English Language MCQ practice free online · page 748

Correct option: D — The Marshal took charge of the ceremonial parade.

The Marshal took charge of the ceremonial parade. In the question, ‘marshal’ is used as a verb meaning to organise or arrange. Options (a), (b), and (c) also use marshal in this same meaning. Option (d) uses Marshal as a noun meaning a high-ranking official. Hence, option (d) contains the most appropriate homonym of the given word.

Correct option: A — Exposure to old paint may cause lead poisoning.

Exposure to old paint may cause lead poisoning. The word ‘lead’ in the question is a verb meaning to guide or direct, while in option (a) ‘lead’ (pronounced “led”) is a noun meaning a heavy, metallic element. Both share the same spelling but differ in pronunciation and meaning. Hence, option (a) contains the homonym of the given word.

Correct option: B — Heavy traffic forced the drivers to yield at the junction.

Heavy traffic forced the drivers to yield at the junction. In the question, yield means produce or give. In option (b), ‘yield’ means to give way to arguments, demands, or pressure. The word has the same spelling but different meanings. Hence, option (b) contains the homonym of the given word.

Correct option: A — The tree bore fruit in spring.

The tree bore fruit in spring. The word “bore” means “carried or endured.” In option (a), “bore” means “produced or gave birth to,” which is a different meaning from “carried or endured,” making it a homonym. Hence, option (a) is the most appropriate Answer.

Correct option: A — She recorded every minute of the experiment in her logbook.

She recorded every minute of the experiment in her logbook. In the question, ‘minute’ means extremely small. While in option (a), ‘minute’ means a period of time equal to 60 seconds. The same word has different meanings. Hence, option (a) contains the homonym of the given word.

Correct option: A — The travellers avoided the deep slough that lay beyond the village.

The travellers avoided the deep slough that lay beyond the village. In the question, slough means to shed/peel off. Sentence (a) uses slough to mean a swamp, marsh, or muddy place, which is the homonym with a different meaning.

Correct option: C — The lawyer attempted to varnish the truth to make the report appear more favourable.

The lawyer attempted to varnish the truth to make the report appear more favourable. In the question, ‘varnish’ is used as a noun meaning a protective coating of paint. In option (c), varnish is used as a verb meaning to disguise the truth. The word has the same spelling but different meanings. Hence, option (c) contains the homonym of the given word.

Correct option: A — The decision to reduce funding seemed to incense several senior members.

The decision to reduce funding seemed to incense several senior members. In the question, incense means a fragrant substance burned for its pleasant aroma. Sentences (b), (c), and (d) use the same meaning. Sentence (a) uses ‘incense’ to mean to infuriate or enrage, which is the different meaning and therefore the correct homonym.

Correct option: D — The sailor tied the knot by first forming a loose bight in the rope and securing it to the cleat.

The sailor tied the knot by first forming a loose bight in the rope and securing it to the cleat. In the question, ‘bight’ means a curve in a coastline, river or other geographical feature. While in option (d), ‘bight’ means a loop of rope. The same word has different meanings. Hence, option (d) contains the homonym of the given word.

Correct option: B — The hotel offered an elaborate buffet featuring dishes from several regions.

The hotel offered an elaborate buffet featuring dishes from several regions. In the question, ‘buffet’ means to strike repeatedly and violently. Sentences (a), (c), and (d) all use ‘buffet’ with the same meaning. Sentence (d) uses ‘buffet’ to mean a self-serve meal, which is a completely different meaning and therefore the correct homonym.