Question 124·Easy·Words in Context
Restoration crews worked around the clock to repair the damaged train station, and the facility was ____ reopened to commuters just two days after the blackout.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For SAT Words in Context questions, always read the entire sentence (and nearby text if given) and restate in your own words what idea should go in the blank—pay attention to clues about tone (positive/negative), cause and effect, and especially time words like “just,” “after,” or “eventually.” Then define each answer choice in simple terms and eliminate any that clash with the sentence’s logic or tone; usually, one option will clearly match the situation described while the others introduce hesitation, chance, or other ideas that are not supported by the text.
Hints
Use the main action as a clue
Focus on the fact that “restoration crews worked around the clock to repair the damaged train station.” Ask yourself: what kind of result would you expect from this level of effort?
Pay attention to time-related wording
Look closely at the phrase “just two days after the blackout.” What does this tell you about when the station reopened, compared to when the problem happened?
Test the logic of each option
For each choice, plug it into the sentence and ask: Does this describe a natural, logical way for a public train station to reopen after intensive repair work and in a very short time?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the situation in the sentence
Read the whole sentence: restoration crews “worked around the clock” to fix a damaged train station, and the station was reopened “just two days after the blackout.” This describes strong effort leading to a fast, efficient result. The blank is an adverb describing how the facility was reopened.
Infer what kind of idea the blank must express
Because the crews worked nonstop and the station was ready in only two days, the sentence emphasizes the timing and efficiency of the reopening. Nothing in the sentence suggests hesitation, secrecy, or randomness; instead, it highlights that the reopening happened in a notably short time.
Check the meanings of all four choices
Define each option:
- reluctantly: unwillingly or with hesitation.
- promptly: without delay; in a quick or timely way.
- coincidentally: by chance, or at the same time as something else without planning.
- secretly: in a hidden way, so that other people do not know about it. Now decide which meaning best matches a fast, efficient reopening after intense work.
Match meanings to the context and choose the best fit
“Reluctantly” suggests unwillingness, which does not fit a facility reopening after crews worked so hard. “Coincidentally” suggests it happened by chance, which conflicts with the planned repairs. “Secretly” implies hiding the reopening, which makes no sense for a public train station opening to commuters. The only choice that matches an efficient, timely reopening after intense effort is B) promptly.