How does this sentence use the word "elicit"?

Question

During the debate, the instructor asked a question that was intended to elicit serious answers from the students, encouraging them to consider the subject matter carefully and share their own perspectives.

Answer 1

In the given sentence, the word "elicit" is used to mean "to draw out or evoke a response or reaction from someone."

The key points are:

1. The instructor asked a question during the debate.
2. The question was intended to elicit serious answers from the students.
3. The purpose was to encourage the students to consider the subject matter carefully and share their own perspectives.

So, the instructor used the question as a means to elicit or draw out thoughtful, serious responses from the students, rather than superficial or off-hand answers. The word "elicit" suggests the instructor's intention was to prompt the students to engage deeply with the topic and express their own views on it.

Answer 2

The is used as on infinitive phrase, to plus a verb. and the noun infinitive phrase means "to draw forth" serious discussion or answers from a college-level discussion.