Fill in the blank: The scientist conducted a thorough ______ of the data.

• A. Analyze
• B. Analytic
• C. Analysis
• D. Analyst

Answer: (C)

This item tests choosing the right noun form to fit with “thorough” when talking about examining data. A thorough analysis of the data describes the detailed act of examining and interpreting the information, which is exactly what “analysis” conveys and it flows naturally after the determiner “a.”

The other forms don’t fit this structure. “Analyze” is a verb, so it can’t complete the noun phrase after “a thorough.” “Analytic” is an adjective, and while you could have an adjective before a noun, it would still need a noun to modify or you’d use a different phrase like “analytical approach.” “Analyst” is a person who performs analysis, not the act itself, so it wouldn’t fill the blank in this sentence.