Set 8: Words in Context (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The scientist's method was ______, involving a painstaking analysis of thousands of samples to ensure statistical significance.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question asks for the meaning of a word as used in this specific context. Painstaking analysis to ensure significance is thorough. 'Rigorous' means extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate. Words can have multiple meanings, and context determines which meaning applies. Read the surrounding sentences carefully. Substitute each answer choice to see which maintains the intended meaning and fits the context. Many vocabulary words have multiple dictionary definitions, but only one fits the context. Use the surrounding sentences as clues. Try substituting each answer choice to see which one preserves the author's intended meaning without changing the sentence's message.
Key Evidence:
• "painstaking analysis"
• "thousands of samples"
Why others are wrong: C (Cursory means hasty/not thorough.), B (Haphazard means random.), D (Hypothetical refers to theory.).
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