In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the word "ARDUOUS", which is often used to describe tasks or journeys in English.

Introduction / Context:
The adjective "arduous" appears frequently in reading comprehension passages and vocabulary questions. It is commonly used to describe tasks, journeys, or efforts that are very difficult and demand great energy or endurance. Synonym questions like this one test whether you can match a given word with another that has a closely similar meaning in context.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target word: "ARDUOUS".
- Options include "fervent", "strong", "enthusiastic", "strenuous", and "pleasant".
- We must identify the word that is nearest in meaning to "arduous" in standard English.

Concept / Approach:
"Arduous" means very difficult, requiring a lot of effort, energy, or endurance. It is often paired with words like "journey", "task", "climb", or "process". The closest synonym among the options is "strenuous", which also means requiring great effort or energy. The other options either describe emotions or general strength, not the demanding nature of work or activity.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall or note that "arduous journey" or "arduous task" refers to something that is hard and tiring.
Step 2: Examine "strenuous". A strenuous activity is physically or mentally demanding, requiring significant effort, which matches the meaning of "arduous".
Step 3: Compare with "fervent", which refers to intense emotion or enthusiasm, not to difficulty level.
Step 4: "Strong" is too general and can describe many things, while "enthusiastic" refers to positive feelings. "Pleasant" is in fact almost opposite, meaning enjoyable or comfortable, not difficult.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider sample sentences: "The team faced an arduous climb up the mountain" and "The team faced a strenuous climb up the mountain." Both sentences convey the idea of a physically demanding task. Substituting "fervent" ("a fervent climb") or "enthusiastic" ("an enthusiastic climb") does not make sense, confirming that only "strenuous" shares the same type of meaning as "arduous".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Fervent: describes intense feelings or beliefs, such as "fervent prayers" or "fervent supporter". It does not mean difficult.

- Strong: too broad and not focused on the idea of the task being hard or tiring.
- Enthusiastic: about eagerness or excitement, not the level of effort required.
- Pleasant: suggests comfort and ease, which is almost the opposite of "arduous".

Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse "arduous" with "ardent", which is related to strong feelings. To avoid this, remember that "arduous" goes with demanding tasks or journeys, while "ardent" comes with passion and enthusiasm. Associating "arduous" with "strenuous" in your vocabulary practice will help fix the correct meaning in your mind.

Final Answer:
The word closest in meaning to "ARDUOUS" is "Strenuous".