For this question, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics. The students were reluctant to participate in the debate.

Assessment: JAMB UTME - Use of English - 2025 Subject: English Language

Question 1 Report

For this question, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics.

The students were reluctant to participate in the debate.

Answer Details

Reluctant means not willing or inclined to do something; hesitant or disinclined. A person who is reluctant about an activity would rather avoid it.

The word nearest in meaning to reluctant is unwilling, which directly means lacking the desire or readiness to do something. "The students were unwilling to participate in the debate" carries the same meaning as the original sentence.

The other options are essentially the opposite of reluctant:

  • excited means feeling enthusiastic and eager.
  • happy means feeling pleasure or contentment.
  • eager means keenly wanting to do something.

All three suggest a positive desire to participate, which contradicts the meaning of reluctant.

Download The App On Google Playstore

Everything you need to excel in your exams

Green Bridge CBT Mobile App
Personalized AI Learning Chat Assistant
200,000+ Exam Questions Across IGCSE, JAMB, WAEC & NECO
Over 3,900 Lesson Notes
Offline Support - Learn Anytime, Anywhere
Green Bridge Timetable
Literature Summaries & Potential Questions
Track Your Performance & Progress
In-depth Explanations for Comprehensive Learning