Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word: Usually the room tariff in this hotel is higher. At present, it is low because of the _______ season.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests common collocations and vocabulary used in hotel and tourism industry contexts. The sentence describes how room charges change depending on the time of year. You must choose the word that correctly completes the phrase before the word season so that the sentence reflects standard English and real world usage.

Given Data / Assumptions:
1) The sentence states that usually the room tariff is higher.
2) At present, the tariff is low.
3) The reason given is something related to a particular type of season.
4) The options are Peak, Off, Down, and Slow.
5) You must identify the word that commonly collocates with season in travel and hotel language.

Concept / Approach:
In tourism and hospitality, there are two important terms: peak season and off season. Peak season refers to the time of highest demand when prices are usually high. Off season refers to a period when demand is low, and therefore prices are reduced. The sentence specifically states that the tariff is low at present, so it must be referring to the off season. Words like down or slow do not form standard fixed phrases with season in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the meaning of the sentence. Normally the tariff is high, but now it is low due to some seasonal factor. Step 2: Recall typical hotel language. Hotels and travel agencies speak of peak season when prices and crowds are high, and off season when they are low. Step 3: Because the sentence says the present tariff is low, the hotel is not in peak season but rather in the period of low demand. Step 4: Check each option with the word season. Peak season normally means highest rates and maximum bookings, which would contradict low tariff. Step 5: Off season is widely used to describe the time when tourist activity is reduced and businesses lower prices. Step 6: Down season and slow season are not standard phrases in formal exam contexts, even if they might be used casually. Step 7: Therefore, the correct completion is because of the off season.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider how travel advertisements and hotel booking sites describe discounts. They often say off season discounts or off season rates. This confirms that Off is the appropriate word here. If we tried Peak season, the sentence would become contradictory, since peak season usually corresponds to higher prices, not lower ones.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Peak does not match the context of low tariff. Down and Slow do not form widely recognised collocations with season in this standard way, and would sound awkward in formal English. Exam questions aim for established phrases, so Off is the only answer that fits perfectly both in meaning and in usage.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates quickly choose Peak because they recognise the phrase peak season, without noticing that the sentence explicitly says the tariff is low at present. Always read the entire sentence and check whether the tone is about low demand or high demand. This will guide you to the correct phrase.

Final Answer:
The correct completion is: At present, it is low because of the off season. Therefore, the correct option is Off.