16Hit1600
Craft and StructureEasy–MediumWord meaning from context

Craft and Structure practice question

Rather than offering a definitive answer, the report was deliberately ____, leaving several of its central questions open for further study.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

  1. A. tentativeCorrect
  2. B. exhaustive
  3. C. emphatic
  4. D. conclusive

Answer: A. tentative

'Rather than offering a definitive answer' and 'leaving several questions open' both point to a report that holds back from firm conclusions. 'Tentative' — provisional, not final — captures that.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. exhaustive
'Exhaustive' means covering everything thoroughly. A report that leaves central questions open is the opposite of exhaustive.
C. emphatic
'Emphatic' means forceful and definite. The sentence says the report avoided being definitive.
D. conclusive
'Conclusive' means settling the matter. The sentence explicitly contrasts the report with a definitive answer.

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