Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions
Question:
Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s): The amount spent on defense is in Sharp contrast to that spent on housing and health.
-
A.
blare
-
B.
flask -
C.
stark -
D.
spark
Reference explanation:
Correct answer:
ANSWER C
Knowledge of vocabulary – synonyms
The money spent on defense is in stark contrast to the cost of housing and health.
=> sharp /ʃɑːp/ (adj): perfectly, clear, sharp
Consider the answers:
A. blare /bleə/ (n): commotion
B. flask /flɑːsk/ (n): flask, jar
C. stark /stɑːk/ (adj): completely; absolute
D. spark /spɑːk/ (n): spark, spark
Other structures to note:
– in contrast to: opposite to
– to spend sth on doing sth: to spend sth on doing sth.
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The military defense budget in the United States is significantly larger than the amount allocated to housing. This stark discrepancy is a cause for concern, as it highlights the unequal distribution of resources between the two sectors.
The defense budget, which is intended to protect the country from external threats, has seen a steady increase over the years. In 2019, the United States spent $686 billion on defense, a 3% increase from the previous year. This figure is more than double the amount spent on housing, which amounted to $264 billion in 2019.
The discrepancy between the two budgets is alarming, as it suggests that the government is prioritizing defense over other important areas such as housing. This is especially concerning in a country with a high rate of homelessness, as it indicates that the government is not doing enough to address the issue.
It is essential that the government allocates resources more equitably between defense and housing. This would ensure that both sectors receive the necessary funding to meet their needs and would help to reduce homelessness in the United States.
The government should also consider investing more in affordable housing. This would help to make housing more accessible to those in need, while also helping to reduce the burden on the defense budget.
It is clear that the amount spent on defense is in sharp contrast to that spent on housing. This discrepancy is a cause for concern and highlights the need for a more equitable distribution of resources between the two sectors. In order to ensure that both defense and housing receive the necessary funding, it is essential that the government allocate resources more fairly between the two.