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Difficulty: Very hardSupport and Cause-Effect Clues

That the naturalist's long-neglected treatise on alpine micro-flora had ultimately ________ a profound paradigm shift in high-altitude ecology became indisputable when twin research teams published independent field studies whose empirical findings directly corroborated his once-derided hypotheses. Which of the following words best completes the blank in the sentence?

  1. A
    precluded
  2. engenderedAnswer
  3. C
    obfuscated
  4. D
    gainsaid
  5. E
    attenuated

Answer

The correct completion is 'engendered', as it accurately reflects the causal relationship wherein the treatise produced a profound shift, supported by empirical corroboration.
The context provides a clear cause-and-effect relationship anchored by the continuation phrase 'became indisputable when... directly corroborated'. The word 'engendered' means to cause or give rise to, which aligns perfectly with the assertion that the treatise produced a major shift in the field.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze sentence structure and identify logical signals
The clause 'became indisputable when... empirical findings directly corroborated his once-derided hypotheses' serves as an elaboration and support clue confirming that the shift actually occurred because of the treatise.
Support clues mandate that the blank maintains a positive causal direction between the treatise and the paradigm shift.
2
Determine the necessary valence and meaning for the blank
The target word must mean 'caused', 'brought about', or 'generated'.
The sentence states that the treatise led to ('had ultimately ________') a profound paradigm shift.
3
Evaluate option choices against the required meaning
'Engendered' precisely means to produce, cause, or give rise to.
'Engendered' fits the causal context seamlessly without introducing logical contradiction or unwarranted tone.

Key Concept

Support and Cause-Effect Clues
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Support and Cause-Effect Clues

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