Question

Identify the most appropriate words to complete the sentence-
The students who had the flu had a ____ reason for missing school. They normally have perfect attendance, and their absence that day was a ____.
a) Unjustifiable; travesty
b) Legitimate; aberration
c) Unwarranted; anomaly
d) Sensible; farce
e) Inconsolable; fluke

Answer 1

Hint: We know that the students were suffering from the flu. Hence, they had a valid or acceptable reason for missing school. Also, these students usually have perfect attendance. So, we can conclude that their absence that day was an exception or a mistake.

Complete answer:
As given in the hint, we can consider the students’ absence as justifiable or reasonable, because they usually have perfect attendance.
Let’s look at the given options and find the appropriate words-
Option a- ‘Unjustifiable; travesty’ contradicts the above-given explanation. ‘Unjustifiable’ refers to an action or event that is inexcusable or unreasonable. And ‘travesty’ refers to something that is considered to be a sham or a misinterpretation. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Legitimate; aberration’ match the above-given circumstances. ‘Legitimate’ refers to something that is reasonable or justifiable. And ‘aberration’ refers to something that is considered as a mistake or an exception. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option c- ‘Unwarranted; anomaly’ contradicts the above-given statements. ‘Unwarranted’ refers to something that is unforgivable or inexcusable. While ‘anomaly’ refers to something that is odd or peculiar. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Sensible; farce’ contradicts the above-given explanation. ‘Sensible’ refers to something that is reasonable or rational, while ‘farce’ refers to something that is considered to be a sham or a lie. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option e- ‘Inconsolable; fluke’ contradicts the above-given explanation. ‘Inconsolable’ refers to the quality of being distraught or devastated. And ‘fluke’ refers to something that is seen as a coincidence or a chance. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
So, the correct answer is “Option b”.

Note:
You should always begin by understanding the context and meaning of the sentence. Thereafter, choose the words that act as a synonym or hold the same meaning within the given context.