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Question

Difficulty: MediumWords in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

Complete the text with the most logical and precise word.

Answer:While many species of birds are known for their highly complex and varied vocalizations, the vocal repertoire of the common raven is surprisingly 【limited】, consisting almost entirely of simple, repetitive croaks.

Answer

A word meaning restricted, unvaried, or basic (such as 'limited' or 'simple') to contrast with the raven's 'highly complex and varied' vocalizations.
The sentence uses the transition word 'while' to set up a contrast between the vocalizations of most birds (which are 'highly complex and varied') and those of the common raven. The blank must therefore describe a vocal repertoire that is the opposite of complex and varied. The end of the sentence confirms this by describing the raven's croaks as 'simple' and 'repetitive'. Therefore, a word like 'limited' or 'simple' is the most logical and precise fit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast indicated by the transition word 'while' at the beginning of the text.
The sentence contrasts the 'highly complex and varied vocalizations' of many bird species with the vocalizations of the common raven.
Understanding the logical transition helps determine the relationship between the two parts of the sentence.
2
Analyze the description of the raven's vocalizations at the end of the text to find clues for the blank.
The raven's vocalizations consist 'almost entirely of simple, repetitive croaks,' which supports the contrast of being simple or restricted.
The concluding phrase provides direct context for the precise nature of the raven's vocal repertoire.
3
Select a high-utility academic word that fits the context of being restricted, unvaried, or basic.
Words like 'limited,' 'simple,' 'restricted,' or 'rudimentary' logically and precisely complete the sentence.
These words maintain the sentence's academic tone and grammatically fit the adjective position modifying 'vocal repertoire'.

Key Concept

Using contextual clues and transition words to determine logical contrast and precise vocabulary.
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Topics

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

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