16Hit1600
Craft and StructureHardAdjective fixed by 'at best' and weak evidence

Craft and Structure practice question

The link between the two events is ____ at best: the only evidence connecting them is that both occurred in the same decade.

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

  1. A. tenuousCorrect
  2. B. irrefutable
  3. C. reciprocal
  4. D. deliberate

Answer: A. tenuous

'At best' signals a weak assessment, and the colon confirms it — the sole evidence is a shared decade. A weak, flimsy link is 'tenuous'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. irrefutable
'Irrefutable' means impossible to deny — the opposite of a link resting on almost nothing.
C. reciprocal
'Reciprocal' means mutual, going both ways. The text is about how WEAK the link is, not its direction.
D. deliberate
'Deliberate' means intentional. Events happening in the same decade isn't a matter of intention.

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