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Difficulty: EasyInterpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals

Notwithstanding the author's reputation for __________ in her historical writing, her latest monograph contains several unverified assertions and questionable sources.

Select the two answer choices that, when inserted into the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole and yield completed sentences that are similar in meaning.

  1. fastidiousnessAnswer
  2. B
    negligence
  3. meticulousnessAnswer
  4. D
    laxity
  5. E
    erudition
  6. F
    eloquence

Answer

The correct options are fastidiousness and meticulousness.
The introductory word 'Notwithstanding' signals a concession/contrast between the author's general reputation and the flaws in her latest monograph ('unverified assertions and questionable sources'). Therefore, the blank requires a noun that denotes extreme attention to accuracy and detail. Both 'fastidiousness' and 'meticulousness' fit this context precisely and produce sentences with equivalent meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structural signal and sentence direction.
The preposition 'Notwithstanding' functions as a concession signal, indicating a contrast between the blank and the main clause.
Concession signals establish that the property in the dependent phrase opposes the outcome described in the main clause.
2
Analyze the main clause for clues regarding the author's work.
The main clause states that the monograph 'contains several unverified assertions and questionable sources', describing careless or inaccurate writing.
Understanding the established tone and meaning of the main clause allows us to infer the opposite polarity required for the blank.
3
Determine the required meaning for the blank and select matching synonym choices.
The blank must mean extreme care, accuracy, or attention to detail. Both 'fastidiousness' and 'meticulousness' express this exact meaning.
Both words form a synonymous pair that satisfies the sentence's contextual and structural requirements.

Key Concept

Interpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals
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Topics

Interpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals

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