Which word best completes the sentence? Jimmy has been practicing his free throws for months now. Despite his _________ efforts, Jimmy is still the worst free throw shooter on the team.

Which word best completes the sentence? Jimmy has been practicing his free throws for months now. Despite his _________ efforts, Jimmy is still the worst free throw shooter on the team.

• A. Coarse
• B. Deplorable
• C. Courageous
• D. Hard-earned

Answer: (C)

Choosing an adjective that accurately characterizes the effort and its tone in the context of ongoing practice. The sentence sets up a contrast: months of practice with still-poor results, so the word should describe the effort in a positive, determined light. Courageous fits because it conveys bravery and a steady drive to keep trying despite not yet improving. It respects the persistence shown, matching the idea that Jimmy keeps practicing even when success hasn’t followed. Coarse would describe texture, not effort, and sounds out of place. Deplorable would harshly judge the effort as unacceptable, which clashes with the idea of ongoing practice. Hard-earned feels awkward here because we don’t typically say efforts are earned in that way, and the tone is aiming to commend perseverance rather than imply the effort itself earned respect.

Choosing an adjective that accurately characterizes the effort and its tone in the context of ongoing practice. The sentence sets up a contrast: months of practice with still-poor results, so the word should describe the effort in a positive, determined light. Courageous fits because it conveys bravery and a steady drive to keep trying despite not yet improving. It respects the persistence shown, matching the idea that Jimmy keeps practicing even when success hasn’t followed.

Coarse would describe texture, not effort, and sounds out of place. Deplorable would harshly judge the effort as unacceptable, which clashes with the idea of ongoing practice. Hard-earned feels awkward here because we don’t typically say efforts are earned in that way, and the tone is aiming to commend perseverance rather than imply the effort itself earned respect.