Question:
In the nineteenth century, novelists and unsympathetic travelers portrayed the American West as a land of ---- adversity, whereas promoters and idealists created a ---- image of a land of infinite promise.
In the nineteenth century, novelists and unsympathetic travelers portrayed the American West as a land of ---- adversity, whereas promoters and idealists created a ---- image of a land of infinite promise.
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Look for contrast words like "whereas," "although," or "but." They are strong clues that you need to find a pair of words that create a logical opposition between the two parts of the sentence.
Updated On: Oct 4, 2025
- lurid.. a mundane
- incredible.. an underplayed
- dispiriting.. an identical
- intriguing.. a luxuriant
- unremitting.. a compelling
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Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a sentence completion question that hinges on a contrast. The word "whereas" signals that the two parts of the sentence will present opposing views of the American West.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- The first part of the sentence describes a negative portrayal: a land of "---- adversity." The word in the blank should intensify or describe the harshness of this adversity. - The second part describes a positive portrayal by "promoters and idealists": a "---- image of a land of infinite promise." The word in this blank should be a positive adjective that fits the idea of an idealized, attractive image. Let's evaluate the options:
(A) lurid (gruesome).. a mundane (dull): "Mundane" doesn't fit with "infinite promise."
(B) incredible (unbelievable).. an underplayed: "Incredible adversity" could work, but an "underplayed image" contradicts the promotional efforts of idealists.
(C) dispiriting (discouraging).. an identical: "Identical" is illogical, as the two views are contrasted.
(D) intriguing (interesting).. a luxuriant (rich): "Intriguing adversity" is a weak and somewhat odd pairing. "Luxuriant" could fit the second blank.
(E) unremitting (never ending).. a compelling (evoking interest): This pair fits perfectly. "Unremitting adversity" captures the harsh, negative view. A "compelling image" captures the powerful, attractive vision created by promoters. The contrast is clear and logical.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The words "unremitting" and "compelling" provide the best contrast between the negative portrayal of constant hardship and the positive, attractive image created by promoters.
This is a sentence completion question that hinges on a contrast. The word "whereas" signals that the two parts of the sentence will present opposing views of the American West.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- The first part of the sentence describes a negative portrayal: a land of "---- adversity." The word in the blank should intensify or describe the harshness of this adversity. - The second part describes a positive portrayal by "promoters and idealists": a "---- image of a land of infinite promise." The word in this blank should be a positive adjective that fits the idea of an idealized, attractive image. Let's evaluate the options:
(A) lurid (gruesome).. a mundane (dull): "Mundane" doesn't fit with "infinite promise."
(B) incredible (unbelievable).. an underplayed: "Incredible adversity" could work, but an "underplayed image" contradicts the promotional efforts of idealists.
(C) dispiriting (discouraging).. an identical: "Identical" is illogical, as the two views are contrasted.
(D) intriguing (interesting).. a luxuriant (rich): "Intriguing adversity" is a weak and somewhat odd pairing. "Luxuriant" could fit the second blank.
(E) unremitting (never ending).. a compelling (evoking interest): This pair fits perfectly. "Unremitting adversity" captures the harsh, negative view. A "compelling image" captures the powerful, attractive vision created by promoters. The contrast is clear and logical.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The words "unremitting" and "compelling" provide the best contrast between the negative portrayal of constant hardship and the positive, attractive image created by promoters.
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