Difference between cessation and halt

[Guest]

Test No. incompl/advan-8 "Business", question 8

The chairman was obliged to bring the meeting to a ......... because a fire broke out in the adjoining room.

(a) cessation
(b) standstill
(c) stopping
(d) halt

Test No. incompl/advan-8 "Business", answer 8

The chairman was obliged to bring the meeting to a halt because a fire broke out in the adjoining room.

Correct answer: (d) halt

Your answer was: incorrect
The chairman was obliged to bring the meeting to a cessation because a fire broke out in the adjoining room.
_________________________

what is the difference

[Torsten]

Bring to a halt is a fixed expression describing and action that will cause something to stop abruptly. A cessation is more of a permanent nature.

For example, there are 'smoking cessation' seminars to teach people quit smoking (forever).
In addition you might want to read Alan's explanation here:
http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic1908.html#5413

TOEFL listening discussions: A conversation between two university professors

[Flashjet]

I preferred to use the word “standstill” here considering what I believe that “halt” means stopping temporarily. I do not see that “halt” measures up with the actual size of the accident (i.e. a fire breaking out in an adjoining room).

Do you have any suggestions?

[Flashjet]

In order to clarify my point further may I put it this way?
Had I been the chairman at the meeting at that time I would have postponed it for an indefinite period of time and advised all the participants to run like hell :lol: