Cloze passage on science and religion: fill the blank in The modes of action are ____ in science and religion.

Introduction / Context:
This question appears in a passage comparing science and religion. The sentence reads The modes of action are blank in science and religion. The next lines state that science relies on experiment, whereas religion is based on experience. We must choose the adjective that best captures this contrast between experimental and experiential approaches.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Science is described as relying on experiment.
Religion is described as based on personal experience.
The author is emphasising a contrast between two ways of understanding reality.
The missing adjective describes the relation between the modes of action of science and religion.

Concept / Approach:
The conjunction whereas in the following sentence signals a strong contrast. Therefore, the blank before it should also highlight a difference. If science and religion act in very different ways, then we say their modes of action are different. Words like similar or identical would contradict the rest of the passage, which focuses on how they are not the same. Hence, different is the natural and logical choice.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the next sentence sets up a contrast between science and religion using the word whereas. Step 2: Understand that science relies on experiment, meaning controlled observation and testing. Step 3: See that religion is based on experience, meaning inner, personal, or spiritual awareness. Step 4: Conclude that these two modes of action are not the same but distinct. Step 5: Choose the word different to express that contrast directly.

Verification / Alternative check:
If we substitute different into the sentence, it reads The modes of action are different in science and religion. This is fully consistent with the explanatory sentences that follow. If we were to use similar or identical, the passage would become illogical, because it would first claim that their modes of action are the same and then immediately describe clear differences. Therefore, only different maintains the coherence of the passage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A similar suggests that the modes of action are largely the same, which contradicts the explicit contrast that follows.
Option C equal and option E identical both imply complete sameness or equivalence, again clashing with the text s emphasis on difference.
Option D relevant does not describe a relationship of sameness or difference at all and does not fit the phrase modes of action are relevant in science and religion.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates focus only on the word modes and think the question is about whether science and religion are relevant, equal, or similar in importance. However, cloze questions must be read in context. The key to solving this one lies in the following sentence with whereas, which clearly signals a contrast. Training yourself to always read at least one sentence before and after the blank is essential for success in such passages.

Final Answer:
The sentence should read The modes of action are different in science and religion.