Since all items on the agenda had been discussed, the meeting was … .

Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence says all items on the agenda had been discussed, so the meeting is coming to a close. We need the word that describes a meeting being formally ended.

Step 2: Explain the concept (word meanings)

• Dismissed: used for sending people away, such as a class, a worker, or a case in court. We dismiss people, not usually a meeting.
• Suspended: stopped temporarily, often because of a problem, or with the intention of continuing later (e.g., a suspended student).
• Adjourned: formally brought to an end or paused until a later time. It is the standard word for closing a meeting or court session.
• Dissolved: used for bringing an assembly or organisation to a permanent end (e.g., Parliament is dissolved, a marriage is dissolved).

Step 3: Apply to the sentence Once the agenda is finished, the chairman says, "I now adjourn the meeting." This is the normal formal expression. "Dissolved" would suggest the body itself ceased to exist, and "suspended" would suggest an interruption because of a problem.

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

Tip: Remember "adjourn" for meetings, courts, and sessions, "dissolve" for Parliament or organisations, and "dismiss" for people.