WAEC 2012 English Language · Question 57

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in…

Question

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word Many parents are upset by the laxity with which children treat academic work nowadays

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

A.repulsed
B.constrained
C.confused
D.troubled

Answer: D. troubled

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Question analysis

The underlined word is not marked in the text, but the sentence is "Many parents are upset by the laxity with which children treat academic work nowadays." Going by the options (repulsed, constrained, confused, troubled), the word being tested is almost certainly upset. We need the word closest in meaning to it in this context.

Concept

"Upset" used as an adjective means unhappy, worried, or disturbed. Parents who see children treating schoolwork carelessly (laxity = lack of strictness or seriousness) would feel worried or distressed.

Checking each option

A. repulsed: means disgusted or driven back. It is too strong and about revulsion, not worry.
B. constrained: means forced or restricted. It has nothing to do with emotion.
C. confused: means unable to understand. Parents are not puzzled, they are bothered.
D. troubled: means worried or distressed. This matches "upset" exactly.

Answer: D, troubled

Tip: In "nearest in meaning" questions, put each option into the sentence in place of the word and ask, "Does the sentence still mean the same thing?" "Many parents are troubled by the laxity..." keeps the original meaning. Also watch for words that look related but carry a different feeling, such as "repulsed", which is a stronger, different emotion.

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