Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumWord Precision and Clarity

The following passage is adapted from an article about agricultural history.

In the early twentieth century, botanist George Washington Carver recognized that intensive cotton farming was depleting the soil of vital nutrients. To address this issue, Carver advocated for crop rotation, urging farmers to plant nitrogen-fixing crops like peanuts and sweet potatoes. This practice not only replenished the soil but also provided farmers with a bunch of alternative sources of income. Carver's research eventually transformed Southern agriculture by promoting sustainable, diversified farming techniques.

Which of the following choices best replaces the bolded phrase a bunch of to maintain the formal, academic tone of the passage?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. variousAnswer
  3. C
    infinite
  4. D
    abundant of

Answer

various
The word 'various' is correct because it provides a precise description of the different income sources while maintaining the formal and objective tone of the passage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and register of the passage.
The passage is a formal, historical account of George Washington Carver's agricultural research, which requires a precise and academic tone.
Establishing the register of the passage helps identify whether the original phrase is appropriate.
2
Evaluate the original phrase for tone and precision.
The phrase 'a bunch of' is colloquial and informal, making it unsuitable for this academic context, so the original text must be changed.
Identifying the error in the original phrase determines that a change is necessary.
3
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness, precision, and appropriate register.
The option 'various' fits the register perfectly. The option 'infinite' is an imprecise, hyperbolic exaggeration. The option 'abundant of' is unidiomatic and grammatically incorrect.
Comparing the options ensures the selected replacement is both grammatically correct and stylistically appropriate.

Key Concept

Selecting words that are precise and maintain a consistent formal register.
Rate this question

Topics

Word Precision and Clarity

More questions from this topic