WAEC 2014 English Language · Question 60

It is not safe to engage in clandestine deals.

Question

From the words lettered A to D, below the sentence, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence. It is not safe to engage in clandestine deals.

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

A.secret
B.exclusive
C.unimportant
D.doubtful

Answer: A. secret

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to the underlined word, clandestine, as used in the sentence: "It is not safe to engage in clandestine deals."

Step 2: Explain the concept Clandestine is an adjective meaning done in secret, especially because the act is illegal or not allowed. Related words include secret, covert, furtive, undercover and surreptitious.

Step 3: Work through the options

A. secret: This matches the meaning exactly. A clandestine deal is one carried out secretly, and that is why it is "not safe."
B. exclusive: This means limited to a particular person or group, or high-class. It does not mean hidden.
C. unimportant: This means of little value. It has no link to secrecy.
D. doubtful: This means uncertain. A deal can be doubtful without being secret.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. secret.

Step 5: Exam tip Link clandestine to "hidden in the dark." Another trick is that the word sounds like "clan" plus "destine", as in a clan meeting privately to plan something. Other commonly tested synonyms for "secret" in WASSCE and JAMB are covert, furtive, surreptitious and stealthy.

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