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It takes only a (i) _________ of dry shrub for an errant spark to turn
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27 Apr 2023, 03:13
27 Apr 2023, 03:13
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Expert Reply
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Question Stats:
50% (00:23) correct
50% (00:39) wrong based on 40 sessions
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It takes only a (i) _________ of dry shrub for an errant spark to turn into a destructive (ii) _________.
| Blank (i) | Blank (ii) |
|---|---|
| A. surfeit | D. conflagration |
| B. scintilla | E. incendiary |
| C. pallet | F. havoc |
Re: It takes only a (i) _________ of dry shrub for an errant spark to turn
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28 Apr 2023, 16:29
28 Apr 2023, 16:29
1
Use context clues here. The word "only" suggests that we need a word that means "a small amount" in the first blank. "Scintilla" is the only word that fits. For the second blank, we can tell from the context that we're looking for a word that means a large fire. "Conflagration" is the answer here.
Answers: B and D
Answers: B and D
Re: It takes only a (i) _________ of dry shrub for an errant spark to turn
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30 Apr 2023, 04:00
30 Apr 2023, 04:00
Expert Reply
OE
Scintilla, conflagration. The clue “only” indicates that you are looking for something that means “small amount” in the first blank. Surfeit (excessive amount) is an antonym, but scintilla (minute quantity, trace, or bit) is a perfect fit. Pallet, which means either “straw mattress” or “platform for storage, stacking, and moving of goods” (such as those often lifted by forklifts), doesn't follow the “only” clue, so beware of the possible straw/dry shrub theme trap. A havoc is destructive, but has nothing to do with fire (which is what “spark” would lead you to expect). An incendiary does, but it is not quite appropriate in this spot—an incendiary is more of a fire-starter, like dynamite. A conflagration is specifically a destructive fire.
Scintilla, conflagration. The clue “only” indicates that you are looking for something that means “small amount” in the first blank. Surfeit (excessive amount) is an antonym, but scintilla (minute quantity, trace, or bit) is a perfect fit. Pallet, which means either “straw mattress” or “platform for storage, stacking, and moving of goods” (such as those often lifted by forklifts), doesn't follow the “only” clue, so beware of the possible straw/dry shrub theme trap. A havoc is destructive, but has nothing to do with fire (which is what “spark” would lead you to expect). An incendiary does, but it is not quite appropriate in this spot—an incendiary is more of a fire-starter, like dynamite. A conflagration is specifically a destructive fire.
