16Hit1600
Craft and StructureVery hardAdjective fixed by a description of tone

Craft and Structure practice question

The reviewer's praise was so ____ — 'competent', 'adequate', 'not without interest' — that the author took it as an insult.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

  1. A. tepidCorrect
  2. B. lavish
  3. C. scathing
  4. D. unequivocal

Answer: A. tepid

'Competent' and 'adequate' are lukewarm words; praise that faint is 'tepid'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. lavish
'Lavish' praise would be generous and warm, the opposite of 'adequate'.
C. scathing
'Scathing' is harsh criticism, but the words quoted are praise, however weak.
D. unequivocal
'Unequivocal' means clear and unmistakable; 'not without interest' is hedged.

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