Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. A person who is trained to travel in a spacecraft.

Correct — A. The definition carries two load-bearing parts: trained and travel in a spacecraft.

An astronaut is a person trained to travel and work in a spacecraft, so the single word covers the whole definition with nothing left over and nothing added.

The other three name occupations with no connection to spaceflight, which leaves option (a) as the only fit.

Why the others are wrong

• (b)
  Alchemist — An alchemist practised alchemy, the old attempt to turn base metals into gold and to find an elixir of life. Its only link to the definition is the opening letter.
• (c)
  Anthropologist — An anthropologist studies human beings — their societies, cultures and origins. That is work about people on earth, not travel off it.
• (d)
  Curator — A curator is in charge of a collection, typically in a museum or gallery, choosing and caring for what goes on display.

One-word-substitute items reward matching every element of the definition, not most of it.

Here the elements are a person, trained, and travels in a spacecraft. Astronaut carries all three, and a word that covered only one of them would be a near miss rather than an answer.

Three of the four options begin with A. Treat that as decoration: the definition decides, never the shape or the sound of the word.

Key facts

• An astronaut is a person trained to travel and work in a spacecraft.
• An alchemist practised alchemy, which sought to turn base metals into gold.
• An anthropologist studies human societies, cultures and their development.
• A curator is the person in charge of a museum or gallery collection.

Common traps

• Choosing alchemist or anthropologist because three options start with A and the eye moves fast
• Answering from half the definition, so trained to travel in a spacecraft becomes anyone who travels

No directly related past PYQ was found.