In the following sentence completion question, choose the most appropriate adjective to complete the sentence. The revolting players and the game's administrators held _____ discussions to resolve the payment dispute.

Introduction / Context:
This question examines your ability to choose contextually appropriate vocabulary, particularly adjectives used to describe types of discussions or talks. The sentence reads: “The revolting players and the game's administrators held _____ discussions to resolve the payment dispute.” You must determine which adjective best fits the context of parties trying to negotiate and resolve a serious issue.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Parties involved: revolting players and the game's administrators.
• Situation: a payment dispute that needs resolution.
• Noun to be qualified: “discussions”.
• Options: unnecessary, obligatory, preliminary, silent, casual.
• We assume professional or formal negotiations are being described.

Concept / Approach:
When two opposing sides begin to talk in order to resolve a dispute, the initial meetings are usually described as “preliminary discussions”. “Preliminary” means happening before something more important, especially as a preparation. It fits well when the parties are starting to negotiate terms. Other adjectives like “unnecessary”, “silent”, or “casual” do not match the serious tone and purpose of resolving a payment issue. “Obligatory” might fit grammatically, but it does not naturally collocate with “discussions” in this context as well as “preliminary” does.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand that players are “revolting”, meaning they are protesting or on strike. Step 2: Recognize that administrators and players need to talk formally in order to resolve the dispute. Step 3: Identify that the first round of such talks is typically described as “preliminary discussions”. Step 4: Evaluate “unnecessary discussions”, which would contradict the need to resolve the dispute. Step 5: Evaluate “obligatory discussions”, which is unusual wording and does not convey the idea of first or initial talks. Step 6: Note that “silent discussions” is almost self-contradictory and inappropriate, and “casual discussions” does not match the seriousness of a payment dispute. Step 7: Conclude that “preliminary” is the most suitable adjective.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider how newspapers or sports reports describe similar situations: “The board held preliminary discussions with the players’ union”, “Preliminary talks between management and staff began yesterday.” These examples show that “preliminary discussions” is a standard phrase for early-stage negotiations. Replacing “preliminary” with any of the other options makes the sentence sound odd or changes the meaning inappropriately, confirming that “preliminary” is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Unnecessary” suggests the talks were not needed, which clashes with the idea of resolving an important dispute.
“Obligatory” focuses on the fact that discussions are required, but this adjective is rarely used with “discussions” in this context and does not convey the idea of early-stage talks.
“Silent” is contradictory for “discussions”, which involve speaking.
“Casual” implies informality and lack of seriousness, which does not fit a formal payment dispute between players and administrators.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted by words that look sophisticated or formal without checking how they collocate with the given noun. Another common issue is ignoring the seriousness of the context; “revolting players” and “payment dispute” clearly indicate that the situation is serious and formal, not casual or unnecessary. To avoid mistakes, always imagine how the sentence would appear in a newspaper report or official statement and see which adjective naturally fits that style.

Final Answer:
The most appropriate adjective is “preliminary”, giving the sentence: “The revolting players and the game's administrators held preliminary discussions to resolve the payment dispute.”