Cultural critics frequently ______ independent filmmakers when discussing the evolution of cinema in recent decades, highlighting major studio executi...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Cultural critics frequently ______ independent filmmakers when discussing the evolution of cinema in recent decades, highlighting major studio executives and celebrity directors while treating emerging artists as largely irrelevant to industry transformation.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
sideline
celebrate
validate
consult
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Cultural critics frequently ______' |
|
| [MISSING WORD] |
|
| 'independent filmmakers when discussing the evolution of cinema in recent decades,' |
|
| 'highlighting major studio executives and celebrity directors' |
|
| 'while treating emerging artists as largely irrelevant to industry transformation.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Cultural critics marginalize independent filmmakers by focusing attention on established industry figures while dismissing emerging artists.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The sentence creates a clear contrast pattern. Critics do something to independent filmmakers, BUT they highlight major studio figures while treating emerging artists as irrelevant
- This suggests critics push independent filmmakers aside or ignore them in favor of bigger names
- The missing word should mean something like marginalize, ignore, or push aside - showing that critics do not give independent filmmakers proper attention when discussing cinema evolution
sideline
Sideline
✓ Correct
- Sideline means to remove from a central position or marginalize
- Fits perfectly with the contrast pattern - critics sideline indie filmmakers while highlighting major figures
- Matches our prethinking about critics pushing independent filmmakers aside
celebrate
Celebrate
✗ Incorrect
- Celebrate means to praise or honor
- This would contradict the sentence logic - if critics celebrated independent filmmakers, it would not make sense to then say they treat emerging artists as irrelevant
- Creates the opposite meaning from what the context requires
validate
Validate
✗ Incorrect
- Validate means to confirm or approve of
- Like celebrate, this would create a positive relationship that contradicts the contrast pattern
- Students might choose this thinking critics should support independent filmmakers, missing the actual critical pattern described
consult
Consult
✗ Incorrect
- Consult means to seek advice from
- This suggests critics would actively engage with independent filmmakers for expertise
- Does not fit the pattern of critics focusing elsewhere while ignoring emerging voices