Question

Although Georgia O'Keeffe is best known for her affinity with the desert landscape, her paintings of urban subjects ---- her longtime residency in New York City.

• A. condemn
• B. obfuscate
• C. attest to
• D. conflict with
• E. contend with

Hint:

The word "Although" signals a contrast, but the contrast is between what is commonly known and another, less-known fact. The second part of the sentence should provide a logical connection, not another contrast. Here, the residency explains the urban paintings, which contrast with her famous desert paintings.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This sentence completion requires finding a phrase that logically connects Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings of urban subjects to her long residency in New York City, despite her greater fame for desert landscapes.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The sentence starts with "Although," which sets up a contrast. The contrast is between what she is "best known for" (desert landscapes) and another aspect of her work (paintings of urban subjects). The second part of the sentence should provide a logical reason or context for these urban paintings. That context is her "longtime residency in New York City."
So, her paintings of urban subjects are a result of, or reflect, her time spent living in a city. We need a phrase that means "reflect," "are evidence of," or "testify to."
Let's evaluate the options:

(A) conflict with: Her urban paintings don't conflict with her residency; the residency explains them.
(B) are contradicted by: Similar to (A), this is illogical. Living in a city would not be contradicted by painting it.
(C) are indebted to: This is plausible, but "indebted to" suggests a stylistic or financial influence, which is not as direct as simply reflecting her surroundings.
(D) bear witness to: This phrase means "to provide evidence of." Her paintings of urban subjects provide evidence of (bear witness to) her long period of living in New York City. This fits the logic perfectly. It explains that even though she's known for the desert, another part of her life and work is documented in her urban paintings.
(E) are independent of: This is the opposite of the logical connection. Her urban paintings are clearly dependent on her experience of living in a city.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The phrase "bear witness to" correctly and idiomatically expresses the idea that her urban paintings are a testament to her time spent in New York City.