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Difficulty: HardIdentifying Antonym and Contrast Context Clues

During naval sea trials, most structural bulkheads exhibited marked rigidity under heavy wave impacts. In stark contrast, the newly designed composite panels proved remarkably ductile, yielding slightly to absorb kinetic energy without fracturing. Engineers noted that this controlled deformation prevented stress fractures from propagating through the hull.

Based on the contrast provided in the passage, what is the meaning of the word "ductile"?

  1. A
    stiff and resistant to bending
  2. B
    capable of conducting electric current
  3. flexible and able to deform without breakingAnswer
  4. D
    prone to fracturing under heavy impacts

Answer

flexible and able to deform without breaking
The phrase 'In stark contrast' sets up a direct opposition to the bulkheads' 'marked rigidity.' Furthermore, the text clarifies that the composite panels behaved by 'yielding slightly to absorb kinetic energy without fracturing.' Therefore, ductile means flexible and capable of deforming under force without breaking.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target word and the transition signaling relationship.
The target word is "ductile", introduced immediately after the transitional phrase "In stark contrast".
Contrast indicators show that the target word has a meaning opposite to the preceding idea.
2
Locate the opposing concept in the preceding clause.
The preceding clause states that the structural bulkheads exhibited "marked rigidity".
The antonym clue directly links the target property as the inverse of rigid/stiff.
3
Verify with surrounding contextual elaboration.
The sentence explains that the panels were "yielding slightly to absorb kinetic energy without fracturing".
This confirms that ductile means capable of bending or deforming under stress without cracking.

Key Concept

Identifying Antonym and Contrast Context Clues
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Identifying Antonym and Contrast Context Clues

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