JAMB 2012 English Language · Question 73

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

Question

Answer the following question below and choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase in. During a particular time of the day, the road shimmers in the heat

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

A.darkens
B.lightens
C.shines
D.beams

Answer: C. shines

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You need the word closest in meaning to "shimmers" in the sentence: During a particular time of the day, the road shimmers in the heat.

Explain the concept: To shimmer means to shine with a soft, flickering, or wavering light. You often see this on a hot road, where heat makes the surface look like it is glowing or trembling. The key idea is shining with light.

Check each option:

A. darkens means to become dark. This is the opposite of shimmering, so it is wrong.
B. lightens means to become lighter in colour or weight. It is not about giving off a glimmer, so it is wrong.
C. shines means to give off or reflect light. This is the closest meaning to "shimmers", so it is correct.
D. beams means to send out a strong, direct ray of light, or to smile broadly. It suggests a stronger, steadier light than a shimmer, so it is not the best fit.

Answer: The correct option is C. shines.

Tip: For vocabulary questions, ask yourself, "What picture does this word create?" Shimmer, glitter, glisten, and sparkle all belong to the "light" family. Eliminate the opposites first (like "darkens"), then choose the option that fits both the meaning and the intensity.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.