Both sides are very hopeful about the outcome of the peace talks, but observers are still very …

Analyze the question

The underlined word is "hopeful" (the question doesn't show the underline, but the sentence makes it clear). We need a word that:

1. Is opposite in meaning to "hopeful", and
2. Fits the gap grammatically and logically: "observers are still very ........"

Explain the concept

This is an antonym-in-context question. "Hopeful" means expecting a good result. Its opposite is a word showing little or no expectation of a good result, such as "pessimistic", "doubtful" or "despairing".

Solution

Check each option:

• A. realistic: means practical and sensible. It is not the direct opposite of hopeful, since someone can be both hopeful and realistic.
• B. emphatic: means forceful or firmly stated. It has nothing to do with hope.
• C. explicit: means clearly stated. It is unrelated to hope.
• D. pessimistic: means expecting the worst outcome. It is the direct opposite of hopeful, and it fits the contrast in the sentence: "Both sides are very hopeful... but observers are still very pessimistic."

The word "but" signals a contrast, so the gap needs a word that opposes "hopeful". Only "pessimistic" does this.

Answer: D. pessimistic

Exam tip: In these questions, look for linking words such as "but", "although" and "however". They signal that the missing word contrasts with the underlined word. Also remember the pair optimistic ↔ pessimistic, which is very common in WASSCE and JAMB.