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Unlike typical literary celebrities, who are ever so eager to promote
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21 Sep 2025, 23:38
21 Sep 2025, 23:38
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Question Stats:
80% (00:36) correct
20% (01:02) wrong based on 10 sessions
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Unlike typical literary celebrities, who are ever so eager to promote their work, even at the expense of coming across as contrived, Chase was ________ and made no effort to be expansive.
| Two Answers |
|---|
| A. sullen |
| B. genuine |
| C. disarming | D. reserved | E. apathetic |
| F. retiring |
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Unlike typical literary celebrities, who are ever so eager to promote
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04 Oct 2025, 09:35
04 Oct 2025, 09:35
Expert Reply
Breakdown of the Blank
The sentence establishes a contrast using the word "Unlike":
- Typical Celebrities (The Contrast): They are "eager to promote their work" and risk "coming across as contrived" (artificial).
- Chase (The Subject): Chase was the opposite; he was ________ and "made no effort to be expansive" (open, talkative, or promotional).
The blank must describe a trait that means not talkative, not eager to promote oneself, modest, or private.
- A. sullen: Bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy. This relates to mood, not communication style or modesty.
- B. genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic. While he might have been genuine, the evidence ("made no effort to be expansive") points to his reserved manner, not his sincerity.
- C. disarming: Having the effect of allaying suspicion or hostility, often through charm. This doesn't relate to a lack of promotion.
- D. reserved: Slow to reveal emotion or opinions; restrained. This is a strong fit, as it describes someone who makes no effort to be expansive.
- E. apathetic: Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern. While he lacked enthusiasm for promotion, apathetic describes his general state, while reserved describes his manner of interaction.
- F. retiring: Shy and fond of being alone; avoiding attention. This is a perfect synonym for reserved and directly contrasts with the "eager to promote" nature of other celebrities.
The two words that mean shy, restrained, or avoiding publicity are reserved and retiring.
The correct choices are D. reserved and F. retiring.
The sentence establishes a contrast using the word "Unlike":
- Typical Celebrities (The Contrast): They are "eager to promote their work" and risk "coming across as contrived" (artificial).
- Chase (The Subject): Chase was the opposite; he was ________ and "made no effort to be expansive" (open, talkative, or promotional).
The blank must describe a trait that means not talkative, not eager to promote oneself, modest, or private.
- A. sullen: Bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy. This relates to mood, not communication style or modesty.
- B. genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic. While he might have been genuine, the evidence ("made no effort to be expansive") points to his reserved manner, not his sincerity.
- C. disarming: Having the effect of allaying suspicion or hostility, often through charm. This doesn't relate to a lack of promotion.
- D. reserved: Slow to reveal emotion or opinions; restrained. This is a strong fit, as it describes someone who makes no effort to be expansive.
- E. apathetic: Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern. While he lacked enthusiasm for promotion, apathetic describes his general state, while reserved describes his manner of interaction.
- F. retiring: Shy and fond of being alone; avoiding attention. This is a perfect synonym for reserved and directly contrasts with the "eager to promote" nature of other celebrities.
The two words that mean shy, restrained, or avoiding publicity are reserved and retiring.
The correct choices are D. reserved and F. retiring.
Re: Unlike typical literary celebrities, who are ever so eager to promote
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06 Oct 2025, 08:30
06 Oct 2025, 08:30
1
I’d just add that the key to this sentence lies in how “made no effort to be expansive” narrows the tone. It doesn’t just mean Chase wasn’t eager — it implies a certain restraint in personality, not disinterest. That’s why reserved and retiring fit perfectly: both convey self-effacement and avoidance of the spotlight, rather than apathy or gloom.
A lot of test-takers fall into the trap of picking apathetic because it seems to oppose “eager,” but the nuance here is about public manner, not motivation. ETS loves this kind of subtle contrast.
A lot of test-takers fall into the trap of picking apathetic because it seems to oppose “eager,” but the nuance here is about public manner, not motivation. ETS loves this kind of subtle contrast.
