Question

Choose the right word to complete the sentence.
The student was extremely foolhardy; he had the ____ to question the senior professor's judgment.
A. Wisdom
B. Temerity
C. Interest
D. Trepidation
E. Condescension

Answer 1

Hint: The question suggests that the student was foolhardy, which means recklessly bold, thoughtless. Therefore, there must be a reason due to which this adjective is being used for the student. The reason is followed by the blank. Look for the reason for his reckless attitude in the given words. He has doubted the professor’s judgment.

Complete step by step answer:
Let us analyse each option individually to know the correct answer.
Wisdom: It means the quality of being wise, knowledgeable. The adjective used for the student in the question means reckless which doesn’t justify this option. It also doesn’t make sense in the blank. Therefore this is an incorrect option.
Temerity: It means boldness or recklessness. Example: He had the temerity to confront him. Since the student is reckless, so he must have shown the trait of his recklessness, therefore this justifies the given sentence. By implying this option the sentence becomes “The student was extremely foolhardy, he had the temerity to question the professor’s judgment. Therefore, this is the correct option.
Interest: This means a feeling of curiosity, paying attention to it. Example: Politics is not his interest. This word doesn’t justify the meaning of the given sentence. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.
Trepidation: It means a trembling movement, agitation, fear, tremor. Example: The horror movie caused trepidation to him. This option also doesn’t make sense in the blank in the given sentence. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.
Condescension: It means to show a superior attitude, patronising. Example: His condescension was disliked by many. This option is also incorrect as it doesn’t make any sense in the given sentence.

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note:
Do not confuse the correct answer option e. As the word ‘condescension’ which means showing off superiority is close in relevance but not the exact answer. As the student is described to be bold and recklessly brave, his trait will be similar, which is described by our answer.