Question

first read: concept vocabulary
identify the choice that best answers the question.
if a certain clue consumed a detective, which of the following was most likely true?
a. the clue was not what the detective expected.
b. the clue was not that valuable to the detective.
c. the detective saw other similar clues while investigating the case.
d. the detective spent most of his time working with that particular clue.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the meaning of "consumed" in this context. If a clue "consumed" a detective, it implies the detective was preoccupied or spent a lot of time on it.

• Option A: The clue being unexpected doesn't relate to "consumed" (which is about time/effort, not expectation). Eliminate A.
• Option B: If the clue was not valuable, the detective wouldn't spend much time on it, so "consumed" doesn't fit. Eliminate B.
• Option C: Seeing similar clues doesn't mean this one "consumed" him (no direct link to spending time on this clue). Eliminate C.
• Option D: Spending most time on the clue matches the idea of the clue "consuming" the detective (taking up his time/effort). This is correct.

Answer:

D. The detective spent most of his time working with that particular clue.