The diplomat described the negotiations as protracted, noting that what should have been resolved in weeks had stretched into months of contentious debates over minor procedural details.
4
readingAs used in the text, what does the word "protracted" most nearly mean?
A
brief
B
successful
C
extended
D
private
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. The passage describes negotiations that "stretched into months" when they should have taken weeks. "Extended" means lengthened in time, fitting this prolonged process.
Choice A is incorrect because "brief" contradicts months-long duration. Choice B is incorrect because "successful" doesn't address duration. Choice D is incorrect because "private" doesn't address timeline.