1. Key Clues:

- "Teachers... confident she would do well" $\(\rightarrow\)$ They urged her to retake the test.
- "However" contrasts with her dented confidence $\(\rightarrow\)$ Teachers acted supportively.

2. Evaluate Options:

(A) cajoled (gently persuaded) $\(\rightarrow\)$ Fits; implies encouraging pressure.
(B) exhorted (strongly urged) $\(\rightarrow\)$ Fits; aligns with teachers' confidence.
(C) rattled (upset) $\(\rightarrow\)$ Contradicts the supportive tone.
(D) mollified (soothed) $\(\rightarrow\)$ Doesn't fit; she wasn't angry, just discouraged.
(E) goaded (provoked/motivated) $\(\rightarrow\)$ Fits; implies pushing her to act.
(F) pilloried (publicly criticized) $\(\rightarrow\)$ Contradicts the context.

Correct Answers: (B) exhorted and (E) goaded (both imply active encouragement).