Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
Among the shortlisted candidates, she presented the ___ argument with impeccable logic and evidence.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
most compelling
Explanation
The sentence describes a comparison among a group of people ("Among the shortlisted candidates"), which implies there are three or more candidates under consideration.
When comparing more than two entities, we must use the Superlative Degree of the adjective.
The base adjective is compelling (meaning convincing or powerful).
Since "compelling" is a multi-syllable word, its superlative form is created by adding "most" in front of it.
Additionally, the option "most compelled" is incorrect because "compelled" means forced or obliged to do something, which does not logically fit the description of an argument.
Key Points
Grammar Rule: Use the superlative degree (most compelling) when comparing more than two things or people.
Contextual Clue: The phrase "Among the..." indicates a group evaluation, ruling out the comparative form (more compelling).