The government's attempts to _______ public criticism of its policies only intensified opposition, as citizens interpreted the suppression as evidence of wrongdoing.

5
reading

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A

encourage

B

study

C

acknowledge

D

silence

Correct Answer: D

Choice D is the best answer. The passage describes suppression that intensified opposition. "Silence" means to stop from speaking, fitting attempts to suppress criticism.

Choice A is incorrect because "encourage" contradicts suppression. Choice B is incorrect because "study" doesn't relate to suppression. Choice C is incorrect because "acknowledge" contradicts suppression.