Text ExplanationAnswers:
(C), (F)This is a subtle question since the “shift” actually happens in the answer choice. The "no less incendiary” at the beginning of the sentence leads us to believe that “fracking” is going to be a major issue come election time. The second blank though is a much easier solution: people will be affected by problems that occur in their immediate environments. Thus (F). Fracking, which “takes place in remote parts”, does not fall into this category. Therefore, fracking is (C)
curiously absent from the national dialogue. The second part of the sentence gives us the reason.
FAQ: What does "the national dialogue come election time" mean?"The national dialogue" is a fairly commonly used term to refer to the way that citizens and politicians discuss pressing societal issues.
"Come ___" is basically a shortening of a sentence like: "When ___ time comes, then xyz." Here are a few more examples to look at:
*Come exam time, you better know the material.
*Come Halloween, she will be ready to talk about moving.
*Come breakfast time, the children should have cleaned their rooms.
So this sentence is basically saying: "When election time came, fracking was absent from the national dialog, perhaps because voters are not concerned with environmental issues that occur far away."