Question

Choose the option that best fills in the blank to complete the sentence logically and correctly:

Being an opportunist of the first order, he is still sitting on the fence and trying to weigh the __________ of the various political parties.

• A. Proposals
• B. Prospects
• C. Perspectives
• D. Possibilities

Answer 1

The correct option is B Prospects

The sentence is about (an opportunist) a person who is observing the political parties from the outside (the fence) and weighing his options.
Option B: 'Prospects' means 'chances or opportunities for success or wealth'. The word is suitable for the given sentence, as the person is gauging which of these chances or opportunities would bring him success. Hence B is the correct option.
Option A: 'Proposals' refers to a plan that is offered to someone for consideration. The sentence sounds ambiguous, when using this word, because of the words "being an opportunist" indicate that he is looking for prospects. Also, there is not mention that the person is given any proposals.
Option C: 'Perspectives' refers to a view, it's an abstract conception and does not complete the sentence in meaning. Even though it is synonymous to 'prospects', it does not match with the words "trying to weigh the (perspectives)" as it does not bring in the meaning 'opportunity'.
Option D: 'Possibilities' refers to the various alternatives or options. It isn't very suitable in this sentence, as the meaning formed is incomplete (possibilities of the parties in relation to what?).
Hence the word 'prospects' is the most suitable word here, and options A, C and D are incorrect.