Question

Although just barely ---- as a writer of lucid prose, Jones was an extremely ---- editor who worked superbly with other writers in helping them improve the clarity of their writing.

• A. deficient.. muddling
• B. proficient.. contentious
• C. adequate.. capable
• D. appalling.. competent
• E. engaging.. inept

Hint:

The phrase "just barely" usually modifies a word that indicates a minimum level of competence or acceptability. It's used to say someone just meets a standard, but no more.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This sentence uses the word "Although" to set up a contrast between Jones's ability as a writer and his ability as an editor. The two blanks must contain words that reflect this contrast.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. The first clause, "Although just barely ---- as a writer," suggests that his writing skill was minimal or only just acceptable. The word "lucid prose" implies he could write clearly, so the blank should reflect a low level of proficiency, not complete incompetence.
2. The second clause, "...was an extremely ---- editor who worked superbly," indicates that his editing skill was very high.
3. The correct pair of words will show a contrast between "minimally skilled" and "highly skilled."
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- Let's analyze option (C): "adequate.. capable." "Just barely adequate" means he met the minimum standard as a writer, which fits the sentence structure. "Extremely capable" means he was very skilled as an editor, which fits with the description "worked superbly." This pair provides the perfect contrast.
- Option (A) is incorrect. "Deficient" contradicts the idea that he wrote "lucid prose," and a "muddling" editor is a bad one, which contradicts "worked superbly."
- Option (B) is incorrect because "contentious" (argumentative) is not necessarily a positive trait for an editor.
- Option (D) is incorrect because the phrase "just barely appalling" does not make sense. "Appalling" is a strong negative, not something one can be "just barely."
- Option (E) reverses the logic. It suggests he was a good writer ("engaging") but a bad editor ("inept"), which contradicts the structure set up by "Although."
Step 4: Final Answer:
The pair "adequate" and "capable" correctly establishes the contrast between Jones's minimal skill as a writer and his excellent skill as an editor.