JAMB 2023 English Language · Question 6

Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s) When night fell, we had to hasten to the motor park.

Options

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

A.disperse
B.averse
C.hurry
D.return

Answer: C. hurry

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word "hasten" is the one being tested. We need the option closest in meaning to it.

Explain the concept: To hasten means to move or act quickly, or to make something happen sooner. Its synonyms include hurry, rush, speed up, quicken.

Step-by-step solution:

Sentence: "When night fell, we had to hasten to the motor park."

Test each option by substituting it into the sentence:

A. disperse: means to scatter in different directions. "We had to disperse to the motor park" doesn't fit, since it isn't about speed.
B. averse: an adjective meaning opposed or unwilling (as in "averse to risk"). It is not even the right part of speech here.
C. hurry: means to move quickly. "We had to hurry to the motor park" fits perfectly, because night was falling and they needed to get there fast.
D. return: means to go back. The sentence says nothing about going back.

Answer: The correct option is C. hurry.

Exam tip: Always substitute each option back into the sentence. Also watch for look-alike words: hasten (speed up), disperse (scatter), and averse (opposed) can seem similar in sound or shape but have very different meanings. If you know the root idea, "haste" means speed, so hasten is linked to hurry.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.