The passage below has gas numbered 16 to 25. Immediately following each gap, four options re provided. Choose the most appropriate option for each gap.

Ofala is a festival that is celebrated in virtually every Igbo community in Nigeria. It is the king’s own festival during which he shows himself to his people, many of whom have probably not ….16…. [A. lied B. lay C. lain D. laid] eyes on him for a long time. The morning of the Ofala sees large crowds ….17…. [A. were gathered B. gather C. to be gathering D. gathers] in the palace arena. Suddenly a cannon ….18…. [A. booms B. shoots C. knocks D. bangs] repeatedly. Rich …. 19 …. [A vibration B gyration C explosion D percussion] from the royal musicians fills the air. The Igwe emerges like the rising sun ….20…. [A royally B resplendent C dazzled D surrounded] in white –bordered gold and black robes. The Igwe then begins the….21…. [A traditional B social C royal D cultural] dance with his wife. Followed by his entourage, he dances round the arena ….22…. [A from the cheers B at the cheer C with the cheers D to the cheers] and praises of the crowd. Finally, the Igwe takes his seat and his person begins to ….23…. [A pay their respects B Spray him with gifts C observe his steps D pay their tolls]. ‘Igweee! You will live long ….24…. [A t the throne B on the throne C by the throne D in the throne]
,’ they declare, bowing respectfully before him. The Igwe ….25…. [A answers B responds C acknowledges D replies] their homage by touching their backs with the royal fly whisk. Exhausted, the Igwe rises. ‘Igweeee,’ the crowd hails. He waves his fly whisk for the last time and heads straight back to the palace with his entourage.

24

A. at the throne

B. on the throne

C. by the throne

D. in the throne

25

A. answers

B. responds

C. acknowledges

D. replies