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Question

Difficulty: EasyContrast and Reversal Clues

Although the economic analyst was initially praised for her ________ forecasts, subsequent data revealed that her predictions were strikingly far from reality. Which of the following words best completes the sentence?

  1. accurateAnswer
  2. B
    erroneous
  3. C
    ambiguous
  4. D
    pessimistic
  5. E
    complicated

Answer

The correct option is 'accurate'.
The sentence contains the concessionary transition 'Although', which signals a contrast between the two clauses. The second clause reveals that the predictions were 'strikingly far from reality' (i.e., incorrect). Therefore, the blank must express that the forecasts were believed to be correct or true. The word 'accurate' fulfills this requirement by establishing the necessary semantic reversal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structural contrast signal in the sentence.
The word 'Although' at the beginning of the sentence indicates a contrast between the first clause and the second clause.
Contrast signals mandate that the missing word must convey the opposite tone or meaning of the clue in the non-blank clause.
2
Analyze the context clue provided in the second clause.
The second clause states that the analyst's predictions were 'strikingly far from reality' (meaning inaccurate).
Understanding the clue allows determination of the required semantic valence for the blank.
3
Determine the required meaning of the blank and select the matching word.
Because of 'Although', the blank must mean the opposite of 'far from reality'—hence, correct or truthful. The word 'accurate' perfectly fits this requirement.
'Accurate' directly contrasts with predictions being far from reality.

Key Concept

Contrast and Reversal Clues
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Contrast and Reversal Clues

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