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Question

Difficulty: MediumMulti-Blank Text Completion: Cross-Sentence Contextual Coherence

Read the passage below:

For decades, nineteenth-century astrophysicists regarded solar spectrographic lines as purely (i)________ anomalies, treating each spectral line as an isolated curiosity rather than an index of atomic architecture. However, once laboratory experimenters demonstrated that atomic emissions follow predictable mathematical series, this assumption was entirely (ii)________. Far from being meaningless noise, spectral lines were recognized as (iii)________ indicators of atomic energy transitions, effectively laying the groundwork for quantum mechanics.

Which set of terms, when inserted into the blanks in order, best maintains the cross-sentence contextual coherence of the passage?

  1. (i) incidental, (ii) dismantled, (iii) indispensableAnswer
  2. B
    (i) foundational, (ii) corroborated, (iii) indispensable
  3. C
    (i) incidental, (ii) corroborated, (iii) superfluous
  4. D
    (i) ubiquitous, (ii) dismantled, (iii) equivocal
  5. E
    (i) incidental, (ii) obfuscated, (iii) superfluous

Answer

(i) incidental, (ii) dismantled, (iii) indispensable
The combination of '(i) incidental, (ii) dismantled, (iii) indispensable' maintains strict thematic and structural logic across the passage. 'Incidental' aligns with 'isolated curiosity', 'dismantled' correctly registers the shift signaled by 'However' after laboratory discoveries, and 'indispensable' logically connects with 'laying the groundwork for quantum mechanics'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Blank (i) using clues within Sentence 1.
The phrase 'isolated curiosity rather than an index of atomic architecture' indicates that the spectral lines were viewed as minor, non-essential occurrences. 'Incidental' (minor/accidental) fits this meaning.
The contrast 'rather than an index' demands a word signifying something non-fundamental.
2
Analyze Blank (ii) using the transition signal 'However' in Sentence 2.
Since laboratory experiments proved spectral lines follow predictable mathematical series, the initial assumption that they were minor anomalies was disproved. 'Dismantled' accurately reflects this reversal.
The contrast marker 'However' signals a turn away from the nineteenth-century belief.
3
Analyze Blank (iii) using cross-sentence clues in Sentence 3.
The phrase 'Far from being meaningless noise' and the outcome 'laying the groundwork for quantum mechanics' require a positive word meaning essential or crucial. 'Indispensable' fits precisely.
The trajectory of the passage moves from dismissal to recognizing crucial scientific value.

Key Concept

Cross-Sentence Contextual Coherence in Multi-Blank Text Completion
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Topics

Multi-Blank Text Completion: Cross-Sentence Contextual Coherence

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