Question

read the passage. this semester, with some trepidation, i decided to take a class on shakespeare’s tragedies. i appreciate that ms. robertson establishes clear expectations for students: the course requirements are rigorous but fair. on the first day of class, she handed out a detailed syllabus listing all the required readings, in - class projects, homework assignments, and tests. the course is definitely challenging, but in a good way, and ms. robertson is always very supportive and encouraging. select the two words that are most similar in meaning to rigorous as it is used in the passage.

1. demanding
2. harsh
3. rigid
4. severe
5. thorough

Explanation:

• In the passage, "rigorous" describes course requirements that are challenging (as the course is "definitely challenging") yet fair. "Demanding" means requiring a lot of effort, matching the challenging nature. "Thorough" means detailed and comprehensive, which fits with the detailed syllabus and clear expectations (the requirements are well - defined and comprehensive). "Harsh" and "severe" have negative connotations (implying unfairness or cruelty) which don't match "but fair", and "rigid" implies inflexibility, which isn't the focus here (the focus is on the comprehensiveness and difficulty of the requirements, not inflexibility).

Answer:

1. demanding, 5. thorough