Question 29·Medium·Words in Context
The documentary is praised for its meticulous research, yet some reviewers contend that its relentlessly somber narration occasionally ______ the film’s ultimately hopeful message.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For SAT Words-in-Context questions, first ignore the choices and read the sentence carefully, focusing on contrast words (like “yet,” “but,” “however”) and tone cues (positive vs. negative). Put your own simple word in the blank that fits the meaning (e.g., “hurts,” “helps,” “repeats”), then compare that idea to each answer choice’s meaning and connotation. Eliminate any choice whose tone (positive/negative) or logic doesn’t fit the sentence, and only then pick the most precise remaining option.
Hints
Use the contrast in the sentence
Pay attention to the word “yet”: the first part of the sentence is praise, so the part after “yet” should present a concern or criticism.
Compare the tone words
Think about how “relentlessly somber narration” relates to an “ultimately hopeful message.” Do those ideas support each other, or clash with each other?
Match the criticism to the verb
Since some reviewers contend (argue) something negative, look for the choice that describes the somber narration having a harmful or conflicting effect on the hopeful message, not a supportive or praising one.
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the contrast signal word
Notice the structure: “The documentary is praised for its meticulous research, yet some reviewers contend...”.
- The word “yet” shows a contrast between praise (positive) and a criticism (negative).
- So, after “yet,” we expect something that some reviewers see as a problem with the film, not another compliment.
Focus on the relationship between tone and message
Look at the key descriptive words:
- The narration is “relentlessly somber” (very serious, gloomy).
- The film’s message is “ultimately hopeful.”
Ask: What happens when something is very gloomy but the message is supposed to be hopeful? The idea is that the gloomy tone is at odds with, or works against, that hopeful message.
Decide what kind of word is needed
We need a verb that describes how the somber narration affects the hopeful message in a critical, negative way.
- The reviewers are contending (arguing) that sometimes this somber tone does something problematic to the hopeful message.
- So the correct word should mean something like weakens or works against that message.
Test each answer choice in the sentence
Try each option in the blank:
- “somber narration occasionally echoes the hopeful message” → suggests agreement/repetition, not a problem.
- “somber narration occasionally perpetuates the hopeful message” → means keeps it going, which doesn’t sound like a criticism.
- “somber narration occasionally celebrates the hopeful message” → clearly praises it, which also is not a criticism.
- “somber narration occasionally undermines the hopeful message” → means it weakens or undercuts the hopeful message, matching the idea that reviewers think the gloomy tone works against that hope.
Therefore, the best and most precise choice is “undermines.”