WAEC 2011 English Language · Question 96

The principal of that school was demoted for his incompetence while several others were commended for their …

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. The principal of that school was demoted for his incompetence while several others were commended for their .............

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

A.punctuality
B.honesty
C.efficiency
D.sincerity

Answer: C. efficiency

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

You are asked to find the word that is (1) most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word, incompetence, and (2) fits the gap logically in the sentence.

Explain the concept

Incompetence means lack of ability or skill to do a job properly. Its opposite is competence, which means being able to do a job well. The closest synonym of competence among the options is efficiency.

Solution

Sentence: "The principal of that school was demoted for his incompetence while several others were commended for their ........."

A. punctuality means being on time. It is a different quality and not the opposite of incompetence.
B. honesty means truthfulness. It has nothing to do with skill or ability.
C. efficiency means working well and effectively. It is the direct opposite of incompetence, and people can be commended for it.
D. sincerity means genuineness. It is not related to ability.

Only efficiency both contrasts with incompetence and fits the sentence, since one person is demoted for being unable to do the job well while the others are praised for doing it well.

Answer: C. efficiency

Tip

In opposite-meaning questions with a gap, first define the underlined word in your own simple words ("lack of skill"), then flip it ("skill or effectiveness"). Then check that the option makes sense in the sentence. Words like punctuality and honesty are tempting because they are positive, but they do not match the exact meaning.

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