The meeting cannot start because we have not formed a …

Analyze the question The sentence is: "The meeting cannot start because we have not formed a ............." We need a word for the minimum number of members who must be present before a meeting can officially begin.

Explain the concept A quorum is the minimum number of members of a group (such as a committee, board, or association) that must be present for the meeting's proceedings to be valid. If the quorum isn't met, the meeting can't start or make binding decisions.

Check each option

• A. quota: a fixed share or allotment (e.g., a quota of admission slots). It doesn't relate to the attendance needed for a meeting.
• B. crowd: a large gathering of people. It has no connection to the formal requirement for a meeting, and we don't "form a crowd" as a condition for starting.
• C. quorum: the minimum number of members needed for a meeting to proceed. It fits perfectly, and "form a quorum" is a common expression.
• D. chorus: a group of singers, or a repeated part of a song. It doesn't fit.

Answer The meeting cannot start because we have not formed a quorum.

Exam tip Don't mix up quota and quorum, since they look alike. Remember: quorum = people present (both start with "qu" and have "o-r-u", think "queue of people"), while quota = quantity or share.