Question

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The pencil has a tip made of _______.

• A. led
• B. lewd
• C. lead
• D. steal

Answer 1

Answer:

C. lead

• The Context: The sentence refers to the material found inside a pencil. While modern pencils actually use a mixture of graphite and clay, the core is still traditionally referred to as the "pencil lead."

• Word Meanings (Homophones):

  • Lead (Correct): Pronounced as 'led' ($/lɛd/$) in this context, it refers to the metallic element or the graphite core of a pencil.

  • Led (Incorrect): This is the past tense of the verb "to lead" (e.g., "She led the team to victory"). It sounds the same but has a different meaning and spelling.

  • Lewd (Incorrect): This is an adjective meaning crude, offensive, or lustful. It is completely unrelated.

  • Steal (Incorrect): This is a verb meaning to take something without permission. It is also a homophone of "steel" (the metal), but neither fits the context of a pencil tip.