Re: The critic maintained that the re- searcher's was not in question
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19 Jun 2023, 04:30
OE
B, E This sentence features the detour road sign "but." On the one hand, the critic does not question something about the researcher; on the other hand, the critic argues that her conclusion isn't supported. The critic finds fault with the researcher's conclusion, so the missing word will be something with which the critic does not find fault. It may be difficult to formulate a specific prediction, so use process of elimination in the answer choices. Start by eliminating anything with a negative charge: (A) discomfiture ("embarrassment"); (D) mortification (also "embarrassment," which makes these choices a trap pair of synonyms); and (F) ineptitude ("lack of skill or ability"). (C) egoism ("self-interest") does not fit the context of the sentence, since the critic does not suggest that the researcher is selfish. The correct answers, then, must be (B) integrity and (E) rectitude, both of which mean "moral correctness" or "honesty." The idea of honesty fits the context of the sentence: the critic is not suggesting that the researcher lied, just that her evidence was not strong enough to prove her conclusion.