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Question

Difficulty: HardInterpreting Vocabulary and Idiomatic Expressions in Context

Read the following excerpt from an oral presentation delivered by an urban sociologist discussing municipal transformation projects in Colombia:

"Al intervenir en las comunas periféricas, el municipio no buscaba una solución cosmética; el verdadero desafío consistía en *poner el dedo en la llaga* de la desigualdad estructural. Integrar el transporte masivo con espacios educativos y culturales permitió abordar de raíz la marginación histórica que afectaba a estos barrios."

Based on the context of the presentation, what is the meaning of the idiomatic expression "poner el dedo en la llaga"?

  1. A
    To implement superficial aesthetic improvements and temporary municipal works in the neighborhoods
  2. To directly identify and confront the most critical, sensitive root causes of a systemic problemAnswer
  3. C
    To assign public blame and reprimand local community organizations for past socioeconomic failures
  4. D
    To provide emergency medical treatment and clinical care to individuals suffering from physical injuries

Answer

To directly identify and confront the most critical, sensitive root causes of a systemic problem
The correct answer accurately reflects the figurative meaning of the idiom "poner el dedo en la llaga" in an academic presentation setting, which means to target and confront the exact, sensitive root of a difficult issue. The surrounding discourse reinforces this through explicit contrast with cosmetic measures ("no buscaba una solución cosmética") and alignment with deep systemic remedies ("abordar de raíz la marginación histórica").

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the rhetorical context and contrast markers in the presentation excerpt.
The speaker contrasts a superficial intervention ("no buscaba una solución cosmética") with a profound initiative aimed at addressing historical inequality at its core ("abordar de raíz").
Contextual contrasts clarify that the target expression represents tackling fundamental structural issues rather than minor surface symptoms.
2
Interpret the figurative meaning of the Spanish idiom "poner el dedo en la llaga".
The phrase literally describes touching a wound or sore point, but idiomatically signifies identifying, pointing out, or confronting the most acute and sensitive core of a problem.
Recognizing the metaphorical application to structural inequality confirms the speaker's intent to highlight and remedy core systemic challenges.
3
Evaluate the answer choices against the deduced contextual meaning.
The option specifying direct identification and confrontation of the most critical root causes accurately reflects both the idiomatic definition and the analytical tone of the presentation.
Distractors representing literal medical translations, accusatory tone misinterpretations, or contradictory cosmetic remedies are systematically eliminated.

Key Concept

Contextual interpretation of idiomatic expressions in formal oral presentations
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Interpreting Vocabulary and Idiomatic Expressions in Context

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