WAEC 2024 English Language · Question 22

The new shopping mall is on the fringe of the town.

Question

From the words lettered A-D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentences. The new shopping mall is on the fringe of the town.

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

A.limit
B.outside
C.middle
D.edge

Answer: D. edge

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is fringe, in the sentence: "The new shopping mall is on the fringe of the town." We need the word closest in meaning as used here.

Step 2: Explain the concept "Fringe" (noun) means the outer edge or border of an area. In this sentence it describes where the mall is located: at the outer part of the town, not in the center.

Step 3: Test each option

A. limit: This means a boundary or maximum point. It suggests a cut-off line, not a place you can be "on." "On the limit of the town" sounds unnatural.
B. outside: This means beyond the town. The mall is on the fringe, which is still part of the town's outer area, so "outside" is not accurate.
C. middle: This is the opposite of fringe.
D. edge: This means the outer border or margin of something. "On the edge of the town" matches "on the fringe of the town" closely.

Step 4: Answer The best synonym is edge, which is option D.

Tip: In "nearest in meaning" questions, put each option into the sentence and see which sounds most natural while keeping the same meaning. Remember that fringe = edge = margin = periphery.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.