WAEC 2023 English Language · Question 87
The death of that journalist is still … in mystery.
Question
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. The death of that journalist is still _____ in mystery.
- A.conveyed
- B.shadowed
- C.shrouded
- D.confined
Answer: C. shrouded
Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key
Analyze the question: The sentence is "The death of that journalist is still _ in mystery." We need a word that fits with "in mystery" to mean the cause of death remains unexplained.
Explain the concept: This is a question on collocation, meaning words that naturally go together. The common English expression is "shrouded in mystery". To shroud something means to cover or hide it, as a shroud covers a body. So "shrouded in mystery" means something is hidden or not understood.
Step-by-step solution:
- A. conveyed: This means carried or communicated. "Conveyed in mystery" makes no sense.
- B. shadowed: This means followed or darkened by a shadow. It is close in imagery, but "shadowed in mystery" is not a standard idiom. We say "shadowed by" something.
- C. shrouded: This fits perfectly. "Shrouded in mystery" is a fixed expression meaning wrapped in secrecy or unexplained.
- D. confined: This means restricted to a place. "Confined in mystery" is not a natural expression.
Correct answer: C. shrouded
The sentence reads: *The death of that journalist is still shrouded in mystery.
Exam tip: For "fill in the gap" questions, look at the word that follows the blank (here, "in mystery"). Many WASSCE and JAMB questions test idioms and collocations, so learn common pairs such as shrouded in mystery, steeped in tradition, fraught with danger and bereft of ideas. If you recognize the phrase, you can answer quickly.
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