JAMB 2011 English Language · Question 36

He compliments me on my way of doing things?

Question

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s). He compliments me on my way of doing things?

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

A.complements
B.imitates
C.disgusts
D.praises

Answer: D. praises

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "He compliments me on my way of doing things." The underlined word is compliments, and you need the option closest in meaning.

Explain the concept

Be careful with two words that look and sound alike:

Compliment (with an i) means to praise or express admiration.
Complement (with an e) means to complete or go well with something, as in "The tie complements your shirt."

This is a classic JAMB trap. Option A, complements, is there to catch students who confuse the two spellings.

Step-by-step solution

"He compliments me on my way of doing things" means he says good things about how I do things.
Check each option: • A. complements: completes or enhances. This does not fit, because he is not "completing" me. • B. imitates: copies. This is not the same as praising. • C. disgusts: the opposite of admiration. • D. praises: expresses approval or admiration. This is correct.

Answer: D, praises.

Exam tip

Remember: complIment = I like it (praise), while complEment = complete (makes whole). Whenever you see these two in the same question, check the spelling before you choose.

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