It is apparent that John damaged the desk.

Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is "apparent" in the sentence: "It is apparent that John damaged the desk." We need the word closest in meaning.

Step 2: Explain the concept "Apparent" has two common meanings:

1. Clearly seen or understood, meaning obvious or plain.
2. Seeming real but maybe not (e.g., "apparent winner").

In the structure "It is apparent that...", it means obvious or clear.

Step 3: Test each option

• A. noticed: This means "observed." It describes an action someone does, not a state of being clear. "It is noticed that..." changes the meaning, so it doesn't fit.
• B. evident: This means clear, plain, obvious. "It is evident that John damaged the desk" keeps the meaning exactly. ✔
• C. recognised: This means identified or acknowledged as known. It doesn't fit as a description of a fact being obvious.
• D. acknowledged: This means admitted or accepted. It suggests John admitted it, which is not what "apparent" says.

Step 4: Answer The best synonym is B. evident.

Tip: In "Nearest in meaning" questions, substitute each option into the sentence and check that the meaning and grammar still work. Useful synonym groups: apparent = evident = obvious = clear = plain.