WAEC 2024 English Language · Question 7

The boy may be culpable but his brother is surely … .

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 boy may be culpable but his brother is surely ______.

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

A.innocent
B.ignorant
C.accountable
D.honest

Answer: A. innocent

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The underlined word is culpable, and you need the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning and that also fits the gap logically.

Explain the concept

Culpable means deserving blame, guilty, or responsible for a wrong act. Its antonym is a word meaning "not guilty" or "free from blame."

Work through the options

A. innocent: means not guilty, free from blame. This is a direct opposite of culpable, and it fits the sentence: "The boy may be culpable but his brother is surely innocent."
B. ignorant: means lacking knowledge. This is not related to guilt.
C. accountable: means answerable or responsible. This is close to culpable in meaning, so it is a synonym, not an opposite.
D. honest: means truthful. It is not a true opposite of culpable, because an honest person can still be at fault in a particular matter.

Answer

The word that is opposite in meaning to culpable and also completes the sentence correctly is innocent.

Exam tip

In "opposite and fill the gap" questions, first find the meaning of the underlined word. Then eliminate any option that is a synonym (like accountable here). The word culpable shares its root with culprit, so think "culprit = guilty," and the opposite is "innocent."

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