WAEC 2021 English Language · Question 130

It is better to use persuasion rather than … to get witnesses to court.

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 wil, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. It is better to use persuasion rather than .... to get witnesses to court.

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

A.effort
B.coercion
C.influence
D.pressure

Answer: B. coercion

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question The underlined word is "persuasion" (the underline is not shown here, but the sentence makes it clear). We need a word that is the opposite of persuasion and also fits the gap: "It is better to use persuasion rather than ____ to get witnesses to court."

Concept

Persuasion means convincing someone to do something through reasoning or gentle appeal, so the person agrees willingly.
The opposite is forcing someone to act against their will. That word is coercion.

Step-by-step check of the options

A. effort: means attempt or exertion. It is not the opposite of persuasion.
B. coercion: means forcing someone to act by threats or force. It is the direct opposite of persuasion, and "persuasion rather than coercion" fits the sentence.
C. influence: is close in meaning to persuasion, so it is a synonym and not an opposite.
D. pressure: is somewhat forceful, but it is weaker and less precise. It can also be a mild form of persuasion. Coercion is the strongest and most exact antonym.

Answer The sentence reads: "It is better to use persuasion rather than coercion to get witnesses to court.

Tip In antonym-plus-gap questions, first find the exact opposite idea, then check that the word fits the sentence grammatically. Remember: persuade = win willingly, coerce = force unwillingly.

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