SAT test writers often draw upon the work of political scientists to generate challenging vocabulary in context questions. For example, a recent question reported that a majority of voters claim they favor candidates who support nuanced or subtle perspectives on issues. But is this true in practice?
Studies show that in fact most voters actually support the DOGMATIC or “unyielding rhetoric” of partisan candidates. DOGMATIC means the inflexible adherence to fixed beliefs. The key phrase “unyielding rhetoric” clearly supports DOGMATIC as the most precise and logical answer.
Test writers tempted students with difficult wrong answers. For example, VACILLATING means wavering and irresolute, DISINGENUOUS means falsely sincere, and BANAL means lacking originality.
DOGMATIC – the inflexible adherence to fixed beliefs. In short, my way or the highway!