How do we know the rise in global interconnectedness is a Positive or Negative phenomenon? I mean, the interconnectedness during a war is smth to remain cautious and provided the neutral stance taken, it is the best practical (pragmatic) step. Whereas, if the interconnectedness is in terms of trade, then the US being neutral could be a disadvantage then futile can fit here.

Carcass sir, I see you have explained above. Can you pls help refine my understanding as stated above?

Well, my first though is the students, in general, should have a flexible approach to the sentence, both TC and SE

It is true that connotations such as positive and negative, contrast, shift , and so forth do exists.

However, these are subsets of what is really important, the whole set which includes those: the meaning of the sentence. It is KING

The students struggle on TC and SE just for the reason that they have this fixation on the details and not the whole picture.

You need to do a pretty simple thing: read the sentence, divide it into chunks, ask to yourself why is so why is there and what is the meaning, and solve. That's it

With global interconnectedness on the rise,

OK. with the interconnections among the nations something happen. Thsi is the meaning of the prepositional phrase above. It is increasing overtime

the conviction of the United States to remain neutral in World War I seemed ever more ___________ .

We , The United states, have the conviction or i.e. we have good reasons that the WWI will be contagious, threatening other nations that probably would not be involved. A thing like that. We need word to tell us this reasoning: we, the US, must act to stop this madness. we have now the conviction. We cannot be neutral anymore. We have to save the world. We will call to action Captain America..........think as you like

Now, the only word that expresses this sentiment is B

It is futile or silly, stupid to think to stay neutral. because before of after, if we do not act soon the war will be at our door.

The meaning is KING. Just read and understand. There are no fancy strategies to nail TC sentences

Hello Carcass sir, thank you for the detailed explanation. This flow of tone certainly fits the narrative.

I do not understand why many people have chosen incorrect option. Was one of the easiest questions.