Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumMulti-Blank Text Completion: Cross-Sentence Contextual Coherence

Read the passage below:

Early proponents of radical linguistic determinism argued that human cognitive architecture is thoroughly (i)________ by native language structures, asserting that concepts lacking overt grammatical encoding remain entirely inaccessible. Subsequent cross-cultural empirical trials, however, demonstrated that speakers of languages lacking dedicated color terms could nevertheless distinguish fine chromatic gradations with precision, effectively (ii)________ the assertion that vocabulary imposes an impassable barrier on perception. Consequently, modern cognitive scientists generally view language not as a restrictive blueprint, but rather as a flexible lens that merely (iii)________ attentional focus rather than strictly constraining cognitive capacity.

Which of the following sets of terms best completes the passage so that cross-sentence contextual coherence is maintained?

  1. (i) circumscribed, (ii) repudiating, (iii) channelsAnswer
  2. B
    (i) circumscribed, (ii) vindicating, (iii) channels
  3. C
    (i) augmented, (ii) repudiating, (iii) obfuscates
  4. D
    (i) instantiated, (ii) prefiguring, (iii) channels
  5. E
    (i) circumscribed, (ii) repudiating, (iii) annihilates

Answer

The passage is correctly completed by the terms '(i) circumscribed, (ii) repudiating, (iii) channels'.
The combination '(i) circumscribed, (ii) repudiating, (iii) channels' establishes full thematic and structural coherence across the passage. Blank (i) requires a term indicating restriction ('circumscribed') to match 'entirely inaccessible'. Blank (ii) requires a word signifying refutation ('repudiating') because the transition word 'however' indicates that the studies disproved the barrier claim. Blank (iii) requires a term denoting gentle direction ('channels') to complete the contrast between a rigid constraint and a 'flexible lens'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Blank (i) using sentence-internal context clues.
The clause states that concepts lacking grammatical encoding remain 'entirely inaccessible', indicating that cognitive architecture is bounded or restricted by language structure. 'Circumscribed' (meaning restricted or confined) fits this requirement.
Establishing the initial premise of radical linguistic determinism requires a word denoting restriction.
2
Analyze Blank (ii) using cross-sentence contrast clues.
The second sentence introduces a pivot with 'however' and shows speakers could distinguish fine colors despite lacking dedicated terms. This empirical finding refutes the claims of determinism, requiring a word like 'repudiating' (disproving/rejecting).
The structural contrast marker 'however' signals that the empirical evidence undermined the deterministic claim.
3
Analyze Blank (iii) by evaluating the modern synthesis contrast.
The third sentence contrasts 'a restrictive blueprint' with 'a flexible lens that merely _____ attentional focus'. The term 'channels' (directs or guides) completes the contrast with 'strictly constraining'.
The passage requires a term that reflects mild guidance rather than absolute restriction.

Key Concept

Cross-Sentence Contextual Coherence & Discourse Pivot Tracking
Rate this question

Topics

Multi-Blank Text Completion: Cross-Sentence Contextual Coherence

More questions from this topic