Industrial cities appeared after the full

[Freeguy]

Industrial cities appeared after the full development of industrial capitalism in the core nation-states of the eighteenth century.

The word core in the passage is closest in meaning to ..... .
1. chief
2. ancient
3. important
4. central

Me: No.1 / Answer key: No.4

Thanks

 

[SoothingDave]

4 and 2 are wrong. I think 3 is the best answer, but 4 is possible.

 

[Freeguy]

You mean chief is wrong?

 

[Tdol]

You mean chief is wrong?

I guess so.

 

[Freeguy]

Unfortunately, Toefl essential words book has introduced the word chief as a synonym for the word core. You know that this book is reliable. However, I agree with you about 3 and 4. Let me thank you

 

[MikeNewYork]

Unfortunately, Toefl essential words book has introduced the word chief as a synonym for the word core. You know that this book is reliable. However, I agree with you about 3 and 4. Let me thank you

In this context, I think TOEFL is wrong.

 

[emsr2d2]

The "core" of anything is at the centre of that thing. For me "central" is the obvious answer.

 

[SoothingDave]

The "core" of anything is at the centre of that thing. For me "central" is the obvious answer.

Except it is talking about nations. If I here "central" talking about nations, I think it is talking geographic location.

 

[bhaisahab]

I don't think any of the options are very satisfactory. In fact, I don't like the question very much.