In the passage sentence "with induction of technology __________ limiting appeal procedures to the required minimum", select the correct conjunction to fill the blank.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: and

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This cloze test item comes from a passage about legal and procedural reforms. The relevant part of the sentence reads: "professionalization and rationalisation of court systems with induction of technology __________ limiting appeal procedures to the required minimum." The blank must be filled with a conjunction that links "induction of technology" with "limiting appeal procedures". The correct choice must preserve the idea that both measures are being pursued as part of the same strategy.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Fragment: "with induction of technology __________ limiting appeal procedures to the required minimum".
  • Options: "but", "because", "and", "nor", "while".
  • The passage describes a list of reforms, all positive measures.
  • "Induction of technology" and "limiting appeal procedures" are both desirable steps in this context.


Concept / Approach:
The conjunction we choose must logically connect two coordinated actions within the same reform strategy. Typically, when we list two actions or processes that occur together or are both part of a broader plan, we use "and". Conjunctions like "but" introduce contrast, "because" introduces reason, "nor" is used with negatives, and "while" usually introduces contrast or simultaneity rather than simple addition. Therefore, the most natural and grammatically appropriate conjunction here is "and".


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Interpret the meaning. The sentence is listing components of institutional reform: professionalisation, rationalisation, induction of technology, and limiting appeals. Step 2: Recognise that "induction of technology" and "limiting appeal procedures" are two actions the system wants to adopt as part of one strategy. Step 3: Test the conjunction "and": "with induction of technology and limiting appeal procedures to the required minimum." This reads naturally and shows that both actions are part of the same reform package. Step 4: Test "but": "with induction of technology but limiting appeal procedures" suggests contrast, as if adopting technology but restricting appeals were somehow in opposition. That is not the intended meaning. Step 5: Test "because": "with induction of technology because limiting appeal procedures" is grammatically awkward and does not express a clear logical relationship. Step 6: Test "nor": "with induction of technology nor limiting appeal procedures" is only valid when preceded by a negative structure (neither A nor B), which we do not have. Step 7: Test "while": "with induction of technology while limiting appeal procedures" might be used to emphasise simultaneous actions, but the passage is listing reforms rather than contrasting or stressing timing, so "and" remains the more straightforward choice.


Verification / Alternative check:
Read a longer portion of the passage with "and": "The second strategy proposed by the committee was institutional reform of police processes, including investigation of crimes, professionalisation and rationalisation of court systems with induction of technology and limiting appeal procedures to the required minimum." This flows smoothly and presents a series of reform elements. Replacing "and" with any of the other options immediately disrupts the balance and clarity of the list, confirming that "and" is correct.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"But" implies contrast, which does not fit two actions that the passage suggests are both constructive. "Because" would require a clear cause effect relationship, and the phrase structure does not support "because limiting appeal procedures" as a reason for "induction of technology". "Nor" is used after a negative such as "neither", which is absent here. "While" may suggest contrast or simultaneous actions and feels overly complex where simple addition is intended. Therefore, these options are grammatically or logically inappropriate in this sentence.


Common Pitfalls:
Some learners overcomplicate cloze test items by choosing more sophisticated conjunctions such as "while" or "because" even when simple "and" fits perfectly. Remember that in lists of reforms, actions, or qualities, exam setters frequently expect the straightforward conjunction "and". Always check whether the relationship is addition, contrast, or cause, and match your conjunction accordingly.


Final Answer:
The correct conjunction is "and", giving the phrase "with induction of technology and limiting appeal procedures to the required minimum."

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