GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningEasy
The paleontologist’s lecture emphasized that while the fossil record provides invaluable data, it is inherently ______; many species leave no discernible traces, leading to significant gaps in our understanding of evolutionary history.
- Aexhaustive
- Bcomprehensive
- Cincomplete
- Dredundant
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. incomplete
The sentence establishes a contrast using 'while': the fossil record is 'invaluable data' but also has a limitation. The phrase 'many species leave no discernible traces, leading to significant gaps' clearly indicates that the fossil record is not whole or full. Therefore, 'incomplete' is the most fitting word.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Exhaustive means thorough and comprehensive. This is the opposite of what the context implies, making it a distractor.
- B. Comprehensive means complete; including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. This is also the opposite of what the context implies.
- D. Redundant means no longer needed or useful; superfluous. This doesn't fit the context of 'gaps' in the record.
Direct Contrast Clues
Words or phrases that explicitly signal an opposing idea or condition, often leading to a direct antonym.
- Signals include 'while', 'although', 'but', 'however', 'despite'.
- The blank will usually be the direct opposite of a concept presented elsewhere.
- Helps in quickly identifying the relationship between sentence parts.
Memory trick: Direct opposition is like a dartboard: aim right at the opposite.