In the following sentence completion question, choose the word that correctly refers to the minimum number of members required to conduct a meeting: "Seventeen students were needed for a __________ in order to discuss the topics during the Student Council meeting."

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary based completion question tests whether you know the specific word used in formal meetings to describe the minimum number of members who must be present for official business to be conducted. The sentence describes a Student Council meeting and mentions that seventeen students were needed for this purpose, so you must choose the term that matches this definition.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: "Seventeen students were needed for a __________ in order to discuss the topics during the Student Council meeting."
• The context is a formal meeting requiring a certain number of attendees.
• The options are "decorum," "quota," "quorum," and "quote."
• The missing word should mean the legally or officially required number of members present.

Concept / Approach:
The correct term is "quorum." In parliamentary and organisational procedures, a quorum is the minimum number of members that must be present at a meeting so that decisions made are valid. "Decorum" refers to proper behaviour or etiquette, "quota" is a fixed share or number assigned, and "quote" is a verb or noun related to repeating someone's words or stating a price. Only "quorum" fits the idea of required attendance for a meeting.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the key clue: "in order to discuss the topics during the Student Council meeting." Step 2: Understand that some official number of students must be present to start the meeting. Step 3: Recall that "quorum" is the technical term for this required minimum number. Step 4: Insert "quorum" into the sentence: "Seventeen students were needed for a quorum in order to discuss the topics during the Student Council meeting." Step 5: Confirm that the sentence is now both meaningful and accurate in organisational language.

Verification / Alternative check:
Try each incorrect option: "for a decorum" is wrong because "decorum" is uncountable and refers to proper behaviour, not a required count. "For a quota" suggests a target number of something produced or collected, not attendees at a meeting. "For a quote" would suggest needing a price estimate or repeated statement, which does not match the context of a meeting needing enough members to proceed. These checks confirm that only "quorum" matches the intended meaning.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• decorum: Refers to proper behaviour or manners during a meeting, not the number of participants needed to start it.
• quota: Means an assigned amount or share, such as a sales quota, not the minimum attendance requirement.
• quote: Usually refers to repeating someone's words or giving a price; unrelated to meeting attendance.

Common Pitfalls:
Because "quorum," "quota," and "quote" all start with "quo," they can easily be confused by learners. Memorising each word with a clear example can help: "Without a quorum, the meeting cannot proceed"; "She met her sales quota"; "He asked for a quote for the repair." Recognising these context patterns will make it easier to select the right word under exam pressure.

Final Answer:
The correct word is quorum, giving the sentence: Seventeen students were needed for a quorum in order to discuss the topics during the Student Council meeting.