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Question

Difficulty: HardContrast and Reversal Clues

Despite the architectural critic's long-standing reputation for uncompromising ________, her latest monograph on municipal infrastructure displays a surprising willingness to concede ground to ideological adversaries and accommodate pragmatic compromises. Which word best completes the sentence by fulfilling the contrast established in the text?

  1. intransigenceAnswer
  2. B
    acquiescence
  3. C
    conciliation
  4. D
    flexibility
  5. E
    opportunism

Answer

The term 'intransigence' correctly fills the blank to establish the contrast required by the sentence structure.
The sentence relies on the structural contrast signal 'Despite'. The second part of the sentence highlights the critic's willingness to negotiate, concede ground, and accept compromises. Therefore, the blank must describe a prior reputation for being completely unwilling to compromise. 'Intransigence' means stubborn refusal to compromise or yield, which creates the exact logical reversal needed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify structural transition signals in the sentence
The sentence begins with the concession/contrast pivot word 'Despite', indicating that the blank must express a quality opposite to the rest of the sentence.
Contrast signals mandate a semantic reversal between the two main clauses.
2
Analyze context clues following the transition signal
The second clause describes a 'surprising willingness to concede ground' and 'accommodate pragmatic compromises'.
These clues define the contrasting behavior that the subject usually avoids.
3
Determine the required target meaning for the blank
The blank requires a word meaning stubbornness, unyielding attitude, or refusal to compromise.
A word denoting unyielding rigidity completes the logical reversal mandated by 'Despite'.
4
Evaluate option choices against the target meaning
'Intransigence' specifically means uncompromising behavior or refusal to agree, making it the precise fit.
Among all options, only 'intransigence' captures the necessary sense of unyielding refusal to compromise.

Key Concept

Contrast and Reversal Clues
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Contrast and Reversal Clues

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