WAEC 2014 English Language · Question 38

The printer took a cursory look at the document.

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. The printer took a cursory look at the document.

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

A.quick
B.long
C.puzzled
D.careful

Answer: A. quick

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You are asked for the word closest in meaning to "cursory" as used in the sentence: The printer took a cursory look at the document.

Explain the concept: "Cursory" is an adjective meaning done quickly, without much attention to detail. It comes from the Latin cursor (runner), so think of someone "running" through something fast. A cursory glance is a hasty, superficial one.

Solution, step by step:

"Cursory" describes the kind of look the printer took.
Test each option: • A. quick: a hurried, brief look. This fits. • B. long: the opposite of a cursory look, which is brief. • C. puzzled: describes confusion, not the manner or speed of looking. • D. careful: also the opposite, since a cursory look is not thorough.
The only option that matches "hasty and superficial" is quick.

Correct answer: A. quick

Tip: Link "cursory" to "cursor" or "course/run". A cursor zips across the screen, so cursory means quick and not thorough. Words often tested alongside it are perfunctory (done without interest), superficial, and hasty. Their opposites are thorough, meticulous, and painstaking.

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