Which word describes a goal that is poorly written? A. abstract B. clear C. honest D. attainable
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: A. abstract
Explanation
A goal that is poorly written often lacks specificity, clarity, and direction. Among the choices—abstract, clear, honest, and attainable—the word “abstract” best describes such a goal.
An abstract goal is one that is vague, general, or lacking concrete details. For example, saying “I want to be successful” is an abstract goal because it doesn’t explain what success looks like, how to achieve it, or when it should be achieved. This kind of goal is difficult to measure or take action on because it doesn’t provide a clear target.
In contrast, a well-written goal is often described using the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These characteristics help ensure that the goal is clear and actionable. Abstract goals fail this test because they are too broad and open to interpretation, making it hard to track progress or know when the goal is achieved.
Let’s look at the other options:
- Clear is the opposite of poorly written. A clear goal is easy to understand and provides direction.
- Honest refers to the truthfulness or sincerity behind the goal but does not speak to how well it is written.
- Attainable means the goal is realistic and achievable. Even a poorly written goal could be attainable, so this word does not address how the goal is expressed.
Therefore, “abstract” is the most accurate word to describe a goal that is vague, imprecise, and poorly formulated. Using abstract goals in planning can hinder progress because they don’t offer a concrete path forward. To improve such goals, one should revise them to include specific outcomes, deadlines, and measurable criteria.
