Finding the Right Word: Understanding Sentence Completion

The question asks us to select the most appropriate word to complete the sentence:

"As the Principal was busy, she ______ a senior teacher to attend the conference on her behalf."

This sentence tells us that the Principal could not attend the conference herself because she was busy. Therefore, she needed someone else, specifically a senior teacher, to go in her place or act for her. We need a word that means to assign or appoint someone to perform a task or act as a substitute.

Analyzing the Options for Sentence Completion

Let's look at the given options and see which one best fits the context:

• committed: To commit means to pledge or assign to a cause or purpose, or to carry out. For example, you might commit to a project or commit a crime. This word doesn't fit the idea of sending someone in your place to attend an event.
• declared: To declare means to announce something formally or officially. For example, a Principal might declare a holiday. This word is about making a statement, not appointing a substitute.
• deputed: To depute means to appoint or assign someone to act as a substitute or agent, usually when you are unable to do something yourself. This definition perfectly matches the situation where the Principal is busy and needs a senior teacher to attend the conference on her behalf.
• reserved: To reserve means to keep something for a particular purpose or person, or to book something like a seat. For example, you might reserve a table at a restaurant. This word is about setting something aside, not sending a person in your place.

Selecting the Most Appropriate Word

Based on the analysis, the word that means appointing someone to act on behalf of another person is "deputed". The sentence requires a word that indicates the Principal assigned the senior teacher to perform the duty of attending the conference because she herself was unable to do so.

Let's insert "deputed" into the sentence:

"As the Principal was busy, she deputed a senior teacher to attend the conference on her behalf."

This sentence now makes perfect sense and accurately describes the action taken by the Principal.

Conclusion: The Correct Word is Deputed

The most appropriate word to fill the blank is "deputed" as it correctly conveys the action of assigning someone to act on behalf of another person due to unavailability.

Revision Table: Understanding Word Meanings

Additional Information: Vocabulary for Delegation

The word "deputed" is related to the concept of delegation, which is assigning responsibility or authority to another person. Other words related to sending someone on a task or assigning a role include:

• Appoint
• Assign
• Delegate
• Nominate
• Authorize

Understanding the subtle differences in meaning between these words is important for choosing the most appropriate word in various contexts. In this specific sentence, "deputed" is particularly fitting because it highlights that the senior teacher is acting specifically as a substitute for the Principal.