Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumSupport and Cause-Effect Clues

Complete the passage by providing the word in the blank that best preserves the logical support and cause-effect relationships established in the text.

Answer:Because the municipality's new zoning regulations subsidized high-density commercial projects, land values in the urban core escalated rapidly; consequently, smaller independent shopkeepers were 【displaced】 from the district, unable to absorb the corresponding surge in commercial lease rates.

Answer

displaced (or contextual synonyms such as 'priced out' or 'dislodged')
The causal marker 'consequently' connects the dramatic rise in land values to the negative consequence faced by small shopkeepers. The clarifying phrase 'unable to absorb the corresponding surge in commercial lease rates' confirms that these merchants were forced out due to cost pressures, making 'displaced' or 'priced out' the logically sound choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structural cause-and-effect transition signals in the sentence.
The subordinate clause begins with 'Because' to set up the cause (subsidized high-density development leading to rapidly escalating land values), and the main clause uses 'consequently' to introduce the direct result.
Recognizing causal connectors clarifies that the missing word must express the logical consequence of soaring land values on smaller businesses.
2
Analyze the elaboration clue provided at the end of the sentence.
The phrase 'unable to absorb the corresponding surge in commercial lease rates' explains why the shopkeepers experienced this outcome.
Financial inability to pay increased rent directly leads to forced relocation or removal from the market.
3
Determine the word that accurately completes the causal chain.
'Displaced' (or 'priced out') fits the required meaning of being driven away by economic pressure.
It maintains complete contextual coherence between cause (unaffordable rent increases) and effect (removal of small shopkeepers).

Key Concept

Support and Cause-Effect Clues
Rate this question

Topics

Support and Cause-Effect Clues

More questions from this topic