Question 143·Medium·Words in Context
Isabel’s plan to transform an abandoned lot into a community garden was initially dismissed as _____ idealism, but the project’s rapid success soon convinced even skeptics of its practicality.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For Words-in-Context questions, always start by reading the whole sentence and marking contrast words like “but,” “however,” or “although.” Decide whether the blank needs a positive, negative, or neutral word and what specific attitude is being expressed (skeptical, admiring, mocking, etc.). Then, quickly define each option in your own words and eliminate any that don’t match the tone and logic of the sentence, even if they sound sophisticated on their own. Plug the remaining choice back into the sentence to confirm it makes the meaning clear and consistent.
Hints
Look for contrast clues
Pay close attention to the words “initially dismissed” and “but” later “convinced even skeptics of its practicality.” What kind of view did people have of the plan at first compared to later?
Decide if the missing word should be positive or negative
Ask yourself: Is calling someone’s idealism in this sentence a compliment or a criticism? Think about how people usually talk when they dismiss an idea.
Quickly recall the general vibes of each option
Without overthinking, remember what each word usually suggests: measured, robust, tactical, and the remaining choice. Which one would someone use to put down an idea as unrealistic or not grounded in reality?
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the contrast signaled by “but”
Focus on the structure: Isabel’s plan was “initially dismissed as ___ idealism, but” then “rapid success” convinced skeptics “of its practicality.”
The word “but” signals a contrast between how the plan was first seen and what it actually turned out to be. So the blank should describe an initial, incorrectly negative judgment of the plan.
Understand the attitude in the first clause
The key phrase is “dismissed as ___ idealism.”
- “Dismissed” suggests critics thought the plan was not worth taking seriously.
- The criticism is aimed at her idealism — her hopeful or visionary thinking.
So we need a word that makes “idealism” sound like a flaw: unrealistic, innocent, or impractical.
Check the tone: positive or negative?
Because it was “dismissed” yet later praised for its “practicality,” the blank must be negative or critical toward Isabel’s idealism.
Ask: Which option makes “idealism” sound like a weakness that skeptics might mock or underestimate? Any word that sounds careful, strong, or strategic will not fit this dismissive tone.
Test each option in the sentence
Now plug in each option:
- Measured idealism – sounds careful and moderate; that is usually a good thing, not something to dismiss.
- Robust idealism – means strong or healthy idealism; again, not an obvious reason to dismiss the plan.
- Tactical idealism – suggests strategic or planned idealism; also not clearly negative.
- Naïve idealism – means innocent, inexperienced, or overly simple-minded idealism that might ignore real-world difficulties. That is exactly the kind of idealism skeptics would dismiss as impractical.
Therefore, the best choice is D) naïve.