For these questions, choose the option that best complete the gap(s) With strong determination, Adamu was able to .... the problem

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "With strong determination, Adamu was able to ____ the problem." We need a verb that fits the idea of overcoming a difficulty, since "determination" suggests he faced an obstacle and beat it.

Explain the concept

This tests vocabulary in context and collocation, meaning which words naturally go together.

• Surmount means to overcome or deal successfully with a difficulty or obstacle. It is commonly used with words like problem, obstacle, difficulty and challenge.
• Surpass means to exceed or do better than something or someone (e.g., "He surpassed his brother's record"). It is not used for overcoming problems.
• Defend means to protect from attack. It does not fit "problem".
• Know does not show any link with determination or effort.

Step-by-step solution

1. "Strong determination" signals effort against a difficulty.
2. The object of the gap is "the problem", so we need a verb meaning "overcome".
3. Checking each option: • A. "able to surmount the problem" ✔ natural and correct • B. "able to surpass the problem" ✘ you surpass a record, a person or a limit, not a problem • C. "able to defend the problem" ✘ illogical • D. "able to know the problem" ✘ it does not reflect the effect of determination

Answer: The correct option is A. surmount.

Exam tip

Remember the pairing "surmount an obstacle/problem/difficulty". The prefix sur- means "over", so surmount means "to climb over" a problem. Use surpass when you are comparing things: you surpass a person, record or expectation.