Let's find the one-word substitute for the phrase "Having or forming a hard outer layer". We need to look at the meaning of each option provided and see which one best fits this description.

Understanding the Core Phrase: Hard Outer Layer

The phrase "Having or forming a hard outer layer" describes something that develops a firm covering on its surface. Think about how some foods dry out and get a hard skin, or how earth can get a hard surface after rain. This hard covering is what we are looking for a word to describe.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each word given in the options:

• Crunched: This word usually refers to the sound made when something hard is being crushed or chewed. It can also mean to walk or tread on something that makes such a sound. It doesn't describe having a hard outer layer.
• Crushed: This word means to press or squeeze something so hard that it is flattened, broken, or destroyed. While it involves hardness, it describes the action of destroying a hard substance, not the state of having a hard outer layer.
• Crusted: This word is derived from the word 'crust'. A crust is a hard outer layer that forms on something, like the crust on bread, a pie, or even a wound that is healing. So, "crusted" means having or covered with a crust or hard outer layer.
• Cursed: This word means to utter a curse or invoke evil upon someone or something. It is related to a curse or a hex and has no connection to physical layers or surfaces.

Determining the Best Fit

Based on the definitions, the word that directly describes something having or forming a hard outer layer is "Crusted". It perfectly matches the description given in the question.

Comparison Table

The analysis clearly shows that "Crusted" is the appropriate one-word substitute for "Having or forming a hard outer layer".

Revision Table: Understanding Vocabulary for One-Word Substitutes

Additional Information on Word Meanings

Understanding word meanings is crucial for vocabulary questions like one-word substitutes. Sometimes, words can sound similar but have very different meanings. It's helpful to break down the phrase and consider what kind of word (noun, adjective, verb) is needed as the substitute.

For example, in this question, the phrase describes a state or quality of something (having a layer), so an adjective or a past participle used as an adjective ("Crusted") is a likely candidate.

Practicing with various phrases and their corresponding one-word substitutes helps improve vocabulary and performance in exams.