Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word: I will not be able to come to the party, as I have certain __________ to meet.

Introduction / Context:
Vocabulary questions that involve choosing the most suitable word to complete a sentence test both meaning and collocation. The phrase "to meet" followed by a noun often indicates obligations or responsibilities. This item checks whether the learner can select the word that naturally combines with "to meet" in the context of explaining why someone cannot attend a party.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Sentence: "I will not be able to come to the party, as I have certain __________ to meet."

The missing word should describe obligations or duties that prevent attendance.

The options are "promises", "commitments", "assurances", and "tasks".

The expression "to meet" is commonly used with words like "commitments" or "obligations".

Concept / Approach:

In English, some nouns frequently appear with certain verbs. These habitual pairings are called collocations.

The phrase "to meet commitments" means to fulfil obligations or honour agreements.

"Promises" can also be kept or fulfilled, but the common expression is "to keep a promise", not "to meet promises".

"Assurances" are usually "given" or "received", while "tasks" are "done" or "completed".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the overall meaning of the sentence. The speaker is giving a reason for not attending a party. Step 2: Recognise that the speaker is referring to responsibilities or obligations that must be fulfilled first. Step 3: Test option a: "promises". The phrase "to meet promises" is uncommon; native speakers normally say "to keep promises". This makes option a less suitable. Step 4: Test option b: "commitments". The phrase "to meet commitments" is a standard expression meaning to honour obligations, especially professional or personal responsibilities. Step 5: Test option c: "assurances". We usually "give assurances" rather than "meet assurances", so this does not collocate well with "to meet". Step 6: Test option d: "tasks". It is more natural to "complete tasks" or "do tasks", not "meet tasks". Step 7: Conclude that "commitments" is the only option that combines naturally with "to meet" and conveys the correct meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard business and social English often uses phrases like "due to prior commitments" or "to meet my commitments". This matches the context of being busy or already engaged elsewhere. Therefore, choosing "commitments" accurately reflects both meaning and collocation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a is wrong because the usual phrase is "keep a promise", not "meet a promise". Option c is wrong because "assurances" do not usually follow the verb "meet"; they are given or received, not met. Option d is wrong because "tasks" are simply done, handled, or completed, so the combination "meet tasks" sounds unnatural.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may translate directly from their first language and choose a word that matches meaning but not collocation. Another common error is to focus only on the noun without checking how well it fits with the verb "to meet". To improve, students should pay attention to fixed expressions in reading passages and listen to how native speakers combine verbs and nouns.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is: commitments.