Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumTone and Inference Clues

Facing heated backlash from the audience, the councilwoman maintained a measured response, speaking slowly and deliberately to avoid escalating the conflict. In this sentence, which of the following is the closest meaning of the underlined word?

  1. A
    quantified
  2. restrainedAnswer
  3. C
    erratic
  4. D
    uncaring

Answer

The word "measured" most nearly means "restrained" in this context.
In this context, "measured" describes speech that is carefully considered, disciplined, and restrained. The surrounding clues—such as speaking "slowly and deliberately" in order to "avoid escalating the conflict" amid "heated backlash"—point directly to deliberate emotional self-control.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the tonal and situational clues surrounding the target word.
The sentence establishes a tense setting ("heated backlash") and describes actions aimed at de-escalation ("speaking slowly and deliberately to avoid escalating the conflict").
Contextual tone and behavioral descriptions indicate how the speaker delivers her response.
2
Infer the secondary, contextual meaning of the target word.
A "measured" response under pressure implies deliberate pacing, composure, and intentional self-restraint.
The word describes emotional regulation and careful delivery rather than physical or numerical measurement.
3
Evaluate the options to identify the term that best matches the inferred tone and meaning.
"Restrained" accurately reflects the controlled, steady quality of the councilwoman's speech.
It captures the appropriate nuance without introducing apathy or literal measurement.

Key Concept

Tone and Inference Clues in Context
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Tone and Inference Clues

More questions from this topic