In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - D, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.

The leader of the delegation was commended for the manner in which he handled the matter, while their hosts were.........

A. applauded

B. praised

C. criticized

D. sanctioned

Musa is very frugal whereas his friend Audu is ........

A. miserly

B. thrifty

C. precocious

D. extravagant

Taiwo's flamboyance and Kehinde's.....often keep people wondering if they are really twins.

A. modesty

B. arrogance

C. timidity

D. pretention

People enjoy stories with ........settings rather than those with far-fetched backgrounds

A. practical

B. realistic

C. artificial

D. undefined

We were asked to reach a compromise and not start another.............

A. accusation

B. concession

C. controversy

D. issue

He was promoted for his efficiency while his colleague was demoted for..........

A. ability

B. lateness

C. incompetence

D. capability

Okon's business is flourishing while his father's is...........

A. declining

B. progressing

C. withering

D. vanishing

You should be ......so as not to be caught unawares

A. serious

B. sober

C. ready

D. alert

The school authorities expected the contributions to be ..............rather than compulsory

A. wilful

B. voluntary

C. deliberate

D. outright

The manager who was sacked last month has been

A. retired

B. suspended

C. reinstated

D. promoted