Question:
Before adapting to changes in values, many prefer to ----, to ---- the universally agreed-on principles that have been upheld for centuries.
Before adapting to changes in values, many prefer to ----, to ---- the universally agreed-on principles that have been upheld for centuries.
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In sentences with parallel structures, like the "to..., to..." format here, the words in the blanks should be synonyms or actions that logically reinforce one another.
Updated On: Oct 4, 2025
- innovate.. protect
- resist.. defend
- ponder.. subvert
- vacillate.. publicize
- revert.. ignore
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This sentence describes a common human tendency to be hesitant about change. The two blanks describe this tendency in relation to "universally agreed-on principles." The two words should be logically consistent with each other.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. The first clause, "Before adapting to changes...," sets up a context of reluctance or opposition to change. The first blank should reflect this idea.
2. The second blank describes the action taken towards "universally agreed-on principles." If one is resisting change, one would likely want to uphold or protect these existing principles. The structure "to ----, to ----" suggests the two actions are parallel and reinforce each other.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- (B) resist.. defend: This pair fits perfectly. People prefer to "resist" change and to "defend" the old principles. The two actions are consistent and describe a conservative reaction to new values.
- (A) "Innovate" is the opposite of resisting change.
- (C) "Ponder" (think about) is plausible for the first blank, but to "subvert" (undermine) principles is the opposite of upholding them.
- (D) "Vacillate" (waver) fits the idea of hesitation, but "publicize" doesn't logically follow as the corresponding action toward the principles.
- (E) "Revert" (return to a previous state) is plausible, but "ignore" the principles is the opposite of upholding them.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The most logical and consistent pair of actions for someone hesitant to adapt to change is to resist the new and defend the old.
This sentence describes a common human tendency to be hesitant about change. The two blanks describe this tendency in relation to "universally agreed-on principles." The two words should be logically consistent with each other.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. The first clause, "Before adapting to changes...," sets up a context of reluctance or opposition to change. The first blank should reflect this idea.
2. The second blank describes the action taken towards "universally agreed-on principles." If one is resisting change, one would likely want to uphold or protect these existing principles. The structure "to ----, to ----" suggests the two actions are parallel and reinforce each other.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- (B) resist.. defend: This pair fits perfectly. People prefer to "resist" change and to "defend" the old principles. The two actions are consistent and describe a conservative reaction to new values.
- (A) "Innovate" is the opposite of resisting change.
- (C) "Ponder" (think about) is plausible for the first blank, but to "subvert" (undermine) principles is the opposite of upholding them.
- (D) "Vacillate" (waver) fits the idea of hesitation, but "publicize" doesn't logically follow as the corresponding action toward the principles.
- (E) "Revert" (return to a previous state) is plausible, but "ignore" the principles is the opposite of upholding them.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The most logical and consistent pair of actions for someone hesitant to adapt to change is to resist the new and defend the old.
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