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By the beginning of the 20th Century, piano pedagogy had advanced
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04 Sep 2025, 00:55
04 Sep 2025, 00:55
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Question Stats:
75% (00:29) correct
25% (01:13) wrong based on 4 sessions
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By the beginning of the 20th Century, piano pedagogy had advanced fingering technique to such a degree that even students with a (i) _______ were able, with targeted practice, to execute thorny passages, while exuding the
(ii) _______ of a polished salon pianist.
(ii) _______ of a polished salon pianist.
| Blank (i) | Blank (ii) |
|---|---|
| A. modicum of dexterity | D. superciliousness |
| B. semblance of pitch | E. sanguineness |
| C. consummate technicality | F. aplomb |
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Re: By the beginning of the 20th Century, piano pedagogy had advanced
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04 Sep 2025, 22:48
04 Sep 2025, 22:48
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Bump for further discussions
Re: By the beginning of the 20th Century, piano pedagogy had advanced
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06 Sep 2025, 02:30
06 Sep 2025, 02:30
Expert Reply
The correct words for the blanks are (i) modicum of dexterity and (ii) aplomb.
Breakdown of the Blanks
- Blank (i): A. modicum of dexterity
The sentence states that piano pedagogy had advanced so much that "even students with a (i) $\qquad$ were able...to execute thorny passages." The word "even" signals that the students being described are not naturally gifted. A modicum of dexterity means a small amount of skill. This fits the context perfectly, as it highlights the impressive nature of the new teaching methods that could help even a student with limited natural ability. The other options are incorrect: "semblance of pitch" relates to sound, not physical skill, and "consummate technicality" is a high level of skill, which contradicts the word "even."
- Blank (ii): F. aplomb
The second blank describes the quality the students exhibited while playing difficult passages. Aplomb means a graceful and confident poise; a polished and composed manner. The phrase "polished salon pianist" further supports this choice. The students were not only able to play the music, but they also looked composed and confident while doing so. "Superciliousness" means arrogant or haughty, and "sanguineness" means optimistic or positive, neither of which fits the context of a pianist's stage presence.
The Complete Sentence
"By the beginning of the 20th Century, piano pedagogy had advanced fingering technique to such a degree that even students with a modicum of dexterity were able, with targeted practice, to execute thorny passages, while exuding the aplomb of a polished salon pianist."
Breakdown of the Blanks
- Blank (i): A. modicum of dexterity
The sentence states that piano pedagogy had advanced so much that "even students with a (i) $\qquad$ were able...to execute thorny passages." The word "even" signals that the students being described are not naturally gifted. A modicum of dexterity means a small amount of skill. This fits the context perfectly, as it highlights the impressive nature of the new teaching methods that could help even a student with limited natural ability. The other options are incorrect: "semblance of pitch" relates to sound, not physical skill, and "consummate technicality" is a high level of skill, which contradicts the word "even."
- Blank (ii): F. aplomb
The second blank describes the quality the students exhibited while playing difficult passages. Aplomb means a graceful and confident poise; a polished and composed manner. The phrase "polished salon pianist" further supports this choice. The students were not only able to play the music, but they also looked composed and confident while doing so. "Superciliousness" means arrogant or haughty, and "sanguineness" means optimistic or positive, neither of which fits the context of a pianist's stage presence.
The Complete Sentence
"By the beginning of the 20th Century, piano pedagogy had advanced fingering technique to such a degree that even students with a modicum of dexterity were able, with targeted practice, to execute thorny passages, while exuding the aplomb of a polished salon pianist."
