WAEC 2015 English Language · Question 64

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 Young people are known for their....which contrast with the composure of adults

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

A.ability
B.instability
C.activity
D.credibility

Answer: B. instability

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "Young people are known for their ____ which contrast with the composure of adults."

The underlined word is composure, which means calmness, steadiness, or self-control. We need a word that is opposite in meaning to composure and also fits the gap grammatically and logically.

Explain the concept

This is an "opposite meaning plus fill the gap" question. Both conditions must be met:

The word must be an antonym (or near-antonym) of composure.
It must make sense in the sentence. Here the gap needs a noun, because it follows "their."

Work through the options

A. ability: means skill or capability. It is not the opposite of calmness. ✗
B. instability: means restlessness, unsteadiness, emotional volatility. This is the opposite of composure, and it fits the contrast with adults' calmness. ✓
C. activity: means being busy or energetic. It is not really the opposite of composure, since a calm person can also be active. ✗
D. credibility: means believability or trustworthiness. It has nothing to do with composure. ✗

Answer

The sentence reads: "Young people are known for their instability which contrast with the composure of adults." This makes sense because the sentence sets youthful unsteadiness against adult calmness.

Tip

For opposite-meaning questions, first define the underlined word in your own words (composure = calm steadiness). Then look for the option that carries the reverse idea. Prefixes like in- in "instability" often signal a negative or opposite meaning. Do not be distracted by words like "activity" that sound related to youth but do not truly oppose the meaning.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.