Question

Part of this sentence given below has been underlined. You have to select the option that best replaces the underlined part.

The 8th-century revival of Byzantine learning is an inexplicable phenomenon, and its economic and military precursors have yet to be discovered.

• A. a phenomenon yet to be discovered
• B. a phenomenon incompletely explained
• C. an inexplicable phenomenon
• D. an unidentifiable phenomenon

Hint:

When describing something that cannot be explained or understood, use terms like "inexplicable" rather than "incompletely explained" or "unidentifiable." These terms more accurately reflect the idea of an unsolved mystery.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The phrase "an inexplicable phenomenon" refers to something that is difficult or impossible to explain. Given that the sentence mentions a historical event—the revival of Byzantine learning—"inexplicable" clearly fits the context. The word suggests that scholars have not yet understood or can’t fully account for the reasons behind this revival.

Option (A), a phenomenon yet to be discovered, is incorrect because it suggests that the phenomenon itself has yet to be discovered, which contradicts the idea that it has already been observed but not understood.

Option (B), a phenomenon incompletely explained, implies that there is some explanation but that it is lacking. This is a weaker alternative to "inexplicable," which suggests there is no satisfactory explanation at all.

Option (C), an inexplicable phenomenon, is the most accurate because it perfectly captures the idea that the phenomenon cannot be explained, which aligns with the context of the sentence.

Option (D), an unidentifiable phenomenon, is also incorrect because it implies the phenomenon cannot even be recognized or identified, which is not the intended meaning in this case. The phenomenon is known, but its explanation is elusive.

Thus, option (C) is the best choice.