WAEC 2011 English Language · Question 54

Nowadays, children are given much more latitude than before.

Question

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence. Nowadays, children are given much more latitude than before.

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

A.advice
B.freedom
C.luxury
D.variety

Answer: B. freedom

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is latitude. We need the option closest in meaning to how it is used in the sentence: "Nowadays, children are given much more latitude than before."

Step 2: Explain the concept In everyday English, latitude has two main meanings:

(Geography) the distance of a place north or south of the equator.
(General usage) freedom to act, choose, or behave as one wishes, with few restrictions.

The sentence is not about geography. It is about how children are treated, so the second meaning applies.

Step 3: Test the options

A. advice: "given much more advice" makes sense grammatically, but advice is not what latitude means.
B. freedom: "given much more freedom than before" fits perfectly. Modern parents allow children more room to make their own choices.
C. luxury: This means comfort or extravagance, which is not related to latitude.
D. variety: This means a range of different things, which also does not match.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. freedom.

Step 5: Exam tip Remember: latitude = freedom or leeway. Phrases like "allowed a lot of latitude" or "given wide latitude" always mean being given freedom to act. When you see a word with both a technical and a general meaning, always check the sentence context to decide which one is intended.

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