Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word:
The ancient sconce held a flickering torch along the corridor.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. The student was sconced for violating tradition.
Error Concept: This is related to the use of a homonym, which refers to words that have the same spelling and same pronunciation but different meanings.
What is wrong: In the original sentence, "sconce" refers to a bracket or a holder for a candle or light fixed to a wall. Most of the options provided use the word in this same sense (a lighting fixture).
Grammatical concept: To find the homonym, we must identify the sentence where the word "sconce" is used with a completely different definition. While the noun form refers to a light holder, the verb form "sconce" (historically used in British universities) means to fine or punish someone for a breach of discipline or tradition.
Incorrectness of the concept in context: Options 1, 3, and 4 all refer to a physical object (a wall fixture, a bronze motif, or an LED light), which matches the original context. Only option 2 uses the word as a verb meaning to be fined or penalized.
How to correct: Identify the sentence where the meaning shifts from "lighting fixture" to "punished/fined."
Correct phrase: The student was sconced for violating tradition.
Final sentence: The student was sconced for violating tradition.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.