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Zorluk: ZorWords in Context: Connotation and Tone

In his essays on evolutionary biology, Stephen Jay Gould frequently challenged the adaptationist assumption that every anatomical feature must have a selective advantage. He argued that many traits are merely byproducts of other evolutionary changes. While critics accused Gould of undermining Darwinian theory, supporters praised his critique as a ______ corrective to the reductive tendencies of contemporary sociobiology, arguing it opened new pathways for research.

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

  1. A
    remedial
  2. salutaryCevap
  3. C
    officious
  4. D
    subversive

Cevap

salutary
The correct answer is 'salutary' because the passage indicates that supporters of Gould praised his critique, establishing a positive connotation. 'Salutary' means beneficial or producing a good effect, which perfectly aligns with the supporters' positive view of his work as a helpful corrective to reductive theories.

Adım Adım Çözüm

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine the tone and connotation of the blank space.
The blank describes the noun 'corrective' and is part of a phrase expressing how 'supporters praised his critique'. This indicates that the missing word must have a positive connotation consistent with praise and support.
Identifying the attitude (positive, negative, or neutral) towards the subject is essential for finding the correct connotation in context.
2
Evaluate the options to find a word that matches both the positive connotation and the formal, academic tone of the passage.
'Salutary' means producing a beneficial or wholesome effect, which fits the academic tone and the positive connotation of 'praised.' Other options either carry negative connotations ('officious', 'subversive') or are register-mismatched and redundant ('remedial').
Comparing option meanings and connotations against the context clues ensures the most precise fit.

Anahtar Kavram

Identifying words in context based on connotation and tone
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