Answer the following question below and choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase…

Step 1: Analyze the question The word in focus is "espoused" in the sentence: "These policies have been espoused by the ruling party." You need the option closest in meaning to it.

Step 2: Explain the concept "Espouse" is a verb that means to adopt, embrace, or support a cause, belief, idea, or policy. Its sense is one of taking something up as your own and backing it. For example:

• "The president espoused the cause of free education." (He supported and championed it.)

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. condemned means to criticize strongly. This is the opposite of espoused.
• B. rejected means to refuse or turn down. This is also the opposite.
• C. supported means to back or champion. This matches the meaning.
• D. outlined means to describe in summary. This is close to the idea of presenting policies, but it doesn't mean to adopt or back them.

Step 4: Answer The sentence says the ruling party has adopted and backed these policies, so the closest meaning is supported.

Correct option: C. supported

Exam tip: Remember "espouse" ≈ "spouse". You marry (take on) a spouse, and you "marry" an idea when you espouse it. If you see "espouse," think embrace or support. In vocabulary questions, first eliminate the options that mean the opposite, then choose between what remains by checking the sentence's context.