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Difficulty: HardParallel Structure

Which word completes the passage so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Answer:In his influential treatise on modern urban development, architectural theorist Marcus Giamatti argues that creating a truly sustainable skyscraper requires focusing less on installing complex, high-tech energy-monitoring systems than on 【implementing】 passive design strategies. By prioritizing simple architectural solutions like solar orientation and natural cross-ventilation over mechanical ones, architects can drastically lower a building’s operational footprint while maintaining occupant comfort.

Answer

A gerund (such as 'implementing', 'utilizing', or 'employing') to maintain parallel structure with the gerund 'installing' following the preposition 'on'.
The sentence uses the comparative structure 'focusing less on [X] than on [Y]'. The first element (X) is 'installing complex, high-tech energy-monitoring systems', where 'installing' is a gerund. To maintain parallel structure, the second element (Y) must also begin with a gerund that takes 'passive design strategies' as its direct object. A gerund like 'implementing' or 'utilizing' perfectly fits this grammatical pattern.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the comparative structure in the sentence.
The sentence uses the comparative structure 'focusing less on [X] than on [Y]'.
This structure requires the elements X and Y to be grammatically parallel.
2
Analyze the grammatical form of the first element (X).
The phrase following the first 'on' begins with the gerund 'installing' ('installing complex, high-tech energy-monitoring systems').
Understanding the part of speech of the first element establishes the pattern for the second.
3
Determine the required grammatical form for the second element (Y) in the blank.
The phrase following the second 'on' must also begin with a gerund (an -ing verb acting as a noun) to remain parallel.
Using any other form (such as an infinitive or a noun phrase) would violate parallel structure rules.

Key Concept

Parallel Structure
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Parallel Structure

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