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Difficulty: EasyConnotation and Tone of Words in Context

For decades, astronomers searched for planets outside our solar system, hoping to find worlds that might support life. In 1995, researchers discovered 51 Pegasi b, a massive planet orbiting extremely close to its host star. This discovery was a watershed moment in astrophysics, proving that other suns indeed harbored planetary systems and fundamentally altering our understanding of planetary formation.

As it is used in the passage, the word "watershed" most nearly suggests that the discovery was which of the following?

  1. A
    a literal channel draining water
  2. a major turning pointAnswer
  3. C
    a tragic scientific failure
  4. D
    an isolated, insignificant event

Answer

a major turning point
The correct answer is the option indicating that the discovery was a major turning point. In the passage, the author states that the discovery of 51 Pegasi b was a "watershed moment in astrophysics" because it proved other stars harbored planets and "fundamentally alter[ed]" scientific understanding. This context establishes that the event was highly influential and transformative, which aligns with the figurative meaning of "watershed" as a significant turning point.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the target word "watershed" in the passage and identify its surrounding context clues.
The word describes a "moment in astrophysics" that proved other stars have planets and "fundamentally alter[ed]" our understanding.
Context clues dictate the tone and nuance of the word in this specific usage.
2
Determine the tone and connotation of the word based on these clues.
The tone is highly positive and emphasizes historical significance and transformation.
Words like "proving" and "fundamentally altering" imply a momentous shift in science.
3
Match the determined meaning with the options.
The description fits "a major turning point" perfectly.
This option captures the transformative, historically significant connotation of "watershed" in context.

Key Concept

Determining word meaning through tone and context clues
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Topics

Connotation and Tone of Words in Context

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