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Difficulty: Very hardContrast and Reversal Clues

Although early twentieth-century historians of science routinely dismissed medieval alchemy as a mere collection of pre-scientific superstitions, recent archival reexaminations suggest that many alchemical practitioners were surprisingly __________ in their experimental methodologies, rigorously documenting quantitative observations long before the formalization of the scientific method.

Which of the following words best completes the sentence?

  1. punctiliousAnswer
  2. B
    credulous
  3. C
    dogmatic
  4. D
    haphazard
  5. E
    derivative

Answer

The word 'punctilious' best completes the sentence because it provides the required contrast to the idea of 'pre-scientific superstitions' by denoting extreme care, precision, and attention to detail in experimental methods.
The sentence relies on the contrast signal 'Although' to set up an opposition between how early historians viewed alchemy ('pre-scientific superstitions') and what recent archival evidence shows ('rigorously documenting quantitative observations'). The word describing their experimental methodologies must mean precise, thorough, and careful. 'Punctilious' precisely conveys this sense of meticulous attention to detail and rigor.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structural contrast signal in the sentence.
The sentence begins with the concessive subordinating conjunction 'Although', signaling that the second clause will reverse or contrast with the main point of the first clause.
Contrast pivots dictate that the blank must take a semantic valence opposite to the idea presented in the concession.
2
Analyze the tone and content of the initial clause.
The initial clause states that early historians dismissed alchemy as a 'mere collection of pre-scientific superstitions' (implying lack of rigor, unscientific thinking, and disorder).
Understanding the premise tone allows us to determine the exact opposite semantic quality needed for the blank.
3
Deduce the required meaning for the blank based on the contrast and context clues.
The blank describes alchemical practitioners who 'rigorously documenting quantitative observations'. Combined with 'Although', the blank requires a word meaning highly detailed, systematic, or precise.
The word must capture the contrast between perceived superstition and demonstrated empirical precision.
4
Evaluate the vocabulary options to find the correct fit.
'Punctilious' (showing great attention to detail or correct behavior) perfectly matches the requirement of meticulous quantitative documentation.
'Punctilious' fulfills both the contextual clue of rigorous documentation and the structural demand for semantic reversal.

Key Concept

Contrast and Reversal Clues in Text Completion
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Topics

Contrast and Reversal Clues

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