Question

complete the text with the correct pair of words.

the durian, an asian fruit, is notorious for its powerful stench. in 2012, scientists determined that fifty
____ compounds within the fruit, rather __ any single substance, are responsible for its unique odor.

discrete... than

discreet... than

discreet... then

discrete... then

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first blank: The word should describe "compounds" as separate or distinct. "Discrete" means individually separate and distinct, while "discreet" means careful or prudent. So "discrete" is correct for the first blank.
2. Analyze the second blank: The phrase "rather than" is a fixed collocation meaning "instead of". "Then" is used for time or sequence, so "than" is correct here.

Answer:

A. discrete... than