WAEC 2024 English Language · Question 58

The baby who had all along been calm suddenly became …

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. The baby who had all along been calm suddenly became _________

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

A.restless
B.hungry
C.angry
D.cheerful

Answer: A. restless

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The question asks for a word that does two things:

It is opposite in meaning to the underlined word. The underlined word isn't visible here, but the sentence says the baby had been "calm", so "calm" is almost certainly the underlined word.
It correctly fills the gap in the sentence.

Explain the concept

This is an antonym question with a sentence-context check. The word must contrast with "calm" and still make sense after "suddenly became __."

"Calm" means quiet, peaceful, and undisturbed. Its opposites include agitated, restless, disturbed, and unsettled.

Work through the options

A. restless: Means unable to stay still or relax, so it is the direct opposite of calm. It fits the sentence: "The baby who had all along been calm suddenly became restless." ✔
B. hungry: Describes a need for food, not a state of calmness, so it is not an antonym.
C. angry: It contrasts with calm to some degree, but it is a strong emotion that is not the nearest opposite. Babies are more naturally described as restless or fretful. "Angry" is a distractor.
D. cheerful: Means happy. A cheerful baby can also be calm, so it is not the opposite.

Answer

The word that is most nearly opposite to "calm" and fits the gap is restless, which is option A.

Tip

In antonym-plus-gap questions, first find the underlined word's exact meaning, then test each option in the sentence. Choose the nearest opposite, not just any contrasting word. "Calm" pairs with "restless" or "agitated", while "angry" is a looser contrast.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.