How do synonyms best help readers to figure out the meaning of unknown words? They restate the word in the sentence with another word or words that have a similar meaning. They provide a word that signals that the author will use a word with the opposite meaning. They provide an example of the word in the sentence, so readers can support their ideas with details. They are listed in a dictionary or thesaurus, making it easy to find the meaning of an unknown word.

a is probably what you are intended to answer, but don't be surprised if the answer is something else.

Explanation:

I hate to start off by being a little cranky, but when you list a question with choices, it would be easy on the eyes if you made each choice into a new paragraph.

I don't know what the best answer is.

a) is certainly true, but it is the best answer. Maybe the new word is no clearer.

b) This is never true. Good writing never makes the writing unclear.

c) This is sometimes done, but not always.

d)  This item is true, but self evident. The answer is between a,b and d

I think d is the most practical.

I think a is what you are intended to answer.

by 1890, the united states had by far the world's most productive economy. american industry produced twice as much as its closest competitor--britain. but the united states was not a great military or diplomatic power. its army numbered less than 30,000 troops, and its navy had only about 10,000 seamen. britain's army was five times the size of its american counterpart, and its navy was ten times bigger. the united states' military was small because the country was situated between two large oceans and was surrounded by weak or friendly nations. it faced no serious military threats and had little interest in asserting military power overseas.