WAEC 2018 English Language · Question 56

Everyone has the urge to succeed in life.

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.  Everyone has the urge to succeed in life.

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

  1. A.compulsion
  2. B.desire
  3. C.need
  4. D.courage

Answer: B. desire

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined word is "urge" in the sentence "Everyone has the urge to succeed in life." We need the word closest in meaning to "urge" as used here.

Explain the concept: As a noun, "urge" means a strong desire or impulse to do something. It is a feeling that pushes you toward an action, not a force that compels you or a necessity.

Go through the options:

  • A. compulsion: This means an irresistible force that makes someone do something, often against their will, as in a compulsion to wash hands repeatedly. It is stronger and more negative than "urge", so it does not fit a natural wish to succeed.
  • B. desire: This means a strong wish or longing to have or achieve something. It matches "urge" exactly here: everyone has a strong wish to succeed.
  • C. need: This suggests something necessary or lacking, which is about requirement rather than wanting. It is close, but not the best fit.
  • D. courage: This means bravery, which has nothing to do with "urge".

Substitution test: "Everyone has the desire to succeed in life." This reads naturally and keeps the original meaning.

Answer: B. desire.

Exam tip: In vocabulary-in-context questions, substitute each option into the sentence and see which keeps the meaning without sounding forced. Also watch for options like "compulsion" that look similar but carry a stronger or different shade of meaning.

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