JAMB 2011 English Language · Question 62

What you are asking me to do is a herculean task?

Question

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word. What you are asking me to do is a herculean task?

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

  1. A.a strenuous
  2. B.a demanding
  3. C.a lovely
  4. D.an easy

Answer: D. an easy

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is "herculean", and we need the word opposite in meaning (an antonym).

Step 2: Explain the concept "Herculean" comes from Hercules, the Greek hero famous for performing twelve extremely difficult labours. So a herculean task is one that requires enormous strength, effort, or difficulty.

Step 3: Check each option

  • A. a strenuous – requires great effort. This is a synonym, so it is wrong.
  • B. a demanding – requires a lot of effort or skill. This is also a synonym, so it is wrong.
  • C. a lovely – means pleasant or beautiful. It is not related to difficulty, so it is not a true opposite.
  • D. an easy – requires little effort. This is the direct opposite of "herculean".

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is D. an easy (task).

Tip: In antonym questions, first eliminate the options that are synonyms, since those are placed there as traps. Then choose the option that directly reverses the meaning, not one that is just unrelated. For words from mythology, such as herculean, remember the story behind the word: Hercules' labours were very hard, so "herculean" means very hard.

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