Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Investegate
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:The goal is to spot the single spelling error among four commonly used academic/technical words. Such questions emphasize vowel sequences inside Latin-origin verbs and the stability of consonant clusters.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:Analyze roots and affixes: “trans-” (across) + “mit” (send); “ad-” (to) + “tribute” (assign); “con-” (together) + “stitute” (set up); “investigate” (in + vestigare “to track”). The most frequent error type here is a mis-vowel in the medial syllable of “investigate”.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Check “Transmit”: correct double consonant sequence; standard spelling.Step 2: Check “Attribute”: double t is expected before “ribute”; standard spelling.Step 3: Check “Constitute”: con + stitute; the “i” after “st” is essential; correct.Step 4: Inspect “Investegate”: should be “Investigate” with the vowel “i”, not “e”, in the second syllable.Verification / Alternative check:Pronounce by syllables: in-ves-ti-gate. The third syllable sound is “ti”, signalling the vowel “i”. Spelling lists and dictionaries confirm “investigate”.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:The ear hears a schwa in casual speech (in-ves-tuh-gate), tempting “e” where “i” belongs. Maintain the classical vowel pattern in Latin stems.
Final Answer:Investegate
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