The man was happy that his son confessed his guilt and so the others were … ?

Analyze the question

The sentence says the man was happy that his son confessed his guilt, "and so the others were ......." The word "so" shows a cause-and-effect link. Because the son confessed, something happened to the others. We need a word that fits this logical result.

Explain the concept

This is a question on context and logical consequence. When one person admits guilt, other suspects are usually cleared of blame. Let's look at the meanings:

• Implicated: shown to be involved in a crime. A confession by one person would not make the man happy if it dragged others in.
• Accused: charged with wrongdoing. This doesn't follow naturally from a confession and wouldn't be a reason for happiness.
• Punished: given a penalty. Others being punished because of the son's confession doesn't fit the man's happiness.
• Exonerated: officially cleared of blame. This fits perfectly.

Step-by-step solution

1. The son confessed, so he is the guilty one.
2. Once the guilty person is identified, the innocent others no longer have suspicion on them.
3. The man's happiness makes sense if the others (likely innocent) were freed from blame.
4. The word that means "cleared of blame" is exonerated.

Answer: The correct option is D. exonerated.

Tip: In "fill in the gap" questions, look for linking words like so, because, and therefore. They tell you the gap must express a result. Also remember that exonerate means "to free from blame". Think of it as "ex-" (out of) + "onus" (burden), so the burden is taken off the person.