Two Right Words, One Equivalent Pair
A Sentence Equivalence item reads: 'Despite the author’s reputation for ___, her latest essay is so densely argued that even sympathetic readers may need to consult a glossary.' The six choices are (A) clarity (B) opacity (C) brevity (D) lucidity (E) verbosity (F) austerity. A test-taker immediately eliminates B and E as negative, then hesitates between A/D and A/C. She notes that the essay is 'densely argued' and wonders whether 'brevity' is the intended contrast.
1. Which pair is correct, and why does the sentence require a positive quality rather than a negative one?
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A and D. 'Despite' signals that the latest essay disappoints the reputation. A reputation for clarity/lucidity would lead readers to expect an accessible essay; instead, it is densely argued and glossary-worthy. B ('opacity') and E ('verbosity') are negative qualities, so 'despite a reputation for opacity' would predict an accessible essay-the opposite of what follows. The pair must also be equivalent; A and D are near-synonyms in this context.
2. Why is C ('brevity') a trap, and what would have to change for it to work?
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C is tempting because 'densely argued' can suggest compression, but density is about packed reasoning, not short length. Brevity would contrast with length, not with the need for a glossary. To make C work, the sentence would need a second blank or clause about length-e.g., 'Despite her reputation for brevity, the essay runs to 900 pages.' Even then, C would need a partner choice meaning shortness; no such equivalent is present.