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Question

Difficulty: EasyConnotation and Tone of Words in Context

Read the passage below. Based on the context clues, fill in the blank with a word that carries a positive connotation of value, contrasting with the word 'worthless'.

Answer:Although the old diary's cover was torn and its pages were yellowed, the historian did not see it as trash. Instead of viewing the document as worthless, he considered it a 【valuable】 record of the town's early days.

Answer

The blank must be filled with a word that indicates high worth or importance, such as 'valuable' or 'precious', to contrast with the word 'worthless'.
The sentence structure establishes a direct contrast between how others might view the diary ('worthless') and how the historian views it. Therefore, the correct word must carry a highly positive connotation of usefulness or importance. Words like 'valuable' or 'precious' fit this requirement perfectly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast indicator in the sentence.
The phrase 'Instead of' signals that the missing word must contrast in meaning and connotation with the word 'worthless'.
Recognizing structural cues like contrast helps determine the correct direction of tone for the missing word.
2
Determine the tone of the historian toward the diary.
The historian does not view the diary as 'trash' but rather as a record of early history, meaning the tone must be positive and respectful of its worth.
Aligning the connotation of the target word with the subject's perspective ensures contextual accuracy.

Key Concept

Using contrast clues and character perspective to identify words with the correct tone and connotation in context.
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Topics

Connotation and Tone of Words in Context

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