In this sentence completion question, choose the word that best completes the sentence: "One has to be very _______ during the monsoons as the road becomes slippery."

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on choosing a suitable adjective that logically and semantically fits a sentence about travelling during the monsoon season. The sentence mentions that the road becomes slippery, which points directly to safety and risk. To answer correctly, you need to identify which quality is most important in such conditions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: "One has to be very _______ during the monsoons as the road becomes slippery."
• The key clue is "road becomes slippery".
• Options: Smart, Cautious, Presentable, Prepared.
• The adjective must relate to how a person behaves on slippery roads.

Concept / Approach:
When the road is slippery, the primary concern is safety. The person should act carefully to avoid accidents. The word "cautious" means careful to avoid danger or mistakes, especially in situations that involve risk. The other options either refer to appearance ("presentable"), general intelligence ("smart"), or readiness in a broader sense ("prepared"). Although "prepared" is somewhat related, it does not capture the essential idea of careful behaviour on a slippery road as accurately as "cautious" does.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the risk described in the sentence: slippery roads during monsoon season. Step 2: Think about what quality a person needs when driving or walking on slippery roads. The key quality is carefulness or watchfulness to avoid accidents. Step 3: Match that idea with the options. "Cautious" means careful about avoiding danger or risk. Step 4: Insert "cautious" into the sentence: "One has to be very cautious during the monsoons as the road becomes slippery." Step 5: Check that the sentence now sounds natural and logically consistent with the situation described.

Verification / Alternative check:
Try the other words. "Smart" focuses on intelligence or fashionable appearance; being smart is not the main point when dealing with slippery roads. "Presentable" refers to looking neat and suitable in appearance, which is irrelevant to road conditions. "Prepared" means ready, but the sentence does not talk about planning ahead; it emphasises behaviour while the road is already slippery. Only "cautious" directly addresses the need for careful behaviour when there is a risk of slipping or skidding.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Smart" does not directly connect to physical safety on slippery roads.

"Presentable" is about appearance, which has no link to the danger mentioned in the sentence.

"Prepared" suggests readiness, but the sentence stresses ongoing carefulness, which is better expressed by "cautious".

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes select words that have a generally positive meaning without checking whether they match the specific context. In exam questions, the surrounding words often contain strong clues, such as "slippery" and "monsoons" here. Always tie your choice to the primary idea in the sentence rather than selecting a word that is simply positive or sophisticated.

Final Answer:
The correct word is "Cautious", so the sentence should read: "One has to be very cautious during the monsoons as the road becomes slippery."