A student is writing an essay about modern agricultural technology. Which word completes the passage so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English and maintains a parallel structure?
Answer:In response to the challenges of traditional agriculture, researchers are developing modern vertical farming systems. These innovative indoor facilities are designed to conserve freshwater resources, reduce carbon emissions, and 【maximize】 crop yields throughout the entire year. By stacking crops vertically and using controlled LED lighting, these systems optimize land use and minimize environmental impact.
Answer
maximize (or a similar base verb such as increase, boost, improve, optimize, or enhance)
The sentence lists three functions of vertical farming systems following the phrase 'are designed to'. The first function is 'conserve' (a base verb) and the second is 'reduce' (also a base verb). To maintain a parallel grammatical structure, the third function must also be a base verb. Words such as 'maximize', 'increase', 'boost', or 'improve' maintain this parallel base verb form.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Parallel Structure
Estimated Time:45s