GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningEasy
The newly published biography of the reclusive artist is notable for its ______ insights into his creative process, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a figure who meticulously avoided public scrutiny. The author's access to personal letters and journals allowed for a depth of understanding previously unattainable, making this work a crucial contribution to art scholarship. Which word, if inserted into the blank, best completes the sentence?
- Aperfunctory
- Bprofound
- Csuperficial
- Dcursory
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. profound
The passage describes 'rare glimpse,' 'depth of understanding,' and 'crucial contribution,' all suggesting that the insights are significant and deep. 'Profound' means very great or intense, fitting this context.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Perfunctory means carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection, which contradicts 'meticulously avoided public scrutiny' and 'depth of understanding'.
- C. Superficial means existing or occurring on the surface, which contradicts 'depth of understanding'.
- D. Cursory means hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed, which contradicts the detailed nature of the biography.
Text Completion: Adjective Choice
Selecting an adjective that accurately describes a noun based on the surrounding context and tone of the sentence.
- Adjectives modify nouns, providing more detail.
- Consider the connotations (positive/negative) of the adjective.
- Ensure the adjective enhances the meaning of the sentence.
Memory trick: The Adjective Paints the Noun's Picture.