Select the word that best completes the sentence.

The article was so ______ that it offered nothing a novice could not already know.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: E. banal

  1. Step 1: The phrase "offered nothing a novice could not already know" reveals that the article was devoid of originality, depth, or fresh information.
  2. Step 2: The adjective banal means lacking in originality and trite. Praiseworthy adjectives like incisive, profound, and groundbreaking denote deep and innovative scholarship.
Answer
banal.
Why not the others: Incisive means penetrating, clear, and sharp; original denotes inventive and unprecedented thought; profound signifies intellectual depth and significance; groundbreaking means pioneering revolutionary new directions.

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