WAEC 2020 English Language · Question 115

John gave a fictitious account of the incident but his son's account was …

Question

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. John gave a fictitious account of the incident but his son's account was_______

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

A.probable
B.compelling
C.factual
D.necessary

Answer: C. factual

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is "fictitious." We need the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning and also fits the gap in the sentence.

Step 2: Explain the concept "Fictitious" means made up, invented, not real or not true. Its antonym is a word meaning real, true, or based on facts.

Step 3: Test each option

A. probable: means likely to be true or to happen. It is not the opposite of "fictitious," because something can be probable and still be made up.
B. compelling: means convincing or powerful. A fictitious story can also be compelling, so it is not an opposite.
C. factual: means based on facts and real events. This is the direct opposite of "fictitious."
D. necessary: means needed. It has no connection to truth or falsehood.

Step 4: Check the sentence "John gave a fictitious account of the incident but his son's account was factual." The contrast works: John's version was invented, while his son's version was true.

Answer: C. factual

Tip: In opposite-meaning questions, first define the underlined word in simple terms (fictitious = not real). Then pick the option that says the reverse (real = factual). Be careful with words like "probable," which are close in topic but are not true opposites. Also, "fiction" and "fact" are classic opposites, so remember the pair.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.