WAEC 2011 English Language · Question 70

The prosecutor argued his case vehemently but the defence lawyer responded …

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 prosecutor argued his case vehemently but the defence lawyer responded................

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

A.constantly
B.feebly
C.roughly
D.hurriedly

Answer: B. feebly

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

You need a word that (1) is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word, "vehemently", and (2) fits the gap grammatically and logically in the sentence.

Explain the concept

"Vehemently" means with strong, forceful, passionate feeling or energy. Its opposite is something like weakly, mildly, or without force.

The sentence also uses "but", which signals contrast: the prosecutor argued forcefully, but the defence lawyer responded in the opposite manner.

Solution

Check each option:

A. constantly means continually. This is not the opposite of forceful.
B. feebly means weakly, without strength or force. This is a direct opposite of "vehemently".
C. roughly means harshly or approximately. It is not opposite in meaning, and it can even suggest force.
D. hurriedly means quickly. This relates to speed, not force.

Only "feebly" works as an antonym and also makes sense in the sentence: The prosecutor argued his case vehemently but the defence lawyer responded feebly.

Answer: B. feebly

Tip: In "opposite meaning + fill the gap" questions, first find the meaning of the underlined word, then look for linking words like "but", "although" or "however". They tell you the gap must carry a contrasting idea. Also remember that "vehement" goes with words like forceful, fierce, and passionate, so its opposite will be weak, mild, or half-hearted.

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