Question 17·Medium·Words in Context
Although the new antibiotic appears _____ in preliminary trials, its long-term effects on human patients remain uncertain and must be examined further.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For SAT Words-in-Context questions, first read the entire sentence and identify signal words like "although," "but," or "because" to understand the relationship between ideas. Decide whether the blank needs a positive, negative, or neutral word, and what general role it plays (e.g., describing results, attitude, strength). Then plug each option into the sentence and eliminate choices that clash with obvious facts in the sentence (like "new" vs. "obsolete"), sound unnatural in context, or break the logical contrast or connection. Choose the word that fits both the meaning and the tone of the passage, not just a dictionary definition.
Hints
Use the contrast word
Focus on the word "Although" at the start. It shows that the first part of the sentence (with the blank) is in contrast with the second part about long-term effects being uncertain.
Decide the tone of the blank
Ask yourself: Is the first part of the sentence likely describing a good early result or a problem, given that it's talking about "preliminary trials" for a new antibiotic?
Check logic with "new antibiotic"
Look at the phrase "new antibiotic" and try each option: does it make sense to call a new antibiotic by that word, and does it fit normal scientific or medical language?
Read the full sentence with each option
Plug each choice into the blank and read the entire sentence out loud. Which one sounds natural in a formal context and creates a clear, logical contrast with "its long-term effects remain uncertain"?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the sentence structure and contrast
Notice the sentence begins with "Although", which signals a contrast:
- First part (before the comma): the antibiotic "appears ____ in preliminary trials".
- Second part (after the comma): its long-term effects "remain uncertain and must be examined further." So the first half should express some kind of early result that contrasts with the uncertainty in the second half.
Determine the general meaning needed in the blank
The phrase "in preliminary trials" suggests early testing. In scientific or medical contexts, early trials are usually mentioned to show how well something seems to be working so far. The contrast with "remain uncertain" implies the first part should be positive about current results, while the second part is cautious about the future.
Test each answer choice in the sentence
Plug each option into the blank and ask: Does this describe a reasonable, logical view of a new antibiotic in early trials?
- "appears erratic in preliminary trials" – describes something unpredictable; that would not usually be good news.
- "appears peripheral in preliminary trials" – "peripheral" means off to the side or of minor importance; that does not logically describe the performance of the antibiotic.
- "appears obsolete in preliminary trials" – "obsolete" means outdated or no longer useful; this clashes with "new antibiotic." The remaining option describes something that seems to have good potential based on early results and fits both the tone and the contrast in the sentence.
Choose the word that matches tone, logic, and context
The only word that logically and precisely describes a new antibiotic with good early results, while still allowing for uncertainty about long-term effects, is "promising", meaning showing signs of future success or usefulness.