WAEC 2012 English Language · Question 59

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 The police could not apprehend all the gamblers

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

A.charge
B.interrogate
C.arrest
D.prosecute

Answer: C. arrest

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to "apprehend" in the sentence: The police could not apprehend all the gamblers.

Explain the concept: "Apprehend" has more than one meaning in English. In a police or legal context, it means to seize someone and take them into custody, which is to catch or arrest. (It can also mean "to understand," but that meaning doesn't fit a sentence about police and gamblers.)

Solution (checking each option):

A. Charge: To formally accuse someone of an offence. This happens after an arrest, so it is a different stage.
B. Interrogate: To question someone closely. This also comes after the person has been caught.
C. Arrest: To seize someone and take them into custody. This is the same as "apprehend."
D. Prosecute: To take legal action against someone in court. This is much further along in the legal process.

Substituting into the sentence: The police could not arrest all the gamblers. This makes perfect sense and keeps the original meaning.

Answer: C (arrest).

Tip: Remember the sequence of events: apprehend/arrest → interrogate → charge → prosecute. "Apprehend" belongs at the very first step, the catching. Also, words like capture, seize, catch and detain are close in meaning to it, which is useful for other questions.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.