The purpose of education is not to..... but to facilitate progress

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "The purpose of education is not to ..... but to facilitate progress."

The structure "not to ___ but to facilitate" sets up a contrast. "Facilitate" means to make easier or help along. So the missing word must be the opposite of "facilitate": something that hinders or obstructs progress.

Explain the concept

This is a test of antonyms in context. Spot the contrast signal ("not... but") and find the word that means the opposite of the key word.

Check each option

• A. prevent: means to stop something from happening. It is close in meaning, but "prevent" usually takes the thing prevented directly ("prevent progress"). It is also stronger and more absolute than the usual contrast with "facilitate".
• B. impede: means to hinder, obstruct or slow down. It is the direct opposite of "facilitate" (to ease or help). It also fits naturally: "not to impede progress but to facilitate progress".
• C. stampede: means a sudden rush of animals or people. It makes no sense here.
• D. restrain: means to hold back or control. It is somewhat close, but it is more often used for holding back a person, an animal, or an emotion, not for progress.

Answer

B. impede is the standard antonym of "facilitate" and fits the sentence best.

"The purpose of education is not to impede but to facilitate progress."

Tip

In "not X but Y" sentences, X and Y are usually opposites. Memorize common pairs such as facilitate/impede, expand/contract, and encourage/discourage. These come up often in WASSCE and JAMB Lexis and Structure questions.