WAEC 2024 English Language · Question 4

The driver believed he would be castigated by all the passengers but he 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. The driver believed he would be castigated by all the passengers but he was ______.

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

A.encouraged
B.exonerated
C.commended
D.released

Answer: C. commended

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question We need a word that (1) is opposite in meaning to "castigated" and (2) fits grammatically and logically in the gap: "he would be castigated by all the passengers but he was __."

Explain the concept "Castigate" means to criticise or reprimand severely. Its opposite is to praise, so we look for a word meaning "praise" that also fits the sentence.

Step-by-step solution

A. encouraged: This means given support or confidence. It is not the direct opposite of harsh criticism, and it is weaker in meaning.
B. exonerated: This means cleared of blame. It is opposite to "blamed" or "accused", not to "criticised or reprimanded". It is close, but "castigate" is about harsh criticism rather than formal guilt.
C. commended: This means praised. It is the direct antonym of "castigated" (to rebuke or criticise vs. to praise), and it fits well: "he was commended by the passengers."
D. released: This means set free. It has no connection to castigation.

Answer The best antonym that also fits the sentence is commended, option C.

Tip In antonym questions with a gap, first define the underlined word (castigate = punish or criticise severely), then pick the opposite (praise). Be careful with "exonerated", which is a tempting distractor. It relates to blame or guilt, whereas castigate and commend are both about verbal judgement (criticism vs. praise).

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