In the 15th century, King Sejong the Great of Korea oversaw the creation of Hangul, a phonetic alphabet designed to replace the complex Chinese characters previously used by the elite. Because Hangul was logically designed to mimic the shapes of the mouth when speaking, it was remarkably intuitive to learn and consequently achieved _______ adoption: within a few decades, literacy rates among commoners began to rise significantly.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
widespread
cautious
accidental
temporary
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text states that Hangul was "intuitive to learn" and "logically designed." The colon introduces evidence that supports the missing word: literacy rates rose because commoners could learn it. Therefore, the alphabet achieved "widespread" (extensive or general) adoption.
Choice B is incorrect because the text focuses on the reach and success of the alphabet, not the caution used in adopting it. Choice C is incorrect because there is no evidence that the adoption was "accidental"; the design was purposeful and the result was positive. Choice D is incorrect because "temporary" contradicts the implication of a lasting rise in literacy and the historical significance of the script.