Read the sentence, looking for clues
The sentence talks about the benefits of a new method of training, and the blank
is connected to the reaction of instructors who "rigidly traditional." A traditional
instructor would be likely to resist new methods, but "even" indicates that they
must be warming up to it.
Predict an answer
Predict even traditional instructors are finding it difficult to "criticize."
Select the best match from among the
choices
(C)
fault fits the prediction because it is
a synonym for criticize. (A) endorse
means "support"; while they do support the idea, the blank follows "difficult to",
so it must be the opposite of their feelings. (D) engender, or "develop", is similarly too positive. (B) hinder, or "slow down" is incorrect because
"difficult to hinder" doesn't convey the idea that they're in favor of it. (E)
propose doesn't make sense; the new
method already exists, so the traditional instructors wouldn't be trying to
propose it.
Confirm your answer by reading it into the
sentence
Even rigidly traditional instructors are finding the new method difficult to
fault; its implementation reinforces
basics while preparing trainees for more difficult tasks with considerable
efficiency.
TAKEAWAY: A construction like "difficult to _______" means that the word in the
blank is the opposite of the actual opinion.
