Question

The novel’s intricate plot and rich character development were ________ by critics, who hailed it as a masterpiece, while its unconventional narrative structure was ________ by some readers who found it confusing.

• A. appreciated
• B. endorsed
• C. admired
• D. misunderstood
• E. lauded
• F. dismissed

Hint:

Identify the contrasting conjunction (here “while”) to select one word showing praise and another showing criticism or confusion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D,

This sentence presents two contrasting reactions to different aspects of the novel: - The first blank requires a positive term to describe the critics’ favorable view of the novel’s plot and characters. Suitable words include \textit{“lauded”} (E), \textit{“appreciated”} ((A), \textit{“admired”} ((C), or \textit{“endorsed”} ((B). Among these, \textit{“lauded”} conveys strong praise and fits the context of critics hailing the work as a masterpiece. - The second blank follows \textit{“while”}, indicating a contrasting negative reaction from some readers toward the novel’s unconventional narrative. Appropriate words are \textit{“misunderstood”} ((D) and \textit{“dismissed”} (F). \textit{“Misunderstood”} is the best fit as it suggests confusion or failure to grasp the narrative, aligning with readers finding it confusing. Analyzing the Option: - E) lauded — means highly praised, perfect for critics' acclaim. - (D) misunderstood — suggests the narrative was not grasped properly by some readers, indicating confusion rather than outright rejection. Other choices: - \textit{“Dismissed”} implies rejection or ignoring, which is stronger than simply not understanding. - \textit{“Admired”} and \textit{“appreciated”} are positive but less emphatic than “lauded.” Correct Pair: - E) lauded (positive) - (D) misunderstood (negative/contrasting)