The reckless driver was admonished to be …

Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is "reckless" (the question says "the reckless driver"). We need a word that is:

1. Most nearly opposite in meaning to "reckless"
2. A word that fits the gap in the sentence: "The reckless driver was admonished to be __"

Step 2: Understand the key words

• Reckless means careless about danger or consequences, rash, and heedless.
• Admonished means warned or advised firmly.

So the driver was being warned to change his dangerous behaviour. We need the opposite of "reckless".

Step 3: Test each option

• A. cautious: careful and attentive to avoid danger. This is the direct antonym of "reckless", and it fits: "admonished to be cautious."
• B. responsible: This is related, but it means accountable or trustworthy. It is not the direct opposite of "reckless".
• C. reliable: This means dependable. It is about consistency, not about care or danger.
• D. considerate: This means thoughtful toward others. It has nothing to do with risk-taking.

Step 4: Answer "Cautious" is the most precise opposite of "reckless", and it makes a natural sentence: The reckless driver was admonished to be cautious.

Tip: In antonym questions, focus on the core idea of the word. "Reckless" is about ignoring danger, so its opposite is about being careful of danger, which is "cautious". Other related words you can pair up: reckless ↔ careful/prudent/wary.