WAEC 2018 English Language · Question 7

There has been a marked change in her study habit.

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. There has been a marked change in her study habit.

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

A.significant
B.real
C.full
D.complete

Answer: A. significant

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is "marked" in the sentence: "There has been a marked change in her study habit." We need the word closest in meaning to "marked" in this context.

Step 2: Explain the concept "Marked" has several meanings. When it describes a noun like change, improvement, or difference, it means noticeable or clearly evident, and so significant. It does not mean "labelled" or "scored" here (as in a marked script).

Step 3: Test each option

A. significant: "a significant change" means a change that is noticeable and important. This fits perfectly.
B. real: "a real change" stresses that the change is genuine, not that it is noticeable. The meaning is different.
C. full: "a full change" is not natural English and does not carry the idea of being noticeable.
D. complete: "a complete change" means total, but "marked" does not mean total. A marked change can be noticeable without being complete.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. significant.

Tip: In "marked" + change/improvement/difference/decline, think noticeable, obvious, significant. Do not confuse it with "complete". Always pick the word that best matches the meaning in context, not just a word that sounds similar. Keep practising, you are doing well!

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