JAMB 2024 English Language · Question 212

Everyone thinks Ojo's decision to be a demagogue is ill-advised.

Question

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.  Everyone thinks Ojo's decision to be a demagogue is ill-advised.

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

  1. A.pastor
  2. B.teacher
  3. C.manipulator
  4. D.demographer

Answer: C. manipulator

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You're asked for the word closest in meaning to "demagogue."

Explain the concept: A demagogue is a political leader who gains power by appealing to people's emotions, fears, and prejudices instead of using rational argument. Such a person often manipulates the crowd with false claims and exaggerated promises.

Step-by-step solution:

  • A. Pastor – a Christian religious minister. A demagogue is not defined by religious leadership, so this is wrong.
  • B. Teacher – someone who instructs. A demagogue stirs up emotions rather than educating, so this is wrong.
  • C. Manipulator – someone who skillfully influences or controls people, often unfairly. This fits the core idea of a demagogue, who sways people through emotional manipulation.
  • D. Demographer – someone who studies population statistics. This is a distractor because it looks and sounds similar to "demagogue," but the meaning is unrelated.

Answer: The sentence says Ojo's decision to become a demagogue is "ill-advised," which fits a negative role like a manipulator of people.

Exam tip: Watch for look-alike words like demagogue and demographer. Break the word down: demos means "people" and agogos means "leader," so a demagogue is a "people-leader" who plays on the crowd's emotions. If you see a word that sounds familiar but doesn't fit the context, check its root meaning before choosing.

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