WAEC 2010 English Language · Question 45

It pays to be firm rather than … in a case like this.

Question

In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - D, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences. It pays to be firm rather than..........in a case like this.

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

A.flexible
B.frank
C.irresponsible
D.careless

Answer: A. flexible

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The underlined word is "firm" (the underline doesn't show in the text, but the sentence "It pays to be firm rather than..........", points to it). You need the word that is opposite in meaning to "firm" and that fits the gap in the sentence.

Concept

"Firm" here means strict, resolute, unyielding in how you handle a situation. Its antonym is a word meaning yielding, bending, or easily swayed.

Step-by-step solution

A. flexible: means bendable, yielding, willing to change. This is the opposite of firm. "It pays to be firm rather than flexible in a case like this" makes sense.
B. frank: means honest and open. It is not the opposite of firm.
C. irresponsible: means not taking duty seriously. It is not the opposite of firm.
D. careless: means not careful. It has no opposing link to firm.

Only flexible is both an antonym of "firm" and a natural fit for the sentence.

Answer: A. flexible

Tip: In "opposite in meaning" questions, first decide the exact sense of the underlined word in the sentence. Then test each option by asking, "Is this the real opposite, or just a different quality?" Here, firm and flexible are a true pair (rigid vs. yielding), while frank, irresponsible and careless are unrelated qualities.

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