Question 106·Easy·Words in Context
During the lecture, the astronomer described the dwarf planet Pluto as a celestial body that, though no longer classified as a major planet, continues to ______ scientists with its complex geology and tenuous atmosphere.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For Words in Context questions, first read the whole sentence and identify what role the missing word plays (for example, describing a reaction, an action, or a quality). Use nearby context—especially any explanation given after commas, conjunctions, or phrases like "because" or "with"—to decide whether the needed word should be positive, negative, or neutral, and what general idea it should convey. Then quickly test each answer in the sentence, eliminating any that clash with the tone, are too strong or too weak, or do not logically match the situation. Choose the option that best fits both the meaning and the overall tone of the passage, not just a word you recognize.
Hints
Focus on what Pluto does to scientists
Read the part of the sentence around the blank: it says Pluto "continues to ______ scientists." Think about what kind of effect Pluto has on scientists in this context.
Use the reason given after the blank
Look at the phrase after the blank: "with its complex geology and tenuous atmosphere." Ask yourself: because of these features, how would scientists most likely feel or respond?
Match the tone and situation
The sentence is from a formal lecture about astronomy. Which answer choice fits a serious, scientific tone about how scientists react to an object they are studying?
Eliminate clearly mismatched emotions
Go through the options and cross out any that suggest an emotion or reaction that does not make sense for scientists studying a distant dwarf planet.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the blank is describing
Identify what the sentence is saying about Pluto:
"...a celestial body that, though no longer classified as a major planet, continues to ______ scientists with its complex geology and tenuous atmosphere."
The blank describes how Pluto affects scientists or what it does to scientists because of its features.
Use context clues around the blank
Look at the phrase after the blank: "with its complex geology and tenuous atmosphere."
This tells you why Pluto has this effect on scientists. Its detailed, unusual features suggest that scientists are still very interested in studying it, even though it is no longer a major planet.
So, the missing word should express that Pluto continues to draw scientists' attention in a serious, scientific way.
Check the tone and situation
The sentence is from a lecture by an astronomer and uses formal, scientific language: "celestial body," "complex geology," "tenuous atmosphere."
In this serious academic context, the verb should:
- Match a neutral or positive tone related to scientific study
- Fit the idea that scientists are engaging with Pluto because of its features, not laughing at it, scared of it, or totally lost.
Evaluate each answer choice and pick the best fit
Now test each option in the sentence and compare it to the context:
- A) "continues to bewilder scientists" suggests they are totally confused by Pluto. That is too negative and does not match the tone of admiration and study.
- B) "continues to amuse scientists" suggests Pluto is funny, which does not fit the serious scientific context.
- D) "continues to terrify scientists" suggests Pluto causes fear, which does not make sense for a distant dwarf planet being studied for its geology and atmosphere.
C) "continues to intrigue scientists" means Pluto continues to fascinate or arouse curiosity in scientists, which fits perfectly with the idea that its complex features keep scientists interested in studying it.
Correct answer: C) intrigue.