The correct answer to how the writer uses context clues to indicate the meaning of earnest is C. The writer uses antonyms of earnest.
In this passage, when the writer says "Unlike many of the candidates", he or she implies that the following adjectives that refer to them would be opposed to what Melissa delivered in her speech. The candidates "seemed insincere and uncaring", while "Melissa delivered her speech in earnest". Therefore, "insincere and uncaring" would be antonyms of "earnest", allowing the reader to infer the meaning of earnest. So, the correct answer would be C. The writer uses antonyms of earnest.
The correct answer couldn't be A. The writer uses synonyms of earnest because of the word "unlike", which conveys that the following words are not similar to earnest. On the contrary, the writer uses antonyms to give clues about the meaning of earnest. Hence, the correct answer couldn't be A. The writer uses synonyms of earnest.
The correct answer couldn't be B. The writer creates a picture that helps the reader understand the word because the writer doesn't create any pictures in this passage, he or she only uses descriptions to refer to the other candidates' speeches and Melissa's speech. Therefore, the correct answer couldn't be B. The writer creates a picture that helps the reader understand the word.
The correct answer couldn't be D. The writer rephrases the meaning, so the reader can (...) because the writer doesn't rephrase the word earnest; there is no explanation about it or any kind of alternative expressions or explanations that could allow the reader to infer its meaning. So, the correct answer couldn't be D. The writer rephrases the meaning, so the reader can (...).
