Question 46·Easy·Inferences
During the early 1800s, naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian’s detailed illustrations of insects were circulated mainly among fellow scientists rather than the general public. Merian frequently invited colleagues to her studio, where they could observe her specimens and review drafts of her plates. Although her drawings were not yet widely printed, these studio visits allowed Merian to ____
Which choice most logically completes the text?
For sentence-completion inference questions, first summarize in your own words what the surrounding sentences say and what role the missing part plays (cause, effect, purpose, contrast, etc.). Then check each option against the passage: keep only choices that (1) logically follow from the details given and (2) do not introduce new, unsupported ideas. Finally, choose the option that fits both the specific details (who, what, why) and the overall focus of the sentence.
Hints
Focus on who is visiting and what they do
Reread the second sentence and underline who Merian invited to her studio and what activities they did there.
Think about the role of drafts
When someone shows early drafts of their work to experts, what is a common reason for doing that? How does this connect to the idea that her work was not yet widely printed?
Eliminate answers that add new, unsupported ideas
Check each option: does the passage mention money, faraway travel, or teaching art skills? Cross out any choice that brings in ideas not hinted at in the passage.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the situation described
The passage tells us that Merian’s insect illustrations were mainly shared with fellow scientists, not the general public. It also says she invited colleagues to her studio to observe her specimens and review drafts of her plates (her detailed illustration pages).
Identify what the visits actually involved
During these visits, the colleagues are:
- Fellow scientists (not buyers, not students)
- Looking at her actual insect specimens
- Reviewing drafts of her illustration plates (early versions, not final prints)
Ask: What usually happens when experts look at drafts of scientific work?
Match the logical benefit to the text
The blank describes what these studio visits “allowed Merian to” do. So the correct answer must be a benefit that comes from scientists visiting, observing specimens, and reviewing drafts. It should stay within this scientific/illustration context, not add new purposes like selling books or teaching engraving.
Select the answer that fits the evidence and purpose
“Receive scientific input that could refine her illustrations” is the only choice that matches the idea of fellow scientists reviewing drafts in her studio: they could offer expert comments and suggestions, helping her improve her drawings. Therefore, that is the correct answer.