Question

for questions #16 - 20, refer to the following passage:
the confused students loaded into the auditorium to listen to a guest speaker. the crowd was (16) about the event; some students cared, others did not.
while the speaker could detect this feeling, he was not worried and rather (17). the speaker credited his relaxed demeanor to years of public speaking experience, being far from a (18) or beginner. the speaker opened his presentation with a short, humorous story, with this particular (19) being one of his favorites. at the end of his story, when the audience let out a huge burst of laughter, the experienced (20) knew he had his audience hooked.
18.
a. benevolent
b. digression
c. authoritarian
d. novice

Explanation:

The sentence mentions "years of public speaking experience" and "far from a... or beginner". The word "beginner" implies a lack of experience. Looking at the options:

• "Benevolent" means kind - hearted, which has no relation to experience level.
• "Digression" refers to a deviation from the main topic, not relevant here.
• "Authoritarian" means favoring absolute obedience, not related to experience.
• "Novice" means a beginner or someone new to a field, which is a synonym for "beginner" and fits the context of contrasting with "years of public speaking experience".

Answer:

D. Novice