WAEC 2024 English Language · Question 67

Abdul's contribution at the meeting was seen by many as invaluable but the chairman said it was …

Question

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. 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 will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. Abdul's contribution at the meeting was seen by many as invaluable but the chairman said it was _________

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

A.insincere
B.useless
C.impossible
D.preposterous

Answer: B. useless

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

You need a word that (1) is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word "invaluable" and (2) fits the gap in the sentence logically and grammatically.

Explain the concept

"Invaluable" does not mean "not valuable". It means extremely valuable, so precious that its worth cannot be measured. Its opposite is therefore a word meaning worthless or of no use. This is a common trap, because the prefix "in-" makes students think the word is negative.

Show the solution

Check each option against the sentence "Abdul's contribution... was seen by many as invaluable but the chairman said it was __":

A. insincere means not genuine or not honest. It describes attitude, not value, so it is not an opposite of invaluable.
B. useless means having no use or value. This is a direct opposite of "invaluable" (extremely useful or valuable), and it fits the contrast set up by "but".
C. impossible means cannot be done. It has no connection to value and makes little sense for a contribution.
D. preposterous means absurd or ridiculous. It is an insult, but not the opposite of "invaluable".

So the best choice is useless.

Identify the answer

useless**.

Tip

In opposite-meaning questions, first find the real meaning of the underlined word. Do not be misled by prefixes like "in-". Invaluable means very valuable, not "without value". Also watch for linking words such as "but", which signal contrast and tell you the missing word must be the opposite idea.

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