Identify the Part of Speech of the highlighted word.
The candidate studied hard, but could not clear the examination.

Correct option is B

The correct substitution of the highlighted word is (b) Conjunction.
Explanation:
The word “but” is used to join two independent clauses and shows contrast between them:
· The candidate studied hard
· could not clear the examination
Since it connects clauses and expresses contrast, it functions as a Coordinating Conjunction.
Grammatical Rule Used:
· Conjunctions join words, phrases, or clauses.
· Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) join clauses of equal importance.
Example:
She tried her best, but failed to qualify.
Information Booster:
· “But” never acts as an adverb or preposition when linking two clauses.