WAEC 2016 English Language · Question 7

Unlike you, i thought the message was quite … not ambiguous.

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. Unlike you, i thought the message was quite....not ambiguous.

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

A.Reasonable
B.Clear
C.Apt
D.Persuasive

Answer: B. Clear

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The question asks for a word that is the opposite of "ambiguous" and that also fits the gap. The sentence reads: "Unlike you, I thought the message was quite ____." The word "Unlike" shows a contrast. You found the message unclear, but I found it the opposite.

Explain the concept

"Ambiguous" means open to more than one interpretation, or unclear. Its antonyms include clear, plain, explicit, unmistakable and definite.

Step-by-step solution

A. Reasonable means sensible or fair. It is not the opposite of ambiguous.
B. Clear means easily understood, with only one meaning. This is the direct opposite of ambiguous, and "the message was quite clear" is natural and correct.
C. Apt means suitable or appropriate. It does not address clarity.
D. Persuasive means convincing. A message can be persuasive and still be vague.

Answer: B. Clear

Tip: In antonym questions, first define the underlined word in your own simple words. "Ambiguous" means "unclear, with double meaning", so look for "clear". Then test the word in the sentence to confirm it fits grammatically. Words like "Unlike" and "but" signal a contrast, which helps you confirm the direction of meaning.

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