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Difficulty: HardStylistic Appropriateness

Bioluminescence, the production and emission of light by a living organism, is a widespread phenomenon in the deep ocean, where sunlight cannot penetrate. In these pitch-black depths, organisms utilize light for communication, camouflage, and attracting prey. While some fish possess specialized organs containing symbiotic bacteria that generate light, others produce the necessary chemicals themselves. Scientists studying these deep-sea creatures have documented how they [underlined]whip up some pretty wild light shows[/underlined] to startle predators.

Which choice best maintains the established tone and style of the passage?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. emit sudden flashes of lightAnswer
  3. C
    generate repetitive and redundant displays of bright visual light
  4. D
    effectuate manifestations of radiant luminescence

Answer

emit sudden flashes of light
The correct option, which proposes 'emit sudden flashes of light', is appropriate because it uses a neutral, precise, and objective tone that matches the academic and scientific register of the passage. It conveys the scientific phenomenon clearly and concisely without unnecessary embellishment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and establish the tone of the surrounding passage.
The passage is a scientific description of deep-sea bioluminescence, utilizing an objective, formal, and academic tone.
Stylistic appropriateness questions require alignment with the established register of the text.
2
Evaluate the underlined portion for appropriateness.
The phrase 'whip up some pretty wild light shows' is slang-like and informal, creating a clear register clash.
Identifying the error in the original phrasing confirms that NO CHANGE is incorrect.
3
Evaluate the remaining options for tone, precision, and conciseness.
The option proposing 'emit sudden flashes of light' maintains the academic tone and is concise. The option with 'repetitive and redundant' is excessively wordy and repetitive. The option with 'effectuate manifestations' is overly bombastic and pretentious.
The correct choice must fit the scientific context without being wordy or overly dramatic.

Key Concept

Stylistic Appropriateness
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Stylistic Appropriateness

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