Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumWords in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

In analyzing the balance of state authority, many political theorists argue that the rapid expansion of executive power during national emergencies is an absolute necessity for maintaining public order. However, legal scholar Elena Rostova seeks to ________ this conventional view; while she concedes that swift decision-making is vital in times of crisis, she maintains that such authority must be bound by rigorous legislative oversight to prevent permanent overreach.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

  1. qualifyAnswer
  2. B
    satisfy
  3. C
    validate
  4. D
    dismantle

Answer

qualify
The correct answer is 'qualify'. In academic prose, 'qualify' means to limit or modify a statement or position. The passage contrasts the view that executive expansion is an absolute necessity with Rostova's perspective. Because Rostova concedes that some executive speed is necessary but argues that it must be bound by oversight, she is limiting the scope of the conventional view rather than accepting or rejecting it entirely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence containing the blank and the surrounding sentences.
The passage sets up a contrast using the word 'However.' On one hand, many theorists argue that executive power expansion is an absolute necessity. On the other hand, Elena Rostova seeks to modify this view. She does not completely reject it, as she concedes that speed is vital, but she insists that this power must be bound by legislative oversight.
Understanding the relationship between the opposing ideas helps determine the tone and meaning of the missing word.
2
Identify the precise meaning required for the blank and evaluate the choices.
The missing word must mean to limit or modify a claim to make it less absolute. The word 'qualify' has a secondary, academic definition meaning to limit or modify a statement. Other options like 'validate' (confirm) or 'dismantle' (destroy) represent extremes that do not fit Rostova's qualified agreement.
Matching the contextual definition to the correct vocabulary choice ensures semantic precision.

Key Concept

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary
Rate this question

Topics

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

More questions from this topic