Explanation
Choice D is the best answer. The text criticizes the merit of an author’s claim about Polynesian sailors in the Americas, asserting a lack of evidence. The word “dubious” means questionable, and it accurately describes the author’s claim that does not point to any evidence of Polynesian presence on the continent.
Choice A: “fascinating” means interesting. However, the text describes the claim as unsupported, not as interesting.
Choice B: “novel” means new, but the text is about the lack of evidence for the author’s claim, not about its originality.
Choice C: “hostile” means antagonistic. However, the text criticizes the author's claim because of the lack of evidence, not because of its animosity.
✨ Expert's Tip ✨
Recognize the text’s discussion on the credibility of the author’s claim (“... it does not point to any signs …” and “To lend credibility to the claim …”). Then, choose the answer choice that appropriately describes the claim according to the text’s criticism.