Question 120·Hard·Words in Context
Once viewed as a niche technology, quantum computing is now trumpeted by tech firms, but some experts caution that the hype often _____ the distance between current prototypes and fully functional machines capable of outperforming classical computers.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For SAT Words-in-Context questions, first read the full sentence without looking at the answer choices and decide, in your own words, what kind of idea belongs in the blank (positive/negative, cause/effect, clarifying/confusing, etc.). Then check the key clue words (like "but," "however," "although") to understand the sentence’s contrast or continuation. Next, quickly eliminate any choices that don’t match the tone or basic meaning, and finally compare the remaining options by plugging them back into the sentence to see which one makes the most precise, natural sense in context.
Hints
Use the contrast word "but"
Notice the word "but": it shows a contrast between tech firms trumpeting quantum computing and experts cautioning about something. Ask yourself: are the experts probably pointing out a positive effect of hype, or a negative one?
Focus on what’s happening to the "distance"
Look closely at the phrase "the distance between current prototypes and fully functional machines." Think about whether hype would make people more aware of this distance, or give them a less accurate sense of it.
Match each option to the experts’ concern
Before looking at the choices, decide: are the experts worried that hype is making the gap clearer, smaller, larger, or harder to understand? Then, for each option, ask which of those effects it describes and whether that would be something to "caution" about.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the situation in the sentence
Read the full sentence around the blank:
"Once viewed as a niche technology, quantum computing is now trumpeted by tech firms, but some experts caution that the hype often _____ the distance between current prototypes and fully functional machines capable of outperforming classical computers."
The first part shows that quantum computing is heavily promoted. The second part, starting with "but some experts caution," shows a contrast: experts are worried about a problem caused by the hype.
Figure out what the experts are worried about
Focus on the phrase after the blank: "the distance between current prototypes and fully functional machines capable of outperforming classical computers."
Experts are warning that hype affects how people think about how far we still are from truly powerful quantum computers. That warning suggests the hype is causing confusion or a misleading impression, not helping people understand the situation better.
Eliminate choices that don’t fit the tone or meaning
Check each option quickly against this idea:
- illuminates: means to make clear or easier to understand. That would be a good thing, but experts are cautioning about a problem, so this does not fit the warning tone.
- condenses: means to make something shorter or more compact (like a summary or a physical object). Hype does not literally shrink or compress the distance between prototypes and full machines; this doesn’t match the idea of misunderstanding.
Both A and B are unlikely to match the experts’ concern.
Compare the remaining options and choose the best fit
Now compare:
- magnifies: means to make something appear larger or more significant. If hype "magnified" the distance, it would make the gap between prototypes and real machines seem bigger, as if we’re farther away. But tech hype usually makes breakthroughs seem closer than they really are, not farther.
- obscures: means to hide something or make it difficult to see or understand. This fits perfectly with experts cautioning that hype leads people to lose sight of how big the gap still is.
The only word that accurately captures this warning about hype causing misunderstanding is D) obscures.