In her critique of modern environmental literature, scholar Sarah Jenkins notes an increasing sense of _______ political activism in 21st-century nature writing, distinguishing it from the pastoral poetry of the 19th century, which often celebrated nature’s beauty without explicitly addressing the politics of conservation.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
a carefully
an overtly
a warmly
an unintentionally
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The text contrasts modern writing with 19th-century poetry that did not "explicitly" address politics. This implies the modern writing is more direct. "Overtly" means openly or plainly apparent, which fits this contrast.
Choice A is incorrect because "carefully" implies caution, which isn't the point of contrast with "explicitly." Choice C is incorrect because "warmly" refers to emotion/temperature, not the clarity of political messaging. Choice D is incorrect because "unintentionally" means accidentally, whereas the text implies a deliberate shift in focus.