Query about Question 1 from "(GRE Big Book) Test 8 Text Completion Problems (14)" [9871]

GRE GRE Verbal Problem Solving
1

https://www.gregmat.com/quizzes/quiz/gre-big-book-test-8-text-completion-problems-14 (Question 1)

By reading the general language of the question, “ferocity” seems to be the most apt answer. But I chose to stick with the math strategy instead of listening to my ear.

If we use the math strategy “even though“ signals a contrast; a contrast to the word “formidable winters“ and by this logic the answer should be mildness.

I am really getting confused on how to identify extreme words because “even though“ is generally considered a contrast. i have done extreme word strategy questions and I had no issues solving them but its the first question I have encountered of this type.

Any advice is much appreciated :slight_smile:

write your question here…

2

“Even though” is indeed a contrast like you said, but it in this scenario, it is a contrast with “formidable” in the same direction, not in the opposite direction like most contrasts are setup (which you were expecting).

In other words, contrast can be set up in two ways

  1. Between “formidable” and Opposite of formidable (mildness like you said)
  2. Between “formidable” and “extreme formidability” = “ferocity”
    The second type of contrast (above) is used in this question.

Think of Ex below,

I knew Elon Musk was rich, but I didn’t know he was a TRILLIONAIRE (notice the contrast is in the same affluence direction but an extreme form of opulence)