JAMB 2012 English Language · Question 21

Answer the following question below and choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase…

Question

Answer the following question below and choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase in. We were shocked by the news that he had lost the money.

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

A.astonished
B.unconcerned
C.disconcerted
D.surprised

Answer: B. unconcerned

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The question asks for the word opposite in meaning to "shocked" in the sentence: "We were shocked by the news that he had lost the money." (The underlined word is not marked in the text you sent, but "shocked" is the natural word to test here.)

Explain the concept

This is an antonym question. First find the meaning of the word in context, then eliminate options that mean the same thing (synonyms), since they are the wrong direction.

Shocked = deeply upset, startled, or disturbed by something unexpected.

Check each option

A. astonished: greatly surprised. This is a synonym, so it is wrong.
B. unconcerned: not worried or disturbed, indifferent. This is the opposite of being shocked.
C. disconcerted: unsettled, confused, thrown off balance. This is close in meaning to shocked, so it is wrong.
D. surprised: caught off guard. This is a synonym, so it is wrong.

Three options (A, C, D) all point in the same direction as "shocked". Only unconcerned describes someone who is not affected by the news at all.

Answer

The correct option is **B.

Tip

In antonym questions, if three options are near-synonyms of the given word, the odd one out is almost always the answer. Also watch out for options that are similar to the word, because examiners include them as traps.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.