Craft and StructureEasy–MediumWords in context (verb)
Craft and Structure practice question
The mediator's calm suggestions helped ____ the tension between the two departments, and the meeting ended amicably.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word?
- A. heighten
- B. easeCorrect
- C. ignore
- D. record
Answer: B. ease
The meeting 'ended amicably', so the mediator reduced the tension. 'Ease' means to lessen. 'Heighten' means the opposite; 'ignore' and 'record' don't fit the resolution described.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. heighten
- 'Heighten' means to increase the tension, which contradicts the meeting ending amicably.
- C. ignore
- The mediator's suggestions actively changed the situation; 'ignore' would mean the tension went unaddressed, yet the meeting ended well.
- D. record
- 'Record' means to note something down, which doesn't explain how calm suggestions produced an amicable ending.
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