It is absurd that people find it difficult to be honest

Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is absurd in the sentence: "It is absurd that people find it difficult to be honest." We need the option closest in meaning to it.

Step 2: Understand the concept Absurd means illogical, ridiculous, or unreasonable, something that goes against common sense. In this sentence, the speaker is saying it makes no sense that honesty, which should be natural and expected, is hard for people.

Step 3: Test each option

• A. strange: Something odd and hard to make sense of. This fits well, since the speaker finds the situation puzzling and contrary to reason.
• B. abnormal: This means deviating from a standard or norm, which is a more technical or clinical sense. It doesn't capture the "senseless" feeling, and difficulty with honesty is, sadly, fairly common.
• C. alarming: This means causing worry or fear. The sentence expresses disbelief, not fear.
• D. interesting: This is neutral and positive, but absurd is a criticism, so it doesn't match.

Step 4: Conclusion Of the options given, strange is the closest in meaning to absurd in this context. It is not a perfect synonym (ridiculous or illogical would be better), but it is the best fit among the choices.

Exam tip: When no option is a perfect synonym, ask yourself, "Which word could replace the original without changing the speaker's attitude?" Here the speaker is expressing disbelief or criticism, not fear or interest. Also, eliminate options that carry a different emotion (alarming, interesting) first.