Question

In an effort to _____ the _____ theatre, the troupe members contributed thousands of dollars to keep the playhouse operating.
A. Qualify…….obsolete
B. Salvage…….floundering
C. Exacerbate…….defund
D. Revitalize……..prosperous
E. Commandeer……..lucrative

Answer 1

Hint: Vocabulary is the body of words used in a particular language. Vocabulary serves as a useful and fundamental tool for communicating and acquiring knowledge.

Complete answer:
Option A) Qualify…….obsolete – is an incorrect answer because "Qualify" means ‘to modify or to describe. "Obsolete" means no longer in use. If we insert these terms into the blank, the sentence would read "In an effort to qualify the obsolete theatre, the troupe members contributed thousands of dollars to keep the playhouse operating." The second half of the sentence indicates that the theatre is failing, but not yet obsolete. However, the verb "qualify" does not make sense in this context. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option B) Salvage…….floundering – is the correct answer because "Salvage" means to save from ruin, and "floundering" means struggling. This is the most appropriate fit in the blanks, the sentence would read "In an effort to salvage the floundering theatre, the troupe members contributed thousands of dollars to keep the playhouse operating." The fact that the theatre required thousands of dollars to maintain operations, implies that it was floundering and needed to be salvaged. Thus, this is the correct answer.
Option C) Exacerbate…….defund – is an incorrect answer because "Exacerbate" means to make worse, and the meaning of “defund” is prevented from continuing to receive funds. If we use these two words in the blanks, the sentence would read "In an effort to exacerbate the defunct theatre, the troupe members contributed thousands of dollars to keep the playhouse operating." It is illogical to assert that actors would donate money to a struggling theatre in an effort to make its problems worse. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D) Revitalize……..prosperous – is an incorrect answer because "Revitalize" means to give new life to, and "prosperous" means successful in material terms or flourishing financially. If we want to use these words in the blank, the sentence would read "In an effort to revitalize the prosperous theatre, the troupe members contributed thousands of dollars to keep the playhouse operating." A "prosperous," or wealthy, the theatre would not need to be revitalized through financial donations. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option E) Commandeer……..lucrative – is an incorrect answer because is incorrect. "Commandeer" means to take by force, and "lucrative" means profitable. If we use these words in the blanks then, the sentence would read "In an effort to commandeer the lucrative theatre, the troupe members contributed thousands of dollars to keep the playhouse operating." It is unlikely that actors would attempt to forcibly take over a playhouse or that a "lucrative" theatre would be in need of financial donations. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
In an effort to salvage the floundering theatre, the troupe members contributed thousands of dollars to keep the playhouse operating
(Option B)

Note:
We have to use the most appropriate words in the blank. As explained above, qualified, commandeer, defund, lucrative all these words do not fit best. However, salvage and floundering is the best choice. We have to fill the blank in such a way that completes the sentence and has meaning.