WAEC 2015 English Language · Question 43

from the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the…

Question

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. from the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence Now that the people of this community are living in comfort, i dont think they will want to go back to their days of....

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

A.disappointment
B.hardship
C.strife
D.starvation

Answer: B. hardship

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The question asks for a word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word, which is most likely comfort. The word must also fit the gap: "their days of ____."

Explain the concept

This is an antonym-in-context question. You need to:

Find the opposite of "comfort."
Check that it makes sense in the sentence.

Comfort means ease, a pleasant and easy life with no major difficulties. Its opposite is a life of difficulty, suffering, or deprivation.

Step-by-step solution

A. disappointment: the opposite of satisfaction or hope fulfilled, not of comfort. ✗
B. hardship: a condition of severe difficulty and suffering. It directly contrasts with living in comfort. ✓
C. strife: conflict or quarrel. Its opposite is peace or harmony, not comfort. ✗
D. starvation: extreme lack of food. It is too narrow, because comfort is general well-being, not just having enough food. Its opposite is more like "plenty" or "nourishment." ✗

Fit in the sentence: "Now that the people of this community are living in comfort, I don't think they will want to go back to their days of hardship." This reads naturally and the meaning is correct.

Answer: B (hardship)

Exam tip: In opposite-meaning questions, find the broadest and closest antonym. Starvation is a kind of hardship, but "hardship" is the general opposite of "comfort." Always test your choice in the sentence before you commit.

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