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Difficulty: MediumInterpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals

Even while conceding that early hominin fossil evidence from the site remains sparse, the lead paleoanthropologist maintained that the species' adaptation to upright locomotion was ________, pointing to recent biomechanical analyses of the femoral structure as decisive proof. Which two words, when inserted into the blank, best complete the sentence in a way that produces logically equivalent and coherent meanings?

  1. indisputableAnswer
  2. B
    equivocal
  3. unassailableAnswer
  4. D
    ambiguous
  5. E
    rudimentary
  6. F
    unprecedented

Answer

The correct selections are the options meaning 'indisputable' and 'unassailable'.
The sentence begins with the concession structural signal 'Even while conceding that', which indicates a contrast between the admitted limitation (sparse fossil evidence) and the strong claim made in the main clause (supported by 'decisive proof'). Therefore, the blank requires words that mean beyond doubt or impossible to refute. The terms meaning 'indisputable' and 'unassailable' both convey this exact meaning and produce logically equivalent sentences.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure and identify transition signals.
The clause-initial phrase 'Even while conceding that...' establishes a concession/contrast relationship between the sparse nature of fossil evidence and the paleoanthropologist's main assertion.
Concession signals indicate that the main clause will contrast with or overcome the admitted limitation.
2
Determine the required tone and meaning for the blank.
Since the scientist relies on 'decisive proof' despite sparse evidence, the blank requires a word denoting certainty, unquestionability, or irrefutability.
The contrast requires moving from uncertainty ('sparse evidence') to firm certainty supported by 'decisive proof'.
3
Evaluate the option choices to find a matching synonym pair.
'Indisputable' and 'unassailable' both mean unable to be challenged or denied, creating two logically equivalent sentences with positive contrast.
Sentence equivalence requires two words that fit the context and yield the same sentence meaning.

Key Concept

Interpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals
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Topics

Interpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals

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