They were given an … either pay the rent or vacate the premises.

Analyze the question The sentence is: "They were given an ____ to either pay the rent or vacate the premises." We need the word that best describes a final demand that carries a consequence if it is not met.

Explain the concept

• Ultimatum: a final demand or statement of terms. If it is rejected, serious action follows. It usually presents a choice between two options.
• Injunction (the option is misspelled "injuction"): a court order that commands someone to do or stop doing something. It is a legal order, not a pay-or-leave choice.
• Admonition: a gentle warning or a reprimand for behaviour.
• Undertaking: a promise or a task or project taken on. It is not something given to a tenant as a demand.

Solution The sentence offers two choices, "either pay the rent or vacate." This is the pattern of a final demand with a consequence, which is exactly what an ultimatum is.

• An injunction does not fit because it comes from a court and does not give an either/or choice.
• An admonition is only a warning or scolding and does not demand a specific action.
• An undertaking does not fit the meaning at all.

So the sentence reads: "They were given an ultimatum to either pay the rent or vacate the premises."

Answer: A. ultimatum

Tip: Think of "ultimate," meaning last. An ultimatum is the last demand before action is taken. Whenever you see "do this or else" in a sentence, think ultimatum.