WASSCE English synonyms: practice questions with answers
In WASSCE English Paper 1, a synonym question gives you a sentence with one word underlined. You choose the option nearest in meaning to that word. Here are 10 practice questions with answers. Tap an option to check yourself.
How to answer it
Put each option in place of the word in capitals. Read the sentence again. The right answer keeps the meaning the same.Mariama is a BRIGHT pupil = Mariama is a CLEVER pupil.
Some options look or sound like the word but mean something else. Check the meaning, not the spelling.QUIET and "quite" look close, but they are different words.
Many words have more than one meaning. Pick the meaning that fits this sentence, not the first meaning you know.A BRIGHT pupil is clever. A bright light is shining.
10 practice questions
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in capitals:
There is one VACANT seat at the back of the keke.
See the answer
Answer: D. empty
“Vacant” means “empty”, with nobody sitting in it.
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in capitals:
When the rain began, the traders HASTENED to cover their goods.
See the answer
Answer: B. hurried
“Hastened” means “hurried”. The traders moved fast to cover their goods.
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in capitals:
Please DISCARD the rotten tomatoes before you cook.
See the answer
Answer: D. throw away
“Discard” means “throw away” because it is not wanted.
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in capitals:
Our village is TRANQUIL at night, far from the noise of Freetown.
See the answer
Answer: B. peaceful
“Tranquil” means calm and “peaceful”.
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in capitals:
Kadiatu refused to DIVULGE the secret of her tasty stew.
See the answer
Answer: A. reveal
“Divulge” means tell or “reveal” something secret.
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in capitals:
The farmer earned a MEAGRE income from his small rice farm.
See the answer
Answer: A. small
“Meagre” means very small and not enough.
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in capitals:
The seeds stay DORMANT in the dry soil until the rains come.
See the answer
Answer: B. inactive
“Dormant” means “inactive”, as if asleep. The seeds are alive but wait for rain to grow.
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in capitals:
The DILAPIDATED classroom block will be repaired before the new term.
See the answer
Answer: B. run-down
“Dilapidated” means old and falling apart, so “run-down”.
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in capitals:
The visitors from Kenema received a CORDIAL welcome at our school.
See the answer
Answer: B. warm
“Cordial” means “warm” and friendly.
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in capitals:
In many Salone homes, children are taught to VENERATE their elders.
See the answer
Answer: D. respect
“Venerate” means “respect” deeply. “Obeying” is something different.
Tap an option on any question to check yourself.
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Questions students ask
What is a synonym?
A synonym is a word that means the same, or nearly the same, as another word. "Big" is a synonym of "large".
How do I answer synonym questions in WASSCE English?
Put each option in place of the underlined word and read the sentence again. The option that keeps the meaning the same is the answer.
How can I learn more synonyms?
Read something in English every day and write new words in a notebook with their meaning. WAEC's Chief Examiner's report for 2023 also gives wide reading as the way to build vocabulary.
Are these real WASSCE past questions?
No. They are our own WASSCE-style questions, written on the same syllabus topics and in the same format as the real exam.