Choose the word opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that fills the gap.

Here are the solutions to the questions:

SECTION A
In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined 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.

1. The pastor gave prolific sermons but the interpretation was ____.

   • The word prolific means producing much, abundant, or lengthy. The opposite is something brief or to the point.
   • C. concise is the opposite of prolific and fits the sentence.

2. The headmaster admires unassuming students but hates the ____ ones.

   • The word unassuming means modest and not pretentious. The opposite would be someone who is arrogant or self-important.
   • B. pompous means self-important or arrogant, which is the opposite of unassuming.

3. We are not supposed to be mournful but be ____.

   • The word mournful means feeling or expressing sorrow or grief. The opposite is a state of happiness.
   • C. happy is the direct opposite of mournful.

4. His claim on the land is spurious, mine is ____.

   • The word spurious means not genuine, false, or fake. The opposite is something that is real or authentic.
   • B. legitimate means conforming to rules or laws; valid, which is the opposite of spurious.

5. It is believed that close-fisted people expect others to be ____ to them.

   • The phrase close-fisted describes someone who is stingy or not generous. Such a person would likely expect others to be the opposite towards them.
   • C. generous is the opposite of close-fisted.

SECTION B
From the words lettered A to D in the following sentences, choose the word which is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.

6. The tension between the two rival parties could trigger off civil war.

   • To trigger off means to cause an event or situation to happen.
   • B. cause is the closest in meaning.

7. The man's excessive ambition led to his failure.

   • The word excessive means more than is necessary, normal, or desirable; immoderate.
   • A. inordinate means unusually or disproportionately large; excessive.

8. The teacher advised the girl to make out she is ill to avoid being punished.

   • To make out (in this context) means to pretend or feign.
   • B. pretend is the closest in meaning.

9. The barricade prevented the soldiers from entering the village.

   • A barricade is an improvised barrier erected to prevent passage.
   • A. barrier is the closest general term.

10. The Headmaster was taken in by the student's excuse.

    • To be taken in means to be deceived or fooled by someone or something.
    • C. deceived is the closest in meaning.

SECTION C
After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations of the sentence given. Choose the one that you consider most appropriate for each sentence.

11. It did not take Joyce a month before she could find her feet at the new office. This means that ____.

    • To find her feet means to become confident and comfortable in a new situation.
    • A. She became used to things is the most appropriate interpretation.

12. A retrenched worker has to tighten his belt if he is to survive. This means he ____.

    • A retrenched worker has lost their job. To tighten his belt means to reduce spending due to financial hardship.
    • D. should be prudent in his spending is the most appropriate interpretation.

13. Adusei is light-fingered. This means he ____.

    • To be light-fingered is an idiom meaning to be prone to stealing.
    • B. is clever at stealing is the most appropriate interpretation.

14. I hit the boy where it hurt most. This means ____.

    • To hit someone where it hurt most means to attack their weakest point, often emotionally.
    • A. I attacked him where he was weakest is the most appropriate interpretation.

15. His plans fell through. This means that ____.

    • If plans fell through, they failed to happen or be completed.
    • A. His plans came to nothing is the most appropriate interpretation.

SECTION D
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or words that best completes each of the following sentences.

16. Arthur is the ____ of the three boys.
    • When comparing three or more items, the superlative form of the adjective is used.
    • C. tallest is the correct superlative form of "tall."