WAEC 2021 English Language · Question 1
The students became restive after the authorities increased their tuition fees.
Question
choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence. The students became restive after the authorities increased their tuition fees.
In the original paper part of this question is underlined. The underline isn't shown here: see the explanation below.
- A.alarmed
- B.hostile
- C.noisy
- D.agitated
Answer: D. agitated
Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key
Analyze the question: We need the word closest in meaning to restive as used in the sentence: "The students became restive after the authorities increased their tuition fees."
Explain the concept: Restive means unable to remain still, quiet, or calm. It describes someone who is impatient, uneasy, or resisting control, usually because of dissatisfaction. It is often confused with "restful," but it means almost the opposite.
Solution, step by step:
- Think about the context. The fees went up, and the students reacted to that.
- Check each option: • A. alarmed means frightened or worried about danger. The students are showing dissatisfaction, not fear, so this doesn't fit well. • B. hostile means openly unfriendly or aggressive. This is stronger than "restive". Restive suggests unrest and unease, not necessarily outright hostility. • C. noisy means making a lot of sound. Restive students might make noise, but the word describes their mood, not their volume. • D. agitated means troubled, stirred up, and restless. This matches "restive" closely, since the students are uneasy and unsettled.
Answer: The correct option is D. agitated.
Tip: Link restive to restless. Both start with "rest" and describe someone who cannot settle. In WASSCE and JAMB lexis questions, ask whether the word describes a feeling or state (agitated, restless) rather than a particular action (noisy) or an extreme (hostile).
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