LEXIS, STRUCTURE AND ORAL FORMS In each of these questions select the option that best explains the…

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which option best explains the meaning of the sentence. The key phrase is "I can't wait to...", an idiom that is easy to misread if taken literally.

Step 2: Explain the concept "I can't wait to..." is a common English idiom meaning "I am very eager or excited to do something." It does not mean the person is unable to wait in a literal, negative sense. It expresses strong anticipation.

Examples:

• "I can't wait to see you" means "I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing you."
• "I can't wait for the holidays" means "I'm very excited about the holidays."

Step 3: Apply it to the sentence "I can't wait to become a mother" means the new bride is eagerly looking forward to becoming a mother.

Now check each option:

• A. She is excited about motherhood. This matches the idiom exactly.
• B. She is not keen on becoming a mother. This is the opposite of the meaning.
• C. She will be patient as a mother. The sentence says nothing about patience. It is a trap based on the word "wait".
• D. She sees motherhood as a burden. Wrong, since the tone is positive.

Step 4: Answer

Tip: In JAMB idiom questions, never interpret the words literally. "Can't wait" means eager, just as "can't help" means unable to avoid, and "I couldn't care less" means total indifference. Always ask, "What does the whole expression mean?"