Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Versatile
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
One-word substitution questions ask you to match a clear description with a single word that captures its meaning. The phrase "one who possesses many talents" describes a person who is good at many different activities or skills. In English, there is a specific adjective that expresses this idea very neatly, and this question tests whether you know it.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
"Versatile" is the word used to describe someone who is able to do many different things well, or a thing that can be used in many different ways. A versatile person adapts easily and shows skill in different fields. "Exceptional" simply means very good or unusual in a positive way, but it does not necessarily mean good at many different activities. "Wisdom" is a noun referring to deep knowledge and good judgement, not a description of multi talent. "Nubile" describes a young woman who is physically mature and suitable for marriage, which is completely unrelated to talent. A "Specialist" is skilled in one particular area, the opposite of being broadly talented.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the core idea: a person with many talents, or someone able to do many things well.Step 2: Consider option C, "Versatile". This word specifically means having many skills or being adaptable to many functions, which matches the description closely.Step 3: Examine option A, "Exceptional". Although it suggests high quality, it does not tell us whether the person has many talents or just one outstanding ability.Step 4: Examine option B, "Wisdom". This is a quality, not a description of multi talent. It refers to good judgement rather than many abilities.Step 5: Examine option D, "Nubile". This word is about physical maturity for marriage and is unrelated to talent or skill.Step 6: Examine option E, "Specialist". A specialist is an expert in one specific field, which is almost the opposite of someone whose strength lies in having many talents across fields.Step 7: Conclude that "Versatile" is the only option that exactly matches "one who possesses many talents".
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of common collocations such as "a versatile actor", "a versatile musician" or "a versatile player". In all these cases, the person is recognised for being able to perform many types of roles or tasks, not just one. In contrast, we might call someone "an exceptional singer" even if singing is the only thing they do well. We call a doctor a "specialist" when they focus on one department, like cardiology. These comparisons show that only "Versatile" fits the multi talent description fully.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Exceptional" indicates that someone is very good but leaves open whether this applies to one talent or many; it is too general for this specific description. "Wisdom" is not a person type word; it is an abstract noun. "Nubile" relates solely to physical and social aspects of marriage readiness and is clearly unrelated. "Specialist" points to narrow expertise in one area rather than broad ability, which is the opposite of what the description seeks. None of these therefore matches the idea of possessing many talents.
Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted by "Exceptional" because it sounds positive and impressive, but they must pay attention to the phrase "many talents". The presence of "many" hints at variety and adaptability, which is the key feature of being versatile. Another pitfall is simply choosing the most familiar word rather than the one that most closely fits the description. Making it a habit to connect "Versatile" with "multi talented" will help you answer such questions quickly and accurately.
Final Answer:
The correct one-word substitute for "one who possesses many talents" is Versatile.
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