Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: advise
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This fill in the blank question checks your ability to choose the correct verb that collocates naturally with "school counsellor" and "career options". In English, counsellors typically give guidance, suggestions, or professional opinions. The most suitable verb to express this action is "advise". The other options either do not fit grammatically or do not convey the correct meaning in this context.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The verb "advise" means to give someone suggestions, recommendations, or guidance, especially in a professional or expert capacity. It fits perfectly with "on some of my career options", because we commonly say "advise me on my career" or "advise me on what to do". The other verbs require different structures: "speak" usually takes "to" as a preposition, "say" does not take a personal object with "on", and "listen" needs "to", not "on". Thus, only "advise" both matches the meaning and fits grammatically with the preposition "on" and the object "me".
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the counsellor's function: he or she is expected to give guidance about career options.Step 2: Test "advise": "the school counsellor will advise me on some of my career options" – this is natural and correct.Step 3: Test "speak": normally we would say "speak to me about my career options", not "speak me on". The structure in the sentence does not suit "speak".Step 4: Test "say": we would say "say something to me" or "say that...", not "say me on some options". This is ungrammatical.Step 5: Test "listen": the counsellor could "listen to me", but the sentence requires an action directed towards me, not from me. "Listen me on some of my career options" is wrong. Therefore, "advise" is the only suitable choice.
Verification / Alternative check:
Think of similar sentences: "My teacher advised me on which subjects to choose", "The lawyer advised me on my rights", "The doctor advised me on my diet." All these follow the pattern "advise + object + on + topic". The sentence in the question has exactly the same structure. In contrast, "speak me", "say me", and "listen me" are never used in standard English, which confirms that they cannot be correct answers here.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, "speak", would need "to": "speak to me", and usually a different preposition like "about", not "on", when describing the topic. Option C, "say", does not take a direct object in this way; we say "say something" or "say to me", not "say me on options". Option D, "listen", describes receiving information rather than giving guidance and would require "to", not "on". Thus, each of these alternatives either breaks grammar rules or fails to express the intended meaning.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse "advise" (verb) with "advice" (noun) and may hesitate to use the correct form. Others might pick "speak" because they associate meetings with people speaking. However, the sentence is clearly about guidance, not just talking. To avoid such errors, remember that professionals like counsellors, doctors, and lawyers typically "advise" clients or students "on" specific matters.
Final Answer:
The correct completion is: "At the meeting, the school counsellor will advise me on some of my career options."
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