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Zorluk: Çok zorInterpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals

Much as the evolutionary theorist conceded that the fossil record displays extended periods of morphological stasis, she maintained that such macroevolutionary patterns were by no means __________ with traditional gradualism, insisting that continuous microevolutionary mechanisms could account for the apparent stasis. Which TWO of the following answer choices, when inserted into the blank, best complete the sentence and yield completed sentences that are logically equivalent?

  1. incompatibleCevap
  2. B
    congruent
  3. irreconcilableCevap
  4. D
    harmonious
  5. E
    anomalous
  6. F
    redundant

Cevap

The words 'incompatible' and 'irreconcilable' both complete the sentence to convey that the theorist believes macroevolutionary stasis does not conflict with traditional gradualism.
The introductory concession clause ('Much as the evolutionary theorist conceded...') establishes that despite accepting stasis in the fossil record, the theorist defends traditional gradualism. The clause following the comma asserts that stasis is 'by no means [blank] with traditional gradualism'. To show that stasis does not undermine gradualism, the blank must mean 'conflicting' or 'contradictory', so that 'by no means [conflicting]' equals 'compatible'. Both 'incompatible' and 'irreconcilable' fit this precise semantic function and create logically equivalent sentences.

Adım Adım Çözüm

1
Analyze the structural signals and sentence logic
The opening concession signal 'Much as [she] conceded...' establishes a contrast between what she admitted (fossil record stasis) and what she asserted (that stasis does NOT rule out gradualism).
Concession transitions signal that the main clause will qualify or counter the conceded point.
2
Factor in the double negation and determine blank valence
The main clause states the patterns were 'by no means [blank] with traditional gradualism', followed by 'insisting that continuous... mechanisms could account for [it]'.
Because she argues gradualism CAN account for stasis, she maintains stasis is NOT conflicting with gradualism. Since 'by no means' is a negative modifier, the blank itself must mean 'conflicting' or 'inconsistent'.
3
Identify matching synonym pair fitting the negative valence requirement
'Incompatible' and 'irreconcilable' both mean conflicting or incapable of existing together.
Placing either word after 'by no means' yields the meaning 'not conflicting with', which correctly aligns with the theorist's argument.

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Interpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals
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Interpreting Contrast and Concession Structural Signals

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