Question

Difficulty: MediumContrast and Reversal Clues

Complete the passage by supplying a word in the blank that correctly completes the sentence based on the structural contrast clues.

Answer:Far from being a neutral record of physical geography, the sixteenth-century atlas was a thoroughly 【tendentious】 document, calculated to promote imperial ambitions and subtly manipulate territorial claims.

Answer

The word filling the blank must contrast directly with 'neutral record' and align with 'calculated to promote imperial ambitions'. Words such as 'tendentious', 'ideological', or 'partisan' correctly complete the sentence.
The introductory structural signal 'Far from being a neutral record' dictates that the missing word must express the opposite of neutrality. Because the text specifies that the atlas was designed to promote imperial goals, a term signifying bias or political motivation—such as 'tendentious', 'ideological', or 'partisan'—properly completes the contrast.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the contrast pivot in the sentence
The opening phrase 'Far from being...' establishes an explicit reversal between the expected trait ('neutral record') and the actual nature of the atlas.
Contrast pivot phrases signal that the missing word will have an opposite valence or meaning to the benchmark descriptor.
2
Analyze context clues following the blank
The phrase 'calculated to promote imperial ambitions and subtly manipulate territorial claims' indicates an intentional political agenda.
The elaboration provides specific semantic content confirming that the document served biased interests.
3
Synthesize the required meaning
The correct term must mean biased, partisan, or expressing a deliberate political stance (e.g., 'tendentious' or 'ideological').
This satisfies both the negation of neutrality and the alignment with promoting imperial motives.

Key Concept

Identifying semantic reversal driven by contrast pivots such as 'Far from being'
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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