Question:medium

Directions: Replace the number with the word(s) that best fit(s) the meaning of the passage as a whole. Choose the best option for the blank marked (46).
It is _____ (46) to read a book about our planet by an author who does not allow facts to be _____ (47) by politics: well aware of the political disputes about the effects of human activities on climate and biodiversity, this author does not permit them to _____ (48) his comprehensive description of what we know about our biosphere. He emphasizes the enormous gaps in our knowledge, the _____ (49) of our observations, and the _____ (50) of our theories, calling attention to the many aspects of planetary evolution that must be better understood before we can accurately diagnose the condition of our planet.

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The author is being praised for avoiding political bias, so the missing word should express a pleasant change from the usual politicised writing on this topic.
Updated On: Jul 20, 2026
  • Refreshing
  • Stimulating
  • Boring
  • Dreary
  • Tedious
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The opening sentence sets up a compliment: reading a book on climate and biodiversity from an author who keeps facts separate from politics is being described as a positive experience.
  • "Boring," "Dreary," and "Tedious" are all negative descriptions of a reading experience, which clashes with the approving tone of the passage, so these can be eliminated.
  • "Stimulating" would suit a book praised purely for being intellectually exciting, but the passage is really praising the author's freedom from political bias on a subject that is usually highly politicised.
  • "Refreshing" specifically conveys relief or pleasant surprise at encountering something different from the usual, which matches the idea of an unbiased book standing out against typically politicised writing on climate and biodiversity.
The word that best fits blank (46) is therefore "Refreshing," option (a).
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