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Difficulty: EasySupport and Cause-Effect Clues

Because the preliminary results of the environmental study were strongly reinforced by several subsequent independent trials, the research panel viewed the project's ultimate findings as _______ rather than speculative. Which of the following words best completes the sentence?

  1. irrefutableAnswer
  2. B
    conjectural
  3. C
    provocative
  4. D
    dubious
  5. E
    unsubstantiated

Answer

The word 'irrefutable' best completes the sentence.
The sentence relies on the causal signal 'Because' and the support clue 'strongly reinforced'. These indicators specify that independent trials validated the preliminary results, leading the panel to regard the findings as solid and undeniable ('irrefutable') rather than theoretical or speculative.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify structural transition signals and clues
The sentence begins with the causal transition 'Because' and contains the support phrase 'strongly reinforced by several subsequent independent trials'. Additionally, 'rather than speculative' sets up a contrast with the blank.
Structural clues dictate the logical direction and required valence of the missing word.
2
Determine the required meaning of the blank
The blank must describe findings that are well-supported, proven, and opposite in meaning to 'speculative'.
Reinforced evidence causes the conclusions to be firm and undeniable.
3
Evaluate the answer choices against the required meaning
'Irrefutable' (impossible to deny or disprove) matches the requirement precisely.
It aligns with the positive causal support established in the sentence context.

Key Concept

Identifying support and cause-effect clues to establish context and select words with appropriate valence
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Support and Cause-Effect Clues

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