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Question

Difficulty: MediumInterpreting Continuation and Causal Structural Signals

The policy analyst observed that the sudden removal of price controls did not merely fail to curb inflation; consequently, the unmitigated market volatility ________ existing socioeconomic disparities across the region.

Select the two answer choices that, when inserted into the sentence, produce completed sentences that are equivalent in meaning and logically fit the sentence structure. Which two choices best complete the sentence?

  1. exacerbatedAnswer
  2. aggravatedAnswer
  3. C
    alleviated
  4. D
    mitigated
  5. E
    highlighted
  6. F
    underscored

Answer

The correct answer choices are 'exacerbated' and 'aggravated'.
The sentence establishes a cause-and-effect relationship using the causal signal 'consequently'. The cause—'unmitigated market volatility' resulting from uncurbed inflation—leads to a negative outcome regarding 'existing socioeconomic disparities'. The terms 'exacerbated' and 'aggravated' both mean to intensify or make worse a bad situation, creating coherent and semantically equivalent sentences.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structural signals and sentence context
The clause opens with 'did not merely fail to curb inflation' and transitions with the causal structural signal 'consequently'.
The word 'consequently' indicates that the second clause must express a direct, logical result of the unmitigated market volatility stemming from the failed policy.
2
Determine the required tone and direction for the blank
Since 'unmitigated market volatility' is a negative cause, its direct result on 'existing socioeconomic disparities' must be negative (making them worse).
The blank requires a verb meaning to worsen, intensify, or make more severe.
3
Evaluate candidate words for contextual fit and synonymy
'Exacerbated' and 'aggravated' both mean to make a problem or bad situation worse, providing identical logical and stylistic fit.
Selecting both words maintains semantic equivalence and aligns precisely with the causal continuation signal.

Key Concept

Interpreting Causal Structural Signals in Sentence Equivalence
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Topics

Interpreting Continuation and Causal Structural Signals

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