When an author uses the word 'ostensibly' in the phrase 'the policy was ostensibly designed to lower consumer costs,' what does this suggest about the policy's real intention?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. The stated objective may be a pretext that conceals a different underlying reality
- Step 1: The adverb 'ostensibly' means apparently or stated as such, but often with the strong implication of an underlying discrepancy between appearance and reality.
- Step 2: The author implies that lowering consumer costs was the public pretext, while the actual motivation or outcome was different.
Answer
The stated objective may be a pretext that conceals a different underlying reality.
Why not the others: 'The policy succeeded beyond expectations' ignores the skeptical tone of 'ostensibly'; 'The policy had no stated objective' contradicts the explicit public purpose mentioned; 'Verified by audits' asserts factual truth where doubt is cast.
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