The matter was considered a private concern of the chairman to handle

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to the underlined word. The underlined word is not marked in the text you sent, but from the options, the word being tested is most likely "private" (in "a private concern of the chairman").

Explain the concept: In synonym questions, you need the meaning of the word in context. "Private" means belonging to or concerning one person or a particular group, and not shared with or open to everyone. Its opposite (antonym) is "public."

Solution, step by step:

1. Read the sentence: The matter was considered a private concern of the chairman to handle.
2. This means the matter was seen as the chairman's own business, something for him alone to deal with.
3. Check each option: • A. personal: belonging to one individual. This fits well and is close in meaning to "private." • B. known: means familiar or recognised. It has no link to "private," so it is wrong. • C. public: this is the opposite of private, so it is wrong. • D. open: means accessible to everyone, which is also the opposite of private, so it is wrong.

Answer: The correct option is A. personal.

Tip: In "nearest in meaning" questions, first eliminate the antonyms. Here, "public" and "open" are opposites, and examiners often include them as traps. Also, if the underlined word in your original paper is different from "private", send it to me and I will recheck. But from the options given, "personal" is the only sensible match.