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Difficulty: EasyContrast and Reversal Clues

Although the composer's early symphonies were criticized for their structural ________, his later works exhibited an intricate, highly disciplined organization that delighted musicologists.

Which of the following words best completes the blank in the sentence above?

  1. A
    coherence
  2. amorphousnessAnswer
  3. C
    complexity
  4. D
    austerity
  5. E
    elegance

Answer

amorphousness
The sentence relies on the contrast signal 'Although' to set up an opposition between the early symphonies and the later works. Because the later works possess 'an intricate, highly disciplined organization', the early works must have lacked structure. The word 'amorphousness' (meaning shapelessness or lack of clear structure) perfectly satisfies this requirement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structural contrast signal in the sentence.
The word 'Although' at the start of the sentence establishes a concession/contrast relationship between the early symphonies and the later works.
Contrast signals indicate that the missing word must convey the opposite tone or meaning of the descriptive clue in the second clause.
2
Analyze the context clue in the main clause.
The later works are described as having 'an intricate, highly disciplined organization'.
This phrase serves as the target clue that must be contrasted.
3
Determine the required meaning for the blank and evaluate options.
The blank requires a word meaning 'lack of structure' or 'shapelessness'. 'Amorphousness' means lacking a definite form or structure, directly contrasting with 'highly disciplined organization'.
'Amorphousness' satisfies the semantic reversal mandated by the pivot word 'Although'.

Key Concept

Identifying Contrast and Reversal Structural Clues
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Topics

Contrast and Reversal Clues

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