Question

The scientist's (i) _______ approach to research often led to breakthroughs that more (ii)__________ methods failed to achieve.

• A. conventional
• B. methodical
• C. unorthodox
• D. traditional
• E. predictable

Hint:

Contrast clues like “led to breakthroughs” vs“failed to achieve” often indicate that one method is effective while the other is notThis contrast helps identify which words have opposing or complementary meanings

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C, D

The sentence draws a clear contrast between the scientist’s approach and those of others who failed to make significant progressThis contrast suggests that the scientist succeeded by using a method that was different from the normTherefore, the first blank must describe an approach that deviates from commonly accepted or standard practicesThe word ``unorthodox'' fits this context perfectly, as it refers to methods that are unconventional, not based on traditional or established ways of thinkingThis emphasizes that the scientist’s success came from thinking or working outside the usual boundaries
For the second blank, the sentence mentions that other approaches had ``yet to yield a breakthrough,'' implying they were ineffective or unsuccessfulThese approaches are being contrasted with the scientist’s ``unorthodox'' methodThus, the blank must describe these other, less effective approaches in a way that highlights their conventional natureThe word ``traditional'' is the best fit here, as it refers to established, long-standing methods that are widely accepted but, in this case, did not produce the desired results
Together, the words ``unorthodox'' and ``traditional'' create a clear contrast between the innovative method that led to success and the conventional ones that fell short
Hence, the correct choices are (C) unorthodox for the first blank and (B) traditional for the second