Question 171·200 Super-Hard SAT Reading Questions·Craft and Structure
Even as municipal officials touted the pilot program's apparent success, pointing to a handful of glowing testimonials, more ______ analysts emphasized that the participants were self-selected and the follow-up period brief, urging caution in drawing broad conclusions.
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 pay special attention to contrast words like “even as,” “although,” or “but,” plus any explanations or examples that follow the blank. Before looking at the choices, restate in your own simple words what the missing word must mean (for example, “careful and doubtful” or “very enthusiastic”). Then test each option against that prediction, eliminating any that clash with the tone or logic of the sentence, even if they are sophisticated-sounding. Avoid picking a word just because it seems positive or advanced; it must fit the specific role and attitude shown by the context.
Hints
Notice the contrast signal
Pay attention to the phrase “Even as” at the beginning. How does this signal a contrast between what the municipal officials are doing and what the other analysts are doing?
Focus on the clause after the blank
Look closely at what the analysts do: they emphasize that participants were self-selected, the follow-up period was brief, and they urge caution. What kind of attitude toward the program's results does that show?
Classify the tone you need
Ask yourself: Do these analysts seem excited, bossy, easily convinced, or careful and resistant to hype? Then look for the option whose meaning best matches that overall attitude.
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the contrast clue in the sentence
Look at how the two groups are described:
- Municipal officials “touted the pilot program's apparent success” and pointed to “glowing testimonials.” This is positive and promotional.
- The other group of analysts “emphasized that the participants were self-selected and the follow-up period brief,” and they were “urging caution in drawing broad conclusions.”
The word “Even as” at the start signals a contrast: officials are enthusiastic, but these analysts are more doubtful or careful about the results.
Predict the general meaning needed
From the description after the blank, these analysts:
- Notice the study’s limitations (self-selected participants, brief follow-up)
- Warn others not to jump to “broad conclusions”
So the blank should describe analysts who are careful, aware of possible problems, and not easily swept up by hype. In your own words, they are cautious and skeptical about the results.
Match each choice to your prediction
Now compare each option to the idea of cautious, skeptical analysts:
- ebullient: very cheerful, enthusiastic, bubbly — this matches the tone of the officials, not the analysts who are warning against overconfidence.
- peremptory: commanding, brusque, insisting on immediate obedience — this describes a bossy or domineering manner, not a careful evaluation of evidence.
- credulous: too ready to believe things, gullible — the analysts are doing the opposite of this; they are not easily convinced.
- circumspect: cautious and careful, especially about risks or limitations — this exactly fits analysts who highlight flaws and “urge caution” in drawing conclusions.
Only A) circumspect matches the needed meaning, so that is the correct answer.