Examkin

Question

Difficulty: Very hardTone and Connotation Matching

Despite the critic's claim that the novelist’s prose was marred by an excess of sensory detail, appreciative readers recognized that this stylistic density was not ________; rather, it was a deliberate, evocative strategy designed to immerse the audience in the visceral atmosphere of the setting.

Which of the following words best completes the sentence to maintain the passage's established tone and logical coherence?

  1. A
    copious
  2. gratuitousAnswer
  3. C
    profuse
  4. D
    ornate
  5. E
    redundant

Answer

The word 'gratuitous' correctly completes the sentence by matching the pejorative connotative tone required to contrast the critic's allegation with the author's intentional craft.
The sentence sets up a direct contrast between a critic's negative evaluation ('marred by an excess') and appreciative readers' defense ('deliberate, evocative strategy'). The blank requires a word that means excessive with an explicitly pejorative connotation of being unwarranted or unjustified. The word meaning uncalled-for or unjustified in its excess precisely fulfills both the semantic requirement and the negative connotative valence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze structural transition signals and sentence polarity.
The opening concession 'Despite...' and the pivot 'was not ________; rather, it was a deliberate...' indicate that the blank must represent the critic's negative view of sensory excess.
The sentence refutes the claim of flawed excess by asserting that the density was purposeful.
2
Determine the required semantic meaning and connotative valence for the blank.
The target word must denote 'excessive' while carrying a distinct pejorative connotation of being unwarranted or uncalled-for.
Neutral words for abundance fail to capture the critical fault being disproved.
3
Evaluate candidate options against the required connotative tone.
Among options denoting large quantity or elaborate style, only 'gratuitous' combines the denotation of excess with the negative judgment of being unjustified.
Terms like 'copious' or 'profuse' describe amount without negative judgment, while 'ornate' describes style neutrally.

Key Concept

Tone and Connotation Matching
Rate this question

Topics

Tone and Connotation Matching

More questions from this topic