Directions: In each question below, three words are shown in bold. They may or…
2023
Directions: In each question below, three words are shown in bold. They may or may not be in their correct positions. Choose the sequence that makes the sentence contextually meaningful.
In the world of modern technology (A), the inner workings of cutting-edge quantum computers may seem esoteric (B) to most, but the smartphones we use daily have become utterly ubiquitous (C), altering the way we live and connect with the world.
Answer: C. ABC — Concept In a contextual word-order question, each word must fit the grammar, collocation, and meaning of its sentence slot. The correct arrangement makes…
- A.
BCA
- B.
BAC
- C.
ABC
- D.
ACB
- E.
CAB
Attempted by 8 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
In a contextual word-order question, each word must fit the grammar, collocation, and meaning of its sentence slot. The correct arrangement makes every phrase natural and preserves the contrast or logical flow of the whole sentence.
Application
The phrase 'modern technology' is a standard noun phrase: 'technology' names the field being discussed.
The adjective 'esoteric' means understood by only a small number of specialists, so it naturally describes the inner workings of quantum computers.
The adjective 'ubiquitous' means present or encountered everywhere, so it naturally describes smartphones in daily life.
Cross-check and contrast
BCA makes the opening phrase 'modern esoteric' and gives 'technology' the final adjective position.
BAC makes the opening phrase 'modern esoteric' and makes quantum-computer workings seem 'technology'.
ABC yields the natural phrases 'modern technology', 'seem esoteric', and 'become ubiquitous'.
ACB makes quantum-computer workings seem 'ubiquitous' and smartphones become 'esoteric'.
CAB makes the opening phrase 'modern ubiquitous' and makes quantum-computer workings seem 'technology'.
Therefore, the contextually meaningful sequence is ABC.