Question

Choose the pair of words that best fits the blanks: 'The new policy was designed to ___ bureaucratic delays, but in practice it only ___ the approval process further.'

• A. reduce ... complicated
• B. reduce ... simplified
• C. increase ... simplified
• D. eliminate ... shortened

Hint:

The word 'but' means the second half of the sentence must contradict the goal stated in the first half. Check which pair keeps that contradiction intact.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: The sentence has two clauses joined by 'but', a word that always signals a contrast or reversal between the intended purpose and the real result.
Step 2: The first clause states the policy's goal: to affect bureaucratic delays. The second clause, introduced by 'but', must describe an outcome that goes against that goal.
Step 3: Check each pair for internal contrast. 'Increase ... simplified' has the goal already negative (increase delays), so 'but' would need a positive twist, which does not fit 'further complicated' territory. 'Reduce ... simplified' has no contrast at all, both are positive. 'Eliminate ... shortened' also has no contrast, both positive. Only 'reduce ... complicated' sets a positive goal (reduce delays) against a negative real outcome (complicated the process), matching the logic of 'but'.
Correct option: (1) reduce ... complicated.