For this question, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics. When the landlady…

1. Analyze the question You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to silhouette in the sentence: "When the landlady noticed the silhouette on the wall, she called up her son."

2. Explain the concept A silhouette is the dark shape or outline of a person or object seen against a lighter background, such as a shadow or a profile showing only the shape without inner detail. The word comes from French and always points to a shape or outline.

3. Work through the options

• A. outline: the outer shape of something. This matches the meaning of silhouette.
• B. ghost: a spirit. A silhouette can look like a ghost, but the meanings are not the same.
• C. speck: a tiny spot. It has nothing to do with shape.
• D. soot: black powder from smoke. It is dark, but it is a substance, not a shape.

4. Answer The sentence is about a shape noticed on the wall, so the nearest meaning is outline.

5. Exam tip For "nearest in meaning" questions, replace the word with each option and check which one keeps the sentence meaning. Don't be drawn to ghost just because the story sounds spooky. Match the dictionary meaning, not the mood. Remember: silhouette = shadow shape = outline.