English Language MCQ practice free online · page 747

Correct option: C — The island served as host to several rare species.

The island served as host to several rare species. In the question, host means a consecrated wafer used in the Eucharist. In option (c), ‘host’ means a place or organism that provides shelter or nourishment to another. Thus the same word has different meanings. Hence, option (c) contains the homonym of the given word.

Correct option: A — The antique dealer specialized in Victorian handbags, including a beautiful beaded reticule.

The antique dealer specialized in Victorian handbags, including a beautiful beaded reticule. The word “reticule” refers to a fine scale or grid used in optical instruments. In option (a), reticule refers to a small handbag or purse, which is a homonym because it has the same spelling but a completely different meaning. Hence, option (a) is the most appropriate answer.

Correct option: C — He wound the old clock before going to bed.

He wound the old clock before going to bed. In the question, ‘wound’ means an injury to the body caused by a cut, blow, or other impact. In option (c), ‘wound’ is the past form of the verb “wind”, meaning to turn or twist something. These words have the same spelling but different meanings and pronunciations. Hence, option (c) contains the homonym of the given word.

Correct option: B — The caterer lit the fuel cell under the silver chafer to keep the sauce warm.

The caterer lit the fuel cell under the silver chafer to keep the sauce warm. In the given sentence, “chafer” refers to a type of beetle. In option (b), “chafer” refers to a chafing dish used to keep food warm. Since both words sound the same but have different meanings, they are homonyms. Hence, option (b) is the most appropriate answer.

Correct option: D — The lighthouse sent out a beam of light across the sea.

The lighthouse sent out a beam of light across the sea. In the question, ‘beam’ means a long thick piece of wood. Similarly, in options (a), (b) and (c), ‘beam’ means a long thick piece of wood, concrete or metal. However, in option (d), ‘beam’ means a line of light. Hence, option (d) contains the homonym of the given word.

Correct option: A — The tailor used a fine seer fabric for the summer gown.

The tailor used a fine seer fabric for the summer gown. The word “seer” means a person who can predict the future. In option (a), “seer” refers to a type of lightweight cotton fabric used for clothing, which is a homonym. Hence, option (a) is the most appropriate answer.

Correct option: A — The minister addressed the discussion panel at the summit.

The minister addressed the discussion panel at the summit. In the question, ‘panel’ means a flat, usually rectangular piece of wood or metal. While in option (a), ‘panel’ means a small group of people chosen to give advice or suggestions. Hence, option (a) contains the homonym of the given word.

Correct option: A — Make a right turn at the end of the street.

Make a right turn at the end of the street. The word “right” in the given sentence refers to a moral or legal entitlement. In Option (a), "right" means direction (opposite of left). Both have the same spelling but different meanings, making it a homonym. Hence, option (a) is the most appropriate answer.

Correct option: A — The pattern required her to knit one, purl one.

The pattern required her to knit one, purl one. In the given sentence, “purl” refers to the gentle, murmuring sound of flowing water. In option (a), "purl" refers to a type of stitch in knitting. Both have the same spelling but different meanings, making them homonyms. Hence, option (a) is the most appropriate answer.

Correct option: A — She rose early to watch the sunrise.

She rose early to watch the sunrise. In the question, ‘rose’ means a flower. While in option (a), ‘rose’ is the past form of the verb ‘rise’, which means to get up. Hence, option (a) contains the homonym of the given word.