In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap.From the list of words lettered A to D, choose…

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "Parents should persuade their children to do chores, not .......... them."

The underlined word is persuade. We need a word that is opposite in meaning to "persuade" and that also fits the gap grammatically and logically.

Explain the concept

• Persuade means to convince someone gently, by reasoning or appeal.
• Coerce means to force someone to do something by pressure or threat.
• The sentence uses the contrast pattern "do X, not Y", so the gap needs a word that contrasts with persuading.

Check each option

• A. implore: to beg earnestly. This is close to persuading, not opposite.
• B. coerce: to compel by force. This is the direct opposite of gentle persuasion.
• C. enjoin: to instruct or urge someone to do something. It is similar to persuade, not opposite.
• D. cajole: to coax with flattery. This is a synonym of persuade.

Answer

Parents should persuade their children to do chores, not coerce them. This makes sense because persuasion is voluntary and coercion is forced.

Tip: In "opposite in meaning" questions, first find the synonyms of the underlined word and eliminate them. Here implore, enjoin and cajole are all in the "persuade" family, so only coerce is left. To remember coerce, think of "co-ERCE" = FORCE.