Question 18

The retired government official spoke knowledgeably about foreign policy and international trade.

Using "knowledgeably" correctly modifies the verb "spoke," indicating that the official communicated with a high level of understanding regarding foreign policy and international trade.

A) as knowing

This option is incorrect because "as knowing" is not a standard adverbial phrase in English. It fails to appropriately modify the verb "spoke," lacking clarity and grammatical correctness.

B) in knowledge

"In knowledge" is also incorrect as it does not function as an appropriate adverbial phrase. It suggests a state of possessing knowledge rather than the manner in which the official spoke, failing to convey the intended meaning.

C) knowledgeably

This option is correct because "knowledgeably" is an adverb that effectively describes how the retired official spoke. It implies that the official's comments were informed and insightful, aligning perfectly with the context of discussing complex topics such as foreign policy and international trade.

D) knowledgeable

"Knowledgeable" is an adjective, and while it describes a person who has knowledge, it does not modify the verb "spoke." Therefore, it does not accurately convey the manner of speaking required in this context.

Conclusion

The correct choice, "knowledgeably," is the only option that grammatically and contextually fits the sentence, accurately reflecting the retired official's manner of speaking. All other options either lack proper grammatical structure or fail to convey the intended meaning related to the act of speaking with expertise.