WAEC 2012 English Language · Question 99

The contributions should be … not compulsory

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 contributions should be ...........not compulsory

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

A.wilful
B.voluntary
C.deliberate
D.outright

Answer: B. voluntary

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The question asks for a word that fits the gap in "The contributions should be ........... not compulsory." It should also be nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word. The underlined word isn't shown, but the sentence suggests it is "compulsory".

Explain the concept

This is an antonym-in-context question. Two conditions must hold:

The word must be opposite in meaning to "compulsory", meaning required or obligatory.
It must make the sentence read correctly.

Step by step

A. wilful means deliberately stubborn or headstrong, usually in a negative sense (wilful disobedience). It does not mean "optional".
B. voluntary means done by free choice and not forced. It is the direct opposite of compulsory. "The contributions should be voluntary, not compulsory" reads naturally.
C. deliberate means done on purpose or carefully considered. It does not mean "not required".
D. outright means complete or total (an outright refusal). It does not fit.

Answer

The correct answer is B. voluntary.

Tip

For antonym questions, pair the words first. Compulsory is opposed to voluntary or optional. Also watch for words that look similar but carry a different meaning: wilful and deliberate both suggest "on purpose", but neither means "not required".

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