Although the historian describes her research as comprehensive, the source base for her latest article is notably ______: nearly all the cited material comes from government correspondence, while workers’ diaries and local newspapers receive no consideration.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For a Words in Context question, first identify structural signals such as contrast words and punctuation. Paraphrase the evidence surrounding the blank, predict the needed meaning, and then compare the choices by denotation and scope rather than choosing a word merely associated with the topic.
Hints
Notice the contrast word
Consider how “Although” sets the claim of comprehensiveness against the evidence described later in the sentence.
Examine the source pattern
Nearly all the material comes from one kind of record, while two other kinds receive no attention. Determine what this pattern reveals about the range of sources used.
Distinguish among the meanings
Ask whether the sentence primarily addresses the sources’ reliability, balance, quantity, or inclusion and exclusion.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the contrast
The word “Although” contrasts the historian’s description of her research as comprehensive with the actual source base of her article. The missing word should capture how the evidence differs from something comprehensive.
Use the details after the colon
The article cites almost exclusively government correspondence and gives no consideration to workers’ diaries or local newspapers. Thus, the historian has drawn from only part of the available range of sources.
Compare the choices
Authoritative concerns reliability or influence, which the sentence does not establish. Balanced contradicts the dominance of one source type. Extensive suggests broad scope or large coverage, but the sentence emphasizes important omissions. Selective precisely describes a source base limited to certain materials while excluding others.
Complete the sentence
The most logical and precise choice is selective, since it directly reflects the narrow choice of sources described after the colon.