WAEC 2014 English Language · Question 95
After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you…
Question
After the sentence below, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that you consider most appropriate for the sentence. Helen has always been a wet blanket. This means that Helen
- A.always gets wet
- B.betrays her friends
- C.interacts freely with other people
- D.stops others from enjoying themselves
Answer: D. stops others from enjoying themselves
Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence uses an idiom, "wet blanket." You are asked to choose the meaning that best fits it, so the literal words ("wet" and "blanket") won't help.
Step 2: Explain the concept A wet blanket is a person who spoils other people's fun or enthusiasm by being gloomy, negative, or disapproving. The image comes from throwing a wet blanket over a fire to put it out. In the same way, a wet blanket "puts out" the excitement of a party or an activity.
Example: "Don't invite Tunde to the party. He's such a wet blanket and will complain about everything."
Step 3: Test each option
- A. always gets wet: This is the literal meaning, which is a trap. The idiom has nothing to do with water.
- B. betrays her friends: Betrayal is a different idea, so this is wrong.
- C. interacts freely with other people: This is the opposite of a wet blanket, who dampens social enjoyment.
- D. stops others from enjoying themselves: This matches the meaning of the idiom exactly.
Step 4: Answer The correct option is D.
Tip: When you meet an idiom in an interpretation question, drop the literal meaning and picture the image behind it. A wet blanket puts out a fire, so a wet blanket person puts out the fun. Also watch for the literal option (A), which examiners often include as a distractor.
AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.
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