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Question

Difficulty: EasyTone and Connotation Matching

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the word that best matches the positive and welcoming tone established in the context.

Answer:Rather than adopting the condescending tone common among academic specialists, the astronomer delivered a public lecture that was engagingly 【accessible】, welcoming even novice stargazers with approachable language and genuine enthusiasm.

Answer

accessible (or inviting)
The sentence relies on a contrast clue established by 'Rather than adopting the condescending tone...', which signals that the missing word must be opposite in connotation to 'condescending'. Furthermore, the clause following the blank describes the astronomer as using 'approachable language' and 'welcoming even novice stargazers.' Therefore, a word with a positive, welcoming, and easy-to-understand connotation such as 'accessible' or 'inviting' is required.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze structural contrast clues in the sentence stem.
The opening phrase 'Rather than adopting the condescending tone...' sets up a direct contrast between the negative tone of 'condescending' and the target word.
Contrast signals like 'Rather than' indicate that the blank requires a word with the opposite tone and valence of condescension.
2
Examine continuation clues following the blank.
The phrase 'welcoming even novice stargazers with approachable language and genuine enthusiasm' reinforces a positive, warm, and easy-to-understand tone.
Elaboration clues after a comma confirm the exact connotation required to complete the thought logically.
3
Select a word that matches both the semantic meaning and positive connotative valence.
'Accessible' (or 'inviting') perfectly matches the idea of being approachable, non-condescending, and welcoming to novices.
The word aligns with both the contrast clue and the positive descriptive context.

Key Concept

Tone and Connotation Matching via Contrast and Elaboration Clues
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Topics

Tone and Connotation Matching

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