Ancient Mesopotamian scribes developed cuneiform writing around 3400 BCE, initially to record commercial transactions. Over centuries, this practical tool _______ beyond mere record-keeping to encompass poetry, legal codes, and religious texts, becoming a sophisticated medium for cultural expression.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
retreated
expanded
vanished
failed
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The passage describes how cuneiform writing started with commercial uses and later included "poetry, legal codes, and religious texts."
- Context clues: The phrase "beyond mere record-keeping" indicates growth or development.
- Meaning: "Expanded" means to grow or extend in scope, which precisely describes the evolution from simple records to diverse literary forms.
- Verify: Substituting "expanded beyond" creates a logical transition to the listed uses.
💡 Strategy: Transition words like "beyond" often signal addition or growth.
Choice A is incorrect because "retreated" implies moving backward, which contradicts the addition of new uses. Choice C is incorrect because "vanished" means disappeared, which conflicts with the description of continued development. Choice D is incorrect because "failed" suggests unsuccessful outcomes, whereas the text describes success in becoming "sophisticated."