After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you…

Analyze the question The sentence uses an idiom: "played to the gallery." You are asked to choose the meaning that best fits it in context.

Explain the concept "To play to the gallery" comes from the theatre. The "gallery" was the cheapest seating area, where the common crowd sat. Actors who exaggerated their performance to win applause from this crowd were said to be "playing to the gallery." Today the idiom means to behave in a way meant to win the approval or popularity of ordinary people, usually without real substance or sincerity.

Solution

1. The sentence says the politician did this "to secure more votes." So the aim was to win public support.
2. Check each option: • A. Became over confident: nothing in the sentence suggests this. • B. Attempted to win cheap popularity: this matches the idiom. He did something showy to please the crowd and get votes. • C. Was selfish: this might be loosely implied, but it is not what the idiom means. • D. Went to the gallery: this is the literal reading, and idioms are not meant to be read literally.
3. The best interpretation is B.

Answer: B. attempted to win cheap popularity

Exam tip When a WASSCE or JAMB question gives an idiom, avoid the option that repeats the words literally (like D here). It is usually a distractor. Look for the option that captures the figurative meaning and fits the context, here "to secure more votes."