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Difficulty: MediumWords in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

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

Answer:In translation studies, early theories often emphasized literal equivalence, demanding that a translation match the source text word-for-word. Modern translators, however, argue that such a rigid approach is often 【counterproductive】 because it fails to capture the cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions of the target language.

Answer

counterproductive (or synonyms like ineffective, impractical, inadequate, flawed, unsuccessful, self-defeating)
The sentence contrasts early word-for-word translation theories with modern views. The conjunction 'however' and the explanatory clause 'because it fails to capture...' indicate that modern translators view the rigid approach negatively. Thus, the blank must be filled by a word meaning ineffective, counterproductive, or inadequate.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the transition and tone clues in the sentence.
The word 'however' indicates a contrast with the early emphasis on literal equivalence, while the phrase 'fails to capture... nuances' indicates that the missing word must have a negative connotation.
To determine whether the blank requires a word with a positive, negative, or neutral charge.
2
Analyze the relationship between the rigid approach and the failure to capture nuances.
Because the rigid approach fails to achieve the goal of conveying cultural and idiomatic meaning, the approach itself is not useful or is harmful to the translation process.
To define the precise semantic meaning required for the blank.
3
Select a high-utility academic word that matches the required meaning.
Words like 'counterproductive' or 'ineffective' fit the context perfectly by expressing that a word-for-word translation strategy defeats its own purpose.
To complete the sentence with a logically and grammatically precise term.

Key Concept

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

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