Meaning of contrived

[Kelly]

Business English Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #97 "How to assess employees", question 10

While certain tasks may be somewhat ........., nevertheless the genuine exchange of information can occur.

(a) concocted
(b) conceived
(c) contrived
(d) conceeded

Business English Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #97 "How to assess employees", answer 10

While certain tasks may be somewhat contrived, nevertheless the genuine exchange of information can occur.

Correct answer: (c) contrived

Your answer was: incorrect
While certain tasks may be somewhat conceived, nevertheless the genuine exchange of information can occur.
_________________________

Hi Tortens
I need your help again, can you also enlighten me the whole sentence meaning? Cos I can't figure it out, thanks!

Kelly

[Mister Micawber]

.
One paraphrase:

Although some language learning exercises are artificial (that is, they are not real conversations, etc), they can still produce real communication.

Contrived = invented, fabricated
Conceived = formed or developed in the mind
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

[Alan]

Hi Kelly,

You ask for an explanation of the whole sentence: