In the following question, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word INSULAR by selecting the most appropriate antonym from the four alternatives.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks knowledge of antonyms, that is, words with opposite meanings. The given word is insular, a term that appears frequently in advanced English texts, especially in articles about attitudes, societies, or politics. The task is to choose the option that expresses the opposite idea of insular as it is normally used in educated English.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The target word is INSULAR. The answer choices are COSMOPOLITAN, ISOLATED, NARROW, and PAROCHIAL. The exam expects the candidate to know the typical meaning of insular when used to describe people, ideas, or communities. No special technical meaning is suggested in the question, so standard dictionary definitions apply.

Concept / Approach:
Insular is used to describe an attitude or outlook that is narrow minded, closed off from new ideas, or limited to a small group, much like an island cut off from others. It can also literally relate to islands, but in exams, the figurative sense is more important. The opposite of such a closed or limited attitude is an open, outward looking, and internationally minded outlook. The word cosmopolitan describes a person or place that is comfortable with different cultures, experiences, and ideas from all over the world, making it the natural antonym of insular in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that insular in a figurative sense means narrow, limited, and closed to outside influences. Step 2: Identify the core idea we need for the opposite: open minded, outward looking, and globally aware. Step 3: Examine the options and connect each one with its central meaning. Step 4: Notice that COSMOPOLITAN describes someone who is at ease in many different countries and cultures and so represents a broad, global outlook. Step 5: Conclude that COSMOPOLITAN is the most suitable antonym for INSULAR among the given alternatives.

Verification / Alternative check:
A simple way to verify is to build contrasting sentences. For example, one might say The community was very insular and suspicious of outsiders, versus The community was cosmopolitan and welcomed people from many cultures. These two sentences clearly stand in contrast. If we try to replace insular with isolated, narrow, or parochial, we see that these words are actually quite close in meaning rather than opposite. Therefore, cosmopolitan is the only option that reverses the idea expressed by insular in normal usage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
ISOLATED describes something that is physically or socially alone or separated, which is quite similar to the idea behind insular and so is not an opposite.
NARROW refers to a limited or small minded attitude, again very close in sense to insular and therefore not an antonym.
PAROCHIAL means having a limited or narrow outlook, sometimes focused on local interests only, which also aligns with the meaning of insular rather than opposing it.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates often misread antonym questions and accidentally choose words that are similar rather than opposite, especially when multiple similar distractors are given, as in this question. The presence of several near synonyms of insular, such as isolated, narrow, and parochial, can tempt a learner who understands the general direction of the word but forgets that the task is to find the opposite. Always read the instruction carefully and remember whether you are choosing a synonym or an antonym before marking the answer.

Final Answer:
The word that is opposite in meaning to INSULAR is COSMOPOLITAN.