In the same passage, consider the sentence: "Science, on the other hand, is marked by objectivity. Theory has to be corroborated by _____ proof providing material comforts." Choose the word that best completes the blank so that the type of proof required in science is correctly described.

Introduction / Context:
This cloze test sentence emphasises the difference between scientific and religious approaches. After describing religious experience as personal and subjective, the passage states that science is marked by objectivity and demands proof. The blank describes the kind of proof that scientific theories must have in order to be accepted and to lead to practical benefits. Understanding the meaning of tangible in contrast to intangible is the key to answering correctly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: Theory has to be corroborated by _____ proof providing material comforts.
• Science is said to be marked by objectivity.
• The passage stresses that scientific theories lead to useful appliances and material improvements in life.
• Options: intangible, transparent, tangible, unique.

Concept / Approach:
The phrase proof providing material comforts suggests proof that results in concrete, physical benefits. The word tangible means something that can be touched or clearly perceived by the senses, and is often used to describe concrete, measurable results. Therefore, tangible proof is proof that shows itself in real world outcomes, such as devices, medicines, or technologies. Intangible is the opposite and refers to things that cannot be touched or easily measured. Transparent describes clarity but not necessarily physical reality, and unique means one of a kind, which is not the focus here.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the connection between proof and material comforts. Material comforts are physical benefits such as machines, tools, medicines, and other improvements in daily life. Step 2: Ask what type of proof can provide such benefits. It must be evidence that leads to practical, real world applications. Step 3: Consider tangible. This word refers to something real and concrete that can be observed or touched. Tangible proof suggests results that are clearly visible and measurable in practical life. Step 4: Examine intangible. This means not touchable or not easily measured, for example intangible feelings. Intangible proof would contradict the idea of material comforts. Step 5: Examine transparent. Transparent describes something that allows light to pass through or a process that is clear and open. Transparent proof is not a standard collocation in this context. Step 6: Examine unique. Unique means one of a kind, which does not describe the nature of scientific proof in general. Step 7: Decide that tangible is the only option that fits both the phrase tangible proof and the idea of proof leading to material comforts.

Verification / Alternative check:
Put tangible into the sentence and read it in context: Theory has to be corroborated by tangible proof providing material comforts. The line now states that scientific theories must be backed by concrete evidence that produces real improvements in human life, which matches the central message of the passage. Trying to substitute intangible, transparent, or unique makes the sentence either illogical or unnatural in standard English usage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Intangible conflicts with the idea of material comforts because it refers to things that cannot be touched or clearly measured. Transparent focuses on clarity rather than concrete existence and is usually applied to objects like glass or processes in governance. Unique describes something singular but does not say anything about its physical reality or practical usefulness.

Common Pitfalls:
In vocabulary based blanks, candidates sometimes pick impressive sounding adjectives without checking whether they form natural collocations. The phrase tangible proof is common in academic and everyday English, while combinations like transparent proof or unique proof are rare and awkward. A good strategy is to mentally test each option in the sentence and ask whether you have seen that phrase used in serious writing. If only one option feels natural and fits the context, it is usually the right choice.

Final Answer:
The correct word is tangible, giving: Theory has to be corroborated by tangible proof providing material comforts.