WAEC 2016 English Language · Question 3

Though the teachers … the idea, the principal was averse to it.

Question

In each of the following sentence, 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 in the underlined word and that will at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. Though the teachers....the idea, the principal was averse to it.

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

A.welcomed
B.recognised
C.admitted
D.greeted

Answer: A. welcomed

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question

The underlined word is averse (in "the principal was averse to it"). We need a word that:

Is most nearly opposite in meaning to "averse", and
Fits the gap grammatically and logically in the sentence.

Step 2: Explain the concept

"Averse to" means opposed to, unwilling, or having a strong dislike for something. Its opposite is something like favourable to, keen on, or receptive to.

The sentence also uses "Though", which signals contrast. The teachers' attitude must contrast with the principal's opposition. So the teachers must have accepted or supported the idea.

Step 3: Test the options

A. welcomed: "Though the teachers welcomed the idea, the principal was averse to it." This shows warm acceptance and gives a clear contrast with "averse". ✔
B. recognised: This means acknowledged that something exists or is valid. It does not express approval, so it is not a true opposite of "averse".
C. admitted: This means confessed or allowed in. It does not fit the idea of favouring a proposal.
D. greeted: This means said hello to. It is not used for ideas in the sense of approval, and it is not the opposite of "averse".

Step 4: Answer

The best choice is A. welcomed. It fits the gap and conveys a favourable attitude, which is the opposite of "averse".

Exam tip: When a sentence starts with "Though" or "Although", the two parts of the sentence express opposite ideas. First work out the meaning of the underlined word, then pick the option that gives the reverse attitude. Remember that averse = against, while welcome = for.

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