Taken straight from the papers below — one from each of the most recent years, with the answer marked and the reasoning written out.
WAEC English Language 2026 · Question 1
PAPER 1 — OBJECTIVE TEST
SECTION 1
In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of the 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.
Unlike most storytellers who tell familiar stories, this one told a ........ story that held the audience spell-bound.
- afictitious
- bscary
- cstrange — correct answer
- dcomic
Worked solution
'Familiar' means well known; its opposite is 'strange', which also fits the gap, since a story told differently from familiar ones would hold the audience spell-bound.
WAEC English Language 2025 · Question 1
PAPER 1 — OBJECTIVE TEST
SECTION 1
In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of the 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 hope with which he assumed office contrasts with the ............. with which he is leaving.
- aDisgust
- bDistress
- cDistrust
- dDespair — correct answer
Worked solution
'Hope' is the expectation of a good outcome; its opposite is 'despair', the loss of all hope.
WAEC English Language 2024 · Question 1
PAPER 1 — OBJECTIVE TEST
SECTION 1
In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of the 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.
Abdul's contribution at the meeting was seen by many as invaluable but the chairman said it was ..............
- aInsincere
- bUseless — correct answer
- cImpossible
- dPreposterous
Worked solution
'Invaluable' means extremely valuable; its opposite is 'useless' (of no value).
WAEC English Language 2023 · Question 1
PAPER 1 — OBJECTIVE TEST
SECTION 1
In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of the 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 posh cars were sandwiched between two ........... ones.
- adented
- brugged
- crickety — correct answer
- dmodest
Worked solution
'Posh' means luxurious and stylish; its opposite is 'rickety' (shabby and run-down), which also fits the gap describing cars.
WAEC English Language 2022 · Question 1
PAPER 1 — OBJECTIVE TEST
SECTION 1
In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of the 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.
Obi's family is known for their audacity, so one is surprised at his ..............
- acowardice — correct answer
- birritability
- cmoodiness
- dinsolence
Worked solution
'Audacity' means boldness; its opposite is 'cowardice'.