word test

Question

HiMany more eighteenth-century novels werewritten by women than by men, but thisdominance has, until very recently, beenregarded merely as ------- fact, a bit of arcaneknowledge noted only by bibliographers.(A) a controversial(B) a statistical(C) an analytical(D) an explicit(E) an unimpeachableA?noted only by bibl...  = only bibliographers knew?Thanks

Marius Hancu · Accepted Answer

yes and mentioned/remarked by ..., IMO

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Many more eighteenth-century novels were
written by women than by men, but this
dominance has, until very recently, been
regarded merely as ------- fact, a bit of arcane
knowledge noted only by bibliographers.

(A) a controversial
(B) a statistical
(C) an analytical
(D) an explicit
(E) an unimpeachable

A? I don't agree with A. The point of the sentence is that, until recently, this was regarded as an unimportant fact. That's why the words 'merely' and 'arcane' are used.

I would expect the writer to continue by saying that nowadays people attach more significance to such gender-based information. Feminist academics, in particular, are concerned with refuting what they see as the unfair perception that men dominate much of literature.

So, you need a word that conveys the until-recently uncontroversial nature of the fact. I'd choose B. ie It was seen for a long time as a mere statistic.

Best wishes, Clive

Anonymous · Answer

Your argument is convincing, Clive.

Thanks guys.

word test

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions