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Carefully couching his words in the most diplomatic language possible,
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29 Oct 2025, 22:58
29 Oct 2025, 22:58
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Question Stats:
16% (01:12) correct
83% (01:15) wrong based on 6 sessions
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Carefully couching his words in the most diplomatic language possible, so even those (i) _______ to his cause could hardly construe his words as a (ii) _______ , the city councilman offered an ultimatum to the (iii)
_______ group of protesters camped outside the City Hall.
_______ group of protesters camped outside the City Hall.
| Blank (i) | Blank (ii) | Blank (iii) |
|---|---|---|
| A. indisposed to | D. panegyric | G. defeated |
| B. sympathetic | E. broandside | H. querelous |
| C. impartial to | F. prognostication | I. dishonest |
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Re: Carefully couching his words in the most diplomatic language possible,
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12 Nov 2025, 01:38
12 Nov 2025, 01:38
Please provide the full explanation
Re: Carefully couching his words in the most diplomatic language possible,
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12 Nov 2025, 01:41
12 Nov 2025, 01:41
Expert Reply
Blank (i): The Audience
- Context: The councilman is using diplomatic language so that even those ________ to his cause "could hardly construe his words as a (ii) ________ ."
- Logic: To test the limits of diplomacy, the councilman must consider the most hostile or difficult audience. If even the hostile ones aren't offended, the speech was a success.
- Fit: A. indisposed to means having a disinclination or reluctance toward something; hostile or opposed to. This establishes the most difficult audience.
Blank (ii): The Message (What was Avoided)
- Context: He wants to avoid having his words construed (interpreted) as a ________ by his opponents (Blank i). Since he offered an ultimatum, he must be careful that his diplomatic wording doesn't sound like a full-blown verbal attack.
- Fit: E. broadside is a powerful verbal attack or denunciation. By using diplomatic language, he avoids turning his ultimatum into a verbal assault.
- D. panegyric (a formal public expression of praise) is the opposite of an ultimatum.
- F. prognostication (a forecast) is too neutral.
Blank (iii): The Protesters
- Context: The councilman offered an ultimatum to the ________$ group of protesters camped outside City Hall. Given the necessity of extreme diplomacy (Blanks i and ii), the protesters are likely argumentative or prone to complaining.
- Fit: H. querulous means complaining in a petulant or whining manner. This suggests the protesters are difficult and sensitive, justifying the need for the councilman's careful language.
- G. defeated doesn't fit the context of needing an ultimatum (defeated groups rarely need one).
- I. dishonest is irrelevant to their behavior as protesters.
- Context: The councilman is using diplomatic language so that even those ________ to his cause "could hardly construe his words as a (ii) ________ ."
- Logic: To test the limits of diplomacy, the councilman must consider the most hostile or difficult audience. If even the hostile ones aren't offended, the speech was a success.
- Fit: A. indisposed to means having a disinclination or reluctance toward something; hostile or opposed to. This establishes the most difficult audience.
Blank (ii): The Message (What was Avoided)
- Context: He wants to avoid having his words construed (interpreted) as a ________ by his opponents (Blank i). Since he offered an ultimatum, he must be careful that his diplomatic wording doesn't sound like a full-blown verbal attack.
- Fit: E. broadside is a powerful verbal attack or denunciation. By using diplomatic language, he avoids turning his ultimatum into a verbal assault.
- D. panegyric (a formal public expression of praise) is the opposite of an ultimatum.
- F. prognostication (a forecast) is too neutral.
Blank (iii): The Protesters
- Context: The councilman offered an ultimatum to the ________$ group of protesters camped outside City Hall. Given the necessity of extreme diplomacy (Blanks i and ii), the protesters are likely argumentative or prone to complaining.
- Fit: H. querulous means complaining in a petulant or whining manner. This suggests the protesters are difficult and sensitive, justifying the need for the councilman's careful language.
- G. defeated doesn't fit the context of needing an ultimatum (defeated groups rarely need one).
- I. dishonest is irrelevant to their behavior as protesters.
