Difference between check and explore

[Batarya]

Test No. incompl/advan-16 "At the Shops", question 6

Whenever I go to the old part of a city, I like to ......... all the shops selling antiques.

(a) examine
(b) search
(c) check
(d) explore

Test No. incompl/advan-16 "At the Shops", answer 6

Whenever I go to the old part of a city, I like to explore all the shops selling antiques.

Correct answer: (d) explore

Your answer was: incorrect
Whenever I go to the old part of a city, I like to check all the shops selling antiques.
_________________________

why not "check"?

[Torsten]

To check is used in the sense of verifying or investigating. If you explore a shop you simply browse through it because you like the activity.

TOEFL listening discussions: Which best describes the student's current activity?