Question

Difficulty: EasyMulti-Blank Text Completion: Cross-Sentence Contextual Coherence

Which words best complete the passage below to maintain cross-sentence contextual coherence?

Answer:Dr. Aris's initial publication on urban economics was considered 【unpersuasive】 by her colleagues, who cited a lack of quantitative backing. However, her subsequent multi-year study provided such compelling empirical evidence that critics were ultimately forced to 【recant】 their former skepticism.

Answer

For Blank 1, a word meaning unconvincing or inadequately supported (such as 'unpersuasive') is required. For Blank 2, a word meaning to give up or take back (such as 'recant' or 'abandon') is required.
The initial publication is described as lacking quantitative backing, requiring a word for the first blank that signifies doubt or unconvincing quality (such as 'unpersuasive'). The second sentence introduces a contrast via 'However' and highlights 'compelling empirical evidence', logically forcing critics to reverse or give up their position (such as 'recant' or 'abandon').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze cross-sentence context and structural signals for Blank 1.
The clause 'who cited a lack of quantitative backing' directly explains why colleagues viewed the initial publication critically or skeptically.
Local contextual clues in the first sentence mandate a negative evaluation term.
2
Analyze the discourse transition and cross-sentence relationship for Blank 2.
The contrast signal 'However' combined with 'compelling empirical evidence' shows a shift from initial skepticism to forced acceptance.
The sentence relationship requires a verb indicating that critics withdrew or gave up their prior doubtful stance.

Key Concept

Cross-Sentence Contextual Coherence in Multi-Blank Text Completion
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