Question 33·200 Super-Hard SAT Reading Questions·Craft and Structure
An editorial keen to celebrate the city’s rising test scores nevertheless ______ its praise by noting that the gains were concentrated in neighborhoods already affluent.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For SAT Words-in-Context questions, first ignore the answer choices and restate in your own words what kind of idea must fit the blank (for example, “limit the praise” or “make the praise stronger”) using clues like transition words (“nevertheless,” “however,” “therefore”) and the clause right after the blank. Then test each answer by reading it in the full sentence, checking whether its exact meaning fits the logic and tone; eliminate words that are too strong, too weak, or don’t match how the second part of the sentence affects the first.
Hints
Notice the transition word
Pay attention to the word "nevertheless" right before the blank. What does this word usually tell you about the relationship between the first idea (wanting to celebrate) and the next idea?
Look closely at the clause after the comma
Read the phrase "by noting that the gains were concentrated in neighborhoods already affluent." Does this detail make the praise sound stronger, weaker, or completely removed?
Match the meaning, not just a familiar word
Think about whether the editorial is increasing its praise, formally approving it, erasing it, or adjusting it in light of the limitation that the gains are mostly in already-wealthy areas.
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the contrast signal word
Focus on the word "nevertheless." This word tells you that what comes next will contrast with or complicate the idea that the editorial is "keen to celebrate" rising test scores. So in the blank, you should expect a word that shows the praise is being made weaker, more cautious, or more limited in some way.
Understand what the phrase after the blank is doing
Look at the phrase after the blank: "by noting that the gains were concentrated in neighborhoods already affluent." This is a reminder that the improvements are not spread evenly; they are mostly in places that were already doing well. Mentioning this fact does not make the praise stronger. Instead, it introduces a limitation or reservation about how impressive the gains really are.
Test each answer choice in context
Now plug each choice into the sentence:
- "nevertheless amplifies its praise" would mean the editorial makes its praise stronger by pointing out a limitation. That clashes with the logic of the sentence.
- "nevertheless ratifies its praise" would mean it officially approves or confirms its praise by mentioning the limitation, which doesn’t fit the idea of complication or contrast.
- "nevertheless expunges its praise" would mean it erases its praise completely, which is too extreme given that the editorial is "keen to celebrate."
- "nevertheless qualifies its praise" means it limits or modifies its praise by adding a reservation, which matches the contrast signaled by "nevertheless" and the limiting information about affluent neighborhoods.
Therefore, the correct answer is A) qualifies.