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Difficulty: EasyContrast and Reversal Clues

Although early astronomers viewed the surface of Mars as completely ______, modern satellite imagery has revealed a dynamic landscape shaped by active dust storms and shifting sand dunes. Which of the following words best completes the sentence?

  1. staticAnswer
  2. B
    dynamic
  3. C
    active
  4. D
    hazardous
  5. E
    mysterious

Answer

The word 'static' best completes the sentence.
The sentence relies on the contrast signal 'Although' to set up an opposition between past beliefs and current knowledge. The second part of the sentence describes the surface of Mars as 'dynamic' and 'active'. Therefore, the early view must have been the opposite—that the surface was motionless or unchanging. The word 'static' precisely fits this semantic requirement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast signal in the sentence.
The word 'Although' at the beginning establishes a contrast between early astronomical views and modern discoveries.
Contrast signals indicate that the missing word must express a meaning opposite to the context clue in the main clause.
2
Analyze the context clue provided in the non-blank clause.
The main clause describes the Martian surface as a 'dynamic landscape shaped by active dust storms and shifting sand dunes.'
This clue describes constant change, movement, and activity.
3
Select the option that provides the exact opposite of the context clue.
The antonym of 'dynamic' and 'active' is 'static', meaning motionless or unvarying.
The contrast structure requires a word meaning unchanging or motionless.

Key Concept

Contrast and Reversal Clues
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Topics

Contrast and Reversal Clues

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