Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The key phrase that indicates how the blank for this question should be completed is “the only way for someone to keep abreast of the news.” Among the answer choices, “synoptic” and “abridged,” while not synonymous in the strict sense, both fit the logic of this description, “synoptic” because of its emphasis on breadth and generality as opposed to detail, and “abridged” because of its obvious focus on brevity. “Sensational”
and “lurid” would create two similar sentences but do not fit the logic for completing the blank, since we would not be relying on sensational or lurid accounts in order to keep abreast of the news.