The expression "intricate issues of special concern" means________

Step 1: Analyze the question You are asked for the meaning of the phrase "intricate issues of special concern." Break it into its parts:

• Intricate = complicated, having many interrelated parts
• Issues = matters or topics
• Of special concern = deserving particular attention or worry

Step 2: Explain the concept In phrase-meaning questions, match each key word in the phrase to its closest equivalent in the options. The best option captures both the complexity and the need for attention.

Step 3: Test each option

• A. important policy statements: "Policy statements" has no basis in the phrase. Eliminate.
• B. interwoven topics of significance: "Interwoven" is close to "intricate," and "significance" is close to "special concern." This is a plausible option, but "interwoven" only describes how topics connect. It does not capture the difficulty of "intricate."
• C. complex matters requiring careful thoughts: "Complex matters" matches "intricate issues." "Requiring careful thought" matches "of special concern," since something that deserves special attention needs careful consideration. This captures both parts of the phrase.
• D. knotty problems that concern everybody: "Knotty problems" fits "intricate issues," but "everybody" is an unjustified addition. "Special concern" does not mean universal concern. Eliminate.

Step 3b: Compare B and C B is a more literal word-for-word swap, but "interwoven" is not a true synonym for "intricate." C expresses the real meaning: the issues are complicated and need careful attention.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. complex matters requiring careful thoughts.

Tip: In "meaning of expression" questions, eliminate options that add ideas not in the phrase (like "everybody" in D or "policy statements" in A). Then choose the option that best covers the whole phrase, not just one word.