The night watchman was given the marching orders because of his negligence. This means that he was

Analyze the question: The question tests your knowledge of idioms. "Given the marching orders" is an idiomatic expression, so we need its figurative meaning, not a literal one.

Explain the concept: The idiom to give someone their marching orders means to dismiss someone from a job, or to send them away. It comes from military language, where soldiers received "marching orders" instructing them to leave and move to another place. Today it is used when someone is told to go, usually because of misconduct, poor performance or negligence.

Solution, step by step:

1. The context is that the watchman showed negligence, which is a fault, so the outcome should be a negative one.
2. A. Promoted is wrong because a promotion is a reward, and nobody is rewarded for negligence.
3. B. Dismissed is correct because it means being sent away from the job, which matches the idiom.
4. C. Counselled is wrong because counselling means giving advice or guidance, and the idiom does not mean that.
5. D. Suspended is the closest distractor. Suspension is a temporary removal from work, while "marching orders" suggests a final termination. So it is not the best answer.

Answer: B. dismissed

Tip: When you meet an idiom, link it to its origin. "Marching orders" means you are told to march out, so you are sent away or fired. Also watch for close distractors like "suspended". Ask yourself whether the action is temporary or final.