Selecting Words - English Aptitude MCQ Questions and Answers

If our friends are not able to take us in their car, we must make alternative arrangements to go to the airport.
In this context, "alternative" means substitute or backup. The sentence suggests that if the initial plan of having friends take the speaker to the airport falls through, they must make other arrangements. Therefore, "alternative" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, conveying the idea of having a backup plan in case the original plan fails.

Let's break down the clues in the sentence:

1. "A crescendo of metallic thuds": This tells us about the sound. It's the sound of metal hitting metal, getting louder and louder.
2. "iron-smiths": These are people whose job is to work with iron or other metals, usually by heating them and shaping them.
3. "pieces of metals": This is the material the iron-smiths are working on.

So, we need a word that describes the action an iron-smith performs on metal that creates "metallic thuds."

Let's look at the options:

Option A: flattening
"Flattening" means making something flat. While an iron-smith might make metal flat, "flattening" describes the result of the action, not the action itself that creates the "thuds." The sound comes from the *hitting*, not from the state of being flat. So, this isn't the best fit for the verb that causes the sound.

Option B: striking
"Striking" means to hit something forcefully. Iron-smiths do hit metal forcefully to shape it, and this action definitely causes "metallic thuds." This is a good general word for hitting.

Option C: hammering
"Hammering" means to hit something repeatedly with a hammer. Iron-smiths are known for using hammers to shape metal. This word perfectly describes the action of repeatedly hitting metal, which produces exactly the kind of "crescendo of metallic thuds" mentioned in the sentence. It fits the profession (iron-smiths) and the sound described perfectly. This is a very strong and specific option.

Option D: thrashing
"Thrashing" means to hit someone or something repeatedly and violently, often in a wild or uncontrolled way. While it involves hitting, "thrashing" doesn't usually describe the skilled and deliberate work of an iron-smith shaping metal. It sounds too violent or random for the context of craftsmanship.

Why Option C is the best answer:
While "striking" (Option B) is generally correct, "hammering" (Option C) is more precise and accurate for what an iron-smith does. They use a hammer to work on metal, and the sound of "metallic thuds" is exactly what you would hear from the action of hammering. It's the most natural and professional term for this situation.

Therefore, the iron-smiths were hammering the pieces of metals.

I haven't eaten an apple for a long while.
In this context, "for" is the correct preposition to use to indicate the duration of time during which the action of not eating an apple has occurred. "For" is commonly used with expressions of time to specify the duration of an action or event. Therefore, "for" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the duration of time during which the speaker has not eaten an apple.

The parliament invested the new organization with judicial authority.
In this context, "with" is the correct preposition to indicate the granting or conferring of authority or power upon something or someone. "With" is commonly used in this context to express the idea of providing or endowing something with a particular quality or ability. Therefore, "with" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the action of investing the new organization with judicial authority.

In this context, "lay off" means to terminate the employment of workers due to a lack of work or economic reasons. The sentence suggests that because of the power cut affecting production in the factories, they are being compelled to reduce their workforce by terminating employees. Therefore, "lay off" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the action of forced unemployment due to the power cut.

Man must act to stop pollution.
In this context, "act" is the most appropriate verb to convey the idea of taking action to address or mitigate pollution. "Act" implies taking deliberate steps or measures to achieve a particular goal, which aligns with the intention of stopping pollution. Therefore, "act" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the necessity for proactive intervention to combat pollution.

He was sent to the prison for his crime.
In this context, "crime" refers to an illegal act or offense that is punishable by law. The sentence indicates that the individual was imprisoned as a consequence of committing a crime. Therefore, "crime" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the reason for the person's imprisonment.

The answer was written in blue ink.
In this context, "in" is the correct preposition to describe the medium or substance used for writing. "In" is commonly used when specifying the material or color in which something is written or drawn. Therefore, "in" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately indicating the color of the ink used for writing.

Many historic decisions were taken at the meeting.
In this context, "historic" refers to decisions that are significant or momentous in the context of history or a particular period. "Historic" is used to describe events or decisions that have a lasting impact or are of great importance. Therefore, "historic" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, conveying the idea of decisions that hold historical significance.

Those who persist in the endeavor at long last triumph over the odds of life.
In this context, "over" is used to indicate overcoming or prevailing against challenges or obstacles. The phrase "triumph over" means to achieve victory or success despite facing difficulties. Therefore, "over" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the idea of overcoming the odds of life through persistence and determination.