A conference invited a recognized expert to speak; such a person is called a …

A conference invited a recognized expert to speak; such a person is called a …

• A. Novice
• B. Dilettante
• C. Student
• D. Pundit

Answer: (D)

The idea here is naming someone who is widely regarded as an expert and whose informed opinions are sought in public settings. A pundit is exactly that: a recognized authority in a field who speaks publicly, often sharing analysis or commentary. Inviting such a person to a conference fits this term because the speaker is expected to provide informed, authoritative insight. The other terms describe less experienced or less established roles. A novice is someone new to a field, lacking expertise. A dilettante is someone who dabbles without serious commitment or depth. A student is someone still learning, not yet an authority. None of these capture the sense of a trusted expert whose views are valued in public discourse, which is why pundit is the best fit.

The idea here is naming someone who is widely regarded as an expert and whose informed opinions are sought in public settings. A pundit is exactly that: a recognized authority in a field who speaks publicly, often sharing analysis or commentary. Inviting such a person to a conference fits this term because the speaker is expected to provide informed, authoritative insight.

The other terms describe less experienced or less established roles. A novice is someone new to a field, lacking expertise. A dilettante is someone who dabbles without serious commitment or depth. A student is someone still learning, not yet an authority. None of these capture the sense of a trusted expert whose views are valued in public discourse, which is why pundit is the best fit.