In the following question, four spellings of the same word are given. Out of the four alternatives, select the correctly spelt word. Target word meaning: extremely cruel, wicked, or shocking.

Introduction / Context:
Spelling questions test your visual memory of correct English word forms. The target word here is commonly used to describe something very bad or shocking, such as an atrocious crime or atrocious behaviour. You must select the spelling that matches standard dictionary usage. This is important for accurate writing in exams, essays, and professional communication.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: atrocious.
• All four options are close variants of the same sound pattern.
• Only one option matches the correct dictionary spelling.
• The meaning is not being tested directly, but it can help you recall the word.

Concept / Approach:
The correct spelling of this adjective is atrocious, with the sequence a-t-r-o-c-i-o-u-s. The suffix -cious is common in English adjectives like suspicious, delicious, and vicious. Incorrect spellings here mainly manipulate the vowels, adding or changing letters. Recognising common suffix patterns like -cious helps you eliminate the wrong options quickly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the word is pronounced with a shus ending, which is usually spelt -cious in English. Step 2: Check option b, atrocious, which ends with -cious and matches this pattern exactly. Step 3: Examine option a, atrocias, which ends with -as and does not resemble any standard English adjective ending. Step 4: Examine option c, atroceous, which incorrectly inserts an extra e and breaks the usual -cious pattern. Step 5: Examine option d, atroacious, which uses -acious instead of -cious; this is not the standard spelling of the word. Step 6: Conclude that atrocious is the correctly spelt form.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of similar words with the same ending: vicious, malicious, delicious, and suspicious all use the -cious spelling. Atrocious fits neatly into this pattern. If you check a trusted dictionary or recall reading the word in newspapers or books, you will recognise the spelling atrocious as standard. The other variations look odd and do not match common spelling patterns.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Atrocias (option a) lacks the -cious ending and resembles no accepted English form of the word. Atroceous (option c) tries to imitate the sound but introduces an unnecessary e after c, creating a nonstandard and confusing pattern. Atroacious (option d) incorrectly uses -acious, which appears in words like audacious but is not used for this word. Therefore, all three are misspellings.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners struggle with English vowel combinations and may overthink the spelling by adding extra vowels. A helpful strategy is to memorise groups of words that share common endings, such as -cious and -tious. When you see a question like this, quickly match the sound with the most familiar and consistent pattern. For atrocious, that pattern is clearly -cious, leading you to the correct option.

Final Answer:
The correctly spelt word is atrocious.