JAMB 2014 English Language · Question 21

The young girl was taken aback by her father's gift of a car.

Question

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase. The young girl was taken aback by her father's gift of a car.

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

A.Nonplussed.
B.Shocked.
C.Unmoved.
D.Surprised.

Answer: C. Unmoved.

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question The underlined phrase is "taken aback". We need the option that is opposite in meaning, not the one that is similar.

Explain the concept "Taken aback" means shocked or surprised, especially by something unexpected. So any option that means shocked, surprised, or confused is a synonym and therefore wrong.

Go through the options

A. Nonplussed: bewildered or confused by surprise. This is similar to "taken aback", so it is not the opposite.
B. Shocked: a synonym, so it is wrong.
C. Unmoved: not affected or not emotionally stirred. This is the opposite of being startled.
D. Surprised: a direct synonym, so it is wrong.

Answer The opposite of "taken aback" is unmoved, so the correct option is C.

Tip In "opposite meaning" questions, first work out the meaning of the given word. Then cross out all the synonyms. Here, three of the four options (A, B, D) are synonyms, so the odd one out is the answer. Always check whether the question asks for "same" or "opposite" meaning before you choose.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.