GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningMedium
A political analyst observed that while the new legislation was ostensibly designed to promote economic equality, its practical effects were quite ______; instead of narrowing the wealth gap, it inadvertently exacerbated existing disparities.
- Aefficacious
- Bdeleterious
- Csalutary
- Dbeneficial
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. deleterious
The sentence sets up a contrast between the intended purpose of the legislation ('ostensibly designed to promote economic equality') and its actual 'practical effects.' The effects are described as exacerbating disparities, meaning they were harmful. 'Deleterious' means causing harm or damage.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Efficacious' means (typically of something inanimate or abstract) successful in producing a desired or intended result, which contradicts the failure to narrow the wealth gap.
- C. 'Salutary' means producing good effects; beneficial, which contradicts the outcome of exacerbating disparities.
- D. 'Beneficial' means favorable or advantageous, which contradicts the harmful outcome.
Discrepancy Between Intent and Outcome
A pattern where the stated or apparent purpose of an action or policy differs significantly from its actual results.
- Often signaled by words like 'ostensibly,' 'purportedly,' 'designed to,' contrasted with 'but,' 'however,' 'in practice,' 'instead of.'
- The blank typically describes the actual, often negative, outcome.
- Requires careful reading to distinguish between stated goals and observed realities.
Memory trick: Good intentions can hit a snag, when outcomes cause a real drag.