The newly employed teachers gave their work rapt attention.

Analyze the question: The underlined word is "rapt," in the phrase "rapt attention." We need the option closest in meaning to it.

Explain the concept: "Rapt" is an adjective meaning completely absorbed or fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing. When you give something "rapt attention," you are fully focused on it and nothing distracts you.

• Example: "The children listened with rapt attention to the story."

Solution (testing each option):

• A. concentrated means focused fully on one thing. This matches "rapt."
• B. conflicting means clashing or contradictory. It has nothing to do with attention.
• C. half-hearted means lacking enthusiasm or commitment. This is the opposite of rapt.
• D. divided means split between several things. This is also the opposite of rapt.

Answer: The sentence says the new teachers gave their work full, absorbed attention, so the nearest meaning is concentrated.

Exam tip: "Rapt" sounds like "wrapped." Picture someone wrapped up in what they are doing, so completely absorbed that nothing else gets in. Also watch for the opposites in the options (half-hearted, divided). JAMB often includes them as distractors, so check whether an option means the reverse of the word.