Question

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the words that best fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
Science is the knowledge by which we can _______ nature and use it for our ________.

• A. estimate … profit
• B. imagine … life
• C. understand … benefit
• D. plan … growth
• E. maintain … prosperity

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To solve this sentence completion problem, we want to find the pair of words that best fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole. The sentence is: "Science is the knowledge by which we can _______ nature and use it for our ________."

Let's evaluate each of the given options:

1. estimate … profit - To estimate means to roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of something. However, 'estimate' does not logically fit with the term 'nature' as a direct object in the context of scientific knowledge. Moreover, 'profit' is an explicit monetary gain which is not typically used in the context of using knowledge of nature.
2. imagine … life - 'Imagine' means to form a mental image or concept of something. While imagination is an aspect of science, it does not convey the accuracy typically associated with scientific knowledge. 'Life' is a broad reference and does not specify a direct benefit we gain from scientific knowledge. Thus, this option is not the best fit.
3. understand … benefit - To 'understand' implies comprehending the nature, significance, and underlying logic of something, which fits well with the scientific study of nature. 'Benefit' refers to an advantage or profit gained from something, which aligns with how science is applied to derive advantages from natural phenomena. This option fits the context of the sentence well.
4. plan … growth - The word 'plan' is oriented towards future actions rather than understanding nature, which makes it a poor fit for describing scientific knowledge. 'Growth' doesn't specifically relate to the application of scientific knowledge of nature in a tangible way.
5. maintain … prosperity - To 'maintain' means to keep in a specified state or condition, which does not align well with the initial acquisition of knowledge. While 'prosperity' is a benefit, it is not specific or direct in the way scientific knowledge benefits us by understanding nature.

Given this analysis, the pair "understand … benefit" is the most appropriate choice, as it reflects how science helps us comprehend and utilize nature effectively for advantageous purposes.