Question

using context clues to determine meaning

darwins voyage on the beagle and his subsequent work on evolution pushed human origins - and indeed the origins of life itself - into an unthinkably distant past. geologists had already demonstrated that the earth was far older than previously believed, undermining the calculation made by archbishop ussher (see chapter 2).
-a history of the world in 100 objects, neil macgregor

based on context clues in the passage, what is the best definition of the word geologist?

a person who studies the earth
a kind of ship used for exploration
a type of religious leader
a period of change and uncertainty

Explanation:

Analyze the context clues

Using the Textual Evidence and Supporting Details knowledge points

• The passage states: "Geologists had already demonstrated that the Earth was far older than previously believed..."
• The subject of the sentence ("Geologists") is performing an action ("demonstrated") related to the age of "the Earth."
• This directly links the word "geologist" to someone who studies or makes scientific determinations about the Earth.

Evaluate the options

Using the Supporting Details knowledge point

• Option 1: "a person who studies the earth" aligns with the context of demonstrating the Earth's age.
• Option 2: "a kind of ship used for exploration" refers to the Beagle, not geologists.
• Option 3: "a type of religious leader" refers to Archbishop Ussher, who is contrasted with geologists.
• Option 4: "a period of change and uncertainty" does not fit a plural noun performing actions.

Answer:

• (A) a person who studies the earth (Correct answer)
• (B) a kind of ship used for exploration
• (C) a type of religious leader
• (D) a period of change and uncertainty