Answer the following question, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined The…

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the meaning closest to "vanguard" in the sentence: "The athlete is proud to be in the vanguard of sports development."

Explain the concept: "Vanguard" comes from the French avant-garde, meaning "advance guard." It originally described the front part of an army that marches ahead of the main force. Today it means the leading position in a movement, trend, or field. People in the vanguard are pioneers or leaders.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Look at the context: the athlete is proud to be in the vanguard of sports development. Pride suggests an honourable, prestigious position.
2. Test each option: • A. leading position: fits perfectly. Being at the front or forefront of sports development is a source of pride. • B. destructive position: nothing in "vanguard" suggests destruction, and nobody would be proud of this in the context of development. • C. emerging position: "emerging" means just coming into view or developing. It is close in feel but doesn't capture being ahead of or in charge of others. • D. unforgettable position: this has no link to the meaning of the word. 3.

Answer: A. leading position

Tip: Link vanguard with van as in the front of a line (the word is a shortened form of "avant-garde"). Related words to remember: forefront, pioneers, trailblazers. The opposite is rearguard, the group at the back.