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Question

Difficulty: MediumTone and Inference Clues

Based on the tone and context clues in the sentence below, what word best fills in the blank to convey the inspector's uncompromising stance?

Answer:Although the contractor attempted to dismiss the structural cracks as minor cosmetic flaws, the lead building inspector remained 【adamant】, refusing to sign off on the occupancy permit until a full structural overhaul was completed.

Answer

adamant (or synonyms such as resolute, unyielding, or inflexible)
The word 'adamant' (along with synonyms like 'resolute' or 'unyielding') accurately reflects the inspector's steadfast refusal to compromise on building safety despite the contractor's downplaying of the flaws.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the tonal contrast established in the sentence.
The conjunction 'Although' contrasts the contractor's dismissive stance with the inspector's opposing reaction.
Determining the direction of the contrast clarifies the inspector's required mindset.
2
Examine the actions described to infer the specific attitude.
The inspector's refusal to issue permits until a comprehensive overhaul is completed indicates an unbending, firm position on safety standards.
Concrete actions provide evidence for inferring the character's demeanor.
3
Determine a precise vocabulary word that fits the context and part of speech.
The predicate adjective 'adamant' (or 'resolute' / 'unyielding') captures this steadfast and unwavering posture.
The inferred meaning requires a word signifying determined resistance to persuasion.

Key Concept

Inferring character attitude and vocabulary meaning from contrasting tone and behavioral context clues.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Tone and Inference Clues

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