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Question

Difficulty: EasySupport and Cause-Effect Clues

Because the marine biologist's long-term study yielded overwhelmingly consistent data regarding population recovery, the scientific council predictably _____ her conservation proposal, granting it full institutional backing. Which of the following words best completes the sentence?

  1. endorsedAnswer
  2. B
    scrutinized
  3. C
    shelved
  4. D
    amended
  5. E
    lambasted

Answer

The word 'endorsed' best completes the sentence by maintaining the positive cause-and-effect relationship established by the context clues.
The causal trigger 'Because' introduces a positive cause—strong, consistent data—which leads to a positive outcome. The trailing clause 'granting it full institutional backing' defines the exact nature of this outcome. The word 'endorsed' means to declare public approval or support, perfectly matching the required logical direction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structural trigger words and sentence polarity
The opening word 'Because' sets up a cause-and-effect relationship, indicating that the council's action was a direct consequence of receiving 'overwhelmingly consistent data'.
Structural signals determine whether the blank requires a word that aligns with or opposes the premise.
2
Analyze surrounding elaboration clues for word valence
The concluding phrase 'granting it full institutional backing' provides explicit context that the blank must mean approved, supported, or ratified.
Descriptive phrases following a blank clarify the intended contextual meaning.
3
Evaluate options against the required meaning
'Endorsed' precisely captures the concept of giving official support or approval, fulfilling both the cause-and-effect logic and contextual backing clue.
Selecting the option that aligns with established tone and direction completes the logical flow.

Key Concept

Support and Cause-Effect Structural Clues
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Support and Cause-Effect Clues

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