This question is missing the options. I've found the complete question online. It is the following:
Read the sentence that appears in an argumentative essay about American public education. If education is so important to American society, then why is funding for American public schools so pathetic? Which revision exhibits the best word choice for the underlined portion of the sentence?
A. why is the funding for American public schools so inadequate?
B. why is the funding for American public schools so ridiculous?
C. why is the money given to public schools so pathetic?
D. why is pathetic funding given to American public schools?
Answer:
The best revision for the underline portion of the sentence is:
A. why is the funding for American public schools so inadequate?
Step-by-step explanation:
The instructions let us know that this sentence is a part of an argumentative essay, which is a type of academic work. This means the author should avoid using language that is too informal as well as too abrasive. The adjectives "pathetic" and "ridiculous" sound harsh, a bit too direct, as if the author is angry. "Inadequate" expresses the same idea as the other two, only it sounds much less aggressive and a bit more formal. That is why letter A is the best option.