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Question

Difficulty: HardWord Precision and Clarity

Read the following passage about art history. Which word most precisely and clearly completes the sentence while maintaining a formal, academic tone?

Answer:For centuries, the authorship of the portrait was a subject of intense debate among art historians. Recently, however, researchers used advanced X-ray fluorescence to analyze the paint layers, which 【resolved】 the mystery by revealing a hidden signature beneath the top varnish. The discovery confirmed that the painting was indeed a masterpiece from Rembrandt's studio.

Answer

resolved (or solved)
The verb 'resolved' (or 'solved') is the most precise and idiomatic word to describe bringing a mystery to a conclusion, especially within a formal, academic context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence and the tone of the passage.
The passage describes an academic investigation that ended a long-standing debate using scientific evidence, establishing a formal tone.
Determining the context and register helps eliminate words that are too informal or imprecise.
2
Identify the relationship between the blank and the noun 'mystery'.
The blank requires a verb that collocates precisely with 'mystery' in a formal context.
Choosing a word that is idiomatic and precise is essential for maintaining the clarity and tone of the passage.
3
Select the correct verb that best fits the context.
Verbs like 'resolved', 'solved', 'settled', or 'unraveled' are the most precise and idiomatic terms for bringing a mystery to a definitive end.
These verbs accurately convey that the mystery was concluded through empirical evidence, matching the academic style.

Key Concept

Selecting precise vocabulary that fits the context and register of the passage.
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Topics

Word Precision and Clarity

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