Question

fritz habers synthesis of ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen—a process that today supports nearly half the worlds food supply—was ____ by the scientific community even as his role in developing chemical weapons during world war i drew widespread condemnation.
1
mark for review
which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
a) scrutinized
b) admired
c) tolerated
d) acknowledged

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts Haber's synthesis of ammonia (which is beneficial, supporting half the world's food supply) with his role in developing chemical weapons (condemned). We need a word that shows the scientific community's positive view of his ammonia synthesis.

• "Scrutinized" means examined closely, which doesn't fit the positive contrast.
• "Admired" means to regard with respect or approval. His ammonia synthesis is a great scientific achievement, so the scientific community would admire it, even as they condemned his chemical weapons work.
• "Tolerated" implies allowing something reluctantly, not a positive view of a great achievement.
• "Acknowledged" means to recognize, but it's not as strong as "admired" for a significant scientific contribution.

Answer:

B. admired