Despite a string of poor performances, the chances of K. L. Rahul's selection in the playing eleven are ________.
Options:
(A) slim
(B) bright
(C) uncertain
(D) obvious
Official Answer Key:
B
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Concept Analysis (GATE BT 2020 Q.2)**
**1. Governing Concept**:
- **Topic**: Verbal Ability & Concessive Contrast / Idiomatic Collocation
- The sentence begins with the concessive clause *"Despite a string of poor performances..."*, which introduces a contrast between an unfavorable track record and an unexpected favorable outcome.
- The idiom for favorable or strong prospects/chances is **"bright"** (e.g., "chances are bright").
- While "slim" matches poor performance, the concessive preposition "Despite" requires an opposing positive outcome.
**2. Option Analysis**:
- **Option (A) [slim] is INCORRECT**: Concessive "Despite" precludes a negative expectation aligning with poor performance.
- **Option (B) [bright] is CORRECT**: Correctly provides the contrasting optimistic prediction required by "Despite".
- **Option (C) [uncertain] is INCORRECT**: Does not create a strong concessive semantic contrast.
- **Option (D) [obvious] is INCORRECT**: Non-idiomatic with "chances of selection".
**3. Final Answer**:
- **Correct Choice**: **B**
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