In this English vocabulary and usage question on choosing the correct verb, select the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: "The king was _______ while he was addressing his subjects." Choose the option that best fits the context of killing a ruler for political reasons.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of fine distinctions between similar verbs related to killing: "murdered", "executed", "assassinated", and "exterminated". The sentence describes a king being killed while addressing his subjects, which suggests a treacherous or politically motivated killing of a high profile figure. You must choose the precise verb that fits this specific context.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: "The king was _______ while he was addressing his subjects."
• Options:
  • murdered
  • executed
  • assassinated
  • exterminated
  • poisoned
• The subject is "The king", a head of state or ruler.
• The killing happens during a public address, suggesting an attack or conspiracy.

Concept / Approach:
Different verbs describe different types of killing:

• "Murder" means to kill unlawfully with intent, but it is a general term and does not specify rank or motive.
• "Execute" means to lawfully put someone to death as a punishment after a legal process.
• "Assassinate" means to murder an important or famous person, often a political leader, usually for political or ideological reasons.
• "Exterminate" means to destroy completely, usually used for groups, pests, or animals, not individual human rulers.
• "Poison" focuses on the method, not necessarily the status or motive.

Since the victim is a king addressing his subjects, a politically motivated killing of a ruler is most accurately called an "assassination".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that "king" is a high profile political and symbolic figure. Step 2: Note that he is killed "while he was addressing his subjects", implying a public, possibly planned attack rather than a legal punishment. Step 3: "Executed" is ruled out because it suggests a legal, judicial killing after a trial, which does not match the context. Step 4: "Exterminated" is inappropriate for a single human individual and sounds harshly incorrect for a king. Step 5: "Murdered" is correct in a general sense but does not emphasise the political or high profile nature of the killing. Step 6: "Assassinated" specifically refers to killing a prominent person, especially a political leader, often during public events or for political motives. Step 7: Therefore, "assassinated" is the most precise and context-appropriate verb.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of historical examples: leaders such as presidents, prime ministers, and kings are commonly described as being "assassinated" (for example, "The president was assassinated during his speech"). Newspapers and history books consistently use "assassinated" rather than "murdered" when the victim is a major political or royal figure killed for political reasons. This consistent usage confirms that "assassinated" is the correct answer in this exam question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• murdered: Too general; does not highlight the political or high profile nature of the victim.
• executed: Implies a lawful killing after trial and sentencing, which does not match the scene of a king addressing his subjects.
• exterminated: Used for mass killing or pest control; inappropriate and disrespectful in this context.
• poisoned: Focuses on method rather than status; the question gives no hint that poison, specifically, was used.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners use "murder" and "assassinate" interchangeably, but exams often test this subtle difference. Remember: "assassinate" is for important public figures killed, usually for political, ideological, or religious reasons. "Execute" is legal punishment, while "murder" is a general unlawful killing. Knowing these distinctions helps you interpret news headlines and historical texts accurately and score better in vocabulary questions.

Final Answer:
The correct completion is "assassinated", giving the sentence: "The king was assassinated while he was addressing his subjects.".