<p>Difficult working conditions that ranged from merely ________ to extremely intimidating were the norm for jazz performer Billie Holiday.
A. engaging
B. daunting
C. uniform
D. congenial
E. abominable</p>
<p>The answer is B and although I knew what daunting meant I didnt think it fit well. Can anyone clear up how daunting is a perfect fit.</p>
<p>Well I guess you can start by going through each of the choices. This is my first time explaining, so I apologize if I don’t cover it very well.
A: engaging - This is completely opposite from the meaning of the sentence. It clearly states “difficult working conditions.” Engaging is not difficult.
C: Uniform - This is too neutral. Obviously, if the conditions have to be difficult, it c an’t be a neutral word.
D: Congenial : Again, going back to the “difficult” working conditions. Congenial means good and just overall pleasant. Not difficult enough.
E: Abominable. if anything, I’d say that it would be between this and B. But the difference is that abominable is too drastic a word. Collegeboard strays away from using extremes. And the fact that you already have another “extreme” word (intimidating) in the sentence, you need a lighter word. </p>
<p>I didnt really explain how daunting was a perfect fit. But I hit on how everything else isnt…</p>
<p>Chinmaya has this right. I would add that daunting conveys the same kind of difficulty as extremely intimidating, but to a lesser degree. This is the relationship that this sentence calls for.</p>
<p>You are looking for a word with a negative connotation and abominable is way too extreme; thus, daunting is the answer. Chacha.</p>
<p>It’s not the best question. What book did this come from?</p>
<p>It’s a pretty good question, IMHO.</p>
<p>I would choose B because daunting and intimidating are synonyms.</p>
<p>This question was on the May 2011 SAT (sunday). Daunting is undoubtedly the best choice, but it makes for a pretty weak sentence IMO. Can you say something is merely daunting? Daunting is already a strong word.</p>
<p>The answer is indubitably B, but they could have done much better.</p>
<p>discouraging would be better.</p>
<p>Yes, discouraging would fit better. I’m surprised that CB used a question like this.</p>
<p>You’re not looking for a “perfect fit,” you’re looking for the “best answer” of the 5 choices given. I agree with post #4.</p>