GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningMedium
The recent archaeological discovery of a previously unknown settlement in the Andes Mountains has challenged long-held assumptions about the Inca Empire's territorial reach and administrative structure. Artifacts unearthed at the site suggest a sophisticated level of organization and resource management, indicating that the empire's influence extended farther than previously believed. This finding necessitates a ______ of existing historical narratives, prompting scholars to reconsider the geographical and political boundaries of the ancient civilization. Which word, if inserted into the blank, best completes the sentence?
- Arepudiation
- Bvalidation
- Creassessment
- Dendorsement
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. reassessment
The discovery 'challenged long-held assumptions' and 'prompting scholars to reconsider,' which implies that existing narratives need to be looked at again or re-evaluated. 'Reassessment' fits this meaning perfectly.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Repudiation means rejection, which is too strong; the narratives aren't entirely rejected, but reconsidered.
- B. Validation means confirmation, which contradicts the idea of challenging assumptions.
- D. Endorsement means approval, which contradicts the idea of challenging assumptions.
Text Completion: Context Clues
Using surrounding words, phrases, and sentences to infer the meaning of an unknown word or to choose the best word to fill a blank.
- Look for synonyms, antonyms, and explanations within the text.
- Consider the overall tone and direction of the passage.
- Ensure the chosen word creates a logical and grammatically correct sentence.
Memory trick: Context is King when Choosing the Right Word.