She has a sharp tongue and it can occasionally turn
Options:
(A) hurtful
(B) left
(C) methodical
(D) vital
Official Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE BT 2017 Q.56)**
**1. Governing Concept & Question Classification**:
- **Section**: General Aptitude (GA)
- **Question Type**: **MCQ** (1 Mark)
- **Topic**: English Vocabulary & Idiomatic Expressions
**2. Detailed Step-by-Step Analysis**:
- The sentence reads: *“She has a sharp tongue and it can occasionally turn _______.”*
- The idiom *"having a sharp tongue"* refers to someone who speaks harshly, sarcastically, critically, or cuttingly.
- When such speech turns towards a listener, it causes emotional distress and pain; the appropriate adjective to complete this idiomatic sense is **hurtful** (causing psychological pain or injury).
- **Option-by-Option Evaluation**:
- **Option (A) [CORRECT]**: *"hurtful"* logically aligns with the cutting and biting nature of a "sharp tongue."
- **Option (B) [INCORRECT]**: *"left"* is nonsensical in this metaphorical context.
- **Option (C) [INCORRECT]**: *"methodical"* means systematic and orderly, which does not convey emotional cruelty or cutting remarks.
- **Option (D) [INCORRECT]**: *"vital"* means essential or energetic, which does not fit the negative connotations of a sharp tongue.
**3. Final Answer / Verification Summary**:
- **Official GATE Answer Key**: **A**
- **Scoring Criteria**: +1.0 Mark (Negative marking: -0.33 marks).
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