Question

Instructions: Choose the correct synonymous word or description for each quoted word in the passage below.

“The Jan Lokpal Bill, also 'referred to' (126) as the citizens' ombudsman bill, is a proposed 'independent' (127) anti-corruption law in India. Anti-corruption social activists proposed it as a more effective improvement on the original Lokpal Bill, which is currently being proposed by the government of India. The Jan Lokpal Bill aims to effectively 'deter' (128) corruption, redress 'grievances' (129) of citizens, and protect whistle-blowers. If made into law, the bill would create an independent 'ombudsman' (130) body called the Lokpal. It would be empowered to register and investigate complaints of corruption against politicians and bureaucrats without prior government approval.” (Source: Wikipedia)

(128) 'deter' means:

• A. swell
• B. prevent
• C. propel
• D. lucubrate

Hint:

An anti-corruption law “deters” corruption, meaning it aims to prevent or discourage it.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

An anti-corruption law logically aims to stop corruption, so the correct synonym should carry that same “stopping” sense.

1. Swell: Means to increase in size, the opposite of what an anti-corruption law wants for corruption.
2. Prevent: Means to stop something from happening, matching exactly the purpose of deterring corruption.
3. Propel: Means to push forward or drive on, again the opposite of the intended meaning.
4. Lucubrate: An unrelated word meaning to study intensively, out of place here.

So the correct answer is option B, prevent.