When first-year students look around the classroom and see upper-division classmates who possess the characteristics they wish they had, sometimes the first-years will experience a discrepancy between their actual and selves.
A) ideal
B) possible
C) ought
D) working

Question

When first-year students look around the classroom and see upper-division classmates who possess the characteristics they wish they had, sometimes the first-years will experience a discrepancy between their actual and selves.
A) ideal
B) possible
C) ought
D) working

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The word "ideal" means a standard of perfection or excellence that one wishes to achieve. In this context, the first-year students may see their upper-division counterparts as having traits or abilities that they themselves desire. Therefore, the word "ideal" accurately describes the desired self-image that the first-year students may be experiencing a discrepancy with.

When First-Year Students Look Around the Classroom and See Upper-Division