Introduction / Context:
This is a sentence-completion question that plays on the familiar idea “prevention is better than cure”. A Peace Council is typically an organisation that tries to keep peace and prevent conflict, not just repair damage afterwards. The blank must be filled with a noun that captures this aim in contrast with “cure”. The options contain several abstract nouns related to positive outcomes, but only one fits the structure and sense precisely.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sentence: “The aim of a Peace Council is ________ rather than cure.”
- Options: “salvation”, “preservation”, “maintenance”, “cultivation”.
- We assume the sense is parallel to “prevention rather than cure”, in the context of peace.
Concept / Approach:
The contrast “X rather than cure” suggests that X is a positive, proactive state that we want to keep, while “cure” is something we do after damage has occurred. For peace, the idea is to preserve it. “Preservation” means keeping something safe from harm or maintaining it in good condition. “Salvation” is linked with religious deliverance, “maintenance” is more mechanical or routine, and “cultivation” usually refers to growth or development. “Preservation rather than cure” mirrors the idea of preventing conflict rather than curing its consequences.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise the pattern similar to “prevention is better than cure”. We want a word that conveys keeping peace intact.
Step 2: Consider “preservation”: means protecting something from harm or decay; “preservation of peace” is a common phrase.
Step 3: Consider “salvation”: mainly used in religious or moral contexts, like “salvation of the soul”, and does not fit naturally with “Peace Council”.
Step 4: Consider “maintenance”: though we can say “maintenance of peace”, the structure “maintenance rather than cure” is not as idiomatic as “preservation rather than cure”.
Step 5: Consider “cultivation”: usually collocates with “cultivation of land” or “cultivation of habits”; “cultivation rather than cure” sounds odd in this sentence.
Step 6: Choose “preservation” as the most appropriate and idiomatic word, giving “The aim of a Peace Council is preservation rather than cure.”
Verification / Alternative check:
Re-read the full sentence with “preservation”: “The aim of a Peace Council is preservation rather than cure.” This clearly expresses that its goal is to preserve peace instead of dealing with the aftermath of conflict.
Substituting other options makes the sentence less clear and less natural. “Salvation rather than cure” changes the meaning towards religious context, which is not intended.
Hence, “preservation” is the best fit both logically and stylistically.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (salvation): Does not collocate naturally with “Peace Council” in a political or social context; it suggests spiritual rescue.
Option C (maintenance): Though possible in “maintenance of peace”, the phrase “maintenance rather than cure” is less idiomatic than “preservation rather than cure”.
Option D (cultivation): Refers to fostering growth rather than protecting an existing state; not the primary idea here.
Common Pitfalls:
Students may choose a word simply because it has a positive meaning, without checking the exact collocation and idiom.
Some candidates may overlook the hint provided by the familiar expression “prevention rather than cure”.
Not considering the role of a Peace Council—mainly to keep peace, not to rescue people spiritually—can also lead to the wrong answer.
Final Answer:
The correct word is “preservation”, giving “The aim of a Peace Council is preservation rather than cure.”
Discussion & Comments