JAMB 2023 English Language · Question 1

Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s) Repugnant rules in the society should be repealed.

Options

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

A.Enacted
B.Exemplary
C.Abhorrent
D.Justified

Answer: C. Abhorrent

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question You're asked to find the word closest in meaning to "repugnant" in the sentence: "Repugnant rules in the society should be repealed."

Explain the concept "Repugnant" is an adjective meaning extremely distasteful, offensive, or morally unacceptable. It comes from the Latin repugnare, meaning "to fight against". Something repugnant is something people find disgusting or objectionable.

Context clue: the rules "should be repealed" (cancelled or abolished). We only abolish rules we consider bad, so "repugnant" must carry a negative meaning.

Solution: check each option

A. Enacted means passed into law. This is the opposite of "repealed", so it does not fit.
B. Exemplary means serving as a model of excellence. This is positive, so it does not fit.
C. Abhorrent means hateful, detestable, or repulsive. This matches "repugnant" very closely and fits the context of rules that deserve to be scrapped.
D. Justified means having good reason or defensible. This is positive, and we would not repeal justified rules.

Answer The correct option is C. Abhorrent.

Exam tip When a word is unfamiliar, use the sentence's tone. Here "repealed" signals that the rules are bad, so you can eliminate the positive options (Enacted, Exemplary, Justified) right away. Also learn these synonyms as a group: repugnant, abhorrent, loathsome, repulsive, detestable.

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