In the following question, four spellings of the same word are given, out of which only one spelling is correct. Select the correctly spelt plural noun for curved swords used in battle.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Scimitars

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question examines your ability to recognise the standard spelling of a relatively less common English word that appears in history, fantasy literature, and descriptions of weapons. The word refers to a type of curved sword commonly associated with Middle Eastern or Asian warriors.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The word required is the plural of a curved sword, pronounced approximately "sim i tars."
  • Four close looking variants are presented.
  • Only one matches the correct English spelling used in standard dictionaries.


Concept / Approach:
The correct spelling is "scimitars." Important elements in this spelling are the initial "sci," the middle "mi," and the final "tars." Spelling questions often alter one vowel or consonant to create confusion. Recognising the "sci" cluster at the beginning and the "tar" part near the end helps fix the correct form in memory.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the standard singular form is "scimitar" and the plural is "scimitars." Step 2: Compare each option with this pattern. Step 3: Option B, "Scimitars," matches the remembered spelling exactly: S C I M I T A R S. Step 4: Notice that the other options misuse vowels or rearrange letters, which makes them incorrect. Step 5: Choose option B as the correct spelling.


Verification / Alternative check:
You may have seen this word in sentences such as "The warriors drew their scimitars" or in fantasy games where weapons are listed. These uses always follow the same spelling pattern. None of the altered versions in the other options appear in recognised reference works, which confirms that "Scimitars" is the only acceptable spelling here.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Scemitars: The second letter is "c," but the third letter should be "i," not "e," so the opening "sce" is incorrect.
  • Scimetars: This replaces the sequence "itar" with "etar," disturbing the correct vowel pattern before the final consonants.
  • Scemetars: This combines the earlier errors, using "sce" instead of "sci" and "etar" instead of "itar."


Common Pitfalls:
Students may rely on approximate sound and guess that any of the similar looking forms is acceptable. Another trap is to focus only on the first and last letters while ignoring the interior pattern "imi," which is distinctive. For spelling items, always trace the entire word from beginning to end, checking each vowel and consonant in order.


Final Answer:
The correctly spelt plural noun for the curved swords described is Scimitars.

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