Question

Though ---- to some degree, telling a small lie sometimes enables one to avoid --- another's feelings.

• A. necessary.. mollifying
• B. regrettable.. harming
• C. unfortunate.. exaggerating
• D. attractive.. considering
• E. difficult.. resisting

Hint:

Pay close attention to structural keywords like "Though," "Although," "Despite," "However," etc. They provide crucial clues about the logical relationship (e.g., contrast, cause-and-effect) between different parts of the sentence.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a sentence completion question that tests vocabulary and logical structure. The sentence starts with "Though...", which signals a concession or contrast. The structure is: "Although X is true, Y is also true." The two blanks must create a logical and meaningful sentence based on this structure.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Analyze the first part of the sentence: "Though ---- to some degree...". This blank should describe a quality of "telling a small lie." The word "Though" suggests this quality will be somewhat negative.
2. Analyze the second part: "...enables one to avoid --- another's feelings." This blank should describe a negative action that the lie helps to prevent.
3. Evaluate the options to see which pair of words best fits this logical structure.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The sentence contrasts a negative aspect of lying with a positive outcome. A small lie, while perhaps not ideal, can serve a social purpose.
- Let's look at option (B): "Though regrettable... avoid harming another's feelings." This fits perfectly. A lie is generally seen as regrettable (a negative quality), but in this context, its positive outcome is that it avoids harming someone's feelings.
- Option (A) is incorrect because "mollifying" means to soothe or appease. The sentence says the lie helps one avoid an action, not perform one. You don't "avoid mollifying" feelings in this context.
- Option (C) is incorrect because one does not "avoid exaggerating" another's feelings by telling a lie.
- Option (D) is incorrect because a lie is not typically described as "attractive," and one uses a lie to spare feelings, not to "avoid considering" them.
- Option (E) is incorrect because "avoid resisting" feelings does not make logical sense in this context.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The words "regrettable" and "harming" create the most logical and coherent sentence, acknowledging the negative nature of a lie while stating its potential to prevent hurt.