WAEC 2018 English Language · Question 62
After the following sentence, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is…
Question
After the following sentence, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for the sentence. Can you imagine Oka behaving as if he has all the knowledge in the world? This means that Oka.
- A.does not really know anything
- B.knows so much more than we think
- C.is admired by everybody
- D.respects other people
Answer: A. does not really know anything
Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is a rhetorical question: "Can you imagine Oka behaving as if he has all the knowledge in the world?" The phrase "behaving as if" signals that Oka acts like a know-all, which does not mean he actually is one. The rhetorical "Can you imagine...?" also shows disapproval or disbelief.
Step 2: Explain the concept In English, "as if" or "as though" often introduces a pretence or an unreal situation. For example, "He talks as if he owns the place" means he does not own it, but he behaves as though he does. Here, the speaker is mocking Oka's arrogance, which suggests his actual knowledge is limited.
Step 3: Test each option
- A. does not really know anything: This fits. He pretends to know everything, but the speaker implies he actually knows very little. The wording "does not really know anything" is strong, but it is the closest match to the idea of false pretence.
- B. knows so much more than we think: This is the opposite. The sentence does not suggest hidden knowledge.
- C. is admired by everybody: Nothing in the sentence suggests admiration. The tone is critical.
- D. respects other people: Someone who acts like a know-all is usually disrespectful or arrogant, so this does not fit.
Step 4: Answer The best interpretation is A. The wording is a bit extreme, since Oka probably knows something, but it is clearly the best choice among the options.
Exam tip: When you see "behaves as if..." or "talks as though...", think pretence. The real situation is usually the opposite of what the person acts out. Also pay attention to tone: a rhetorical "Can you imagine...?" usually signals disapproval.
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