Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank:
From its very first week, the new metro line was ______ by problems: doors that would not shut, ticket gates that swallowed tokens and trains stuck between stations.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → beset
Complete sentence: From its very first week, the new metro line was beset by problems: doors that would not shut, ticket gates that swallowed tokens and trains stuck between stations.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) beset (answer) | troubled by many problems or difficulties, often followed by “by” or “with” (fits a metro line full of faults) | The village school is beset by a shortage of teachers and books. |
| (2) buoyed | to make someone feel more cheerful or stronger | After her first win, Kiran was buoyed enough to enter three more chess events. |
| (3) bypassed | to go around a place or avoid it | The new highway bypasses the crowded market area. |
| (4) bestowed | to give an honour or a gift to someone | The President bestowed the award on the young scientist. |