The correct answer is option (B):
Widespread … universal
The correct answer is "Widespread … universal". Let's break down why.
The sentence describes a historical context where storytelling was a primary form of entertainment and education. We're looking for words that reflect how common and pervasive this practice was.
"Widespread" means something is found or experienced over a large area or by many people. This fits the idea that storytelling was a common practice.
"Universal" means something is applicable to or shared by all people or things in the world or in a particular group. This strongly suggests the storytelling was prevalent throughout society, making it "universal" in its reach.
Let's examine why the other options are incorrect:
* "Popular … Rigorous": While storytelling might have been popular, "rigorous" (meaning thorough or exact) doesn't fit the context. The sentence is about the widespread nature of the practice, not its intensity.
* "Disgusting … elevating": These words are contradictory in this context. Storytelling would not be described as disgusting.
* "Known … uncommon": If something is known, it cannot also be uncommon.
* "Common … unknown": The statement is suggesting the practice was common and therefore not unknown.