Question 118·Easy·Words in Context
To reduce traffic congestion, the city unveiled a new network of bike lanes. Many residents, already eager for safer cycling routes, responded with _____ support.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For Words-in-Context questions, first ignore the answer choices and use the surrounding sentence to decide the tone (positive, negative, neutral) and the rough meaning needed in the blank. Look especially for strong clues like "already eager" or contrast words like "however" or "although." Then eliminate any choices whose meanings clearly clash with that tone or logic, and finally pick the option that best matches the meaning you inferred from the context, not just a word that "sounds good" by itself.
Hints
Look closely at the description of the residents
Focus on the phrase "already eager for safer cycling routes." Ask yourself: does this show a positive, negative, or neutral attitude toward the new bike lanes?
Match the tone to the blank
If the residents were "already eager," would they react weakly, indifferently, negatively, or strongly and positively when the bike lanes were unveiled?
Test each option with the sentence
Try reading the sentence with each choice in the blank and see which one best fits the attitude of people who really wanted safer cycling routes.
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the context to find the tone
Read the whole sentence: the city adds bike lanes "to reduce traffic congestion," and residents are described as "already eager for safer cycling routes." This tells you residents wanted this change and saw it as a good thing. So the tone of their reaction should be clearly positive and approving.
Decide what kind of support fits the tone
Because the residents were already eager, their support is not just mildly positive; it should be strong and excited. The blank should be filled with a word that shows a high level of positive support.
Check each answer choice against the sentence
Now test the choices:
- "skeptical" means doubting or not fully believing something, a negative or doubtful attitude.
- "unconcerned" means not caring or not interested, which is neutral or indifferent.
- "confused" means not understanding.
- "enthusiastic" means showing great interest and excitement. Only one of these matches residents who were already eager for safer bike routes and thus would react with strong, positive support.
Choose the word that best matches the meaning
Since the sentence clearly describes residents who strongly wanted safer cycling and would react with excited approval, the word that best completes the sentence is D) enthusiastic.