Question

complete the sentence with the word that best fits the overall meaning and tone. hanson earned a reputation as the most critical judge on the program by ______ the contestants. scanning examining scrutinizing

Explanation:

"Scanning" means quickly looking over. "Examining" is a general - term for looking closely. "Scrutinizing" implies very close, detailed, and critical examination. Since Hanson is the most critical judge, "scrutinizing" best fits the context as it conveys a more intense and critical form of looking at the contestants.

Answer:

scrutinizing