WAEC 2018 English Language · Question 14

David is not only hardworking but also scrupulous.

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 the underlined word as it is used in the sentence. David is not only hardworking but also scrupulous.

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

A.painstaking
B.ambitious
C.pleasant
D.daring

Answer: A. painstaking

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the word closest in meaning to "scrupulous" as used in the sentence: "David is not only hardworking but also scrupulous."

Step 2: Explain the concept "Scrupulous" means very careful about doing what is right, or extremely attentive to detail and thorough. It has two related senses:

Morally careful, honest, and principled.
Diligent, careful, and meticulous in work.

The sentence pairs it with "hardworking" and uses "not only... but also," which tells us the second word adds a related quality about how David works. That points to the second sense: thoroughness and care.

Step 3: Test each option

A. painstaking means done with great care and thoroughness. This fits "scrupulous" and goes naturally with "hardworking."
B. ambitious means eager to achieve success. This is about drive, not care or thoroughness.
C. pleasant means agreeable. This has no connection to the meaning.
D. daring means bold or adventurous. This is nearly the opposite of being careful.

Step 4: Answer The nearest in meaning is A. painstaking.

Step 5: Exam tip Link "scruple" with "care." A person with scruples is careful about right and wrong, so scrupulous means careful and thorough. Also, when a sentence uses "not only... but also," the two qualities are usually related, which helps you eliminate unrelated options like "pleasant" and "daring."

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