Question

A deliberation is a form of discussion in which two people begin on different sides of an issue. (\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_). Then each decides, in the light of the other argument whether to adopt the other position, to change his or her position somewhat, or to maintain the same position. Both sides realize that to modify one’s position is not to lose; the point is to get closer to the truth of the matter.

• A. Each person argues his or her position most sincerely.
• B. The prerequisite for deliberation to be productive is that persons involved must keep an open mind.
• C. The purpose is to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of both parties.
• D. The trick is to state your viewpoint from a position of strength.

Hint:

When choosing the missing link in a logical paragraph, identify the role of the sentence (opening, connecting, or concluding). Match the tone and focus of the rest of the paragraph carefully to eliminate choices.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

We are asked to find the sentence that best fits the blank in a paragraph describing the process of deliberation.
The paragraph begins by defining what deliberation is: a process where two people start on opposite sides of an issue. After that, the paragraph talks about how each person reflects on the other’s argument and may adopt or reject it. It concludes by emphasizing that changing one’s position is not a loss but a movement toward truth.
To find the correct option, let us examine each in detail: Option (a): “Each person argues his or her position most sincerely.”
This fits perfectly at the beginning because it describes the nature of the opening step of deliberation. When two people begin a deliberation, they must argue their positions sincerely. This sets the context for why it matters that they might later revise their positions honestly.
It also aligns logically with the rest of the paragraph, which explains how both participants may revise their stances and why that is acceptable and productive.
Option (b): “The prerequisite for deliberation to be productive is that persons involved must keep an open mind.”
While this is relevant to the topic of deliberation, it is better suited as a closing remark or a condition rather than an opening. It introduces the mindset required but not the actual beginning of deliberation.
The rest of the paragraph does not support this sentence directly as an opening point—it is a little abstract and does not introduce the act of discussing.
Option (c): “The purpose is to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of both parties.”
This sentence talks about the goal of deliberation, not the initial process. It seems more like a concluding remark, not an introductory idea. It also emphasizes “satisfaction of both parties,” which is not the focus of the paragraph—the paragraph is about getting to the truth, not compromise.
Option (d): “The trick is to state your viewpoint from a position of strength.”
This seems completely out of sync with the tone and theme of the paragraph. Deliberation is described here as a mutual, respectful, and sincere process aimed at truth. Option (d) introduces a tone of competition or persuasion strategy, which is inconsistent.
Hence, the most coherent and logically consistent sentence that fits the blank is: Option (a).