JAMB 2021 English Language · Question 38

He was underrated at the preliminary stage of the competition

Question

choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the word(s) underlined. He was underrated at the preliminary stage of the competition

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

A.advance
B.initial
C.selection
D.crucial

Answer: B. initial

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined word is "preliminary" (from the sentence "He was underrated at the preliminary stage of the competition"). You need the option closest in meaning.

Explain the concept: "Preliminary" describes something that comes before the main part of an event. It is an early, introductory, or opening step. Examples: preliminary round, preliminary exam, preliminary talks.

Step-by-step solution:

A. advance: means forward or ahead of time. It does not describe an early stage. ❌
B. initial: means first or at the beginning. This matches "preliminary" very well. ✅
C. selection: means the act of choosing. It is a process, not a description of an early stage. ❌
D. crucial: means extremely important or decisive. It has nothing to do with timing. ❌

Replacing the word gives: "He was underrated at the initial stage of the competition." The sentence keeps its meaning.

Answer: B (initial)

Exam tip: In synonym questions, put each option back into the sentence and check that the meaning stays the same. Also remember that "preliminary" = "initial" = "introductory" = "opening". Words that point to the beginning of something usually belong together.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.