Re: While one economist argues that the
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30 Nov 2021, 00:52
Official Explanation:
In reading the entire argument, one can see the purpose of the argument is to refute the conclusion drawn by the economist about Western countries at the beginning of the first sentence. Blank (ii) is probably the easiest place to start. The author argues that erudition, meaning “scholarship or learning,” varies. Look for a word that means something like “variation” in blank (ii). Note the pivot word “whereas” in the last clause. Therefore, we are looking for an idea that contrasts “varies” to describe a “focus on fraternal ties.” Blank (iii), because it says “much less_____”, should also be something like “changing.” As for blank (i), because the second sentence is making a case for Western culture’s disadvantage, we can fill blank (i) with a word such as “advantage.”
Blank (i) filler: “advantage”
(A) Shortcoming, meaning “flaw or weakness,” has the opposite meaning of our filler
(B) Basis, meaning “foundation,” does not make sense in this context.
(C) CORRECT. Advantage is a perfect match.
Blank (ii) filler: “variation”
(D) Dominance means “power exerted over others.” While some may associate this with Western culture, it does not match out filler.
(E) CORRECT. Instability, meaning “not steady,” is a perfect match.
(F) Constancy, meaning “ever present,” has the opposite meaning to our filler.
Blank (iii) filler: “changing”
(G) CORRECT. Variant means” changing” and is a perfect match.
(H) Stable means “not changing.” This is the opposite of our filler.
(I) Palatable means “acceptable.” This word does not generate a contrast between this part of the sentence and the part described by blank (ii).