Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: numeracy
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests spelling accuracy in English, an area that is very important for competitive examinations, written communication, and professional usage. Four options are presented, and only one of them is correctly spelt. The candidate is expected to recognise standard English spelling, often from familiarity with common words encountered in reading. The word numeracy relates to basic mathematical ability, so people who read educational or policy texts may have seen it before. Recognising such words helps with vocabulary as well as spelling skills.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The approach to spelling questions is to identify familiar words and also recognise typical spelling patterns. Numeracy is a standard English word meaning the ability to understand and work with numbers, like literacy but for numbers. The other three options are either misspelt versions of known words or invented forms that do not correspond to standard usage. For example, nepotesm resembles nepotism, and tolarate resembles tolerate. When we know the correct spellings of those base words, we can easily identify the incorrect forms. The remaining word numeracy fits a correct and meaningful pattern.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, one can check external references such as dictionaries or reliable educational material, where numeracy is defined as the ability to understand and work with numbers. No authoritative source lists thresonical, nepotesm, or tolarate as correct words. Additionally, grammar and spell check tools commonly flag these three as errors but accept numeracy as correct. Since examinations rely on standard forms, the presence of numeracy as a recognised term confirms that it is the correct spelling.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Spelling questions can be tricky because exam setters deliberately create distractors that resemble authentic words. Candidates often rely on general impression or guesswork instead of recalling the exact spellings they have seen in reading. Another pitfall is ignoring the root forms of words. Recognising that nepotesm tries to imitate nepotism or that tolarate imitates tolerate quickly reveals the errors. To strengthen spelling skills, learners should pay attention to word forms while reading and, whenever possible, write new words a few times, focusing on the sequence of vowels and consonants. Over time, visual memory of correct spelling becomes stronger and such questions become much easier.
Final Answer:
numeracy
Discussion & Comments