OE


The blank refers to what one can often be… when one is too forthright. The clue for the blank is that it is not always appropriate. The transition word although indicates the word for the blank should be the opposite of trait to be valued and the semicolon after not always appropriate suggests that the word will match with not always appropriate. Therefore, use “not always appropriate” as a phrase for the blank. Choices (A), (B), and (C)— objective, equitable, deluded— can be eliminated because they do not match “not always appropriate.” Choice (E), corrupt, means to act dishonestly, which seems like a close match, but does not match “not always appropriate,” so eliminate (E). The correct answer is (D), tactless.