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Question

Difficulty: Very hardConnotation and Tone

Complete the sentences by selecting the most appropriate words from the following word bank based on their precise connotative meanings: [deferential, intransigent, obsequious, resolute]. Type the exact word for each blank.

Answer:The ambassador was commended for being 【resolute】 in her negotiations, standing firmly by the treaty's core principles without yielding to pressure. However, her critics described her exact same behavior as 【intransigent】, claiming she was stubbornly refusing to compromise even on minor details.

Answer

The first blank is 'resolute' and the second blank is 'intransigent'.
The sentence requires two words that describe a person who does not yield. The first blank is framed positively ('commended for', 'standing firmly by core principles'), requiring the positive connotation of 'resolute'. The second blank describes the exact same trait but framed negatively by critics ('stubbornly refusing to compromise'), requiring the negative connotation of 'intransigent'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues and tone for the first blank.
The text states she was 'commended' and 'standing firmly by the treaty's core principles'. This requires a word meaning unyielding but with a positive, admirable connotation.
Identifying the required denotation (unyielding) and connotation (positive) narrows down the correct word choice.
2
Analyze the context clues and tone for the second blank.
The text states 'critics described her exact same behavior' and 'stubbornly refusing to compromise'. This requires a word meaning unyielding but with a negative, critical connotation.
Understanding the shift in perspective from positive to negative dictates the required tone of the second word.
3
Evaluate the words in the word bank against the established requirements.
'Resolute' means admirably purposeful and unwavering (positive unyielding). 'Intransigent' means unwilling to change one's views (negative unyielding). 'Deferential' and 'obsequious' mean yielding to others, which contradicts the context.
Matching the dictionary definitions and emotional weights to the blank requirements yields the final answer.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between synonyms based on their positive or negative connotations in context.
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Topics

Connotation and Tone

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