JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Commerce 2011
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2011 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
Ready to test yourself? Take the full JAMB Commerce 2011 CBT quiz — timed, just like the real exam.
Start Quiz
1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Which of the following is both a direct and indirect credit enterprise?

A. Co-operative and thrift society
B. Retail co-operative society
C. Consumer co-operative society
D. Wholesale co-operative society
Explanation

A student might choose other co-operative types, assuming they all provide financial services, but co-operative and thrift societies uniquely grant direct credit through loans to members and indirect credit through savings facilities. Common mistake: confusing consumer or retail societies with specialized financial thrift institutions.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

The business in the stock exchange is characterized essentially by

A. Dealing
B. Brokerage
C. Speculation
D. Transactions
Explanation

A student might mistakenly pick brokerage or dealing, overlooking the primary motivation driving market activity. Investors buy and sell shares based on anticipated price movements to generate profits, making speculation the fundamental characteristic of the stock exchange. Common mistake: focusing on the intermediary functions rather than the core motive of market participants.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

The Second-tier Securities Market is

A. An appendage to the Nigerian Stock Exchange
B. A member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange
C. Meant for shares of quoted private companies
D. A regulating arm of the Nigerian Stock Exchange
Explanation

A student could mistakenly choose options describing it as an appendage or regulatory body, confusing its supervisory role with its actual market function. This tier is specifically meant for trading shares of quoted private companies that are smaller or not listed on the main exchange. Common mistake: misunderstanding the exact listing category of private companies versus the main board.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

The elements of the marketing mix are

A. Product, promotion, place, and price
B. Personal selling, advertising, and research
C. Promotion, production, place, and price
D. Procurement, price, product, and place
Explanation

A student might pick combinations containing production or procurement, confusing internal operational functions with market strategy. The marketing mix, known as the 4 Ps, consists of Product, Promotion, Place, and Price as its core components. Common mistake: including general business operations instead of the four foundational marketing pillars.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Which of the following has the shortest effect on consumer behavior?

A. Fashion
B. Innovation
C. Fad
D. Attribute
Explanation

A student might select innovation or fashion, confusing short trends with longer-lasting market changes. A fad represents a short-lived trend that rapidly gathers popularity among consumers but fades quickly, unlike fashion or innovation which have much longer impacts. Common mistake: confusing temporary fads with enduring fashion cycles.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Which of the following is a form of sales promotion?

A. Advertising on radio
B. Offering free samples
C. Distributing printed materials
D. Advertising on television
Explanation

A student could mistakenly select radio or television advertising, confusing general mass media advertising with direct promotional incentives. Offering free samples acts as a direct sales promotion technique that encourages consumers to try a product, thereby increasing sales potential. Common mistake: failing to distinguish between general advertising and direct sales promotion incentives.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

One advantage of personal selling over other promotional elements is that it

A. Provides instant feedback
B. Is very cost-effective per contact
C. Does not require mass media
D. Employs highly trained salespeople
Explanation

A student might mistakenly choose cost-effectiveness or mass media avoidance, focusing on operational expenses rather than interactive benefits. Personal selling allows salespeople to receive immediate feedback from customers, enabling real-time adjustments to their sales approach. Common mistake: prioritizing cost over communication interactivity when evaluating promotional tools.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Which of the following is essential in an agency by agreement?

A. Intentions
B. Will
C. Consent
D. Authority
Explanation

A student might select authority or intentions, confusing the legal power to act with the foundational requirement of the relationship. An agency by agreement requires mutual consent between the principal and the agent to establish the contractual relationship. Common mistake: confusing the existence of consent with the subsequent scope of authority.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

An agreement to sell differs from a sale because the transfer of goods is

A. Not anticipated
B. Not discussed
C. Deferred
D. Immediate
Explanation

A student might mistakenly choose 'not discussed' or 'not anticipated', assuming an incomplete contract rather than a delayed action. In an agreement to sell, the transfer of goods is deferred to a future date, whereas a sale involves an immediate transfer of ownership. Common mistake: confusing delayed fulfillment with a complete lack of intent to transfer goods.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Nationalization of an industry means that its ownership becomes that of

A. Government
B. Shareholders
C. Taxpayers
D. Indigenes
Explanation

A student might mistakenly choose shareholders or indigenes, confusing state takeover with private ownership restructuring. Nationalization involves the government taking ownership of an industry, managing it on behalf of the state. Common mistake: confusing state nationalization with privatization or indigenization.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

What are the distinguishing factors of commercial undertakings?

A. Size and capital investment
B. Profit generation and ownership form
C. Location and market share
D. Management style and employee count
Explanation

A student might select size, location, or management style, overlooking the fundamental legal and financial traits of businesses. Commercial undertakings are distinguished by profit generation and the form of ownership, as these define their operational and structural characteristics. Common mistake: prioritizing physical attributes like size over core economic purpose and legal structure.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

The development of commercial activities in Nigeria was facilitated largely by

A. A good transport system
B. The indigenization decree
C. A convenient medium of exchange
D. A high level of production
Explanation

A student might mistakenly choose the indigenization decree or production levels, attributing trade growth to legal or manufacturing metrics rather than logistics. A good transport system enables the efficient movement of goods and people, significantly boosting commercial activities in Nigeria. Common mistake: overlooking infrastructure as the primary driver of commercial expansion.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

In which of the following sets of occupations can an industrial worker be found?

A. Extraction, commerce, and construction
B. Manufacturing, extraction, and banking
C. Construction, quarrying, and insurance
D. Manufacturing, extraction, and construction
Explanation

A student might select banking or insurance, confusing commercial and service occupations with industrial labor. Industrial workers are typically involved in manufacturing, extraction, and construction, which are core industrial activities. Common mistake: grouping service-sector occupations like banking into the industrial category.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Construction activities include the building of houses and roads as well as

A. Bricklaying
B. Shoemaking
C. Blacksmithing
D. Car assembling
Explanation

A student might mistakenly pick shoemaking or car assembling, confusing manufacturing sectors with infrastructural creation. Bricklaying is a core activity in construction, directly contributing to building structures like houses and roads. Common mistake: confusing factory assembly and manufacturing with site construction.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

If a partnership deed is silent on profit sharing, partners share profits

A. Based on business secured by each partner
B. In proportion to capital contributions
C. Equally, regardless of capital contributions
D. According to duties performed
Explanation

A student might choose capital contributions or duties performed, assuming that financial input dictates profit entitlement in the absence of an agreement. In the absence of a partnership deed specifying profit-sharing terms, the default legal rule under partnership law is that profits are shared equally among partners. Common mistake: assuming unequal financial investment implies unequal profit sharing without a formal agreement.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Which information is contained in the Articles of Association of a limited liability company?

A. Rights and obligations of directors
B. Objectives of the company
C. Amount of share capital
D. Limitation of shareholders' liability
Explanation

A student might mistakenly choose company objectives or share capital, confusing internal governance rules with the founding charter. The Articles of Association outline the internal governance rules of a company, including the rights and obligations of directors, while other details like objectives and share capital are typically in the Memorandum of Association. Common mistake: confusing the Articles of Association with the Memorandum of Association.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

A trader has an opening stock of N20,000, purchases of N50,000, and closing stock of N15,000. What is the cost of goods sold?

A. N45,000
B. N55,000
C. N65,000
D. N85,000
Explanation

A student might mistakenly add the closing stock to purchases or subtract the opening stock, resulting in incorrect figures like N45,000 or N65,000. Following the standard formula where the cost of goods sold equals opening stock plus purchases minus closing stock, adding N20,000 opening stock to N50,000 purchases and subtracting N15,000 closing stock yields N55,000. Common mistake: misplacing the addition and subtraction of inventory values during calculation.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

The merger of two companies producing similar products is an example of

A. Vertical integration
B. Horizontal integration
C. Lateral merger
D. An acquisition
Explanation

A student might pick vertical integration, confusing firms operating at different stages of production with those at the same level. Horizontal integration occurs when two companies at the same level in the production process, producing similar products, merge to increase market share or efficiency. Common mistake: confusing horizontal integration with vertical supply-chain integration.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

One implication of incorporating a company is that

A. It is more difficult to raise loans
B. The company can sue but cannot be sued
C. The company’s property is indistinguishable from members’ property
D. Members are liable for company debts
Explanation

A student might mistakenly think incorporation makes a company unable to be sued or leaves members fully liable, ignoring the true legal complexities. Incorporation creates a separate legal entity, which can make raising loans more complex due to increased legal and financial scrutiny by lenders. Common mistake: misinterpreting the financial autonomy of a corporate body as a hindrance to borrowing ease.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

The main advantage of a sole trader is the freedom to

A. Employ anyone
B. Seek advice from any source
C. Make quick decisions
D. Reinvest all profits
Explanation

A student might select employing anyone or reinvesting profits, focusing on general business tasks rather than managerial agility. A sole trader has the freedom to make quick decisions without needing approval from partners or shareholders, enhancing operational flexibility. Common mistake: confusing general operational permissions with the specific advantage of swift decision-making.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

In voluntary liquidation of a business, the receiver is appointed by the

A. Creditors
B. Debtors
C. Directors
D. Shareholders
Explanation

A student might mistakenly choose creditors or directors, confusing compulsory liquidation or normal management with voluntary winding up. In voluntary liquidation, shareholders, as owners, appoint the receiver to oversee the liquidation process and distribution of assets. Common mistake: attributing the appointment of a receiver in voluntary winding up to creditors instead of the owners.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

When a company uses more loans than equity to finance its business, it is said to be

A. Bankrupt
B. Solvent
C. Highly geared
D. In a strong liquid position
Explanation

1) Distractor check: A student might mistakenly select option B (Solvent) thinking it broadly refers to financial health, or option A (Bankrupt) due to the negative connotation of high debt, but both fail to capture the specific leverage ratio described. 2) Reasoning to the answer: When an enterprise relies heavily on debt (loans) rather than equity, it indicates high financial leverage and risk, a condition known as being highly geared. 3) Common mistake: Confusing high debt reliance with complete bankruptcy.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

The nominal value of a share as specified in the Memorandum of Association and share certificate is the

A. Discounted value
B. Stock value
C. Face value
D. Par value
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Students could easily gravitate toward option C (Face value) because it sounds like a plain-language synonym, or option A (Discounted value) thinking about share issuance prices. 2) Reasoning to the answer: The nominal value of a share, as stated in the Memorandum of Association and share certificate, is referred to as the par value. 3) Common mistake: Mistaking the nominal value for market value.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

A public limited company can raise long-term loans through

A. The capital market
B. The money market
C. Bank overdrafts
D. Discount houses
Explanation

1) Distractor check: A test-taker might wrongly choose option B (The money market) by confusing short-term and long-term financial instruments. 2) Reasoning to the answer: The capital market provides long-term financing through instruments like shares and bonds, making it suitable for public limited companies seeking extended funding. 3) Common mistake: Confusing money market short-term instruments with capital market long-term instruments.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

A bank overdraft is a short-term debt used when the agent buys on behalf of

A. Exporters
B. Importers
C. Customers
D. Suppliers
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Options A (Exporters) and B (Importers) are plausible traps since bank overdrafts relate generally to trade, but they do not match the specific principal-agent purchasing relationship. 2) Reasoning to the answer: A bank overdraft is often used by agents to finance short-term purchases on behalf of customers, providing flexibility in cash flow management. 3) Common mistake: Assuming bank overdrafts are exclusively for international traders.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

The financial index that compares current assets directly with current liabilities is known as the

A. Turnover ratio
B. Capital ratio
C. Current ratio
D. Balance ratio
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option A (Turnover ratio) or B (Capital ratio) might be chosen if the student misinterprets general financial metrics as measures of short-term obligations. 2) Reasoning to the answer: The current ratio measures a company’s liquidity by comparing current assets to current liabilities, indicating its ability to meet short-term obligations. 3) Common mistake: Confusing liquidity ratios with profitability ratios.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

A rights issue refers to

A. Issuing shares to directors on favorable terms
B. Issuing shares only to company founders
C. Shareholders’ voting rights
D. Issuing shares to shareholders on favorable terms
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option C (Shareholders’ voting rights) is a common distractor because of the shared word 'rights', while option A incorrectly restricts the offer to directors. 2) Reasoning to the answer: A rights issue allows existing shareholders to purchase additional shares, often at a discount, on favorable terms to raise capital. 3) Common mistake: Associating rights issues with voting power rather than purchasing new shares.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Profit expressed as a percentage of the cost of goods sold is referred to as

A. Margin
B. Mark-up
C. Gain percent
D. Gross profit
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option A (Margin) is frequently chosen by mistake because students confuse profit percentages calculated on selling price versus cost price. 2) Reasoning to the answer: Mark-up is the profit calculated as a percentage of the cost of goods sold, commonly used in retail pricing strategies. 3) Common mistake: Confusing mark-up (based on cost) with margin (based on selling price).

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Which action by a business indicates a lack of social responsibility?

A. Donating to local charities
B. Discharging untreated waste into rivers
C. Providing employee training
D. Sponsoring community events
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Options like A, C, and D represent community support or employee care, which tempts students looking for positive actions, whereas dumping waste is the clear negative outlier. 2) Reasoning to the answer: Discharging untreated waste into rivers harms the environment and community, demonstrating a lack of social responsibility. 3) Common mistake: Overlooking environmental damage when evaluating corporate behavior.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

A business aiming to maximize profit, ensure customer satisfaction, and support community development is likely a

A. Sole proprietorship
B. Partnership
C. Public limited company
D. Co-operative society
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option A or B might be chosen if the student underestimates the broad community scope, but sole proprietorships rarely manage large-scale multi-objective development. 2) Reasoning to the answer: A public limited company, due to its scale and stakeholder expectations, often balances profit maximization, customer satisfaction, and social responsibility. 3) Common mistake: Assuming only non-profit organizations balance social and community goals.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Which set of middlemen is involved in the channel of distribution?

A. Wholesalers, retailers, and agents
B. Manufacturers, consumers, and retailers
C. Wholesalers, agents, and consumers
D. Retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option B or C omits one of the three key middlemen categories, making option A the only comprehensive group. 2) Reasoning to the answer: Wholesalers, retailers, and agents are middlemen who facilitate the movement of goods from producers to consumers in the distribution channel. 3) Common mistake: Leaving out agents when listing standard commercial middlemen.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Goods imported for re-exporting attract a rebate known as

A. Customs drawback
B. Export rebate
C. Import incentive
D. Trade refund
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option B (Export rebate) is a tempting trap because the goods are ultimately exported, but the refund specifically targets prior import duties. 2) Reasoning to the answer: Customs drawback is a refund of duties paid on imported goods that are subsequently re-exported, reducing costs for traders. 3) Common mistake: Confusing general export incentives with specific import duty refunds.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Most foreign trade transactions are paid for through

A. Central Bank cheques
B. Bank drafts
C. Irrevocable and confirmed letters of credit
D. Authenticated letters of credit
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option D (Authenticated letters of credit) uses official-sounding jargon that tricks students who do not recall the exact banking terminology. 2) Reasoning to the answer: Irrevocable and confirmed letters of credit are widely used in foreign trade to ensure payment security for both the buyer and seller. 3) Common mistake: Mixing up confirmed letters of credit with regular bank cheques.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

RRFR, as introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, stands for

A. Recording and Rediscounting Facility
B. Refinancing and Recording Facility
C. Refinancing and Rediscounting Facility
D. Refinancing and Reinvesting Facility
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Options A, B, and D mix up the words 'Recording', 'Refinancing', 'Rediscounting', and 'Reinvesting' to catch unprepared students. 2) Reasoning to the answer: RRFR stands for Refinancing and Rediscounting Facility, a Central Bank of Nigeria scheme to provide liquidity to financial institutions. 3) Common mistake: Mixing up 'Recording' with 'Refinancing' in the acronym expansion.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

The correct order of documents used in a sales transaction is

A. Quotation, order, delivery note, invoice, debit note
B. Order, delivery note, invoice, debit note, statement
C. Statement, order, invoice, delivery note, debit note
D. Invoice, order, statement, debit note, delivery note
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option A or C alters the sequence by placing statements or quotes at incorrect operational stages of a sale. 2) Reasoning to the answer: The correct sequence in a sales transaction is: order (customer places order), delivery note (goods delivered), invoice (billing issued), debit note (adjustments if needed), and statement (summary of transactions). 3) Common mistake: Placing the invoice before the delivery of goods.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

A freight note is a document

A. Used by government for international transport
B. Issued by a shipping company detailing charges
C. Used for payment of imported goods
D. For deferred payment of goods
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option C or D might appeal to students who guess based on general shipping terminology rather than the specific billing function. 2) Reasoning to the answer: A freight note is issued by a shipping company to detail the charges for transporting goods, providing transparency in shipping costs. 3) Common mistake: Treating a freight note as a document for deferred payment.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

An invoice of N600 offers discounts of 5% for 1 month, 2.5% for 3 months, and 1.5% for 5 months. If paid in the second month, how much is remitted?

A. N570.00
B. N585.00
C. N594.00
D. N600.00
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option A (N570.00) corresponds to the 5% discount meant for one month, while the correct period yields a different rate. 2) Reasoning to the answer: The invoice offers a 2.5% discount for payment in the second month. For N600, the discount is 600 * 0.025 = N15. Thus, the amount remitted is 600 - 15 = N585.00. 3) Common mistake: Applying the wrong discount tier percentage for the specified month.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

Spot market goods are available for

A. Immediate delivery
B. Short-term delivery
C. Long-term delivery
D. End-of-year delivery
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option B (Short-term delivery) appeals to students who think spot markets operate like short-term futures rather than instant trades. 2) Reasoning to the answer: Spot market goods are available for immediate delivery, as transactions are settled instantly or within a very short period. 3) Common mistake: Confusing spot market instant delivery with forward or deferred contracts.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

The main advantage of road transport is that it is

A. Convenient and flexible
B. Cheap and direct
C. Common and fast
D. Safe and available
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option B (Cheap and direct) is tempting, but road transport is often more expensive per bulk unit than rail or water, making flexibility its primary edge. 2) Reasoning to the answer: Road transport is convenient and flexible, offering door-to-door delivery and adaptable routes compared to other transport modes. 3) Common mistake: Assuming road transport is always the cheapest option.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2011

The practice of an insurance company sharing a large risk with other insurers is called

A. Subrogation
B. Contribution
C. Re-insurance
D. Indemnity
Explanation

1) Distractor check: Option B (Contribution) or D (Indemnity) might be chosen if the student confuses the various legal principles governing insurance contracts. 2) Reasoning to the answer: Re-insurance is the practice where an insurer transfers part of a large risk to other insurance companies to reduce potential losses. 3) Common mistake: Confusing re-insurance with co-insurance or contribution.

Now practice in exam mode

You've studied the answers — now test yourself under real exam conditions with the timer running.

Start JAMB Commerce 2011 Quiz
Back to 2011 Start Page