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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 481Question →

Match each phrasal verb or prepositional verb in Column A with its precise contextual definition in Column B as used in standard English.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Prevail upon
Square with
Taper off
Reckon with

Matches

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Answer

The correct pairings are: 'Prevail upon' matches with 'Successfully persuade or induce someone to take a specific action'; 'Square with' matches with 'Be consistent with or accord with a given statement or principle'; 'Taper off' matches with 'Gradually reduce or diminish in volume, degree, or intensity'; and 'Reckon with' matches with 'Take into consideration or confront a powerful force or factor'.
Each verb is accurately paired with its standard idiomatic definition: 'Prevail upon' signifies persuading someone to act; 'Square with' indicates agreement or consistency with established facts; 'Taper off' describes a gradual decrease in intensity or quantity; and 'Reckon with' means taking a significant force or factor into consideration.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the phrasal verb 'Prevail upon'.
Identify that 'prevail upon' means to persuade or urge someone successfully to do something.
The particle/preposition 'upon' following 'prevail' indicates transitive persuasion directed toward an individual.
2
Analyze the prepositional verb 'Square with'.
Determine that 'square with' means to conform, agree, or be consistent with facts, evidence, or principles.
To make one account 'square with' another means ensuring both align without contradiction.
3
Analyze the phrasal verb 'Taper off'.
Determine that 'taper off' denotes a gradual decline, decrease, or diminution in intensity, frequency, or quantity.
The particle 'off' combined with 'taper' signifies progressive reduction toward a minimum or conclusion.
4
Analyze the prepositional verb 'Reckon with'.
Recognize that 'reckon with' means to take a person, factor, or obstacle into account or to contend with them.
Combining 'reckon' with 'with' extends calculation to active accommodation or confrontation of a key factor.

Key Concept

Contextual Meaning of Phrasal and Prepositional Verbs
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 482Question →

Pair each advanced vocabulary word listed on the left with the term on the right that expresses its exact opposite meaning in formal English context. Which pair associations correctly link each word to its direct antonym?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Fastidious
Taciturn
Sybaritic
Episodic

Matches

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Answer

Fastidious matches with Slovenly; Taciturn matches with Garrulous; Sybaritic matches with Ascetic; Episodic matches with Continuous.
Each word on the left is paired precisely with its contextual opposite on the right: Fastidious (meticulous) contrasts directly with Slovenly (careless/untidy); Taciturn (silent) contrasts with Garrulous (talkative); Sybaritic (luxurious/indulgent) contrasts with Ascetic (austere/self-denying); and Episodic (sporadic) contrasts with Continuous (unbroken).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the core meaning of 'Fastidious'
'Fastidious' denotes extreme meticulousness, precision, and neatness.
Identifying the primary semantic traits allows for isolating its direct opposite ('Slovenly', meaning careless and untidy).
2
Analyze the core meaning of 'Taciturn'
'Taciturn' denotes a habit of speaking very little or remaining reserved.
The exact antonym is a word meaning excessively talkative ('Garrulous').
3
Analyze the core meaning of 'Sybaritic'
'Sybaritic' refers to an opulent, self-indulgent, and luxury-seeking lifestyle.
The opposite concept is living abstemiously with strict self-discipline ('Ascetic').
4
Analyze the core meaning of 'Episodic'
'Episodic' describes events occurring sporadically or in separate instances.
The direct opposite is an uninterrupted, unbroken sequence ('Continuous').

Key Concept

Lexical Antonyms and Formal Vocabulary Opposites
Question 483Question →

Fill in the blank with a word that is opposite in meaning to the bold word.

Fill in the blanks below

Although the initial discomfort caused by the treatment was TEMPORARY, the doctor assured the patient that the health benefits would be .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

permanent
The word 'TEMPORARY' means existing or lasting for a limited time only. The word 'permanent' means lasting or intended to last indefinitely without change, which is the direct antonym in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target word and its meaning in context
The word 'TEMPORARY' means lasting for a limited time or short duration.
To complete the sentence correctly, we must determine the contextual meaning of the emphasized word.
2
Identify the antonym required by the sentence contrast
The opposite of 'TEMPORARY' is 'permanent' (or 'lasting').
The contrasting conjunction 'Although' indicates that the second clause requires a word expressing the opposite duration of 'TEMPORARY'.

Key Concept

Identifying Antonyms in Context
Question 484Question →

In the sentence below, identify the option that is NEAREST IN MEANING to the underlined word.

Despite inheriting a substantial fortune, the elderly man remained frugal in his daily habits. Which of the following words is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: thrifty

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'frugal' is 'thrifty'.
The word 'frugal' refers to being economical, cautious, or prudent regarding money and consumption. In this sentence context, 'thrifty' is the choice nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the sentence context surrounding the underlined word.
The phrase 'despite inheriting a substantial fortune' indicates that the man chose not to spend money excessively.
Contextual clues reveal the specific nuance of the vocabulary word.
2
Evaluate the choices for a word with an equivalent meaning to 'frugal'.
'Thrifty' directly describes someone who is prudent and economical with money.
A valid synonym must preserve the contextual sense of the target word.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Question 485Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word that is nearest in meaning to 'frugal'.

Fill in the blanks below

Because he was extremely with his modest earnings, the young officer managed to save enough money to buy his first home within three years.
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Answer

The accepted word nearest in meaning to 'frugal' in this context is 'thrifty' (or 'economical' / 'prudent').
In this context, being careful and wise with money to enable saving is described as being 'frugal'. The word 'thrifty' (or 'economical') is nearest in meaning, capturing the exact positive sense of careful spending.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The phrase 'managed to save enough money' indicates careful and non-wasteful spending.
The surrounding sentence context dictates the required word meaning.
2
Identify the word nearest in meaning to 'frugal'.
'Frugal' refers to being careful or economical with money or resources, which is synonymous with 'thrifty' or 'economical'.
'Thrifty' directly matches the intended sense of wise financial management.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Question 486Question →

Which preposition correctly completes the prepositional verb in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Despite initial resistance from board members, the managing director managed to prevail the committee to approve the capital restructuring plan.
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Answer

The preposition required to complete the prepositional verb is 'upon' (or 'on').
The prepositional verb 'prevail upon' (or 'prevail on') means to persuade someone to do something. In this context, the managing director successfully persuaded the committee to approve the restructuring plan.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the semantic context of the sentence.
The context describes a situation where someone successfully persuades or induces a group of people to agree to a plan after initial hesitation.
Identifying the target meaning of persuading someone is necessary to select the appropriate particle for the verb 'prevail'.
2
Determine the correct preposition that collocates with 'prevail' to express persuasion.
The prepositional verb 'prevail upon' (or 'prevail on') means to persuade or induce someone to do something.
Standard British English usage required by JAMB mandates 'upon' or 'on' when 'prevail' signifies persuasion.

Key Concept

Prepositional Verbs and Particle Selection
Question 487Question →

During the prepress layout of a hardbound journal, the designer increases the inner spacing between facing pages to prevent text from being obscured along the spine after binding. Which specialized publishing term precisely describes this inner binding allowance?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: gutter

Answer

gutter
In publishing, printing, and typography, the 'gutter' is the specialized register term for the inner margin space between facing pages that is widened to compensate for page area lost in the binding process.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the context and professional domain of the specialized register.
The context relates to book production, typography, and prepress printing layout.
The stem describes page layout, facing pages, and adjustments required specifically for spine binding.
2
Analyze the technical requirement described in the stem.
The target term must denote the extra space added to the inside margins of pages to accommodate binding.
General page borders exist on all four sides, but binding requires a distinct technical term for inner page spacing.
3
Evaluate the choices against specialized printing register definitions.
The term 'gutter' precisely defines the inner margin adjustment for binding.
'Bleed' pertains to trim lines, 'flyleaf' refers to blank endpapers, and 'margin' is too non-specific.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers in Publishing and Printing
Question 488Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the precise technical publishing term in the blank provided.

Fill in the blanks below

Before a book is printed in bulk, the publisher produces a preliminary typeset version known as a for final proofreading and formatting checks.
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Answer

galley proof
In the publishing and printing trade, a 'galley proof' refers specifically to the preliminary typeset version of a work produced for authors, editors, and proofreaders to detect errors before mass distribution.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the occupational domain and context.
The domain is publishing and printing, specifically concerning pre-production review of text.
Understanding the specialized context narrows the acceptable vocabulary to publishing terminology.
2
Select the correct technical term describing a pre-publication proof version.
The term is 'galley proof' (or 'galley').
In publishing register, a 'galley proof' is the specific term for a preliminary formatted text copy prepared for proofreading before final printing.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers in Publishing and Printing
Estimated Time:45s
Question 489Question →

Complete the sentence below:

The disciplinary committee warned that any student engaging in ______ deals would face severe penalties, as such actions would only ______ negative reactions from the school authorities and the public.

Which of the following word pairs correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: illicit / elicit

Answer

The pair 'illicit / elicit' correctly fills the blanks in the sentence.
The word 'illicit' is an adjective that means forbidden by law, rules, or custom, making it the appropriate choice to describe 'deals'. The word 'elicit' is a verb meaning to evoke or draw out a reaction or response, which correctly completes the predicate clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the first blank's grammatical role and meaning.
The word modifies the noun 'deals' and must mean 'illegal, forbidden, or unlawful'. The correct word is the adjective 'illicit'.
Contextual meaning requires describing forbidden actions.
2
Analyze the second blank's grammatical role and meaning.
The word follows the modal auxiliary verb 'would' and precedes the noun phrase 'negative reactions'. It requires a verb meaning 'to draw out' or 'evoke'. The correct word is 'elicit'.
Syntactic structure and sentence context demand an action verb of bringing forth a response.

Key Concept

Distinguishing homophones and commonly confused words (illicit vs. elicit)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 490Question →

Match each specialized register term in Column A with its correct technical definition in Column B.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Usufruct
Hypothecation
Laytime
Iatrogenic

Matches

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Answer

Usufruct pairs with the legal right to use and derive profit from another's property; Hypothecation pairs with pledging collateral while retaining asset possession; Laytime pairs with the contractually allowed cargo handling period; Iatrogenic pairs with an adverse condition caused by medical treatment.
Each specialized term matches the exact definition within its respective professional field: Usufruct is a legal right to enjoy another's property; Hypothecation is a financial mechanism where pledged collateral remains with the borrower; Laytime is a maritime contractual allocation of port handling time; Iatrogenic refers to medically induced conditions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the legal property term 'Usufruct'.
Identify that usufruct grants temporary rights to hold, use, and enjoy benefits/fruits of another party's property without causing structural damage.
Matching specialized legal jargon to its accurate jurisprudence definition.
2
Analyze the financial register term 'Hypothecation'.
Differentiate hypothecation from traditional pledging by noting that the debtor retains physical possession of the collateral.
Distinguishing technical credit and security terminology in banking.
3
Analyze the shipping and maritime term 'Laytime'.
Recognize laytime as the specified duration allowed in a charter party for port loading and unloading operations prior to incurring demurrage fines.
Identifying specialized vocabulary used in international maritime commerce.
4
Analyze the clinical medical term 'Iatrogenic'.
Connect iatrogenic with pathology or complications originating directly from a practitioner's diagnosis or therapeutic intervention.
Applying knowledge of medical etymology and clinical terminology.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers across Law, Banking/Finance, Maritime Logistics, and Medicine
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 491Question →

Drivers must press down firmly on the vehicle's ________ pedal to bring the car to a complete stop. Which of the following words correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: brake

Answer

The word 'brake' correctly identifies the mechanical component used to stop a vehicle.
The noun 'brake' correctly denotes the mechanical apparatus used for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contextual requirement of the sentence
The blank requires a noun modifying 'pedal' that refers specifically to a vehicle's stopping mechanism.
Sentence context focuses on controlling and stopping a car.
2
Differentiate between the homophones 'brake' and 'break'
'Brake' denotes the deceleration mechanism, whereas 'break' means to fracture or sever.
Selecting the correctly spelled homophone ensures precise lexical accuracy.

Key Concept

Distinguishing Homophones (Brake vs. Break)
Question 492Question →

After months of clandestine preparation, the software startup launched its new platform days before its main competitor, effectively stealing a march on them. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

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Answer: Gaining a strategic advantage over a rival by taking action before them

Answer

Gaining a strategic advantage over a rival by taking action before them
The correct answer accurately defines 'stealing a march on' as securing a secret or premature advantage over a competitor before they are able to react. In the context of the sentence, launching the platform ahead of the competitor illustrates this early tactical advantage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The startup prepared secretly and launched its product days ahead of its competitor.
Contextual clues like 'clandestine preparation' and 'launched... days before' indicate an opportunistic, early action.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom 'steal a march on'
The idiom historically comes from military maneuvers where one force moves secretly ahead of another to gain a tactical position; hence, it means gaining an advantage by acting unexpectedly or early.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally by individual words ('steal', 'march').
3
Match the figurative definition with the options
The option describing 'gaining a strategic advantage over a rival by taking action before them' aligns perfectly with the figurative meaning.
It accurately reflects both the figurative sense and the sentence context.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions and Figurative Language
Question 493Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the correct word.

Fill in the blanks below

The legal counsel's closing statement had a remarkable on the jury's final deliberation.
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Answer

The correct word to complete the sentence is 'effect'.
The word 'effect' is a noun meaning an outcome or impact. In this context, it correctly follows the adjective 'remarkable' and the article 'a'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical role required for the blank space in the sentence.
The blank follows the determiner 'a' and the modifier 'remarkable', indicating that a noun is required.
Determiners and adjectives modify noun entities in standard sentence structures.
2
Differentiate between the commonly confused pair 'affect' and 'effect'.
'Effect' functions as a noun meaning 'result', 'outcome', or 'impact', whereas 'affect' is primarily a verb meaning 'to influence'.
Selecting the word that fits the required noun category resolves the sentence correctly.

Key Concept

Distinction between 'affect' (verb) and 'effect' (noun)
Estimated Time:45s
Question 494Question →

Match each specialized occupational term listed on the left with its corresponding professional domain on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Affidavit
Auscultation
Debenture
Fallow

Matches

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Answer

Affidavit matches Law, Auscultation matches Medicine, Debenture matches Banking and Finance, and Fallow matches Agriculture.
Each specialized term is correctly paired with its appropriate professional domain according to standard occupational usage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze each specialized term to determine its primary field of application.
Affidavit refers to sworn legal testimony; Auscultation refers to diagnostic listening in medical practice; Debenture refers to corporate financial debt bonds; Fallow refers to soil management in agricultural practices.
Specialized occupational registers contain terminology specific to distinct technical and professional disciplines.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 495Question →

Match each specialized technical term on the left with its corresponding occupational definition on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Kernel
Tort
Silage
Prognosis

Matches

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Answer

Kernel matches the central core of an operating system; Tort matches a civil wrong for which damages may be awarded; Silage matches high-moisture fodder preserved by anaerobic fermentation; Prognosis matches a medical forecast of a disease's outcome.
Each technical term is accurately matched to its specialized professional register: Kernel represents the core of an operating system in ICT; Tort represents a non-contractual civil wrong in Law; Silage represents anaerobically fermented fodder in Agriculture; and Prognosis represents the predicted outcome of a medical condition in Healthcare.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the occupational domain of each term on the left.
Kernel belongs to ICT, Tort to Law, Silage to Agriculture, and Prognosis to Medicine.
Recognizing the broad discipline helps narrow down the field-specific definitions.
2
Pair each specialized term with its precise technical definition on the right.
Kernel maps to system resource control, Tort to civil injury without contract, Silage to fermented animal fodder, and Prognosis to health outcome prediction.
Specialized registers require technical precision rather than colloquial or general dictionary definitions.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 496Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying a word that is opposite in meaning to the bold word.

Fill in the blanks below

While the prosecution presented an incontrovertible argument, the defense lawyer's counter-argument was surprisingly and open to doubt.
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Answer

The word that is opposite in meaning to 'incontrovertible' in this context is 'questionable' (or 'disputable', 'dubious', 'refutable').
In this sentence, 'incontrovertible' refers to evidence or an argument that is indisputable and certain. The word needed to complete the sentence must express the opposite idea of being open to challenge or doubt. Words like 'questionable', 'disputable', or 'dubious' provide the exact contextual antonym required.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the bold target word in context.
'Incontrovertible' means impossible to deny, disprove, or dispute; completely indisputable.
Understanding the core meaning of the target word is essential before determining its antonym.
2
Identify sentence context clues and contrast markers.
The subordinating conjunction 'While' establishes a contrast between the prosecution's undeniable argument and the defense's argument, which is described as being 'open to doubt'.
The context requires a word that means vulnerable to doubt or open to dispute.
3
Select a fitting contextual antonym for the blank.
Words such as 'questionable', 'disputable', or 'dubious' accurately provide the opposite meaning of 'incontrovertible'.
These terms directly denote something that can be questioned or challenged, fulfilling the required contrast.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 497Question →

Match each specialized occupational term on the left with its appropriate definition within its professional domain on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Voir dire
Intubation
Yield curve
Avionics

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Voir dire matches the legal examination of prospective jurors; Intubation matches the medical placement of a breathing tube; Yield curve matches the financial graph of interest rates versus maturities; Avionics matches aviation electronic and navigation systems.
Each term is correctly matched to its exact specialized definition in its respective field: legal ('voir dire'), medical ('intubation'), financial ('yield curve'), and aviation ('avionics').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the professional field corresponding to each technical term
Voir dire belongs to the Legal register, Intubation to the Medical register, Yield curve to Banking and Finance, and Avionics to Aviation.
Recognizing the specialized domain of each lexical item narrows down the exact technical definition.
2
Pair each specialized word with its precise technical function or definition
Voir dire pairs with jury examination; Intubation pairs with airway insertion; Yield curve pairs with interest rate plotting; Avionics pairs with flight electronics.
Each definition reflects the standard technical usage in its respective field.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 498Question →

Despite intense criticism from civil society organizations, the federal government managed to __________ the impending threat of a nationwide industrial action through timely concessions. Which phrasal verb correctly completes the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: stave off

Answer

The phrasal verb 'stave off' correctly completes the sentence because it specifically means to prevent, delay, or ward off an impending negative event through deliberate action.
The expression 'stave off' is the correct phrasal verb defined as holding off, delaying, or deterring an imminent unwanted event, such as a strike or financial crisis. It fits both the grammatical structure and the semantic requirement of the context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence stem
The sentence describes an action taken by the government to prevent or avert a threatening situation (a nationwide industrial action) before it occurs.
Understanding the precise contextual meaning required by the sentence is essential for selecting the appropriate phrasal verb.
2
Evaluate the idiomatic particle and meaning of each phrasal verb option
'Stave off' means to delay or prevent something harmful. 'Ward away' and 'fend away' are non-standard combinations (the standard forms use the particle 'off'). 'Shrug off' means to disregard, which contradicts taking proactive measures like making concessions.
Phrasal verbs require both correct particle usage and exact contextual fit.
3
Select the correct option based on standard English usage
'stave off' is selected as the only option that is grammatically standard and contextually appropriate.
It fulfills the requirement of expressing the temporary prevention or delay of an impending crisis.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs with Particle Precision and Contextual Nuance
Question 499Question →

During a commercial flight, severe weather conditions forced the pilot to change the planned route and land the aircraft at an alternative airport rather than the original destination. In aviation terminology, which of the following terms correctly describes this action?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: diversion

Answer

The term 'diversion' correctly denotes the action of altering an aircraft's destination due to emergency or weather factors.
In aviation register, a 'diversion' occurs when an aircraft is directed to an airport other than its scheduled destination due to safety, weather, or technical constraints.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context given in the stem.
The context describes an aircraft rerouted to land at a different airfield because of bad weather.
Identifying the core operational scenario is necessary to select the matching register term.
2
Evaluate the specialized aviation vocabulary options.
'Diversion' specifically means rerouting a flight to an alternate airfield. 'Jettison' means discarding fuel or cargo, 'taxiing' is movement on the runway/tarmac, and 'embarkation' is boarding.
Precision in specialized registers requires distinguishing between specific operational terms.

Key Concept

Aviation Specialized Register
Question 500Question →

Fill in the blank with a single word that is nearest in meaning to the word pernicious to complete the sentence meaningfully.

Fill in the blanks below

The unchecked spread of unverified rumors had a effect on social cohesion and public trust.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

harmful (or destructive, deleterious, damaging, ruinous)
The term 'pernicious' means causing great harm or damage, especially in a gradual or insidious way. In the given sentence, describing the negative impact of rumors on public trust, 'harmful' or 'destructive' serves as the word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the definition of the target word 'pernicious' in the context of the sentence.
The word 'pernicious' refers to something that causes grave harm, ruin, or destruction, often in a subtle or gradual manner.
Identifying the core meaning of the vocabulary term in context is essential for selecting an accurate synonym.
2
Determine a contextually appropriate synonym to fill the blank.
The word 'harmful' or 'destructive' directly fits the sentence, expressing how rumors erode social trust.
The sentence requires an adjective describing an injurious impact on social cohesion.

Key Concept

Identifying synonyms and contextual word meanings
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