Expression: "He was much more thorough in his studies"

[Dthong]

English Grammar Error, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #2 "Between the lines", question 7

He was much more thorough in his studies than the rest of the class and it was for that reason that he make such good progress.

(a) was
(b) thorough
(c) make
(d) progress

English Grammar Error, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #2 "Between the lines", answer 7

He was much more thorough in his studies than the rest of the class and it was for that reason that he made such good progress.

Correct entry: made
The error was: (c) make
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Please explain me the meaning of thorough in this sentance.

[Kitosdad]

Meaning that he put a lot of thought and effort into deciding on his answers. He worked hard, and studied long.

He was driven to succeed, never being satisfied with only taking part.
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Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting.

[Torsten]

[AmYankee]

[Baubau]

Hello,

Could "was making" be appropriate here as well?
He was much more thorough in his studies than the rest of the class and it was for that reason that he was making such good progress.
What tense should be used to suggest that he was progressing at that time?
Is "make progress" a fixed construction?

Thanks.