Question

Read the sentence.

Rome has been called the Eternal City for centuries because ancient citizens felt it was a utopian place with a monopoly of knowledge that would last forever.

Which words should be changed to make the sentence more appropriate for a general audience?

called and city
utopian and monopoly
citizens and knowledge
ancient and forever

Answer 1

utopian and monopoly

Both are more abstract/academic; simpler words (e.g., "ideal" and "exclusive hold" or "exclusive access") would suit a general audience.