
2. You have an American passport, I see.
3. That’s it, your mum gave birth to you in New York.
A. Kàkó’s parents lived in America some years ago.
B. Kàkó is a Yorùbá name.
C. American names have their own sound pattern.
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 108
Email: [email protected]
Or call:+234 803 224 4440
(c) 2015 Prof. Adeleke Fakoya Dept. of English, Lagos State University, Nigeria 109