The acrobatic displays left the spectators stunned.

Analyze the question: This is a synonym (closest in meaning) question. The word "stunned" is the one to match. The sentence says the acrobatic displays left the spectators stunned.

Explain the concept: "Stunned" means so shocked or surprised that you cannot react. Its synonyms include astonished, amazed, shocked, and dumbfounded. When you answer synonym questions, you should first define the word in your own mind, then test each option against that meaning in the sentence.

Check each option:

• A. amused: means entertained or made to laugh. Amusement is not the same as being shocked or amazed, so it is not a match.
• B. anticed: this is not a standard English word. ("Antic" is a noun meaning a playful or odd act, and "anticed" is not a recognised verb form.) Rule it out.
• C. astonished: means greatly surprised or amazed. This is very close to "stunned."
• D. elated: means extremely happy or joyful. It describes a happy mood, not shock or amazement, so it does not fit.

Answer: The best match is C. astonished.

Tip: In synonym questions, look for the option that matches both the meaning and the intensity of the word. "Stunned" is a strong word, so a mild word such as "amused" is unlikely to be correct. Also, if an option looks like a made-up word (such as "anticed"), eliminate it right away.