JAMB 2024 English Language · Question 205

I am given a free hand to run this business.

Question

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.  I am given a free hand to run this business.

  1. A.I am allowed to do my own business
  2. B.I make my own appointment
  3. C.I assist the workers willingly
  4. D.I alone can choose my executives

Answer: A. I am allowed to do my own business

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question The sentence is "I am given a free hand to run this business." The idiom here is "a free hand", which means complete freedom or authority to act or make decisions without interference.

Explain the concept "To be given a free hand" means you have permission to manage something however you think best. It is about freedom to act, not about hiring people, helping people, or any single specific power.

Evaluate the options

  • A. I am allowed to do my own business: This is the closest. It conveys the idea of being permitted to act independently, though the wording is a little loose. "Do my own business" here means handling things on my own terms.
  • B. I make my own appointment: This is too narrow. The sentence says nothing about appointments.
  • C. I assist the workers willingly: This has nothing to do with "free hand." It is about willingness to help.
  • D. I alone can choose my executives: This is too specific. A free hand gives general freedom, not only the power to choose executives, and "alone" adds a claim that is not in the sentence.

Conclusion Option A best captures the general meaning of freedom to run the business independently.

Tip For idiom questions, pick the option that matches the general meaning and avoid options that narrow it to one specific action. Related idioms:

  • Free hand = freedom to act
  • Carte blanche = complete freedom
  • Call the shots = make the decisions

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