While one economist argues that the (i)__________of Western countries is that economic power naturally gravitates toward the erudite as opposed to being forcibly distributed through some arcane patriarchal order,

In other words the scenario is that the WC have an advantage that relies upon something (the rest of the phrase is just blah blah)

one can conceivably make a case for the opposite.

we could have also the opposite scenario

Since the erudition of individuals varies greatly from generation to generation, Western culture breeds (ii)__________,

we could have instability

which many see as a disadvantage,



whereas focus on fraternal ties is much less (iii)__________.

However, indeed is not a disadvantage and the scenario is much less random or with a variant

Notice how the third one is the trickiest

Ask if you do need something unclear

Regards
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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).

i don't understand the meaning of the para, especially the last part. can u pls explain?

do you mean this ?


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