Read the sentence from the passage.

He cannot stop with merely thinking a thing is so and so; he must know it; for this is one of the "exact" sciences.

How does the word "exact" affect the meaning of the sentence?

It shows that the narrator has a mistrust of science.

It suggests that the sentence should be taken literally.

It hints that the narrator's words are meant ironically.

It places emphasis on the precise nature of the science.

Question

English

Duncan Macdonald

7 February, 16:30

Read the sentence from the passage.

He cannot stop with merely thinking a thing is so and so; he must know it; for this is one of the "exact" sciences.

How does the word "exact" affect the meaning of the sentence?

It shows that the narrator has a mistrust of science.

It suggests that the sentence should be taken literally.

It hints that the narrator's words are meant ironically.

It places emphasis on the precise nature of the science.

+3

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Daniela Barajas · Answer 1

I'm going to say C.

Explanation:

This person cannot simply think a thing is so and so - he must KNOW it, which I assume means he would test it out for himself. The entire sentence indicates his mistrust of science. However, if we are just talking about the word "exact", it is in quotations and doesn't make sense with the rest of the sentence (if taken serious) so I think it is meant to be taken ironically.