The question below has one blank, which is indicating that something has been omitted. Find out which option can be used to fill up the blank to make it meaningfully complete.
The casual remark ________ an argument that lasted the entire meeting.

Correct option is B

The correct option to fill in the blank is (b) sparked.
Sparked means caused or set off (something sudden), fitting the idea that a remark started an argument. The past-tense form also agrees with the sentence. (Hindi: भड़का दिया/चिंगारी लगा दी).
Example: A careless joke sparked a heated debate.
Explain why other options are incorrect.
· quelling: suppressing/subduing (Hindi: दमन/शांत करना); meaning opposite and form (-ing) mismatches.
· placate: to calm/pacify (Hindi: शांत करना/मनाना); base form and opposite meaning.
· muffled: deadened/softened a sound (Hindi: दबा दिया/मंद कर दिया); wrong meaning.
· reach: arrive at (Hindi: पहुँचना); base form and incorrect sense.