In this English vocabulary question, choose the option that is opposite in meaning to the word mould, used in the sense of shaping or forming someone or something.

Introduction / Context:
The word mould can function as both a noun and a verb. In general English and in exam questions, mould as a verb often means to shape, influence, or determine the form or character of something or someone, such as moulding a child's character or moulding clay into a pot. This question asks for the opposite meaning, so you need to think of a word that represents something natural, unshaped, or not artificially formed by an external influence.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The word given is mould, interpreted here in the sense of shaping or forming.
• The options are: Genuine, Shape, Slice, Sculpt.
• Only one option must be the opposite in meaning.
• The context is a general vocabulary question from competitive English.

Concept / Approach:
When mould is used as a verb meaning to shape or influence, the opposite idea is something that is natural, original, and not artificially shaped. The word genuine captures this sense by referring to something that is authentic and not altered or modified by external shaping forces. Shape and sculpt, on the other hand, are near synonyms of mould in the sense of forming or carving. Slice is simply a cut and does not function as a conceptual opposite in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Fix the sense of mould in this question as to shape, influence, or form.Step 2: Look for an option that expresses a contrasting idea of being natural, unaffected, or original.Step 3: Genuine means real, authentic, or not fake, and often suggests that something is in its true and unaltered state.Step 4: Shape means to form, and sculpt means to carve or shape artistically, both close in meaning to mould, not opposite.Step 5: Slice refers to cutting into pieces and does not give a clear opposite concept for mould as shaping.Step 6: Therefore, Genuine is the best antonym among the choices.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Consider the contrast between a moulded personality and a genuine personality. A moulded personality suggests that external influences have shaped the person, while a genuine personality suggests natural, authentic traits. This contrast works well as an antonym pair in exam style vocabulary questions. Similarly, in casual speech, we may say someone is genuine to emphasise originality rather than being someone who has been moulded into a standard pattern. This comparison supports Genuine as a reasonable opposite in this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Shape is a very close synonym of mould when used as a verb, because both refer to giving form. Sculpt is another near synonym, especially for artistic shaping of materials such as stone or clay. Slice refers to cutting something, such as bread or fruit, into portions, which is neither a synonym nor a precise antonym of mould in this semantic field. None of these three words expresses the notion of authenticity or natural state, which makes them unsuitable as opposites for mould in the sense used here.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes select Slice simply because it looks different from the other options, or they overthink and assume the exam will never pair an abstract word like mould with a more abstract antonym like Genuine. However, exam setters often test nuanced understanding, where mould stands for shaping and Genuine stands for natural authenticity. To avoid such traps, always confirm the specific sense of the word in the question and then look for a contrasting idea rather than picking the most random or unfamiliar option.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Genuine.