To examine something very carefully and in detail, often to check for errors or weaknesses.
“Independent researchers scrutinized the company's report and found several inconsistencies.”
“Voters are urged to scrutinize both candidates' claims before the referendum.”
In Reading Part 4, writers often scrutinize the opposing side's data or methodology to challenge its credibility. Noticing this verb helps you identify passages where the author is actively critiquing evidence rather than simply presenting their own opinion.
Synonyms: examine closely, inspect, analyze