WAEC 2017 English Language · Question 28

In the following sentence, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D…

Question

In 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 to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. The comment I made at the conference was general; being ______ would have hurt some people.

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

A.ordinary
B.specific
C.tactful
D.candid

Answer: B. specific

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The underlined word is "general" (the word that is underlined in the original paper). We need a word that:

Is most nearly opposite in meaning to "general", and
Fits the gap: "being __ would have hurt some people."

Concept

The opposite of general (broad, not detailed) is specific (precise, targeted at particular things or people).

Step-by-step solution

A. ordinary: This is closer to "common" or "usual", not the opposite of general. It also makes poor sense in the gap.
B. specific: This is the direct antonym of "general". Check the sentence: "The comment I made was general; being specific would have hurt some people." This makes sense, because naming particular issues or persons would hurt them.
C. tactful: This means diplomatic and is not an antonym of general. Also, being tactful would not hurt people, so it fails logically.
D. candid: This means frank or open. It could fit the meaning a little, but it is not the opposite of "general".

Only specific satisfies both conditions: it is the opposite of "general" and it logically completes the sentence.

Answer: B. specific

Tip: In these "opposite + fill the gap" questions, first find the antonym of the underlined word, then test it in the sentence. If an option fits only one condition, eliminate it. Both conditions must be met.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.