Read the passage excerpt below:
"The minister's speech was criticized for being surprisingly calculated, designed to placate rival political factions rather than address the core economic crisis. Critics argued that the policy proposals were merely plastic, easily reshaped to suit political expediency without structural substance. Furthermore, his decision to harbor dissenting voices within the committee was viewed as a tactical maneuver to neutralize opposition. Ultimately, the administration's indifferent stance toward public outcry exposed a deep disconnect with the populace."
Which of the following correctly matches each bolded word from the passage to its precise contextual meaning?
- calculatedDeliberate and shrewdly planned for political advantage
- plasticSuperficially adaptable and lacking fixed integrity
- harborStrategically accommodated or contained
- indifferentApathetic and unconcerned
Answer
The term 'calculated' matches 'Deliberate and shrewdly planned for political advantage', 'plastic' matches 'Superficially adaptable and lacking fixed integrity', 'harbor' matches 'Strategically accommodated or contained', and 'indifferent' matches 'Apathetic and unconcerned'.
Each bolded word is accurately mapped to its specific contextual sense based on the tone and thematic focus of the political passage. 'Calculated' indicates shrewd intent; 'plastic' indicates impressionable, artificial adaptability; 'harbor' indicates containing dissenting members; and 'indifferent' indicates emotional unconcern and apathy.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Vocabulary and Word Meaning in Context