When Mexican-American archaeologist Zelia Maria Magdalena Nuttall published her 1886 research paper on sculptures
found at the ancient Indigenous city of Teotihuacan in present-day Mexico, other researchers readily ______ her work as
groundbreaking; this recognition stemmed from her convincing demonstration that the sculptures were much older than had
previously been thought.
acknowledged
ensured
denied
underestimated
Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Nuttall’s 1886 research paper. In
this context, “acknowledged” means recognized as having a certain status. The text indicates that other researchers
recognized Nuttall’s work as groundbreaking because of its “convincing demonstration” related to the age of the ancient
sculptures. In other words, the researchers recognized the groundbreaking status of Nuttall’s work.
Choice B is incorrect because in this context, “ensured” would mean to have guaranteed or made sure something was the
case. The text states that other researchers gave Nuttall’s work recognition after it was published, but there’s no indication
that they contributed to the work or had any involvement that would have allowed them to make sure the work would be
groundbreaking. Choice C is incorrect because the text doesn’t suggest that other researchers “denied,” or refused to admit
or accept, that Nuttall’s work was groundbreaking; on the contrary, it indicates that researchers praised the work, recognizing
it as groundbreaking due to its “convincing demonstration” related to the age of the ancient sculptures. Choice D is incorrect
because the text doesn’t suggest that other researchers “underestimated,” or undervalued, Nuttall’s work; on the contrary, it
indicates that researchers praised the work, recognizing it as groundbreaking due to its “convincing demonstration” related
to the age of the ancient sculptures.