JAMB 2011 English Language · Question 3

Mrs. Asio wanted her sister to stop being so detached?

Question

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s). Mrs. Asio wanted her sister to stop being so detached?

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

A.friendly
B.careless
C.indifferent
D.passionate

Answer: C. indifferent

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word being tested is "detached." We need the option closest in meaning to it. (The question is likely "Mrs. Asio wanted her sister to stop being so detached," meaning her sister was too emotionally distant.)

Explain the concept: "Detached" (adjective) means not emotionally involved, aloof, or uninterested. It describes someone who keeps a distance from people or situations and shows little feeling or concern.

Solution, checking each option:

A. friendly: This is the opposite. A detached person is distant, not warm. ❌
B. careless: This means not taking care or being sloppy. A person can be detached without being careless. ❌
C. indifferent: This means having no particular interest or concern, showing no emotional involvement. This matches "detached" closely. ✅
D. passionate: This is also the opposite, since it means full of strong emotion. ❌

Answer: The nearest in meaning to "detached" is indifferent, which is option C.

Tip: In "nearest in meaning" questions, first eliminate the antonyms. Here "friendly" and "passionate" are opposites of "detached," so only "careless" and "indifferent" remain. Then choose the one that matches the feeling in the sentence. Related words to remember: detached = aloof = unconcerned = indifferent = remote.

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