WAEC 2017 English Language · Question 62

The accused was asked to retract his statement.

Question

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to underlined word as it used in the sentence. The accused was asked to retract his statement.

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

A.recall
B.withdraw
C.make
D.rewrite

Answer: B. withdraw

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You are asked for the word closest in meaning to retract in the sentence "The accused was asked to retract his statement."

Explain the concept: To retract a statement means to take it back, that is, to say formally that what you said earlier is not true or that you no longer stand by it. Its Latin root is re- (back) + trahere (to draw), so it literally means "to draw back."

Solution:

A. recall: This can mean "to remember" or "to call back" (for example, a faulty product). It is not the usual word for taking back a statement, so it is not the best fit.
B. withdraw: This means to take back. We say "withdraw a statement," "withdraw an allegation," or "withdraw a claim." It matches retract closely.
C. make: This has no connection to taking something back. It is wrong.
D. rewrite: This means to write again. Retracting does not involve rewriting, so it is wrong.

Because the accused is being asked to take back what he said, withdraw is the nearest in meaning.

Tip: In "nearest in meaning" questions, put each option into the sentence and see which one sounds natural. "Asked to withdraw his statement" sounds natural, and "asked to make his statement" does not. Also remember the pair retract = withdraw = take back. Words like retreat and retraction are from the same family.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.