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Question

Difficulty: EasyContrast and Reversal Clues

Fill in the blank in the sentence below with the word that best completes the thought based on the contrast clue.

Answer:Although the researcher's preliminary findings were initially met with widespread 【skepticism】, subsequent empirical validation eventually persuaded even the most cynical critics.

Answer

skepticism (or a synonym indicating doubt, disbelief, or suspicion)
The sentence uses the contrast signal 'Although' to set up a reversal between how the findings were received initially and how they were received later. Since the findings eventually persuaded critics, the initial reception had to be marked by doubt or skepticism.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structural contrast signal in the sentence.
The sentence opens with the concession pivot 'Although'.
Contrast words establish that the idea in the first clause must oppose the idea in the main clause.
2
Analyze the meaning of the main clause.
The main clause states that empirical validation 'eventually persuaded even the most cynical critics'.
This indicates that the final outcome was acceptance and conviction.
3
Infer the required semantic value for the blank.
Because the outcome was persuasion, the initial reaction must be the opposite—namely, doubt or disbelief.
Choosing a word like 'skepticism' completes the semantic reversal dictated by 'Although'.

Key Concept

Contrast and Reversal Clues
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Topics

Contrast and Reversal Clues

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