Complete this statement with the most appropriate of the options lettered A- E Though Chike has been … his…

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "Though Chike has been ........ his colleagues believe that he committed the crime."

The word "Though" signals contrast. So the blank must describe something that contradicts what his colleagues believe (that he is guilty). The missing word must therefore mean something like "cleared of guilt."

Explain the concept

• Authenticated: proved to be genuine (used for documents, not people in this context).
• Convicted: found guilty in court.
• Exonerated: officially cleared of blame or guilt.
• Pardoned: forgiven and released from punishment, usually after being found guilty.
• Sentenced: given a punishment by a court.

Step-by-step solution

1. "Though" introduces a contrast, so the first part must be the opposite of "his colleagues believe he committed the crime."
2. Convicted and sentenced both mean he is guilty. These would agree with his colleagues' belief, so "though" would make no sense.
3. Authenticated does not fit a person in this context.
4. Pardoned is a possible option, but a pardon implies he was guilty and was forgiven. This is weaker than exonerated, which directly means cleared of the crime and so contrasts perfectly with the colleagues' belief.
5. Exonerated fits best: "Though Chike has been exonerated, his colleagues believe that he committed the crime."

Answer: C. exonerated

Exam tip

When you see "though," "although," or "despite," look for opposite ideas in the two halves of the sentence. Eliminate options that agree with the second half. Also remember: exonerate = declare innocent, while pardon = forgive someone who is guilty.