TASK DEFINITION: You need to answer a given question containing a blank (_). Your answer must be one of the two objects mentioned in the question, for example "trophy" and "suitcase". Your answer must not contain a word that is not present in the question. Please don't use articles (e.g., the, a) before the answer.
PROBLEM: We went with fixing the hood before we fixed the tires, since the _ would be a lot harder.

SOLUTION: tires

PROBLEM: Mary was unsure if the spot on the couch was from the pen or marker, then she realized it couldn't be the _ because the cap was on.

SOLUTION: marker

PROBLEM: Since the small business owner didn't accept credit card, the man paid by check instead, because the _ was the preferred method.

SOLUTION:
check