The animosity between Fatou and Sheku is shocking, considering the … they once shared.

Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is animosity, which means strong hostility or hatred. We need a word that:

1. Is most nearly opposite in meaning to "animosity", and
2. Fits the gap in the sentence: "...considering the __ they once shared."

Step 2: Explain the concept This is an antonym question with a grammar and context check. The opposite of animosity (hatred, enmity, hostility) is something like friendship, goodwill, or amity. The word must also make sense with "shared" (something two people can share).

Step 3: Test each option

• A. company: This means being together, but it is not the opposite of hatred. It is a weak fit.
• B. friendship: This is the direct opposite of enmity or animosity. "The friendship they once shared" is natural and logical.
• C. peace: This is the opposite of conflict or war, not of personal hostility. "The peace they once shared" is less natural.
• D. understanding: This is related, but its opposite is "misunderstanding", not "animosity".

Step 4: Answer The sentence reads: "The animosity between Fatou and Sheku is shocking, considering the friendship they once shared." The contrast makes perfect sense, so the answer is B.

Exam tip: In "opposite in meaning" questions, first work out the exact meaning of the underlined word (animosity = hatred/hostility). Then pick the option that opposes it most directly, and confirm it fits the sentence. Words like "considering" often signal a contrast, which helps you check your choice.