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

Craft and Structure practice question

After weeks of hard words on both sides, the minister's speech was notably ____, praising the union's leaders and offering to reopen talks.

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

  1. A. conciliatoryCorrect
  2. B. belligerent
  3. C. evasive
  4. D. technical

Answer: A. conciliatory

Praise for opponents and an offer to talk, after weeks of conflict, is an attempt to make peace — 'conciliatory'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. belligerent
'Belligerent' means hostile, the tone the speech departed from.
C. evasive
'Evasive' means avoiding the issue; the speech addressed it directly with an offer.
D. technical
'Technical' describes subject matter, not a peace-making tone.

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