Which option defines 'ministry' as a government department that handles a specific task?

• A. a religious ceremony
• B. a body of civilians
• C. a marketplace
• D. a government department that is in charge of a specific task or subject

Answer: (D)

In government English, a ministry is a specific department of the government responsible for a particular policy area or function. This makes the description “a government department that is in charge of a specific task or subject” the best fit, because it captures the idea of an organized unit with a defined remit led by a minister. For example, The Ministry of Health oversees health-related tasks and policy. The other options describe things that aren’t departments: a religious ceremony is a ritual, a body of civilians is a group of people, and a marketplace is a place for buying and selling.