Question:
In the following sentence, a part is underlined. Choose the best paraphrase for the underlined part from the four given options.
She was accused of being close-minded and intolerant.
In the following sentence, a part is underlined. Choose the best paraphrase for the underlined part from the four given options.
She was accused of being close-minded and intolerant.
She was accused of being close-minded and intolerant.
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When interpreting attitude-related words, look for accompanying descriptors in the sentence. They often reinforce the intended meaning and help eliminate partial matches.
Updated On: Aug 14, 2025
- did not agree
- kept to herself
- not open to new ideas
- unwilling to discuss
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the term “close-minded”
“Close-minded” refers to an attitude where a person is unwilling to consider alternative perspectives, beliefs, or ideas. It denotes a mental state of rigidity and resistance to change.
Step 2: Contextual fit in the sentence The sentence pairs “close-minded” with “intolerant,” reinforcing the idea of being unwilling to accept new or different viewpoints.
Step 3: Eliminating incorrect options
- Option 1 (“did not agree”) simply means disagreement; a person can disagree but still be open to hearing new ideas.
- Option 2 (“kept to herself”) implies introversion or isolation, which is unrelated to mental openness.
- Option 4 (“unwilling to discuss”) suggests refusal to talk, which is narrower than the broader mindset described by “close-minded.”
Step 4: Selecting the correct option
Option 3 (“not open to new ideas”) precisely captures the meaning of “close-minded” in this context. \[ \boxed{\text{not open to new ideas}} \]
Step 2: Contextual fit in the sentence The sentence pairs “close-minded” with “intolerant,” reinforcing the idea of being unwilling to accept new or different viewpoints.
Step 3: Eliminating incorrect options
- Option 1 (“did not agree”) simply means disagreement; a person can disagree but still be open to hearing new ideas.
- Option 2 (“kept to herself”) implies introversion or isolation, which is unrelated to mental openness.
- Option 4 (“unwilling to discuss”) suggests refusal to talk, which is narrower than the broader mindset described by “close-minded.”
Step 4: Selecting the correct option
Option 3 (“not open to new ideas”) precisely captures the meaning of “close-minded” in this context. \[ \boxed{\text{not open to new ideas}} \]
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