WAEC 2011 English Language · Question 17

He was dismissed because he … the cheque.

Question

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences: He was dismissed because he ............. the cheque.

A.must not issue
B.ought not to issue
C.should not have issued
D.will have issued

Answer: C. should not have issued

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The sentence is "He was dismissed because he ............. the cheque." The verb "was dismissed" is in the past tense, so the blank needs a past-time structure. The sentence also gives a reason: he did something wrong that he should not have done.

Explain the concept

To talk about a past action that was wrong or undesirable, use a perfect modal:

should/ought to + have + past participle
Negative: should not have + past participle (or ought not to have + past participle)

This expresses criticism or regret about something that already happened.

Check each option

A. must not issue: This is present or future and expresses prohibition. It does not fit a past event. ❌
B. ought not to issue: The tense is wrong. For the past, it should be "ought not to have issued." ❌
C. should not have issued: The structure is correct, and it gives the reason for the dismissal: he issued a cheque he should not have issued. ✔
D. will have issued: This is the future perfect and does not fit a past dismissal. It also doesn't explain why he was dismissed. ❌

Answer

The completed sentence is: *He was dismissed because he should not have issued the cheque.

Exam tip

When the main verb is in the past tense and the sentence expresses blame or regret, look for modal + have + past participle (should have, ought to have, could have). Eliminate options that are present-tense or base-form only.

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