The office assistant was dismissed for pilfering

Analyze the question: The word "pilfering" is underlined, and you need the option closest in meaning to it.

Explain the concept: To pilfer means to steal small quantities or items of little value, often repeatedly. The related noun is pilferage, which is common in Nigerian offices and workplaces. It is a type of petty theft.

Solution, step by step:

1. The sentence says the office assistant was dismissed (sacked) for pilfering. This must be a serious offence.
2. Check each option: • A. fighting: This means physical combat. It has nothing to do with pilfering. • B. incompetence: This means lack of skill or ability. Pilfering is dishonesty, not lack of skill. • C. stealing: This matches the meaning of pilfering, which is taking things that are not yours. • D. mismanagement: This means handling resources badly. It is not the same as theft.
3. The closest meaning is stealing.

Answer: C. stealing

Exam tip: Link the word to its sound or look. Pilfer sounds like "pill-fur", so think of someone sneakily picking up small things. Other words for stealing that JAMB often tests are purloin, filch, thieve and embezzle (stealing money entrusted to you). When a sentence mentions dismissal or punishment, look for a word that describes wrongdoing, not just poor performance.