WAEC 2020 English Language · Question 79

John, would you mind lifting the box? …

Question

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. John, would you mind lifting the box?_______

A.yes, i do
B.No, i wouldn't
C.Yes, i wouldn't
D.No, i don't

Answer: B. No, i wouldn't

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The question is "John, would you mind lifting the box?" It is a polite request. We need the reply that fits grammatically and logically.

Explain the concept

"Would you mind...?" literally asks, "Would it bother you to...?" So the logic is reversed:

"No, I wouldn't (mind)" means "I'm happy to do it," which is agreement.
"Yes, I would (mind)" means "I'd rather not," which is refusal.

The reply should also echo the auxiliary verb in the question. The question uses would, so the answer should use would/wouldn't, not do/don't.

Step-by-step solution

A. "Yes, I do": The tense and auxiliary are wrong, since the question uses would, not do. If it meant anything, it would be a refusal, and it doesn't fit grammatically.
B. "No, I wouldn't": This uses the correct auxiliary and means "I wouldn't mind," so John agrees to lift the box. ✔
C. "Yes, I wouldn't": This is self-contradictory. "Yes" signals "I would mind," but "wouldn't" signals the opposite.
D. "No, I don't": The auxiliary is wrong because it uses don't instead of wouldn't.

Answer: B. No, I wouldn't.

Exam tip

For "Would you mind...?" questions, remember that "No" means "Yes, I'll do it." Always match the auxiliary verb (would → would/wouldn't) and make sure "Yes/No" doesn't contradict the rest of the reply. Options like C, which mix "Yes" with a negative, are almost always wrong.

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