From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the…

Analyze the question: You need a word that (1) is opposite in meaning to "rigid" and (2) fits the gap grammatically and logically: "he is now __ of other people's views."

Explain the concept: "Rigid" means inflexible, stubborn, unwilling to change or accept other ideas. Its opposite is something like flexible, open-minded, or accepting. Because the gap is followed by "of," the word must also collocate with "of."

Step-by-step solution:

• A. wary: means cautious or suspicious. "Wary of other people's views" fits grammatically, but it is not the opposite of rigid. Someone who is wary of others' views is actually closed-minded, which is close to rigid.
• B. critical: "critical of other people's views" fits grammatically, but it means finding fault, which does not contrast with rigidity.
• C. apprise: means to inform someone. It is a verb, not an adjective, and "apprise of" does not fit the gap (you "apprise someone of" something). It is also not the opposite of rigid.
• D. tolerant: means willing to accept views and behaviour different from your own. "Tolerant of other people's views" fits perfectly, and it is the opposite of rigid.

The sentence reads: "Our class teacher used to be rigid in his opinions but he is now tolerant of other people's views." The word "but" signals a contrast, which confirms the answer.

Answer: D. tolerant.

Exam tip: In opposite-meaning questions with a gap, check two things: the meaning (antonym) and the grammar (the word after the gap, like "of"). Linking words like "but," "although," and "however" signal contrast, so they can help you eliminate wrong options quickly.