Engish STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

Which term would best describe a person who seeks to highlight flaws in others?

1. Melancholy

2. Cynical

3. Critical

4. Optimistic

The correct answer is: Critical

The term that best describes a person who seeks to highlight flaws in others is "critical." A critical individual often focuses on identifying and pointing out shortcomings, mistakes, or weaknesses, whether in behavior, work, or character. This characteristic is typically associated with a discerning outlook that prioritizes evaluation and judgment, often leading to a more negative or harsh assessment of others. The other terms, while they have distinct meanings, do not specifically capture the essence of someone who actively seeks to find and emphasize flaws. For instance, "melancholy" refers to a state of deep sadness or sorrow that does not inherently involve critiquing others. "Cynical" describes a distrustful view of human motives and intentions but does not focus on directly identifying flaws in others. "Optimistic," on the other hand, is characterized by a hopeful and positive outlook, which stands in stark contrast to the behavior of seeking out and highlighting flaws. Therefore, "critical" is the term that most accurately reflects the behavior described in the question.