In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the word “Plight”.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests your understanding of the noun “plight”, a word frequently used in news articles, essays and social issues discussions. It often appears in phrases like “the plight of farmers” or “the plight of refugees”. Recognising its meaning helps you grasp the seriousness of the situation being described.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is “Plight”.
• Options are: Blessing, Aid, Relief, Difficulty.
• You must select the closest synonym.
• We assume standard modern usage, where “plight” refers to a difficult situation.

Concept / Approach:
“Plight” means a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation. It focuses on hardship rather than comfort or help. A synonym must therefore express the idea of trouble, hardship or difficulty. Among the options, “Difficulty” directly refers to a problematic or challenging situation, matching the sense of “plight”. The other options refer to help, comfort or positive outcomes, which are the opposite of a plight.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall the typical phrase: “the plight of the poor” clearly means “the difficult situation of the poor”.Option A – “Blessing”: something good or beneficial; opposite direction of meaning.Option B – “Aid”: help or assistance; usually provided in response to someone's plight.Option C – “Relief”: reduction of pain or distress; often a response to difficulty, not the difficulty itself.Option D – “Difficulty”: a state of hardship or trouble; directly aligned with the meaning of plight.Therefore, “Difficulty” is the correct synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use both words in the same sentence: “We must do more to improve the plight of homeless children” can be rewritten as “We must do more to reduce the difficulty faced by homeless children.” The sense remains the same: their situation is hard and needs improvement. Replacing “plight” with “blessing” or “aid” would reverse or change the meaning entirely.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Blessing” suggests a fortunate or beneficial thing, clearly opposite to hardship. “Aid” and “Relief” are things that help reduce a plight but are not themselves negative states. They usually appear together with “plight” in articles, as in “aid for the plight of victims”, showing that they are separate concepts.

Common Pitfalls:
Because “plight” often appears alongside words like “aid” and “relief” in news reports, some candidates mistakenly think they are synonyms. Remember that “plight” is the problem or hardship, and “aid” or “relief” are responses to that problem. When faced with such options, always separate “cause” (difficulty) from “solution” (aid, relief).

Final Answer:
The word that best expresses the meaning of “Plight” is Difficulty.