English 2023 UTME Past Question

Question 01

Section A — Comprehension. Read the passage below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Breastfeeding and Its Importance

Breastfeeding is a natural and vital practice that has numerous benefits for both infants and mothers. It involves the act of nourishing an infant with breast milk, which is produced by a mother's mammary glands. This practice has been an integral part of human evolution and is recommended by healthcare professionals worldwide.

Breastfeeding is essential for the optimal growth and development of infants. It provides a unique blend of nutrition and antibodies that protect infants from infections and diseases. Breast milk contains essential vitamins, proteins and fats, which are perfectly tailored to meet an infant's nutritional needs during their first six months of life.

Moreover, breastfeeding establishes a strong bond between the mother and child. This skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding fosters emotional security and attachment, which is crucial for a child's mental and emotional development. It also promotes the mother's physical and emotional well-being by helping with postpartum recovery and reducing the risk of certain health issues, such as breast and ovarian cancer.

In conclusion, breastfeeding is not only a natural practice but also a cornerstone of infant and maternal health. It provides infants with the best possible start in life, offering them essential nutrients, protection from diseases, and emotional bonding. Simultaneously, it benefits mothers by supporting their health and well-being. Therefore, promoting and supporting breastfeeding is of paramount importance for the overall well-being of both infants and mothers.

From the passage, what is the primary reason breast milk is considered ideal for infants during their first six months?

AIt contains unique vitamins not found in other foods BIt is tailored to meet their specific nutritional needs CIt is less expensive than formula feeding DIt promotes faster physical growth

Question 02

According to the passage, what is the primary role of breast milk in protecting infants?

AIt offers psychological comfort BIt provides a source of entertainment CIt prevents infections and diseases DIt promotes postpartum recovery

Question 03

Based on the passage, what is the primary reason skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding is essential?

AIt prevents postpartum depression BIt fosters emotional bonding CIt boosts the infant's IQ DIt reduces the risk of breast cancer

Question 04

What is the ultimate goal of promoting and supporting breastfeeding, according to the passage?

ATo encourage mothers to breastfeed exclusively for the first year BTo ensure infants gain weight rapidly CTo improve the emotional well-being of mothers DTo enhance the overall health and well-being of both infants and mothers

Question 05

In the context of the passage, why is breastfeeding considered a "natural practice"?

ABecause it involves feeding an infant with any available milk BBecause it is recommended by healthcare professionals CBecause it has been practised since the dawn of humanity DBecause it is the only way to provide nutrition for infants

Question 06

The passage below has gaps numbered 6 to 15. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Neck Pain and Massage

Neck pain is a common discomfort that can signal various underlying issues. It's essential to pay attention to the ____ (6) ____ signals your body sends when you experience neck pain. While neck pain can result from minor ____ (7) ____ such as poor posture or muscle strain, it can also be a warning sign of more severe conditions.

One of the most common ____ (8) ____ of neck pain is muscle tension due to stress or poor ergonomics. It can be addressed through exercises and ____ (9) ____ practices. Another common cause is degenerative changes in the cervical spine, which can ____ (10) ____ to conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis. In such cases, medical ____ (11) ____ may be necessary.

Ignoring neck pain can lead to more severe issues, including limited mobility, headaches, and even ____ (12) ____ damage. Therefore, it's crucial to seek ____ (13) ____ care when needed and make lifestyle changes to ____ (14) ____ the risk of developing chronic neck pain.

In conclusion, neck pain is your body's way of ____ (15) ____ attention to potential problems. By addressing these changes, you can improve your overall health and well-being.

Gap 6

AHidden BWarning CSubtle DFaint

Question 07

Gap 7

AConditionals BInjuries CSituations DCauses

Question 08

Gap 8

ATriggers BSources CFactors DIndicators

Question 09

Gap 9

APhysical BRelaxation CMedication DSurgery

Question 10

Gap 10

ALower back BChest CNeck DShoulder

Question 11

Gap 11

ASurgery BBed rest COver-the-counter painkillers DYoga

Question 12

Gap 12

AHearing loss BLimited mobility CDecrease DExacerbate

Question 13

Gap 13

AIgnoring it BSeeking medical care when needed CTaking painkillers DIncreasing stress levels

Question 14

Gap 14

AIncrease BMaintain CDecrease DExacerbate

Question 15

Gap 15

AA nuisance BA normal part of life CA signal of potential problems DA minor inconvenience

Question 16

Questions 16–25 were based on Khadijat Abubakar Jalli's The Life Changer.

What time of the day did Salma meet Labaran and Habib on her way to the university?

A6pm B8pm C5pm D9pm

Question 17

Ummi's family was

APoor BAffluent CRich DAverage

Question 18

Who was the narrator of The Life Changer?

ASalma BUmmi CHabib DOmar

Question 19

What position is Bint in the family?

ALast born BFirst born CSecond born DThird born

Question 20

Omar's admission signals

AStorytelling BA life-changing experience CBeing learned DThe community's appraisal

Question 21

"Money moves mountains." This statement was made by

ASalma BTeemah CBint DNgozi

Question 22

According to the novel, how would you describe Salma?

AFair-complexioned, tall and slim BFair-complexioned, short and fat CDark-complexioned, tall and slim DDark-complexioned, short and fat

Question 23

How many girls were allocated to a room in the hostel?

AFive BFour CThree DTwo

Question 24

According to the novel, what delicacy is considered to be the students' favourite?

ADan wake BSnail CSpaghetti DIndomie jollof

Question 25

Why did Salma seek Habib's help?

AHabib was her only saviour BHabib was her boyfriend CHe was influential DHe was a philanthropist

Question 26

Section B — Lexis and Structure. In each of questions 26–30, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

Despite his arduous training, he narrowly missed the qualifying time for the marathon.

AHe easily qualified for the marathon BHe didn't train for the marathon CHe missed the qualifying time by a small margin despite intense training DHe gave up during the marathon

Question 27

The detective found the hidden clue beneath the old, dusty rug.

AThe detective couldn't find any clues BThe detective found the clue on top of the rug CThe detective found a clue underneath the rug covered in dust DThe detective didn't look under the rug

Question 28

Despite his initial reluctance, Alex eventually embraced the challenge and succeeded.

AAlex was always eager to accept challenges BAlex never succeeded in overcoming his reluctance CAlex overcame his reluctance and eventually succeeded DAlex refused to take on any challenges

Question 29

Jenny's artistic talents blossomed under the guidance of her mentor.

AJenny's mentor hindered her artistic growth BJenny didn't have any artistic talents CJenny's artistic abilities improved with her mentor's help DJenny's mentor discouraged her from pursuing art

Question 30

Despite the stormy weather, the determined hiker reached the mountain's summit.

AThe hiker turned back because of the storm BThe hiker reached the mountain's base CThe hiker successfully reached the summit despite the bad weather DThe hiker reached the summit easily

Question 31

In each of questions 31–35, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics.

The company's miserly approach to employee benefits led to dissatisfaction among the staff.

AFrugal BGenerous CThrifty DStingy

Question 32

Despite his initial apathy towards politics, he decided to run for office.

AEnthusiasm BIndifference CEmpathy DSympathy

Question 33

Her reticent nature made it difficult for her to take part in group discussions.

ATalkative BReserved COutspoken DLoquacious

Question 34

The professor's incoherent lecture left the students bewildered.

AConfused BClear CJumbled DMuddled

Question 35

The artist's mundane paintings failed to captivate the art critics.

ABoring BOrdinary CExceptional DUninspiring

Question 36

In each of questions 36–40, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics.

Sarah's effervescent personality always brightens up the room.

AReserved BBubbly CSomber DStagnant

Question 37

John's constant procrastination is hindering his academic progress.

ADelay BDiligence CHesitation DPunctuality

Question 38

He plays the piano with dexterity.

AClumsiness BSkill CEnthusiasm DLoudness

Question 39

The company's redundancies were met with protests from the employees.

ALayoffs BPromotions CEfficiency DExpansions

Question 40

The movie's riveting plot kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

ABoring BCaptivating CMonotonous DTedious

Question 41

In each of questions 41–50, choose the option that best completes the gap(s).

The team's consistent performance, along with their dedication to practice, _________ their coach's expectations.

Ameets Bmet Cmeet Dhave met

Question 42

He's a talented musician, and it's unlikely that he _________ become a famous composer someday.

Awouldn't Bdidn't Cwon't Dshouldn't

Question 43

The new CEO has _________ the company's strategies, resulting in significant growth.

Aaltered Balluded Celuded Dinferred

Question 44

The journalist's article was filled with _________ expressions and vivid descriptions.

Alaconic Bverbose Csuccinct Deloquent

Question 45

The candidate's _________ answers to the panel's questions impressed the interviewers.

Aevasive Bexplicit Cvague Delusive

Question 46

The team decided to _________ the competition due to the adverse weather conditions.

Aforfeit Bexplicit Cconcede Dembark

Question 47

The novel's twists _________ the readers' expectations, making it a thrilling read.

Abefuddled Bconfounded Caligned with Dadhered to

Question 48

Despite his _________ efforts, he couldn't complete the challenging crossword puzzle.

Adiligent Blackadaisical Cperfunctory Dinsouciant

Question 49

The coach's motivational speech _________ the team's determination to win the championship.

Adampened Bbolstered Csubdued Dhindered

Question 50

Her knowledge of idiomatic expressions _________ her fluency in English.

Ahampers Benhances Cimpedes Ddisrupts

Question 51

Section C — Oral Forms. In each of questions 51 and 52, choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letter(s).

Baer

Arare Bfear Cbeer Dsteer

Question 52

Mine

Aclick Bgill Cpint Dpin

Question 53

In each of questions 53 and 54, choose the option with the appropriate stress pattern. The stressed syllable is written in capital letters.

Expostulate

AexPOStulate BexposTUlate CexpostuLATE DEXpostulate

Question 54

Sufficiency

AsufficienCY BsuffiCIENcy CsufFIciency DSUFficiency

Question 55

In each of questions 55 and 56, the word in capital letters carries the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence is most likely a response.

She prepared a DELICIOUS dinner for her family.

AWhat did she cook? BWho cooked the dinner? CWhen will she eat again? DWhere did she go after dinner?

Question 56

The teacher REALLY APPRECIATED the student's painting.