One word substitution: a single verb meaning to rummage about in a place or container in search of something

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for a one word verb that captures the meaning of the longer phrase "to rummage about in a place or container in search of something". Such questions are important in English exams because they test your range of verbs and your ability to choose a term that matches both the action and its purpose, which here is searching in a slightly thorough or secretive way.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase describes someone rummaging about, that is, searching actively through a place or container.
• The purpose is to look for something that may be hidden, lost, or not immediately visible.
• The context suggests a continuous or energetic search, rather than a single quick look.
• The options are "to rake", "to excavate", "to ferret", and "to poke".
• We must find the verb that most naturally fits this idea in standard English usage.

Concept / Approach:
The key word in the phrase is "rummage", which itself means to search thoroughly by moving things around. In idiomatic English, the expression "to ferret about" or "to ferret around" is commonly used to describe searching in a place or among objects in order to find something. The verb "to ferret" has a figurative meaning derived from the way ferrets hunt in burrows, so it fits well with the idea of rummaging. Other options either focus on different actions or lack the searching nuance.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Match each option to its usual meaning in English. Step 2: "To rake" usually means to gather or scrape things together using a rake; it is not mainly used for searching inside containers. Step 3: "To excavate" means to dig out earth or remove material, typically in construction or archaeology, not to search in cupboards or bags. Step 4: "To ferret" (often used as "to ferret about" or "to ferret around") means to look around in a place in a persistent way to find something, very close to rummaging. Step 5: "To poke" means to prod something with a finger or stick; while it can be part of searching, it does not itself convey the idea of thorough rummaging. Step 6: Conclude that "to ferret" best matches the sense of the phrase given.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by forming natural sentences. "She ferreted about in the drawer for her keys" is a standard sentence in English. In contrast, "She excavated in the drawer" or "She raked in the drawer" sound odd or incorrect. The idiomatic pairing "ferret about" is very close in meaning to "rummage about", confirming that "to ferret" is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: "To rake" focuses on gathering leaves or similar items and does not naturally collocate with searching containers. Option B: "To excavate" suggests large scale digging and is too strong and specialised for everyday container searching. Option D: "To poke" implies prodding, not a full rummaging or searching action.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be misled by literal images, such as raking through something, but idiomatic usage is more important than imagination. Another pitfall is ignoring collocations: many verbs acquire their meaning from the phrases they commonly appear in. Knowing that English speakers say "ferret about for something" can help you choose correctly. Building a habit of reading widely improves recognition of such collocations.

Final Answer:
The best one word substitute is "to ferret", so option C is correct.