WAEC 2018 English Language · Question 10

He was directed to write the letter.

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. He was directed to write the letter.

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

A.advised
B.instructed
C.persuaded
D.forced

Answer: B. instructed

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to "directed" as used in the sentence: "He was directed to write the letter."

Explain the concept "Direct" has several meanings in English:

To point or aim something (e.g., "He directed the torch at the door")
To manage or control (e.g., "She directs the company")
To give an official order or instruction (e.g., "The principal directed him to report")

The sentence is about being told to do something by someone in authority. That is the third meaning, which is the same as instruct or order.

Solution: test each option

A. advised: Advice is a suggestion, and the person can choose to ignore it. "Directed" is stronger than this, so it does not fit.
B. instructed: This means being told formally what to do. It matches "directed" closely.
C. persuaded: This means being convinced through reasoning or argument. Nothing in the sentence suggests persuasion.
D. forced: This means being compelled by pressure or threat. "Directed" gives an instruction but does not imply force.

Answer The correct option is B. instructed.

Tip In "nearest in meaning" questions, always decide the meaning from the sentence, not from the word alone. Then check how strong each option is. "Directed" means a clear instruction, so it is stronger than "advised" but weaker than "forced."

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.