JAMB 2011 English Language · Question 84

Laraba saw a forlorn little figure sitting outside the class?

Question

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s). Laraba saw a forlorn little figure sitting outside the class?

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

  1. A.wise and intelligent
  2. B.lonely and unhappy
  3. C.smart and healthy
  4. D.short and ugly

Answer: B. lonely and unhappy

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question The underlined word is forlorn. You need the option closest in meaning to it.

Explain the concept Forlorn is an adjective meaning pitifully sad, lonely, and abandoned. It describes someone who looks neglected, left alone, or without hope. Related words are desolate, lonely, miserable, and forsaken.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Read the sentence: "Laraba saw a forlorn little figure sitting outside the class." Someone is sitting alone outside the class, which suggests a sad, isolated child.
  2. Test each option: • A. wise and intelligent: Nothing in the word or sentence suggests intelligence. ❌ • B. lonely and unhappy: This matches the meaning of forlorn exactly, and fits a child sitting alone outside the class. ✅ • C. smart and healthy: This says nothing about sadness or isolation. ❌ • D. short and ugly: "Little" already covers size, and forlorn has nothing to do with appearance. ❌

Answer: The correct option is B. lonely and unhappy.

Exam tip For vocabulary questions, use context. Words like "sitting outside" and "little figure" point to isolation. Also remember that forlorn often goes with lonely, sad, and abandoned. A memory trick: FOR-LORN sounds like "for-lone", meaning someone left alone.

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