Vocabulary (blank filling): choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence. In this university, there is no __________ for awarding scholarships on the basis of merit in examinations alone.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of precise vocabulary in a formal academic context. The sentence talks about awarding scholarships and mentions that something is lacking \"for awarding scholarships on the basis of merit in examinations alone\". You must choose the word that correctly expresses the idea that such a practice has not been followed before.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: In this university, there is no __________ for awarding scholarships on the basis of merit in examinations alone.
• Options: precedent, opportunity, chance, possibility.
• The context is university policy and previous practice.
• We assume the university has not followed a certain practice earlier.

Concept / Approach:
The key word here is \"precedent\". In formal English, \"precedent\" means an earlier event, action, or decision that can be used as an example or justification in the future. When an institution says there is \"no precedent\" for something, it means that this has never been done before and there is no earlier example to follow. This matches the policy context of scholarships perfectly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase \"in this university\" and \"awarding scholarships\". The sentence is about institutional practice, not about random probability. Step 2: Test \"precedent\": \"There is no precedent for awarding scholarships on the basis of merit in examinations alone\" means no such system has ever been used before. This fits naturally. Step 3: Test \"opportunity\": This would mean there has been no suitable time or chance to do it, which does not fit the idea of a past practice or policy decision. Step 4: Test \"chance\" and \"possibility\": These refer to likelihood or probability, not to established custom or tradition in an institution. Step 5: Conclude that \"precedent\" is the only word that expresses the intended idea of previous practice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of other sentences: \"There is no precedent for this kind of appointment\", \"The court decision set an important precedent\". In all these cases, the word refers to an earlier action that guides current decisions. Applying this understanding to the university sentence confirms that \"precedent\" is correct, because it refers to an earlier scholarship policy that does not exist.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option \"opportunity\": This usually refers to a favourable time, situation, or chance to do something, not to a previous example or policy. Option \"chance\": This indicates probability or luck and is not used to describe institutional practice or tradition. Option \"possibility\": This means something that can be done or might happen, but the sentence is about whether such a system has ever existed before, not whether it could theoretically exist.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse \"precedent\" with \"precedence\". \"Precedent\" is a noun meaning a previous example, while \"precedence\" means priority or importance in order. In policy and legal contexts, \"precedent\" is the correct term for an earlier decision that guides later actions.

Final Answer:
The completed sentence is: In this university, there is no precedent for awarding scholarships on the basis of merit in examinations alone. Thus, the correct option is precedent.