WAEC 2017 English Language · Question 77

After the following sentence, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretaion that is…

Question

After the following sentence, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretaion that is most appropriate for the sentence. Children think their parents are behind the times. This means that they think that their parents are

  1. A.always late for work
  2. B.not worried about new things
  3. C.old fashioned
  4. D.not duty conscious

Answer: C. old fashioned

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence uses an idiom: "behind the times." You are asked to choose the meaning that best fits it. Idioms cannot be understood word by word, so you must know the figurative meaning.

Step 2: Explain the concept "Behind the times" means out of date, not keeping up with modern ideas, fashions, or technology. Someone who is "behind the times" still follows old ways of thinking or doing things. The word for this is old-fashioned.

Step 3: Test each option

  • A. always late for work: This reads "behind the times" literally, as if it were about punctuality. It is a trap and is wrong.
  • B. not worried about new things: This is close in spirit, but it describes indifference. The idiom means being outdated, not simply unconcerned.
  • C. old fashioned: This matches the idiom exactly. Children often feel their parents do not understand modern trends.
  • D. not duty conscious: This has nothing to do with the idiom.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is **C.

Tip: In idiom questions, avoid options that take the words literally (like "late for work"). Ask yourself what the phrase means in everyday speech. Related idioms to remember:

  • Behind the times = outdated
  • Ahead of one's time = very modern or innovative
  • Up to date = current

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