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Difficulty: MediumElaboration and Restatement Clues

Based on the structural elaboration clue in the passage, fill in the blank with the word that best completes the sentence.

Answer:The lead architect’s master plan for the new municipal hall was resolutely 【utilitarian】; specifically, every structural component was engineered to fulfill a direct practical necessity, leaving no allowance for decorative embellishments.

Answer

utilitarian (or functional / pragmatic)
The sentence relies on an elaboration clue introduced by the semicolon and the word 'specifically'. The second clause explains that the design prioritized direct practical necessity while excluding decorative features. Consequently, the descriptor in the first clause must mean designed for practical use rather than decoration, making 'utilitarian' (or equivalents like 'functional' or 'pragmatic') the correct response.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structural punctuation and transition clue
The semicolon followed by 'specifically' indicates that the second clause elaborates on and defines the missing word in the first clause.
Elaboration structures explain or clarify the preceding claim by providing specific details about its meaning.
2
Analyze the context of the elaborating clause
The clause states that every component fulfilled a 'direct practical necessity' with 'no allowance for decorative embellishments.'
This establishes a clear positive trait (practical necessity/function) and rules out its opposite (decoration/ornamentation).
3
Deduce the meaning of the target word and select a fitting term
The blank requires a word meaning designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive or decorative, such as 'utilitarian', 'functional', or 'pragmatic'.
Words expressing practical utility directly restate the clue provided in the second half of the sentence.

Key Concept

Elaboration and Restatement Clues
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Elaboration and Restatement Clues

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