Pair of Words – 100+ MCQs for Competitive Exams
Homophones, synonyms, and confusing lexical pairs is a critical component of the English grammar and verbal ability sections in major competitive examinations worldwide, including the GRE, SAT, GMAT, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as national civil service assessments like the UPSC Civil Services Examination in India or the CSS Competitive Examination in Pakistan. These multiple-choice questions (MCQs) meticulously evaluate a candidate’s vocabulary depth, linguistic precision, and structural comprehension by forcing them to distinguish between closely related terms such as “affect” vs. “effect” or “all ready” vs. “already”. A strong grasp of these nuances improves performance in standardized aptitude and competitive exams and helps ensure clear communication in future administrative roles.
Evaluate your preparation by yourself, using our set of MCQs on the Pair of Words topic given below.
Explore more by visiting our carefully curated English Category.
1. The storm began to _____ after several hours of heavy rain.
Correct Answer: A. Abate
Explanation: ‘Abate’ means to become less intense or widespread
(e.g., “The storm began to abate after midnight”).
‘Abet’ means to encourage or assist someone to do something wrong
(e.g., “He was accused of aiding and abetting the criminal”).
2. With the invention of smartphones, pagers have become largely _____.
Correct Answer: B. Obsolete
Explanation: ‘Obsolete’ means no longer produced or used (e.g., “Typewriters are now obsolete”). ‘Absolute’ means total and complete (e.g., “The king had absolute power over his subjects”).
3. He has the _____ to solve complex mathematical problems quickly.
Correct Answer: A. Ability
Explanation: ‘Ability’ is the skill to do something (e.g., “She has the ability to speak five languages”). ‘Capability’ refers to the potential to do something (e.g., “The company has the capability to expand globally”). ‘Capacity’ refers to the maximum amount that something can contain (e.g., “The stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000”).
4. The manager refused to _____ to the employees’ demands for a salary hike.
Correct Answer: A. Accede
Explanation: ‘Accede’ means to agree to a demand or request (e.g., “The king decided to accede to the people’s demands”). ‘Concede’ means to admit that something is true after first denying it (e.g., “He finally conceded that he was wrong”). ‘Exceed’ means to be greater than a quantity (e.g., “Do not exceed the speed limit”).
5. Everyone was present at the meeting _____ the secretary.
Correct Answer: C. Except
Explanation: ‘Except’ means not including (e.g., “Everyone went to the party except John”). ‘Accept’ means to receive something offered (e.g., “Please accept my apology”). ‘Expect’ means to regard something as likely to happen (e.g., “We expect it to rain today”).
6. Her _____ of the award was marked by a humble speech.
Correct Answer: B. Acceptance
Explanation: ‘Acceptance’ is the action of consenting to receive something (e.g., “Her acceptance of the job offer was immediate”). ‘Acceptation’ refers to the generally accepted meaning of a word (e.g., “In its common acceptation, the term means a beginner”).
7. The student was denied _____ to the library because he forgot his ID card.
Correct Answer: A. Access
Explanation: ‘Access’ means the opportunity to enter a place (e.g., “The building has wheelchair access”). ‘Excess’ means an amount more than necessary (e.g., “Don’t carry an excess of luggage”). ‘Accession’ refers to attaining a position of rank (e.g., “The Queen’s accession to the throne occurred in 1952”).
8. A silk scarf is a beautiful _____ for your evening gown.
Correct Answer: B. Accessory
Explanation: ‘Accessory’ is a thing added to something to make it more attractive (e.g., “A belt is a useful accessory”). ‘Accessary’ refers to a person who assists in a crime (e.g., “She was charged as an accessary to the robbery”).
9. You need to _____ your teaching methods to suit the needs of different students.
Correct Answer: B. Adapt
Explanation: ‘Adapt’ means to modify for a new purpose (e.g., “Animals must adapt to their environment”). ‘Adopt’ means to legally take another’s child as one’s own (e.g., “They decided to adopt a baby”). ‘Adept’ means very skilled (e.g., “He is adept at playing the guitar”).
10. The museum offers free _____ on the first Sunday of every month.
Correct Answer: B. Admission
Explanation: ‘Admission’ is the fact of being allowed to enter (e.g., “Admission to the museum is free”). ‘Admittance’ refers to the physical act of entering a specific building or room (e.g., “No admittance after 10 PM”).
11. Technological _____ has significantly improved our quality of life.
Correct Answer: B. Advancement
Explanation: ‘Advancement’ refers to the process of promoting a cause (e.g., “The advancement of science is important”). ‘Advance’ is a move forward (e.g., “The army’s advance was slowed by the rain”).
12. The sailors faced _____ weather conditions during their voyage across the Atlantic.
Correct Answer: A. Adverse
Explanation: ‘Adverse’ means unfavorable or harmful (e.g., “Adverse weather conditions delayed the flight”). ‘Averse’ means having a strong dislike of something (e.g., “I am not averse to hard work”).
13. It is _____ to carry an umbrella when the sky looks cloudy.
Correct Answer: C. Advisable
Explanation: ‘Advisable’ means recommended or sensible (e.g., “It is advisable to wear a seatbelt”). ‘Advice’ is a noun meaning guidance (e.g., “He gave me some good advice”). ‘Advise’ is a verb meaning to give guidance (e.g., “I advise you to stay home”).
14. The company placed an _____ in the newspaper to hire new engineers.
Correct Answer: B. Advertisement
Explanation: ‘Advertisement’ is a public notice promoting something (e.g., “I saw an advertisement for a new car”). ‘Advertise’ is the verb (e.g., “Companies advertise their products on TV”).
15. The judge decided to _____ the court hearing until next Monday.
Correct Answer: B. Adjourn
Explanation: ‘Adjourn’ means to break off a meeting with the intention of resuming it later (e.g., “The court will adjourn until tomorrow”). ‘Adjoin’ means to be next to (e.g., “The garage adjoins the house”).
16. The minor car _____ caused a long traffic jam on the highway.
Correct Answer: A. Accident
Explanation: ‘Accident’ is an unexpected and unintentional unfortunate event (e.g., “He had a car accident”). ‘Incident’ is any event or occurrence (e.g., “The police are investigating the incident”).
17. The refugees were living in _____ poverty, lacking even basic necessities.
Correct Answer: A. Abject
Explanation: ‘Abject’ means experienced or present to the maximum degree, often used with poverty (e.g., “They live in abject poverty”). ‘Object’ is a material thing (e.g., “A book is an object”).
18. He showed great _____ for his younger sister by always helping her with homework.
Correct Answer: A. Affection
Explanation: ‘Affection’ is a feeling of fondness (e.g., “She has great affection for her cat”). ‘Affectation’ is behavior that is artificial and designed to impress (e.g., “His accent is a mere affectation”).
19. The new government policy will _____ the lives of millions of citizens.
Correct Answer: A. Affect
Explanation: ‘Affect’ is a verb meaning to make a difference to (e.g., “The noise affects my sleep”). ‘Effect’ is a noun meaning a result (e.g., “The medicine had a positive effect”).
20. The drought continues to _____ the farmers in the southern region.
Correct Answer: A. Afflict
Explanation: ‘Afflict’ means to cause pain or suffering (e.g., “The country was afflicted by famine”). ‘Inflict’ means to cause something unpleasant to be suffered by someone (e.g., “They inflicted heavy losses on the enemy”).
21. Please do not _____ him while he is trying to concentrate on his work.
Correct Answer: B. Annoy
Explanation: ‘Annoy’ means to irritate (e.g., “The buzzing sound began to annoy me”). ‘Aggravate’ means to make a situation worse (e.g., “Scratching the wound will only aggravate it”).
22. The minister’s _____ was always seen carrying his briefcase and documents.
Correct Answer: B. Aide
Explanation: ‘Aide’ is an assistant (e.g., “The general’s aide-de-camp delivered the message”). ‘Aid’ is help or support (e.g., “The country received humanitarian aid”).
23. Steel is an _____ of iron and carbon, making it much stronger than pure iron.
Correct Answer: B. Alloy
Explanation: ‘Alloy’ is a mixture of metals (e.g., “Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc”). ‘Allay’ means to diminish fear or worry (e.g., “The news helped to allay their fears”).
24. My parents will not _____ me to go to the party tonight.
Correct Answer: A. Allow
Explanation: ‘Allow’ often implies not preventing (e.g., “Will you allow me to finish my sentence?”). ‘Permit’ implies formal consent (e.g., “Smoking is not permitted in this building”).
25. The priest stood before the _____ to begin the morning prayer.
Correct Answer: A. Altar
Explanation: ‘Altar’ is a religious table (e.g., “They knelt before the altar”). ‘Alter’ means to change (e.g., “I need to alter my plans”).
26. There was a heated _____ between the two neighbors regarding the boundary fence.
Correct Answer: B. Altercation
Explanation: ‘Altercation’ is a noisy argument (e.g., “He got into an altercation with the referee”). ‘Alteration’ is a change (e.g., “The dress needs some alteration”). ‘Alternation’ is occurring in turn (e.g., “The alternation of day and night”).
27. During his speech, the speaker didn’t _____ to the recent controversy directly.
Correct Answer: A. Allude
Explanation: ‘Allude’ means to suggest indirectly (e.g., “He alluded to his past experiences”). ‘Refer’ means to mention directly (e.g., “Please refer to the manual for instructions”).
28. We have no _____ but to cancel the event due to the rain.
Correct Answer: B. Alternative
Explanation: ‘Alternative’ is a choice between possibilities (e.g., “Solar energy is a clean alternative to coal”). ‘Alternate’ means every second one (e.g., “The club meets on alternate Saturdays”).
29. The meeting was conducted in an _____ atmosphere, with everyone agreeing on the terms.
Correct Answer: B. Amicable
Explanation: ‘Amicable’ refers to friendly relations between groups (e.g., “The divorce was amicable”). ‘Amiable’ refers to a pleasant person (e.g., “Our neighbor is a very amiable man”).
30. The soldiers were prepared for an _____ attack from the enemy forces.
Correct Answer: B. Anti
Explanation: ‘Anti-‘ means against (e.g., “anti-war protests”). ‘Ante-‘ means before (e.g., “the ante-chamber to the main hall”).
31. The museum has a rare collection of _____ furniture from the 18th century.
Correct Answer: B. Antique
Explanation: ‘Antique’ means old and valuable (e.g., “She owns an antique clock”). ‘Antic’ refers to bizarre behavior (e.g., “The clown’s antics amused the children”).
32. His remarks were very _____, perfectly fitting the gravity of the situation.
Correct Answer: A. Apposite
Explanation: ‘Apposite’ means highly appropriate (e.g., “His speech was very apposite to the occasion”). ‘Opposite’ means completely different or across from (e.g., “They live on the opposite side of the street”).
33. The experts will _____ the value of the diamond before it goes to auction.
Correct Answer: A. Appraise
Explanation: ‘Appraise’ means to assess value (e.g., “The jeweler appraised the ring at $2,000”). ‘Apprise’ means to inform (e.g., “Please apprise me of any changes in the plan”).
34. They had a long _____ about which movie to watch tonight.
Correct Answer: B. Argument
Explanation: ‘Argument’ is a disagreement (e.g., “They had a fierce argument over politics”). ‘Argue’ is the verb form (e.g., “Don’t argue with your parents”).
35. The magician used clever _____ to hide the coin in his palm.
Correct Answer: B. Artifice
Explanation: ‘Artifice’ means a clever trick (e.g., “The escape was a masterpiece of artifice”). ‘Art’ is creative expression (e.g., “She studied art at university”).
36. The skilled _____ spent weeks carving the intricate wooden door.
Correct Answer: C. Artisan
Explanation: ‘Artisan’ is a skilled manual worker (e.g., “The furniture was made by local artisans”). ‘Artist’ creates fine art (e.g., “Picasso was a famous artist”). ‘Artiste’ is an entertainer (e.g., “The trapeze artiste performed daring stunts”). ‘Artesian’ refers to a well where water rises under pressure (e.g., “an artesian well”).
37. The flowers in the vase were _____, but they looked surprisingly real.
Correct Answer: C. Artificial
Explanation: ‘Artificial’ means man-made (e.g., “artificial light”). ‘Artistic’ refers to creative talent (e.g., “She has an artistic flair”). ‘Artful’ means cunning (e.g., “He is an artful dodger”).
38. The party gained the _____ in the parliament after the recent elections.
Correct Answer: B. Ascendancy
Explanation: ‘Ascendancy’ is a position of dominant power (e.g., “The Roman Empire’s ascendancy over the Mediterranean”). ‘Ascendant’ means rising (e.g., “His career is currently in the ascendant”).
39. The _____ to the top of the mountain was steep and exhausting.
Correct Answer: B. Ascent
Explanation: ‘Ascent’ is an upward path (e.g., “The final ascent to the peak was difficult”). ‘Assent’ means agreement (e.g., “He gave his assent to the proposal”).
40. It is a common _____ that all students will pass the final exam.
Correct Answer: A. Assumption
Explanation: ‘Assumption’ is something accepted without proof (e.g., “We are working on the assumption that the project will be approved”). ‘Presumption’ is belief based on probability (e.g., “There is a presumption of innocence until proven guilty”).
41. You should _____ that all windows are locked before you leave the house.
Correct Answer: B. Ensure
Explanation: ‘Ensure’ means to make certain (e.g., “Please ensure that all lights are off”). ‘Assure’ means to tell someone confidently (e.g., “I assure you that the work is complete”). ‘Insure’ refers to financial coverage (e.g., “The car is insured against theft”).
42. The lawyer tried to _____ the gravity of the crime by mentioning his client’s past hardships.
Correct Answer: B. Extenuate
Explanation: ‘Extenuate’ means to make a crime seem less serious (e.g., “There were extenuating circumstances for his behavior”). ‘Attenuate’ means to weaken or reduce (e.g., “The drug helps to attenuate the symptoms”).
43. You _____ to respect your elders and listen to their advice.
Correct Answer: B. Ought
Explanation: ‘Ought’ indicates duty (e.g., “We ought to help our neighbors”). ‘Aught’ means anything at all (e.g., “For aught I know, he’s already left”).
44. The carpenter used a sharp _____ to bore holes in the wooden planks.
Correct Answer: A. Auger
Explanation: ‘Auger’ is a boring tool (e.g., “He used an auger to drill through the wood”). ‘Augur’ means to portend an outcome (e.g., “The dark clouds augur ill for our picnic”).
45. He sought to _____ his brother’s death by finding the person responsible.
Correct Answer: A. Avenge
Explanation: ‘Avenge’ is seeking justice for a wrong (e.g., “He vowed to avenge his father’s murder”). ‘Revenge’ is personal retaliation (e.g., “She took her revenge by spreading rumors”).
46. Painting is my favorite _____, which I enjoy during my weekends.
Correct Answer: A. Avocation
Explanation: ‘Avocation’ is a hobby (e.g., “His avocation is photography”). ‘Vacation’ is a holiday (e.g., “We are going on vacation to Hawaii”). ‘Vocation’ is a profession (e.g., “Nursing is her true vocation”).
47. The _____ ruins of the city provide a glimpse into the civilization of the past.
Correct Answer: A. Ancient
Explanation: ‘Ancient’ refers to the very distant past (e.g., “ancient Egypt”). ‘Old’ refers to something that has existed for a long time (e.g., “an old house”).
48. The magician created an _____ of a rabbit appearing out of a hat.
Correct Answer: B. Illusion
Explanation: ‘Illusion’ is a false perception (e.g., “The oasis was just an optical illusion”). ‘Allusion’ is an indirect reference (e.g., “The poem contains many allusions to Greek mythology”).
49. The architect measured every _____ of the building to ensure structural stability.
Correct Answer: A. Angle
Explanation: ‘Angle’ is the space between lines (e.g., “a right angle”). ‘Angel’ is a spiritual being (e.g., “an angel with wings”).
50. I sent him an email yesterday, but I haven’t received an _____ yet.
Correct Answer: A. Answer
Explanation: ‘Answer’ is a general response (e.g., “answer the phone”). ‘Reply’ is a response to a specific message (e.g., “reply to an email”).
51. My father’s sister is my _____.
Correct Answer: B. Aunt
Explanation: ‘Aunt’ is a relative (e.g., “my aunt and uncle”). ‘Ant’ is an insect (e.g., “an ant hill”).
52. The young prince was the sole _____ to the royal throne.
Correct Answer: B. Heir
Explanation: ‘Heir’ is a person who inherits (e.g., “the heir to the throne”). ‘Air’ is what we breathe (e.g., “fresh air”). ‘Ere’ means before (e.g., “I shall return ere long”).
53. They were _____ to start the journey when the rain began to fall.
Correct Answer: A. All ready
Explanation: ‘All ready’ means completely prepared (e.g., “The players were all ready for the game”). ‘Already’ means previously (e.g., “I have already seen this movie”).
54. The doctor advised him to _____ from smoking to improve his health.
Correct Answer: A. Abstain
Explanation: ‘Abstain’ means to avoid a habit (e.g., “He abstained from alcohol”). ‘Refrain’ means to stop oneself from an action (e.g., “Please refrain from talking during the movie”).
55. The plan was _____ different from what we had originally discussed.
Correct Answer: A. Altogether
Explanation: ‘Altogether’ means completely (e.g., “The situation is altogether different now”). ‘All together’ means as a group (e.g., “They sang the song all together”).
56. The criminal finally decided to _____ his crimes before the judge.
Correct Answer: C. Confess
Explanation: ‘Confess’ means to admit a fault or crime (e.g., “He confessed to the robbery”). ‘Admit’ means to acknowledge the truth (e.g., “I admit that I made a mistake”). ‘Acknowledge’ means to accept existence (e.g., “He acknowledged his failure”).
57. The student spent the entire night writing an _____ on the impacts of climate change.
Correct Answer: B. Essay
Explanation: ‘Essay’ is a short piece of writing (e.g., “a history essay”). ‘Assay’ is testing a metal (e.g., “The assay showed the gold was 24 carats”).
58. The men gathered at the local pub to share a glass of _____.
Correct Answer: B. Ale
Explanation: ‘Ale’ is a type of beer (e.g., “a pint of ginger ale”). ‘All’ means everything (e.g., “All the students passed”).
59. His success was _____, resulting from a series of lucky coincidences.
Correct Answer: A. Adventitious
Explanation: ‘Adventitious’ means happening by chance (e.g., “adventitious circumstances”). ‘Adventurous’ means seeking risk (e.g., “an adventurous traveler”).
60. He was _____ to taking any risks that could jeopardize his career.
Correct Answer: B. Averse
Explanation: ‘Averse’ means having a strong dislike (e.g., “He is averse to taking risks”). ‘Adverse’ means unfavorable (e.g., “adverse economic conditions”).
61. First _____ is essential for treating minor injuries immediately.
Correct Answer: A. Aid
Explanation: ‘Aid’ is help (e.g., “financial aid”). ‘Adz’ is a woodworking tool (e.g., “The shipbuilder used an adz”).
62. Europe and North America are part of the _____, representing the western world.
Correct Answer: B. Occident
Explanation: ‘Occident’ is the West (e.g., “Occident and Orient”). ‘Accident’ is an mishap (e.g., “a minor traffic accident”).
63. Is it _____ to use that slang in a formal piece of writing?
Correct Answer: A. All right
Explanation: ‘All right’ is the formal spelling (e.g., “Are you all right?”). ‘Alright’ is informal. ‘Elite’ means superior (e.g., “an elite group of soldiers”).
64. The latest _____ of the dictionary includes several new words related to technology.
Correct Answer: C. Edition
Explanation: ‘Edition’ is a version of a book (e.g., “the third edition”). ‘Addition’ means adding something (e.g., “the addition of a new wing”). ‘Audition’ is a test for a performer (e.g., “an audition for a play”).
65. There is a deep _____ between the two rival gangs, leading to frequent clashes.
Correct Answer: B. Antipathy
Explanation: ‘Antipathy’ is strong dislike (e.g., “his antipathy towards politicians”). ‘Apathy’ is lack of interest (e.g., “voter apathy”).
66. No matter what happens, I will _____ love you.
Correct Answer: B. Ever
Explanation: ‘Ever’ means at any time (e.g., “Have you ever been to Paris?”). ‘Aver’ means to assert (e.g., “He averred that he was innocent”).
67. The _____ examination revealed that the patient had a slight hearing loss.
Correct Answer: A. Aural
Explanation: ‘Aural’ relates to hearing (e.g., “aural training”). ‘Oral’ relates to the mouth (e.g., “an oral exam”).
68. He wrote a detailed _____ about his experiences during the war.
Correct Answer: B. Biography
Explanation: ‘Biography’ is written by another (e.g., “a biography of Churchill”). ‘Autobiography’ is written by oneself (e.g., “his autobiography was a bestseller”).
69. The rainbow formed a beautiful _____ across the sky after the storm.
Correct Answer: A. Arc
Explanation: ‘Arc’ is a curve (e.g., “the arc of a circle”). ‘Ark’ is a ship (e.g., “Noah’s Ark”).
70. The library building has two modern _____ that house the digital media collection.
Correct Answer: B. Annexes
Explanation: ‘Annexes’ are building extensions (e.g., “new school annexes”). ‘Annex’ can also mean to seize territory (e.g., “The country was annexed in 1940”).
71. The bride walked slowly down the _____ towards the altar.
Correct Answer: A. Aisle
Explanation: ‘Aisle’ is a passage (e.g., “walking down the aisle”). ‘Isle’ is an island (e.g., “the Isle of Wight”).
72. Carbon is a fundamental _____ in all organic molecules.
Correct Answer: B. Element
Explanation: ‘Element’ is a basic part (e.g., “oxygen is an element”). ‘Aliment’ is food (e.g., “simple aliment”).
73. The author decided to _____ the final chapter to improve the flow of the story.
Correct Answer: A. Amend
Explanation: ‘Amend’ means to change a text (e.g., “amend the constitution”). ‘Emend’ means to correct a text (e.g., “emend a manuscript”).
74. I have no _____ to your proposal as long as the budget remains within limits.
Correct Answer: B. Objection
Explanation: ‘Objection’ is disapproval (e.g., “I have no objection”). ‘Abjection’ is a state of misery (e.g., “living in abjection”).
75. His _____ behavior at the dinner table made everyone feel uncomfortable.
Correct Answer: B. Clumsy
Explanation: ‘Clumsy’ refers to physical movement (e.g., “a clumsy waiter”). ‘Awkward’ refers to social situations (e.g., “an awkward silence”).
76. The light from the _____ guided the ships safely to the harbor.
Correct Answer: B. Beacon
Explanation: ‘Beacon’ is a fire or light set up in a high position as a warning or guide (e.g., “The lighthouse served as a beacon”). ‘Bacon’ is cured meat from a pig (e.g., “He had eggs and bacon for breakfast”).
77. The castle _____ was filled with soldiers preparing for the siege.
Correct Answer: B. Bailey
Explanation: ‘Bailey’ is the outer wall or courtyard of a castle (e.g., “the Old Bailey”). ‘Bailee’ is a person to whom goods are committed in trust (e.g., “The warehouse act as a bailee for the stored goods”).
78. The soldiers hid behind the _____ while firing at the enemy.
Correct Answer: B. Barbette
Explanation: ‘Barbette’ is a protective circular armor around a heavy gun (e.g., “The ship’s guns were mounted in barbettes”). ‘Barber’ is a person whose business is cutting hair (e.g., “I need to visit the barber”).
79. The fisherman put a worm on the hook as _____ to catch the fish.
Correct Answer: A. Bait
Explanation: ‘Bait’ is food used to entice fish or other animals (e.g., “fish bait”). ‘Bate’ is an archaic word meaning to restrain (e.g., “with bated breath”).
80. The land was so _____ that no crops could grow on it.
Correct Answer: B. Barren
Explanation: ‘Barren’ means too poor to produce much or any vegetation (e.g., “a barren desert”). ‘Baron’ is a member of the lowest order of the British nobility (e.g., “a wealthy oil baron”).
81. The Great _____ is a large, heavy bird found in open grasslands.
Correct Answer: B. Bustard
Explanation: ‘Bustard’ is a large, heavily built bird (e.g., “the Houbara bustard”). ‘Bastard’ is an offensive term for an unpleasant person or a person born of parents not married to each other.
82. You should try to _____ your performance in the next exam.
Correct Answer: B. Better
Explanation: ‘Better’ means more excellent or effective (e.g., “a better way to work”). ‘Batter’ is a mixture used in cooking or to hit something hard (e.g., “pancake batter” or “batter the door”).
83. Where have you _____ all this time? We were looking for you everywhere.
Correct Answer: B. Been
Explanation: ‘Been’ is the past participle of ‘be’ (e.g., “I have been busy”). ‘Bean’ is an edible seed (e.g., “kidney beans”).
84. The dictator’s _____ behavior towards his people led to a revolution.
Correct Answer: B. Brute
Explanation: ‘Brute’ means characterized by absence of reasoning or animal-like (e.g., “brute force”). ‘Beast’ is a large or dangerous animal (e.g., “a wild beast”).
85. In some cultures, chewing _____ nut is a common social practice.
Correct Answer: B. Betel
Explanation: ‘Betel’ is the leaf of a plant chewed in South and Southeast Asia (e.g., “betel nut”). ‘Beetle’ is an insect (e.g., “a stag beetle”). ‘Beatles’ refers to the famous English rock band.
86. The dark clouds _____ a heavy storm that is about to arrive.
Correct Answer: A. Bode
Explanation: ‘Bode’ means to be a portent of a particular outcome (e.g., “This does not bode well”). ‘Body’ refers to the physical structure of a person or animal (e.g., “human body”).
87. The Victorian era dresses often featured a tight-fitting _____.
Correct Answer: A. Bodice
Explanation: ‘Bodice’ is the part of a woman’s dress (excluding the sleeves) which covers the torso (e.g., “a lace bodice”). ‘Bodies’ is the plural of ‘body’.
88. The stray dog was so thin that its _____ ribs were visible.
Correct Answer: A. Bony
Explanation: ‘Bony’ means of or like bone; very thin (e.g., “bony fingers”). ‘Bonny’ is a Scottish word meaning attractive or beautiful (e.g., “a bonny baby”).
89. A wild _____ rushed out of the forest and startled the hikers.
Correct Answer: A. Boar
Explanation: ‘Boar’ is a wild pig (e.g., “hunting wild boar”). ‘Bore’ means to make a hole or to be uninteresting (e.g., “bore a hole” or “the lecture was a bore”).
90. He ate a large _____ of cereal for breakfast before heading to school.
Correct Answer: B. Bowl
Explanation: ‘Bowl’ is a round, deep dish (e.g., “a soup bowl”). ‘Bowel’ refers to the part of the alimentary canal (e.g., “bowel movement”).
91. _____ is a system of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind.
Correct Answer: B. Braille
Explanation: ‘Braille’ is a tactile writing system for the blind (e.g., “Braille books”). ‘Brawl’ is a noisy fight or quarrel (e.g., “a bar brawl”).
92. There was a _____ of security when the protesters entered the building.
Correct Answer: A. Breach
Explanation: ‘Breach’ is an act of breaking a law or agreement (e.g., “breach of contract”). ‘Breech’ refers to the back part of a gun or a person’s buttocks (e.g., “breech-loading rifle”).
93. A _____ was spread that the company was going to be sold.
Correct Answer: B. Bruit
Explanation: ‘Bruit’ (archaic/rare) means a report or rumor (e.g., “the bruit of war”). ‘Brute’ means a savagely violent person or animal (e.g., “He’s a complete brute”).
94. Feel free to _____ through the books while you wait for your appointment.
Correct Answer: B. Browse
Explanation: ‘Browse’ means to survey goods or text in a leisurely way (e.g., “browse the internet”). ‘Bruise’ is an injury appearing as an area of discolored skin (e.g., “a bruise on the arm”).
95. Could I _____ your pen for a moment to sign this document?
Correct Answer: B. Borrow
Explanation: ‘Borrow’ means to take and use something with the intention of returning it (e.g., “borrow a book”). ‘Borough’ is a town or district which is an administrative unit (e.g., “the London borough of Camden”).
96. Rabbits live in a _____ which they dig deep into the ground.
Correct Answer: B. Burrow
Explanation: ‘Burrow’ is a hole or tunnel dug by a small animal (e.g., “a rabbit burrow”). ‘Burro’ is a small donkey (e.g., “riding a burro”).
97. We missed the last _____ and had to take a taxi home.
Correct Answer: A. Bus
Explanation: ‘Bus’ is a large motor vehicle (e.g., “school bus”). ‘Buss’ (archaic/dialect) means a kiss (e.g., “He gave her a buss on the cheek”).
98. The cigarette _____ was left in the ashtray.
Correct Answer: B. Butt
Explanation: ‘Butt’ is the thicker end of something or the remains of a smoked cigarette (e.g., “rifle butt” or “cigarette butt”). ‘But’ is a conjunction used to introduce a contrasting clause (e.g., “I like it, but it’s expensive”).
99. The teacher _____ the students to remain quiet during the exam.
Correct Answer: B. Bade
Explanation: ‘Bade’ is the past tense of ‘bid’ meaning to command or greet (e.g., “He bade them farewell”). ‘Bad’ means not good (e.g., “a bad cold”).
100. I cannot _____ the thought of losing my best friend.
Correct Answer: B. Bear
Explanation: ‘Bear’ as a verb means to endure (e.g., “bear the pain”) or as a noun refers to a large animal. ‘Bare’ means not clothed or covered (e.g., “bare feet”).
101. The farmer tied the hay into a large _____ to store it in the barn.
Correct Answer: B. Bale
Explanation: ‘Bale’ is a large bundle of goods (e.g., “a bale of hay”). ‘Bail’ is the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial (e.g., “released on bail”).
102. The baby started to _____ when he couldn’t find his favorite toy.
Correct Answer: B. Bawl
Explanation: ‘Bawl’ means to shout or weep noisily (e.g., “stop bawling!”). ‘Ball’ is a solid or hollow spherical body (e.g., “a football”).
103. He plays the double _____ in the school orchestra.
Correct Answer: B. Bass
Explanation: ‘Bass’ refers to low-frequency sound or a musical instrument (e.g., “bass guitar”). ‘Base’ is the lowest part or foundation (e.g., “the base of the mountain”).
104. World _____ II was the most widespread conflict in human history.
Correct Answer: C. War
Explanation: ‘War’ is a state of armed conflict between different countries or groups (e.g., “Civil War”). ‘Battle’ is a sustained fight between large organized armed forces (e.g., “the Battle of Hastings”). ‘Fight’ is a general term for a struggle or conflict.
105. The heavy snow caused the tree _____ to snap and fall on the power lines.
Correct Answer: B. Bough
Explanation: ‘Bough’ is a main branch of a tree (e.g., “apple bough”). ‘Beau’ is a boyfriend or male admirer (e.g., “her new beau”). ‘Bow’ can mean a weapon for shooting arrows or the act of bending the head (e.g., “bow and arrow”).