Choose the correct word that fills in all the sentences given below-
A. Himalaya is the.....of the Ganges.
B. The reporter had a valid.....for the story.
C. He spent hours looking for the.....of that question.
D. The strategy is to ...... supplies from smaller companies

Appeared in: RML Lucknow - 2021

Explanation

The word 'Source' is the correct answer because it is a polysemous word (a word with multiple meanings) that fits the context of all four sentences.
In sentence A, 'source' refers to the geographical origin of a river.
In sentence B, 'source' refers to a person or document that provides information, a common term in journalism.
In sentence C, 'source' means the origin or root cause of something, like a problem or a question.
In sentence D, 'source' is used as a verb, meaning to find a supplier and obtain goods, a common term in business and logistics.

Option B: The word 'Start' fits sentence A but is contextually and grammatically incorrect for the other sentences. For example, one does not 'start supplies' in the sense of procuring them.
Option C: The word 'look' does not fit grammatically in sentences A, B, or C. In sentence D, it would need a preposition like 'for' ('look for supplies') to be grammatically correct, and it would change the meaning from 'procure' to 'search'.
Option D: The word 'Mother' can be used metaphorically in sentence A, but it is completely nonsensical in sentences B, C, and D.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vocabulary and Polysemy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests general English language and vocabulary skills, which are essential for clear communication in any professional field, including nursing.
Accurate understanding and use of words are critical for correct documentation, patient communication, and interprofessional collaboration.
What if the question was about a medical term with multiple meanings? For example, the word 'culture' can refer to a lab test (blood culture) or to a patient's societal beliefs and customs. Understanding context is key in both general and medical vocabulary.

How to Approach the Question

First, read all four sentences to understand the different contexts where the word must fit.
Next, take the first option ('Source') and substitute it into each of the four sentences.
Evaluate if the word makes grammatical and logical sense in every single sentence. In this case, 'Source' fits all four.
To be thorough, repeat the process for the other options ('Start', 'look', 'Mother').
You will find that the other options either don't make sense or are grammatically incorrect in one or more sentences.
Conclude that the only word that correctly fills all four blanks is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Vocabulary and Polysemy
Stem keywords: fill in the sentences, correct word, Himalaya, Ganges, reporter, story, question, supplies
Lead-in keywords: Choose the correct word

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Practise the full RML Lucknow - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.