In a society we may come across both savage and...people.

Appeared in: MNS 2015

Explanation

The sentence uses the structure 'both...and...', which requires two parallel terms, often for contrast.
The word 'savage' is an adjective describing a primitive, uncultured, or wild state.
The blank needs an adjective that serves as a direct opposite (antonym) to 'savage'.
'Civilized' is an adjective that means having an advanced stage of social and cultural development, making it the perfect antonym in this context.

Option A: This adjective means 'polite' or 'courteous'. While related, it is a weaker antonym and does not fully capture the broad societal development contrast implied by 'savage'.
Option B: This is a noun that refers to the state of being civilized or an advanced society itself. The sentence requires an adjective to modify the noun 'people', making 'civilization' grammatically incorrect.
Option D: This adjective means 'capable of becoming civilized'. It describes a potential future state, not a current state, and therefore does not provide a direct contrast to the current state of being 'savage'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vocabulary: Antonyms and Parts of Speech as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Precise language is a core nursing competency essential for accurate patient documentation, clear team communication, and effective patient education.
Understanding the exact meaning and grammatical function of words prevents misinterpretation of a patient's condition, symptoms, or needs.
What if? If a nurse documented a patient's behavior as 'savage' instead of 'agitated' or 'combative', it would be unprofessional, judgmental, and clinically unhelpful. Such language can introduce bias and negatively impact the quality of care.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the sentence structure. The phrase 'both [adjective] and [blank] people' requires another adjective in the blank to maintain parallel structure.
Next, determine the meaning of the given adjective, 'savage', which implies a primitive or undeveloped state.
Evaluate the options to find one that is both an adjective and an antonym (opposite) to 'savage'.
Eliminate 'Civilization' immediately because it is a noun, not an adjective.
Compare the remaining adjectives: 'Civil' (polite), 'Civilized' (socially advanced), and 'Civilizable' (capable of becoming advanced).
Conclude that 'Civilized' provides the most direct and logical contrast to 'savage' in the context of a society.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QvTcsrsh3WPzkKE-rynZJ0

E6 Applied Sociology for Nurses TK Indrani p. 140-142

Practise the full MNS 2015

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