A words in context question with a comparison tests which word makes the whole sentence make sense. Read the sentence and ask what the comparison is about. A contrast word such as despite shows that one fact makes another surprising, so ask what makes the comparison unexpected. Predict the blank in plain words, then test each choice by its meaning. A word can sound natural beside the noun while missing the point of the comparison.
Hints
- Hint 1
Look at the contrast in the opening phrase. How does Despite connect Chen's budget to what her film achieves?
- Hint 2
The phrase rival those of means the effects can compete with those of the other productions. Ask what makes that comparison surprising in light of Chen's budget.
Step-by-step
Use the budget contrast
Step 1Read the contrast
Despite working with a small budget tells us Chen had little money. What does Despite tell us? It means even though, so the film's success is surprising because she had so little money. We're looking for a word that explains why this success is surprising.
- Step 2
Predict what describes the other productions
The film's visual effects rival those of far more ______ productions, and rival means match or compete with. What would make that comparison surprising in light of Chen's budget? We'd expect films with much more money to have better effects, but Chen's film can match them. So the blank describes those other films' greater spending, not Chen's own budget. Predict expensive or well funded.
- Step 3
Test the choices by meaning
Which meaning fits far more ______ productions in this budget comparison? Dubious means doubtful, and fragmented means split into pieces; neither describes spending. Seasonal means tied to a time of year, which isn't what the sentence compares. Lavish means rich, fancy, or costly, so it describes productions with more money behind their effects. Choice D.