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Difficulty: MediumInterpreting Continuation and Causal Structural Signals

Based on the explicit continuation signal in the sentence below, fill in the blank with the appropriate word that completes the sentence logically.

Answer:In cognitive psychology, researchers noted that severe sleep deprivation does not merely impair immediate attentional control; indeed, by disrupting key stages of sleep architecture, it consistently 【impedes】 the consolidation of complex spatial memories.

Answer

A word meaning 'impedes', 'hinders', 'hampers', or 'thwarts'.
The phrase 'does not merely...; indeed,' acts as an explicit continuation and intensification signal. Because the initial clause establishes that sleep deprivation has a harmful effect ('impair'), the second clause must amplify this negative effect. Thus, a word meaning to hinder or obstruct, such as 'impedes', 'hinders', or 'hampers', is required to maintain contextual and structural coherence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure and identify transition signals.
The construct 'does not merely...; indeed,' serves as an explicit continuation and intensification signal. This shows that the second clause must extend and reinforce the idea introduced in the first clause.
Continuation signals maintain the semantic direction of the sentence and amplify the established tone.
2
Determine the required meaning and tone for the blank.
The first clause notes a negative effect ('impair immediate attentional control'). Therefore, the blank following 'indeed, by disrupting...' must express a negative outcome of similar or greater intensity regarding memory consolidation.
The word filling the blank must signify obstruction, hindrance, or damage to align logically with the causal clause.

Key Concept

Interpreting Continuation and Causal Structural Signals
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Interpreting Continuation and Causal Structural Signals

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