High mortality rate is becoming increasingly predominant.

Analyze the question: The italicized word is "predominant." You need the option closest in meaning to it in the sentence "High mortality rate is becoming increasingly predominant."

Explain the concept: "Predominant" means most common, widespread, or prevailing. It describes something that is present in large amounts or has the greatest influence. Here, it means the high death rate is becoming more and more widespread or common.

Evaluate the options:

• A. Controlled: This means kept in check, which is the opposite of becoming increasingly predominant. ❌
• B. Rampant: This means widespread, spreading unchecked and becoming very common. It fits the idea of something growing in prevalence. ✅
• C. Unchecked: This means not restrained. It is related to rampant, but it describes a lack of control, not how widespread or common something is. It does not capture "predominant" as well. ❌
• D. Dangerous: This describes harm, not how common or widespread something is. ❌

Answer: "Rampant" is the best match.

Tip: In "nearest in meaning" questions, substitute each option into the sentence and check that it keeps the same idea. "High mortality rate is becoming increasingly rampant" keeps the meaning of widespread and growing. Also, don't be distracted by words that are only loosely related, like "unchecked," when another option matches the core meaning more closely.