The warring communities were coerced into negotiating a settlement?

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the word opposite in meaning to "coerced" (the underlined word). This is an antonym question.

Step 2: Explain the concept To coerce means to force someone to do something by using pressure, threats, or authority. So the opposite would be a word that suggests gentle influence or willing agreement, without force.

Step 3: Examine each option

• A. driven: pushed or forced into action. This is similar to coerced.
• B. compelled: forced. This is a synonym, not an opposite.
• C. persuaded: convinced through reasoning or appeal, without force. This is the opposite of forcing someone.
• D. pressured: pushed or forced. This is similar to coerced.

Step 4: Identify the answer Options A, B and D all carry the idea of force or pressure, so they are synonyms. Only persuaded involves winning someone over willingly, which makes it the antonym.

The sentence becomes: "The warring communities were persuaded into negotiating a settlement" (they agreed willingly rather than being forced).

**The correct answer is C. persuaded.

Exam tip: In antonym questions, if three options mean roughly the same thing, they are probably synonyms of the given word, so the odd one out is usually your answer. Also, always read the question carefully: many students lose marks by picking a synonym when the question asks for the opposite.