WAEC 2020 English Language · Question 126
The principal chastised Ben for his use of coarse language and advised him to emulate his sister's…
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. The principal chastised Ben for his use of coarse language and advised him to emulate his sister's ________ behaviour.
In the original paper part of this question is underlined. The underline isn't shown here: see the explanation below.
- A.pure
- B.neat
- C.refined
- D.organised
Answer: C. refined
Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key
Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is "coarse" (in "coarse language"). We need the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "coarse" and also fits the gap describing the sister's behaviour.
Step 2: Understand the concept
- Coarse means rough, crude, rude, or vulgar. It describes language or behaviour that lacks polish and good manners.
- The opposite of coarse (in terms of manners and speech) is refined, which means polite, cultured, polished, and elegant.
Step 3: Test each option
- A. pure: This means clean or free from contamination. It is not the direct opposite of coarse and is less suitable for "behaviour" in this context.
- B. neat: This means tidy. It relates to appearance, not manners or speech.
- C. refined: This means cultured and polite, and it is the direct opposite of crude or coarse. "Refined behaviour" fits perfectly.
- D. organised: This means well-arranged or systematic. It has nothing to do with the roughness of language.
Step 4: Check the sentence "The principal chastised Ben for his use of coarse language and advised him to emulate his sister's refined behaviour." This is logical and grammatically correct. The principal scolds Ben for crude speech and tells him to imitate his sister's polished conduct.
Tip: In opposites questions, always find the dimension of the word. "Coarse" can mean rough texture, but here it describes language and manners, so look for the opposite in terms of manners (refined, polite, polished). Also, make sure the answer fits the sentence, not just the word in isolation.
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