WAEC 2017 English Language · Question 46

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. Issa is very much interested in education while his sister in ________

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

A.dull
B.indifferent
C.uncertain
D.serious

Answer: B. indifferent

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

This is an antonym-and-gap question. The underlined word is not shown in the text you sent, but from the sentence it is almost certainly "interested", as in "very much interested in education". We need a word that:

Is most nearly opposite in meaning to "interested", and
Fits the gap: "...while his sister is ____ (in it)".

Concept

The sentence uses "while" to show contrast. Issa is keen on education, so his sister must show the opposite attitude: she has no interest in it.

Step-by-step solution

A. dull: Means lacking intelligence or excitement. It is not the direct opposite of "interested", and "dull in education" describes ability, not attitude.
B. indifferent: Means having no interest or concern. It is the direct opposite of "interested", and "indifferent in education" fits the sentence naturally (more formally "indifferent to education", but it works for this question).
C. uncertain: Means not sure. This is about doubt, not interest.
D. serious: This is closer to "interested" than opposite to it, so it is wrong.

Answer

The word that is opposite in meaning to "interested" and that fits the gap is indifferent, which is option B.

Tip

In "opposite meaning + gap" questions, first spot the contrast signal words (while, but, whereas, however). They tell you the missing word must be the opposite of the underlined one. Then test each option for both meaning and grammar. Remember: interested ↔ indifferent/uninterested.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.