Lauren loved to ask her sister __________________ questions when trying to persuade her; the use of such questions that were not meant to be answered but meant to persuade were a favorite tactic of hers.  sullen crestfallen sentimental  rhetorica

Sure, let's break down the question step by step to find the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.

1. Context Understanding: The sentence describes Lauren's behavior when she is trying to persuade her sister. It mentions that she uses a specific type of question that is not meant to be answered but is meant to persuade.

2. Key Clue: The phrase "questions that were not meant to be answered but meant to persuade" is crucial. This type of question is known as a rhetorical question.

3. Options Analysis:

   • Sullen: This means showing irritation or ill humor by a gloomy silence or reserve. It does not fit the context.
   • Crestfallen: This means dejected, dispirited, or discouraged. It does not fit the context.
   • Sentimental: This means showing or causing a lot of emotion, often in a way that seems excessive. It does not fit the context.
   • Rhetorical: This refers to a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer. This fits the context perfectly.

4. Conclusion: The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is "rhetorical."

So, the completed sentence is: "Lauren loved to ask her sister rhetorical questions when trying to persuade her; the use of such questions that were not meant to be answered but meant to persuade were a favorite tactic of hers."