Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The frightened convict ______ for mercy.

pleaded

The most appropriate option to fill in the blank is pleaded.

The sentence is about a frightened convict begging for mercy. The word "pleaded" is the most appropriate word to use because it accurately describes the action of begging for mercy in a humble and sincere way.

The other options are not as appropriate.

• Shouted means to speak loudly. It does not make sense in this context, because the convict is not shouting for mercy.
• Whispered means to speak very softly. It does not make sense in this context, because the convict is not whispering for mercy.
• Mumbled means to speak indistinctly. It does not make sense in this context, because the convict is not mumbling for mercy.