Directions: In the following question, which letter(s) should be suffixed or prefixed as to form meaningful words: __ort, _ awl, _ uffle, ___ rine

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

Explanation

The prefix 'Sh' is the only option that correctly combines with all four word fragments to create common English words.
'Sh' + 'ort' forms 'Short', meaning of little length.
'Sh' + 'awl' forms 'Shawl', a piece of fabric worn over the shoulders.
'Sh' + 'uffle' forms 'Shuffle', meaning to mix or drag one's feet.
'Sh' + 'rine' forms 'Shrine', meaning a holy or sacred place.

Option A: The prefix 'Ab' only forms one meaningful word, 'Abort'. The combinations 'Abawl', 'Abuffle', and 'Abrine' are not valid English words.
Option B: The prefix 'Sn' forms two meaningful words, 'Snort' and 'Snuffle', but fails to create valid words with 'awl' ('Snawl') and 'rine' ('Snrine').
Option C: The prefix 'T' forms 'Tort' and 'Trine', but 'Tawl' and 'Tuffle' are not recognized English words.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Word formation using prefixes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a general aptitude question designed to test vocabulary and logical reasoning, which are foundational skills for nursing professionals.
Strong language skills are essential for nurses for accurate medical documentation, clear communication with patients and colleagues, and understanding complex medical terminology, which often relies on prefixes and suffixes (e.g., 'hyper-'tension, 'brady-'cardia).
What if the question involved medical prefixes like 'dys-', 'hyper-', 'hypo-'? The same logical process applies, but the context would shift to medical terminology, a critical area for nursing students to master.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the task: you need to find a single set of letters from the options that can be placed at the beginning of all four given fragments to form meaningful words.
Methodically test each option. Start with option A, 'Ab'.
Prefix 'Ab' to each fragment: 'Abort' (valid), 'Abawl' (invalid), 'Abuffle' (invalid), 'Abrine' (invalid). Since it doesn't work for all four, eliminate option A.
Repeat the process for option B, 'Sn': 'Snort' (valid), 'Snawl' (invalid), 'Snuffle' (valid), 'Snrine' (invalid). Eliminate option B.
Test option C, 'T': 'Tort' (valid), 'Tawl' (invalid), 'Tuffle' (invalid), 'Trine' (valid). Eliminate option C.
Finally, test option D, 'Sh': 'Short' (valid), 'Shawl' (valid), 'Shuffle' (valid), 'Shrine' (valid). Since 'Sh' works for all four fragments, it is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

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