In this example, discussed in the explanation of the Pairing Strategy, I have a different opinion on how the sentence is to be interpreted.
No doubts for the pairs in the options. ‘absurd’ and ‘ridiculous’. ‘moot’ and ‘debatable’. But i’d argue the answer should be the first pair, not the second pair. Greg says the blank should have a synonym of ‘arguable’, since people are disagreeing with the counter opinion and that the first pair is too strong for that blank. But if we read the sentence, it says ‘undoubtedly disagree’ which I would opine is a very strong sentiment, almost like it’s obvious that Lindsay’s assertion is completely wrong and thus the first pair makes more sense to me for the blank. What do you all think? Am i missing something?
hmm, but i was thinking that in a debate, there are two sides to an assertion, both meaningful. That’s why it’s not an obvious statement and worth debating. But when you say ‘undoubtedly’, it feels like the assertion is just plain wrong in the first place doesn’t it? It feels like an emphasis on the bogusness of the assertion, the author could have chose to simply not put the word ‘undoubtedly’ and just ‘disagree’ right?
Think of it like this: “Undoubtedly” in this context doesn’t speak to the merits of the argument, only to the expectation that certain demographics are likely to have similar opinions on issues relevant to their demographic.
We could just as easily say that those who believe that high gas prices are an effective deterrent away from gas vehicles should “undoubtedly” agree that these prices produce a net positive for society.
That doesn’t change the stance of the gas customers nor does it debunk their arguments. The debate is in the same place as it was before.
