The unionists … the meeting with the management.

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the verb that best fits "The unionists .......... the meeting with the management." The unionists are the ones acting, and the object is a meeting they were invited to.

Step 2: Explain the concept This is a test of word choice (lexis). Each option has a distinct meaning and takes particular kinds of objects:

• Rejected: to refuse to accept something such as a proposal, offer, or demand. You reject an offer, not usually a meeting.
• Hindered: to obstruct or delay something. It suggests getting in the way of a process, which does not fit a group simply staying away.
• Boycotted: to deliberately refuse to attend or take part in something as a form of protest. This is the standard word for unions, protests, and meetings.
• Banned: to officially forbid something. Unionists have no authority to ban a meeting with management.

Step 3: Solve step by step

1. The subject is unionists, a group that can protest by withholding participation.
2. The object is the meeting with the management, an event to attend.
3. The natural action of a union that is unhappy with management is to refuse to attend as a protest, which is boycott.
4. Test it: "The unionists boycotted the meeting with the management" is natural and idiomatic.
5. Check the others: "banned the meeting" implies they had power to forbid it, "hindered the meeting" implies obstruction, and "rejected the meeting" is an awkward collocation.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. boycotted.

Step 5: Exam tip Learn collocations: boycott goes with meetings, elections, classes, and products. Reject goes with offers, proposals, and applications. When a question involves unions, strikes, or protests, "boycott" is a very likely choice.