Question 166·Easy·Words in Context
In a bid to counter the drought, the town imposed strict water restrictions, but officials acknowledged that such measures were merely _____, offering only temporary relief rather than a lasting solution.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For SAT Words-in-Context questions, always read a bit before and after the blank and look for strong clues like contrasts (words such as "but" or "however") and explanations (phrases like "offering only..."). First, restate in your own words what the blank must mean using those clues, then check each answer choice against that idea, eliminating any that don’t match the tone or logic of the sentence. Avoid picking words just because they sound sophisticated; they must fit the specific meaning signaled by the surrounding text.
Hints
Pay attention to contrast words
Notice the word "but" in the sentence. It shows that the second part of the sentence is qualifying or limiting the first part. Think: what is the limitation?
Focus on the explanation after the comma
Look closely at the phrase "offering only temporary relief rather than a lasting solution." Use this to understand how the officials feel about the measures.
Match each option to the officials’ view
Ask yourself for each choice: Would officials use this word if they are admitting the measures help only for now and don’t truly solve the drought problem?
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the context before and after the blank
Read the full sentence: officials put in strict water restrictions to counter a drought, but they admitted these measures were "offering only temporary relief rather than a lasting solution."
The word "but" signals a contrast: the measures help, but they are limited. The key description comes after the comma.
Identify what the blank must express
Focus on the explanation after the comma: "offering only temporary relief rather than a lasting solution."
This tells you exactly how the officials view the measures:
- They help for now (temporary relief)
- They are not a permanent fix (not a lasting solution)
So the blank must describe measures that are useful only in the short term and do not fully solve the problem.
Test each answer choice against the context
Now compare each option to that idea:
- symbolic: means mainly for show or to represent something, not necessarily about being temporary versus permanent.
- revolutionary: means causing a major or complete change, which is the opposite of something described as only temporary relief.
- abundant: means plentiful or more than enough; this does not describe the nature of the measures.
Only one option matches measures that are acknowledged as helpful but only in the short term.
Choose the word that fits best
The word that means a temporary or provisional measure used until a more complete solution is found is “stopgap.”
So the best completion is:
"...such measures were merely stopgap, offering only temporary relief rather than a lasting solution."