Choose from the options lettered A - E the one that most appropriately completes each sentence Surprisingly…

Analyze the question The blank comes between the article "a" and the noun "man", so we need a word that describes "man". That means an adjective.

Explain the concept An adjective modifies a noun. Here, the sentence contrasts Sola's age (a teenager) with his behaviour (like a ___ man). The idea is that he acted like a grown-up, which is the meaning of "mature".

Check each option

• A. mature: an adjective meaning fully grown or sensible. "A mature man" is the standard, correct phrase.
• B. matured: the past participle. It is used for things that have ripened or developed over time (e.g., "matured wine", "the policy matured"). It is not normally used to describe a person's character, so it is not idiomatic here.
• C. maturedly: not a standard English word.
• D. matures: a verb form (third person singular), which cannot go between "a" and "man".
• E. maturing: describes a process still going on. "A maturing man" would mean he is still developing, which doesn't fit the contrast with "behaved like a ... man".

Solution "Surprisingly enough, Sola, though a teenager, behaved like a mature man."

Exam tip When a blank sits between "a/an/the" and a noun, ask yourself: "Do I need a describing word (adjective)?" If so, eliminate verbs (-s forms) and adverbs (-ly forms) immediately. Also remember "mature" is the usual adjective for people's behaviour, while "matured" is used for things like wine, cheese or investments.