Read the academic passage excerpt below and fill in the blanks with the precise words that contextually complete the passage according to their specialized meanings.
Answer:In reviewing the controversial economic reform, the committee chose to 【qualify】 its formal praise, ensuring that its endorsement did not imply unconditional approval of the fiscal strategy. Furthermore, rather than allowing the ministry to lavishly spend its remaining funds, the treasury mandated that officials must 【husband】 their financial resources until the end of the quarter.
Answer
The first blank requires 'qualify' (or 'moderate'/'restrict'), meaning to limit or make less absolute. The second blank requires 'husband' (or 'conserve'/'economize'), meaning to manage or use resources frugally.
The passage requires words that express moderation of praise for the first blank ('qualify') and prudent conservation of funds for the second blank ('husband'). Both words demonstrate high-register contextual polysemy typical of advanced UTME passages.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Contextual Word Meaning and Polysemy in Formal Register