What should you observe in inexperienced drinkers to gauge their level of intoxication?

To assess the level of intoxication in inexperienced drinkers, observing how they carry on a conversation is a key indicator. Intoxication affects communication skills, which can manifest in various ways such as slurring words, difficulty following a conversation, or inappropriate responses. As a person becomes more intoxicated, their ability to articulate thoughts and remain coherent diminishes.

This option is particularly relevant because conversational behavior can reflect not only physical impairment but also cognitive function, which is often compromised with the consumption of alcohol. In contrast, choices related to drink selection, walking speed, or frequency of visits do not provide direct or reliable indicators of an individual's current level of intoxication. While walking speed might show signs of physical impairment, it does not necessarily reflect cognitive effects like impaired judgment and communication skills, which are critical in evaluating someone’s state.