JAMB 2024 English Language · Question 28

The children's room was messy when we entered.

Question

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase underlined. The children's room was messy when we entered.

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

A.muddled
B.tidy
C.dirty
D.unkept

Answer: B. tidy

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

1. Analyze the question You are asked to find the antonym (opposite) of the word "messy" in the sentence: "The children's room was messy when we entered."

2. Explain the concept "Messy" means untidy, disorganized, or in a state of disorder. The opposite should describe a room that is neat and well arranged.

3. Go through the options

A. muddled: means confused or disorganized. This is a synonym of messy, so it is wrong.
B. tidy: means neat, orderly, and well arranged. This is the opposite of messy.
C. dirty: means unclean. It is related to messy but not its opposite.
D. unkept: this is a misspelling of "unkempt", which means untidy or disheveled. It is also a synonym of messy, so it is wrong.

4. Answer The correct option is B. tidy.

5. Exam tip In antonym questions, first identify the meaning of the underlined word. Then eliminate any options that are synonyms, since the examiner often includes them as traps. Here, A and D both mean the same as "messy". Also watch out for words like "dirty" that are related to the word but are not its opposite. The opposite of dirty is "clean", but the opposite of messy is "tidy".

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