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

Correct option is B

Correct answer: (b) Conjunction
Meaning of the highlighted word (but):
• but → shows contrast; “however/yet” (Hindi: लेकिन / परंतु)
Why it is a Conjunction (in detail):
• “but” joins two clauses:
– The candidate studied hard
– (he) could not clear the examination
• A word that connects two clauses/sentences is a conjunction.
Example: He is poor but honest.
Grammatical rule (English):
• Conjunction connects words/phrases/clauses (and, but, or, because).
व्याकरणिक नियम (Hindi):
• Conjunction (समुच्चयबोधक अव्यय) दो वाक्यों/उपवाक्यों को जोड़ता है; “but = लेकिन” विरोध दिखाता है।
Meanings of other options (why incorrect):
• (a) Preposition → relation word (in/on/at/of) (Hindi: संबंधबोधक)
• (c) Adverb → modifies verb/adjective (quickly/very) (Hindi: क्रिया-विशेषण)
• (d) Interjection → sudden emotion (Wow!, Alas!) (Hindi: विस्मयादिबोधक)
Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.