What was an important role of the parthians in the silk road trade

productive most commonly means: achieving or producing a significant amount or result.

explanation:

productive can also mean:

these depend on how the word productive is used. most likely productive will mean   achieving or producing a significant amount or result.

d. i assume the underlined word is "role." reformat if it isn't.

explanation:

role is closest to part because when replacing words, "playing a vital decision," "playing a vital activity," and "playing a vital dollar" don't make logical sense. the only meaningful choice is "playing a vital part."

this fits one of merriam-webster's definitions of role: "a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process."