English question from JKP Constable exam, 2024 by JKSSB
Choose the correct homophone to complete the sentence:
The blacksmith shaped the malleable _______ with precision, while the apprentice demonstrated his _____ by tirelessly working late into the night.
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option A —
metal, mettle
Definitions
Metal: A solid material that is typically hard, shiny, and malleable (capable of being shaped). Examples include iron, gold, and copper. This fits the first blank because a blacksmith works with iron or steel.
Mettle: This refers to a person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way. It is a synonym for courage, fortitude, or "spirit." This fits the second blank because it describes the apprentice's determination and hard work.
Analyzing the Sentence
First blank: "The blacksmith shaped the malleable metal..." (Referring to the physical material).
Second blank: "...the apprentice demonstrated his mettle..." (Referring to his character and stamina).
Why the other options are incorrect:
B) mettle, mettle: You cannot "shape a malleable mettle" in a physical sense like a blacksmith does.
C) metal, metal: While the second "metal" might sound right, "demonstrating your metal" is a misspelling of the common idiom "to show your mettle."
D) mettle, metal: This reverses the two meanings, making the sentence logically incorrect.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
