Texas Court Reporter Practice Exam

Which word best completes the phrase: Despite his efforts, he was _____ unable to convince the jury?

1. thoroughly

2. through

3. though

4. for

The correct answer is: though

The word that best completes the phrase is "thoroughly." In this context, the phrase conveys that despite the person's efforts, there was a complete or total inability to convince the jury. The use of "thoroughly" emphasizes the extent of the inability, suggesting that all efforts were in vain. The phrase would read as "Despite his efforts, he was thoroughly unable to convince the jury," which clearly communicates that no aspect of his attempts was successful. The other options do not fit grammatically or contextually in the sentence. "Through" would imply a different meaning, suggesting a process rather than an inability. "Though" is more of a conjunction used to introduce a contrast, which does not suit the sentence structure. "For" would not logically relate to the context of inability in this particular scenario.