There is nothing that (i) ________ scientists more than having an old problem in their field solved by someone from outside. If you doubt this (ii) ___________ , just think about the (iii) __________ reaction of paleontologists to the hypothesis of Luis Alvarez—a physicist—and Walter Alvarez—a geologist—that the extinction of the dinosaurs was caused by the impact of a large meteor on the surface of the plane.There is the possibility that the scientists were either amazed, pleased (unlikely) or nettled by someone from outside solving an old problem in their field. How do we decide for sure? The second sentence is an example of the proposition made in the first sentence. The third blank describes the reaction of the paleontologists to scientists outside their domain solving their problem. All three choices are negatives - contemptuous, indifferent and insincere. The paleontologists reaction wouldn't be any of these three if they were pleased or amazed by others solving problems in their own fields. So the word for the first blank has to be
nettles.
And if they were nettled, which means irritated or annoyed, they wouldn't be just
indifferent or
insincere, but
contemptuous towards the outsiders; because nettles is a strong word and requires a strong reaction.
Now the first sentence is a statement. It is not a detailed explanation (
exposition) or a harsh reprimand or criticism (
objurgation). Hence
observation is the right word.
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