JAMB 2014 English Language · Question 56

As a student, Isa tied communal living for a few years.

Question

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase. As a student, Isa tied communal living for a few years.

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

A.Private.
B.Collective.
C.General.
D.Shared.

Answer: A. Private.

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

1. Analyze the question The word in focus is "communal" in "communal living". (The sentence says "tied", which is likely a typo for "tried", but this doesn't change the meaning.) We need the word that is opposite in meaning to "communal".

2. Explain the concept "Communal" means shared by all members of a group or community, as in communal land or communal living. So its antonym should mean not shared, that is, belonging to or used by one person only.

3. Check each option

A. Private: belonging to one person or a small group, not shared. This is the opposite of communal.
B. Collective: done or held by a group together. This is a synonym.
C. General: relating to everyone or most people. This is close to communal, not opposite.
D. Shared: used jointly. This is a synonym.

Options B, C and D all point the same way as "communal", so they cannot be the answer.

4. Answer "Communal living" means living together and sharing facilities. Its opposite is private living, so the answer is A.

5. Tip In "opposite in meaning" questions, first find the synonyms. If three options mean roughly the same as the given word, the odd one out is usually the antonym. Here, collective, general and shared all lean toward "communal", leaving "private" as the odd one out.

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