Question

select the word or phrase that is redundant and can be removed without changing the meaning of the text. before taking the stand, the two eyewitnesses pledged that they would provide an honest and truthful account of the accident.

Explanation:

The words "honest" and "truthful" have very similar meanings in the context of providing an account. Removing either one (either "honest" or "truthful") would not change the overall meaning of the sentence as the remaining word would still convey the idea of a sincere and accurate account. Since the question asks for the redundant word or phrase, we can identify that one of these two is redundant. Typically, in such cases, either "honest" or "truthful" can be removed. Here, let's consider "honest" or "truthful" – both are redundant together. But if we have to pick one, let's see: the phrase "honest and truthful" – since they are synonyms, one can be removed. So either "honest" or "truthful" is redundant. In the sentence, removing "honest" (or "truthful") will leave the other word to convey the same idea. So the redundant word/phrase is either "honest" or "truthful". But in the given sentence, "honest and truthful" – so one of them is redundant. Let's check: "provide a truthful account" or "provide an honest account" – both mean the same. So the redundant part is either "honest" or "truthful". So the answer is either "honest" or "truthful" (but in the context of the question, we need to pick the redundant one. So the redundant word/phrase is "honest" (or "truthful").

Answer:

honest (or truthful)