The correct option is A. doubtful. Explanation of the Correct Answer

1. Understanding the Context: The sentence states, "I was skeptical about the story she told me." The word "skeptical" indicates a feeling of doubt or uncertainty regarding the truth or validity of the story. When someone is skeptical, they are not easily convinced and often question the reliability of the information presented to them.
2. Meaning of "Skeptical": The term "skeptical" comes from the root word "skeptic," which refers to a person who questions or doubts accepted opinions. In this context, it implies that the speaker does not fully believe or trust the story being told.
3. Analyzing Option A - Doubtful: The word "doubtful" means having doubts or lacking confidence in something. This aligns perfectly with the meaning of "skeptical." If someone is doubtful about a story, they are questioning its truthfulness, just as the speaker is in the original sentence. Therefore, "doubtful" is the nearest synonym to "skeptical."

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

1. Option B - Convinced: The word "convinced" means having a firm belief in something or being certain about it. This is the opposite of being skeptical. If someone is convinced, they accept the story as true without doubt, which contradicts the meaning of "skeptical." Therefore, this option is incorrect.
2. Option C - Ignorant: "Ignorant" refers to a lack of knowledge or awareness about something. While a person can be skeptical due to ignorance, the term itself does not convey doubt or questioning. Instead, it suggests a lack of information. Thus, this option does not capture the essence of skepticism and is therefore not a suitable synonym.
3. Option D - Confused: The word "confused" means being unable to think clearly or understand something. While a skeptical person may feel confused about a story, skepticism itself is not about confusion; it is about doubt and questioning. Therefore, this option does not accurately reflect the meaning of "skeptical."

Summary of Key Points

• The word "skeptical" means having doubts or questioning the truth of something.
• The correct synonym is A. doubtful, as it directly reflects the meaning of skepticism.
• Options B (convinced), C (ignorant), and D (confused) do not align with the meaning of "skeptical" and are therefore incorrect.
• Understanding the nuances of words is crucial for selecting the correct synonyms in language exams.

By grasping these concepts, you can improve your vocabulary and comprehension skills, which are essential for success in English exams.