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

Question

The critic's review was ____: she praised the acting warmly but found the plot implausible from start to finish.

Accepted Answer

A. ambivalent. The colon spells the blank out: praise for one thing, criticism of another. A review with feelings pulling both ways is 'ambivalent'.

Answer

B. uniformly hostile — 'Uniformly hostile' would mean negative throughout, but the review praises the acting warmly.

Answer

C. unreserved — 'Unreserved' means holding nothing back — usually total enthusiasm. The review has clear reservations about the plot.

Answer

D. dismissive — 'Dismissive' means treating something as unworthy of attention. Warm praise for the acting rules that out.

Craft and Structure practice question