Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.
Scientists at Cambridge University are ______ how plants can give us sustainable energy.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. investigating.
The sentence implies that the scientists at Cambridge University are carrying out research to find how plants can give us sustainable energy.
‘Investigating’ meaning ‘carry out research or study into (a subject or problem, typically one in a scientific or academic field)’ perfectly fits in the blank.
Scientists at Cambridge University are investigating how plants can give us sustainable energy.
Meaning of the words in other options:
- Inspecting means to look at (someone or something) closely, typically to assess their condition or to discover any shortcomings.
- Scrutinizing means to examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
- Looking means to direct one's gaze in a specified direction.
Hence, option 1 is correct.