Which term could describe a shallow, cursory examination?

• A. Deficit
• B. Contingent
• C. Cursory
• D. Depress

Answer: (C)

When describing how thoroughly an examination was done, the word that conveys quick and superficial has to be cursory. It means a fast pass through something with little detail or depth, which matches “shallow, cursory examination.” The other terms don’t describe this quality: deficit is a lack or shortage, contingent means dependent on something, and depress can mean to press down or to lower mood. So the best fit is cursory because it directly expresses the brevity and superficial nature implied.