Correct Answer: (D) makes arrangements for funerals.

Meaning: An undertaker is a person whose profession is to arrange and manage funerals, including the burial or cremation of the deceased.

Example: The undertaker took care of all the funeral arrangements.

Correct Answer: (C) weird or offbeat

Meaning: Outlandish means strange, bizarre, unusual, or unconventional, especially in appearance or behaviour.

Example: His outlandish fashion sense always attracted attention.

Exam Tip: Outlandish usually has a negative or humorous sense, describing something odd, eccentric, or shockingly unusual. Do not confuse it with outdated, which means old-fashioned.

Correct Answer: (B) Anthology

Meaning: An anthology is a collection of poems, stories, essays, or other literary works, usually by different authors, compiled into a single volume.

Example: The library has an anthology of modern Indian poetry.

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these literary terms:

• Anthology = collection of literary works
• Epilogue = concluding section of a book
• Manuscript = author’s original handwritten or typed document
• Lexicon = dictionary or vocabulary of a language

Correct Answer: (A) new case or investigation

Meaning: Afoot means in progress, underway, or beginning to happen. In the expression “The game is afoot,” it means a new case, adventure, or investigation has begun.

Example: As soon as the detective received the clue, he declared, “The game is afoot!”

Exam Tip: Afoot generally means underway or in progress. The expression “The game is afoot”, made famous by Sherlock Holmes, is often used to indicate that a new investigation or exciting activity has begun.

Correct Answer: (D) extremely large and huge

Meaning: Humongous means extremely large, enormous, or gigantic.

Example: They built a humongous shopping mall in the city.

Exam Tip: Humongous is an informal word meaning very large. It is often used interchangeably with enormous, gigantic, or massive in everyday English.

Correct Answer: (B) regicide

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested “-cide” words:

• Regicide = killing a king or queen
• Homicide = killing a human being
• Parricide = killing one’s parent or close relative
• Fratricide = killing one’s brother

Correct Answer: (A) Kidney diseases – urologist

Meaning: A nephrologist is the specialist who diagnoses and treats kidney diseases, whereas a urologist mainly treats diseases of the urinary tract and performs surgeries related to the urinary system and male reproductive organs.

Correct Answer: A) Someone who specializes in statistical studies of voting patterns in elections.

Correct Answer: C. Loquacious

Meaning: Loquacious means very talkative or tending to talk a great deal.

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these commonly tested words:

• Loquacious = Talkative
• Voracious = Having a huge appetite or eager for knowledge
• Impecunious = Poor; having little or no money
• Avaricious = Extremely greedy for wealth or possessions

Correct Answer: D. Hermaphrodite

Meaning: Hermaphrodite refers to an organism that possesses both male and female reproductive organs.

Correct Answer: C. Pregnancy & child birth

Meaning: An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and the care of women before, during, and after delivery.

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these medical specialists:

• Obstetrician = Pregnancy and childbirth
• Paediatrician = Children’s diseases
• Hepatologist = Liver diseases
• Neurologist = Diseases of the nervous system

Correct Answer: (C) fear of confined spaces

Meaning: Claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed or confined spaces, such as elevators, tunnels, or small rooms.

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these commonly tested phobias:

• Claustrophobia = Fear of confined spaces
• Nyctophobia = Fear of darkness
• Agoraphobia = Fear of open or crowded places
• Aquaphobia (Hydrophobia) = Fear of water

Correct Answer: (D) Apiary

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these commonly tested place names:

• Apiary = Place where bees are kept
• Aviary = Place where birds are kept
• Abattoir = Slaughterhouse
• Granary = Storehouse for grain

Correct Answer: (C) Narcissism

Meaning: Narcissism means excessive admiration or love for oneself, often accompanied by an inflated sense of self-importance.

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these commonly tested terms:

• Narcissism = Excessive self-love
• Hedonism = Pursuit of pleasure as the highest good
• Masochism = Deriving pleasure from one’s own pain or humiliation
• Sadism = Deriving pleasure from inflicting pain on others

Correct Answer: (A) Racial killing

Meaning: Genocide means the deliberate and systematic killing of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, with the intent to destroy that group wholly or partly.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested “-cide” words:

• Genocide = Deliberate destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group
• Homicide = Killing of a human being
• Suicide = Killing oneself
• Regicide = Killing a king or queen

Correct Answer: (D) Birds

Explanation: Ornithology is the branch of zoology that deals with the scientific study of birds, including their behaviour, classification, evolution, and ecology.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Ornithology = Study of birds
• Ichthyology = Study of fishes
• Entomology = Study of insects
• Herpetology = Study of reptiles and amphibians

Correct Answer: (D) Fascination with dead bodies

Explanation: Necrophilia refers to a morbid fascination with or sexual attraction to dead bodies. In vocabulary-based examinations, it is generally tested for its literal meaning.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Necrophilia = Fascination with dead bodies
• Paedophilia = Sexual attraction to children
• Bibliophilia = Love of books
• Anglophilia = Love or admiration for England or English culture

Correct Answer: (B) Birds

Explanation: An ornithologist is a scientist who studies birds, including their classification, behaviour, habitat, and evolution. Ornithology is a branch of zoology.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Ornithologist = A person who studies birds
• Entomologist = A person who studies insects
• Ophthalmologist = A doctor specializing in eye diseases
• Cardiologist = A doctor specializing in heart diseases

Correct Answer: (B) Altruist

Explanation: An altruist is a person who shows selfless concern for the welfare and happiness of others, often placing others’ interests before their own.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Altruist = One who is selflessly concerned for others
• Philanthropist = One who promotes the welfare of humanity through charity
• Egoist = One who puts self-interest first
• Humanitarian = One who works for human welfare

Correct Answer: (B) Eyes

Explanation: An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of eye diseases and vision disorders.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Ophthalmologist = Eye specialist
• Cardiologist = Heart specialist
• Endocrinologist = Gland and hormone specialist
• Pulmonologist = Lung specialist

Correct Answer: (A) Mortal

Explanation: Mortal means likely to cause death or fatal. A mortal illness is one that is expected to result in death if not effectively treated.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Mortal = Likely to cause death; fatal
• Terminal = Incurable and expected to end in death
• Chronic = Lasting for a long time
• Acute = Severe and of short duration

Correct Answer: (C) Bones

Explanation: An orthopaedist (orthopedic doctor) specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and spine.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Orthopaedist = Bone and joint specialist
• Ophthalmologist = Eye specialist
• Pulmonologist = Lung specialist
• Obstetrician = Specialist in pregnancy and childbirth

Correct Answer: (C) Enjoys pleasure

Explanation: An Epicurean is a person who enjoys pleasure, especially fine food, drink, and a comfortable lifestyle. The term originates from the philosophy of Epicurus, which emphasized the pursuit of happiness through moderation.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Epicurean = One who enjoys pleasure, especially fine food and drink
• Ascetic = One who lives a life of self-denial
• Gourmet = A connoisseur of fine food
• Hedonist = One who believes that pleasure is the highest good

Correct Answer: (C) Eyes

Explanation: An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of eye diseases and vision disorders.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Ophthalmologist = Eye specialist
• Nephrologist = Kidney specialist
• Hepatologist = Liver specialist
• Cardiologist = Heart specialist

Correct Answer: (B) Dislikes other people

Explanation: A misanthrope is a person who dislikes, distrusts, or avoids other people or humanity in general.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Misanthrope = One who dislikes mankind
• Misogynist = One who dislikes women
• Misandrist = One who dislikes men
• Philanthropist = One who loves mankind and promotes human welfare

Correct Answer: (B) Terminally ill

Explanation: A terminally ill person is suffering from an incurable disease that is expected to lead to death, usually within a limited period. It is more specific than simply being seriously ill.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Terminally ill = Suffering from an incurable illness likely to cause death
• Critically ill = Extremely ill and requiring intensive medical care
• Chronically ill = Suffering from a long-lasting illness
• Convalescent = A person recovering from an illness

Correct Answer: (B) Glands

Explanation: An endocrinologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the endocrine glands and the hormones they produce, such as the thyroid, pancreas, and pituitary glands.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Endocrinologist = Specialist in endocrine glands and hormones
• Dentist = Teeth specialist
• Epidemiologist = Specialist in the study of diseases and epidemics
• Cardiologist = Heart specialist

Correct Answer: (B) Endure

Explanation: A stoic is a person who endures pain, hardship, or suffering with patience and without complaining or showing emotion.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Stoic = One who endures pain without complaint
• Ascetic = One who practices self-denial
• Optimist = One who expects the best
• Pessimist = One who expects the worst

Correct Answer: (B) Extrovert

Explanation: An extrovert is a person who is outgoing, sociable, and enjoys interacting with others. Extroverts generally feel energized by social situations.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Extrovert = A person with an outgoing and sociable nature
• Introvert = A person who is reserved and prefers solitude
• Megalomaniac = A person with an exaggerated sense of power or importance
• Philanthropist = A person who loves mankind and promotes the welfare of others

Correct Answer: (A) Kleptomaniac

Explanation: A kleptomaniac is a person who has an irresistible or uncontrollable urge to steal, even when the stolen items are of little or no personal value.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Kleptomaniac = A person with an uncontrollable urge to steal
• Pyromaniac = A person with an uncontrollable urge to set fire
• Necrophobic = A person who has an irrational fear of dead bodies or death
• Megalomaniac = A person obsessed with power or an exaggerated sense of self-importance

Correct Answer: (C) Gypsy

Explanation: Gypsy is the traditional term for the Romani people, an ethnic group historically associated with a nomadic lifestyle and speakers of the Romani (Romany) language. In modern usage, “Romani” is the preferred and more respectful term.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Gypsy (Romani) = A traditionally nomadic member of the Romani people
• Nomad = A person who moves from place to place without permanent settlement
• Vagabond = A person who wanders without a fixed home or job
• Truant = A student who stays away from school without permission

Correct Answer: (B) Insecticide

Explanation: An insecticide is a chemical or biological substance used to kill or control insects that damage crops, spread diseases, or become household pests.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Insecticide = A substance used to kill insects
• Herbicide = A substance used to kill weeds
• Fungicide = A substance used to kill fungi
• Rodenticide = A substance used to kill rodents

Correct Answer: (D) Chauvinist

Explanation: A chauvinist is a person who displays excessive or blind loyalty and belief in the superiority of their own group, nation, gender, or cause. The statement reflects this attitude of superiority.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Chauvinist = One who believes his/her own group or nation is superior
• Egoist = A person who is excessively self-centered
• Pacifist = A person who opposes war and violence
• Anarchist = A person who believes in the abolition of government or authority

Correct Answer: (B) Stars

Explanation: Astronomy is the scientific study of stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial objects and phenomena. Among the given options, Stars is the most appropriate answer.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Astronomy = Study of stars and celestial bodies
• Astrology = Belief that celestial bodies influence human affairs
• Geology = Study of the Earth
• Meteorology = Study of the atmosphere and weather

Correct Answer: (A) Boxer

Explanation: A pugilist is a boxer or a person who takes part in the sport of boxing. The term comes from the Latin word pugil, meaning “boxer” or “fighter.”

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Pugilist = Boxer
• Philatelist = Collector of postage stamps
• Numismatist = Collector of coins and currency
• Ornithologist = Scientist who studies birds

Correct Answer: (B) Murder of a king

Explanation: Regicide means the killing or murder of a king (or, in a broader sense, a monarch). The word is derived from the Latin rex (king) and -cide (killing).

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Regicide = Murder of a king or monarch
• Patricide = Murder of one’s father
• Fratricide = Murder of one’s brother
• Sororicide = Murder of one’s sister

Correct Answer: (B) Venison

Explanation: Venison is the meat obtained from a deer. It is a commonly tested one-word substitution in competitive examinations.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Venison = Meat of a deer
• Mutton = Meat of a sheep
• Pork = Meat of a pig
• Beef = Meat of a cow or bull

Correct Answer: (C) Nails

Explanation: A manicurist is a person who grooms, cleans, and beautifies the fingernails and hands. The care of toenails is generally associated with a pedicurist.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Manicurist = A person who cares for fingernails
• Pedicurist = A person who cares for feet and toenails
• Chiropodist (Podiatrist) = Specialist in foot care
• Cosmetologist = Specialist in beauty treatments

Correct Answer: (B) Speaking to oneself

Explanation: A soliloquy is the act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when alone or regardless of any listeners. It is commonly used in drama to reveal a character’s inner thoughts.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Soliloquy = Speaking to oneself
• Monologue = A long speech by one person
• Dialogue = Conversation between two people
• Oration = A formal public speech

Correct Answer: (C) Administratrix

Explanation: Administratrix is the traditional legal term for a female administrator, especially one appointed to manage the estate of a deceased person. In modern English, administrator is commonly used regardless of gender.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Administratrix = Female administrator (traditional legal term)
• Executrix = Female executor of a will
• Testatrix = Female who makes a will
• Administratrix and Executrix are traditional legal terms; modern usage is generally gender-neutral.

Correct Answer: (B) Angler

Explanation: An angler is a person who catches fish using a fishing rod and line, usually as a sport or hobby. A fisherman catches fish professionally, while a fishmonger sells fish.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Angler = A person who catches fish as a hobby
• Fisherman = A person who catches fish as a profession
• Fishmonger = A person who sells fish
• Hunter = A person who hunts wild animals

Correct Answer: (B) A maniac

Explanation: A maniac is a person exhibiting extreme or irrational obsession or abnormal mental excitement. Among the given options, it best matches the description of a person with an irrationally fixed idea. Eccentric means unconventional, manikin means a mannequin or small model, and phobic refers to someone suffering from an irrational fear.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Maniac = A person with an irrational obsession or violent mental excitement
• Eccentric = Unconventional or odd in behavior
• Phobic = Having an irrational fear of something
• Manikin = A mannequin or small model of the human body

Correct Answer: (B) Osteopath

Explanation: An osteopath is a medical practitioner specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to bones, joints, muscles, and the musculoskeletal system. Among the given options, Osteopath is the correct answer.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Osteopath = Specialist in bones and the musculoskeletal system
• Orthodontist = Specialist in correcting teeth and jaw alignment
• Podiatrist = Specialist in foot and ankle disorders
• Oncologist = Specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer

Correct Answer: (A) Sonnet

Explanation: A sonnet is a poem consisting of 14 lines, usually written in a fixed rhyme scheme. The two most common forms are the Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnets.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Sonnet = A poem of 14 lines
• Lyric = A short poem expressing personal emotions
• Elegy = A poem mourning the dead
• Epic = A long narrative poem about heroic deeds

Correct Answer: (D) Misanthropist

Explanation: A misanthropist is a person who hates, distrusts, or avoids mankind or humanity in general. The noun is derived from misanthropy, meaning hatred of humankind.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Misanthropist = One who hates mankind
• Philanthropist = One who loves mankind and promotes human welfare
• Misogynist = One who hates women
• Misandrist = One who hates men

Correct Answer: (A) Horticulture

Explanation: Horticulture is the science and art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, and gardens. Gardening is the practical activity of maintaining a garden, while Botany is the scientific study of plants, and Geology is the study of the Earth and rocks.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested terms:

• Horticulture = Cultivation and management of gardens, fruits, vegetables, and flowers
• Botany = Scientific study of plants
• Agriculture = Cultivation of crops and rearing of animals
• Geology = Scientific study of the Earth, rocks, and minerals

Correct Answer: (A) Theocracy

Explanation: A theocracy is a form of government in which religious leaders rule or the state is governed according to divine guidance or religious laws.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Theocracy = Government by religious authority or divine guidance
• Oligarchy = Government by a small group of people
• Aristocracy = Government by the nobility or privileged class
• Democracy = Government by the people

Correct Answer: (A) Epidemic

Explanation: An epidemic is the rapid spread of a disease affecting many people in a particular community, region, or country at the same time.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Epidemic = Disease affecting many people in a particular area
• Pandemic = Disease spreading across multiple countries or continents
• Endemic = Disease regularly found in a particular region
• Sporadic = Disease occurring irregularly or infrequently

Correct Answer: (D) An Anthology

Explanation: An anthology is a collection of literary works, especially poems, short stories, or essays, usually by one or more authors, compiled into a single volume.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Anthology = A collection of poems or literary works
• Compendium = A concise collection of information
• Glossary = A list of terms with meanings
• Bibliography = A list of books or sources on a subject

Correct Answer: (A) Pedestrian

Explanation: A pedestrian is a person who travels or walks on foot, especially along roads or streets.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Pedestrian = A person travelling on foot
• Rambler = A person who walks for pleasure, especially in the countryside
• Wanderer = A person who roams from place to place without a fixed destination
• Pilgrim = A person who travels to a sacred place for religious reasons

Correct Answer: (C) Translation

Explanation: An interpreter translates spoken language from one language to another in real time. (A translator, on the other hand, usually translates written text.)

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Interpreter = A person who translates spoken language
• Translator = A person who translates written language
• Transcriber = A person who converts speech into written form
• Linguist = A person who studies or is skilled in languages

Correct Answer: (C) Without a settled home or regular work

Explanation: A vagrant is a person who wanders from place to place without a permanent home, regular employment, or visible means of support.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Vagrant = A person without a settled home or regular work
• Nomad = A person who moves from place to place without permanent settlement
• Exile = A person forced to live outside their native country
• Refugee = A person who leaves their country to escape war, persecution, or disaster

Correct Answer: (B) Treason

Explanation: Treason is the crime of betraying one’s own country, such as aiding its enemies or attempting to overthrow the government by unlawful means. It is considered one of the gravest offences against the state.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Treason = Betrayal of one’s own country
• Sedition = Incitement against the authority of the state through words or actions
• Treachery = Betrayal of trust or deliberate deceit
• Espionage = The act of spying to obtain secret information

Correct Answer: (D) Epilogue

Explanation: An epilogue is the concluding section of a literary work, where the final outcome of the story or the fate of the characters is revealed after the main narrative ends.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Epilogue = Concluding part of a literary work
• Prologue = Introductory section of a literary work
• Epigraph = A quotation or short motto at the beginning of a book or chapter
• Epitaph = An inscription on a tomb in memory of the deceased

Correct Answer: (C) Plutocracy

Explanation: A plutocracy is a form of government in which political power is held by the wealthy or the richest class.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Plutocracy = Government by the wealthy
• Aristocracy = Government by the nobility or privileged class
• Monarchy = Government by a king or queen
• Oligarchy = Government by a small group of powerful people

Correct Answer: (B) An anarchist

Explanation: An anarchist is a person who advocates the abolition of government or established authority. In vocabulary questions, this is the standard term for someone seeking to eliminate governmental control. A terrorist is someone who uses violence or intimidation, while militant and extremist are broader terms that do not necessarily imply opposition to the existence of government.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested political terms:

• Anarchist = One who advocates the abolition of government
• Terrorist = One who uses violence to achieve political or ideological goals
• Militant = Aggressively active in support of a cause
• Extremist = A person holding extreme political or ideological views

Correct Answer: (D) Credulous

Explanation: A credulous person is too ready to believe something without sufficient evidence and is therefore easily deceived.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Credulous = Too ready to believe
• Sceptical = Doubtful or questioning
• Gullible = Easily fooled or deceived
• Naïve = Innocent and lacking worldly experience

Correct Answer: (B) Compatriots

Explanation: Compatriots are people who belong to or come from the same country. The term refers to fellow citizens or nationals.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Compatriot = A fellow citizen or person from the same country
• Comrade = A companion or associate, especially in a common cause
• Immigrant = A person who comes to live permanently in another country
• Refugee = A person forced to leave their country due to war, persecution, or disaster

Correct Answer: (C) Biographer

Explanation: A biographer is a person who writes the life story of another person. When someone writes the story of their own life, it is called an autobiography.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Biographer = A writer of another person’s life story
• Autobiographer = A writer of their own life story
• Historian = A person who studies and writes about history
• Diarist = A person who regularly writes a diary or journal

Correct Answer: (B) An Anthology

Explanation: An anthology is a collection of selected literary works, especially poems, by one or more authors, compiled in a single volume.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Anthology = A collection of poems or literary works
• Journal = A periodical publication or personal diary
• Casebook = A book containing records of legal or medical cases
• Compendium = A concise collection of information or knowledge

Correct Answer: (C) Manuscript

Explanation: A manuscript is a document or literary work written by hand, or an author’s original typed or handwritten copy before publication.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Manuscript = A handwritten or original copy of a document
• Script = Written text of a play, film, or speech
• Inscription = Words engraved on stone, metal, or another surface
• Transcript = A written or printed copy of spoken or recorded material

Correct Answer: (B) Hibernating

Explanation: Hibernating refers to the state in which certain animals enter a prolonged period of deep sleep or greatly reduced metabolic activity during winter to conserve energy.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Hibernate = Sleep through the winter
• Estivate (Aestivate) = Become dormant during hot or dry summer conditions
• Ruminate = Chew the cud; also, think deeply
• Migrate = Move from one region to another seasonally

Correct Answer: (B) Tyrant

Explanation: A tyrant is a cruel and oppressive ruler who exercises power unjustly or harshly. Although a dictator may also rule with absolute power, tyrant specifically emphasizes oppression and cruelty.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Tyrant = A cruel and oppressive ruler
• Dictator = A ruler with absolute power
• Demagogue = A leader who gains support by appealing to emotions and popular prejudices
• Emperor = The sovereign ruler of an empire

Correct Answer: (C) Impostor

Explanation: An impostor is a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, often for personal gain.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Impostor = A person pretending to be someone else
• Fraud = A person who deceives others for unlawful gain
• Charlatan = A person falsely claiming special knowledge or skills
• Traitor = A person who betrays their own country or cause

Correct Answer: (B) Barracks

Explanation: A barracks is a building or group of buildings used to accommodate soldiers. While a camp is a temporary military encampment, barracks specifically refers to the permanent living quarters of soldiers.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Barracks = A dwelling for soldiers
• Dormitory = A sleeping room for students or workers
• Hostel = An inexpensive place providing accommodation
• Kennel = A shelter for dogs

Correct Answer: (D) Confectioner

Explanation: A confectioner is a person who makes or sells sweets, cakes, pastries, chocolates, and other confectionery items. A baker mainly prepares and bakes bread, cakes, and similar products, but the specific one-word substitution for a seller of cakes and sweets is confectioner.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Confectioner = A maker or seller of sweets and cakes
• Baker = A person who bakes bread, cakes, and pastries
• Grocer = A seller of food and household provisions
• Butcher = A seller of meat

Correct Answer: (C) An orphan

Explanation: An orphan is a child whose both parents have died. A foundling is a child who has been abandoned by the parents and found by others.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Orphan = A child who has lost both parents
• Foundling = An abandoned child found by someone
• Widow = A woman whose husband has died
• Widower = A man whose wife has died

Correct Answer: (B) Prohibited

Explanation: Prohibited means forbidden by law, rule, or authority. Therefore, something that is not permissible is described as prohibited.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Prohibited = Forbidden; not allowed
• Mandatory = Required by law or rule
• Permissible = Allowed or acceptable
• Obligatory = Compulsory; required by duty or law

Correct Answer: (C) An emigrant

Explanation: An emigrant is a person who leaves their own country to settle in another country. The same person is called an immigrant from the perspective of the country they enter. A refugee leaves due to war, persecution, or disaster.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Emigrant = One who leaves one’s own country
• Immigrant = One who enters and settles in another country
• Refugee = One forced to leave due to persecution, war, or disaster
• Migrant = One who moves from one place to another, often for work or better opportunities

Correct Answer: (C) Notorious

Explanation: Notorious describes a person who is well known for bad deeds or an unfavorable reputation. It means famous for negative reasons.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Notorious = Famous for something bad
• Infamous = Having an extremely bad reputation
• Renowned = Famous and highly respected
• Eminent = Famous and distinguished in a particular field

Correct Answer: (C) Incredible

Explanation: Incredible means too extraordinary or unlikely to be believed. Hence, a ghost story that is beyond belief is described as incredible.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Incredible = Beyond belief; impossible to believe
• Plausible = Seemingly reasonable or believable
• Fictitious = Imaginary; not real
• Supernatural = Beyond the laws of nature; relating to ghosts or spirits

Correct Answer: (A) Impulsive

Explanation: An impulsive person acts suddenly without careful thought or planning, often driven by immediate emotions or instincts.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Impulsive = Acting suddenly without thinking
• Prudent = Acting with care and good judgment
• Impetuous = Acting quickly and rashly
• Deliberate = Done carefully after thoughtful consideration

Correct Answer: (A) Sabotage

Explanation: Sabotage means the deliberate destruction, damage, or obstruction of work, equipment, or operations, especially to weaken or disrupt an organization or activity.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Sabotage = Deliberate disruption or destruction of work
• Vandalism = Deliberate destruction of public or private property
• Boycott = Refusal to deal with or buy from someone as a form of protest
• Mutiny = Revolt against lawful authority, especially by soldiers or sailors

Correct Answer: (B) Contraband

Explanation: Contraband refers to goods whose possession, sale, import, or export is prohibited by law. Such goods are illegal to trade or transport.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Contraband = Goods prohibited by law
• Smuggling = Illegal import or export of goods
• Narcotics = Addictive drugs, often controlled by law
• Consignment = A batch of goods sent to a consignee

Correct Answer: (B) Pensive

Explanation: Pensive means engaged in deep or serious thought, often with a hint of sadness or reflection. It is the most appropriate one-word substitution for “in deep thought.”

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested one-word substitutions:

• Pensive = Deep in thought
• Contemplative = Given to prolonged and thoughtful reflection
• Meditative = Inclined to deep reflection or meditation
• Perturbed = Disturbed, anxious, or worried