Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumElaboration and Restatement Clues

Dr. Vance’s monograph on comparative phonology is fundamentally __________: through a meticulous survey of historical sound shifts, it systematically restates established phonetic principles without introducing any new analytical frameworks. Which of the following words best completes the sentence?

  1. derivativeAnswer
  2. B
    groundbreaking
  3. C
    speculative
  4. D
    polemical
  5. E
    enigmatic

Answer

derivative
The colon acts as an elaboration clue showing that the second clause defines the blank in the first. Because the second clause specifies that the monograph 'systematically restates established phonetic principles without introducing any new analytical frameworks,' the missing word must mean drawing upon or imitating existing work. The word 'derivative' accurately expresses this lack of original innovation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify structural transition signals in the sentence.
The colon (:) functions as an elaboration and restatement marker, signaling that the second clause defines the missing descriptor in the first clause.
Recognizing structural punctuation helps pinpoint where the definition of the blank resides.
2
Analyze the meaning of the elaborative clause.
The phrase 'systematically restates established phonetic principles without introducing any new analytical frameworks' describes a work that relies on existing sources rather than original innovation.
This establishes that the target word must connote being derived from or repeating existing material.
3
Evaluate the answer choices against the target meaning.
The word 'derivative' precisely means imitation or repetition of the work of others, fitting the context perfectly.
Selecting 'derivative' maintains exact semantic equivalence with the restatement provided after the colon.

Key Concept

Using colons as structural signals for elaboration and restatement in Text Completion.
Rate this question

Topics

Elaboration and Restatement Clues

More questions from this topic