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:
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
Discussion & Comments