offering vs dispensing

[Guillaume]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #46 "Speaking: At the Station", question 5

The small cafe situated near platform 6 is now ......... free cups of tea to those waiting for the London train.

(a) discharging
(b) dispensing
(c) offering
(d) disposing

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #46 "Speaking: At the Station", answer 5

The small cafe situated near platform 6 is now offering free cups of tea to those waiting for the London train.

Correct answer: (c) offering

Your answer was: incorrect
The small cafe situated near platform 6 is now dispensing free cups of tea to those waiting for the London train.
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Hi, why "dispense" is not right here. it means "give out" as well, doen't it?

Guillaume

[Stew.t.]

Hi

The noun dispenser is often used, and dispense can be used.

A dispenser is a machine that can provide refreshments, to dispense in the context of the test means to give out, automatically.
Offering is contextually more appropriate here.

If you require further explanation of the usage look of dispense(r) take a look at;

http://www.onelook.com/?w=dispensing&ls=a

Dispensing sounds very strange, and out of place.

cheers stew.t.
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Please meet Stewart Tunncilff