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Question

Difficulty: HardWord Precision and Clarity

The passage below is adapted from an article about the history of synthetic chemistry.

In 1856, eighteen-year-old chemist William Henry Perkin accidentally discovered mauveine, the first synthetic organic chemical dye, while attempting to synthesize quinine. This vibrant purple substance, which resisted fading from washing and light, quickly became a fashion sensation. Perkin's breakthrough not only revolutionized the textile market but also instigated the growth of the modern chemical industry.

Which option is the most precise and clear choice for the underlined portion in the passage?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. catalyzedAnswer
  3. C
    kicked off
  4. D
    provoked

Answer

catalyzed
The word 'catalyzed' is the most precise and appropriate choice. Although it is a chemical term meaning to speed up a reaction, it is commonly used in a broader sense to mean bringing about or accelerating a change. In this context, it perfectly aligns with the theme of chemical discovery and precisely describes the acceleration of the modern chemical industry while maintaining a formal, academic tone.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined word 'instigated' in the context of the sentence.
The sentence describes how a chemical breakthrough led to the growth of a new industry. 'Instigated' means to initiate or start, but it is almost always associated with negative actions (e.g., instigating a fight or riot).
To determine if the original word is appropriate or needs to be changed.
2
Evaluate the other options for tone, register, and precision.
'Kicked off' is too colloquial for a formal science passage. 'Provoked' is imprecise because it has a negative connotation (meaning to irritate or incite). 'Catalyzed' means to accelerate or cause a reaction, which fits both the scientific theme and the context of rapid industrial growth.
To eliminate incorrect options based on register and connotation.
3
Select the option that is most precise, grammatically correct, and matches the formal tone.
'Catalyzed' is the best choice.
It maintains the academic tone and offers the most precise and contextually rich meaning.

Key Concept

Word Precision and Clarity
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Word Precision and Clarity

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