GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningMedium
Text Completion: Concession/Contrast: Although the new software promised to ______ workflow, initial user feedback suggests that its complex interface actually hinders productivity.
- Aimpede
- Bstreamline
- Ccomplicate
- Dobviate
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. streamline
The word 'Although' indicates a contrast. The software 'promised' something positive, but 'initial user feedback suggests that its complex interface actually hinders productivity.' Therefore, the promise must have been the opposite of hindering productivity, which is to streamline it.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Impede' means to hinder or obstruct, which is what the software actually does, not what it promised.
- C. 'Complicate' means to make something more complex, which is what the interface does, not what the software promised.
- D. 'Obviate' means to remove a need or difficulty, which is a possible positive outcome, but 'streamline' better fits the context of workflow.
Concession/Contrast Indicators
Words or phrases that signal a shift or opposition in ideas within a sentence or paragraph.
- Examples: 'although,' 'however,' 'despite,' 'but,' 'nevertheless,' 'whereas.'
- These words introduce information that goes against expectations or previous statements.
- Crucial for understanding the logical flow and relationships between clauses.
Memory trick: Contrast words are like a 'BUT' signal, telling you to expect the opposite.