Choosing the Right Word: Understanding Vocabulary in Context

The question asks us to select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the sentence: "He was ________ by the judge for his courageous actions." We need to choose a word that describes what a judge would typically do to someone for performing "courageous actions". Let's look at the meanings of the given options.

Analyzing the Options

Let's break down each option to see how it fits or doesn't fit the context of the sentence:

• criticised: This means to indicate the faults of someone or something in a disapproving way. If someone is criticised for their actions, those actions are seen as negative or wrong.
• discouraged: This means to cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm; deter from doing something. A judge discouraging someone for courageous actions would imply the actions were undesirable.
• commended: This means to praise formally or officially; to present as worthy of regard, favor, or attention. This is a positive action, typically done when someone has done something good or brave.
• reprimanded: This means to express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behaviour or actions. Like 'criticised', this is a negative action taken against someone for doing something wrong.

Evaluating the Sentence Context

The sentence states that the person performed "courageous actions". Courageous actions are generally viewed as positive, brave, or heroic. Therefore, the action taken by the judge towards this person for these positive actions should also be positive.

Let's consider the options again in this light:

• 'Criticised' and 'reprimanded' are negative responses to actions. A judge would not criticise or reprimand someone for courageous actions.
• 'Discouraged' is also a negative action, implying the judge wanted the person *not* to be courageous. This doesn't make sense in this context.
• 'Commended' is a positive response, meaning to praise or approve. A judge would likely praise or commend someone for courageous actions.

Therefore, the word that best fits the blank, indicating a positive response from the judge for courageous actions, is 'commended'.

The completed sentence is: He was commended by the judge for his courageous actions.

Revision Table: Vocabulary for Judgment

Additional Information: Understanding Context Clues

When filling in blanks in sentences, it's important to look for context clues. These are words or phrases in the sentence that help you understand the meaning and choose the correct word. In this sentence, "judge" and "courageous actions" are key context clues. A "judge" is an authority figure who makes decisions and pronouncements, often based on behaviour or actions. "Courageous actions" clearly indicates the actions were brave or admirable, suggesting that the judge's response would likely be positive, such as praise or recognition.

Understanding the positive or negative connotation of both the actions described and the possible verbs is crucial for selecting the appropriate vocabulary word. Words like 'commended', 'praised', 'applauded', and 'lauded' have positive connotations, fitting with 'courageous actions'. Words like 'criticised', 'reprimanded', 'scolded', and 'punished' have negative connotations, and would not fit unless the actions were negative.