The government’s response to the economic crisis was widely criticized as _______ and only served to _______ public frustration.

Choose the best combination of words that fit the blanks in the same order to make the sentence grammatically and logically correct.

Question

The government’s response to the economic crisis was widely criticized as _______ and only served to _______ public frustration.

Choose the best combination of words that fit the blanks in the same order to make the sentence grammatically and logically correct.

Accepted Answer

**Solution:**

1. The sentence states that the government’s response was "widely criticized" and that it "only served to" something related to public frustration.

2. The first blank describes the nature of the government's response. Since it was criticized, the word should have a negative or ineffective connotation.

3. The second blank describes the effect on public frustration. Since the response was criticized, it likely made frustration worse, so the word should mean to increase or worsen.

4. Analyze the options:
   - (a) *deliberate* means intentional, which is neutral or positive; *intensify* means to increase, which fits the second blank but the first word does not fit the criticism.
   - (b) *prudent* means wise and careful, positive; *alleviate* means to reduce, which contradicts the idea of criticism and increasing frustration.
   - (c) *swift* means quick, neutral or positive; *suppress* means to forcibly stop, which does not clearly mean increasing frustration.
   - (d) *ineffectual* means ineffective or failing to produce the desired result, fitting the criticism; *exacerbate* means to worsen, fitting the increase in frustration.
   - (e) *measured* means moderate or controlled, positive; *pacify* means to calm, which contradicts the idea of increasing frustration.

5. Therefore, the best fit is option (d): **ineffectual, exacerbate**.

**Answer:** (d) ineffectual, exacerbate

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