at one's own pace

[vkhu]

Long-distance travel in Britain is also mainly by road, though railways link most towns and cities.
Most places are linked by motorways or other fast roads and many people prefer to drive at their
own convenience rather than use a train, even though they may get stuck in a traffic jam.

The phrase “at their own convenience” in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to ______.
A. at the latest time and nearest place
B. at an appropriate time and place
C. at an early time and nearby place
D. at the fastest time and nearest place


The answer here is B but I don't really get it. The way I understand it, "at one's own convenience" means to be able to do something whenever and wherever he or she wants, which doesn't sound very much like "appropriate".

If you need further context, refer to question 75 in this exam: http://www.thanhnien.com.vn/pv_obj_...880667A8570300/filename/anha1ct_dh_12_318.pdf
And the key can be found here (column 318): http://www.thanhnien.com.vn/pv_obj_...32B7B508B5E90200/filename/daanha1ct_dh_12.pdf

 

[5jj]

B is not a good answer; you don't drive at an appropriate time and place.

However, in this sort of test, you are asked to choose an expression closest in meaning to the original. B is the one that fits that.

 

[tzfujimino]

Hello.:-D
If it were 'pace' instead of 'place', it would work, wouldn't it?
'at an appropriate time and pace'
I don't think 'appropriate' fits there either, though.

 

[~Mav~]

Disclaimer: I am not an English teacher.

Hello.:-D
If it were 'pace' instead of 'place', it would work, wouldn't it?
'at an appropriate time and pace'

Good catch, I say. :up: Let's wait for a native speaker's opinion, but I am almost certain that you're right. (If not, then we both were wrong on this. )



PS:

I don't think 'appropriate' fits there either, though.

On second thought, neither do I.

Still, I got 40 results for "at an appropriate time and pace" (with quotes) by using google.co.uk.