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

Analyze the question: The underlined word is "inkling" in the sentence: His story gave us an inkling of what he passed through during the strike. We need the option closest in meaning.

Explain the concept: An inkling is a slight hint, a vague idea or notion about something. It is not a full account, only a faint understanding or suspicion. Common synonyms are hint, clue, suggestion, and faint idea.

Solution:

• A. a possible idea: Close. An inkling is a slight or vague idea, and "possible idea" captures this sense of a partial, uncertain understanding.
• B. a taste: "A taste" suggests a small experience of something, not an idea or understanding. It does not fit "gave us a taste of what he passed through" in the sense of knowledge.
• C. a summary: A summary is a brief but complete account of the main points. An inkling is not complete, so this is wrong.
• D. the right view: An inkling is not a correct or definite view, so this is wrong.

Substituting A into the sentence: "His story gave us a possible idea of what he passed through during the strike." This keeps the meaning of a slight, partial understanding.

Answer: A. a possible idea.

Tip: Remember "inkling = hint". When a word means a faint or partial idea, pick the option that sounds vague or partial, and avoid options that suggest completeness, like "summary" or "the right view".