The signature on the document lacked … so it was rejected

Analyze the question The sentence says a signature on a document "lacked __ so it was rejected." We need the quality whose absence would make a signature get rejected.

Explain the concept Signatures are used to prove that a person really approved or wrote a document. A signature is therefore checked for authenticity, meaning it is genuine and not forged. Authenticity is the key quality tested in a document, so its absence is a strong reason for rejection.

Test each option

• A. clarity: A signature can be unclear or scribbled and still be genuine. Many real signatures are hard to read, so this is not the usual reason for rejection.
• B. authenticity: If a signature is not genuine, the document is rejected. This fits the meaning and the cause-and-effect ("lacked... so it was rejected") perfectly.
• C. formality: This refers to following formal rules or etiquette. It is not a quality we normally attribute to a signature.
• D. simplicity: A simple signature is not a problem, and lacking simplicity would not be a reason for rejection.

Answer The word that best completes the sentence is authenticity, which is option B.

Exam tip When a sentence has a cause-and-effect link such as "lacked ___ so it was rejected," ask yourself, "What quality would an examiner or official actually check for?" For signatures, certificates and documents, think authentic, genuine, valid. Also remember the related word forms: authentic (adj), authenticity (noun), authenticate (verb).