Question 101·Medium·Words in Context
Although the author's tone is often playful, her underlying argument is anything but ______, presenting rigorous evidence and a sober analysis of the data.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For SAT Words-in-Context questions, first highlight any signal words like "although," "but," or phrases like "anything but" to see whether the blank should contrast with or match the rest of the sentence. Then, use nearby clue words (here, "rigorous" and "sober") to decide whether the blank needs a positive or negative description and what general idea it should express. Finally, plug each option back into the original sentence and eliminate any choices that fit the serious description instead of contradicting it, saving time by focusing on overall meaning rather than on memorized definitions alone.
Hints
Pay attention to signal words
Look closely at the words "Although" and the phrase "anything but." What kind of relationship between the author’s tone and her argument do these signals show?
Use the description after the comma
Focus on the part that says "presenting rigorous evidence and a sober analysis of the data." Does this make the argument sound serious or casual?
Match (or mismatch) with the serious description
Ask yourself: which answer choice would not make sense as a description of an argument that uses rigorous evidence and sober analysis?
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the contrast structure
Focus on the opening word “Although” and the phrase “anything but”. Together, they show a contrast between the author’s playful tone and the nature of her underlying argument. The blank must describe something the argument is not.
Use the second half of the sentence
The sentence says the argument is "presenting rigorous evidence and a sober analysis of the data." These phrases describe an argument that is very serious, careful, and well supported, not casual or light.
Decide what kind of word must go in the blank
Because of "anything but," the word in the blank should be a description that does not fit an argument with rigorous evidence and sober analysis. It should be something that would clash with that serious, careful description, especially given the earlier mention of a "playful" tone.
Evaluate each answer choice in context
Test each word:
- coherent means logical and consistent—this fits a rigorous, sober argument, so it cannot be what the argument is "anything but."
- incisive means sharp and clear-thinking—also a good match for rigorous evidence.
- authoritative means commanding and reliable—again, compatible with rigorous, sober analysis.
- frivolous means silly, trivial, or not serious, which directly clashes with "rigorous evidence" and "sober analysis" and is exactly what the argument is not.
Therefore, the correct answer is D) frivolous.