Read the sentence, looking for clues
Although the first part of the sentence does use some technical architecture
terms, there's no need to know what they mean to answer this question. According to
the second clause, the architect cleverly used these techniques to make it seem
taller than it really was.
Predict an answer
The blank describes what the architect did to the apparent height, so it will be
something like increased or exaggerated.
Select the choice that most closely matches your
prediction
Check your answer
The correct answer is (E) enhanced, which means "heightened" or
"increased." While (A) beautified may be
something an architect does to a building, it doesn't fit this specific context of
making the building seem taller. (B) diminished
is the opposite of the effect wanted here. (C) attenuated means "to
lessen" or "to reduce"; if the apparent height was attenuated, then it would seem shorter than it was. (D) abridged, means "shorten by leaving out or
removing"; not only is this the opposite effect of what was predicted, but it is
used almost exclusively to refer to text rather than physical dimensions.
TAKEAWAY: Don't worry if you see technical jargon in a short verbal question; the
sentence will have to provide enough other clues to determine the meaning of the
blank.
