Meaning: 'Declined' means to decrease or diminish in amount or quality, indicating that the share of income for the bottom 40 percent has reduced over the specified time period.

Wrong options:

• spurned: 'Spurned' means to reject or refuse disdainfully, which does not fit the context of income distribution.
• spurred: 'Spurred' means to encourage or stimulate, which contradicts the negative trend being discussed.
• raised: 'Raised' means to increase, which is the opposite of what is being described in the sentence.

Correct answer: while

Explanation: The word 'while' serves as a conjunction that indicates a contrast between two simultaneous actions, which is appropriate here as it connects the decline in income share for the bottom 40 percent with the increase for the top 5 percent.

Meaning: 'While' means during the time that or at the same time as, indicating that the two trends occurred concurrently but in opposite directions.

Wrong options:

• therefore: 'Therefore' implies a conclusion or result, which does not fit the contrasting nature of the trends being described.
• however: 'However' suggests a contradiction but does not indicate simultaneous actions, making it less suitable in this context.
• since: 'Since' indicates a time relationship rather than a contrast, which does not align with the intended meaning.

Correct answer: Meanwhile

Explanation: The word 'Meanwhile' is used to indicate that something is happening at the same time as something else, which fits well in the context of discussing the simultaneous trends in income distribution.

Meaning: 'Meanwhile' means at the same time or during the same period, emphasizing the concurrent nature of the income changes for different groups.

Wrong options:

• Accordingly: 'Accordingly' suggests a consequence or result, which does not fit the context of simultaneous trends.
• Nevertheless: 'Nevertheless' implies a contrast but does not indicate simultaneous actions, making it less suitable here.
• Consequently: 'Consequently' indicates a result or outcome, which does not align with the concurrent nature of the trends being discussed.

Correct answer: scholarly

Explanation: The word 'scholarly' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the type of controversy being discussed, indicating that it is a matter of academic debate or research.

Meaning: 'Scholarly' means related to academic study or research, suggesting that the controversy involves serious analysis and discussion among experts.

Wrong options:

• childish: 'Childish' implies immaturity, which does not fit the context of a serious academic discussion.
• archaic: 'Archaic' means outdated or no longer in use, which does not apply to the current debate on economic causes.
• banking: 'Banking' refers to the financial industry and does not relate to the nature of the controversy being discussed.

Correct answer: let

Explanation: The word 'let' is appropriate here as it indicates allowing something to happen without interference, fitting the context of the United States' passive approach to economic trends.

Meaning: 'Let' means to allow or permit, suggesting that the U.S. has not taken action to change the course of economic trends.

Wrong options:

• the: 'The' is a definite article and does not fit grammatically as a verb in this context.
• commit: 'Commit' implies taking action or making a promise, which contradicts the passive nature of the statement.
• default: 'Default' suggests failing to act or fulfill an obligation, which does not convey the same meaning as 'let' in this context.

Correct answer: limit

Explanation: The word 'limit' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates the action of reducing or controlling economic inequality, which aligns with the overall message of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Limit' means to restrict or control, suggesting that the U.S. has done little to reduce economic inequality through various policies.

Wrong options:

• abolish: 'Abolish' means to completely eliminate, which is a stronger action than what is implied in the context of limiting inequality.
• flounder: 'Flounder' means to struggle or have difficulty, which does not fit the intended meaning of taking action to control inequality.
• nurture: 'Nurture' means to care for or encourage growth, which is contrary to the idea of limiting economic inequality.