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Difficulty: HardInterpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals

Granted that the cognitive neuroscientist’s theoretical model of memory consolidation was __________ by preliminary laboratory trials, skeptical colleagues insisted that the experimental design failed to control for circadian rhythm variations. Which TWO of the following answer choices, when individually inserted into the blank, produce sentences that are logically equivalent and both complete the sentence in a meaningful way?

  1. buttressedAnswer
  2. bolsteredAnswer
  3. C
    undermined
  4. D
    compromised
  5. E
    elucidated
  6. F
    scrutinized

Answer

The correct options are 'buttressed' and 'bolstered'.
The sentence relies on the concessionary opening phrase 'Granted that', which introduces a point of support or validation that is subsequently qualified by skeptical colleagues. The blank requires a verb showing that preliminary trials supported or strengthened the model. The terms 'buttressed' and 'bolstered' both mean supported or reinforced, producing sentences that are logically equivalent and contextually complete.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structural signals in the sentence stem.
The sentence begins with the concession signal 'Granted that', which indicates that the first clause presents an admitted fact or supporting evidence that stands in contrast to the main point in the second clause.
Recognizing concession markers dictates the shift in tone between sentence clauses.
2
Determine the required valence/polarity for the blank.
The second clause notes that skeptical colleagues raised objections about uncorrected variables. Therefore, the concessionary first clause must state something positive about the model—specifically that initial trials supported or strengthened it.
The contrast between the two clauses requires a positive word meaning 'supported' or 'reinforced' in the blank.
3
Evaluate option choices for semantic equivalence and contextual fit.
'Buttressed' and 'bolstered' both mean reinforced or supported, creating two sentences with identical, coherent meanings.
Sentence Equivalence requires selecting two words that fit the context and yield equivalent overall meanings.

Key Concept

Interpreting Concession Signals in Sentence Equivalence
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Topics

Interpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals

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