Step 1: Analyze the contextual clue provided in the sentence.
The sentence states:
“His speech was so _ _ _ _ that everyone lost interest halfway through.”
The phrase “lost interest” conveys a negative reaction from the audience. It suggests that the speech failed to maintain attention and was probably dull, repetitive, or uninteresting.
Hence, the word filling the blank should have a negative meaning associated with boredom or lack of variety.
Step 2: Evaluate Option (A) -- Engaging.
The word Engaging means:
• Interesting
• Attractive
• Able to capture and hold attention
• Pleasant and enjoyable
Example:
“The teacher gave an engaging presentation that kept the students attentive throughout the class.”
If a speech is engaging, listeners usually become more interested rather than losing interest.
Thus, the statement
“His speech was so engaging that everyone lost interest halfway through.”
creates a contradiction.
Therefore, Option (A) is incorrect.
Step 3: Evaluate Option (B) -- Monotonous.
The word Monotonous refers to something that is:
• Repetitive
• Lacking variety
• Dull
• Tedious
• Unchanging in tone or style
Example:
“The lecture became monotonous because the speaker continued repeating the same points.”
A monotonous speech often causes listeners to lose concentration and become bored because there is little variation in delivery, content, or tone.
Substituting the word into the sentence:
“His speech was so monotonous that everyone lost interest halfway through.”
The sentence now becomes perfectly logical and meaningful.
Therefore, Option (B) is a strong match for the given context.
Step 4: Evaluate Option (C) -- Lively.
The word Lively means:
• Energetic
• Animated
• Full of enthusiasm
• Interesting and active
Example:
“The lively discussion encouraged everyone to participate actively.”
A lively speech generally increases audience involvement and attention.
Thus, the statement
“His speech was so lively that everyone lost interest halfway through.”
does not make logical sense.
Hence, Option (C) is incorrect.
Step 5: Evaluate Option (D) -- Exciting.
The word Exciting means:
• Thrilling
• Stimulating
• Interesting
• Capable of creating enthusiasm
Example:
“The exciting announcement captured everyone's attention immediately.”
An exciting speech would normally make people more attentive rather than causing them to lose interest.
Therefore,
“His speech was so exciting that everyone lost interest halfway through.”
is illogical.
Hence, Option (D) is incorrect.
Step 6: Determine the most appropriate answer.
After examining all four options, we observe:
• Engaging $\rightarrow$ Positive meaning; contradicts the result.
• Monotonous $\rightarrow$ Dull and repetitive; perfectly explains the result.
• Lively $\rightarrow$ Positive meaning; contradicts the result.
• Exciting $\rightarrow$ Positive meaning; contradicts the result.
Therefore, the only word that logically fits the context is:
\[
{\text{Monotonous}}
\]
Hence, the correct answer is Option (B).