WAEC 2011 English Language · Question 8

There isn't enough rice, so its importation is permitted whereas the importation of cement is …

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. There isn't enough rice, so its importation is permitted whereas the importation of cement is.............

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

A.suspended
B.licensed
C.unaccepted
D.prohibited

Answer: D. prohibited

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The underlined word is not shown, but the sentence makes it clear: "its importation is permitted." We need a word that:

Is opposite in meaning to "permitted"
Fits the gap grammatically: "whereas the importation of cement is ........."

Explain the concept

This is an opposites question that also tests context. The word "whereas" signals contrast. Rice is scarce, so importing it is allowed. Cement must therefore be treated the opposite way: not allowed.

Work through the options

A. suspended means temporarily stopped. It is not a direct opposite of "permitted", and nothing in the sentence says cement imports were stopped for a time.
B. licensed means officially authorised. This is a synonym of "permitted", not an opposite.
C. unaccepted is not a natural word for describing a policy on imports. It does not convey an official ban.
D. prohibited means forbidden by authority. It is the direct antonym of "permitted" and fits the contrast marked by "whereas".

Answer

The sentence reads: "There isn't enough rice, so its importation is permitted whereas the importation of cement is prohibited.

Tip

When you see a contrast word like whereas, but, however or while, expect the gap to hold an opposite idea. Pair the common antonyms: permitted ↔ prohibited/forbidden/banned, and allowed ↔ barred.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.