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

Analyze the question The underlined word is dissuade. We need a word that is opposite in meaning to it and that also fits the gap: "some teachers dissuade students from studying Mathematics, but others ___ them."

Explain the concept

• Dissuade means to persuade someone NOT to do something, or to discourage them.
• Its antonym is a word meaning to persuade or encourage someone TO do something, such as persuade, encourage, motivate or urge.

Step-by-step solution

1. A. motivate means to give someone a reason or drive to do something. It is the direct opposite of discouraging, and it fits the sentence: "others motivate them" (to study Mathematics).
2. B. lure means to tempt someone, usually toward something harmful or deceptive. It has a negative tone and is not a true opposite of dissuade. It also sounds odd in this context.
3. C. instruct means to teach or to give orders. It has nothing to do with encouraging or discouraging.
4. D. reward means to give a prize for something already done. It does not mean persuading someone to do something.

Answer: The best antonym that also fits the gap is A. motivate.

Exam tip For antonym questions with a gap, always do two checks: (1) does the word have the opposite meaning, and (2) does it make the sentence grammatical and logical? Remember that dis- often signals "against", so dissuade is the opposite of persuade. Whenever you see dissuade, think "discourage", and look for "encourage" or "motivate".