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Difficulty: Very hardContrast and Reversal Clues

Although the biographer's early essays painted the statesman's diplomatic strategy as unreservedly __________, a meticulous reexamination of his private correspondence reveals a web of subtle concessions and calculated ambiguities that continually softened his public posture.

Which of the following words, if inserted into the blank, best completes the sentence?

  1. categoricalAnswer
  2. B
    equivocal
  3. C
    circumspect
  4. D
    vacillating
  5. E
    erudite

Answer

The correct word is 'categorical', which means absolute and explicit without reservation, providing the necessary semantic reversal to the 'subtle concessions and calculated ambiguities' introduced by the transition word 'Although'.
The sentence structure uses the concessionary signal 'Although' to set up a direct contrast between the early biographer's portrayal and the true nature of the correspondence. Because the correspondence contains 'subtle concessions and calculated ambiguities', the biographer's initial claim must have been that the strategy was absolute, unequivocal, and unconditional. The word 'categorical' means explicit and direct without qualification, making it the only option that fulfills this logical contrast.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structural pivot word and sentence relation.
The opening word 'Although' acts as a concessionary contrast signal, indicating that the content of the first clause must contrast logically with the evidence in the second clause.
Identifying contrast signals dictates whether the target blank requires a synonym or an antonym of the contextual clues.
2
Analyze the clues in the main clause to determine target polarity.
The main clause describes private correspondence showing 'subtle concessions', 'calculated ambiguities', and a posture that was 'softened'. This indicates a non-absolute, cautious, and flexible diplomatic approach.
The main clause establishes the baseline meaning that must be inverted across the pivot.
3
Select the option that provides the required semantic reversal.
The blank requires a word meaning absolute, explicit, and uncompromising. 'Categorical' fits this definition precisely, creating the necessary opposition to ambiguity and concession.
Using 'categorical' yields a coherent sentence where an initially assumed absolute posture is contrasted with actual ambiguous practices.

Key Concept

Using contrast and reversal clues (such as 'although') to deduce semantic opposition in Text Completion questions.
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Topics

Contrast and Reversal Clues

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