International trade boosts the....79...of a nation.

Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is "International trade boosts the ____ of a nation." We need a noun that fits naturally after "boosts the" and before "of a nation."

Step 2: Explain the concept This is a test of lexis and structure, specifically word choice and collocation (words that naturally go together). "Boost" is commonly paired with "economy" (e.g., "boost the economy"). Always check which word best matches the whole idea of the sentence.

Step 3: Test each option

• A. economy: "International trade boosts the economy of a nation." This is natural and correct. Trade (buying and selling across countries) directly affects a nation's overall economic strength.
• B. savings: Savings belong to individuals, banks, or households. They are not what trade broadly boosts for a nation, and "savings of a nation" is awkward.
• C. finances: "Finances" can work in some contexts, but "the finances of a nation" is less common, and "boost the economy" is the standard collocation. It is a weaker choice.
• D. transaction: A transaction is a single act of buying or selling. It is not something that belongs to a nation as a whole, so it does not fit.

Step 4: Answer The best word is economy, which is option A.

Exam tip: In lexis questions, look for collocations. Phrases such as "boost the economy," "strengthen the economy," and "grow the economy" appear often in WASSCE, JAMB, and NECO. If a phrase sounds familiar when you read it aloud, it is usually correct. You've got this!