JAMB 2010 English Language · Question 44

Kaltume crouched over the papers on her desk?

Question

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s). Kaltume crouched over the papers on her desk?

In the original paper part of this question is underlined. The underline isn't shown here: see the explanation below.

A.wrote on
B.stood on
C.walked over
D.bent over

Answer: D. bent over

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the option closest in meaning to "crouched over" in the sentence "Kaltume crouched over the papers on her desk."

Explain the concept: To crouch means to lower your body by bending your knees or bending forward, often close to something. So "crouched over" describes someone leaning or bending down towards something.

Step-by-step solution:

A. wrote on: Writing might happen while crouching, but it is not what "crouched" means. ✗
B. stood on: This is the opposite idea. Crouching is a lowered posture, and "on" changes the meaning entirely. ✗
C. walked over: This describes movement, but crouching is a posture, not walking. ✗
D. bent over: This means leaning the body forward and downward over something, which matches "crouched over". ✓

Answer: The correct option is **D.

Tip: In "nearest in meaning" questions, substitute each option into the sentence and check which one keeps the original meaning. Also watch the phrasal verb: "over" stays the same here, so focus on the verb crouched, which matches bent. Study related posture words like stoop, squat, hunch and bow, since JAMB often tests them.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.