In the following passage, the opening sentence reads: "The modes of action are _____ in science and religion." Read the passage carefully and select the word that best completes this blank so that the contrast between science and religion is clear.

Introduction / Context:
This question is based on a passage that compares science and religion. The author describes how each field operates and emphasises that they function in contrasting ways. The very first sentence sets up this contrast by talking about the modes of action in science and religion. Choosing the correct word in the blank is crucial because it frames the reader's understanding of the whole passage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: The modes of action are _____ in science and religion.
• The passage goes on to state that science relies on experiment, whereas religion is based on experience.
• It also contrasts objectivity in science with personal, subjective religious experience.
• Options include equal, relevant, similar, and different.

Concept / Approach:
The key idea of the passage is contrast, not similarity. The author emphasises that science depends on objective experiments and verifiable proof, while religion depends on personal and subjective experience. The conjunction whereas in the second sentence highlights this contrast. Therefore, the blank must be filled by a word that directly expresses difference and not sameness. Among the options, different is the only word that fits this purpose and accurately anticipates the explanation that follows.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read beyond the sentence with the blank to understand the author's argument. The next lines clearly contrast experiment with experience, and objectivity with subjectivity. Step 2: Note the presence of the word whereas, which is a strong signal that two things are being contrasted rather than equated. Step 3: Evaluate the meaning of each option. Equal suggests having the same value or importance, similar suggests resemblance, and relevant suggests being related to the topic. Step 4: Ask whether the passage is saying that science and religion act in the same way or in opposite ways. The explanation of experiments versus personal experience shows that the author sees them as operating on very different principles. Step 5: Conclude that the best word to capture the writer's intention is different, as it directly expresses that contrast in the modes of action.

Verification / Alternative check:
Insert each option into the sentence and read it together with the next lines. If you say The modes of action are similar in science and religion, the sentence conflicts with the rest of the passage which stresses how science relies on experiment and religion on personal experience. Using equal or relevant also fails to predict the sharp contrast that follows. In contrast, The modes of action are different in science and religion fits smoothly with the later explanation and prepares the reader to expect a comparison of opposing approaches.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Equal would suggest that science and religion operate in the same way or on the same level, which is not the author's claim. Similar would suggest resemblance rather than difference, again contradicting the clear contrast with whereas. Relevant does not describe how actions differ; it only tells you whether something is connected to a topic, which makes it an illogical choice here.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake in cloze tests is to choose words that fit the grammar of the single sentence without checking the entire passage. Another error is to rely only on vague positive words like similar or equal because they sound neutral. To score well, you must pay attention to discourse markers like whereas and carefully track whether the author is emphasising contrast or similarity. Once you notice that the passage is about differences, the choice of different becomes straightforward.

Final Answer:
The blank should be filled with different, giving: The modes of action are different in science and religion.