WAEC 2016 English Language · Question 16
Interpretations are given. choose the interpretation that is most appropriate We saw Ada, of all people, dancing. This means
Options
- A.we saw Ada for the first time
- B.we saw Ada dancing with everyone
- C.Ada didn't want us to see her dancing
- D.we were surprised to see Ada dancing
Answer: D. we were surprised to see Ada dancing
Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key
Analyze the question: The sentence is "We saw Ada, of all people, dancing." You are asked to choose the best interpretation of it.
Explain the concept: The phrase "of all people" is an idiomatic expression used to show surprise. It tells us that the person mentioned is the last one we would have expected to do the action. For example:
- "You, of all people, forgot the date!" means it is surprising that you forgot.
- "He, of all people, was late." means it is surprising because he is usually punctual.
Solution, step by step:
- Identify the key phrase: "of all people" signals surprise or an unexpected situation.
- Apply it to the sentence: Ada was the person we least expected to be dancing, perhaps because she is shy, serious, or never dances.
- Check each option: • A. "for the first time" is about the first time we saw her. The phrase says nothing about first meetings. ❌ • B. "dancing with everyone" is a misreading of "of all people", which does not mean "with everyone". ❌ • C. "Ada didn't want us to see her" suggests secrecy. The sentence does not imply this. ❌ • D. "we were surprised to see Ada dancing" matches the meaning of the idiom exactly. ✅
Answer: D. We were surprised to see Ada dancing.
Tip: In WASSCE and JAMB idiom questions, watch for phrases like "of all people," "of all things," "of all places." They almost always express surprise or unexpectedness. Don't be tricked by the literal words, because the meaning of an idiom is not found by reading it word for word.
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