Use Of English 2020 Jamb Examination

A 'prosperous' person is someone who is successful in material terms, particularly in business, and is flourishing financially. The word 'unfortunately' and the contrast between the uncle and aunt suggest an opposite state. 'Unsuccessful' is the direct antonym of being prosperous/successful. While she might be 'unskillful', the sentence specifically contrasts their business outcomes, making 'unsuccessful' the most appropriate choice.

In an educational context, 'intake' refers to the number of people who are accepted or admitted into the institution. To find the opposite, we need a word that describes people being forced to leave or being removed. 'Expulsions' (from the verb 'expel') refers to the process of forcing someone to leave an institution. Thus, the sentence contrasts the many who enter (intake) with the few who are forced out (expulsions). Note: 'Explusions' is a common typographical error for 'expulsions' in test papers.

'Derogatory' describes remarks intended to make a person or thing seem of little importance or to show a lack of respect (insulting). The sentence suggests a guest should do the opposite. 'Complimentary' remarks are those that express praise, admiration, or approval. Therefore, 'complimentary' is the exact opposite of 'derogatory' in the context of social etiquette.

'Mechanised' refers to a process carried out by machines rather than by humans. In technical and general registers, the opposite of work done by machines is work done by hand. 'Manual' comes from the Latin 'manus' (hand) and refers to work done with the hands. Thus, manual operations are the direct historical and functional contrast to mechanised ones.

When applied to ideas or attitudes, 'rigid' means unable to bend or be forced out of shape; it describes someone who is uncompromising and set in their ways. The most common and accurate antonym for 'rigid' is 'flexible', which describes a willingness to change or compromise according to circumstances. In this context, listening to advice leads to a softening of a hard stance, moving from rigidity to flexibility.

In sociology and political science, the 'elite' refers to a small group of powerful people who hold a disproportionate amount of wealth, privilege, or political power. The standard collective term used to describe the large body of ordinary people in society, as opposed to the elite, is 'the masses'. While 'the masses' can be 'oppressed' or 'unemployed', 'masses' is the direct structural antonym to 'elite' in the context of social classes.

This sentence reflects a common moral and religious maxim. 'Proud' refers to having an excessively high opinion of oneself. The direct character opposite of pride is humility. Someone who is 'humble' has a low estimate of their own importance and is not arrogant. Therefore, 'humble' is the specific antonym required to complete the contrast established in the sentence.

In aviation register, 'take off' is the phase of flight in which an aircraft goes through a transition from moving along the ground to flying in the air. The reverse process, where the aircraft returns to the ground, is called 'landing'. Thus, 'land' is the technical and logical opposite of 'take off'.

Someone with 'refined' manners is elegant, cultured, and shows good taste and social polish. The word 'although' indicates that his colleagues have the opposite trait. 'Crude' describes manners that are simple, basic, or lacking in culture and polish—often being offensive or rude. Therefore, 'crude' is the direct antonym for 'refined' in the context of social behaviour.

An 'outspoken' person is someone who is frank in stating their opinions, especially if they are critical or controversial; they talk freely. The opposite of a talkative or frank person is someone who says very little. 'Taciturn' specifically describes a person who is reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little. This provides a sharp contrast to being outspoken.