The principal gave his speech offhand at the sports meeting?

Analyze the question

The word "offhand" is used as an adverb here: the principal gave his speech offhand. We need the option closest in meaning.

Explain the concept

"Offhand" (adverb) means without previous thought or preparation, that is, impromptu or extempore. For example, "I can't say offhand how many students came" means "I can't say right now, without checking or preparing."

"Offhand" can also be an adjective meaning casual or curt, which is close to "unconcerned." However, in the context of giving a speech at a meeting, the adverbial sense (without preparation) is the more natural one.

Step-by-step solution

• A. calmly: this describes manner or temperament, not preparation. Not it.
• B. beautifully: this describes quality. Nothing in "offhand" suggests it. Not it.
• C. unconcerned: this is close to the adjective sense of "offhand" (casual, indifferent), but it describes attitude, not how the speech was delivered. It is a distractor.
• D. unprepared: this matches "without previous preparation," the meaning of "gave his speech offhand."

Answer

The correct option is D. unprepared.

Tip

For words like offhand, impromptu, extempore and ad-lib, remember the link to "no preparation." When a word has two senses, always check which one fits the sentence. A speech is "given" offhand, so the focus is on how it was prepared, not on the speaker's feelings.