Each sentence has two blanks. Choose the pair that fits best. The rural economy’s structural weaknesses are often ________ by short-term subsidies that provide temporary relief but ________ deeper inefficiencies.

Solution

Subsidies “mask” problems and “perpetuate” inefficiencies — fits analytical contrast. masked — hidden or covered so it cannot be seen or noticed
perpetuate — to cause something to continue or last longer exposed — made visible; revealed; not hidden
rectify — to correct something; to make it right concealed — kept out of sight; hidden
dismantle — to take apart; to break down or remove in pieces addressed — dealt with; paid attention to; handled
intensify — to make stronger, more extreme, or more severe reduced — made smaller or less in amount, degree, or size
undermine — to weaken or damage something, especially gradually