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Whether the writer's most recent work will (i) ______ his status as a
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20 Aug 2025, 01:01
20 Aug 2025, 01:01
Expert Reply
00:00
Question Stats:
52% (00:59) correct
47% (01:17) wrong based on 17 sessions
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Whether the writer's most recent work will (i) ______ his status as a great novelist is debatable; that, with this work, he continues to create probing narratives that capture a country in the midst of turmoil is unassailable.
| Blank (i) |
|---|
| A. alter |
| B. cement |
| C. degrade | D. concern | E. diminish |
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Re: Whether the writer's most recent work will (i) ______ his status as a
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20 Aug 2025, 23:21
20 Aug 2025, 23:21
Answer is bolstering up.
Re: Whether the writer's most recent work will (i) ______ his status as a
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06 Sep 2025, 07:41
06 Sep 2025, 07:41
Expert Reply
The correct answer is B. cement.
Breakdown of the Blank
The key to understanding this sentence is the contrast established by "Whether... is debatable; that...is unassailable." This structure sets up a point of uncertainty followed by a point of certainty.
- Point of Certainty: The second part of the sentence says it's "unassailable" (undeniable) that the writer continues to create "probing narratives that capture a country in the midst of turmoil." This is a positive statement about the quality of his work.
- Point of Uncertainty: The first part of the sentence asks whether this new work will do something to his "status as a great novelist."
The word in the blank must relate to the action of confirming or strengthening his status. Since his new work is good, the question is whether it will solidify his reputation as great.
- B. cement: This means to fix or establish firmly. It fits perfectly with the idea that the new work might solidify his existing reputation.
Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:
- A. alter: This is too neutral; it doesn't specify whether the change is positive or negative. The rest of the sentence implies a positive action.
- C. degrade and E. diminish: Both of these words mean to lower or reduce. This contradicts the positive tone of the second part of the sentence.
- D. concern: This means to relate to or worry someone. It doesn't make sense in this context.
Breakdown of the Blank
The key to understanding this sentence is the contrast established by "Whether... is debatable; that...is unassailable." This structure sets up a point of uncertainty followed by a point of certainty.
- Point of Certainty: The second part of the sentence says it's "unassailable" (undeniable) that the writer continues to create "probing narratives that capture a country in the midst of turmoil." This is a positive statement about the quality of his work.
- Point of Uncertainty: The first part of the sentence asks whether this new work will do something to his "status as a great novelist."
The word in the blank must relate to the action of confirming or strengthening his status. Since his new work is good, the question is whether it will solidify his reputation as great.
- B. cement: This means to fix or establish firmly. It fits perfectly with the idea that the new work might solidify his existing reputation.
Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:
- A. alter: This is too neutral; it doesn't specify whether the change is positive or negative. The rest of the sentence implies a positive action.
- C. degrade and E. diminish: Both of these words mean to lower or reduce. This contradicts the positive tone of the second part of the sentence.
- D. concern: This means to relate to or worry someone. It doesn't make sense in this context.
