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Difficulty: HardInterpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals

In spite of the lead economist's assertion that the market contraction was merely a transient fluctuation, several independent analysts insisted that the structural vulnerabilities in the banking sector were far too __________ to be dismissed.

Which two of the following answer choices, when inserted into the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole and yield completed sentences that are equivalent in meaning?

  1. pronouncedAnswer
  2. B
    ephemeral
  3. conspicuousAnswer
  4. D
    transient
  5. E
    insidious
  6. F
    rudimentary

Answer

The correct choices are 'pronounced' and 'conspicuous'.
The transition signal 'In spite of' establishes a contrast between the economist's view (that the downturn was merely a fleeting, minor fluctuation) and the analysts' view. To complete the contrast, the blank requires words indicating that the vulnerabilities were prominent or significant enough that they could not be ignored. 'Pronounced' and 'conspicuous' both mean easily seen or striking, completing the sentence with equivalent meanings.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify structural transition signals in the sentence stem.
The opening prepositional phrase 'In spite of' establishes a concession relationship between the economist's claim and the analysts' assertion.
Concession signals indicate that the second clause must present a idea contrasting with the concessionary premise.
2
Analyze the tone and valence of the concession premise to determine target word meaning.
The economist claims the contraction was a 'transient fluctuation' (fleeting/minor). The analysts' counter-assertion insists the vulnerabilities cannot be dismissed, requiring words meaning prominent, noticeable, or distinct.
The contrast requires an attribute that directly opposes 'transient' or 'minor'.
3
Evaluate option pairs for semantic equivalence and contextual fit.
'Pronounced' and 'conspicuous' both mean easily noticeable or prominent, creating logically equivalent sentences with the required contrast.
Selecting both words completes the sentence with identical structural meaning.

Key Concept

Interpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals
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Topics

Interpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals

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