Meaning: 'Applicable' means relevant or suitable in a particular situation, suggesting that the rules about absences depend on specific circumstances.

Wrong options:

• exceptional: 'Exceptional' implies something that is unusual or out of the ordinary, which does not fit the context of a standard rule regarding absences.
• ubiquitous: 'Ubiquitous' means present everywhere, which does not logically apply to the concept of absences being fixed or variable.
• exempt: 'Exempt' means free from an obligation or rule, which contradicts the idea of absences being relevant to all situations.

Correct answer: responsible

Explanation: The term 'responsible' is appropriate here as it indicates that each instructor has the duty to communicate their expectations clearly. This aligns with the context of accountability in educational settings.

Meaning: 'Responsible' means having an obligation to do something or being accountable for something, in this case, the instructor's duty to inform students about policies.

Wrong options:

• respectful: 'Respectful' refers to showing consideration for others, which, while important, does not directly relate to the instructor's duty to clarify policies.
• sensitive: 'Sensitive' implies being aware of and understanding others' feelings, which is not the primary focus in this context of responsibility for policies.
• negligible: 'Negligible' means insignificant or not worth considering, which is the opposite of what is required from an instructor.

Correct answer: policies

Explanation: The word 'policies' fits well as it refers to the set of rules or guidelines that the instructor must communicate to the class. This is contextually relevant as it directly relates to attendance and procedures.

Meaning: 'Policies' are formal guidelines or rules that govern behavior or actions, in this case, regarding class attendance.

Wrong options:

• stereotypes: 'Stereotypes' refer to oversimplified ideas about groups of people, which does not relate to the context of class rules.
• features: 'Features' generally refer to characteristics or attributes, which is too vague and does not specifically address the rules instructors need to communicate.
• tempers: 'Tempers' relate to emotional states, which is irrelevant in the context of attendance policies.