Question

this poems major weaknesses include predictable rhymes and ______ metaphors.
1 agnostic
2 hackneyed
3 latent
4 adroit

Explanation:

The sentence describes weaknesses of a poem, so the blank needs an adjective with a negative connotation that matches "predictable" (a criticism). "Hackneyed" means overused and unoriginal, which fits as a flaw in metaphors. The other options: "agnostic" relates to belief in a higher power, "latent" means hidden, and "adroit" means skillful—none fit the negative, critical context.

Answer:

1. hackneyed