JAMB 2022 English Language · Question 2

Bankole is upset as his wife does not understand his predicament .

Question

From the options lettered A-D, choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word. Bankole is upset as his wife does not understand his predicament .

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

A.sadness
B.dilemma
C.deadlock
D.happiness

Answer: B. dilemma

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to "predicament" in the sentence: Bankole is upset as his wife does not understand his predicament.

Explain the concept A predicament is a difficult, unpleasant, or trying situation that is hard to get out of. Its synonyms include plight, quandary, difficulty, and dilemma.

Work through the options

A. sadness: This is an emotion, not a situation. Bankole's upset feeling is already the result, so this does not fit.
B. dilemma: This is a difficult situation in which one must make a hard choice or find a way out. It is the closest in meaning to "predicament."
C. deadlock: This means a standstill in which no agreement or progress is possible, usually between two parties in a dispute. It is not quite the same as a personal troubling situation.
D. happiness: This is the opposite of the sense of the sentence.

Answer The best choice is **B.

Tip In "nearest in meaning" questions, first decide whether the underlined word is a feeling or a situation. "Predicament" is a situation, so eliminate emotion words like sadness and happiness right away. Then pick the option that best matches the type of situation. Also remember the group of words that go together: predicament, plight, quandary, dilemma.

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