It seems like you just reached an important realization. Answer choices will often contain synonyms rather than the exact language of the passage. In this case, I think that "linguistics" is a good match for the content of the passage. (This word is used on line 18, but my point remains.) Sometimes we will have to be even more flexible and accept a rough synonym of a word/idea from the reading.
The question is, when should we be flexible and when should we demand exact specificity? Remember that this is not a vocabulary test and they aren't trying to trick you with small differences in definition. "Linguistic vagueness" vs. "vagueness of language" is not something that affects the meaning of the passage.
However, there are small word changes that can really alter the overall meaning. Imagine if answer choice A said, "Linguistic vagueness often causes indeterminancy regarding the outcome of a litigated case." The substitution of "often causes" for "can cause" would make legal scholars today disagree with the realists.
Howard-GriegoMarch 9, 2020
Got it thanks. Just wanted to make sure before I make assumptions.
RaviMarch 9, 2020
@Howard-Griego, let us know if you have any other questions!
