4

Set 2: Words in Context (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

The novelist's prose is deceptively simple, yet _____ layered with meaning.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. intricately✓ Correct
B. superficially
C. randomly
D. barely

Detailed Answer Explanation

Choice A is the best answer. "Intricately" is correct because it means "in a very complicated or detailed way." The context clues in the passage indicate that this meaning best completes the sentence logically.

Why others are wrong: B ("Superficially" means "on the surface only," which doesn't fit the context.), C ("Randomly" means "without pattern," which doesn't fit the context.), D ("Barely" means "only just," which doesn't fit the context.).