Question

The scientist's discovery was ........ because it challenged existing theories.

• A. trivial
• B. groundbreaking
• C. irrelevant
• D. predictable
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Hint:

In sentence completion questions, choose a word that aligns with the sentence's tone and logical implication, ensuring it fits the context provided by the clause.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

- Step 1: Analyze the sentence context. The phrase "challenged existing theories" suggests the discovery is significant, impactful, or innovative, as challenging established ideas typically indicates a major breakthrough. The blank requires a word that reflects this importance.
- Step 2: Evaluate the options.
- Option (1): "trivial" means insignificant or unimportant, which contradicts the impact of challenging theories, so it is incorrect.
- Option (2): "groundbreaking" means innovative or revolutionary, perfectly fitting a discovery that challenges existing theories, making it a strong candidate.
- Option (3): "irrelevant" means not relevant or important, which does not align with the significant act of challenging theories, so it is incorrect.
- Option (4): "predictable" implies expected or unsurprising, which contradicts the idea of challenging established theories, making it incorrect.
- Step 3: Test the fit. Substituting "groundbreaking" into the sentence: "The scientist's discovery was groundbreaking because it challenged existing theories" reads logically and conveys the discovery's significance.
- Step 4: Eliminate alternatives. Trivial and irrelevant suggest a lack of importance, while predictable implies no challenge to existing theories, making all three unsuitable. Only groundbreaking aligns with the context.
- Step 5: Confirm with context. A discovery that challenges theories is often described as groundbreaking in scientific contexts, as it introduces new perspectives or paradigms.
- Step 6: Final conclusion. Option (2) groundbreaking is the correct answer, as it best captures the significant and innovative nature of the discovery.
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