Final answer:
The answer to the question is a) Substantial. Substantial performance is when all essential terms and conditions of a contract are met despite minor imperfections, as opposed to complete performance, which demands strict adherence to the terms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Substantial performance occurs when a party, in good faith, executes all promised terms and conditions with the exception of minor details that do not affect the real intent of their agreement. The correct answer to the student's question is a) Substantial.
In contrast to complete performance, which requires the fulfillment of every term and condition down to the minutiae, substantial performance acknowledges that a party has acted in accordance with the contract's essential elements. This concept is significant because it can be the basis for the party performing substantially to still receive payment or enforcement of the contract while allowing for minor imperfections.