The ancient manuscript known as the Voynich Codex has long been considered _____ by medieval scholars, however recent carbon dating...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The ancient manuscript known as the Voynich Codex has long been considered _____ by medieval scholars, however recent carbon dating and ink analysis have definitively established its 15th-century European origins.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
apocryphal
meticulous
substantive
orthodox
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The ancient manuscript known as the Voynich Codex has long been considered" |
|
| [MISSING WORD] |
|
| "by medieval scholars, however recent carbon dating and ink analysis have definitively established its 15th-century European origins." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Recent scientific analysis has definitively proven the authenticity of the Voynich Codex, contradicting traditional scholarly doubts.
Argument Flow: The passage sets up a contrast between what medieval scholars have long believed about the manuscript versus what modern scientific methods have now proven conclusively. The "however" signals this opposition, and the word "definitively" emphasizes the strength of the new evidence.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The key relationship here is the contrast created by "however."
- We know that medieval scholars have long held some view about the manuscript, BUT recent scientific analysis has definitively established its authentic 15th-century origins.
- The word "definitively" suggests the new evidence is conclusive and settles the matter.
- This tells us medieval scholars must have viewed the manuscript as questionable, doubtful, or not genuine in some way.
- So the right answer should describe medieval scholars viewing the manuscript as doubtful, questionable, or not authentic.
apocryphal
- "Apocryphal" means of doubtful authenticity or probably not genuine.
- Creates perfect contrast with "definitively established" - if scholars thought it was probably fake, then definitive proof of its real origins would indeed contradict their view.
- The "however" transition makes complete logical sense.
meticulous
- "Meticulous" means careful, precise, thorough.
- This doesn't create any meaningful contrast with the scientific analysis.
- Why would proving its origins contradict viewing it as meticulous?
substantive
- "Substantive" means meaningful, important, significant.
- No logical contrast exists here - proving its origins doesn't contradict finding it meaningful.
- The "however" transition wouldn't make sense.
orthodox
- "Orthodox" means conventional, traditional, accepted.
- This doesn't set up the needed opposition with scientific proof of origins.