Carcass wrote:
Explanation
The sentence suggests that both Roth’s original conception and his execution were negative, but it relies on the contrast between these to create irony. While the “deterioration” and “decline” produce sentences alike in meaning, they do not capture the irony demanded by the use of the word “quite.” While “ambition” and “persistence” may each capture that irony, there are no other words that when paired with them would produce sentences alike in meaning. Thus the correct answer is talent (Choice C) and genius (Choice F).
Hi,
Could you please elaborate a little further? I found the same explanation in the ETS Verbal book. I just don't see the irony as mentioned in the answer. My understanding of the sentence is as follows -
His original conception/idea for his novel was boring/dull. He realized this fact and did not go forward with original dull and boring conception/idea and instead, he wrote a novel which was far from dull and boring, meaning his execution was positive.
What do you think?
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78% (01:08) correct
