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Difficulty: HardSupport and Cause-Effect Clues

Because the synthesis of heavy elements within massive stars is entirely dependent upon the extreme kinetic energy generated during core contraction, the sudden collapse of a supergiant star's iron core ________ thermonuclear fusion in its surrounding shells; indeed, this rapid surge in energy release precipitates the cataclysmic explosion known as a core-collapse supernova. Which of the following words best completes the blank to preserve the logical cause-and-effect relationship established in the passage?

  1. A
    forestalls
  2. catalyzesAnswer
  3. C
    stifles
  4. D
    obfuscates
  5. E
    circumscribes

Answer

The word 'catalyzes' best completes the blank by aligning with the causal structural clues in the passage.
The sentence relies on cause-and-effect continuity initiated by 'Because' and amplified by the semicolon continuation '; indeed...'. Core contraction creates the necessary conditions to trigger fusion, leading directly to a rapid surge in energy. The word meaning 'to accelerate or bring about a reaction' accurately captures this physical cause-effect chain.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify structural transition signals and causal clues in the passage.
The opening word 'Because' indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between core contraction and shell fusion. The semicolon elaboration starting with 'indeed' reinforces this by noting a 'rapid surge in energy release' that 'precipitates' a supernova.
Support and cause-effect clues require the target word to maintain parallel polarity with the cause and its result.
2
Determine the required semantic meaning and valence for the blank.
The blank must mean to trigger, accelerate, or initiate, as core contraction causes an immediate increase in fusion activity.
A word with positive initiation/acceleration valence is needed to connect the cause (contraction) with the effect (rapid energy surge).
3
Evaluate the answer options against the required meaning.
'Catalyzes' means to initiate or accelerate a reaction, perfectly filling the blank.
None of the other options provide the positive causal initiation required by the context.

Key Concept

Support and Cause-Effect Structural Clues
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Support and Cause-Effect Clues

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