Part 1: Text Details and Context Clues in an Informational Text — Quiz
Question 7 • English Language Arts 12
Read the excerpt from "Benin Plaque: The Oba with Europeans.” Whatever the real facts, the British, in ostensible revenge for the killing, organized a punitive expedition which raided Benin City, exiled the Oba and created the protectorate of Southern Nigeria. Based on the context clues, what is the meaning of the word punitive in the passage?
Answer
A
planned by world leaders
B
intended to make peace
C
determined to find natural resources
D
designed to inflict punishment
Explanation
The phrase “in ostensible revenge” gives a clue: the expedition was presented as retaliation for the killing. “Punitive” means intended to punish, so the expedition was designed to inflict punishment. The best choice is D, “designed to inflict punishment.”
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