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Difficulty: Very hardContrast and Reversal Clues

Based on the contrast structural signals within the passage below, complete the sentence by providing appropriate words for each blank.

Answer:Far from being an uncritical 【apologia】 of established aesthetic norms, the treatise functions as a subtle 【subversion】; while outwardly displaying deference to traditional form, its underlying argument quietly undermines the very conventions it purports to uphold.

Answer

The first blank requires a word denoting praise, defense, or support of traditional norms (such as 'apologia' or 'endorsement'). The second blank requires a word expressing undermining, opposition, or critique (such as 'subversion' or 'critique').
The sentence structure hinges on dual contrast clues. The opening phrase 'Far from being' indicates that the concept in the first blank is the opposite of the treatise's real purpose. The clause after the semicolon confirms that the work 'quietly undermines' traditional conventions despite 'outwardly displaying deference.' Consequently, the first blank must denote defense or advocacy of established norms, while the second blank must express critique or subversion of those same norms.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence for structural contrast clues and pivot phrases.
The introductory phrase 'Far from being...' establishes a direct contrast between the characterization in the first blank and the actual function introduced in the second blank. Additionally, the concession clause 'while outwardly displaying deference... quietly undermines' reinforces this fundamental reversal.
Structural contrast clues mandate that the two missing ideas exist in semantic opposition to one another.
2
Deduce the required meaning for Blank 1.
Since the treatise actually undermines established norms, saying it is 'far from being an uncritical [blank_1]' means Blank 1 must represent an uncritical defense or endorsement of those norms (e.g., 'apologia', 'panegyric', 'endorsement').
The negation 'far from being' reverses the trait described in Blank 1.
3
Deduce the required meaning for Blank 2.
The second clause explains that the treatise 'quietly undermines' conventions. Thus, Blank 2 describes its true function as an undermining or critical work (e.g., 'subversion', 'critique', 'repudiation').
The semicolon connects the assertion of the treatise's function in Blank 2 directly to the explanation that it undermines conventions.

Key Concept

Contrast and Reversal Clues in Text Completion
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Topics

Contrast and Reversal Clues

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