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Question

Difficulty: EasyElaboration and Restatement Clues

The astronomer’s recent report on exoplanet atmospheres was fundamentally ________: rather than proposing new theoretical models, it merely expanded upon and clarified the data gathered during the previous decade’s observational missions. Which of the following words best completes the blank in the sentence?

  1. A
    revolutionary
  2. B
    paradoxical
  3. expositoryAnswer
  4. D
    enigmatic
  5. E
    polemical

Answer

expository
The correct answer is the word meaning intended to explain or describe. The colon in the sentence introduces an elaboration: the report 'expanded upon and clarified' prior data rather than introducing novel models. Therefore, describing the report as explanatory or expository fits the context precisely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify structural transition punctuation
Recognize the colon (:) as a marker indicating that the second clause will elaborate upon or define the first clause.
Punctuation such as colons, semicolons, and em-dashes functions to restate or expand on the preceding claim.
2
Analyze context clues following the punctuation
Determine the tone and meaning: the text describes expanding upon and clarifying existing data without proposing new models.
The blank requires a word that means explanatory or serving to elucidate existing material.
3
Select the option matching the deduced meaning
'expository' means intended to explain or describe something, perfectly matching 'expanded upon and clarified'.
'expository' aligns directly with the restatement clue.

Key Concept

Elaboration and Restatement Clues
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Topics

Elaboration and Restatement Clues

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