Read the following passage excerpt. Based on the contextual clues and the author's argument, fill in the blanks with the most precise and appropriate words to complete the meaning.
Answer:In the late nineteenth century, many anthropologists embraced the theory of unilineal evolution, which posited that all human societies progress through an identical series of developmental stages. However, this framework was eventually challenged by proponents of historical particularism. These critics argued that the unilineal model was far too 【rigid】, as it forced highly diverse cultures into a predetermined sequence, ignoring the unique factors that shape individual societies. Consequently, historical particularists advocated for a more 【nuanced】 approach, one that emphasized detailed fieldwork and specific analysis rather than sweeping generalizations.
Answer
The first blank requires a word meaning unyielding or overly strict (such as 'rigid' or 'inflexible'), and the second blank requires a word meaning detail-oriented or situation-specific (such as 'nuanced' or 'contextual').
The passage provides direct definitional context for both blanks. The first blank is defined by the clause 'as it forced highly diverse cultures into a predetermined sequence', which perfectly aligns with words like 'rigid' or 'inflexible'. The second blank is defined by its contrast with 'sweeping generalizations' and its association with 'detailed fieldwork', pointing directly to words like 'nuanced' or 'contextual'.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Using explicit structural clues (such as 'as it forced...' and 'rather than...') to deduce the precise contextual meaning of required vocabulary.