Question

Choose the alternative which best replaces the italicized bold part of the sentence:
The dispute between India and Pakistan can only be settled through negotiations.
a) peace treaties
b) mutual discussions
c) nuclear wars
d) imposing certain conditions

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘negotiations’ refers to ‘discussion aimed at reaching an agreement’. This word is usually used as a noun when one wants usually to meet in the middle and settle something.

Complete answer:
In the given sentence, the word ‘negotiations’ is used in the following way:
In the given sentence, the word ‘negotiations’ is used to describe the fact that discussions on peace and some problems will only help to solve the disputes between India and Pakistan. This is clearly understood by the specific use of the verb ‘settled’. It implies that there should be amicable discussions between the two countries.

Now, we know what the meaning and usage of the given word are. Let’s look at the given options:

a) peace treaties - The phrase ‘peace treaties’ refers to ‘peace contracts and agreements’. This has a very different meaning to the given word. This cannot be used to replace the given word. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
b) mutual discussions - This phrase refers to ‘open discussions involving both countries’. This has the exact same meaning as the given word. This can be used to replace the given word. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
c) nuclear wars - The phrase ‘nuclear wars’ refers to ‘wars using nuclear destructive weapons. This has a very different meaning to the given word. This cannot be used to replace the given word. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) imposing certain conditions - The phrase ‘imposing certain conditions’ refers to ‘putting conditions in pre existing tensions’. This has a very different meaning to the given word. This cannot be used to replace the given word. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note:
Try to understand the meaning of the word, as accurately as possible, with the help of the sentence. Then, go through the options one by one and choose the word similar in meaning to the given word, i.e. a synonym.