Topic: Fill in the Blank,

Best Answer Explained in Below-:

The word "pertinent" is defined as something that is relevant or applicable to a particular matter. In the context of the sentence about Rafique's examination performance, the implication is that for an answer to be effective and score marks, it must directly address the questions posed. Since Rafique's answers were deemed ineffective, it suggests they lacked relevance to what was being asked.

The other options—"allusive," "revealing," and "referential"—do not fit this context as effectively. "Allusive" means something that makes indirect references, which would not necessarily indicate relevance. "Revealing" suggests that the answers might expose or disclose information, but does not relate to whether they responded to the questions appropriately. Lastly, "referential" implies that the answers make references to something, yet again, does not ensure that they are directly relevant to the examination questions.

Thus, "pertinent" is the most suitable choice, highlighting that Rafique's answers failed to connect meaningfully to the requirements of the exam, ultimately leading to his failure.