Nelson-Denny Practice Test

The word "plausible" is the most appropriate choice to describe a reasonable situation. When something is plausible, it means that it is seemingly reasonable or probable, making it credible or believable in a given context. In terms of assessing situations, using "plausible" suggests that the circumstances presented can be accepted as likely or justifiable based on the information available.

The other terms do not convey the same meaning. "Scathing" refers to a harsh or severe criticism, which is not relevant to the concept of reasonable situations. "Libel" is a legal term that involves defamation through written falsehoods and is unrelated to the reasonableness of situations. "Virulent" typically describes something that is extremely harmful or poisonous, often used in the context of diseases or hostility, and does not relate to a reasonable situation either. Thus, "plausible" stands out as the most fitting word when discussing something that is reasonable and believable.