WAEC 2020 English Language · Question 7

Dr. Azeez declined the offer to chair the meeting.

Question

choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence. Dr. Azeez declined the offer to chair the meeting.

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

A.rescinded
B.shunned
C.refused
D.avoided

Answer: C. refused

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined word is "declined" in the sentence: Dr. Azeez declined the offer to chair the meeting. We need the word closest in meaning in this context.

Concept: "Decline" (as a verb with "offer" or "invitation") means to politely say no to something offered. The closest synonym is "refuse."

Checking each option:

A. rescinded means to cancel or revoke something, such as a law or decision. It doesn't fit, because you rescind a decision you or an authority already made, not an offer made to you.
B. shunned means to deliberately keep away from a person or thing, usually out of dislike. It is too strong and does not describe turning down an offer.
C. refused means to say no to something offered. This matches "declined" exactly.
D. avoided means to keep away from or evade. Avoiding something is not the same as formally turning it down.

Answer: Dr. Azeez refused the offer to chair the meeting.

Tip: In "nearest in meaning" questions, always put each option back into the sentence. Remember the pairs: decline = refuse (an offer or invitation), decline = reduce (in other contexts, like "prices declined"). The context tells you which meaning to pick.

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