Question 46·Easy·Words in Context
During the debate, the mayor acknowledged the city’s financial challenges but remained ______ about her administration’s ability to balance the budget by year’s end.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For SAT Words-in-Context questions, always read the entire sentence (and nearby sentences if given) to understand the situation and tone before looking at the choices. Pay special attention to contrast or cause-and-effect words like “but,” “however,” or “therefore,” because they tell you how the missing word should relate to the rest of the sentence. In your own words, briefly describe what kind of meaning or attitude belongs in the blank (for example, “positive belief despite problems”), then test each answer by plugging it into the sentence and eliminating those that clash with the context or change the tone in an unrealistic way. Only after this process pick the word that best matches your paraphrased meaning and keeps the sentence logical and natural.
Hints
Use clue words around the blank
Focus on the phrase before and after the blank: she “acknowledged the city’s financial challenges but remained ______ about her administration’s ability to balance the budget.” What does that suggest about her attitude?
Think about the tone created by “but”
The word “but” shows a contrast. Even though there are financial challenges, does the sentence suggest she is feeling negative about their chances, or still holding on to a positive belief about what they can do?
Test each option in the sentence
Read the sentence with each answer choice. Ask yourself: Would a mayor during a debate most likely say she is like this about her ability to balance the budget? Eliminate any word that would make her seem like she doesn’t care, doesn’t believe it’s possible, or is simply unclear.
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the full sentence for context
Read the entire sentence: the mayor acknowledged financial challenges but still had a certain attitude about her administration’s ability to balance the budget by year’s end. The blank describes how she feels about their chances of success.
Pay attention to the contrast word
The word “but” signals a contrast: despite the financial challenges, her attitude about balancing the budget stays a certain way. This suggests that even though the situation is difficult, she still believes something specific about their ability to succeed.
Decide what general attitude makes sense
In a public debate, a mayor who admits problems but still wants to convince people usually will express confidence in solving those problems, not indifference, doubt, or confusion. So the missing word should show a positive belief that balancing the budget is still possible.
Match each option to the meaning from context
Now test each option:
- indifferent = not caring either way
- skeptical = doubtful, not really believing
- vague = unclear, not specific
- optimistic = expecting good results, having a positive outlook
Only “optimistic” fits a mayor who admits challenges but still believes her administration can balance the budget, so the correct answer is D) optimistic.