Concept:The correct opposite must describe a short duration of time, not speed, size, or an action of cutting down.
Explanation:The underlined word conveys the idea of being “long” or “lasting for a long time.”
Therefore, the missing word must mean the exact opposite in terms of time.
Quick means moving or acting with speed, and it does not directly relate to how long something lasts.
Shortened means that something has been made shorter after originally being longer, so it does not express the natural quality of being short.
Stunted refers to growth that has been prevented or limited, which is unrelated to the duration of time.
Brief means lasting for only a short time, making it the clearest opposite of the underlined word.
It also correctly fills the gap in the sentence because it describes a short event or speech.
Answer:A. brief