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Question 3161Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the most appropriate specialized journalism register term in the blank.

Fill in the blanks below

To prevent premature publication of the sensitive investigative story before the official press conference, the chief editor placed a temporary on the news report.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct term to complete the sentence is 'embargo'.
In journalism and media publishing, an 'embargo' refers to a request or requirement by a source or publisher that information provided not be published or broadcast until a specified date or time.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to identify the specialized occupational domain.
The sentence describes a situation in journalism and publishing involving news reports and news release timing.
Identifying the field (journalism/media register) narrows down the technical terminology.
2
Determine the meaning required by the context.
The required term refers to an official ban or restriction prohibiting news organizations from publishing or broadcasting a report until a specified date or time.
The sentence specifies preventing 'premature publication' until an 'official press conference'.
3
Select the precise specialized register term that fits the blank.
The correct media term is 'embargo' (or news embargo).
'Embargo' specifically denotes a prohibition on publishing news before a set release time.

Key Concept

Journalism and Media Register - News Embargo
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3162Question →

The newly uncovered forensic evidence serves to ________ the testimony provided by the key witness during the trial. Which of the following options best completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: bear out

Answer

The correct phrasal verb to complete the sentence is 'bear out'.
The correct phrasal verb 'bear out' means to confirm, substantiate, or corroborate a claim or statement, perfectly fitting the context of forensic evidence confirming witness testimony.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine the intended meaning.
The context requires a verb meaning to corroborate, confirm, or substantiate the witness testimony using forensic evidence.
Forensic evidence is evaluated based on whether it supports or refutes statements given by witnesses.
2
Evaluate the phrasal meanings of the verb 'bear' combined with different particles.
'Bear out' means to confirm or substantiate, whereas 'bear up' means to endure distress, 'bear down' means to exert pressure, and 'bear off' means to steer away.
Only 'bear out' provides the accurate idiomatic meaning required to complete the clause correctly.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 3163Question →

During the press conference regarding the delayed transit project, the commissioner was accused of passing the buck when he attributed the operational failures entirely to his predecessor. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Shifting responsibility or blame to another person

Answer

Shifting responsibility or blame to another person
The idiomatic expression 'pass the buck' means to transfer responsibility or blame for something to another person in order to avoid taking accountability oneself. In the context of the sentence, the commissioner avoids taking responsibility for operational delays by blaming his predecessor.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The commissioner is deflecting criticism by blaming his predecessor for project failures.
Contextual clues indicate an act of evading personal blame by attributing fault to someone else.
2
Identify the figurative meaning of the idiom 'pass the buck'
The expression figuratively means to evade responsibility by passing it on to another party.
Idioms cannot be decoded through literal word meanings; their established figurative senses must be recognized.

Key Concept

Meaning of the idiom 'pass the buck'
Question 3164Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct possessive pronoun that agrees with its antecedent.

Fill in the blanks below

Neither of the two girls brought umbrella to the outdoor concert.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

her
The indefinite pronoun 'Neither' functions as the singular antecedent of the sentence. Because the sentence specifies female individuals ('girls'), the singular possessive determiner 'her' must be used to achieve proper grammatical agreement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the antecedent in the sentence.
The antecedent is 'Neither', an indefinite pronoun referring to two female individuals ('girls').
Pronouns must agree in number and gender with their antecedents.
2
Determine the correct singular possessive pronoun.
The possessive form matching a singular female antecedent is 'her'.
'Neither' is grammatically singular, so it requires a singular possessive determiner rather than a plural one.

Key Concept

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement with Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Estimated Time:45s
Question 3165Question →

In a prescribed prose narrative centered on a provincial health center's struggle against pharmaceutical adulteration, major plot events drive the conflict forward. Match each narrative incident with its corresponding plot function or narrative outcome.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

The protagonist's unannounced inventory audit of the central dispensary logbooks
The sudden hospitalization of the district magistrate's child after receiving clinic medication
The intercepting of an anonymous, encrypted consignment manifesto left at the dispensary gate
The public debate between the chief pharmacist and the regional director during the medical summit

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Matching pairs: (1) Unannounced inventory audit matches establishing initial exposition through early evidence of stock diversion; (2) Hospitalization of magistrate's child matches the inciting incident forcing an official inquiry; (3) Intercepting the encrypted manifesto matches the major turning point supplying documentary proof of ministry collusion; (4) Public debate at the medical summit matches the narrative climax where corruption is publicly exposed.
Each narrative event corresponds directly to standard dramatic plot stages: the initial audit establishes exposition by uncovering preliminary discrepancies; the child's reaction serves as the inciting incident compelling public inquiry; receiving the covert manifesto acts as the major turning point by yielding definitive evidence; and the confrontation at the summit forms the dramatic climax.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze early narrative events to identify exposition and rising action.
The unannounced inventory audit takes place early in the text to reveal initial discrepancies, establishing the background exposition.
Logbook audits represent preliminary investigative actions prior to major external escalation.
2
Determine the inciting event that escalates the conflict from private suspicion to public inquiry.
The magistrate's child falling ill provides the personal and social catalyst forcing institutional intervention.
Inciting incidents disrupt the status quo and trigger official institutional actions.
3
Identify the key turning point in the protagonist's investigation.
Interception of the manifesto shifts the balance of power by providing irrefutable written proof against officials.
Turning points alter the direction of the plot by equipping the protagonist with decisive evidence.
4
Identify the climax of the narrative structure.
The public debate at the medical summit represents the ultimate confrontation where secrets are revealed.
The climax is the point of highest dramatic tension where opposing forces confront each other directly.

Key Concept

Plot structure analysis: identifying exposition, inciting incident, turning point, and climax in narrative texts
Question 3166Question →

Match each of the following multisyllabic English words with the option that correctly describes the location of its primary stress in standard pronunciation.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

candidate
decision
possibility
qualification

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'candidate' matches 'Primary stress falls on the first syllable', 'decision' matches 'Primary stress falls on the second syllable', 'possibility' matches 'Primary stress falls on the third syllable', and 'qualification' matches 'Primary stress falls on the fourth syllable'.
In standard English pronunciation, 'candidate' places primary stress on the first syllable (CAND-i-date), 'decision' places primary stress on the second syllable (de-CI-sion), 'possibility' places primary stress on the third syllable (pos-si-BIL-i-ty), and 'qualification' places primary stress on the fourth syllable (qual-i-fi-CA-tion).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the syllable structure and primary stress placement of each word
'candidate' = CAND-i-date (1st syllable); 'decision' = de-CI-sion (2nd syllable); 'possibility' = pos-si-BIL-i-ty (3rd syllable); 'qualification' = qual-i-fi-CA-tion (4th syllable).
Identifying the primary stressed syllable for each word establishes the correct mapping.
2
Pair each word with its corresponding stress location description
left_1 pairs with right_1, left_2 pairs with right_2, left_3 pairs with right_3, and left_4 pairs with right_4.
Matching each word with its precise primary stress position completes the exercise.

Key Concept

Primary word stress placement in multisyllabic English words
Question 3167Question →

After several attempts to resolve the land boundary dispute amicably failed, the trial judge issued a court order restraining both parties from carrying out further construction on the contested site until the final determination of the lawsuit. Which specialized legal register term best describes this court order?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: an injunction

Answer

The correct term is 'an injunction'.
The correct term is 'an injunction' because in legal terminology, an injunction is an order issued by a court of law that compels a party to refrain from doing a specified act (such as proceeding with building on disputed land) until the rights of the parties have been fully determined.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the judicial action described in the sentence.
The court is issuing a formal order that halts or restrains construction activities pending a final judgment.
Identifying the specific legal function of the order helps select the correct specialized legal term.
2
Evaluate the specialized meanings of the legal terms provided.
'An injunction' specifically refers to a judicial order restraining a party from executing a particular act or preserving the status quo.
Distinguishing between court orders, witness summons, sworn statements, and criminal charges ensures precise register selection.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Legal Terminology)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3168Question →

In Khadija Abubakar Jalli's *The Life Changer*, what structural function does the minor character Lawal serve in relation to Salim's subplot?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: He acts as a voice of reason and caution, warning Salim about the dangers of meeting unverified social media acquaintances.

Answer

Lawal acts as a voice of reason and caution, warning Salim about the dangers of meeting unverified social media acquaintances.
In *The Life Changer*, Lawal functions as a sensible foil to Salim. When Salim becomes infatuated with Natasha—a stranger met through social media—Lawal warns him of the inherent risks of such unverified relationships, emphasizing prudence over rash enthusiasm.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the minor character Lawal and locate his presence in the narrative structure of *The Life Changer*.
Lawal appears during Salim's storyline concerning online dating and social media interactions.
Understanding character placement isolates the specific subplot under evaluation.
2
Analyze Lawal's interactions and dialogue with Salim.
Lawal expresses skepticism about Natasha and urges Salim to exercise caution before meeting her in person.
Determining a minor character's actions reveals their narrative function as a foil or advisor.
3
Synthesize his structural function relative to the protagonist of that subplot.
Lawal highlights Salim's impulsiveness and naivety by contrasting it with his own pragmatic caution.
Minor characters often function as thematic foils to illuminate key traits of major characters.

Key Concept

Minor Character Narrative Functions
Question 3169Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the correct word to form a standard fixed phrase.

Fill in the blanks below

The financial statements presented by the outgoing treasurer were found to be completely at with the actual audit report submitted by the independent firm.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

variance
The correct completion is 'variance'. The idiom 'at variance with' is a standard fixed prepositional phrase in English meaning to be in conflict, contradiction, or discrepancy with established facts or statements.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the fixed prepositional frame 'at _____ with' in the context of conflicting financial records.
The word 'variance' completes the idiomatic expression 'at variance with', which means in total disagreement or inconsistency with something.
Standard English lexis mandates specific noun completions for prepositional frames; 'variance' is the only accepted noun that forms this specific fixed phrase.

Key Concept

Fixed Prepositional Collocations: 'at variance with'
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3170Question →

Which word opposite in meaning to the capitalized word best completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Whereas the senior auditor maintained METICULOUS financial records for the firm, his junior associate was surprisingly in documenting daily transactions.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

careless (or negligent / sloppy / remiss / lax)
The capitalized word 'METICULOUS' means showing great attention to detail, being extremely careful and precise. Because the sentence begins with the contrastive conjunction 'Whereas', the word completing the sentence must express the exact opposite quality. The word 'careless' (or 'negligent', 'sloppy', 'lax') serves as the direct contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence and the capitalized target word.
The word 'METICULOUS' means extremely careful, precise, and paying scrupulous attention to detail.
Understanding the precise meaning of the target word is essential before determining its contextual opposite.
2
Identify the contrastive clue in the sentence structure.
The sentence begins with the subordinating conjunction 'Whereas', indicating a direct contrast between the senior auditor's habit and the junior associate's habit.
Contrast indicators signal that the missing word must express the opposite trait of the target word.
3
Select a suitable antonym that fits syntactically and semantically into the blank.
Words such as 'careless', 'negligent', 'sloppy', or 'lax' directly contradict 'meticulous'.
These words describe a lack of attention to detail, fulfilling the required antonym relationship in this sentence context.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3171Question →

In a prescribed prose narrative centered on a municipal waterworks engineer's investigation into illegal pipeline diversions during a drought, which narrative event directly precipitates the Chief Inspector's decision to order an immediate audit of the distribution grid?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The protagonist's discovery of unrecorded pressure logbooks hidden in the valve room

Answer

The protagonist's discovery of unrecorded pressure logbooks hidden in the valve room.
The correct answer accurately identifies the pivotal plot event: locating the unrecorded pressure logbooks provides undeniable evidence of deliberate water diversion, directly causing the Chief Inspector to initiate a full audit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the cause-and-effect relationship between narrative events in the plot.
Identify the key turning point that transforms informal suspicions into official action.
Narrative progression relies on key events that provide undeniable proof of corruption or conflict.
2
Evaluate the direct consequence of finding the concealed logbooks.
Confirm that the physical evidence directly triggers the Chief Inspector's intervention.
Prior to this discovery, technical anomalies were attributed to drought stress; the secret logs prove deliberate diversion.

Key Concept

Narrative Cause and Effect in Plot Progression
Question 3172Question →

During the annual press conference, the committee presented _____ unanimous decision on the new environmental regulations.

Which of the options below correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: its

Answer

its
The word 'committee' is a collective noun functioning as a single, cohesive unit because it made a single 'unanimous decision'. Therefore, it requires the singular possessive pronoun 'its' to maintain proper pronoun-antecedent agreement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the antecedent in the sentence
The antecedent is the collective noun 'committee'.
The pronoun to be filled in refers back to 'committee'.
2
Determine the number and nature of the collective noun antecedent
Since the committee reached a 'unanimous decision', the group is acting as a single, unified entity.
Collective nouns take singular pronouns when the group acts as one body.
3
Select the correct singular possessive pronoun
'Its' is the correct singular neuter possessive pronoun.
It agrees in gender and number with the singular collective noun without containing a contraction apostrophe.

Key Concept

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement with Collective Nouns
Question 3173Question →

In the critical analysis of prescribed prose and drama texts, narrative environment operates across physical, temporal, socio-political, and atmospheric dimensions. Match each excerpted narrative description below with the setting dimension it primarily demonstrates.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

A solitary, crumbling administrative bungalow built during the early concession era, situated at the edge of a tidal creek.
An era defined by state-enforced austerity measures, strict evening curfews, and pervasive public anxiety over military decrees.
A suffocating, dust-laden harmattan twilight that casts an unyielding pall of apprehension over the gathering villagers.
The early 1970s post-reconstruction period, marked by currency restructuring and rapid industrial urban migration.

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The description of the bungalow by the tidal creek matches Physical/Spatial Setting; state austerity and military decrees match Socio-Political Environment; the harmattan twilight with a pall of apprehension matches Atmospheric/Mood Setting; and the 1970s post-reconstruction era matches Temporal/Historical Context.
Each narrative excerpt corresponds directly to its functional setting dimension: tangible geographic landmarks denote physical setting, state governance and authority structures denote socio-political environment, sensory mood indicators denote atmospheric setting, and historical epoch references denote temporal context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary focus of the first excerpt containing the administrative bungalow and tidal creek.
Recognized that concrete architectural features and geographic positioning define physical setting.
Physical setting concerns tangible spatial locations, landforms, and built structures.
2
Analyze the systemic conditions described in the second excerpt regarding curfews and military decrees.
Linked governance structures, state authority, and social tension to socio-political environment.
Socio-political context involves the laws, power dynamics, and societal rules governing characters.
3
Evaluate the emotional and sensory cues in the third excerpt describing harmattan twilight and apprehension.
Matched sensory imagery evoking tension to atmospheric setting.
Atmospheric setting reflects emotional mood, sensory details, and pervasive psychological tone.
4
Examine the chronological markers in the fourth excerpt referencing the early 1970s post-reconstruction period.
Associated specific date and historical epoch markers with temporal context.
Temporal context establishes the exact historical period or time frame of narrative action.

Key Concept

Categorization of literary setting into physical, socio-political, atmospheric, and temporal dimensions.
Question 3174Question →

Despite the committee's persistent appeal for a lenient sanction, the chairman remained inexorable in enforcing the established disciplinary regulations. Which of the following words is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: unyielding

Answer

unyielding
In this context, the word 'inexorable' describes a person who cannot be moved or persuaded by entreaties, remaining firm and steadfast. Therefore, 'unyielding' is the word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues in the sentence.
The phrase 'Despite the committee's persistent appeal for a lenient sanction' indicates that the chairman refused to soften his stance.
Contextual clues reveal the specific nuance of the target word.
2
Determine the contextual meaning of the underlined word 'inexorable'.
'Inexorable' means impossible to stop, alter, or persuade by entreaty; adamant and unbending.
Defining the target word in context allows precise matching with the options.
3
Evaluate the options to find the word nearest in meaning.
'Unyielding' directly mirrors the sense of remaining firm and unbending.
Selecting the option that preserves contextual meaning yields the correct answer.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms in formal written English
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3175Question →

During the peer review of the cosmological research paper, the lead astrophysicist remained ________ regarding the anomalous signal data, insisting on further empirical verification before accepting the discovery of a new celestial body. Which word, derived from the Latin root *cred-* ('to believe'), correctly completes the sentence to describe a person who is skeptical or unwilling to believe easily?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: incredulous

Answer

The correct option is 'incredulous' because it accurately combines the negative prefix 'in-', the root 'cred-', and the adjectival suffix '-ulous' to describe an individual who exhibits skepticism.
The word 'incredulous' correctly applies the prefix 'in-' (not), the Latin root 'cred-' (believe), and the suffix '-ulous' (inclined to) to form an adjective that describes a person who is skeptical or doubtful. In this context, it properly modifies the subject 'astrophysicist'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the syntactic slot and semantic context
The blank follows the linking verb 'remained' and describes the attitude of the astrophysicist towards unexpected data, requiring a predicate adjective meaning 'skeptical' or 'unbelieving'.
Determines the necessary part of speech and specific semantic nuances.
2
Deconstruct morphological affixes and roots
Root *cred-* ('believe') + prefix *in-* ('not') + suffix *-ulous* ('disposed to') = *incredulous* (disposed to not believe / skeptical).
Synthesizes the precise affixation required for the contextual definition.
3
Differentiate from paronyms and incorrect grammatical forms
'Incredible' (-ible = capable of being) describes an unbelievable phenomenon, not a person's state of mind. 'Incredulity' (-ity = noun state) creates a syntactic error.
Eliminates distractors based on paronym confusion and suffix/category mismatch.

Key Concept

Morphological Derivation and Paronym Differentiation (Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots)
Question 3176Question →

In standard English pronunciation, which syllable carries the primary stress in the word beneficial?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: ben-e-FI-cial

Answer

The correct stress pattern is ben-e-FI-cial, with primary stress on the third syllable.
In English phonology, words ending in suffixes such as '-ial', '-ian', and '-ic' place their primary accent on the syllable directly before the suffix. For 'beneficial' (ben-e-fi-cial), primary stress falls on the third syllable, transcribed as ben-e-FI-cial.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the morphological structure of the target word 'beneficial'.
The word consists of four syllables (ben-e-fi-cial) and features the suffix '-ial'.
Identifying suffix patterns determines which stress rule applies in English phonology.
2
Apply the suffix-conditioned stress rule for '-ial'.
Words ending in '-ial' consistently place primary stress on the syllable immediately preceding the suffix (penultimate syllable relative to the root/suffix boundary).
The syllable immediately before '-cial' is 'fi', making it the primary stressed syllable.

Key Concept

Suffix-conditioned word stress (-ial rule)
Estimated Time:45s
Question 3177Question →

In the prescribed prose text *The Life Changer*, which minor character acts as Salim's close friend and confidant, listening to his narrative regarding an online dating encounter that led to an attempted carjacking?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Gimba; Gimba.

Answer

Gimba
Gimba is the minor character who acts as Salim's confidant in *The Life Changer*, listening to Salim detail his encounter with Natasha on social media and his narrow escape from carjackers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the subplot in *The Life Changer* involving Salim's social media acquaintance and attempted robbery.
Salim recounts his ordeal regarding his meeting with Natasha to his close friend.
Analyzing narrative subplots allows accurate identification of minor characters and their functional roles.
2
Determine the exact identity of the character listening to Salim's experience.
The friend is Gimba.
Gimba serves as a confidant, providing a sounding board that highlights the moral lesson against naive online interactions.

Key Concept

Minor Character Identification and Narrative Function
Question 3178Question →

Read the dramatic excerpt below carefully:

ADE: (Pacing the narrow confines of the prison cell, his voice barely above a whisper as he traces the damp stone wall)
"They believe these iron bars can contain the truth we sowed in the market square. Let them double the guards and bar the gates; every word we spoke in the ears of the youth will sprout when the rains return."

What is the dominant tone of Ade's speech in the excerpt above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Resolute and optimistic

Answer

The dominant tone of Ade's speech is resolute and optimistic.
The speaker demonstrates unwavering determination by asserting that confinement cannot suppress their truth. Furthermore, using the imagery of seeds sprouting when the rains return highlights a bright, hopeful outlook on the future, making the tone resolute and optimistic.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the speaker's choice of words and metaphors.
Ade uses phrases like 'iron bars cannot contain' and 'every word... will sprout when the rains return', which convey firm belief and hope.
Authorial or character tone is determined by evaluating word choice and figurative language.
2
Differentiate between the physical setting and the character's emotional stance.
Although the prison cell creates a dark atmosphere, Ade's internal attitude remains courageous and forward-looking.
Distinguishing tone (speaker attitude) from atmosphere/mood (environmental setting) avoids mistaking a dismal setting for defeat.

Key Concept

Distinguishing Character Tone from Environmental Atmosphere
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3179Question →

Match each specialized occupational term on the left with its correct technical definition or usage on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Cantilever
Imposition
Demurrage
Prognosis

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Cantilever pairs with the structural beam supported at one end; Imposition pairs with the page arrangement on a printing sheet; Demurrage pairs with the penalty fee for delayed cargo loading; Prognosis pairs with the medical forecast of a disease outcome.
Each specialized term corresponds precisely to its occupational field: Cantilever in civil engineering/architecture describes a single-supported beam; Imposition in pre-press printing describes page layout arrangement; Demurrage in maritime shipping describes cargo delay fees; Prognosis in medical science describes the projected course of an illness.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the register domain for each term on the left
Cantilever belongs to Architecture/Engineering, Imposition to Printing/Publishing, Demurrage to Shipping/Commerce, and Prognosis to Medicine.
Identifying the field of occupation helps isolate the technical meaning of each specialized term.
2
Match each term to its specific technical definition on the right
Cantilever matches the projecting structural beam fixed at one end; Imposition matches page ordering on a printer's sheet; Demurrage matches penalty for laytime extension in maritime logistics; Prognosis matches disease outcome prediction.
Verifying precise technical definitions prevents misapplication across overlapping general language senses.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 3180Question →

Despite the minister's eloquent speech promising swift anti-corruption reforms, civic groups criticized the administration for merely paying _______ to the proposed accountability policies. Which word correctly completes the fixed phrase in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: lip

Answer

The word 'lip' correctly completes the fixed expression 'pay lip service to'.
The idiom 'pay lip service to' specifically means to express approval or support for something without taking any meaningful action. In the sentence context, civic groups accuse the government of only talking about reforms without executing them.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence contrasts an eloquent speech of promises with a lack of practical action by the administration.
Understanding context helps identify the intended figurative expression meaning insincere or superficial verbal support.
2
Identify the standard English fixed phrase
The established idiom for giving insincere verbal agreement without real action is 'pay lip service to'.
Fixed idioms and collocations require specific word combinations that cannot be substituted with near-synonyms.

Key Concept

Fixed Idiomatic Expressions and Collocations
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